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Beloved director and filmmaker David Lynch has died at the age of 78, and Hollywood is mourning one of its most visionary artists.
Lynch’s family announced the news of his passing via a Facebook post on Thursday (Jan. 16). “It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch,” the statement reads. “We would appreciate some privacy at this time. There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.’ It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.”
While his cause of death was not revealed, Lynch’s death comes just five months after he announced he was diagnosed with emphysema from years of smoking.
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The visual artist was best known for the television classic Twin Peaks, as well as films including Mulholland Drive and Blue Velvet, among others.
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Following the news of his death, a number of celebrities took to social media to mourn Lynch and celebrate his works. “RIP #DavidLynch,” Slash wrote on Instagram alongside a black-and-white photo of the late star. “Everything is fine…,” The Weeknd wrote as a tribute to Lynch alongside a photo of the director on the set of Twin Peaks.
Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan, who contributed to the soundtrack for Lynch’s Lost Highway, wrote via Instagram, “Truly saddened to hear of the passing of David Lynch. Working with him was like a dream out of one of his movies, and I treasure the times I got to speak with him and hear first-hand his vision for a film. I truly encourage anyone who loves movies and television to watch all that David produced. He was a true artist, through and through.”
Questlove echoed the sentiment alongside a series of photos of himself with Lynch. “Lynch was the first human/creative that stressed the importance of not overworking and taking time out to breathe & meditate and searching for creative avenues not in my comfort zone (he was my guiding creative light for the Somethingtofoodabout book from 2016,” he wrote. “Took a liking to me always inviting me to his events and parties and really stressing the importance of self care. Thank you.”
Taylor Swift is speaking out about the crisis in Los Angeles County as catastrophic wildfires continue to devastate the area.
On Swift’s Instagram Stories on Thursday (Jan. 16), the 35-year-old pop star began by acknowledging, “The fires in California have devastated so many families, and it’s been heartbreaking to see these stories unfold.”
“So much suffering, loss and destruction,” Swift continued.
The 14-time Grammy winner went on to commend the numerous charitable causes that have emerged in the wake of the disaster, which has left tens of thousands of California residents displaced and destroyed countless structures in the area. “As so many people embark on some of the most challenging times of their lives, there are also many amazing organizations and groups banding together to help these communities rebuild,” she added. “These are the organizations I’ve donated to. If you feel compelled or able to donate, please do.”
Included in the list of Swift’s chosen organizations are 211 LA, California Community Foundation Fund, Direct Relief, Greater Los Angeles Education Foundation, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Los Angeles Unified School District Education Foundation Emergency Relief Fund, MusiCares and Pasadena Educational Foundation Eaton Fire Response Fund.
The California wildfires first broke out Jan. 7 in Pacific Palisades, rapidly spreading through L.A. faster than first responders could subdue the flames. More blazes later broke out in other areas of the city, with CNN reporting that at least 25 people have died so far in the destruction.
For as many organizations as Swift listed in her post, they are only a few of the numerous charitable efforts that have been launched in the area in the past week or so. ASCAP, Guitar Center Music Foundation, the Recording Academy and more music industry organizations have busied themselves with the creation of emergency funds and resources for those affected, while Beyoncé’s BeyGood Foundation, Sony Music Group, Warner Music Group and more have made sizable donations to the cause. Plus, Live Nation, AEG and the Azoff Company are planning a FireAid benefit concert at the Intuit Dome on Jan. 30, unveiling a lineup led by Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Jelly Roll, Gwen Stefani and more stars Thursday.
Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga and several more stars have joined the lineup for FireAid, an upcoming benefit concert at the Intuit Dome supporting victims of the ongoing wildfire crisis that has devastated the Los Angeles area. As reported Thursday (Jan. 16) by The Hollywood Reporter, the “Bad Guy” singer and Joker: Folie a Deux actress […]
Robbie Williams is a Swiftie!
The English singer-songwriter stopped by SiriusXM Hits 1 this week to promote his recently released, CGI monkey-led musical biopic Better Man. During his conversation with host Ben Harlum, Williams opened up about his love for Taylor Swift, with whom he performed “Angels” in 2018 at London’s Wembley Stadium.
“I love Taylor Swift. Who doesn’t and who can’t?” he said. “There are levels to this stuff, and she is achieving levels that have been unreached, unmatched. When I was in my pocket of omnipresence, I couldn’t help but go, ‘Hey, the crazy’s showing itself. Hey, this is what crazy looks like. This is making me crazy.’ And people went, ‘Oh, he’s being crazy.’ ‘Yes, I am. I’m insane right now, and I’m having a nervous breakdown.’ The poise that she has and the way that she is navigating very, very unfair things leveled at her — she’s just a girl singing some songs, trying to entertain people. Obviously, with great love comes great hate too. With omnipresence, comes the crazy and she’s navigating it all so well, it would seem from the outside.”
