Billboard

21 Mar 2025

John Morgan Performs Hit ‘Friends Like That’ & More | Billboard Live

Billboard’s Rookie of the Month John Morgan exclusively performs first his Country Airplay top 10-charting song “Friends Like That,” his brand-new single “Kid Myself” and more! 

John Morgan’s ‘Carolina Blue’ drops on April 25th.

What do you think of the rising country star? Let us know in the chat!

John Morgan:

[Sings “Friends Like That”]

John Morgan:

Thank you guys so much. This next song we’re about to do for you is one that I came up with while we were out on the road. We’ve been keeping the roads hot in the last couple years, playing shows on the weekends. And it it occurred to me when we were coming back from a long trip and we hit our exit to go into Nashville, and I remember thinking, there’s no better feeling than this, knowing that I’m about to be home. And so I tried to capture that into this song when we were writing it. And I hope you guys enjoy it. It’s called “Long Ride Home.”

John Morgan:

[Sings “Long Ride Home”]

John Morgan:

Oh, man, this is so much fun. I’m loving this. L.A. weather, what’s up?

Tetris Kelly:

What’s up, man, I’m glad you’re loving the weather. I hope you’re loving the grilling too. We got some food going for you, my man. Thanks for hanging with Billboard.

Thanks for having me.

Well, we got to talk about that first song you did. “Friends Like That,” that got you Rookie of the Month at Billboard. So did you think a song about bromance was gonna get you this far?

No, I didn’t. Man, we were just trying to make a fun song out of a serious subject, I guess. And I don’t know, I didn’t really think that it would be kind of the song that put us on the map.

Keep watching for more!

21 Mar 2025

Watch Rachel Zegler Play ‘Finish the Lyrics’ Disney Edition

Rachel Zegler plays Finish the Lyrics Disney Edition to see if the latest Disney princess knows the lyrics for some iconic Disney songs.

Tetris Kelly:
We’re gonna play a game, Finish the Lyrics, and it’s the Disney edition. We’re gonna start kind of easy. OK, we’ll see. We’ll see.

And now he’s dear, and so unsure.

Rachel Zegler:
And now he’s dear, I’m so unsure, and maybe something there that wasn’t there before.

Tetris Kelly:
Obviously, you sound good. I am gonna give you a slight correction. I’m gonna give you the point on that. But the actual following line to that is, I wonder why I didn’t see it there before.

Rachel Zegler:
Oh, my bad.

Tetris Kelly:
We’re on the right track, right?

Rachel Zegler:
It’s actually crazy, because I did play that part in my school.

Tetris Kelly:
Oh, did you?

Rachel Zegler:
Yeah, I’ve done Belle twice, Ariel, Princess Fiona — which is not Disney. Wow, this is not my first princess rodeo.

Tetris Kelly:
OK, let’s try another one. OK, I’ve had my adventure. I don’t need something new. I’m gonna help you out at my adventure. I don’t need something new. I’m afraid …

Rachel Zegler:
Of what I’m risking if I follow you into the unknown.

Tetris Kelly:
Good job, Rachel. All right, we’re gonna go. We’re gonna throw it back a little bit. OK, this one, I do believe, is hard — unbelievable sights, indescribable feelings,

Rachel Zegler:
Soaring, tumbling, free wheeling. You know, it’s my parents wedding song.

Tetris Kelly:
You’re kidding me. Oh, my God, you’ve been a Disney adult all your life.

Watch the full video above!

21 Mar 2025

Cameron Brinks Reveals Tyler, the Creator DM & More | Billboard News

Cameron Brink shares what Tyler, the Creator DM’ed her, Ben Stiller is inviting Travis Kelce & Taylor Swift to a courtside Knicks game and more! Keep watching for the latest news in sports and music!

