Rae Sremmurd talks about performing their new song during the BET Awards pre-show, their love of groups like Outkast, Backstreet Boys, the Ying Yang twins, being excited to see Busta Rhymes being honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and more on the red carpet of the 2023 BET Awards!
Big Freedia talks to Billboard about her new album Central City, her new Fuse reality show Big Freedia Means Business, working with legends such as Lil Wayne and Beyoncé, and more!
Big Freedia:
They were trying to stop me from gyrating and called all these police.
Tetris Kelly:
They called the police?
Big Freedia:
Yeah, and I was like, ‘I’m the queen of bounce, honey. You’re all gonna get ready to take me to jail.”
Tetris Kelly:
Twerk all the way to the jail, how about that?
Big Freedia:
Hey, this is Big Freedia, the queen diva, and this is Billboard News — girl down!
Tetris Kelly:
It’s Tetris of Billboard News hanging out with Big Freedia. You looking good! Happy Pride!
Big Freedia:
Thank you, happy Pride to you as well.
Tetris Kelly:
I have been loving the energy. Have you been celebrating Pride?
Big Freedia:
I’ve just been performing everywhere, bringing good energy, you know, going out living in my true being loud and proud.
Tetris Kelly:
And I feel like the energy is different this year because of course, we always celebrate Pride. But then there’s so many social issues happening right now. So have you noticed, like, a difference in Pride this year when we’re under attack for so many reasons?
Big Freedia:
Yeah, I definitely think that we are being fearfulness. And we are going out there and just showing our true colors, and letting them know that all of these laws that they’re trying to put in place, it’s not really stopping anything. We are going to still stand strong, and we’re gonna come together as a community and keep on fighting for our rights.
Watch Big Freedia’s full interview with Billboard News above!
Carly Pearce reveals five things you didn’t know about her at the Billboard Country Live event.
Carly Pearce:
Hi, I’m Carly Pearce, and these are five things you may not know about me.
I live on a bus with four grown men — and I’m grosser than all of them.
If I wasn’t in commercial country music, I would have a full sleeve tattoo, but I think I have as many as I can. I’m obsessed.
I hate when people are late. And I’m always either 10 minutes ahead or right on time, so don’t ever be late if you’re coming.
I am so clean that my house, if you ever come over to my house, people say that it looks like a model home, so you can drop in anytime you want.
And no one who knows me wants to get in a car with me. I’m a little bit reckless, but if you’re a police officer, I drive perfectly fine at the speed limit.
And those are five things you didn’t know about me.
At the Billboard Country Live event held June 7 at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, the Grammy winner participated in the Women of Country panel, which also included Hillary Scott of Lady A, Madeline Edwards and Lily Rose. The discussion was moderated by Beverly Keel, the dean of Middle Tennessee State University’s College of Media and Entertainment. Watch Pearce and her fellow panelists discuss dream collaborations, what the country music environment is like for women today, how male artists get more play on country radio stations, and more. You can watch the entire discussion here.
Portugal. The Man frontman John Gourley is Billboard’s new cover star. A freak hailstorm broke out at Louis Tomlinson‘s show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Wednesday night, sending fans ducking for cover. Orville Peck cancels his tour to work on his mental and physical health. And Shawn Mendes shared the stage with Ed Sheeran during his stop in Toronto. And more!
Tetris Kelly:
Dozens of fans are injured at a Louis Tomlinson concert. We catch up with Portugal. The Man in Alaska to talk about their comeback. We’ve got an exclusive look at the movie Joy Ride. Orville Peck postpones his tour for health reasons. And we run down the biggest songs of the summer from 2012. Welcome to Billboard News! I’m Tetris Kelly and it’s Thursday, June 22nd.
We’ve got a new cover star! Portugal. The Man is back and they’re looking a little different these days. We took a trip to Alaska to hear all about their journey.
John Gourley:
Looking back at that stuff, I’m just so gracious of everything that came along with that song. And it was like this really stressful period for the band, just having that crossover success. And I mean, it was legit like all day long.
John Gourley:
You would wake up in the morning, you go to do press, you bounced around, you’d play five soundcheck parties, and they become less of like soundcheck parties and more of just like five extra shows in the day. And it was so fun. I mean, it was so new for us, like we’re just doing this. I didn’t even realize it until the end of it. The last show we played was up here in Alaska, and the last show I just broke down in tears. Emotionally, we took on so much. We had a really great time making music together and then the pandemic. And yeah, there’s just been this moment of searching for identity and I think just priorities shifted. It just became about a family, became more about just reconnecting with each other. We had just found out that Francis has this very rare genetic disease. She’s one of six kids with her specific disease. It’s really intense. I mean, it really like makes you think about how fragile we all are.
Watch the full video above!
Portugal. The Man frontman John Gourley talks about the crazy whirlwind success of the band’s hit single “Feel It Still” (a Billboard Hot 100 top 10), why their upcoming music is their most personal yet and more.
