Music News

05 Feb 2024

Oprah Winfrey Shares Sweet Backstage Moments With Taylor Swift, Celine Dion at 2024 Grammy Awards

There were several times during Sunday night’s (Feb. 4) 66th annual Grammy Awards where Oprah Winfrey gave Taylor Swift a run for her money when it came to cameras catching the media mogul jumping out of her seat and singing along enthusiastically to the performances on stage.

And on Monday morning (Feb. 5) Winfrey again proved that she’s just as big a fan as anyone else who was in the room via a series of private videos and photos the talk show icon shared on her Instagram Story. In one, Winfrey warmly greets Swift backstage, captioning the video “got to see some history be made — congratulations @taylorswift!” in response to Swift’s record fourth album of the year win during the show for her Midnights LP.

“Hello, how are you doing?” Swift asks Winfrey before enveloping her in a deep hug. “It’s so good to see you. You look gorgeous tonight.”

A second slide captured a very sweet moment between Winfrey and Celine Dion, in which the singer Oprah called an “old friend” in the caption stared into Winfrey’s eyes as they chatted and held hands to the strains of Celine’s “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.” The clip ended with Dion whispering something unheard into Winfrey’s ear.

Dion made a surprise appearance at Sunday’s show at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles to hand out the coveted album of the year trophy. Dressed in a long, burnt-orange coat and a chunky necklace, the singer soaked in a long, heartfelt ovation from the crowd in her first public awards show appearance since revealing in Dec. 2022 that she was diagnosed with stiff person syndrome. The rare neurological disorder is known for causing uncontrolled muscle spasms that make it hard to move. The diagnosis forced the “Power of Love” singer to postpone all of her 2023 tour dates, before ultimately canceling the rest of her tour. 

Dion appeared to be in good spirits during her moment onstage at the Grammys and reminded everyone in the audience to appreciate the the power of music. “Those who have been blessed enough to be here at the Grammy Awards must not take for granted the tremendous love and joy that music brings to our lives and to people all around the world,” Dion said.

The rest of Oprah’s Story included a backstage snap with Lenny Kravitz, as well as Kravitz giving Fantasia Barrino a deep good luck hug before the Color Purple singer’s return to the Grammys stage for a riveting tribute to late rock queen Tina Turner. Oprah, who was also a part of the in memoriam tribute to her old friend Turner, posted “how it started” footage of Barrino singing an a cappella version of Turner’s take CCR’s “Proud Mary” on American Idol in 2004; Barrino won that season of Idol.

Winfrey ended the Story with a clip in which she said she was glad she got all her tears out during Saturday’s rehearsal so that she could properly honor Turner on Sunday’s broadcast. “It was so much fun and I though Fantasia killed it,” Winfrey said.

05 Feb 2024

Jay-Z Drinks Out of His Grammy Award Following Speech Defending Beyoncé: Watch

Jay-Z wanted to celebrate his Dr. Dre Global Impact Award win at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards with a drink, and he ended up filling his trophy with a shot of D’USSÉ.

After taking the Crypto.com Arena stage on Sunday night (Feb. 4) with his daughter Blue Ivy to defend Beyoncé with a candid acceptance speech that is sure to ruffle the feathers of the Recording Academy, Jay turned his gramophone into an expensive cup.

Footage emerged of the Brooklyn rap icon with a smile on his face as he poured some of his cognac into the trophy for a celebratory shot.

“That’s hilarious, man,” an onlooker said while Jay posed for photos with his newest accolade after taking a sip.

During his viral acceptance speech, Jay spoke his truth and jabbed the Recording Academy when it came to his wife never winning album of the yeardespite boasting the most Grammy Awards of all time.

“I’m just saying, we want y’all to get it right. We love y’all; we love y’all; we want you to get it right, or at least get it close to right, and obviously it’s subjective,” he said as Blue Ivy stood next to him. “Because it’s music and it’s opinion-based, but some things — I don’t want to embarrass this young lady [Beyoncè], but she has more Grammys than everyone and never won album of the year, so even by your own metrics that doesn’t work. Think about that: the most Grammys and never won an album of the year. That doesn’t work.”

“Some of you are going to go home tonight and feel like you’ve been robbed. Some of you may get robbed, some of you don’t belong in the category — when I get nervous I tell the truth.”