Tetris Kelly:

Gelo continues his come-up, Ben Stiller invites Taylor Swift to a Knicks game, and Cameron Brink reveals what Tyler, the Creator DM’ed her. Here’s what’s happening in the world of sports. Gelo shows out at Rolling Loud and teases his next music release. Gelo had the crowd at Rolling Loud vibin’ this past weekend. He also opened up his set with a snippet of a brand new song, “Law & Order.” Gelo spoke about how excited he was to release the new track. And his brother Lonzo said he might do a feature on it. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see until the song is released. From doing a feature to sitting courtside, athletes and artists are always finding ways to link up. And Tyler, the Creator is no exception. WNBA star Cameron Brink revealed that she invited him to a Sparks game. Cam also revealed that Tyler said he was sending healing energy to her knee, which she hurt back during the WNBA season. And Tyler, the Creator is not the only one—Ben Stiller is inviting Taylor Swift to sit courtside too. The actor and director appeared on Travis and Jason Kelce’s ‘New Heights’ podcast. He reminisced about sitting next to Taylor at a Knicks game back in 2014. He went on to invite Taylor and Travis to come sit courtside to watch another game.

20 Mar 2025

The Grateful Dead’s Legacy: Birth of the Original Fandom Movement

The Grateful Dead left behind a legacy that continues to thrive through its devoted fanbase, the Deadheads. In this documentary, we explore the band’s career trajectory, its influence in reshaping modern concerts and fandoms and the enduring impact of its legacy.

Keep watching for an in-depth analysis as to how the Grateful Dead impacted the music industry. 

Are you a Deadhead? Let us know in the comments below!

Diplo:
The fandoms of today are very temporary. 

Hanson:
The Grateful Dead invented the modern concert as we know it. 

Eric Renner Brown:
There are going to be some differences between Grateful Dead and Swifties. I think that there is a fundamental similarity in terms of how they helped have a roadmap for what does a hyper-engaged fandom look like. 

Romeo Okwara:
They’re the most loyal fan base in all of music. 

Diplo:
They kind of invented the idea of a fandom.

Narrator:
Formed in Palo Alto, 1965, the Grateful Dead are one of the most popular and influential bands in American history, known for their improvisational approach to music and fusing rock, folk, soul, blues and jazz. They were the original jam band and paved the way for others in music.

Katie Bain:
The Grateful Dead are the fathers of psychedelic culture. They are a touchstone for many generations of music fans. They’ve influenced countless artists. They have created really a culture unto their own, and they’ve made a ton of good music, while doing it. 

Narrator:
With songs like “Truckin’,” “Touch of Grey” and “Friend of the Devil,” the Grateful Dead captured audiences with their lyrics and visuals to match. 

Eric Renner Brown:
First and foremost, the thing about this band is the songbook. The majority of their repertoire was Jerry Garcia wrote the songs with the lyricist Robert Hunter, who’s like a visionary in his own right. Their songs stand toe to toe with any of the great songwriters of the 20th century. 

Keep watching for more!

20 Mar 2025

Muni Long, Becky G & More Share Who They’re Excited for at Billboard Women In Music | Billboard News

We caught up with Muni Long, Becky G, JoJo Siwa and so many more on iHeartRadio’s red carpet to see who they’re most excited to see at Billboard Women in Music next Saturday, March 29.

Who are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments below!

Becky G:
I mean, Doechii’s one of my favorite artists. I adore her. 

James Charles:
I’m a really big GloRilla fan right now. 

Muni Long: 
Billboard Women in Music has been a goal of mine. 

Becky G:
I’m so happy for her. We actually funny enough, the year that I won the Impact Award, we were sharing a dressing room. 

Tetris Kelly:
Stop it. 

Becky G:
She was, she was performing, and I was receiving my Impact Award, and also performing and there, if you know, backstage, there’s not a lot of dressing rooms, and so we were like, musical chairs in there. And she’s just adorable.

Dara Reneé:
I love Doechii so much. I’m such a fan of hers, like, I literally get so starstruck. 

Dasha:
Doechii is, like, one of my favorites. I haven’t met her, but I’m just such a fan. Her acceptance speech at the Grammys made me sob. Sob! Women at Billboard. Let’s go! 

