billboard news

12 Sep 2023

*NSYNC Reunion Rumors, Maluma Catches a Crutch, Cardi B Talks Lil’ Kim Collab & More | Billboard News

After multiple members of *NSYNC were spotted in NYC, fans are hoping they will reunite at the VMAs. Cardi B stopped by Watch What Happens Live and opened up about potentially working with Lil’ Kim, her thoughts on returning to reality TV and more. Plus, Maluma caught a crutch thrown at him while he was on stage!

Rania Aniftos:
A possible *NSYNC VMAs reunion has Millennials losing it online. Cardi B wants to collab with a legend. Maluma catches a crutch on stage and Renee Rapp reveals what’s on her playlist.

Welcome back to Billboard News. It’s Tuesday, Sept. 12. I’m Rania Aniftos, in for Tetris because he’s on his way to New York City chasing a certain rumor about an *NSYNC reunion. The boys of *NSYNC have been spotted in New York City, and it has fans speculating that they may reunite for the VMAs. Here’s what we know: *NSYNC first performed at the VMAs in 1999 with the help of Britney Spears, and the last time Justin Timberlake, J.C. Chasez, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone and Chris Kirkpatrick all performed together was the 2013 VMAs.

So with most of the boyband members being seen around the Big Apple, fans think that the VMAs would be the perfect setting for the group to reunite. Justin posted pics from the Museum of Modern Art, Lance had dinner with a friend in Manhattan, Joey was spotted by fans in the streets and J.C.’s manager posted a pic of him on a private plane. That just leaves Chris. Has anyone seen him around the tri-state area?

It’s been rumored that *NSYNC recorded new music for Justin’s movie Trolls Band Together, the third installment of the franchise where his character reunites with his childhood boyband.

Trolls Band Together trailer:
“We’re not *NSYNC. We’ve gone from Boys II Men, and now there’s only One Direction for us to go: the Backstreets.

Rania Aniftos:
And the promo even features music from *NSYNC. Fans have been begging for a full reunion after the band — minus JT — joined Ariana Grande on stage at Coachella in 2019. So at this point, we’ll take anything we can get.

Watch the full video above!

11 Sep 2023

Doja Hits No. 1, Is Olivia’s Song About Taylor?, What to Expect From VMAs & More | Billboard News

Olivia Rodrigo hides four new tracks in Guts vinyl records and fans are convinced her new track “The Grudge” is about Taylor Swift. The 2023 MTV VMAs are almost here and it is looking to be a memorable one. Nicki Minaj is back to host the show, Shakira is being honored with the Video Vanguard Award, TXT and Anitta are debuting a new track, and more! After spending four weeks climbing the charts, Doja Cat’s “Paint the Town Red” hits No. 1 on the Hot 100 and becomes the first rap Hot 100 topper in over a year. And more!

Tetris Kelly
Olivia Rodrigo’s new album is killing it, but she is she singing about Taylor Swift? The VMAs are gearing up to be a show for the books. Doja Cat ends the country streak atop the Hot 100. Ed Sheeran cancels his Vegas tour stop. Welcome to another week of Billboard News. I’m Tetris Kelly, it’s Monday, September 11th, and we start the show off with a little drama. Well, maybe. Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts has been trending since Friday and fans are picking apart her lyrics, but could some of them be about Taylor Swift?

Tetris Kelly
Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘The Grudge’ has a lot of fans thinking that she could be singing about Taylor. There’s been a long-standing rumor that Olivia and Taylor have a feud due to copyright issues on Olivia’s song “Deja Vu.”

Tetris Kelly
Olivia says she was inspired by Taylor’s “Cruel Summer” and retroactively added Swift as a co-writer to the song, so you can see why some fans would think the lyrics — “You have everything and you still want more” — could be about Taylor, but this isn’t the first time fans speculated Olivia was talking about Ms. Swift.

Tetris Kelly
When her Hot 100 No. 1 “Vampire” came out, some fans were sure the song was about Taylor, but Olivia said she was surprised to hear the fan theories. As for her writing style, she said to SiriusXM, “Lots of the time I write something that’s kind of like an amalgamation of lots of different people or write a lot of songs out of fantasy sometimes, too.” We’ll probably never really know what “The Grudge” is about. But at least we have a great album to listen to. Speaking of Olivia Rodrigo, you’ll get to see her perform her new music on MTV tomorrow night.

Watch the full video above!

08 Sep 2023

Reneé Rapp Talks Debut Album ‘Snow Angel,’ Dream Deluxe Edition & More

In mid-August, rising pop star Reneé Rapp released her debut album Snow Angel. The 12-track project includes “Talk Too Much” and the stellar pop-rock title track, among other gems.

