Music News

29 Nov 2025

The Wiggles Address Controversy Over Keli Holiday’s ‘Ecstasy’ TikTok

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The Wiggles have issued a statement after a TikTok video featuring the children’s entertainment group and Keli Holiday — the solo project of Peking Duk’s Adam Hyde — was removed from social media following complaints from parents.

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The since-deleted clip, first reported by News.com.au, showed Blue Wiggle Anthony Field and his nephew Dominic Field (who portrays The Tree of Wisdom) dancing behind Holiday as he promoted his new single “Ecstasy.” The chorus of the track includes the lyric: “Hey girl, come on, dance with me / You and your pocket full of ecstasy,” prompting criticism from viewers who felt the pairing blurred the line between children’s entertainment and adult-coded content.

The video was posted shortly after Holiday appeared onstage with the pair at the 2025 TikTok Awards on Nov. 26, where The Wiggles joined him for a performance of his single “Dancing2.” Anthony played the bagpipes during the set while Dominic performed his signature dance alongside Holiday’s partner, broadcaster Abbie Chatfield.

After the TikTok clip began circulating, a spokesperson for The Wiggles told The West Australian that the group “does not support or condone the use of drugs in any form,” emphasizing that the video was created without their approval.

“We understand that a video circulating on social media has caused concern for many parents and professionals, and we want to address that directly,” the spokesperson said. “The Wiggles do not support or condone the use of drugs in any form. The content being shared was not created or approved by us, and we have asked for it to be removed.”

The statement clarified that while Holiday is a longtime friend of the group, the music added to the clip was edited in after their TikTok Awards appearance. “While Keli Holiday (Adam Hyde) is a friend of The Wiggles, the video and the music added to it were created independently and without our knowledge,” the spokesperson continued. “Our performance at the TikTok Awards was family-friendly and fun, and this video was edited together separately and without our awareness.”

The group ended by reaffirming their commitment to families: “We deeply value the confidence families place in us and we remain committed to creating safe, positive, and educational experiences for children and families in Australia and around the world.”

Holiday released “Ecstasy” earlier this month, describing the track as a spontaneous idea that took shape during sessions with Golden Features and Belgian singer Romanie, before finalising the song with producer Konstantin Kersting.

29 Nov 2025

Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie, Guitarist for Australia’s Skyhooks, Dies at 73

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Bob “Bongo” Starkie, guitarist for the trailblazing Australian rock band Skyhooks, has died at 73 after a year-long battle with acute myeloid leukemia. His death was confirmed Tuesday on the group’s official Facebook page.

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Skyhooks archivist Peter Green announced the news, writing that Starkie “passed away early this morning” after spending the past year undergoing treatment while still hoping to return to the stage. Green remembered him as the youngest member of the band who “embraced the theatrics” that became a signature part of Skyhooks’ identity — from bold makeup and elaborate stage outfits to the irreverent swagger that helped define the group’s rise. “The music always came first,” Green wrote, adding that performing live “was his absolute joy” and that “music was in his blood till the very end.”

Starkie joined Skyhooks in August 1973, replacing his older brother Peter Starkie, who died in 2020 at age 72 following complications from a fall. Peter was one of the musicians who helped establish the early lineup that would go on to dominate Australian rock in the mid-1970s.

In a tribute shared through the band’s page, Starkie’s daughter Indiana said her father “peacefully departed, listening to Chuck Berry, snuggling with his fur baby Bonnie, surrounded by friends and family.” She noted that he was deeply loved by daughters Indiana and Arabella, grandchildren Phoenix and Lucia, partner Chrissy, close friend Ian, and son-in-laws Simon and Chris, adding: “He felt the love till the very end.”

Formed in Melbourne in 1973, Skyhooks quickly became one of Australia’s most influential rock acts. Known for their glam-leaning visual style, provocative lyrics and theatrical shows, the band gave Michael Gudinski’s Mushroom Records its first major commercial breakthrough. Their debut album, Living in the 70’s, spent 16 weeks at No. 1 in 1975 and reshaped Australia’s pop and rock landscape. Skyhooks also made broadcasting history when their track “You Just Like Me ’Cos I’m Good in Bed” became the first song ever played on 2JJ (later triple j) in January 1975.

