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All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Alo Yoga is arguably one of the best athleisure brands out there, putting out elevated twists on athletic wear that you […]
With season 16 of RuPaul’s Drag Race officially over, fans finally know who won the crown. But which recording artist managed to win in terms of streaming bumps?
Throughout the latest season of the franchise, songs featured in lip syncs have earned a 28.1% increase on average in total on-demand streams, including UGC (user-generated content), according to Luminate.
The song that earned the biggest bump of the season was Cher‘s “Dark Lady,” which featured as the Lip Sync For Your Life song for episode four (aired Friday, Jan. 26). On the day the episode aired, “Dark Lady” earned 9,180 streams; the following day (Jan. 26), on-demand streams for the song spiked to 38,183, marking a 315.9% increase in on-demand streams for Cher.
Janet Jackson’s “What About” also earned a triple-digit percentage increase in streams thanks to Drag Race. After being featured as one of the lip-sync songs in April 12’s “Lalaparuza” episode, the song shot from 1,056 streams to 3,946 streams, netting Jackson a 273.7% increase.
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Meanwhile, two Donna Summer songs nabbed similarly impressive streaming bumps thanks to a pair of lip-sync showdowns on this season of Drag Race. “This Time I Know It’s for Real,” Summer’s song used in a lip sync on April 12, secured a 180.9% increase in on-demand streams the day after the episode aired. “Dim All the Lights,” used in the episode 11 lip sync on March 15, also earned a 96.4% increase in on-demand streams the day following the episode.
The finale episode of season 16 (aired Friday, April 19) saw the franchise crown Nymphia Wind as America’s Next Drag Superstar following a heart-racing lip sync to Kylie Minogue’s “Padam Padam,” (which earned a 56.5% bump in streams the day after being featured on the show). The queen made history with her crowning, becoming the first-ever East Asian winner of the American franchise.
Speaking to Billboard shortly after her victory, Wind said it felt “crazy to be able to live this out for my community and my country,” adding that “it really means a lot to me to be able to live this.”
Beyoncé and Blue Ivy Carter aren’t just mother and daughter anymore — they’re costars. Disney unveiled a new trailer for its upcoming Lion King prequel Mufasa Monday (April 29), confirming that both the “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer and her 12-year-old firstborn are lending their famous voices to the project. Explore See latest videos, charts and […]
Three American Idol alumni will return to the show’s stage on Monday night (April 29) to pay tribute to late season five star Mandisa. The 47-year-old Grammy-winning Christian contemporary singer was found dead of as-yet-undisclosed causes in her home earlier this month. The performance will take place during Monday night’s Judge’s Song round of the […]
Music industry professionals are often reminded, it ain’t the glitter or the glamor, the magic is all in the song. And, yes, the delivery.
Cher’s “Believe” is a case in point.
The veteran entertainer dropped “Believe” in 1998, a dreamy club thumper that featured Cher’s vocals reimagined with the input of AutoTune. In the late ‘90s, no veteran mainstream artist was messing Autotune. Only Cher.
In 1999, Cher’s “Believe” went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, just days short of 25 years after her previous leader, 1974’s “Dark Lady.” That meant Cher had the longest gap between No. 1 hits in the chart’s history, Fred Bronson wrote in the Chart Beat column at the time.
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“Believe” took on another guise, had another life, this time when DMA’S performed the song live in 2016 for listeners of Australia’s triple j network. On this occasion, the song was stripped to its heartbroken bones, Tommy O’Dell’s impressive pipes driving it home. DMA’s are on fire. Their last two studio albums peaked at No. 4 and No. 3 in the U.K., the Aussie band’s spiritual home.
“Believe” reminded music fans about the power of a great song, and the importance of delivery, when Jack Blocker tackled this classic song on ABC‘s American Idol for a spot in the final eight.
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The 25-year-old native of Dallas, TX, Blocker turned “Believe” into a country number, and earned a standing ovation from the three mentors Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie.
Blocker played in a student-led worship band at high school, is self-taught on guitar (using YouTube videos for guidance), and never had vocal coaching until he auditioned for this 22nd season of American Idol.
With his latest performance on season, he’ll believe he can go all the way.
America voted live, and Blocker won passage into the top 8 where he’s joined by Abi Carter, Emmy Russell, Julia Gagnon, Kaibrienne, McKenna Faith Breinholt, Triston Harper and Will Moseley.
Watch below.
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The 2024 Olympics will see the best of the best athletes complete to win the gold and to celebrate, Reese’s has teamed up with Team USA again. Whether or not you’ve scored travel deals to watch the games in person in Paris, the candy brand wants to make you feel like a winner with the release of new chocolate-shaped Reese medals.