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Elsewhere, in an interview with Andy Cohen on SiriusXM, Williams opened up about his love for Madonna after Cohen called him out for previously “slagging” her for her age. “That’s not nice of me,” Williams said. “Here’s the thing, too, is I absolutely adore her and love her.”
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He continued, “The thing is about being a 90s British person, it was wrestling and you did this thing in the press where — which made me me and made us us — but you fill a space and in the 90s and the tail end of that, you filled a space sometimes by being mean, but funny.”
However, despite at times being “unkind” to Madonna, Williams added, “I adore her, respect her, love her music, love everything about her, everything that she’s managed to do in her career. I’ve been a d—. I can be a d—.”
Watch below.
After 15 years, singer Michael Tait is exiting his role as lead singer of contemporary Christian band Newsboys.
Tait made the announcement in an Instagram post on Jan. 16, calling his time leading Newsboys “some of the most fulfilling, faith-based and rewarding years of my life. I have been on an amazing journey all over the globe, performing and ministering to people of all ages, races and backgrounds.”
He added, “I have made for me what is a monumental and heartfelt decision that it is time to step down from Newsboys. This decision does not come lightly and has been a shock to even myself, but amidst prayer and fasting, I have clarity that this is the right decision.”
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Tait went on to thank his Newsboys bandmates for their time together, saying, “You are family, and always will be. I know Newsboys will carry on doing incredible things for God’s kingdom with strength and purpose and I can’t wait to cheer you on while you do.”
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The announcement comes just days before the group continues the 2025 leg of their Worldwide Revival Nights Tour on Jan. 18 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. A social media statement from Newsboys noted that Tait’s exit will not impact their upcoming tour, which is slated to run through August.
“We are grateful for the extended season Michael has had with Newsboys….as he said in his announcement, the memories we share are deeply cherished. As he walks into the next season of life, we are stepping into the next season of Newsboys,” the group’s Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis and Adam Agee said in the social media post.
“We are kicking off our Worldwide Revival Nights tour as planned this weekend, and we hope to see you at a show soon … as we navigate this season of change, we know that worshipping together is the way we want to move forward. We know there will be questions about what the future holds, and in due time we’ll have answers for those questions. For now, we want you to know that Newsboys isn’t going anywhere; we’re going everywhere!” the group’s statement continued.
Newsboys released their most recent album, Worldwide Revival (Part One), on July 19, 2024. Tait joined Newsboys in 2009, following the departure of former Newsboys member Peter Furler. Since forming in 1989, the band has earned two No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart, including “You Are My King (Amazing Love),” and “We Believe.” The group has also earned 13 top 10 Christian Airplay hits, and has been nominated for four Grammy Awards.
Tait was previously part of the groundbreaking CCM rap-rock group, DC Talk, from 1988-2001, alongside TobyMac and Kevin Smith. The four-time Grammy-winning DC Talk was known for songs including “Jesus Freak” and “Between You and Me.” He also led his own band, Tait, prior to joining Newsboys.
Check out both statements from Tait and Newsboys below:
David Lynch, the beloved filmmaker and director known for his dark, surrealist vision in the television classic Twin Peaks, as well as films including Mulholland Drive and Blue Velvet, has died. He was 78 years old.
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Lynch’s family announced the news of his passing via a Facebook post on Thursday (Jan. 16). “It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch,” the statement reads alongside a photo of the artist playing a guitar. “We would appreciate some privacy at this time. There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, ‘Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.’ It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way.”
See the post here. His cause of death was not revealed.
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Lynch’s death comes just five months after he announced that he was housebound over fears he’ll contract COVID-19 after being diagnosed with emphysema from many years of smoking. At the time, he added that he wasn’t planning to make another film. “I would try to do it remotely, if it comes to it,” Lynch said. “I wouldn’t like that so much.”
The Missoula, Montana, native, was a one-time painter who enrolled in the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts before he shifted his focus to making films. His breakthrough came via 1977’s Eraserhead, which became popular in the midnight movie underground circuit. Among his many notable films include 2001’s Mulholland Drive starring Justin Theroux, Naomi Watts and Laura Harring; and 1986’s Blue Velvet, starring Kyle MacLachlan, Isabella Rossellini, Dennis Hopper and Laura Dern.