“But outside of that, we’ve gotta keep showing up,” he continued. “And forget the Grammys for a second, just in life — as my daughter sits and stares at me nervous as I am — just in life, you’ve gotta keep showing up and keep showing up. Forget the Grammys.”

“You’ve got to keep showing up until they give you all those accolades you feel you deserve, until they call you ‘chairman,’ until they call you a ‘genius,’ until they call you ‘the greatest of all time.’ You feel me?”

Watch Jay-Z’s entire speech below.

05 Feb 2024

Watch Taylor Swift Congratulate Boygenius at the 2024 Grammys

Taylor Swift is proud of her boys. After she and Boygenius both took home multiple awards at the 2024 Grammys on Sunday (Feb. 4), the 34-year-old pop star joined the indie rock trio — comprised of Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus — for a celebratory round of photos in the press room.

In videos, Swift bursts with excitement as she steps out from behind a curtain and wraps Bridgers, her “Nothing New” collaborator who joined her on a slew of Eras Tour dates last year, in a big hug. She then embraces Dacus and Baker before lining up with the band in front of red carpet cameras, each of them holding their shiny new gramophones.

In another clip, Bridgers seemingly consoles an emotional Baker, while Swift asks Dacus if she can pose with one of her Grammys resting on the “Night Shift” singer’s head.

Earlier that night, the members of Boygenius became first-time Grammy winners, taking home three awards: best rock performance and best rock song for “Not Strong Enough,” as well as best alternative music album for The Record. The “Anti-Hero” singer also won big, scoring best pop vocal album and album of the year for Midnights.

Swift has long been a champion of the “Cool About It” supergroup, which formed in 2018 before reuniting for a breakthrough year in 2023. Upon the release of the band’s now Grammy-winning debut album, the singer took to Instagram Stories to write that The Record is “genuinely a masterpiece.”

“If you don’t already have it on repeat I’d go ahead and do thatttt,” she added at the time.

See Swift congratulate Boygenius in the Grammys press room below.

05 Feb 2024

(G)I-DLE Break Down Their ‘2’ Album Track-by-Track

“There is a phrase, ‘If you have no expectations, there will be no disappointment,’” (G) I-DLE’s Minnie explains when it comes to her mindset for the group’s newest full-length album. “I actually didn’t want to have high expectations, but it will be great if we get good results.”

In 2022, (G)I-DLE embarked on a bold new chapter with its first full LP, I NEVER DIE from 2022. The pivotal moment marked a creative renaissance for the group — with the single “Tomboy” named Billboard’s best K-pop song of the year — and propelled it to new chart heights with hit albums and signature singles. Less than two years later, (G)I-DLE is already back with its second full-length album, aptly titled 2, that shows the group’s heavy involvement in writing and producing songs discussing female empowerment, trusting one’s instinct, destiny, and love.

“Since a lot of people are waiting for (G)I-DLE music, we wanted to come out with a new concept that no one expected,” leader Soyeon says of the LP promoted by the bold and bass-driven single “Wife” (that’s gone viral for its lyrics and breaking into the general public, more on that below) and the booming, big-room anthem “Super Lady.”

Despite a packed 2023, which included the release of their Korean EP I Feel and their debut English EP HEAT — which peaked at Nos. 41 and 25 on the Billboard 200, respectively — (G)I-DLE wasted no time returning to the studio.

“I started working on our songs when we were heading towards the end of our world tour,” says Minnie. “Although I did not have enough time, I worked on the songs non-stop and was able to make ‘Vision’ and 7Days within 10 days.” Shuhua adds, “Whenever we had a free moment, we practiced and recorded our songs.”

The album also marks a significant milestone for member Miyeon, who contributed lyrics for the first time.

“Excluding my solo songs, this is my first time participating in the lyric-making for (G)I-DLE album,” the vocalist shares. “I had so much fun and was able to work with a lot of excitement since it was my first time. Although some parts were lacking, this whole process was a new experience, and I am really glad that our [fandom] NERVERLANDs liked it as well.”

Throughout the creative process, (G) I-DLE’s members took active roles in also shaping the album’s direction, from refining choreography to fine-tuning the concept.