The group endured tragedy before: frontman Graeme “Shirley” Strachan died on August 29, 2001, at age 49 in a solo helicopter crash near Mount Archer in Queensland. He was piloting a Bell 47 when turbulence caused the rotor to strike the tail boom, leading to the fatal accident.

Skyhooks disbanded in 1980 but reunited periodically, with Starkie remaining one of the band’s most active ambassadors. In 1992, Skyhooks were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, further defining their status as one of Australia’s defining rock acts.

28 Nov 2025

Taylor Swift’s ‘The Fate of Ophelia’ Holds Court Atop U.K. Charts for Sixth Week

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Taylor Swift continues her reign over the U.K.’s Official Singles Chart, landing her sixth non-consecutive week at No. 1 with “The Fate of Ophelia” (Nov. 28).

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The track appears on the superstar’s 12th studio album The Life of a Showgirl, and first hit the summit on the U.K. charts dated Oct. 10, holding the spot for three consecutive weeks. After being briefly knocked off the top spot by KPop Demon Hunters’ “Golden,” Swift regained the No. 1 earlier this month (Nov. 28), where she has remained since.

The current leading ladies in British pop have also made major moves on the chart this week. It’s a personal best for RAYE’s “Where Is My Husband!,” which secures a new No. 2 peak, while Olivia Dean’s “So Easy (To Fall In Love)” follows, breaking the top three for the first time. 

Dean also scoops a hat-trick, rounding out the top five with “Man I Need” (No. 4) and Sam Fender collab “Rein Me In” (No. 5). “Let Alone the One You Love,” another track from the north London singer’s The Art Of Loving LP, makes its maiden chart entry at No. 21.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande earn this week’s highest new entry with For Good (No. 14), the emotional centrepiece of the recently-released Wicked: For Good soundtrack. Two other songs from the film also appear in the top 40 “No Good Deed” (No. 17) and “As Long As You’re Mine” (No. 29).

As the rumour mill runs into overdrive, with fans theorising if Timothée Chalamet is secretly performing as rapper EsDeeKid, the balaclava-clad artist makes a major splash on this week’s chart. He earns his first top 10 with “Century” (No. 10), with the Rico Ace-assisted “Phantom” shortly behind at No. 12. “4 Raws,” meanwhile,” appears at No. 27.  


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28 Nov 2025

Ray J Arrested After Allegedly Pointing Gun at Princess Love During Thanksgiving Livestream

Ray J was arrested after allegedly pointing a gun at his ex-wife, Princess Love, during a livestreamed argument on Thanksgiving.

The 44-year-old singer, whose real name is William Ray Norwood Jr., was taken into custody by Los Angeles police on Thursday (Nov. 27) and charged with making a criminal threat. Officers had responded to a report of assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence, according to NBC News.

Ray J, the younger brother of singer Brandy, was booked at the LAPD’s Van Nuys Station and released on $50,000 bond later that night, jail records reportedly indicate.

Video footage of the heated incident, published by TMZ, appears to show Ray J livestreaming a confrontation with Princess Love, 41, over the custody of their children. The former couple share daughter Melody Love, 7, and son Epik Ray, 5.

In the edited clip, Ray J appears to pull a gun while Love — holding one of their children — says, “You just pointed a gun at me.” The “One Wish” singer then denies pointing a firearm.

The livestream begins with Ray J claiming he was having “the worst Thanksgiving in the f—king world,” TMZ reports. The video also reportedly shows him holding a gun and saying, “If these n—s step foot close to this door I’m going to blow this f—king s—t away, bro.”

Ray J and Princess Love starred together on the VH1 reality show Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood from 2014 to 2019. They married in 2016, and Love filed for divorce — her fourth filing — in 2024, according to People.

The singer has also recently been in the news for filing a countersuit against Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner, claiming they intentionally released the sex tape with him that helped launch Kim’s career and then “peddled the false story” that it was leaked.


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28 Nov 2025

Yungblud Scores Second U.K. No. 1 of 2026 With Aerosmith Collab EP

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Horns up! Yungblud and Aerosmith have hit No. 1 with their new collaborative project on this week’s Official U.K. Albums Chart (Nov. 28).

