Music News

29 Jan 2024

Hot 100 First-Timers: Afrobeats Artists Davido & Lojay Debut With Features on Chris Brown’s ‘Sensational’

Davido and Lojay both make their first appearances on the Billboard Hot 100, thanks to their featured credits on Chris Brown’s “Sensational.”

Released Oct. 20 via CBE/RCA Records, the song debuts at No. 96 on the Hot 100 (dated Feb. 3) with 15.7 million radio airplay audience impressions (up 14%) and 2.6 million official U.S. streams (up 3%) in the Jan. 19-25 tracking week, according to Luminate.

The song is the second single from Brown’s 11th studio album 11:11, released in November. The set debuted and peaked at No. 1 on Top R&B Albums and No. 9 on the Billboard 200.

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“Sensational” has been building at multiple radio formats: It rises 11-9 on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, 16-10 on Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and 16-14 on Rhythmic Airplay and debuts at No. 30 on Adult R&B Airplay. On the all-format Radio Songs chart, it pushes 49-44.

Davido, from Osun State, Nigeria, has become one of the most prominent Afrobeats musicians of the past decade. He has released four studio LPs in his career: Omo Baba Olowo in 2012, A Good Time (2019), A Better Time (2020) and Timeless (March 2023). His two most recent albums reached Nos. 170 and 37 on the Billboard 200, respectively, marking his first appearances on the chart.

Davido has also posted 25 songs on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. That’s the fourth most among all artists, dating to the list’s 2022 launch, after only Burna Boy (44), Asake (34) and Wizkid (27). Of those 25 hits, three hit the top 10: “Stand Strong,” featuring Sunday Service Choir (No. 9 in 2022); “Unavailable,” featuring Musa Keys (No. 3, 2023); and “Over Dem” (No. 10, 2023).

On Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart, Davido has charted 27 songs – 18 of which reached the top 10 – all since 2016. That’s the second most among Afrobeats artists, after Wizkid (29).

“Sensational” isn’t the first collaboration between Davido and Brown. The pair additionally teamed up for “Blow My Mind” and “Lower Body,” both in 2019, “Shopping Spree,” also with Young Thug, in 2021 and “Nobody Has to Know” in 2022. Davido has also recorded with Nicki Minaj, Pop Smoke, Popcaan, Quavo, Rae Sremmurd and Summer Walker, among others.

This April, he’s slated to perform at Madison Square Garden on his extended Timeless Tour. He’s also nominated for three Grammy Awards at the upcoming ceremony: best global music performance (for “Feel”), best African music performance (for “Unavailable”) and best global music album (for Timeless).

As for Lojay, the fellow Nigerian artist tallied his first Billboard chart appearance in 2022 with another Chris Brown collab: “Monalisa,” also with Sarz. The track reached No. 8 on and No. 38 on Rhythmic Airplay.

Lojay has charted two other Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs hits: “Arizona” and “Moto” reached Nos. 44 and 48, respectively, in 2023. Plus, as featured on French Montana and Swae Lee’s “Wish U Well,” also with Jess Glynne, he rose to No. 37 on Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay in October.

Lojay has released three EPs: Midnight Vibes in 2017, LV N ATTN with Sarz in 2021, and Gangster Romantic in March 2023.

29 Jan 2024

Selena Gomez’s New Selfie Has Benny Blanco Bringing Out the Heart Eyes: See the Pics

Benny Blanco only has eyes for Selena Gomez — heart eyes, that is. The Grammy-nominated producer set up shop in the comment section of his boo’s latest Instagram selfie, clearly too stunned for words.

The “Single Soon” star shared a trio of fresh-faced selfies on her official Instagram page on Sunday (Jan. 28) with a simple caption of a single planet Earth emoji. Like any good boyfriend, Blanco made his way to the comments and left three heart eye emojis — presumably one for each selfie in Gomez’s photoset.

The new photos cap off a whirlwind month for Gomez across television and media. In the past month, she graced the red carpets at both the Golden Globes and the Emmys, where she was nominated at both ceremonies for her work on the hit Hulu murder mystery Only Murders in the Building. Last week (Jan. 18), it was officially announced that Gomez would be teaming up with former Wizards of Waverly Place co-star David Henrie to co-produce a reboot of the Emmy-winning hit Disney Channel sitcom. A few days prior (Jan. 14), The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Oscar-nominated director David O. Russel would helm the upcoming Linda Ronstadt biopic, in which Gomez is slated to star as the 11-time Grammy winner.

The new Instagram post marks the first new addition to Gomez’s feed since a Jan. 8 post flaunting her ruby red Golden Globes gown. In the interim, the Grammy nominee has remained active on her Instagram Story, despite announcing a social media break shortly after the rumors that followed her and Taylor Swift‘s on-camera gossip session at the Globes ceremony.

Selena Gomez has earned nine top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including her sole No. 1 hit, 2019’s “Lose You to Love Me,” as well as “Same Old Love” (No. 5), “Come & Get It” (No. 6) and “Hands to Myself” (No. 7). On the Billboard 200, the multi-hyphenate has sent six titles to the chart’s top 10, including the chart-toppers Stars Dance (2013), Revival (2015) and Rare (2020). As an artist, Benny Blanco has landed seven songs on the Hot 100, including the top 10 hits “Eastside” (with Halsey & Khalid, No. 9) and “Bad Decisions” (with BTS & Snoop Dogg, No. 10).