“We all were involved together,” Soyeon says. “We communicated with the choreographer to revise the details while learning the choreography for our title track single ‘Super Lady’ because I wanted to do something that wasn’t so obvious.” Yuqi adds that “most of the choreography and concept were centered around Soyeon, as she is the producer of the group, but all of our members gathered together to share our opinions.”

While high chart rankings are undoubtedly a goal, the quintet also emphasize the importance of connecting with listeners.

“First, I want to thank you for listening and showing a lot of love towards our songs,” Miyeon says to those tuning in. “When preparing for this album, I thought, more than ranking on the charts, I hope each and every person who listens to (G)I-DLE songs can relate to our songs and enjoy them.”

Yuqi sums things up by saying, “Of course, it would be great to rank high on the charts, but I don’t go around thinking about rankings when making music. I want (G)I-DLE music to be delivered to as many people as possible. That’s the biggest and most meaningful goal!”

Read on for (G)I-DLE to break down every track of their new 2 album, track-by-track, below:

05 Feb 2024

Billie Eilish Reveals Special Bonding Moment She Shared With Miley Cyrus Backstage at 2024 Grammy Awards

There’s a wide gulf between writing and singing your own songs and saying something elegant while giving an awards show thank you speech in an arena packed with the music world’s biggest stars while being honored for those accomplishments. And at Sunday night’s (Feb. 4) 66th annual Grammy Awards, two women who took home multiple awards revealed that acceptance nerves are real.

ET caught up with Billie Eilish, 22, after the show and asked the singer about her private backstage conversation with fellow winner Miley Cyrus, 31, after the “Jaded” star took home her first two Grammys ever, record of the year and best pop solo performance for “Flowers.”

“Not to blow up her [Cyrus’] spot, but she was saying… she was asking me if I also feel when I get up on stage that I say the dumbest s–t I could possibly say?” Eilish told ET of their private chat. “Absolutely, 100 percent. She was like, ‘Why was I saying all that?’”

Eilish told Cyrus she could totally relate, saying, “Sorry, Miley, but I feel the same. I always get up there, and I just poop out of my mouth.” Eilish should be getting used to it by now, considering she and brother Finneas won song of the year and best song written for visual media for their Barbie soundtrack ballad “What Was I Made For?,” which has already scooped up a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination this year.

Eilish appeared somewhat tongue-tied earlier in the evening, when she took home her second song of the year Grammy honor. “That’s stupid guys,” she said looking dumbfounded at her win in a field that also included Lana Del Rey, Taylor Swift, Jon Batiste, Dua Lipa, SZA and Olivia Rodrigo. “That was a crazy list of incredible people, incredible artists, incredible music. I feel crazy right now. I’m shocked out of my balls.”

Earlier in the night, after winning her first-ever Grammy, Cyrus accepted the best pop solo performance gramophone from one of her icons, Mariah Carey, reveling in the opportunity to share the stage with the fellow pop legend. “This MC is going to stand by this MC because this is just too iconic,” Cyrus said. “I was stuck in the rain in traffic and I thought I was going to miss this moment, and I could have missed this award, that’s fine — but not Mariah Carey.”

Cyrus then offered up a kind of parable about a boy’s wish for a butterfly for his birthday and how it finally came to him when he stopped chasing it so hard. “And right when he did is when the butterfly came and landed right on the tip of his nose. And this song, ‘Flowers,’ is my butterfly. Thank you,” Cyrus said.

It was an elegant anecdote that summed up the unknowable magic of creating a song that connects so deeply with you fans and professional peers. Of course Miley being Miley, when she came on stage later in the broadcast to scoop up her second “Flowers” award, the singer thanked her glam squad and producers while noting that her life was, “beautiful yesterday. Everyone in this world is spectacular, so please don’t think this is important!,” then adding, “I don’t think I forgot anyone — but I might’ve forgotten underwear. Bye!”

05 Feb 2024

Miley Cyrus, Joni Mitchell & More: Which Performance at the 2024 Grammys Was Your Favorite? Vote!

This year’s Grammy season officially came to a close at Crypto.com Arena Sunday (Feb. 4), with the biggest stars in music all gathering under one roof to celebrate each other’s wins and, in between, cheer on each other’s performances.

