Music News

04 Mar 2024

Ciara Calls Husband Russell Wilson Her ‘Inspiration’ After His Release From Denver Broncos

Ciara is her husband’s No. 1 fan no matter what

Following the news that Russell Wilson had been cut from the Denver Broncos, the NFL quarterback took to Instagram on Monday (March 4) to thank “Broncos Country” for their support. “Over these last two years, you have welcoming my family and me with open arms and have embraced us as members of the Denver community,” he wrote in his statement, alongside photos of himself playing on the field. “This city will always hold a special place in my heart. Our family grew here, we made countless memories and friendships, and formed relationships that will last a lifetime.”

After thanking his teammates, the team’s crew and more, Wilson concluded his statement by writing, “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. God’s got me. I am excited for what’s next.”

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Ciara shared a sweet message in the comments of the post, writing, “One of One! My greatest inspiration! I love you.”

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See the post here.

The post comes shortly after the Broncos announced the end to its time with Wilson after just two seasons, despite the team signing Wilson to a five-year $242.6 million deal, subsequently taking a $85 million dead money hit over the next two seasons due to the early release.

“We spoke with Russell Wilson today to inform him of his release after the start of the league year,” the statement from the team’s general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton reads. “On behalf of the Broncos, we thank Russell for his contributions and dedication to our team while wishing him the best as he continues his career.”

Ciara and Wilson tied the knot in 2016. The couple has since welcomed three children, six-year-old Sienna Princess, three-year-old Win Harrison and three-month-old Amora Princess. Ciara also shares nine-year-old son Future Zahir with her ex, rapper Future.

04 Mar 2024

Jack Black Sends ‘Love’ to Britney Spears After ‘…Baby One More Time’ Cover

Jack Black teamed up with his longtime bandmate Kyle Gass to record a cover of Britney Spears’ 1998 breakout hit, “…Baby One More Time,” and the star revealed he’s a fan of the pop princess at the premiere for Kung Fu Panda 4 on Sunday (March 3).

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“Britney, if you’re watching, I love you. I love the song,” Black told Entertainment Tonight. Of the cover itself, he added, “We’re very proud of it, [and] I hope you like it, too.”

Black also was thrilled at the thought of collaborating with Spears. “I’m here! I’m ready when you are. I’m waiting by the phone,” he said. “I got kicks! I don’t quite have Britney kicks, but you know, I got some moves.”

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A team-up with the “Piece of Me” superstar is unlikely, as Spears took to Instagram back in January to shut down rumors that she’s working on an album. “Just so we’re clear most of the news is trash,” she wrote in her post. “They keep saying I’m turning to random people to do a new album … I will never return to the music industry !!!”

The post seemed to be in response Page Six and US Sun report that the singer is working with Charli XCX and Julia Michaels to co-write a long-awaited 10th studio album. The singer’s last album was 2016’s Glory, though also teamed up with Elton John for 2021’s “Hold Me Closer.”

Watch Jack Black’s “…Baby One More Time” cover below.

04 Mar 2024

Brit Turner, Blackberry Smoke Drummer & Founding Member, Dead at 57

Brit Turner, a founding member and the drummer for rock band Blackberry Smoke, died on Sunday (March 3). He was 57 years old.

Turner was battling glioblastoma, a form of cancer in the brain, and in November 2022, underwent a surgery to remove a brain tumor. The band confirmed the news of his death via a social media statement. “It is with the deepest sorrow that we inform everyone that our brother @britturner13 has moved on from this life,” the group wrote alongside a photo of Turner. “If you had the privilege of knowing Brit on any level, you know he was the most caring, empathetic, driven and endearing person one could ever hope to meet. Brit was Blackberry Smoke’s True North, the compass that instituted the ideology that will continue to guide this band.”

The statement noted that funeral arrangements will be announced shortly. “Thank you to everyone who has supported and been there for Brit and his family through this fight,” Blackberry Smoke wrote, before encouraging fans to visit Fact Relief’s website to help out Turner’s family.

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See the full post here.

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Blackberry Smoke was formed in Atlanta, Ga., back in 2000 and consists of Turner, vocalist and guitarist Charlie Starr, bassist Richard Turner, guitarist Paul Jackson and keyboardist Brandon Still. After releasing their debut album, Bad Luck Ain’t No Crime, in 2003, the group found success with their 2009 follow-up, Little Piece of Dixie. With their fourth studio album, Holding All the Roses, Blackberry Smoke snagged their first No. 1 and biggest sales week on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. 2016’s Like An Arrow also topped the chart. Overall, the band released eight studio albums, most recently dropping Be Right Here in February 2024.

