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Alejandro Sanz Talks About His New Album, Working With Shakira & More | Billboard Presents

Billboard cover star Alejandro Sanz is gearing up to release his first album in four years, ‘¿Y Ahora Qué?’. The Spanish singer is teaming up with Shakira once again for a new duet, “Bésame.” He shares the inspiration behind “Palmeras en el Jardín,” what it’s like to work with Shakira, his collaborations with Grupo Frontera and Manuel Turizo for his upcoming album. He also opens up about his mental health, what fans can expect from his tour, and more!

Are you excited for Alejandro Sanz’s new album? Let us know in the comments!

Leila Cobo:

Alejandro, welcome. 

Alejandro Sanz:

Thank you, like always.

Like always. Now tell me, what now?

Well look, “what now” is the first phrase that appears on the album.

Oh really?

On “Palmeras en el Jardín.” “And what now? Now what do you say.” You know how the song starts. But also, I think it’s a phrase that’s common all throughout the world because whenever you start something new, something always happens and you always have to go head on with change, you always ask yourself, “what now?” And when you go to write a new song, it’s a little bit like that. And when you are going through sentimental and emotional changes in your life, and things that really move you, you ask yourself, “what now,” right?  Fortunately or unfortunately, the world presents us with so many changes, different things that we don’t know what’s going to come after and how we are going to face those kinds of things. It seems really graphic and I like to gather phrases or words that are in common imaginations and give them a poetic feel inside of an album.    

And you do that all the time? Better said, do you do it consciously and thinking of that?

Well, I try to. 

Ok so, “Palmeras en el Jardín,” you wrote it before the rest of the album, right?

Yes, almost before the whole album.

I ask because “Palmeras en el Jardín” is a really sad song, honestly. 

Keep watching for more!

BTS’ Jin Transforms ‘Tonight Show’ Stage Into a Giant Bed & Takes Over Jimmy Fallon’s Desk: Exclusive Photos

For his return to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday night (May 21), Jin transformed the stage into a giant bed — and Billboard has the exclusive preview photos to prove it.

The BTS member made himself at home in Studio 6B, getting extra cozy for his performance of “Don’t Say You Love Me,” the lead single from his just-released second solo EP Echo. Jin dropped the seven-track project — the follow-up to his November debut solo EP Happy — on Friday, May 16.

In addition to his comfy performance, Jin also sat down for an interview with Fallon — just like he did for his first solo appearance on The Tonight Show late last year. And this time, he turned the tables on Fallon too, jumping behind the desk to grill the late-night host.

Jin’s superstar group BTS — also comprised of SUGA, j-hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — first visited The Tonight Show back in 2018 for a performance of the Billboard Hot 100 No. 11 hit “Idol” and “I’m Fine.” In 2020, the boys made multiple Tonight Show appearances — including a couple of virtual performances on the show during the COVID-19 pandemic — before returning again in 2021 for performances of their No. 1 hits “Butter” and “Permission to Dance.”

Back in March, Jin’s BTS bandmate j-hope made his solo Tonight Show debut and got similarly cozy, rocking a pair of fluffy bunny slippers with his jeans-and-black-blazer ‘fit.

To watch Jin’s full performance and interview, tune in to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday night (May 21) at 11:35 p.m. ET on NBC, or streaming on Peacock.

Inside New York Liberty Championship Ceremony With Jonquel Jones & More | All Access | Billboard News

Billboard got to sit courtside at the New York Liberty’s WNBA opening game and championship ceremony, and we take you inside what you missed on the big night, including an interview with Jonquel Jones.

Are you excited for this WNBA season? Let us know in the comments!

Narrator: 

Billboard was courtside for the New York Liberty’s opening game of the WNBA season. See them celebrate their first championship in Billboard All Access. The New York Liberty showed up in their stylish ‘fits, ready to celebrate along with their famous mascot, Ellie the Elephant. The team celebrated their first championship in franchise history with diamond-encrusted championship rings and by raising the franchise’s first championship banner. Finals MVP Jonquel Jones shared what it was like to celebrate in her native country of the Bahamas. All this happened before their opening game tipped off against the Las Vegas Aces. Ellie the Elephant transformed into “Ellie Minaj” and entertained the crowd with her Nicki Minaj-themed halftime show.

Los Tigres del Norte Talk Trump, Narcocorridos & ‘La Lotería’ | Billboard In Conversation

Los Tigres del Norte have enjoyed a career spanning over 57 years. The renowned regional Mexican group sat down with Leila Cobo to share their thoughts on some of their biggest hits, including “Contrabando y Traición.” They also discussed their thought process behind their new track, “La Lotería,” their decision to include an image of Donald Trump as “el diablito,” their opinions on narcocorridos and the ongoing efforts to ban them, immigration issues in the U.S.. and more.

What do you think of the “La Lotería” music video? Let us know in the comments!

Leila Cobo:

Los Tigres del Norte, welcome to Miami.