In television, he was best known as the visionary behind the mystery drama series Twin Peaks, which ran for two seasons from 1990 to 1991 and returned for a third season in 2017. The series won three Golden Globes and two Emmys, as well as a 1991 Grammy for best pop instrumental performance for the Angelo Badalamenti-composed theme music.
Lynch’s projects also made appearances on the Billboard charts. Twin Peaks: Music From The Second Season And More claimed the No. 17 spot on the the April 27, 2019-dated Soundtracks chart. That same week, it peaked at No. 68 on the Top Album Sales tally. His third studio album, The Big Dream, peaked at No. 40 on Independent Albums and No. 167 on Top Current Album Sales in 2013.
He also directed a number of music videos, including Nine Inch Nails’ 2013 “Came Back Haunted” clip as well as Moby’s 2009 “Shot in the Back of the Head” video.
Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s “Lilac” holds at No. 1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, dated Jan. 15, extending its reign atop the chart to four weeks.
The Oblivion Battery opener saw an increase in streams, video views and karaoke plays this week. Streaming and video both gained by around 20% compared to last week, and the song dominated downloads, streaming, video and karaoke, while coming in at No. 19 for radio. 19 songs by the three-man band are charting on the Japan Hot 100 this week, including three more in the top 10 — “Que Sera Sera” at No. 3, “Bitter Vacances” at No. 5, and “Soranji” at No. 10.
Rosé & Bruno Mars’ “APT” also holds at No. 2. Streams for the long-running hit, which topped the Billboard Global 200 for the 11th week, increased 30% from the week before, and charts in the top 5 for the seventh week. The track comes in at No. 7 for downloads, No. 2 for streaming, No. 15 for radio airplay, No. 2 for video, and No. 27 for karaoke.
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Kis-My-Ft2’s “Curtain call’ debuts at No. 4. The boy band’s 32nd single launched with 121,351 copies to rule sales, while coming in at No. 45 for radio. Lienel’s fifth single “Go Around The World” also bows at No. 6, selling 73,952 copies to hit No.2 for sales and also coming in at No. 26 for radio.
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The song that ruled the radio metric this week was “Sakura, Hirari” by veteran band Southern All Stars, which held the top spot for a second week. The lead single off their upcoming new album THANK YOU SO MUCH, due in March, gained about 70% in radio airplay from the week before. Streams and video views also increased and the song rises 28-25 on the Japan Hot 100.
The Billboard Japan Hot 100 combines physical and digital sales, audio streams, radio airplay, video views and karaoke data.
See the full Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart, tallying the week from Jan. 6 to 12, here. For more on Japanese music and charts, visit Billboard Japan’s English X account.
The latest No. 1 on the Top Gabb Music Songs chart is a fitting one: Jelly Roll’s “Run It,” from the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 soundtrack, debuts atop the December 2024 ranking as the most-played song on Gabb Wireless phones that month.
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Billboard has partnered with Gabb Wireless, a phone company for kids and teens, to present a monthly chart tracking on-demand streams via its Gabb Music platform. Gabb Music offers a vast catalog of songs, all of which are selected by the Gabb team to include only kid- and teen-appropriate content. Gabb Music streams are not currently factored into any other Billboard charts.
“Run It” is the first song to debut at No. 1 on Top Gabb Music Songs, coming in the tally’s third iteration; Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” led the inaugural list, while KSI’s “Thick of It,” featuring Trippie Redd, paced November 2024, having risen two spots from its No. 3 rank on the October 2024 chart.
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Jelly Roll’s coronation comes after the song was released Nov. 21, a month ahead of Sonic the Hedgehog 3’s Dec. 20 theatrical release.
The song reigns over previous No. 1 “Thick of It,” which falls to No. 2, while ROSE and Bruno Mars’ duet “APT.” leaps to a new best of No. 3, a month after debuting at No. 24 on the November 2024 chart. “APT.” is currently the top-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100 that’s also on the December 2024 Top Gabb Music Songs ranking; it appears at No. 5 on the most recent Hot 100 dated Jan. 18.
Inaugural leader Boone’s “Beautiful Things” drops two positions to No. 4 on Top Gabb Music Songs, while Luke Combs’ “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma” again rounds out the top five.
After “Run It,” the latest list’s next-highest debut belongs is another tune from a film soundtrack: Ariana Grande’s “Popular,” from Wicked, which bows at No. 7. It’s joined on the 25-position survey by fellow Wicked tracks “Defying Gravity,” by Cynthia Erivo and featuring Grande (No. 11), and the Grande/Erivo collaboration “What Is This Feeling?” (No. 17).