04 Mar 2024

Teen’s Dance to Teddy Swims’ ‘Lose Control’ Earns Standing O From ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Panel

Easton Magliarditi is already one of So You Think You Can Dance‘s most promising hopefuls ahead of the competition show’s season 18 premiere on Monday night (March 4).

In a clip from the season’s first episode, shared exclusively with Billboard, the 19-year-old dancer wows the judges at his audition with his angular, aerodynamic choreography set to Teddy Swims‘ breakout hit “Lose Control.” After he successfully completes a number of passionate jumps, twists and turns, the panel — comprised of Allison Holker, Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Comfort Fedoke — gives him a standing ovation.

Season 18 comes more than a year after the last installment of So You Think You Can Dance wrapped, with Alexis Warr crowned as the last winner in August 2022. That also marked the show’s final season with Stephen “tWitch” Boss as a judge before his death in December 2022. Boss’ wife, Holker, joins the panel for the first time this season.

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“This is exactly why I am here and [why] I’m so excited to be a part of this season, because you’re everything I was hoping to see,” Holker tells Magliarditi after his dance.

Magliarditi’s audition song, Swims’ bluesy “Lose Control,” remains in the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 this week at No. 5 after peaking at No. 2 earlier this year.

With Cat Deeley onboard as host, as well as JoJo Siwa stepping in as an additional judge for the live shows, the new season of So You Think You Can Dance premieres Monday night at 9 p.m. ET on Fox. The 20-year-old Dance Moms alum joins in place of longtime judge and executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, who resigned from the show in January amid a lawsuit by Paula Abdul accusing him of two instances of sexual assault.

“I have informed the producers of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ of my decision to step back from participating in this year’s series,” Lythgoe said in a statement at the time. “I did so with a heavy heart but entirely voluntarily because this great program has always been about dance and dancers, and that’s where its focus needs to remain. In the meantime, I am dedicating myself to clearing my name and restoring my reputation.”

Watch Magliarditi’s audition above.

04 Mar 2024

Watch Sabrina Carpenter Run Into Barry Keoghan’s Arms After Eras Tour Set in Singapore

Sabrina Carpenter is feeling light as a feather with a certain Irish actor on her mind. In an adorable video from the 24-year-old singer-actress’ weekend shows opening for Taylor Swift‘s Eras Tour in Singapore, she shares a sweet exchange with Barry Keoghan — whom she is rumored to be dating — moments after finishing her set.

In the clip, a camera zooms in on Carpenter after she steps offstage in her black dress and signature knee-high boots. When she sees Keoghan, she runs into his arms, and the Saltburn star spins her around in a circle before walking with her into the wings at Singapore National Stadium.

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As some fans pointed out, the clip is quite reminiscent of the time Swift greeted Travis Kelce in a similar way after her concert in Buenos Aires last year, running to the Kansas City Chiefs tight end and planting a big kiss on him.

The “Feather” singer has served as Swift’s supporting act throughout the Latin America, Australia and Singapore legs of the Eras Tour. Fans spotted Keoghan cheering her on from the audience during her March 3 set, during which she capped off her performance of “Nonsense” by singing in her NSFW improvised outro, “He said that he wishes he was on me / Got me wetter than the Jewel Changi / Singapore, I hope you like my songy!”

Carpenter and the 31-year-old actor have been sparking dating rumors since the beginning of this year, with the pair reportedly meeting at Paris Fashion Week in 2023. In February, they attended a Grammys afterparty and posed for a cute photo together.

The Girl Meets World alum has been touring in support of her most recent album Emails I Can’t Send, which debuted at No. 23 on the Billboard 200 in summer 2022. Since then, she’s steadily found Billboard Hot 100 success with singles “Feather” and “Nonsense” peaking at Nos. 29 and 56, respectively, more than seven months after the LP dropped.

Watch Carpenter’s sweet moment with Keoghan below.

04 Mar 2024

Black Keys to Perform During Opening Week at Manchester’s Co-op Live

Co-op Live, the Oak View Group-owned and operated entertainment arena set to open next month in Manchester, U.K., announced Monday (March 4) that The Black Keys will perform at the arena on April 27, during its opening week.

