Media

10 Sep 2024

Lindsey Stirling on Positivity & Doing Good

The multi-billion-dollar self-help industry might go into a slump if more people went to a Lindsey Stirling concert. 

“I want [the audience] to have a great time and, like, smile and feel all that joy,” the effervescent violinist tells Billboard’s Behind the Setlist podcast while on tour to support her latest album, Duality. “But I also want people to leave the concert always feeling empowered. I want them to be like, ‘Oh my gosh, if this random girl decided once upon a time to dance around and play her violin and make her own costumes, if she can do it, I can do it. I can believe in myself. I can be better. I can be happy.”

Other than the yoga sessions at Coachella or Bonnaroo, a Lindsey Stirling concert may be the only place to you get an inspirational message and communal relaxation interspersed with genre-bending music and a dazzling stage show. “I actually do a guided breath work for the audience” during the song “Between Twilight,” she says, “where as I play, they close their eyes, and there’s a voice that guides them to breathe in and out in different breathing patterns.” It’s an opportunity to slow down the pace after a “very heavy” opening part of her performance, she explains, and has become “something fun that’s cool for me to get to share from my own life.”

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Stirling first caught America’s attention as a contestant on the America’s Got Talent TV show in 2010, reaching the quarterfinals before being dismissed. Her mix of classical-influenced pop music and dancing — while playing violin — didn’t connect with judge Piers Morgan. But by 2013, Stirling had built a YouTube following and was managed by Troy Carter, Lady Gaga’s then-manager. 

Trending on Billboard

A decade later, Stirling has a string of successful albums, tours the world and uses her popularity to fund her non-profit, The Upside Fund, that to date has paid off $15 million of people’s medical debt. Stirling says she donates $1 from each ticket sale and 10% from her tour merchandise sales to the charity, and will donate the entirety of the proceeds from her Master of Tides Cruise in May 2025. “It’s something I’m really passionate about after watching people I love go through the stress of the medical system,” she explains. 

Listen to the entire interview with Lindsey Stirling at the embedded Spotify player below, or go to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Amazon Music or Everand. 

10 Sep 2024

Suki Waterhouse’s ‘Memoir of a Sparklemuffin’ Creative Process, Upcoming Tour & More | Billboard News

Suki Waterhouse’s second album, Memoir of a Sparklemuffin, is coming soon. The singer, model and actress shares how she recorded the album while pregnant, how her role in Daisy Jones and the Six inspired her to tackle her solo career, a glimpse into her upcoming tour and more!=

Hey, I’m Lindsey Havens for Billboard News, and we are here with artist, singer-songwriter, actress, model, whatever, Suki Waterhouse. 

Hi! 

I feel like I need to say that’s a song title, which we will get into — you just, like, do so much.

She’s a model, actress, whatever. 

Your second album, Memoir of a Sparklemuffin album,  I want to ask first how it was different this time compared to the making of your debut album.

The first record I made, I’d never made a record before. I’d been releasing things by myself for, like, 10 years, 8-10, years, so  I didn’t have a label, I didn’t have any team. There was no sort of, like, there was nothing behind me at that point. And then I kind of went and asked a couple of people if they would sign it, and everyone said no. And then Sub Pop said yes, but I had to kind of really bang down the door. And it took like, six months of writing emails, and they said, “No, we don’t want to listen to any songs from models or actresses, whatevers.”

So it was a completely different experience this time. I’ve been able to collaborate with different people, and, you know, have, yeah, have different artists that I could call up, and a few more people wanted to get in the room with me than they did before. So it was, like, very, very different in that way. 

09 Sep 2024

BOYNEXTDOOR on ‘19.99’ Adulthood Transition, ‘Dangerous’ & ‘Nice Guy’ | Billboard News

BOYNEXTDOOR shares how 19.99 marks the group’s journey into adulthood and how the album’s themes deal with the emotions surrounding that. The boys talk about how “부모님 관람불가 (Dangerous)” and “Nice Guy” portray the epitome of their personal stories, why K-Pop is no longer a genre, but a culture, their first Japanese release and more!

Hey, what’s up? It’s Tetris with Billboard News, hanging out with BOYNEXTDOOR. How’s it going, fellas? So you guys have a busy, busy time right now, you obviously announced your album ‘19.99.’

Yeah that’s right!

So tell me about the album and tell me about the title because why 19.99?

The album explores the emotions experienced just before turning 20. Specifically, the tracks express the intricate emotions that precede and follow turning 20. That’s the key point to focus on, so please look forward to it. 

We’re watching the growth. 

Yeah, that’s right. The album captures BOYNEXTDOOR’s journey to adulthood. This album is especially involved with a lot of our story, our true stories. We felt a lot of some kind of pain, some kind of happiness, and some kind of thankfulness. We always feel pain for growing, so that is our story.

I mean, you’re covering a lot of emotions there. The pre-release track was called “(Dangerous).”

That’s right!

Tell me about that song and why that was the perfect song to set the tone.