The top non-movie-related debut? Billie Eilish’s “Wildflower,” which starts at No. 20.
See the full top 25 below.
Top Gabb Music Songs, December 2024
“Run It,” Jelly Roll (debut)
“Thick of It,” KSI feat. Trippie Redd (-1)
“APT.,” ROSE & Bruno Mars (+21)
“Beautiful Things,” Benson Boone (-1)
“Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” Luke Combs (=)
“Face 2 Face,” Juice WRLD (+2)
“Popular,” Ariana Grande (debut)
“Deja Vu,” Olivia Rodrigo (+1)
“Please Please Please,” Sabrina Carpenter (+3)
“Slow It Down,” Benson Boone (-7)
“Defying Gravity,” Ariana Grande feat. Cynthia Erivo (debut)
“Stargazing,” Myles Smith (+6)
“Golden Hour,” JVKE (re-entry)
“God’s Plan,” Drake (-10)
“Butterfly Effect,” Travis Scott (-9)
“Love Somebody,” Morgan Wallen (+1)
“What Is This Feeling,” Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo (debut)
“Too Sweet,” Hozier (+5)
“Stressed Out,” Twenty One Pilots (+3)
“Wildflower,” Billie Eilish (debut)
“Let You Down,” NF (-14)
“Bones,” Imagine Dragons (-12)
“Enemy,” Imagine Dragons (-2)
“Eyes Closed,” Imagine Dragons (-4)
“Jealousy, Jealousy,” Olivia Rodrigo (debut)
DROPS FROM NOVEMBER 2024: NF, “Hope”; NF, “Motto”; Maddox Batson, “X’s”; Mariah Carey, “All I Want for Christmas Is You”; 24KGoldn feat. Iann Dior, “Mood”; Justin Bieber, “Ghost”; Imagine Dragons, “Radioactive”
01/16/2025
Drizzy has filed accusations against Universal Music Group, Spotify and more over the diss track.
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More performers have been confirmed for Donald Trump‘s fast-approaching inauguration ceremony, including Kid Rock, Jason Aldean and more, according to The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline.
The publications reported Wednesday (Jan. 15) that the two musicians — both of whom have been outspoken in their support of the president elect throughout his political career — will join a lineup of performances spread out across inauguration weekend Jan. 18-20, which will also see Billy Ray Cyrus, Lee Greenwood, Parker McCollum and Gavin DeGraw taking the stage at different points. Previously confirmed performers include Carrie Underwood, the Rascal Flatts and Village People.
According to THR, Kid Rock, the “Achy Breaky Heart” country star, Greenwood and the “Y.M.C.A” group will be among the first acts to perform this weekend, with all four marked down for the Make America Great Again Victory Rally at Capitol One Arena in Washington, D.C., Sunday (Jan. 19). Liberty University’s Praise Choir is also scheduled for the event, at which Trump is expected to deliver remarks.
The following day will see the twice-impeached mogul-turned-politician officially stepping back into power at his swearing-in ceremony at the United States Capitol, where the “Before He Cheats” vocalist will perform “America the Beautiful.” The national anthem will be performed by opera singer Christopher Macchio, while Greenwood will return to perform his rendition of “God Bless the USA.”
Later on Monday (Jan. 20), Rascal Flatts will perform at the Commander-in-Chief Ball, as will McCollum. Aldean and Village People — as well as a “suprise musical guest,” per THR — are slated for the Liberty Inaugural Ball on the same day, while DeGraw is booked for that evening’s Starlight Ball.
The weekend’s festivities will close out Tuesday (Jan. 21) with a National Prayer Service.
Trump’s first presidential inauguration in 2017 featured performances from America’s Got Talent alum Jackie Evancho and the Radio City Rockettes. Four years later, Jennifer Lopez sang “America the Beautiful” and “This Land Is Your Land” at President Joe Biden’s 2021 swearing-in ceremony.
As the performers for 2025’s ceremony have been confirmed over the past week, a few of them have felt the need to explain their decisions to contribute their talents to the celebration for Trump, who in May was convicted of 34 felonies in his hush money case. “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event,” Underwood said in a statement Jan. 13. “I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”
In their performance announcement the same day, the Village People members wrote, “We know this wont make some of you happy to hear however we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics.”
“Our song Y.M.C.A. is a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign where our preferred candidate lost,” the group added at the time. “Therefore, we believe it’s now time to bring the country together with music which is why VILLAGE PEOPLE will be performing at various events as part of the 2025 Inauguration of Donald J. Trump.”