Los Tigres del Norte:

Thank you.

It’s so great to have you, like always, I always have to go to other places to find you, but today you guys came to the tropics. On top of that, I really appreciate you guys being dressed up like Miami.

Thank you so much.

Apart from that fact that we’re at a Mexican restaurant- 

We’re here at our Mexican restaurant.

At Tacology.

It’s so pretty.

Yes, very pretty. I only take you guys to pretty places.

Everytime you invite us, you always take us to wonderful places.

How many years has it been?

We have many years under our belt. We have recorded-

40?

CDs since 1968.

1968?

Many years already. I think that the first song that people knew us by was “Camelia, la Texana.”

It’s one of the corridos that got people to notice Los Tigres del Norte. It’s already been many years. 

Well, Jorge told me the story about “Camelia, la Texana.” I’m trying to remember, but weren’t you under age when you recorded that song?

Practically. 

And you were there hiding yourself in bars to sing it no?

Exactly, I told you the story of how the song was born because they brought me to a place in Los Angeles because I was underage and the didn’t let me enter the place.

Keep watching for more!

Rihanna Returns to Her Old ‘Friend’ Music, But Is ‘Smurfs’ Song the Musical Return Fans Wanted?

Rihanna fans have been waiting not so patiently the last three years for new music, and it finally arrived Friday in the form of the Smurfs soundtrack song “Friend of Mine.”

The vibey new song is the perfect backdrop for a Smurf dance-off, as evidenced by the mostly animated music video, but the three-minute-plus track is pretty production-forward and only includes limited doses of Rihanna’s dreamy vocals, mostly looping the same repeated title line. On the new Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, Katie & Keith are chatting about whether this is the musical return Rihanna’s fans were hoping for, or how the song could be maximized with a new remix version or once we see it in the full context of the Smurfs movie, in which Rih voices Smurfette.

Listen to our full conversation below:

Trending on Billboard

Also on the show, we’ve got chart news on how English rock band Sleep Token debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 — not only getting their first No. 1, but also scoring the largest streaming week ever for a hard rock album. Plus, Doechii’s “Anxiety” hits No. 1 on both the Pop Airplay and all-format Radio Songs chart, while Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” spends a lucky 13th week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The Billboard Pop Shop Podcast is your one-stop shop for all things pop on Billboard‘s weekly charts. You can always count on a lively discussion about the latest pop news, fun chart stats and stories, new music, and guest interviews with music stars and folks from the world of pop. Casual pop fans and chart junkies can hear Billboard‘s executive digital director, West Coast, Katie Atkinson and Billboard’s managing director, charts and data operations, Keith Caulfield every week on the podcast, which can be streamed on Billboard.com or downloaded in Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast provider. (Click here to listen to the previous edition of the show on Billboard.com.)

The All-American Rejects Talk New Music After 13 Years, Touring With the Jonas Brothers & More | Billboard News

The All-American Rejects take Billboard’s Tetris Kelly to Lil Dom’s in Los Angeles’ Los Feliz neighborhood to talk about making new music again after 13 years and what brought them back, going on their first stadium tour with the Jonas Brothers, their craziest tour stories and things thrown on stage. They also get into AI and music, and how they think the rock genre will accept it, the resurgence in popularity of rock music, and music’s ability to distract listeners from the stresses of life. They wrap up the conversation with a little Billboard storytime about their single “Dirty Little Secret.”

Are you excited for The All-American Rejects new music? Let us know in the comments below!

Tetris Kelly:
So what brought us here? Why Little Dom’s? 

Tyson Ritter:
It’s a neighborhood staple for me. I lived in Los Feliz for like, about a decade before I moved away from L.A. The staff here are, like, kind of like, you know, they know, they know my name. I almost got a plaque. I almost got a plaque. They do plaques and boots during COVID — my wife and I would get this sandwich here. That was anyway. I won’t go into details about but they were like, we’re gonna put you a plaque up. And then all of a sudden, like, we went away for like, two years. 

You lost your plaque? 

I lost the punch card. Like, disappeared. 

Well, now you got to start by coming again so you can earn that trust again. Get your plaque. 

Let’s get our stripes.

Listen, you brought Billboard here, so you’re doing a good job. And I feel like you said that. You know, Little Dom’s is a place you love for Sunday brunch. So what is your go to menu item on the Sunday brunch menu? 