James Charles:
Let me tell you. Like, b—h, I’m from Memphis, what you know about me? Big G-L-O in that GLE. I’m excited. I can’t wait. 

Shinedown:
I’m from Memphis, man, so, GloRilla that’s my girl.  

Tetris Kelly: 
He said, “Yeah Glo!”

Shinedown:
I’m 901 forever, man. I love that. I love it. I love that she’s out there doing it. That’s a big thing for Memphis, Tenn., too. 

Tetris Kelly:
Heck yeah.

BigXthaPlug:
I got some stuff planned with GloRilla I’m hoping to get in there with her so. 

Inayah:
Muni Long can sing down, baby. 

Tetris Kelly:
Down. 

Keep watching for more!

19 Mar 2025

Ye Calls Out Playboi Carti & Kendrick Lamar After ‘MUSIC’ Drop | Billboard News

After Playboi Carti dropped his new ‘MUSIC’ album, Ye went on X to call out both Playboi Carti  and Kendrick Lamar. Keep watching for the full story. 

What do you think of Ye’s latest rant? Let us know in the comments below!

Playboi Carti is snapping back at Ye’s latest series of hate-speech and conspiracy-theory-fueled rants, and Kendrick Lamar gets invited into the ring. Oh, and of course, somehow 50 Cent is involved. Let’s get into it. Nobody is safe. After being left off Playboi Carti’s recent 30-song album, Ye spoke and said: “NOBODY GET A PASS I WAS A PART OF SO MANY OF THESE NI**AS SUCCESS AND A LOT OF NI**AS LET THE JEWS CONTROL.” “HEY NORTH YOUR DAD GAVE ME MY BIGGEST SONG AND COSIgn AND I LEFT HIM OFF OF MY ALBUM BECAUSE OF HIS TWEETS OH BUT NORTH YOU MY NIECE I GOTTA USE YOUR VOCALS.” 

Playboi has responded with a simple, “Ye, STFU.”

Even Kendrick Lamar caught a stray, with Ye saying: “I HAAAAAATED, not like us” and “Kendrick, pleeeease come diss meeee.” And while Kendrick got shaded, 50 got praised with Ye saying, “50 Cent is one of my favorite people. He will be one of the people who brings back black economic independence.” 50 reposted and commented: “Damn it, Ye, ya dangerous right now.” We will continue to keep our eyes on the rapper. Keep it locked with Billboard News.

19 Mar 2025

Fans Share Who Their Top Powerful Women Artists of the 21st Century Are | Billboard News

With Billboard Women in Music just around the corner, we took to the streets of Los Angeles to find out from fans who their favorite powerful woman in the music industry is and why. From Rihanna to Mariah Carey, we find out who the public loves!

Who do you think is a powerful woman in the music industry? Let us know in the comments!

Guest 1:
Oh, look what you made me do.

Guest 2:
Rihanna, yes of course I love Riri!

Guest 3:
I think she’s done a really great things for women.

Guest 1:
Big women energy.

Lauren-Ashley Beck:
What’s up, guys? It’s Lauren-Ashley Beck, and as Billboard Women in Music quickly approaches, I had to hit the streets in L.A. and talk about the top women in music of the 21st century. Let’s hit it. All right, so we are here talking about powerful women in music. Who would you say is one of your favorite powerful woman in the music industry?

Guest 4: 
I’m going to go with a legend like Mariah Carey in a sense with not just with the songs on the radio and regular commercial success, but those holiday songs and Christmas songs, the Christmas jingles. 

Lauren-Ashley Beck:
She is Ms. Christmas. What’s your favorite Mariah Carey song?

Guest 4:
“Always Be My Baby”

Lauren-Ashley Beck:
What feeling would you say you get when you listen to Mariah?

Guest 4:
There’s always a feel good, mature, sexy feel. It’s always classical vibes, just timeless music. I feel like her music transcends over many decades and generations. 

Lauren-Ashley Beck:
What do you think the music industry would be like without Mariah Carey? 

Keep watching for more!