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This is the first summer shape that Reese’s has ever released, but it will only be around for a limited-time. You can buy Reese’s Medals in stores or you can order the chocolate and peanut butter snack through online retailers like Amazon, Walmart and Target.
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The chocolate medals are available in single packs, king size bars and bags, with prices starting as low as $2. Just like all of Reese’s limited-edition seasonal shapes though, you’ll only be able to enjoy this chocolate medal for a short period of time. To help you stock up on your own Team USA-approved sweet treats, we put the snacks below for you to buy now.
Reeses Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Medals
$34.59
$26.85
$29.99
10% off
Rather than indulge in just one piece of Reese’s Medals, you can pick up a two-pound bag of the chocolates. Each one contains the snack-sized candy individually wrapped in a special-edition foil.
If you don’t want an entire bag of Reese’s Medals, there are also smaller options you can buy online.
Reese’s Milk Chocolate & Peanut Butter Medals Bar King
Treat yourself to the king-sized Reese’s Medals, which come with multiple pieces of the candy so you can have one now and another later — or, if you’re feeling generous you can share it with a friend.
The official campaign for the summer-themed candy is titled “Legend vs. Newcomer” and aims to spotlight U.S. Olympic and Paralympic gold medalists and hopefuls, including U.S. Olympic soccer gold medalist Alex Morgan, U.S. Paralympic para swimming gold medalist Jessica Long, U.S. Olympic soccer hopeful Sophia Smith and U.S. Paralympic para swimming hopeful Haven Shepherd.
How to Watch the 2024 Olympics
This year, the 2024 Olympics will commence on Friday (July 26) and you have the option to livestream the games and events through NBC’s official streaming platform, Peacock. If you’d prefer to watch through live TV streamers, there are some affordable streaming options that’ll provide you access to channels including NBC, USA Network, E! and the Golf Channel, which are all covering the 2024 Olympics.
Check below to see the official Reese’s Medals campaign video.
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All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Finding the perfect summer and spring tops can be challenging, but once you narrow down what you’re looking for, it becomes easier. When I search for stylish tops, I prioritize comfort and fit.
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Having a variety of tops from short sleeve to strapless in your closet facilitates the process of putting together your next outfit effortlessly.
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With these seven versatile tops under $20, you’ll be able to refresh your summer and spring wardrobe in no time.
Amazon
Dokotoo Women’s Tank Top
If you are in search of a cute tank top, this one is perfect. This Dokotoo women’s summer tank top comes in every color from brown to purple. Its sleeveless and ribbed knit texture makes it an ideal option for a sunny day out. With its breathable and stretchy material, you’ll stay comfortable all day long.
Amazon
Athmile Women’s Oversized T-Shirt
$14.99
$19.99
25% off
Looking to change up your style, consider adding an oversized t-shirt to your wardrobe for a relaxed and chic look. This best-selling t-shirt, currently up 25% off, is a must-have, so grab it while you can. This t-shirt goes great with leggings or jeans, whether you’re running errands or just relaxing. Its V-neck style allows you to show off your favorite accessories. So, go get yours in every color.
Amazon
Trendy Queen Women’s Deep V-Neck Top
Now, if you are seeking a deeper V-neck and a more form-fitting alternative, you might want to consider this Trendy Queen women’s short sleeve top. This corset-style top provides support and flatters the chest. It’s so versatile it can be paired with skirts, shorts, or jeans. You can effortlessly dress this up or down, depending on your style.
Amazon
Cioatin Women’s Y2K Cute Sweetheart Neck Crop Top
For this spring and summer season, having a variety of top styles to choose from is essential. Take a look at this Y2K-inspired summer crop tank, crafted from stretchy and soft silk-like fabric. This option is perfect for going out, everyday wear, and even working out.
Amazon
Dokotoo Women’s Cute V-Neck Ruffle Sleeveless Shirt
Add a touch of flair to your closet with this Dokotoo V-neck sleeveless shirt with ruffles. Its elegant and casual design make it suitable for any occasion. Consider getting it in every color you love; it’ll make styling outfits a breeze.
Amazon
Efan Twist Knot Front Knit Bandeau Top
$14.99
$36.99
59% off
If you’re looking for strapless or sleeveless option, this Efan women’s tube top is an ideal choice for you. Its twist-front tube design makes it both stylish and versatile for all your fashion needs. You can also easily pair this top with a pair of high-waisted jeans or a skirt. Buy now and save up to 59% off!