Check out Selena Gomez’s beautiful new selfies (and Benny Blanco’s adorable comment) here:

29 Jan 2024

SZA to Perform on 2024 Grammy Awards

SZA, who is the nominations leader for the 2024 Grammy Awards, is set to perform on the telecast, CBS announced on Monday (Jan. 29). This will be SZA’s second performance on the Grammy telecast. She first performed six years ago, when she was a best new artist nominee. She sang “Broken Clocks,” a song from her debut studio album, Ctrl.

The 66th annual Grammy Awards are set for Sunday, Feb. 4, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The nominations leader generally performs on the telecast, but not always. Beyoncé, who led the nominations last year, opted not to perform. She also declined to perform three years ago, when she led the nominations. Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar also did not perform when they were the nominations leaders in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Most famously, Michael Jackson did not perform in 1984 when he became the first artist to sweep eight awards in one night.

SZA received nine nods, including each of the Big Three awards – album, record and song of the year. Her album SOS is seen as being in a tight race with Taylor Swift’s Midnights and Boygenius’ The Record for album of the year. Neither Swift nor Boygenius has yet been confirmed to perform on the show.

SZA is the 10th performer to be announced for this year’s telecast. These performers range in age from three in their 20s (Olivia Rodrigo, 20; Billie Eilish, 22; and Dua Lipa, 28) to three who are 60-plus – the four members of U2, who are in their early 60s; Billy Joel, 74; and Mitchell, 80). Also booked for the show are four performers in their 30s: Burna Boy and Travis Scott, both 32; Luke Combs, 33; and SZA, 34.

U2 will perform from Sphere in Las Vegas, home of the band’s acclaimed U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere show.

Additional performers for the Grammy telecast will be announced. The big question is whether Swift, who was last year’s hottest music star by a wide margin, will perform.

The other album of the year nominees, not already named, are Janelle Monáe’s The Age of Pleasure, Lana Del Rey’s Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, Miley Cyrus’ Endless Summer Vacation, Rodrigo’s Guts and Jon Batiste’s World Music Radio.

Trevor Noah will host the Grammys for the fourth consecutive year. He, too, is a Grammy nominee. He is up for best comedy album for I Wish You Would. He’s the first Grammy host to be nominated for a Grammy that same year since Queen Latifah in 2005. Noah won a Primetime Emmy on Jan. 15 for outstanding talk series for The Daily Show With Trevor Noah.

The 66th annual Grammy Awards will be held on Sunday, Feb. 4, from 8 to 11:30 p.m. live ET/5 to 8:30 p.m. live PT on CBS, and will stream live and on-demand on Paramount+ (live and on demand for Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the special airs).

The telecast will be produced by Fulwell 73 Productions for the Recording Academy for the fourth consecutive year. Ben Winston, Raj Kapoor and Jesse Collins are executive producers.

29 Jan 2024

Watch Rico Nasty & Boys Noize Lead a Rowdy Party Train Through a Cruise Ship’s Corridors

In case your FOMO over missing Friendship 2024 wasn’t already intense enough, we’ve got fresh evidence of some of the fun that went down.

The party cruise, which transported roughly 4,000 attendees and artists from Miami to Belize and back again on Jan. 6-11, featured several “Dial-a-DJ” sets, for which artists took over an attendee’s private cabin for an intimate bash.

One of these mini parties featured the event’s surprise guest Rico Nasty along with Boys Noize, who together barreled into one of the rooms with a horde of party people behind them to play their techno take on The Kinks‘ 1964 classic “All Day and All of the Night.” Rico Nasty serves vocals such as “he undress me in the bedroom all day and all of the night” on the yet-to-be-titled update that’s due out this spring.

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The heaving private party then goes mobile, with Rico Nasty — wearing sunglasses and clutching a bottle of champagne — and Boys Noize leading a party caravan through the ship’s corridors as they follow DJ decks pulled on a rolling cart.

The mayhem then lands in the lobby by the elevators, where the crowd grows in size — and enthusiasm — as passersby realize what ‘s going on.

Friendship is the electronic music party cruise from Gary Richards, the longtime DJ and party promoter who launched the sailing bacchanal in 2018 and also founded HARD events. This year’s Friendship lineup featured Skrillex, Bob Moses, Chris Lake, Chris Lorenzo, J. Phlip, Todd Edwards, Nina Las Vegas, Rusko, Mr Carmack and a flurry of other stars.

“We had a lot of people in that room, and then we opened up the balcony,” Richards told Billboard of the Dial-A-DJ prototype parties on Friendship 2018. “Anywhere else where you had that many people in one room, the room would break. The fire marshal would be like ‘get the f— out of here.’”

Other 2024 Dial-A-DJ performers included Bob Moses, Mikey Lion b2b Lee Reynolds, VTSS, Mersiv, Justin Martin and Nala. The party also featured the first live performance of Skrillex and Boys Noize’s Dog Blood project since 2019.

The next Friendship voyage will sail from Miami to Belize Feb. 21-26, 2025. See exclusive photos from the latest voyage below.