The pre-release track “Dangerous” shows our mischievous side. We sometimes would imagine things like not listening to our moms, hanging out with friends all night, and so on, as students before we turned 20. We tried to uniquely express in our own way the diverse feelings we had, wanting to just have fun. 

Oh you guys are really giving both sides because that’s “Dangerous,” but then the main single “Nice Guy.” So tell me about “Nice Guy.” 

Keep watching for more!

09 Sep 2024

Were Beyoncé & Lil Wayne Snubbed? | Billboard News

Fans feel Beyoncé got snubbed from a CMA Awards nomination for “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” and ‘Cowboy Carter,’ and that Lil Wayne should have performed at next year’s Super Bowl halftime show. Do you think the two stars were snubbed? Let us know in the comments!

Narrator:

From country to football, fans think their faves just got snubbed. Beyoncé topped the Billboard Hot 100 this year with her country hit “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM.” But that wasn’t enough to get her any nominations at the CMA Awards. Many fans pointed out that they find it strange that Bey didn’t get one nod yet Post Malone, who Beyoncé featured on ‘Cowboy Carter,’ got four for his song with Morgan Wallen. 

Current chart-topper and another ‘Cowboy Carter’ collaborator, Shaboozey, had this to say on X: “That goes without saying. Thank you beyonce for opening the door for us, starting a conversation, and giving us one of the most innovative country albums of all time!” He got two CMA noms, including for new artist of the year. 

In the football world, many are excited to see Kendrick Lamar perform at the Super Bowl halftime show, but some are saying Lil Wayne should have gotten the honor since SB59 will take place in his hometown of New Orleans. In the rap world, Birdman, Master P, Mase and many more spoke in defense of Wayne, while Nicki Minaj fired off a bunch of posts on X suggesting Jay-Z didn’t pick Lil Wayne because of her. Neither Lil Wayne nor Jay-Z have addressed these concerns. Billboard has reached out to Jay-Z’s reps at Roc Nation for comment. Do you think Lil Wayne or Beyoncé got snubbed? Let us know in the comments.

09 Sep 2024

Usher, Victoria Monet, Tyla & More at Billboard R&B No. 1s: Photos From Inside the Party

Billboard hosted its first-ever R&B No. 1s party at The Box in New York on Sunday night (Sept. 8).

Usher accepted the Entertainer of the Year award, after his “Good Good” collaboration with Summer Walker and 21 Savage became his sweet 16th No. 1 on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, extending his record for the most among all singers. Luther Vandross was posthumously honored with the Icon award that his friend Fonzi Thornton accepted on his behalf. Vandross’ Billboard chart history includes eight No. 1 albums on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and seven No. 1 hits on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.

Victoria Monét received the Hitmaker award three days after she presented her manager Rachelle Jean-Louis with the Executive of the Year award at Billboard‘s 2024 R&B Hip-Hop Power Players. In the last year, her Grammy-nominated hit “On My Mama” has topped Adult R&B Airplay, Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay. Lucky Daye received the Torchbearer award, after earning his first No. 1 in a lead role on any Billboard chart when “That’s You” from his latest album Algorithm topped Adult R&B Airplay. And Tyla accepted the Global Force award, as “Water” has spent the last 46 weeks (and counting) at No. 1 on U.S. Afrobeats Songs as well as eight weeks atop Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay.

The star power extended beyond the stage, as Muni Long, Yung Miami, Shenseea, Fireboy DML, Libianca and other artists filled the room as well.

Go inside Billboard’s 2024 R&B No. 1s Party in the photos below.

09 Sep 2024

RUMBAZO 2024: What to Expect This Weekend | Billboard News

In partnership with Estrella Jalisco & Billboard, RUMBAZO 2024 just announced what to expect for this weekend, and we got you covered.

Grab your tickets at rumbazofest.com/tickets and use the code “Billboard” at checkout to receive $10 off any GA ticket.

Narrator: 

RUMBAZO is almost here and now you can see when all your favorite artists are set to take the stage on September 13th and 14th. Nicky Jam, Luis R. Conriquez, Codiciado, Arcángel and so many more will deliver iconic sets. In addition to some epic performances, you can get some delicious food and beverages at the RUMBAZO Cantina. Estrella Jalisco returns as the festival’s title sponsor, bringing renowned tattoo artists to help celebrate 203 years of independencia. Plus, festivalgoers can take in all the art on site like the Tiempo Car Club. And if you wanna level up your experience at the downtown Las Vegas events center, you can grab VIP tickets for exclusive viewing areas, bathrooms and activations. RUMBAZO is the ultimate Mexican Independence Day weekend celebration with Latin music, food and culture. Grab your tickets at rumbazofest.com/tickets, and when you use the code “Billboard” at checkout, you’ll receive $10 off any general admission ticket.