Leading up to its arrival, Rapp dropped by Today for a performance on the plaza and the Grammy Museum for an intimate Q&A with fans. She also stopped by Billboard News to discuss her start in music — and even teased her dream Snow Angel deluxe edition (hint: her collaborator wish list is no joke).

Rapp’s rise has been quick; she released her debut single last summer, the emotive “Tattoos.” She says she had no idea whether it was the right song to introduce herself as an artist but knew she just had to go for it. “That was a time in my life where I was so hungry and so desperate to be seen and I really wanted to get signed — so bad,” she said. “It was such a big dream of mine ever since I was a kid.”

She called the song “a huge catalyst” for her career — crediting the Internet for helping create visibility and opportunity — and, ultimately, what helped her get signed to Interscope and score a manager in Adam Mersel. Within a few months, by last November, she released her debut EP Everything to Everyone. “I’ve made it abundantly clear to everyone I work with that this is my endgame,” said Rapp. “And I want to do this to the best of my ability.”

Elsewhere, Rapp revealed her dream guests for a potential deluxe edition, saying she can envision Kacey Musgraves featuring on “I Hate Boston,” Jazmine Sullivan on “Tummy Hurts” and Frank Ocean on “Willow.”

Prior to doubling down on music, Rapp starred as Regina George in Mean Girls on Broadway. She recalled watching the film “so many times,” calling it a “staple” in her household and sharing what she believes to be Regina’s most iconic lines. More recently, Rapp has starred in the Max series The Sex Lives of College Girls (she will not return as a series regular in the upcoming third season).

“I’ve always idolized multi-hyphenates,” she said, going on to praise the well-rounded and global career Beyoncé has built for herself.

Up next, Rapp will kick off her Snow Hard Feelings Tour on Sept. 15 in Houston with her close friend and collaborator Alexander 23 and rising rocker Towa Bird as support.

Watch Rapp’s full interview above.

08 Sep 2023

Reneé Rapp Talks About Her Debut Single ‘Tattoos,’ First Album, ‘Mean Girls’ & More | Billboard News

Actress, rising pop singer and musical theater star Reneé Rapp tells Billboard senior editor Lyndsey Havens about her debut single “Tattoos,” her first album (Snow Angel), playing Regina George in Mean Girls: The Musical, her favorite quote from the movie and more!

Reneé Rapp:
Everybody’s like, “Reneé, it’s a slow burn, and enjoy the journey — not the destination.” And I’m like, “Jesus, f–k the journey!” But honestly, I’m into it right now — the journey’s cute.

Hey, what’s up! I’m Reneé Rapp, and this is Billboard News.

Lyndsey Havens:
Hey, I’m Lyndsey Havens for Billboard News, and we are here with the multitalented, fast-rising pop star, I think it’s safe to say! Reneé Rapp, welcome.

Has that settled in yet? “Pop star”?

Reneé Rapp:
It feels weird if I were to say yes, ’cause then I think I would just hate myself if I said yes. So no.

Lyndsey Havens:
Maybe after this album comes out.

Reneé Rapp:
Hopefully!

Lyndsey Havens:
So your debut single was “Tattoos.” Came out last year. How did you know that was the song to introduce that side of you with?

Reneé Rapp:
Oh my God, I didn’t. I absolutely didn’t. That was a time in my life where I was so hungry and so desperate to be seen. And I really wanted to get signed so bad. It was like such a big dream of mine ever since I was a kid, like to like, get signed to this like grandiose way and like have it be this moment. And I really liked “Tattoos,” and I thought it was good. I thought I had songs that I liked more. But that ended up being the song that I like, posted on the internet and ended up being a huge catalyst for like my career, and then how I did inevitably get signed.

Yeah, and I understand. And I hear the argument that is like, you know, “Hey, the internet is crazy, and it’s changed the music business and X, Y and Z.” And I don’t disagree. However, I think it’s really f–king cool, because it gave me a really big opportunity. And the right visibility that I needed to get into that space that I don’t know that I would have gotten a different way.”

Watch the full interview above!

08 Sep 2023

Behind the Song: How Breyan Isaac & Donny Flores Made Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion’s ‘Bongos’ | Billboard News

Producers Breyan Isaac and Donny “Dizzy” Flores share how they collaborated on Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s new song “Bongos.”

Tetris Kelly:
All right, guys, so I got to start right away by asking you: You’ve never worked together. I think this is your first time working together, so how did this even start? How did you end up on a track with Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion?