Rico Nasty & Boys Noize on Friendship 2024

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Skrillex, Boys Noize & Gary Richards on Friendship 2024

Glenjamn

29 Jan 2024

R&B/Hip-Hop Fresh Picks of the Week: Megan Thee Stallion, SiR, YoungBoy Never Broke Again & More

Looks like January is the month of beef — and we’re not just talking about Katt Williams unloading the clip on Club Shay Shay, the lively dancehall clash between Jada Kingdom and Stefflon Don, or the comparatively brief showdown between Teejay and Valiant. From Friday onwards (Jan. 26), no two artists dominated the conversation more than rap titans Megan Thee Stallion and Nicki Minaj.

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With release of “Hiss” — her first solo single of the year — Thee Stallion ripped into a slew of high-profile opps, some of which fans think include Minaj, Drake, Pardison Fontaine, and Tory Lanez. In response, following a near-48-hour spiral across several social media platforms, Minaj unleashed “Big Foot” — one part diss track and one part unhinged spoken word monologue. Naturally, this all sent social media into a tizzy, with both artists’ respective fan bases rallying around their faves while more casual listeners picked their sides.

As the beef continues to simmer, the worlds of hip-hop and R&B kept turning. Mary J. Blige pulled the ultimate finesse and got a higher billing on the jam-packed Lovers & Friends lineup (May 4), Ice Spice put her foot on the gas with “Think U the Shit (Fart),” and Snoop Dogg revealed that he’s been prepping a new LP with contributions from Dr. Dre.

With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Megan Thee Stallion’s blistering “Hiss” to SiR’s moody return to R&B’s mainstage. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.

Freshest Find: Megan Thee Stallion, “HISS”

Tina Snow is not to be played with. On this blistering address to the scores of slick talk and rumors that have hounded her since the turn of the decade, Megan Thee Stallion delivers a masterclass in Dirty South s–t-talking realness. Over an ominous beat crafted by Bankroll Got It, LilJuMadeDaBeat and Shawn Jarrett, the H-Town Hottie relishes in her courtroom victories (“I’m the Teflon Don in the courtroom/ They be throwin’ that dirt, don’t s–t stick”) and calls out the hypocrisy some men operate it when it comes to cosmetic surgery (“These n—as hate on BBLs and be walkin’ ’round with the same scars”). With flows switching at the drop of a dime and a cadence that effortlessly shifts from threatening to unbothered, Meg pulls off the difficult hat trick of delivering a hard-hitting diss track that is genuinely an enjoyable song, irrespective of its intended purpose.

SiR, “No Evil”

For his first official single since 2022, SiR dives head first in to a grittier, more jagged approach to R&B Soundscapes. The Inglewood crooner finds solace in his lover, despite the unsettling things he finds when he looks inwards. “Pardon my superstition/ But with my supervision/ I see so much of myself/ My past, my pain, my pride and my ego,” he sings in the first verse. Taylor Hill’s brooding, dynamic production blends stuttering hi-hats with sultry guitars, making for an instrumental every bit as immersive as Sir’s lead vocal.

Breez Kennedy, “Who’s Been On Your Mind”

Breez Kennedy — a 17-year-old rising R&B star by way of New Jersey and Florida — just might be next up if “Who’s Been on Your Mind” is anything to go by. Out via Standard Records/Def Jam Recordings, the guitar-anchored single finds Breez living almost exclusively in his falsetto as he questions his lover about who is truly on their mind. “Would be so hard if you replace me/ Only concerned ’cause you been changin’ on me/ Girl, did I not do enough?/ Do people change when they say they’re in love?” he posits. Conveying a level of ache and forlornness far beyond his years, Breez is laying a sturdy foundation for his burgeoning career.

Kimani Jackson, “Good Man”

Having already experienced viral success thanks to his show-stopping MTA performances in New York City, Kimani Jackson is ready for his next act. On “Good Man,” a booming, standout track from his Icebreaker EP, Jackson dips into a soulful blend of bluesy R&B with hints of gospel and jazz to soundtrack his quest to be, well, a good man. In the same bombastic sonic vein as towering classics like “Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child” and “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” “Good Man” is a big swing — one that Jackson pulls off, thanks in no small part to his soaring vocals and pristine vocal control.

YoungBoy Never Broke Again, “Act a Donkey”

“You invited, ayy, tell Charlamange he invited to Grave Digger Mountain/ All he gotta do is pull up on me, n—a, and talk to me face to face.” That’s certainly one way to open a track!

Although the Megan v. Nicki battle has taken up most of the last week’s conversation, a certain Baton Rogue rapper had a bone to pick with one Breakfast Club host Charlamagne tha God. Over a bouncy Hitmann-helmed beat, NBA YoungBoy unloads the clip on Charlamagne, who recently crowned him “Donkey of the Day” for his less-than-sunny outlook on fatherhood. “Look, I love them graves, we tote them Ks, got Glocks with switch, they tear you up/ I’m 4KTrey, I bang for Dave, enforcement can’t do s—t with us/ Came inside this game and b—h, I f—d it up, I’m a donkey/ And I keep it on me, plenty money, b—h, don’t speak up on me,” he spits.

