billboard news

22 Aug 2023

Ariana & Demi Split From Scooter Braun, Rihanna & A$AP Rocky Baby No. 2 & More | Billboard News

Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato have split from manager Scooter Braun. Rihanna & A$AP Rocky have reportedly welcomed their second child together. Justin Timberlake is showing off his acting chops in the trailer for Netflix’s ‘Reptile,’ as *NSYNC is rumored to reunite in ‘Trolls Band Back Together.’ And more!

Tetris Kelly:
Scooter Braun loses some of his top clients, Rihanna welcomes baby number two, Justin Timberlake flexes his acting skills, Erika Jayne talks her new Vegas residency, and we learned five things about Killer Mike.

It’s Tuesday, August 22nd, and welcome to Billboard News. Today is full of updates so let’s jump right into our first story.

We learned Scooter Braun has lost both Demi Lovato and Ariana Grande as clients on the same day. Demi Lovato has been managed by Scooter Braun since 2019 and Ariana, who’s been with Braun since 2013, have decided to cut ties with Scooter. It’s unclear what led to the pop stars’ departures, but reps for Demi, Ariana and Scooter all declined to comment. They aren’t the first to drop Scooter as a manager. J Balvin, who was also signed with Braun in 2019, left SB Projects back in May. This all comes just days after rumors circulated online that Justin Bieber, Scooter’s most famous client, was also seeking new management. Last Friday, reps for both Justin and Scooter said the rumors were not true. With Demi and Ariana’s departure, Scooter is still left with a stacked list of clients including acts like Tori Kelly and Dan + Shay.

And if you thought that was interesting, you won’t believe what we have next! Congratulations are in order for Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, as the couple just welcomed their second child together.

Watch the full video above!

21 Aug 2023

Britney Spears Speaks Out Amid Divorce, Everything You Missed at KCON LA 2023 & More | Billboard News

Britney Spears speaks out on social media following the news of her divorce from Sam Asghari. Travis Scott stays on top of the Billboard 200 with his latest album ‘Utopia’ for the third week in a row, while Oliver Anthony Music’s viral song “Rich Men of Richmond” goes to No. 1. Everything you missed this weekend at KCON LA 20223. We learn five things about Jon Batiste. Get to know Pedro Capó a little more through a game of Never Have I Ever. And more!

Tetris Kelly
Britney’s bouncing back after divorce drama. We’ve got a new leader on top of the charts. Billboard takes you inside KCON LA. We learned five things about Jon Batiste, and Pedro Capó plays Never Have I Ever. Things are drying up here in LA, and we’ve got a brand-new episode of Billboard News. I’m Tetris Kelly, it’s Monday, August 21st, and let’s get things started with a Britney update. Britney Spears hears you talking and she doesn’t care. Almost divorced Britney is living her life and still releasing her book. Britney is truly free and we like what we see. Last week, news broke that Britney Spears and Sam Asghari were headed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences, Sam posted he wishes her the best and Brit posted herself, “Six years is a long time to be with someone so I’m a little shocked, but I’m not here to explain why because it’s honestly nobody’s business.”

Tetris Kelly
Well, Britney, we want more and she gave us more. Our queen was not happy after paparazzi photos of her leaked. So she had a night out, posting, “When you go to meet up with a so-called friend then you have to wait in the car and need to use the bathroom. I knew paps were tipped off. So what does a bi— like me do? I put my green dress on and show up at my friends. I invited my fav boys over and played all night.” Play with me, Britney! And will her book change after the divorce news? TMZ is reporting there won’t be any changes made to the memoir to reflect Britney’s divorce, and the book will be released as it is. ‘The Woman In Me’ is available October 24.

Watch the full video above!

18 Aug 2023

Jon Batiste on Creating New Album ‘World Music Radio,’ Potentially Becoming an EGOT & More | Billboard News

Jon Batiste talks about his creative process for his new album World Music Radio, potentially becoming an EGOT winner during his career and more!

Jon Batiste:
Everything will fall into place for you. So that’s a message to everybody you know, whatever you doing whatever you creating, there’s no pressure. Just be you, walk your path. Hello, I’m Jon Batiste, and this is Billboard News.

Carl Lamarre:
Mr. Batiste, my brother.

Jon Batiste:
Yes.

Carl Lamarre:
How are you feeling?

Jon Batiste:
I feel great. Glad to be here with you, glad to be living.

