billboard news

Ariana Grande gets real on Penn Badgley’s Podcrushed podcast. She opened up about her time at Nickelodeon, her latest album — Eternal Sunshine — and more!

Tetris Kelly:
Ariana Grande opened up on Penn Badgley’s Podcrushed podcast, and here are three must-hear moments: Ariana spoke about her time at Nickelodeon and how she feels about the recent allegations that have come to light. Ariana also said this time in her life is the happiest she’s ever been. Finally, we loved this moment of Penn fanboying. They even sang a little bit of it on his IG.

Ángela Aguilar and Christian Nodal confirm their relationship and speak on it. Ariana Grande is seen out with Ethan Slater at the Stanley Cup Final and more!

Narrator: 
From date night to new romance to getting ghosted? Love is in the air for, well, most of your faves. Ariana Grande enjoyed a little vino and a hockey game with her boo and Wicked co-star Ethan Slater. While we haven’t seen too much of these two together offscreen, Ari has made it known. Another couple going official. Christian Nodal and Ángela Aguilar confirmed their relationship after Nodal recently welcomed a child with Cazzu. Sources say they started their relationship after Christian and Cazzu split. Ángela Aguilar told HOLA! “It is not a new relationship; it’s the continuation of a story that life made us pause so we could grow and miss each other. Because when we let go, we returned even closer.” But not everyone is feeling the love. Billie Eilish sat down with the Miss Me? podcast and told them she not only got ghosted, but got ghosted by someone she’d known for years, proving you can have two Oscars, top the Hot 100 and still get ghosted.

After less than a year of marriage, Tory Lanez’s wife, Raina Chassagne, has filed for divorce. Keep watching to find out more.

Narrator:

Tory Lanez’s wife has filed for divorce and is seeking legal and physical custody of their child. Raina Chassagne is divorcing Tory Lanez after less than a year of marriage. Their separation is listed as June 1, and she cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for filing. Tory, who’s serving a 10-year prison sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the foot, shares a 7-year-old son with Chassagne. While she’s seeking legal and physical custody, she did bring their son to visit Lanez at the beginning of his sentencing. Billboard has attempted to reach out to Tory Lanez’s attorney for comment.

Did you know the impact that Black artists have had in creating country music? Black artists have played a crucial role in shaping country music, from the early 1920s to the present day, with artists such as Lil Nas X and Beyoncé amplifying the genre even further.

Tetris Kelly:
It doesn’t get more black than country music. Black artists have been changing the game in the genre for quite some time — even before Beyoncé decided to put the history in the forefront. For Black Music Month, we’re taking a look at country music’s roots.

The genre became popular in the 1920s, and for its entirety, Black folks have been writing, performing and recording country — the sound simply wouldn’t exist without the innovation of Black artists. Research shows that The Carter Family, known as the first family of country music, was influenced in the 1920s by Black Blues and Gospel guitar player Lesley Riddle. Even Johnny Cash learned from Black musician Gus Cannon, right as Nashville became the country music capital. Black harmonica player DeFord Bailey was the historic first performer on the Grand Ole Opry.

And now, Black faces are a dominant force in country. Lil Nas X and Beyonce have recently brought that attention mainstream with Beyoncé’s album Cowboy Carter exploring all sounds of Black country music, even using the language the Rodeo Chitlin’ Circuit, a network of venues where Black musicians could perform safely between the 1930s and 1960s.

Watch the video above to learn more.

The 2024 Governors Ball Music Festival was in full swing in New York over the weekend. Sabrina Carpenter, SZA, P1Harmony, Rauw Alejandro and many more heated up the stage. Keep watching for more!

Narrator:

The Governors Ball always bring some of the top names in music to New York City. From R&B legends like SZA to rap icons like 21 Savage and pop queens like Reneé Rapp and hip-hop kings P1Harmony. And when Gov Ball’s in town, all of New York celebrates. Over at Soho House, the drinks were flowing, the food was delicious and the tunes were pumping when they welcomed Flo and Elyanna to their house party.

Ángela Aguilar, Camila Cabello, Gloria Estefan, La India and more iconic Latina artists were honored and performed at Billboard’s Latin Women in Music 2024.

Narrator:

Last night was a celebration of women in Miami. Billboard’s Latin Women In Music honored some of the biggest names in Latin music, from Billboard cover star Camilla Cabello, who took home the Global Impact Award, to Musical Dynasty recipient Ángela Aguilar. Other honorees of the evening included Kali Uchis, La India and Kany García. Karol G accepted her Woman of the Year honor while on the road. It  was a night for celebrating icons as well. Gloria Estefan took home the Legend Award and Ana Bárbara accepted the Lifetime Achievement trophy. And it wouldn’t be a Billboard event if we didn’t bring the music. Many of the night’s honorees took the stage and Ana was even joined by María José.