Lyrical Lemonade feat. Teezo Touchdown, Juicy J, Cochise, Denzel Curry & Lil B, “First Night”

https://youtube.com/watch?v=_w8hCWIclBU&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Already one of the year’s best posse cuts, this cross-regional link-up thrives on juxtaposition. The song — taken from Lyrical Lemonade’s star-studded All Is Yellow project — opens with a somber piano-backed ballad courtesy of Teezo Touchdown. “Somebody help me sing / Somebody help me sing about me,” he coos in a pitch-perfect tongue-in-cheek tone. The track then morphs into a “Black and Yellow”-evoking beat over which Juicy J employs his Memphis-bred cadence to chant, “Let a n—a hit it on the first night/ I just wanna f—k, I’m not tryna fall in love/ Gon’ let a n—a hit it on the first night/ I’m a real n—a, you know I would never judge.” Indeed, Juicy. Indeed.

Maxo Kream, “Bang the Bus”

Maxo Kream in general is always a treat. Maxo Kream dirty macking over an EvilgIAne beat? Now we’re cooking with gas. A hilariously horny track, “Bang the Bus” fits nicely in betwen the “Slut Me Outs” and “Pound Towns” of the past year: “Redbone, slim, petite, drop it pop it Megan knees/ I need a pound town brown ratchet ghetto bitch for me/ The police kick my door down, you gotta take these pounds from me,” he spits. Evilgaine’s beat never quite settles into a steady groove thanks to that smartly warped sample, but those idiosyncracies offer a nice balance to the general contemplative vibe of the track.

29 Jan 2024

Billboard’s Best of CES 2024

01/29/2024

These are Billboard’s top products across all categories from the latest Consumer Electronics Show.

01/29/2024

A CES 2024 sign is displayed during the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at the Las Vegas Convention Center on January 9, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Zhang Shuo/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

The annual Consumer Electronics Show brings together the most innovative gadgets and gear that will shape our existence for years to come. Every year, mega brands and new-on-the-scene innovators bring their creations to Las Vegas for four days in January to wow the world and the event’s more than 100,000 attendees.

Top trends Billboard spotted include AI integrations in everything from cars to headphones, highly advanced VR and AR applications and devices; and countless ways to track, monitor and improve every aspect of daily life for humans and pets.

This comprehensive list represents the innovations Billboard loved best, that we think, in the short term or long term, will make our work better and our day-to-day more enjoyable.

To revisit Billboard‘s best of CES products from 2023, find our full list here.

–Additional reporting by Melissa Gill and Jen Smith

Best Hairstyling Tool: Airlight Pro

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Beauty giant L’Oréal teams up with Zuvi, a startup company conceived by drone engineers and scientists, to develop a game-changing styling tool, Airlight Pro. This sophisticated hair styling accessory is not only good for your hair, but it’s also better for the planet, saving on energy consumption in an innovative way. Using a blend of infrared-light technology and wind, the Airlight Pro makes hair smoother and more hydrated while also drying it faster. Airlight Pro channels the heat flow in a way that serves a myriad of hair types with a more efficient, eco-friendly method than a standard blow dryer.

Why We Love It: Whether you use it at home or for your profession, Airlight Pro is a must have in your beauty toolbox. It saves up to about 31 percent in energy usage, delivers up to 59 percent smoother hair and provides faster hair drying times. This hairdryer’s design is so smart that some might say it’s mind-blowing.

Available sometime in 2024.

Cost: Under $400
Best Automotive Music Experience: MBUX Sound Drive

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will.i.am collaborates with Mercedes-AMG to launch a cutting-edge car audio system. The advanced software and sensors in the MBUX Sound Drive elevate the auto listening experience, converting everyday driving mechanisms like acceleration, steering, and braking into musical expressions, making it possible for the driver to compose in the moment. Ultimately, MBUX Sound Drive aims to turn the technology into an open music platform for everyone to use.

Why We Love It: MBUX Sound Drive essentially transforms Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Benz vehicles into musical instruments. Through precise “in-car signals,” the system links the car’s hardware and music software, allowing the music to respond in real-time to the driving dynamics.

Available: Mid-2024

Cost: Varies based on car
Best Immersive Audio: Dolby Atmos FlexConnect

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Dolby Atmos FlexConnect transforms home theater into a luxury cinema experience without the guesswork of placing surround sound speakers. Users proficiently combine a television’s sound system with wireless speakers, earmarking a more immersive and extensive soundscape. The first TV brand to include Dolby Atmos FlexConnect in its 2024 TV line is TCL and Hisense will follow.

Why We Love It: Dolby Atmos FlexConnect features three benefits: Simple setup, dynamic audio balancing and, of course, flexible speaker placement. The setup doesn’t require any additional equipment or cables and seamlessly adapts to any room layout and speaker setup. Audio is automatically distributed from TV speakers to wireless speakers, allowing the sound image to be tailored for listeners to enjoy the soundscapes no matter when the speakers live. Every seat is the best seat in the house.

Available: 2024

Cost: Varies based on television
Best Use of Generative AI: Digital Human Concierge

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Prepare to be amazed by Accenture’s Digital Human Concierge. A global business leader in information technology, Accenture demonstrates innovative ways to explore human and AI collaborations, like how AI agents can serve as tremendous archives but remain conversational and personable like a digital twin. Shown on a large Looking Glass holographic display, the Digital Twin “lives” on the display and is capable of interacting directly with people, answering their questions. At CES, MAIR welcomed attendees to the Accenture space; it responded to inquiries about the company’s 2024 Technology Vision. MAIR is powered on the back end by a Large Language Model (LLM) trained by over 45 GB of data and redefines customer experiences across industries, blending innovation, personalized engagement and humanized tech interaction.