18 Mar 2025

JENNIE’s ‘Ruby’ Debuts at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales Chart

JENNIE’s debut studio album, Ruby, debuts at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart (dated March 22). The set sold 26,500 copies in the U.S. in the week ending March 13, according to Luminate.

JENNIE is the second member of the quartet BLACKPINK to capture a solo top 10-charting effort on Top Album Sales, following LISA’s Alter Ego (No. 1, March 15 chart) and ROSÉ’s rosie (No. 2, Dec. 21, 2024). BLACKPINK itself has logged three top 10s, including two No. 1s: The Album (in 2020) and BORN PINK (2022).

Also in the top 10 of the latest Top Album Sales chart, Lady Gaga lands her eighth No. 1 with the chart-topping bow of MAYHEM, while the newest releases from Jason Isbell, Spiritbox, Noah Kahan and tobyMac debut in the region.

Trending on Billboard

Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart ranks the top-selling albums of the week based only on traditional album sales. The chart’s history dates back to May 25, 1991, the first week Billboard began tabulating charts with electronically monitored piece count information from SoundScan, now Luminate. Pure album sales were the sole measurement utilized by the Billboard 200 albums chart through the list dated Dec. 6, 2014, after which that chart switched to a methodology that blends album sales with track equivalent album (TEA) units and streaming equivalent album (SEA) units.

Ruby was available in its first week as a nine-track widely available digital download album, and then an expanded 15-song physical set and a 15-track download edition. While the standard and physical albums have only one guest star (FKJ, on “JANE”), the 15-track download edition adds further special guests on a few tracks, including Doechii, Dua Lipa, Dominic Fike, Childish Gambino and Kali Uchis. Ruby’s first-week sales were aided by its availability across four CD variants (all containing collectible paper ephemera, some randomized), five deluxe CD boxed set editions (each containing a piece of branded clothing, a signed insert and a copy of the album) and two download editions (a widely available standard version with nine tracks and an expanded 15-song edition).

At No. 1 on Top Album Sales, Lady Gaga’s MAYHEM arrives, selling 136,000. The set’sfirst-week sales were bolstered by its availability across a gaggle of editions: 14 vinyl variants (some signed, and some include the bonus track “Can’t Stop the High,” while Target’s exclusive vinyl has the extra track “Kill for Love”), four CD editions (one signed, Target’s exclusive CD adds “Kill” while Gaga’s webstore carried a CD with the bonus track “Can’t Stop the High”), a cassette tape, a deluxe CD box set with a branded T-shirt and poster, and two widely available download albums (the standard 14-song album, and then a deluxe version exclusive to iTunes with the three music videos for “Disease,” “Die With a Smile” and “Abracadabra”).

Of MAYHEM’s opening-week sales, vinyl purchases comprise 74,000 – Gaga’s biggest week on vinyl ever.

Jason Isbell’s first entirely solo acoustic album, Foxes In the Snow, bows at No. 3 on Top Album Sales with nearly 18,000 copies sold. Vinyl sales comprise almost 9,500 copies of that sum – owed to its availability across five variants. It was also issued in a pair of CD editions.

Heavy metal band Spiritbox debuts at No. 4 with Tsunami Sea, selling 16,500 copies in its first week. The set was issued on CD, cassette and at least nine vinyl variants.

Noah Kahan’s Live From Fenway Park, which was previously only available to buy as a download album, made its debut on vinyl in the tracking week (across three variants), helping the set sell a total of 16,000 – and enabling its debut at No. 5 on Top Album Sales.

Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping GNX falls 2-6 on Top Album Sales (15,000; down 7%), Sabrina Carpenter’s former leader Short n’ Sweet slips 5-7 (11,500; down 5%) and Chappell Roan’s No. 1 The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess descends 6-8 (nearly 9,000; up 6%). Doechii’s Alligator Bites Never Heal vaults 24-9 on Top Album Sales after the release of a new vinyl variant, selling a total of about 8,500 across all formats (up 188%).