The acclaimed duo is preparing to release their 12th studio album, Ohio Players, on April 5 via Nonesuch Records, just two weeks before taking the stage at Co-op Live. The new record features collaborations with friends and colleagues including Beck, Noel Gallagher, Greg Kurstin, Dan “The Automator” Nakamura and more.

Gary Roden, executive director and general manager of Co-op Live, says: “We are thrilled that a band of The Black Keys’ caliber will be taking to the stage. The show will be part of an amazing week of performances that kicks off a jam-packed opening season.”

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Co-op Live’s opening season will see the arena feature more than 30 artists across more than 50 shows, including a seven-night Take That residency, a five-night U.K.-exclusive residency as part of the Eagles’ final tour, Barry Manilow‘s only U.K. arena show and Eric Clapton’s first Manchester performance in 10 years. Legendary comedian and Manchester local Peter Kay will open the arena with two shows on April 23 and 24.

In addition to seeing an array of international artists perform, Co-op Live was recently announced as host of the 2024 MTV European Music Awards – the first time music’s biggest global awards show will be staged in Manchester – and the awards return to the U.K. for the first time in seven years.

Co-op Live, a joint venture between Oak View Group and City Football Group, will be the country’s highest-capacity arena and the U.K.’s most socially responsible arena, operating 100% electric, with pledges for zero waste direct to landfill, rainwater harvesting and use of reusable cups to significantly reduce plastic usage across the site.

Co-op members will gain first-in-line access to The Black Keys tickets through a designated pre-sale from 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 6. General sale tickets will be available through Co-op Live from 10 a.m. on Friday, March 8. Tickets available here.

04 Mar 2024

‘Quiero Bailar,’ ‘Que Lloren’ & More: What’s Your Favorite Ivy Queen Song? Vote!

Ivy Queen (real name: Martha Ivelisse Pesante Rodríguez) is celebrating her birthday on Monday (March 4), and to celebrate, Billboard is highlighting some of her biggest Hot Latin Songs hits in a fan poll.

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In 1997, Ivy made a strong statement with her song “Pongan Atención” (pay attention), on which she loudly and proudly declared: “Pay attention, country, nation, association, the queen has arrived.” The Puerto Rican artist and rapper kicked off her career as part of the all-male collective The Noise, and through her unapologetic, powerful bars, mainly about self-love and being a strong-minded woman, she ultimately earned her crown as the Queen of Reggaeton.

Ivy first arrived on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart in 2005 with her timeless track “Quiero Bailar” (originally released in 2003), a song about a woman whose provocative dance moves demand nothing but respect on the dance floor and don’t mean anything more than having a good time.

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Seven other of her tracks earned a spot on the Hot Latin Songs chart, including “Te He Querido, Te He Llorado” (2005), “Que Lloren” (2007) and “Dime” (2008), all of which hit the top 10. Additionally, she has 20 entries on the Latin Rhythm Airplay chart, among other accolades.

The Boricua star was recently honored with the Women in Music Icon award at the 2023 Billboard Women in Music Awards, where she opened up about her challenging road to success.

“When I fell in love with music, I found myself constantly battling to earn my spot, to earn my own lane, and to find my own identity between the guys,” she said in her acceptance speech. “The movement was underground, then turned reggaeton. I traveled around the island of Puerto Rico measuring my skills against male MCs. Bars became my self-defense mechanism. Through lyrics, I encouraged other Latinas that stand around me to stand for themself and also to not stay quiet when something hurts.”

As Ivy continues to flaunt her proud roots, trendy fashion transformations and ability to evolve from reggaeton to bachata and other genres, Billboard asks fans to vote for their favorite Ivy Queen hit on the Hot Latin Songs chart below:

04 Mar 2024

Boy George Is Loving Harry Styles’ Gender-Bending Fashion: ‘I Think It’s Great’

Boy George is giving Harry Styles his stamp of approval when it comes to, fittingly, style.

The Culture Club sang his praises for the 30-year-old Grammy winner during appearance on Sherri Shepherd’s talk show on Monday (March 4), during which Shepherd honored Boy George for inspiring people to be “free” in their sense of fashion, mentioning Styles, who is known for bending gender roles and stereotypes when it comes to his outfits.

“When I see Harry Styles doing what he’s doing, I love it,” Boy George responded, adding, “I am very supportive. I think it’s great.”