And, as usual, the 2024 ceremony offered up a diverse smattering of musical numbers from chart-toppers of all genres. The night kicked off with an energetic dance-pop showcase from Dua Lipa that warmed the crowd up for about a dozen more performances, including Miley Cyrus — who belted out her single “Flowers,” which would later take home record of the year — Travis Scott, Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Burna Boy, Travis Scott, SZA and, remotely from Las Vegas’ Sphere arena, U2.

The show also made sure to honor both living and late musical legends, with Tracy Chapman joining Luke Combs to assist him in singing “Fast Car,” and Joni Mitchell making her Grammys stage debut at the age of 80 alongside Brandi Carlile, Alison Russell, Lucius, Blake Mills and Jacob Collier. Plus, Fantasia got the crowd on its feet with a roaring tribute to Tina Turner, who passed away in May, and Billy Joel performed his first new single in years, “Turn the Lights Back On.”

Beyond the dynamic scope of performances, the 2024 Grammys was packed with exciting moments. Taylor Swift both surprise-announced her next album The Tortured Poets Department and made history by winning album of the year for the fourth time in her career; Jay-Z did not mince words in a pointed but appreciative roast of the Recording Academy; and Celine Dion made an unexpected appearance toward the end of the show following more than a year away from the public eye amid her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome.

But when it comes to this year’s Grammys musical numbers, which artist had your favorite? Vote below.

05 Feb 2024

Jelly Roll Meets ‘His Crush’ Taylor Swift at 2024 Grammys: See the Cute Moment

The 2024 Grammys ceremony on Sunday (Feb. 4) was a fairy tale for Jelly Roll, even if he didn’t win in either of the categories he was nominated for. That’s because the country star had the opportunity to meet someone he admires: Taylor Swift.

“When your hubby gets to meet his crush finally,” Bunnie XO, who is married to the “Son of a Sinner” singer, wrote over a TikTok she shared of the country star’s encounter with the now 14-time Grammy winner.

In the clip, the two move together to pose for a photo. After the snaps, Swift leans in to give Jelly a big hug, as the video plays her hit “Blank Space.” Bunnie captioned the TikTok, “It was the cutest thing ever [heart eyes emoji].”

“Crazy moment,” Jelly commented on Bunnie’s post before sharing he only has eyes for her. “love my wife so much.”

The “Need a Favor” singer was nominated for best new artist (which went to Victoria Monet) and best country duo/group performance for his duet “Save Me” with Lainey Wilson (the winner was “I Remember Everything,” Zach Bryan featuring Kacey Musgraves).

Swift, who was nominated for six awards, walked away with her 13th and 14th trophies of her career, and became the first artist to win album of the year (for Midnights) four times. And during her acceptance speech for best pop vocal album, she surprised her legions of fans by announcing that a new album, titled The Tortured Poets Department, would be arriving in April.

The 66th annual Grammy Awards were hosted by Trevor Noah and held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Watch Jelly Roll meet his crush in Bunnie XO’s cute TikTok below:

05 Feb 2024

Killer Mike Calls 2024 Grammy Awards Battery Arrest a ‘Speed Bump’ on His Historic Night

Killer Mike has finally spoken out about his strange night at Sunday’s (Feb. 4) 66th annual Grammy Awards. The 48-year-old rapper born Michael Santiago Render was detained at L.A.’s Crypto.com Arena just before the kick-off of the prime-time broadcast after winning three top hip-hop prizes during the Grammys Premiere Ceremony before the televised program.

Appearing on V103’s Big Tigger Morning Show on Monday morning (Feb. 5), Mike, who said he’d been up all night at parties, appeared to downplay the incident when host Tigger asked “what happened” on Sunday night. “I won a Grammy,” Mike said. “We party all night. Shout out to my record label. Ain’t nothing had happened, man. But we winners. That’s it.”

Tigger attempted to approach the question from a different angle, asking why Mike left the Grammys and came back. “Didn’t I look good? I was fresh. All black man,” Mike answered, focusing on his outfit, the car he drove up in and the $400K Cuban link necklace he was rocking in lieu of addressing the details of the arrest. “Then I went and picked up all the gold… We hit a speed bump and then we hit back to the party,” Mike said in the only seeming reference to his arrest.