Carl Lamarre:
We were just talking ahead of the cameras about your new record “Drink Water.” I told you when I first heard it. You know, it felt like a mantra like you said. I was like, “You must have been in the argument. You know, the missues was like, ‘You know, Jon, I don’t like how you’re doing this.’”

Jon Batiste:
Right? Calm down!

Water is the theme in the album. There’s many different themes that recur, and we didn’t even really realize when we were making it — some of the things was subliminal. And you know, I was working with the great Jon Bellion, Long Island — shoutout to Long Island — the great John Bellion had this thing that he had for his son, just in terms of living life and the world’s crazy, and just the idea of self-care and being in the world living your life. Sometimes you got to take a pause. And relating to that in my life and the things we’ve been through and all the stuff that we’ve tried to create in this album is a mantra.

Watch the full video above!

18 Aug 2023

New Music From J-Hope, FIFTY FIFTY and Sabrina Carpenter, Ciara, Usher & More | Billboard News

Billboard was at Kelly Clarkson’s Las Vegas residency, the Jonas Brothers’ tour opener at Yankee stadium, Quavo’s performance in Atlanta for the Braves game and more during this week’s All Access. Jon Batiste talks about his new album ‘World Music Radio’, working with Jon Bellion, potentially becoming an EGOT and more. J-Hope drops a new album, FIFTY FIFTY brings in Sabrina Carpenter to help give a new twist to one of their biggest songs, Ciara releases her new EP ‘Cici’, Usher latest song “Boyfriend” is here. Nas talks about iconic female rappers in hip-hop and who’s on the rise next?

Tetris Kelly
We’ve got some new K-Pop, country and R&B in your Friday music guide. We sit down with NAS and Jon Batiste and we take you inside this week’s hottest live music event.

Tetris Kelly
It’s almost as they get the weekend started, I’m Tetris Kelly for Billboard News. It’s Friday, August 18. And you know what that means a fresh Friday music guide.

Tetris Kelly
J-Hope has released a physical ‘Hope Edition’ of his debut album ‘Jack in the Box’ that includes the original tracks, instrumentals and live recordings from his historic set at Lollapalooza.

Tetris Kelly
“Cupid” has had us all stuck this summer and now K-pop group FIFTY FIFTY have added Sabrina carpenter to a remix.

Tetris Kelly
Onto our cover star and Billboard Hip Hop Hall of Fame inductee, Nas.

Nas
I can’t believe I’m here. 50 calling in 50 years I’m just happy to be here to witness it as a fan to be honored it’s like no it’s no joke to me it’s like I’m like wow is this real? I remember they were acts like Latifah, Shanté and MC Light what does it feel like to be in a male dominated rap game and how come female rappers are not happening? Just you just you guys, they held it down strong. It took years but it’s just that time they’re not going to be held back it’s their strength, it’s their power, it’s their talent, it’s their beauty. It’s everything wrapped in one that’s just supposed to dominate right now.

Nas
Coming up there’s Latto, Ice Spice, Coco Jones then there’s a few others you know that I like? Yeah.

Watch the full video above!

17 Aug 2023

Britney Spears & Sam Asghari Divorce, Why Ed Sheeran Doesn’t Want to Play the Super Bowl & More | Billboard News

Britney Spears and Sam Asghari’s marriage is headed for divorce, Ed Sheeran explains why he doesn’t see himself doing the Super Bowl halftime show anytime soon, Armani White talks about performing with Billie Eilish, Becky G drops a new song and Gonza clothing line perfect for summer, we take a look back at the songs of the summer 2020, and more.

Tetris Kelly
Britney’s divorce is getting intense and we’ve got the details. Ed Sheeran says there’s no Super Bowl in store for him. Becky G drops a summer banger and some new bikinis. We caught up with Armani White at Billboard Hip-Hop Power Players. And we run down 2020 songs of the summer.

Tetris Kelly
Welcome back to Billboard News. I’m Tetris Kelly, and it’s Thursday, August 17th. And we’ve got to talk about all the new details of Britney’s divorce. Britney Spears is rumored to be headed for divorce, and there are so many stories out there, including allegations of cheating. Is Sam fighting the prenup? I’m ready to go to war for Britney, but let’s get through what we know first. On Wednesday, TMZ reported that Sam Asghari has filed for divorce from his wife after 14 months of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences and listing the date of separation as July 28th. The outlet also reports he moved out last week after a blowout fight after accusing Britney of cheating. That accusation could have to do with the ironclad prenup you may remember Octavia Spencer warned Britney to get, and Sam jokingly posted about protecting his assets. Now rumors are that he’s contesting the prenup, asking for spousal support and attorney fees or things could get ugly. As for Britney, Page Six has reported she’s hired celebrity powerhouse attorney Laura Wasser, who has repped Angelina Jolie, Hilary Duff and more. Britney was also seen driving without her wedding ring and posted to Instagram about horses — an unbothered queen. I’ve said it. We’ve all said it 1,000 times. Can people just leave Britney alone? Wishing her the best and hoping she can find good people for her life that don’t just want a piece of her.