The achievement marks a major milestone for both acts. One More Time sees U.S. rock legends Aerosmith hit the summit on the chart for the first time, while also marking Yungblud’s second No. 1 of 2026, following the release of his Idols LP in June. 

Celebrating the news, Yungblud tells Billboard U.K. exclusively: “I must have f—king rubbed a magic lamp, me, because this year has truly been insane. To have two number one albums in a year in my home country is just a dream.”

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One More Time is the singer’s fourth chart-topping accolade to date. He’ll embark on the Idols Tour with a U.K. and Irish leg slated for spring 2026. Yungblud will arrive on his home shores in April for an 11-date run, which includes a night at London’s iconic O2 Arena.

As she wraps up a run of U.S. tour support slots for Sabrina Carpenter, British pop supernova Olivia Dean’s The Art Of Loving continues to hold court at No. 2. Taylor Swift’s blockbuster LP The Life Of A Showgirl, meanwhile, stays strong as a non-mover at No. 3. 

Following the release of a fresh deluxe edition, Tate McRae’s So Close To What rockets 20 places up the chart to No. 4. Olly Murs completes the top five with ska-influenced LP Knees Up, his first full-length record since 2022’s Marry Me.

Farther down the chart, EsDeeKid’s Rebel hits a new peak of No. 13, thanks to a viral theory that the anonymous rapper might be Timothée Chalamet grafting on the Oscar campaign trail for his upcoming Marty Supreme film — spurring curious new fans to stream the record.

Following the passing of bassist Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield last week (Nov. 20), the Stone Roses find both their 1989 classic self-titled debut (No. 25) and The Very Best of the Stone Roses (37) back inside the chart.


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28 Nov 2025

Stray Kids, Aespa & More K-Pop Stars Donate to Support Victims of Hong Kong Tower Fire

K-pop band aespa and other South Korean pop stars have announced a flurry of donations to support victims of an apartment fire in Hong Kong that killed at least 128 people in one of the city’s deadliest blazes.

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Girl group aespa said they will donate 500,000 Hong Kong dollars ($64,000) to the Hong Kong Red Cross, according to a post on their official Weibo account. “We express our deepest sorrow regarding this heartbreaking news,” the band said.

Stray Kids pledged 1 million Hong Kong dollars ($129,000) through World Vision Hong Kong for temporary housing and other support for affected children and residents. “We were all very heavy-hearted upon hearing the unfortunate news from Hong Kong,” the group said.

SM and JYP Entertainment, two of South Korea’s biggest entertainment companies, donated a combined 3 million Hong Kong dollars ($385,000) for emergency relief and disaster recovery.

Other K-pop groups that also pledged donations included boy bands RIIZE, EXO-CBX and KickFlip contributed 100,000 Hong Kong dollars ($12,900) through World Vision Hong Kong.

Organizers of the MAMA AWARDS, an annual two-day K-pop awards ceremony scheduled for Friday (Nov. 28) and Saturday (Nov. 29) in Hong Kong, faced online criticism in South Korea for not canceling the event in light of the fire tragedy.

South Korean entertainment company CJ E&M canceled both days’ red carpet events but said the main ceremony would proceed.

“We express our deepest condolences to those who lost their lives in the fire in Hong Kong,” CJ E&M said in a statement. The company said the awards would add a “Support Hong Kong” message and include time for mourning. Organizers also pledged to donate 20 million Hong Kong dollars ($2.6 million) to the support fund established by the Hong Kong government.

“We believe in the healing and solidarity power of music,” the statement said.


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28 Nov 2025

Jack White & Eminem’s ‘Live at Ford Field’ Halftime Show Performance Is Now Streaming

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Jack White and Eminem’s first live collaboration is now streaming.

Shortly after the Detroit music legends took the stage at Ford Field for the Lions–Packers Thanksgiving Day halftime show on Thursday (Nov. 27), their collaborative performance was released on all major streaming platforms.

“Live at Ford Field’ Jack White III featuring @eminem is out on all streaming platforms now,” White wrote on Instagram. “Relive the Thanksgiving 2025 halftime performance.”

The three-song release, out via Third Man/Shady/Aftermath/Interscope, features White’s live renditions of his solo track “That’s How I’m Feeling” and the White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army,” along with an onstage mashup of the White Stripes’ “Hello Operator” and Em’s “‘Till I Collapse.”