Donny “Dizzy” Flores:
I know Breyan, you know, we’re from Miami, like, we were all coming up, you know, splitting sandwiches and, you know, going through the struggle. He went his way with Mike Caren and they did a lot of crazy hits for Flo Rida, and I mean, I’ll let him tell you about that. Then I, you know, I moved on with DJ Snake and everything else. As you know, the pandemic we just catch back up again. It was like God put us in, you know, each other’s life for a reason. So it’s like, “Let’s just start working and building some more stuff together.” And this was just, you know, one of them we did. Here we are now.

Tetris Kelly:
You’re following “WAP,” which was a Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 song. That’s a lot to live up to. So now that the track is out, what do you think makes it so different than what the girls offered in the past?

Breyan Isaac:
It’s a completely different feel. I mean, it’s a new kind of like bounce, a new kind of vibe to be honest. Like, production-wise, it’s a different kind of direction from what “WAP” was. “WAP” was a little bit more like a mid-tempo vibe. This is definitely more of a simple, more driving, giving you some actions, something to do, you know?

Tetris Kelly:
And now that it’s finished, are you guys satisfied with the product?

Breyan Isaac:
Absolutely.

Watch the full video above!

07 Sep 2023

Charlie Puth Is Engaged, 2023 CMA Nominations, Simon Cowell Is ‘Speechless’ & More | Billboard News

Charlie Puth announced his engagement to girlfriend Brooke Sansone when he posted a pic of his fianceé rocking a serious rock. The 2023 CMA Awards nominations are here, and Lainey Wilson & Jelly Roll are leading the pack! Billboard takes a look back at some of the most controversial Hot 100 No. 1 tracks. And more!

Tetris Kelly
Charlie Puth announces his engagement. Lainey Wilson leads the CMA Awards nominations. An AGT contestant leaves Simon Cowell speechless. We look at some of the most controversial No. 1s and learn five things about Noah Kahan. Welcome back to Billboard News, I’m Tetris Kelly, it’s September 7th, and we’ve got to get the show off to the most positive note: love. Charlie Puth is engaged. The soulful crooner is singing the news, and we’re letting you know all about the happy couple.

Tetris Kelly
Charlie Puth took to Instagram to announce his engagement to Brooke Sansone with this adorable picture, captioning, “I flew to New York to ask my best friend to marry me. And she said yes. I’m the happiest, best version of myself. And it is all because of you. Brookie I love you endlessly forever and ever and ever.” Congrats, Puth. Also, that pizza looks bangin’. The engagement comes nearly a year after they went IG official in a post on Charlie’s birthday. We wish the couple the best.

Onto some more good news: Country is killing it on the charts, and some of your favorites are celebrating their CMA Awards nominations. Lainey Wilson leads the pack, with Luke Combs and Jelly Roll capturing a handful of nods. Here are your CMA nominations.

Tetris Kelly
Lainey Wilson nabs nine nominations, making her the most nominated at this year’s CMA Awards. She’s nominated for the biggest prize of the night — Entertainer of the Year — but she’ll have to beat out Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton and Luke Combs, who received four nominations, including Single of the Year for “Fast Car.”

Watch the full news video above!

07 Sep 2023

Controversial Hot 100 Hits: Britney Spears, Lil Nas X, Madonna & More | Billboard News

Billboard takes a look back at some of the most controversial Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 tracks.

From Cardi B andMegan Thee Stallion to Katy Perry to Robin Thicke and many more before them, controversy has always been a part of music. With two controversial No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 this summer, Jason Aldean’s “Try That in a Small Town” and Oliver Anthony Music’s “Rich Men North of Richmond,” let’s look back at a few of the chart toppers that have stirred up the most controversy.

Madonna’s career is no stranger to controversy, but it was her 1991 hit “Justify My Love” that got the singer’s video banned from MTV for images of sadomasochism, voyeurism and bisexuality.

In November of 1998, the world was introduced to 16-year-old Britney Spears, who came out the gate with her controversial smash “Baby One More Time.” The erotically charged lyrics were considered too mature for a teen pop star at the time, but that did not stop the Princess of Pop from reaching No. 1.

Following his record-setting run at No. 1 on the Hot 100 with “Old Town Road,” Lil Nas X brought controversy with his sexually charged song and provocative video for “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” when he gave the devil a lap dance.

And those are just a few controversial No. 1 hits from the Hot 100. For our full list, head to Billboard.com.

Watch the full video above!

06 Sep 2023

Joe Jonas Files for Divorce From Sophie Turner, Jung Kook to Headline Global Citizen & More | Billboard News

Joe Jonas files for divorce from his wife Sophie Turner, Drake shows off all the bras that have been thrown at him during his It’s All a Blur tour, BTS’ Jung Kook will co-headline Global Citizen alongside Brazilian pop star Anitta, Lauryn Hill and Red Hot Chili Peppers, Anitta is also collaborating with K-Pop boy band TOMORROW X TOGETHER. We learn five things about K-pop girl group G(I)-DLE and we look into The Weeknd’s biggest song on the Hot 100 in today’s Pop Culture Rewind and more!