Why We Love It: While humanizing AI seems like a slippery slope, the Digital Human Concierge could potentially help businesses develop more intuitive technology to improve their products and services. According to Accenture, 95 percent of executives agree that making technology more human will greatly expand the opportunities of all industries. Finding new methods to help businesses flourish and expand while also improving human life seems to be a solid approach to embrace the AI revolution.
Best Brain Hack: BrainGym

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We prioritize exercising our bodies but what are we doing for our brains? Part of Accenture’s CES 2024 presentation, BrainGym’s integrated neuro-sensing insights and GenAI capabilities allow users to unlock their mind power, privately and securely. In the BrainGym, you build mental fitness by controlling objects with focus, measured through a Mendi brain-sensing headband. Review progress through BrainGym Insights and learn to better understand brainwaves. Talk to a GenAI-powered BrainGym Coach for personalized recommendations.

Why We Love It: Mental health is health. AI is not only getting better at reading our minds, but it’s also helping us to better understand them. Assessing mental wellness and fitness in the workplace supports workforce wellbeing. Aggregate anonymized data gives employers continuous insights into the needs of their workforce. Technology like BrainGym can be used for job training, remote workforce team building and consumer engagement research.
Best E-Bike: Urtopia Fusion GT

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Designed for the future of urban commuting, Urtopia Fusion GT has been dubbed the “iPhone in a bike” by its designer Hartmut Esslinger, renowned for his work at Apple and Sony. Urtopia e-bikes are connected to the Urtopia app and integrate with platforms such as Apple Health and Strava to enhance the cyclist experience. This is the first dual-motor, dual-battery e-bike (made of carbon fiber) and the pioneer in using ChatGPT with Urtopia’s voice recognition feature to deliver assistance instantly. As for speed, it hits 15 mph with a range of 75 miles to 124 miles (with the battery extender). Not only does it enrich bike-riding trips, but it also boasts eco-friendly manufacturing, reduces the carbon footprint and comes in recyclable cardboard packaging to eliminate plastic waste. It’s a lean green machine.

Why We Love It: The Urtopia Fusion GT, through the integration of iWatch health data, effectively monitors a rider’s heart rate while cycling, and automatically adjusts the journey. Also, the brand is highly committed to sustainable transportation, asserting that riding an e-bike is the greenest way to travel, revolutionizing short-range transport and reducing carbon emissions by 99 percent.

Available: July

Cost: $3,499
Best Cosme-tech (Cosmetic Technology): Amorepacific Lipcure Beam

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South Korean cosmetics company Amorepacific unveiled their latest cosmetic technological wonder, Lipcure Beam. In one unit, the beauty device encapsulates lip diagnosis, care and makeup capabilities. To assess the condition of the lips, the Lipcure Beam cap uses a sensor that detects moisture levels and provides diagnostic results when applied to the lips. When the cap is separated from its container, it acts as a makeup tool. The brush-like cosmetic applicator casts a specialized visible light to assist in lip care.

Why We Love It: The beauty is in the details of the Lipcure Beam. Its portability is a plus, but its health benefits give it a unique edge. When a light-responsive material is applied to the lips, it interacts with Lipcure Beam’s light, amplifying the response of the natural vitamin riboflavin. This results in strengthening the lips’ collagen fibers while forming a moisturizing barrier on the surface, slowing down the process of lip aging and creating a more youthful look.

Available: TBD

Cost: TBD
Best Beauty Innovation: BeautiGloo Lite

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Launching in the U.S., French mini refrigerator, BeautiGloo, keeps skincare products and makeup fresh. According to industry experts, there are a myriad of benefits gained from applying cold skincare instruments on your face. The colder temperatures provide anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties while also preserving organic ingredients.

Why We Love It: BeautiGloo uses science to revolutionize makeup storage with a touch screen design and intelligent thermal control software to efficiently maintain quality. Cosmetics kept cool last longer, saving money in the long run. Then, there are all the benefits that the cold offers the epidermis, such as stimulating blood circulation, increasing skin firmness and tone.

Available: TBD

Cost: $250
Best Smart Care System: Nomo Smart Care

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Check in on mom or dad while giving them the freedom to live independently. Without intrusive cameras, Nomo Smart Care converts normal in-home motion into real-time app-based updates giving the “care circle” the ability to monitor everyday household activities of and loved ones and track any disruptions in established routines. It alerts users when the daily regimen does not go as planned. Safe environments prevent accidents, injuries and illnesses.

Why We Love It: Nomo gives caregivers the ability to be anywhere versus in the home, allowing more freedom and independent living for everyone. The Nomo hub’s versatility includes the ability to facilitate instant two-way communication and place tags on household items such as medicine cabinets, toilet seats and refrigerators with the purpose of signaling movements concerning nutrition, incontinence care, or medication adherence. Tags are multi-functional with fall detection and emergency alert buttons. Additionally, it has a waterproof design, making it easy to position in the shower to enhance safety.

Available: Now

Cost: $250
Best Audio Integration: Anthem+ Digital Showering

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Kohler’s Anthem+ Digital Showering creates a multisensory showering experience with water, light, sound and stream. It includes 11 Kohler-created spa experiences — including a preset to energize at the start of the day and an experience to relax at its end. It also features smartphone connectivity, including voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Home assistants.