After scooping up best rap song and best rap performance for “Scientists & Engineers” and best rap album for his solo effort Michael, Mike was detained on a misdemeanor charge. In a late night tweet, the LAPD public information office issued a statement on the arrest, writing, “On Sunday February 4th just after 4pm a male adult was detained & handcuffed for a physical altercation that occurred at the 700 block of Chick Hearn Court. The suspect was placed under arrest and was transported to LAPD Central Division.”

In an email to Billboard on Monday morning (Feb. 5), a spokesperson for the LAPD confirmed that the suspect named in Sunday tweet was Render, who was booked for misdemeanor battery and released on no bail. At press time spokespeople for the rapper and the Recording Academy had not returned Billboard‘s request for further comment and no additional information was available on the incident that precipitated the arrest.

When co-host Jazzy asked if being “carried out or being arrested” overshadowed the three wins, Mike was again adamant that it did not spoil his big night. “I wasn’t carried outta nowhere. I didn’t carry… we not even gonna allow you to ask that question,” Mike said, noting that an artist out of Atlanta won best rap album for an LP released during the year when hip-hop was celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Listen to the interview below.

05 Feb 2024

Chart Rewind: In 1994, John Michael Montgomery’s ‘I Swear’ Soared to No. 1 on Hot Country Songs

On Feb. 5, 1994, John Michael Montgomery began a career-best four-week domination on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with “I Swear.” The ballad marked his second of seven No. 1s on the ranking.

Authored by Gary Baker and Frank J. Myers, the love song also became a smash for pop/R&B vocal outfit All-4-One, whose version ruled the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 for 11 frames beginning that May.

For Montgomery, “I Swear” was released as the lead single from his album Kickin’ It Up, the first of his two No. 1s on Top Country Albums. The set also arrived atop the Billboard 200, becoming his lone chart-topper, and produced two other Hot Country Songs leaders: “Be My Baby Tonight” and “If You’ve Got Love.”

Montgomery was born Jan. 20, 1965, in Danville, Ky. His musically inclined family includes older brother Eddie Montgomery, who became half of the duo Montgomery Gentry (with Troy Gentry), and son Walker Montgomery, who made his Grand Ole Opry debut in December.

John Michael Montgomery boasts 20 Hot Country Songs top 10s, from “Life’s a Dance” (No. 4 peak, 1993) through “Letters From Home” (No. 2, 2004). He last led with “The Little Girl” in 2000.

Notably, Montgomery’s fifth Hot Country Songs No. 1, “I Can Love You Like That,” likewise became a hit for All-4-One. After his version topped Hot Country Songs for three weeks beginning in April 1995, All-4-One’s rose to No. 5 on the Hot 100 that August. (Both acts were signed to Atlantic Records at the time.)

Now 59, Montgomery is one of many venerable country hitmakers that have recently announced retirement tours. Among others: Lee Greenwood, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Ray Stevens and Doug Stone.

05 Feb 2024

U2 Drop Pulsating David Guetta Remix of ‘Atomic City’ Following 2024 Grammy Awards Sphere Performance

U2 had a busy Sunday night (Feb. 4). In addition to giving most of the world the first extended glimpse at the eye-popping visuals from their ongoing residency series at Las Vegas’ Sphere during a remote performance on the 66th annual Grammy Awards, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers also dropped a dancefloor-ready remix of their “Atomic City” single.

The track released in September to coincide with the kick-off of the veteran band’s first-ever Vegas stay-put gets the expected beat upgrade from Guetta, who adds an insistent thump and classic EDM drop to the bare-bones rocker. During the show, U2 performed the song in the Sphere, though the segment began outside the venue, with towering images of the Irish rockers beamed onto the globe-shaped exterior.

It was the first time cameras were allowed inside the venue that has quickly become one of the most-photographed spots on the Vegas strip. U2 were the first act to set up shop at the Sphere in September and their one-off “Atomic” single became their 14th No. 1 on Adult Alternative Airplay in November. After their Sunday set, U2 singer Bono presented the best pop vocal album nominees, which was won by Taylor Swift’s Midnights. 

U2 are booked to perform at Sphere through March 2. They will be followed by shorter runs from Phish — who will perform four gigs from April 18-21 — and the Grateful Dead spin-off group Dead & Co., who last week announced a 24-show run that will run from May 16-July 13.

Listen to the Guetta remix of “Atomic City” below.