During his seven-minute set, White played a blue guitar while his backing band donned Lions gear. “I love you, Detroit,” he shouted as the performance closed. Eminem made a surprise appearance, wearing a hoodie and custom-made Lions jacket, marking the first onstage meeting between the two Detroit icons.

The Lions’ annual Thanksgiving Day Classic at Ford Field was co-executive produced by Eminem alongside his manager, Paul Rosenberg. The event launched a new three-year partnership between the Detroit Lions, Jesse Collins Entertainment, and Eminem and Rosenberg. The team previously collaborated on the June 2024 Michigan Central opening concert, which also featured White.

The halftime performance also coincided with the White Stripes’ induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Nov. 8 and the 10th anniversary of the opening of White’s Third Man Records in his hometown.

Check out White’s Instagram post below.


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28 Nov 2025

LISA Reveals the ‘Little Love Letter’ to ‘Part of Her Family’ in Her ‘Fortnite’ Collab

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LISA has been on a mission — and it comes to completion on Saturday, Nov. 29, when she launches as Fortnite Festival season 12’s Icon. As part of the Starlux Music Pass, the BLACKPINK singer-rapper’s collab will offer an in-game virtual headlining performance, as well as outfits, accessories and music from her solo debut album, Alter Ego, available as Jam Tracks.

“I’m always looking for fun, new ways to reach my fans, and I love when music, gaming and fashion mix together,” she tells Billboard. “Fortnite is the perfect place for all of that. I had so much fun creating my outfit designs, based on the different characters from my album Alter Ego, and making sure everything was personal and authentic!”

In fact, the star — who portrayed hotel employee Mook in season three of the HBO hit The White Lotus this year — took an extra step to make her contribution to season 12 of Fortnite Festival extra personal. And eagle-eyed fans may have caught the tribute when the trailer for the game’s new season dropped on Nov. 24.

“When Fortnite asked me what I wanted in this collab, I immediately thought of my cats,” LISA reveals. “My pets are such a big part of my life, and so the Back Bling is a little love letter to Louis! It’s my way of bringing a part of my family into Fortnite.”

In the trailer, her beloved furry pal rides on her back as LISA cruises around on a motorcycle, as well as when she’s showing off her moves on the main stage.

“I love how creative everyone gets with their collabs, and the best part is seeing people bring a piece of themselves into the game,” she says of other artists — Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, Eminem and Mariah Carey, among many more — who have worked with Fortnite. “Ariana Grande included her pet as a Back Bling, which I thought was so cute!” (The “Thank U, Next” singer’s porcine pal, Piggy Smallz, was featured in 2021.)

LISA also details her level of involvement in this Fortnite collab and her thinking process behind her choices. “I got to work with the Fortnite team, from the art direction to song selection. For songs, I wanted a good mix coming from Alter Ego,” she shares of the music from the album, which debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 in March. “’Rockstar” is for the attitude, ‘New Woman’ for a bold and confident energy, ‘FUTW (Vixi Solo Version)’ for a moody vibe.

“We also used the real dances in emotes, too,” she adds. “The FUTW and Rockstar emotes are very similar to the actual music videos. The Rockstar emote even has a motorcycle as part of it.”

The star notes that the collaboration really allowed her creativity to soar, and reveals one of her favorite parts of the collab. “What I love about Fortnite is that you can create anything,” she gushes. “I really wanted to show the bold attitude of Alter Ego for this collab. The FUTW emote was definitely a highlight for me! Adding those flash accents made every dance move feel exciting.”

Though LISA is far from the first musician to work with Fortnite, she is the first member of BLACKPINK to do so. And while the singer-rapper didn’t say who she’d like to be a Fortnite Festival Icon next, she does want to see all her bandmates do it — perhaps even as a group. She enthuses: “Those are my girls, and it’d be so cool to see all of us together in Fortnite!”


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27 Nov 2025

‘Stranger Things’ Soundtrack For Season 5 Premieres With Cuts by Michael Jackson, ABBA

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Eleven, Steve Harrington, Max Mayfield and all the favorites from Stranger Things are back in our lives, as the beloved sci-fi series rolls out for a fifth season.