Amazon
Bliwov Women’s Tank Tops Eyelet Embroidery Shirt
This lightweight Bliwov women’s tank top with eyelet embroidery is one of a kind, allowing air to flow through and keep you comfortably cool. Sizes vary from small to XX-large and are available in a variety of colors. Order now and don’t forget to apply your 10% coupon.
For more product recommendations, check out the best maxi dresses from Free People, eight of the best clothing deals, and eco-friendly leggings to maximize your clothing options.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
NewJean’s new music video for their single “Bubble Gum” is ready to put you in the summer mood, but in terms of what trends to hop on this season, K-pop member Hanni has some ideas to inspire your warm weather wardrobe.
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The K-pop singer has been soaring in her career having landed herself as the newest global ambassador for UGG as well as being included in Billboard’s 2024 Women in Music Awards.
“The fact that we were able to participate, let alone perform at Billboard’s Women in Music was an incredible experience,” she says in an interview with Billboard. “I was in awe the entire evening at the overflowing energy generated by the music and the inspiring artists gathered together to celebrate Women’s History Month. It was truly such an amazing opportunity that I never would have imagined, and I know that the members and I are incredibly thankful that we were able to attend and perform.”
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Now, the NewJeans singer is encouraging you to ditch the platform heels and throw on some comfortable sandals. For the shoe brand’s ongoing Spring/Summer 2024 global campaign, the “Super Shy” infused her own style including one controversial pairing that still has fashion influencers debating its trendiness: socks and sandals.
“Personally, I think layering them with the GoldenGlow Sandals just looks really cute and casual,” she says in an interview with Billboard. “Also, I’ve found they look very nice with long jeans because of the shape of the shoe!”
Hanni x UGG
Courtesy of UGG
It’s also fitting as Hanni has herself “really feel drawn to the vibe” of another popular trend, the eclectic grandpacore fashion style. She hopes to continue experimenting with the elements, which consists of sensible footwear, oversized cardigans, sweater vests, button-down tops and any clothing with tones of brown and tans.
“I think it’s such a distinct yet fun way of dressing that really varies based on each individual’s character or personal style preference,” she says.
To help you test out the grandpacore style for yourself or find some fashionable sandals to pair with your sock drawer, you can buy the exact UGG shoes the “OMG” singer wears in the campaign below.
Women’s GoldenGlow
These GoldenGlow sandals don’t just give off everyday shoe vibes, but are built with waterproof materials including springy and supportive sugarcane EVA and 100% recycled polyester materials to support and swaddle your feet in comfort.You can see Hanni in the Mangosteen and Bison Brown shades.
All Gender Venture Daze Slide
Slide your feet straight into these bold takes on a sandals. It comes in three shades including the NewJeans singer’s fave, which boasts a neon green sole and subtle gray upper. The sole is designed with a platform rubber material that looks to keep your feet pristine through mud and grass.
All Gender Venture Daze
Combine the look of slippers with the sturdy grip of sandals in a pair of these Venture Daze. The open back allows you to effortlessly slip your feet inside and enjoy the feel of the suede upper paired with the brand’s classic UGGbraid for extra style.
Women’s Stratus
Let your feet breathe in a pair of UGG’s Stratus sandals which come with an open-toe and backing for ultimate ventilation. The straps are adjustable and, as an added bonus, you can take the back strap off and turn the sandals into a slide.
And, if you’re looking for the perfect pair of pants to pair your UGGs and socks with, Hanni recommends denim.
“I like baggy jeans but prefer the ones that aren’t too oversized, otherwise I look kind of small and may disappear in them,” she says. “Being comfortable in my clothes is something I find really important. I also like the fit of baggy jeans and enjoy styling them more for this reason. Color-wise, I like all types of denim, regardless of color or prints.”
Below you can find some of ShopBillboard‘s favorite baggy jeans to complete your summer looks ‘fits with.
Universal Thread Mid-Rise 90’s Baggy Jeans
These budget-friendly jeans are bringing all the trendiness without the high price tag. You can choose from five washes or pick up one of each color. It has a high waist design and and a baggy yet straight leg fit.
Abercrombie Low Rise Baggy Jean
Abercrombie has gone viral on TikTok for their jeans and this pair of low-rise baggy jeans are no exception. The front comes with two rips along the knees with shoppers rating them a 4.6 for their “super soft” material and their ability to be worn with heels or sneakers.
Madewell Low-Slung Straight Jeans
Madewell is bringing low-rise back with these baggy straight jeans. You can choose from three lengths: petite, regular and long as well as three washes ranging from dark to light, so you can wear a pair year round.
HDLTE High Waist Baggy Jeans
$44.43
$79.99
44% off
For less than $50, you can grab these baggy jeans from Amazon. The design has a high-waisted fit with a cotton-mix material for extra comfort that won’t have you itching to change out of them. The jeans have also gathered more than 1,500 verified five-star reviews with shoppers raving over their look and feel.