Closing out Top Album Sales’ top 10 is the latest release from tobyMac, whose Heaven On My Mind enters at No. 10 with 7,000 copies sold. It was issued on two CD variants (including a signed edition) and three vinyl variants.

18 Mar 2025

Watch the Cast of ‘Moana 2’ Play ‘Finish the Lyrics’ to Disney Songs

The cast of Moana 2 tests how well they know their knowledge of Disney hits by finishing the lyrics to “Let It Go,” “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” and so many more!

What did you think of the cast finishing the lyrics? Let us know in the comments!

Tetris Kelly:
We like to play a game with a lot of our guests called Finish the Lyrics.

Awhimai Fraser: 
Oh no, I’m terrible!

I’m never going back/ The past is in the past.

They said we really hit it. 

Emily Bear:
I’m never going back/ The past is in the past. 

Tetris Kelly: 
See? Come on!

Awhimai Fraser: 
That’s “A Whole New World,” but I can’t remember the rest.

Abigail Barlow:
Soaring … No?

Tetris Kelly:
OK, you’re getting- You’re on the way 

Abigail Barlow:
Soaring sideways and under.

Tetris Kelly: 
You were right with soaring. You started correctly.

Awhimai Fraser & Hualalai Chung: 
Indescribable feelings tumbling/ free wheeling. 

Awhimai Fraser:
We can hum it.

Abigail Barlow:
Tumbling/ Free wheeling. 

Tetris Kelly:
There we go. 

Abigail Barlow:
In an endless diamond sky. That’s a crazy lyric

Tetris Kelly:
It’s a crazy lyric. Even when I read it, I was like, well, that one caught me off guard. 

Abigail Barlow:
Yeah. 

He told me that the man of my dreams. 

Tetris Kelly: 
She’s got it. 

Abigail Barlow:
I don’t know what comes next. 

Tetris Kelly:
And someday be mine. 

Emily Bear:
I don’t know.

Abigail Barlow:
It’s from Encanto.

Awhimai Frase:
Ote, Mariano’s …

Hualalai Chung:
She’s got the Māori version down. 

Awhimai Frase:
I know the Māori version.

Hualalai Chung:
She knows the Māori version. 

Awhimai Frase:
Yeah yeah, OK.

Tetris Kelly:
OK, do we got the song title?

Abigail Barlow:
“We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” 

Tetris Kelly:
“We Don’t Talk About Bruno.”  OK, I’ll give you a point for that.

Emily Bear:
I’m sorry, that’s so embarrassing. 

Keep watching for more!

18 Mar 2025

DDG on ‘Pink Dreads’ Viral Success, Says He’s ‘Not Interested In Creating New Fans’ | Billboard News

We caught up with DDG at Rolling Loud. and he shares how he feels about “Pink Dreads” having a viral moment, how he gets inspired to create music and more!

What do you think of DDG’s “Pink Dreads”? Let us know in the comments!

Tetris Kelly:
Hanging out at Rolling Loud with DDG. Man, how does it feel like to have this viral moment that you’re having right now with “Pink Dreads” and seeing everybody doing the trend? It’s so cool. 

DDG: 
It’s amazing, man, you know that’s what all artists aim for. Viral moment, you know just pushing the music further and further.

Did you know that song was going to be the one to kind of get the vibe going right now?

Yeah, I feel like we’re in the day and age where everything moves on quick in music. Every week there’s a new hit song, so doing it live give people what they want right there. Nine times out of 10 it’s going to be a hit. 

How are you with the new music right now? You got “The Method,” you got “Play by the Rules” as you continue to introduce yourself to new crowds. What are you trying to offer?

I just want to put out good music, man. I’m in the game of not really chasing a hit. Just chasing feeding my community and feeding the people that really rock with me. I’m not really interested in creating new fans — I want it to organically happen. 

I know how that is. So when you go in the studio what are you trying to represent like what inspires you?

I just want to be one of the ones that come out here one day and I’m not pulling up at 3 o’clock, I’m pulling up at 10 p.m. at Sofi Stadium headlining my own s–t. 

Keep watching for more!