09 Sep 2024

Billboard Asks Locals the Best Get Up Anthems of New York City | Billboard x Tres Generaciones Tequila

Billboard and Tres Generaciones Tequila are partnering to discover the Get Up Anthems of select cities, and the next stop is New York City. Ahead of the curated list, in this “Man on the Street,” we tapped New Yorkers to share some of their favorite hometown hits that have inspired and energized their city, including tracks from iconic artists such as The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, Jay-Z and more! Be sure to check out the official Get Up Anthems for New York City presented by Tres Generaciones Tequila.

Tetris Kelly:
Billboard and Tres Generaciones Tequila are teaming up to find the top Get Up Anthems in select cities, and we’re in New York City — the City That Never Sleeps — and the birth of hip-hop. Which songs energize these locals? We’re talking to them to find out their top Get Up Anthems. So what song do you think gets New Yorkers the hypest?

Guest 1:
Very easy, “Empire State of Mind.”

Tetris Kelly:
Are you going to sing it for me right now?

Guest 1:
[Singing]

Tetris Kelly:
Ay, where we at. So what gets you crunk?

Guest 2:
“I Like It” by Cardi B and J Balvin

Tetris Kelly:
Now I got to put you on the spot: Do you feel like Cardi B represents New York hip-hop the best of females?

Guest 2:
Oh wait — you’re trying to get me canceled.

Guest 3:
“Represent” by Nas.

Tetris Kelly:
Oh, “Represent” and Nas. Why do you feel like it’s him? 

Guest 3:
I don’t know — it’s just a classic record. 

Tetris Kelly:
What about you?

Guest 4:
“Deli” by Ice Spice.

Tetris Kelly:
Do you feel like she’s got New York represented perfectly?

Guest 4:
Sure — she’s popping. 

Tetris Kelly:
Get Up Anthems in New York City: What’s that for you?

Guest 5:
Can I pick two?

Keep watching for more!

09 Sep 2024

Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 Countdown for Sept. 14, 2024 | Billboard News

Will Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” take No. 1 for a ninth week?

Narrator:

This is the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 for the week dated September 14. From nine to 10 is “Not Like Us.” While Teddy jumps a spot to nine. Chappell is still at eight, as is Billie at No. 7. And Gaga and Bruno at six. Sabrina’s “Taste” falls two to five. While “Please Please please” is at four, and “Espresso” is up to its peak at No. 3. “I Had Some Help” is back up to two, and grabbing an incredible ninth week at No. 1  is Shaboozey’s  “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” If you want more Billboard, make sure you hit the subscribe button and ring the bell to get notified on all our latest videos.

08 Sep 2024

Fonzi Thornton Accepts the Icon Award On Behalf of Luther Vandross | Billboard’s R&B No.1s 2024

Fonzi Thornton accepts the Icon Award on behalf of Luther Vandross accepts the Icon Award from Billboard’s Editorial Director Hannah Karp at Billboard’s R&B Hip-Hop Power Players 2024.

Hannah Karp:

For our first award, I want to salute an R&B icon, a late legend whose first six albums all reached number one on the Top R&B Hip Hop Albums Chart. He racked up eight number one albums over the course of his career, and he also co-produced Aretha Franklin’s seven week No. 1 R&B album ‘Jump To It,’ and he’s the subject of a wonderful new documentary that will stream wide next year. Of course, Luther Vandross is no longer with us, but I am so happy that we have his best friend, Fonzie Thornton, a singer and a board member of the Luther Vandross estate to accept the Icon Award for Luther tonight. Welcome Fonzi.

Fonzi Thornton:
How’s everybody this evening? It is such an honor for me to be here tonight and accept this prestigious award for Luther Vandross, who I have known since I was 14 years old. So I just want to congratulate Luther, his family, the Vandross estate, all of his singers, his musicians, his record company, thank you all for honoring my friend.

08 Sep 2024

Lucky Daye Accepts the Torchbearer Award | Billboard’s R&B No.1s 2024

Lucky Daye accepts the Torchbearer award at Billboard’s R&B No.1s 2024 party.

Carl Lamarre:

What it do y’all, can I get a yeah are? Oh, I love that. I love that. I love that. So I’m here to present the next award to a brother of mine, a perennial king in love-making ballads and pillow talk confessions. Lucky Daye has become the new age blueprint in R&B. Women swoon, because when this brother croon it’s just smooth like butter. After his 2019 breakthrough with “Painted,” Lucky Daye put the world on notice and let them know that New Orleans isn’t just a home of Frank Ocean, but another R&B superstar capable of driving the genre forward. By aligning himself with D’Mile early in his career, Lucky became a risk taker, stretching the boundaries of his creativity, as proven by his new album ‘Algorithm.’ His versatility remains unmatched there, as he tap dances through various soundscapes with relative ease. Ultimately, the R&B gods rewarded him for his efforts, as he earned his first No. 1 on R&B Adult this year as a lead artist with “That’s You.” From songwriter to Grammy award winner, Lucky Daye is one of the reasons why R&B will continue to shine for years to come. So without further ado, Billboard would like to present this year’s Torchbearer award, to Lucky Daye.

Keep watching for more!