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From today, Nov. 28, fans everywhere can also soak up tunes from the latest episodes.

The digital edition of Season 5, Volume 1 premieres today, and includes pop and rock classics by ABBA, Michael Jackson, The Psychedelic Furs, Tiffany and others.

Volume 2 will drop online Dec. 26, and Volume 3 will arrive Jan. 1, 2026, collecting all three volumes with additional material.

Then, on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, the complete Stranger Things: Soundtrack from the Netflix Series, Season 5 will be available on CD, vinyl and red cassette configurations, through Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment. Colored vinyl formats include standard black, Amazon’s exclusive red smoke, Target’s exclusive blue smoke, Walmart’s exclusive orange marble, and the Sony Music Store’s marble yellow exclusive.

The three-stage release mirrors the fifth and final season of Stranger Things, which is staggered with three volumes, led off by the first four episodes which premiered Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Netflix gave fans a taste of things to come with the engrossing official trailer that debuted in October, and features a remix of Queen’s “Who Wants To Live Forever,” a tear-jerker that originally appeared in Russell Mulcahy’s ‘80s sci-fi action film Highlander.

The Duffer Brothers and two-time Grammy nominee and Emmy winner Nora Felder conceptualized and produced the soundtrack album, which can be pre-ordered here.

Since its first season in 2016, Stranger Things has taken millions back to the ‘80s, into the Upside Down, and, along the way, flourished as a cultural phenomenon.

Where the show has launched the careers of its young actors, and pushed several of its veteran cast into the spotlight, its creators have also found a sweet spot with its soundtrack. Season Four reenergized Kate Bush’s 1985 song “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” into a global, chart-topping smash, and the use of Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” in a pivotal scene during the season finale powered the rock song into the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time.

Tracklist – Stranger Things: Soundtrack from the Netflix Series, Season 5, Vol. 1

1. “Rockin’ Robin” — Michael Jackson

2. “I Think We’re Alone Now” -– Tiffany

3. “Fernando” -– ABBA

4. “Mr. Sandman” — The Chordettes

5. “Pretty In Pink” — The Psychedelic Furs

6. “Sh-Boom” — The Chords

7. “Oh Yeah” — Yello

8. “To Each His Own” (Inspired by the Paramount Picture To Each His Own) — Freddy Martin & His Orchestra *

* Not included in Vinyl & cassette configurations

27 Nov 2025

Post Malone Salutes Marshawn Kneeland During Dallas Cowboys Halftime Performance

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Post Malone used his halftime spot at the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving home game Thursday night (Nov. 27) to pay tribute to Marshawn Kneeland, the late Cowboys defensive end.

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“We love you, 94,” Posty said near the end of his three-song medley at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium, referencing the number Kneeland wore during his two seasons with the Cowboys. “We love you.”

The “Rockstar” singer also sported a No. 94 pin on his blue and white satin jacket for the Cowboys’ duel with Kansas City Chiefs.

Kneeland died by a gunshot to the head earlier this month, at the age of just 24. His death is being investigated as a suicide.

A product of Western Michigan Broncos, the footballer earned second-team Mid-American Conference (MAC) honors in 2023, and, the following year, was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the NFL draft.

For Posty, the high-profile gig was a triumphant homecoming. The celebrated hip-hop artist (real name: Austin Post) was raised in Grapevine, Texas, and his dad, Rich Post, was assistant director of food and beverage at the stadium from 2005 to 2019.

“I’m from Texas. I grew up a Cowboys fan and have been watching this halftime show for years,” Malone commented in a statement published on the Cowboys’ official site. “It’s a real honor to be part of the Red Kettle Kickoff with The Salvation Army and the Dallas Cowboys and help bring hope to so many people.”

For the big show, Posty powered through “Wrong Ones,” “Wow” and “I Had Some Help.”

Malone’s Thanksgiving thank-you might’ve done enough to lifted his beloved franchise, as the Cowboys ran out winners 31-28.

Post doesn’t pass on the opportunity to perform under the bright lights of the NFL. His previous football gigs include the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans’ Christmas Day show last year; he performed before the 2024 Super Bowl when he sang “America the Beautiful,” and earlier in the year he headlined the Super Bowl 59 YouTube tailgate concert.

See clips from Post Malone’s halftime performance below.