Watch the full video above!

17 Aug 2023

Billboard’s Top 5 Songs of the Summer 2020 | Billboard News

Billboard looks back and counts down the top five songs that ruled the summer of 2020.

Rania Aniftos:
We’ve made it to 2020 — a new decade and a new taste in summer music. We’re gonna find out as we look into the top songs of the year. SAINt JHN kicks us off with his massive hit “Roses.”

This song is rapper Megan Thee Stallion’s seventh Hot 100 entry and it made it all the way to No. 4 in the summer of 2020. “Savage” had us feeling fierce all summer long.

Our third biggest song of the summer is an epic collaboration featuring Lil Wayne, DaBaby and Tory Lanez. Jack Harlow makes it to No. 3 with “What’s Poppin.”

For the No. 2 spot of 2020, professional hitmaker The Weeknd brings us yet another summer jam with “Blinding Lights.” Get this: It was the first song to hold a spot in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 for an entire year.

Big year for DaBaby. He was not only featured on the No. 3 song, but also has the top summer song in 2020. “Rockstar” featuring Roddy Rich is No. 1.

See you next week as we continue our countdown. Getting close to finding out what song tops this year!

16 Aug 2023

Selena Gomez & Francia Raisa Reconnect, RBD Members Joining Latin Music Week & More | Billboard News

Selena Gomez reconnects with her old friend Francia Raisa after rumors of a falling out between the two. Feid, Myke Towers, Manuel Turizo, several members of RBD and more are joining the party at Billboard’s Latin Music Week, October 2nd – 6th in Miami. Nick Jonas falls through a hole in the stage during a recent Jonas Brothers concert in Boston. Sydney Sierota and Noah Sierota from Echosmith see how well they know each other. Mario talks about which rappers have inspired him backstage at Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players and Live event. And more!

Tetris Kelly:
Selena Gomez and Francia Raisa’s friendship reunion continues. The Jonas Brothers’ Boston show was one for the books. We’ve got more major Latin Music Week announcements. We catch up with Mario at our Hip-Hop Power Players event, and we see how well Echosmith really knows each other.

It’s Wednesday, August 16th. I’m Tetris Kelly for Billboard News, and let’s get this Hump Day started off on a good note.

Me and my girls indeed — Selena Gomez and her bestie Francia Raisa are back at it, having several girls’ nights out, including knocking down some pins last night in LA. Are they over the drama? Well, we’re talking about it. After having dinner at Giorgio Garibaldi in Santa Monica last week, the two were back at it again, bowling with friends in Studio City last night. Francia was Selena’s kidney donor after Gomez needed a transplant due to her battle with lupus. The two had a bit of a public falling out after Selena referred to Taylor Swift as her “only friend” in the industry.

Francia recently said the “Bad Blood” is no more after Selena wished her a happy birthday. We’re happy to see the two BFFs hanging out and we’re so excited for new music heading our way as well.

Watch the full video above!

15 Aug 2023

Pedro Capó on La Neta Tour, the Success of ‘Calma,’ New Music & More | Billboard News

Latin star Pedro Capó opens up about his latest album, La Neta, going on tour, life after the success of his track “Calma,” new music and more.

Pedro Capo:
Out of the blue, unexpectedly. It wasn’t supposed to be a single. It wasn’t written with that, you know, looking for that either, that one was absolutely special.

Hi, I’m Pedro Capo and this is Billboard News.

Leila Cobo:
Pedro Capo, welcome to Billboard News!

Pedro Capo:
Thank you! Happy to be here! Happy to see you! Thanks for having me!

Leila Cobo:
Likewise. And now you’re back with ‘La Neta’ tour. This is the first tour since the onset of the pandemic for you.

Pedro Capo:
Yeah, yeah. Happy… happy that we finally got here.

Leila Cobo:
Tell us about that tour.