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The singer went on to deem Styles a “dandy,” which he described as “anyone with great style,” noting, “It’s not about sexuality, really, it’s just about wanting to stand out.”

Back in 2020, Styles became the first-ever male solo cover star of Vogue, famously wearing a Gucci dress in the photoshoot. “As a kid it was completely mind-blowing. Now I’ll put on something that feels really flamboyant, and I don’t feel crazy wearing it,” Styles said in the profile at the time. “I think if you get something that you feel amazing in, it’s like a superhero outfit. Clothes are there to have fun with and experiment with and play with.”

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Watch the full Boy George interview on Sherri below.

04 Mar 2024

Calvin Harris Brings This Unusual Item on Flights to Prevent Jet Lag: ‘I’m Surprised They Get Through Security’

Calvin Harris has cracked — kind of.

The Scottish producer was co-hosting the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2 on Monday morning (March 4) when he revealed the unusual liquid that helps him stave off jet lag.

“I was on a British Airways flight only a couple of weeks ago, and the air hostess told me she’d never seen anybody crack eggs and pour them into their mouth in their seat before,” Harris told Bell. “But that was me. That’s what I do.”

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He went on to say that when he gets on a flight, he retrieves the six eggs he’s stashed in his carry-on bag, then consume the yolks. “I like to get rid of the white, so I just do the raw yolk,” he continued. “I find it gets rid of the jet lag.”

Harris also revealed that there’s no special trick to getting a half-dozen eggs on a commercial flight. “You just stick them in your bag,” he said. “I’m surprised they get through security because for me, that’s liquid. But it’s never, ever been flagged.”

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According to Medicine News Today, egg yolks are a bit of a “miracle” cure, as they’re dense with vitamins, protein and may help reduce blood pressure, boost the immune system and reduce vision problems.

It’s been a big few days for Harris, as over the weekend the producer won the 2024 Brit Award for best dance act, beating Fred again.., Romy, Becky Hill and Barry Can’t Swim. Harris was also nominated for best pop act and song of the year for his 2023 trance anthem “Miracle” with Ellie Goulding, with whom he performed at the ceremony.

“First of all, I want to dedicate this award to Danny Rampling’s Love Groove dance party,” Harris said in his acceptance speech, referencing the ’90s dance compilation series, then went on to say: “I want to thank Ellie Goulding, wherever she is. Ellie, I couldn’t be on this stage this year without you. What you brought to ‘Miracle’ was absolutely unbelievable. I couldn’t have done it with anybody else in this room, so thank you.”

Harris also thanked the songwriter BURNS, a frequent collaborator who worked on “Miracle,” as well as his wife, BBC Radio 1 presenter Vick Hope.

04 Mar 2024

Jamie Foxx to Return to ‘Beat Shazam’ After Life-Threatening Health Scare

Jamie Foxx is getting back to business after his mystery health scare in 2023. After he skipped last season to recover from his life-threatening medical condition and hospitalization last year, the actor is now set to return as co-host of Fox’s Beat Shazam alongside his daughter Corinne.

The network announced Monday (March 4) that the father-daughter duo would again be taking the game show stage for its upcoming seventh installment, which premieres May 28. The series finds the Foxxes leading contestants as they compete against each other to guess the titles of hit songs, after which the first-place team goes head-to-head against Apple’s music-discovery software Shazam.

In Jamie and Corinne’s absence last season, The Masked Singer emcee Nick Cannon stepped in to guest-host with Kelly Osbourne as his DJ.

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The update comes almost a year after news broke of Foxx’s undisclosed illness, which led to his urgent hospitalization in April 2023 while he was in the middle of filming Back in Action in Atlanta. Corinne was the first to update fans about her father’s condition at the time, taking to Instagram to write that he’d suffered a “medical complication” but was “already on his way to recovery.”

Since then, the Academy Award winner still hasn’t divulged details about what happened to him, although he has revealed how close he came to possibly dying as a result. “I cherish every single minute now, it’s different,” he told the crowd at the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Cinema and Television: Honoring Black, Latino and AAPI Achievements in December, noting that he wouldn’t have been able to walk himself to the stage even six months prior.

“I wouldn’t wish what I went though on my worst enemy because it’s tough when it’s almost over, when you see the tunnel,” he continued. “I saw the tunnel, I didn’t see the light. It was hot in that tunnel too, I don’t know where I was going. ‘S–t, am I going to the right place?’”