Why We Love It: Kohler’s latest digital shower innovation offers many ways to personalize something we do every day, showering. There are up-to nine customized preset combinations. The sophisticated minimalist design works with many different aesthetics and an intuitive touch sensitive surface gives the ability to monitor water usage and maximize water conservation. It can even put a hold on hot water for up to two minutes until you are ready to step into the shower.

Available: February 2024

Cost: Starting at $2,800
Best 8k TV: Samsung Neo QLED 8K TV

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The Samsung 85” Class QN900D Neo QLED 8K TV is powered by an NQ8 AI Gen3 processor for an experience that promises brilliant picture quality, mind-blowing sound and an enhanced design in the slimmest 8K TV ever. Mini LED technology makes the picture the brightest and most accurate it can be. Other fresh features include 8K AI Upscaling Pro, AI Motion Enhancer Pro and a new Infinity Air Stand. The upscaling feature is important as it transforms SD/HD content into 4K-like resolution and 4K content into 8K. It has a flat back so it is perfectly mounted against the wall and the Infinity Air Stand makes it seem as if it is floating.

Why We Love It: The Samsung QN900D comes with new AI Motion Enhancer Pro, which has the ability to automatically recognize the sport you’re viewing and utilize deep learning to provide crystal-clear visual tracking of fast-moving objects on screen like footballs and baseballs. With Now+, when the television is off the blank screen turns into a customizable interactive information center with weather updates, a family text messaging board and a music widget. For those who hate cords, the QN900D features the One Connect Box with a compact U-shaped module with two ports in the back, completely invisible to viewers. Connect your cable, satellite box, or video game system to the TV without wires.

Available: TBD

Cost: TBD
Best Customizable Speaker: Samsung Music Frame

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Inspired by Samsung’s The Frame TV, the Samsung Music Frame is a speaker disguised as a picture frame. This customizable speaker seamlessly blends into any room, displaying any photograph or printed image. It delivers Dolby Atmos sound in a form factor that blends into any room, hiding 2 woofers, 2 tweeters and 2 mid-drivers behind your photo. Samsung SpaceFit technology perfectly calibrates audio to the environment with a wide radial sound range — high-quality and balanced music playback, no matter where you’re sitting.

Why We Love It: Technology disguised as wall art is a win-win. The Music Frame can be used as either a standalone speaker or paired with a Samsung TV, soundbar or other wireless speaker.

Available: TBD

Cost: TBD
Best Vehicle Security System: Nextbase iQ Dash Cam

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Nextbase iQ is the first connected, triple-camera, AI Smart Dash Cam with up to 4K front and 1440p rear visibility in both day and night conditions. Pair it with the Nextbase app and watch your vehicle from anywhere. Receive notifications if the iQ detects impact or an intruder. Nextbase iQ features include live view, SmartSense Parking, Witness Mode, Guardian Mode, Roadwatch AI and Emergency SOS.

Why We Love It: Nextbase iQ’s safety features give drivers more surveillance over the condition of their car and peace-of-mind over their well-being. Similar to smart home technology, this system is comprehensive and connected. The SmartSense Parking function is a dual-technology system powered by Nextbase Spatial Awareness and G-Force Sensors, constantly scanning the area surrounding the car and supplying notifications to warn of any dangers — with high-res images and video — to your smartphone. Additionally, if an incident occurs that causes the driver to be unresponsive, Nextbase Emergency SOS has the ability to alert emergency services to the vehicle’s location and other details.

Cost: 1K, $499.99; 2K, $599.99; 4K, $699.99, plus subscription

Available: Now
Best Sports Buds: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Earbuds

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The ultimate workout partner, Sennheiser’s latest high-performance earbuds boast optimal features through the Qualcomm® S5 Sound Gen 2 platform and Snapdragon Sound™ Technology for aptX™ connectivity, making the sound quality seamless. This upcoming model will include multiple charging options like a USB-C port and a sleek Qi charging port.

Why We Love Them: With over seven hours of battery life, these earbuds will hold their charge for the toughest workouts. These essentials will come in three colors, including metallic silver, graphite and black copper.

Available: February 15 for pre-order

Cost: $299
Best Noise-Canceling Headphones: Master & Dynamic MW75-Neuro

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The AI-powered Master & Dynamic MW75-Neuro headphones boast heightened focus, crisp sound quality and a days-long battery life, all whole canceling out unwanted outside noise in a comfortable fashion. Featuring Neurable’s patented AI data analysis, listeners can enjoy tailored usage based on their habits and preference — all from the data of unique brain waves stemming from electroencephalogram tech.

Why We Love Them: Neurable’s audio gear goes beyond traditional streaming. Connect to the app on any iOS or Android device to access data, metrics and productivity history.

Available: TBD

Cost: $649
Best Wireless Audio Innovation: AUDIO Cu

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One of the latest wireless surround sound systems on the market has a lot to offer. A compact chipset framework eliminates the dependence on a router or home Wi-Fi network for the AUDIO Cu hardware. The wireless reach enables speakers and devices to connect to the main system across an expanded area, giving strong potential for full immersion in the entertainment system’s minimalist framework.

Why We Love It: Fasetto, Inc. engineered the AUDIO Cu to be over 85 percent recyclable, thanks to the wireless design.