Pedro Capo:
Yes. Well, we started in Spain, we did four cities over there. And it was a huge success. Every city sold out. We’re now going to Argentina, which they all sold out. I feel like ‘La Neta’ is that you know, the little boat that could, and then we’re going to Mexico and we’re going to be coming to the (United) States so we should be here in October. Very excited about that. ‘La Neta’ was a different- is a different sound. And I feel like it marks a road ahead for me.

Leila Cobo:
How so?

Pedro Capo:
Because sonically I was coming out of the whole “Calma” thing, which was beautiful, amazing. “Calma” had, you know, happened at such an interesting moment. The pandemic came, I kind of got lost in my sound for a little bit, which is part of our process, I’d say. And ‘La Neta’ was something that I record and produced and write in its entirety in my house. Very personal.

Watch the full interview above.

15 Aug 2023

Beyoncé’s Lizzo Shout-Out, Drake & Bad Bunny Collab, Usher & Keke’s Music Video, More | Billboard News

Drake’s LA show was full of surprises. Usher dropped a teaser for his new track “Boyfriend,” which stars Keke Palmer. Beyoncé shout outs Lizzo and updated her setlist during her Renaissance tour stop in Atlanta. Ciara opens up about her celebrity crush, dating pet peeve and favorite movie on Speed Dating. And more!

Tetris Kelly
The Kardashians turned Drake’s concert into an episode of their hit show. Beyoncé brings back three songs and a Lizzo shout-out on tour. The Keke Palmer and Usher saga continues. I take Ciara on a speed date. And Pedro Capo stops by our studio.

Tetris Kelly
It’s Tuesday, August 15th. I’m Tetris Kelly. And this is Billboard News. As you just heard, we got a lot of show today. So let’s start with our first story. Drake’s LA show was practically an episode of The Kardashians. It had drama, romance, and tons of surprises.

Tetris Kelly
Kim Kardashian recited her sample from ‘Search and Rescue’ in this viral video from Drake’s concert. The quote originally came from the series finale of E!’s ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians,’ when she was talking about ending her marriage with Kanye West, and her reciting it at the show has fans speculating where she stands with Ye and how Drake fits into the picture. And if you catch the viral moment from another angle, you can see she was repeating the sample to Bad Bunny, who was in attendance with Kim’s sister Kendall. Fans captured and shared tons of videos of them packing on the PDA. They’ve been rumored to be dating for six months. But that wasn’t the only reason Benito was trending online. He was in the house to make a special announcement with Drake that had everyone talking.

Watch the full video above!

15 Aug 2023

Ciara Tells Us Her Celebrity Crush, Dating Pet Peeves & More On Speed Dating | Billboard News

Ciara tells us her celebrity crush, her dating pet peeve, her favorite movie and more on this episode of Billboard’s Speed Dating.

Tetris Kelly
I’m speed dating with Ciara, are you ready for this? You got to be fast.

Ciara
Okay? I’m not the best at being fast in these moments but I’m gonna do my best.

Tetris Kelly
Well the first one is easy. We both know this. Where you from from?

Ciara
Well see from I’m from I was gonna say Atlanta is not Atlanta as they will say, Well, I’m from Atlanta, but technically Decatur, Georgia, and I grew up in Riverdale.

Tetris Kelly
Okay and honestly, put the sound up in there of that song. I feel like we need the song in there.

Ciara
I’m so Atlanta, I’m not gonna say it’s not cause I’m so Atlanta.

Tetris Kelly
What’s your sign?

Ciara
My sign? Scorpio.

Tetris Kelly
What’s your dating pet peeve? Like what’s one of those things? Everybody says red flag this is if you were out with somebody like nope, done cut it off.

Ciara
How you walkin’ into the door. How do you lookin’? You gotta come through with the mmh mmh? Come through with the oooh. I think dating pet peeve, I don’t know. I mean, I thank the Lord I don’t have to think about these things.

Tetris Kelly
She’s like I’m blessed. We know you are. Alright what was your dream job as a kid?

Ciara
Dream job as a kid? I wanted to be an entertainer when it was all said and done. But when I was really young, I wanted to be a lawyer.

Tetris Kelly
Oh!

Ciara
I don’t even know what that was all about.

Tetris Kelly
I can see you in the suits killing it.

Ciara
Listen, I low-key have a little lawyer me right now. You know, I’m saying I’m using that little part of me too. When I was younger, you would hear like lawyers made a lot of money. So that was like I wanted to be a lawyer when I was young. I didn’t really have like the full context of the job. I would be all over the place. I would be fired.

Watch the full video above.