John Gourley:
The stakes have changed. The motivation has changed. The reason I’m doing this piece all changed
I mean, it’s so wild looking back at that stuff
This is where we used to skip school and snowboard. We’d hike up, this is like my happy place. Right when I come home, I listen to music and just walk along the top. Just silence that’s the thing I miss most about Alaska is just silence. We’re here in Knik, Alaska. I grew up out here. We come out for the dog sled races for the Knik 200, we shot a ton of our music videos
These two trees the way they were bent. It just it looked like a soundstage. I sent it to a buddy and he was like, where did you shoot this? It’s like literally my dad’s backyard. Last time I came down from the tree, she didn’t have video. It was all adrenaline. I was sitting up there. I was like, wow, like I have no strength left and I was at the top. I was like, please make it to the bottom please.
Watch the full video above. Read the full Billboard cover story, written by Lyndsey Havens, here. Check out the photo shoot taken in John Gourley’s home state of Alaska here.
Singer-songwriter Lauren Jauregui spills about her celebrity crush, pet peeve, favorite movie and more on the fourth episode of Billboard News’ Speed Dating.
Tetris Kelly:
We’re gonna do a little speed date. You got to be quick, though!
Lauren Jauregui:
Oh, you got a little … we got a little card for this one.
Tetris Kelly:
Oh, yeah. I’m ready! Where are you from?
Lauren Jauregui:
Miami.
Tetris Kelly:
What’s your sign?
Lauren Jauregui:
I’m a Cancer.
Tetris Kelly:
You got a little extra? What’s your moon?
Lauren Jauregui:
I’m a Scorpio moon.
Tetris Kelly:
See, you gotta get all the information!
Lauren Jauregui:
And a Virgo rising.
Tetris Kelly:
What was your dream job as a kid?
Lauren Jauregui:
I wanted to be a teacher. I used to like to pretend to do roll call and, like< make my brother and sister be students and give them homework.
Tetris Kelly:
Who’s your celebrity crush?
Lauren Jauregui:
Currently, me.
Tetris Kelly:
I love the confidence.
Lauren Jauregui:
Or Megan Thee Stallion.
Tetris Kelly:
Good answer. I mean, she’s everybody’s celebrity crush. Everything about her, I mean, just run a clip.
What’s your favorite movie?
Lauren Jauregui:
My favorite movie? Across the Universe. I also love like all the Spike Lee’s movies, because I just love his style.
Tetris Kelly:
What’s your favorite fast food?
Lauren Jauregui:
I haven’t been to a fast food place in a minute, but I would say Five Guys.
Tetris Kelly:
What’s your favorite local spot?
Lauren Jauregui:
LACMA.
Tetris Kelly:
Oh, you go to LACMA?
Lauren Jauregui:
Yeah, I love art.
Watch the full video above!
Beyoncé, Rihanna and Zendaya sit front row at Pharrell’s Louis Vuitton show. Pop stars are under attack as Ava Max is slapped by a concertgoer in LA, a few days after Bebe Rexha was hit by a phone at her concert. We give you a deeper dive into season 13 RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Symone. Lauren Jauregui goes speed dating and tells us about herself. EXO and Olivia Rodrigo create buzz on Twitter’s Hot Trending Songs chart. And more!
Tetris Kelly:
Beyoncé, Rihanna and Zendaya — Louis Vuitton’s fashion show was the place to be. Ava Max is assaulted onstage just days after Bebe Rexha. We run down the hottest songs trending on Twitter. Drag Race winner Symone lets us know her musical inspiration. And I take Lauren Jauregui on a speed date.
Tetris Kelly:
I’m Tetris and this is Billboard News. It’s Wednesday, June 21st. And we’ve got to talk about the most star-studded event that just went down in Paris: Rihanna and Beyoncé breathing the same air.
Tetris Kelly:
It was so crazy if you were able to grab a seat for the LV fashion show at Paris Fashion Week. Pharrell unveiled the menswear spring summer 2024 collection and he had superstar friends in attendance. Fashion queen Zendaya was there. Jay-Z joined Pharrell to perform, and of course Beyoncé attended with her husband — but they weren’t the only couple goals. A$AP Rocky and Rihanna attended the show, but we have yet to see a picture of the power couples together. Also in attendance, my faves the spicy Latin king and queen Maluma and Anitta.
Watch the full video above!
Pharrell Williams made his runway debut as Louis Vuitton’s new creative director of menswear on Tuesday (June 20), when the luxury fashion house unveiled its spring/summer 2024 collection during Paris Fashion Week.
The star-studded event took place at Paris’ Pont Neuf and featured a choir and an orchestra, as the models showed off the colorful new designs on the gold-toned runway. Williams told the New York Times that the theme of his debut collection is “lovers,” as the publication noted that the showcase was full of “printed leather jerseys and rugbys, quilted denim, Mao-neck blazers and ghillie camo with LV logo cutouts.”