Available: TBD

Cost: TBD
Best Appliance: GE Profile UltraFast Combo with Ventless Heat Pump Technology

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Capitalizing on efficient space and operation, this low-maintenance combo washer/dryer only needs a 120V plug unit to run smoothly. This design forgoes a dryer vent, making this a portable and functional appliance choice for any housing arrangement. While the singular unit presents a compact design, its load potential can handle large bedding and other bulky laundry items.

Why We Love It: Anyone looking to save time, money and the planet will enjoy two-hour wash-and-dry cycles that use up to 50 percent fewer energy expenditures of a normal washer and dryer combination.

Available: Now

Cost: Starting at $2,499
Best Throwback: Fiio CP13 Cassette Player

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Whether or not this tech feature pays homage to the “Guardians of the Galaxy” Walkman, the FiiO CP13 cassette player is a vintage treat. An authentic headphone plugin juxtaposes a modern USB-C port, and 13 hours of battery life guarantees long-lasting enjoyment. Also, the pure analog sound performance of this device doesn’t sacrifice quality for nostalgia.

Why We Love It: Choose a retro color from its numerous options, with blue and white available for the preorder picks.

Available: Now available for preorder; releases February 1

Cost: $99.99
Best SmartCase Earbuds: JBL Live 3 Buds

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JBL’s Smart Charging Case technology continues to set the precedent for earbud optimization, particularly in the upcoming Live 3 series. The groundbreaking trifecta of Buds, Beam and Flex products will include its signature touchscreen feature for control, wireless charging for ease of use and dozens of hours of playtime across all three styles.

Why We Love Them: Each installment in the series is waterproof with ergonomic noise-canceling style, for durability and added comfort.

Available: June 2024

Cost: $199.95
Best Smart Lighting: Nanoleaf Orchestrator with Lighting Integrations

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Introduce some color into life with Nanoleaf’s latest light synchronization technology. Using any associated home computer’s audio, the integrations sync to the music and create a one-of-a-kind light show. True to the brand, Orchestrator capabilities also extend into melody and beat matching to enhance the overall experience.

Why We Love It: No matter the user’s streaming platform preference, the lighting integrations are compatible with any program.

Available: Spring 2024

Cost: TBD
Best Smart Appliance: Bosch 800 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

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No detail is ignored in the creation of this smart home espresso machine from Bosch. Four integrated system automate coffee brewing for consistent quality; the Long Lasting Ceramic Grinder that grinds beans to the perfect consistency for freshness; a Smart Water Pump for the ideal liquid ratio; an Intelligent Flow Heater to maintain proper temperatures throughout the brewing process; and the High-Tech Brewing Unit that supports, in short, optimal aromas.

Why We Love It: Control the brewing remotely with the machine’s Coffee Playlist feature, an extension of the Home Connect app that allows caffeine drinkers to plan their next pick-me-up from afar.

Available: Now

Cost: $3,699
Best Charger: Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Stand

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Belkin’s modern power port is engineered to support multi-device charging with MagSafe 15W power, all through the assistance of a minimalist platform design. Charge compatible iPhones and Apple Watches alongside AirPods at lightning speeds, and at a glance, the LED features will indicate safe and successful charges.

Why We Love It: The boostCharge framework is adjustable, making the device placement a design choice as well as a functionality one.

Available: Now

Cost: $149.99
Best Smartphone Keyboard: Clicks Creator Keyboard

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The Clicks Creator Keyboard handheld add-on provides full-screen capabilities for iPhone creatives looking to maximize their screen surface area. Beyond the traditional usage, shortcodes and customizable automations coincide with the touchscreen usage and beyond, introducing opportunities for one-touch commands such as making calls and ordering rides.

Why We Love It: Remove the flexible casing to revert back to original iPhone use at any time. Plus, pressing down on physical keys is inherently satisfying.

Available: Spring 2024

Cost: Starting at $139
Best Travel Accessory: Satechi 145W USB-C 4-Port GaN Travel Charger

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This lightweight travel essential comes with international adapters for global travel ease, along with several wattage speeds for correct usage in every country. Compatibility with Macbook, Windows and Android products across the board makes this travel charger a champion of tech diversity, and four USB-C PD ports ensure that every device has enough juice for transit.

Why We Love It: This compact device has the juice to refuel larger tech while maintaining the capacity to power up other devices simultaneously and without sacrificing charge quantity.

Available: Now

Cost: $119.99
Best Pet Product: Pawport Pet Door

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This pet tech slides over any existing pet door to increase the security — and aesthetic. Every Pawport pet door uses premium materials around a reinforced base with adjustable LED color accents to customize the door’s edges. To control the functions, a free smartphone app tracks entrances and exits and allows pets to move across wide ranges of space — and yes, they come in several sizes to fit all pet frames.

Why We Love It: Advanced app features allow timed opens and closes, along with nighttime locks that keep pets safely indoors until the morning hours.

Available: TBD – preorder now

Cost: TBD
Best Product Under $100: EarFun Wave Pro

Image Credit: EarFun, Inc.

The EarFun Wave Pro noise-canceling over-ear wireless headphones are for die-hard gamers, music enthusiasts, audiobook listeners, or if you just need to replace your old headphones. They feature a hybrid active-noise cancellation performance of up to 45 dB and immediate anti-wind noise technology designed to keep out all the chatter and commotion, offering the listener a high-resolution experience driven by a pair of dynamic coil speakers. EarWave Pro’s advanced ENC technology and a 5-microphone AI-powered algorithm keep calls clear and voices easily distinguishable.