Check below to watch behind-the-scenes footage from the campaign.
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With summer fast-approaching, why not fill up your warm-weather playlists with new songs from your favorite queer artists? Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ artists.
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From St. Vincent’s raucous new album to Anitta’s exhilarating funk-flavored new LP, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
St. Vincent, All Born Screaming
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To distill All Born Screaming down to one particular concept is to misinterpret it as a work of art. Throughout St. Vincent’s stunning, self-produced seventh studio album, Annie Clark flits in and out of genres, themes and ideas with ease, instead opting to create an album that is at all times changing its shape while maintaining the artistry it took to make it. Whether she’s waxing romantic via art-rock banger “Flea” or giving nihilism a disco-funk makeover on “Big Time Nothing,” St. Vincent has never been more immediately herself than on this thrilling new project.
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Anitta, Funk Generation
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After proving her dominance as the premiere Brazilian pop sensation, Anitta is ready to help introduce you to her culture. Funk Generation, the latest LP from the Grammy-nominated artist, is a love letter to Brazilian funk music, as she showcases a formative genre of her home for an international audience. The entire album plays as a well-crafted ode to the sounds of favelas, but “Ahi” in particular stands out, as Anitta and guest Sam Smith give audiences a crash course in how to get down.
Salute feat. Rina Sawayama, “Saving Flowers”
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Salute wants you to immediately fall into the sounds of summertime with their thrilling new song “Saving Flower.” An ecstatic electronic anthem featuring vocals from British pop star Rina Sawayama, “Saving Flowers” is a song that refuses to take its foot off the gas, maintaining its fervent pop sound for a blissful three and a half minutes. Pairing nicely with Sawayama’s airy voice, Salute’s new song comes just in time to become your new favorite song of the summer. c
Trixie Mattel, “Shadow” (Ashlee Simpson cover)
Drag superstar Trixie Mattel delivering a stirring acoustic rendition of a 20-year-old pop-rock track may not have been on your bingo card for 2024, but that only makes her new Spotify Single that much more interesting. Taking Ashlee Simpson’s “Shadow” and transforming it into a heartfelt ballad, Mattel flexes her crystal-clear baritone voice, adding in just enough folk-flavored twang to make the song definitively her own.
Christine and the Queens, “Rentrer Chez Moi”
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After experimenting with his sound, his look and his persona for the last few years, Christine and the Queens would like to come back home. On his moving new song “Rentrer Chez Moi,” Chris returns to the quiet, echoing music that defined much of his early career, singing entirely in his native French about a relationship that’s run its course. The simple-yet-elegant production (the artist produced the song himself) matches Chris’ vocal fragility on this stunning new single.
Isaac Dunbar, Beep Beep Repeat
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Step into Isaac Dunbar’s time machine and allow him to transport you back to the musical universe of 1970’s New York City. That’s the world Dunbar thrives in throughout his new EP Beep Beep Repeat — one populated by transient bass, four-on-the-floor drums and theatrical vocals. For six songs, Beep Beep Repeat invites you to disengage from our stark reality and simply revel in some good old-fashioned house parties (“Apartment A”), hangovers (“American High”) and heartpounding rhythms (“Photoshoot Tonight”).
Durand Bernarr, “Unknown”
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Durand Bernarr doesn’t have time to wait around for you to make up your mind. On “Unknown,” the latest slice of smooth R&B from the fast-rising artist, follows Bernarr as he narrates the story of a frustrating, lovesick missed connection, where two people who could have been together missed their moment. The slick, pared down production certainly gives the track a boost, but as with every other Durand Bernarr song, the true star is the singer’s unmatched vocals; Bernarr dives into his soulful baritone just as effortlessly as he flips into a sonorous falsetto, making “Unknown” the best kind of sensual vocal rollercoaster ride that you could ask for.
Trinity the Tuck feat. Jujubee, “‘Til Death Becomes Us”
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In the immortal (literally) words of Meryl Streep, “these are the moments that make life worth living.” With her new song “‘Til Death Becomes Us,” Drag Race star Trinity the Tuck aims for revenge in a thrilling homage to 1992’s Death Becomes Her. With fellow Drag Race alum Jujubee, the pair deliver a slick, early-2000’s dance-pop banger based solely on that deep, petty loathing you feel for that one person who just won’t get out of your life. Add in their hilarious, campy music video, and you’ve got the recipe for a winning new song from a pair of drag superstars.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Watch Latin American Music Awards If you are headed to a concert or other event, you might want to level up […]