The artist was named creative director of Louis Vuitton back in February, taking over the position previously held by Virgil Abloh who passed away in 2021 following a battle with cancer. “Louis Vuitton is delighted to welcome Pharrell as its new men’s creative director. His first collection for Louis Vuitton will be revealed next June during men’s fashion week in Paris,” LMVH, Louis Vuitton’s parent company shared in a statement at the time posted to the brand’s Twitter and Instagram accounts.
To celebrate his first collection under his prestigious new position, today’s biggest stars gathered to watch the runway show. Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Kim Kardashian and Jared Leto were all spotted front row, while Megan Thee Stallion, Jaden and Willow Smith, Kelly Rowland, Coi Leray, Lenny Kravitz, Maluma and Tyler, the Creator were also among those in attendance.
See below for our gallery of photos showcasing the celebrities in attendance at the Louis Vuitton Spring 2024 Menswear Collection runway show.
Megan the Stallion kept it classic with a denim trench coat and matching low-waisted jeans, paired with a black crop top and shades.
J Balvin and Maluma brought pops of color to the event as they posed together in their green-toned fits.
Willow Smith and Jaden Smith were all smiles as they posed with Tyler, the Creator.
Zendaya’s intricate, plunging top was paired with matching tailored pants and her hair in long, loose waves.
Jared Leto and Kim Kardashian were futuristic chic as they sat next to each other during the show.
Pharrell Williams thanks the audience as he celebrates his first runway show as creative director of menswear.
Pusha T and No Malice wore corresponding graphic coats as they strutted down the runway.
Anitta paired a yellow bikini top with a loose-fitting LV jacket and jean combo.
Willow and Jaden Smith proved cool runs in the family as they rocked sleek, menswear-inspired looks.
The models showcased the newest Louis Vuitton Menswear Collection on the runway.
Coi Leray elevated the “baggy pants, small top” trend with a pink crossbody bag and a ton of blinged out jewelry.
Pietro Beccari, Zendaya, Beyonce, Jay Z, and Bernard Arnault were all seen front row at the Louis Vuitton Spring 2024 Menswear Collection Runway Show.
Jared Leto paired his white trench coat with pops of color in his belt, hair and eyeshadow.
Kelly Rowland was sleek in a grey pantsuit, bringing the ultimate girlboss energy.
Tyler, the Creator’s red cap matched his LV bag as he kept the rest of the outfit classic, with a white t-shirt and khakis.
Russell Westbrook bared his chest with a plunging button-down top, which he paired with patterned jeans and a chain necklace.
Maluma’s colorful plaid shorts and blazer came together with sleek chains and a simple pair of eyeglasses.
Jerry Lorenzo was comfy-cool with an oversized hoodie and sweatpants, paired with a crossbody bag and grey slip-on shoes.
J Balvin never shies away from pattern, as he mixed and matched colors and styles for his fun look.
Kim Kardashian paired a pixelated bra with matching leggings and an oversized fuzzy coat for the occasion.
Lenny Kravitz and Naomi Campbell held hands as they both rocked leather jackets and dark sunglasses.
Lebron James proved you can never go wrong with a suit, pairing the classic ensembled with a chic pair of sunglasses.
Pharrell Williams paired his pixelated blazer with a bolo tie and tiny sunglasses.
In the newest episode of Billboard’s Growing Up, Shaggy reflects on his whirlwind career, including how he developed his signature singing voice and the creation of his smash hit, “It Wasn’t Me.” See the industry titan take a trip down memory lane and tease his upcoming One Fine Day: Sting & Shaggy music festival, which is for September 9, 2023 in Philadelphia.
RuPaul’s Drag Race season 13 winner Symone talks about her start in drag, performing for the first time and more for our Billboard Pride cover with Maren Morris.
Symone:
At 18, I went to an amateur night at the club back home in Arkansas. I stepped on that stage, honey — the lights, the cameras hit me. And it was over from there.
Symone on how she got into drag:
I was watching RuPaul’s Drag Race and I was about 15, 16 years old, and I had a job at the time. And I would save up my money, and I just started putting on makeup because, you know, I wanted to look good. You know, I was like, “If I’m doing it, I’m gonna look good in the face.” So I did that for a while. Then I went to my prom — went to my senior prom in drag. That was the first time I stepped out in drag in full regalia. And then at 18, I went to an amateur night at the club back home in Arkansas. And I stepped on that stage honey, the lights, the cameras hit me. And it was over from there.
Symone on the first song she performed in drag:
“Domino” by Jessie J. And there’s no specific reason why — it was just because at the time I loved it. And it was just what got me going, and I wore that song out.
Symone on her signature drag number:
It’s either Tina Turner’s “Disco Inferno,” or it’s my Whitney medley, my 11-minute Whitney medley I do. I shut it down.
Symone on musicians who have inspired her:
Whitney Houston, of course. Tina Turner, Rihanna, Lil Kim and Diana Ross.
Watch the full video above!