Oh, before I became gluten free, they have this pizza that has, it’s got salmon. Oh, this is, like, it’s kind of blasting this right cheese and cheese and fish, but it’s salmon and capers smoked salmon. Yeah, sorry. So, like, yeah, lox and OK, and capers and onions. And then I, and then I make it even more bizarre, and I have them crack two eggs on top of it. So, yeah, it’s like this sexy brekkie …

Keep watching for more!

j-hope Teases What’s Next for Solo Career: A ‘Mature, Sexier’ Vibe | Billboard Cover

Billboard cover star j-hope sits down to share his experience with ‘HOPE ON THE STAGE,’ the kind of music he hopes to create after completing his military service, his collaborations with J. Cole and Miguel, the artists he hopes to work with in the future, and more!

j-hope:

‘HOPE ON THE STAGE’ is exactly what it sounds like. It’s about showing the artist ‘j-hope’ exactly as he is, fully, on stage. When I start the encore performance, there’s always a moment of connection with the audience. It’s something that I experience at every show. It felt like the stage brought everyone together and created a moment where we became one. I think those are the moments that mean something. My goal is to be an artist that’s consistent. My honest goal is to keep making music that I want to make and is true to who I am. And also become an artist who can express that through a wide variety of performances. I’ve given a lot of thought to many things. “What kind of music should I make after I complete my military service?” That question kept playing on a loop. The main reason I came to L.A. was to explore the kind of music I could make with the local producers. And I feel that the music turned out exactly as I envisioned. I think I’ve made a song that really captures that sweet longing of wanting to love and be loved. And it’s also very easy on the ears. When it comes to collabs, I’m all about vibing with the artists that I genuinely love. Working with J. Cole was just that. He’s been my idol, and he understood that I came from an honest place. Same with Miguel, I’m grateful to him for everything.

Keep watching for more!

Shakira’s ‘Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran’ Tour: Rauw Alejandro’s Appearance & More | All Access | Billboard News

Shakira brought out Rauw Alejandro, Ozuna and more during her two nights at MetLife Stadium in New York City. Keep watching to see everything you missed out, from her famous belly dancing and more.

Will you be seeing Shakira on tour? Let us know in the comments!

Narrator:

We were lucky enough to experience two sold-out nights of Shakira’s show at MetLife Stadium. We heard some of the classics and saw her new stage design. She brought out Ozuna to perform “Monotonía,” and the crowd went wild. And closing out the show with “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53,” and check out the Shakira bucks that fell from the sky. Friday night was just as hot with Pitbull starting it off. Shakira brought out Rauw Alejandro for “Te Felicito.” Wyclef Jean also joined her to perform their classic. One thing is for sure: Hips still don’t lie.

Travis Scott vs. Bad Bunny: Who Would Win in the WWE Ring? | Billboard News

Wrestlemania 41 was full of fans with strong opinions, and we went ahead and asked them who would win in the ring: Bad Bunny or Travis Scott? 

Who do you think would win in the ring? Let us know in the comments!

Carl Lamarre:

Street fight: Travis Scott and Bad Bunny, one on one. Who’s taking it? 

Fan 1:

Travis Scott is a bi—.

Fan 2:

I gotta go with “Goosebumps.” I gotta go with the Trav.

Carl Lamarre: 

He gave Cody Rhodes a black eye, man. 

Fan 2:

Yeah, he busted his eardrum. Come on. 

Fan 3:

Travis Scott. 

Carl Lamarre:

Why Travis? 

Fan 4:

Travis is like a little ghetto, you know? Bad Bunny, he’s cool. He’s cool, you know. But like, they do it differently in Houston. 

Fan 5:

Bad Bunny. Bad Bunny, all day.

Carl Lamarre:

Benito. Why? 

Fan 5:

Because he’s also the GOAT. No, um, I don’t know. He just got, he got that dog in him. 

Fan 6:

Yo soy Boricua, I’m from Puerto Rico. Oh, I’m not from Puerto Rico, but I’m Puerto Rican, so I have to pick him. Loyalty, you know what I mean? Bad Bunny. Yo soy Boricua pa’ que tú lo sepas.

Fan 7:

Travis Scott. 

Carl Lamarre:

Why Travis? 

Fan 7:

Bad Bunny don’t look like he could fight too good.

Carl Lamarre:

Bad Bunny got pretty busy in the ring not too long ago. 

Fan 7:

You know, everybody lucky every once in awhile, right? 

Fan 8:

Bad Bunny all day. You saw the damage he took from Damian Priest, I think it was last year. 

Carl Lamrre:

At Puerto Rico. 

Fan 8:

Puerto Rico, right? You saw the damage he could take. He can handle it. 

Carl Lamarre:

Why Bad Bunny? 

Keep watching for more!

Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 Countdown For May 25, 2025 | Billboard News

Kendrick Lamar & SZA land on top for a 13th week with “Luther.”

Tetris Kelly:

This is the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 for the week dated May 24th. Slipping to No. 10 is “Anxiety.” “Pink Pony Club” falls to No. 9. Benson Boone holds on to No. 8, as does his friend Teddy Swims at No. 7. Morgan Wallen jumps to No. 6. Drake’s “Nokia” is locked at No. 5, and so is Shaboozey at No. 4. “Die With a Smile” sits at No. 3, while “Ordinary” remains at its No. 2 peak. Still perched at No. 1 for a 13th week are Kendrick and SZA’s “Luther.” If you want more Billboard content, make sure you hit the subscribe button and ring the bell to be notified of all our latest videos.