Tetris Kelly
Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner call it quits. Drake shows off his bra collection and teases his new album. We look back at The Weeknd’s mini chart achievements. Jung Kook is set to perform in New York City while Anitta will join TXT. And we learned five things about (G)I-DLE. Welcome back to another episode of Billboard News, I’m Tetris Kelly, and it’s Wednesday September 6, we got a lot of fun stuff to get to but unfortunately, we have to start the show off on a sad note. After four years of marriage, Joe Jonas has filed for divorce from Sophie Turner.

Tetris Kelly
Joe filed a petition for dissolution of marriage from Sophie Turner on Tuesday in Miami-Dade County, Florida. It stated the marriage between the parties is irretrievably broken after rumors circulated over the weekend. Joe tried to dispel them on Monday, posting to IG a photo that not so subtly flaunted his wedding ring. On Wednesday morning, the couple released a joint statement saying in part, “there are many speculative narratives as to why, but truly, this is a united decision. And we sincerely hope that everyone can respect our wishes for privacy for us and our children.” Joe and Sophie were legally married in May of 2019 in Las Vegas, following that year’s Billboard Music Awards. A month later, they had a full ceremony in France with family and friends.

Watch the full video above!

06 Sep 2023

Pop Culture Rewind: The Weeknd’s Biggest No.1 Song on the Hot 100 | Billboard News

We’re taking a look at the chart history of pop superstar The Weeknd and the moment his song “Blinding Lights” topped Billboard‘s list of Greatest of All Time Hot 100 Songs, spending a record 90 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.

Evan Burke:
From blinding us with his lights to saving us from our tears, The Weeknd has amassed quite the list of Billboard hits, including the biggest Hot 100 songs of all time. We break it down in today’s Pop Culture Rewind.

Although The Weeknd had already been churning out music, he didn’t first reach the Billboard Hot 100 until 2012, and it was with an assist from Drake on “Crew Love,” a track from the fellow Canadian’s album Take Care. Later that year, The Weeknd — real name Abel — grabbed his first solo track on the list with “Wicked Games.”

His first top 10 was with who would become a frequent collaborator — Ariana Grande on her “Love Me Harder” in 2014. The world had grown to know who he was, and by August 2015, he nabbed his first Hot 100 No.1 hit with “Can’t Feel My Face.”

By 2021, he’d gone on to take the world’s biggest stage at the Super Bowl and grab a total of nine No.1 hits including the biggest Hot 100 hit of all time, “Blinding Lights.” That year, the massive song dethroned Chubby Checker’s 1960 smash “The Twist” as Billboard‘s greatest song of all time based on total weeks on the chart, as well as exact chart positions. The tracks spent 90 weeks on the Hot 100 with four of them at No.1.

After diving into TV and more, we know we still have so much more to come from The Weeknd. We’ll have another huge moment for you next week in our Pop Culture Rewind.

05 Sep 2023

Asake Talks Billboard Chart Success, Crazy Live Shows, Growth of Afrobeats & More | Billboard News

Asake shares how he feels about his success on the Billboard charts with his first album, Mr. Money With the Vibe, how his second album (Work of Art) is different, his crazy live shows, how the Afrobeats genre has grown across the globe, his mindset on collaborations, his dream collab and more!

Asake:
The only thing I could remember is I tried to do, you know, the dance they do in Nigeria where everybody do like this.

Hi! What’s up, everybody? It’s your boy, Asake — aka Mr. Money With the Vibe — right now, and you’re watching Billboard News.

Tetris Kelly:
It’s Tetris with Billboard News. Today, we got Mr. Afrobeats himself, Asake.

Thanks for coming to hanging out with us. Let’s talk about the genre itself. OK, so Afrobeats is obviously having this huge explosion globally. So how’s it feel from the artists standpoint, seeing your genre blow up like that?

Asake:
I think it’s a good thing. You know, it’s like you having a baby, and your baby’s growing. You know, you feel good when you have something around you and the thing is growing, and I feel like in a couple of years or in years to come, it will be bigger.

Tetris Kelly:
Well, speaking of getting bigger, I mean, next year will be the first year the Grammys ever have a category — best African musical performance — so that’s huge. Do you think that’s going to affect the genre? Like, are you even thinking like, “I want to be Grammy nominated?”

Asake:
No, it’s never going to affect anything. Like, everybody wants to be big. So if the whole genre is bigger, that means there is the happiness of the whole country, you know, it’s the happiness of everybody.