Why We Love It: Besides the pricing, EarWave Pro has several other perks that make it a good deal. The headphones are lightweight with an 80-hour battery life. Plus, they only take 10 minutes to charge for 10 hours of playback. There is a Game Mode, which achieves extremely low latency (<55ms>

Cost: $79.99

Available: Now
Best Product Concept: Supernal eVTOL

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Why We Love It: When Supernal says the eVOTL will be a secure and speedy new way to get around town, they mean that the aircraft is designed to cruise 120 miles per hour at 1,500 feet altitude from point A to point B. This will save a lot of time on the commute. Unlike airplanes and helicopters, which are rather noisy air vehicles, Supernal’s eVOTL will operate quietly and is comparable to the sounds of a dishwater.

Available: 2028
Best Streaming App: ROXi

Image Credit: Vasyl Shulga

ROXi, the free music-video streaming app, announces its launch in the United States. Access 100 million music videos, hundreds of music video channels, music video karaoke, music games, and more on 90 percent of smart TVs, which include LG, Vizio, Samsung, Comcast, Roku, Sony Bravia, NVIDIA Shield TVs, TCL, HiSense, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, and Android TV, starting in Q1 2024. For LG Television owners, ROXi’s catalog of 100 million music videos will be available in the content library, and all of it will be searchable via voice and via the LG Magic Remote. Despite the fact that many people listen to music on their phones, there is a substantial amount of interest in what this service offers. According to an independent poll commissioned by ROXi, 60 percent of US customers would switch from using audio-only smart speakers for home music to TVs that play whole music videos.

Why We Love It: Celebs such as Simon Cowell, Kylie Monigue, Robbie Williams and Sheryl Crow are all-in on the ROXi service, and curate their own music video channels on the streaming app. Adding the visual element back into the music listening experience makes it more immersive and stimulating.

Available: 2024
Best Laser Display: Hisense Automobile Laser Display

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Hisense’s Automobile Laser Display is a game changer for in-vehicle experiences using advanced laser projection. The Automobile Laser Display shows a vibrant picture, featuring a TriChromaTM triple-laser projection and providing 48 percent higher color performance than LEDs. The automotive screen is 80 percent smaller compared to traditional options. Seamlessly blending the virtual and real-world elements, the Laser Holographic AR-HUD transforms the windshield into a holographic screen for safer driving. Another reason it stands out from other car display screens is because it maximizes its bright and vivid appearance, offering 200 percent luminous efficiency.

Why We Love It: Every passenger’s viewing experience is improved by its innovative technique of adapting to its surroundings. The side and rear windows become immersive displays. To improve interactions between people and cars, the laser holographic projection also features headlight projection and programmable displays.
Best Gaming Monitor: Samsung 2D/3D Gaming Monitor

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Although video games continue to become more realistic and visceral, there are still dimensional limitations. But it seems that technological advancements are growing closer and closer to becoming as immersive as films like Tron and Ready Player One. Now the Samsung 2D/3D Gaming Monitor enters the arena. It doesn’t require gamers to wear any devices. Instead, the 2D and 3D convertible panel technology adapts the mode to content.

Why We Love It: Gamers don’t have to use wearables to enjoy a 3D experience. The 3D mode uses eye and head tracking to monitor your location, maximizing the effects and creating an immersive gaming experience. Additionally, through analysis of the color and complexity of the screen content, the monitor also creates 3D effects such as shadowing.
Best Transparent TV: LG Signature OLED TV 4K

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The LG Signature OLED TV 4K television apart features world’s first wireless transparent television screen. The 77-inch screen blends in with its environment seamlessly. This television setup also includes the Zero Connect Box, so users can enjoy a wire free environment. The OLED T becomes a lucent digital canvas for displaying videos, photos or artwork with the Always-On-Display (AOD) feature.

Why We Love It: The mesmerizing floating aesthetic of the LG Signature TV shows images that seems to hover in midair while simultaneously merging in with the surroundings, creating a striking and surreal visual effect. Not to mention, this television screen can be installed as a stand-alone, against-the-wall or wall-mount.

Available: TBD
Best AR Glasses: XREAL Air 2 Ultra AR Glasses

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Air2 Ultra, XREAL’s newest AR glasses, formerly known as “Nreal,” are on a mission to make AR available to everyone. Images appear clear and vibrant in a variety of light settings thanks to Full HD for each eye, a quick refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, and a maximum brightness of 500 nits. With its directional audio technology and cinematic-quality audio, the XREAL Air 2 Ultra reduces sound dispersion for improved privacy and less disruption.

Why We Love It: There are many AR glasses on the market that are heavy and bulky, but these are not. Featuring a sleek new titanium ring frame, XREAL’s Air2 Ultra glasses exceed the ISO standards of image quality and viewing ease. Each pair of XREAL Air 2 ultra glasses are certified for color accuracy, eye comfort, flicker-free usage and low blue light.

Available: March 2024

Cost: Pre-order for $699
Best Auto AI Integration: Volkswagen With ChatGPT

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Volkswagen is the first automobile company to use integrate ChatGPT into its IDA voice assistant. To activate the assistant, the driver says “Hello, IDA” — or presses a button. But if you are hesitant about connecting the two, it may give peace of mind to know that the chatbot won’t gain access to any vehicle data as questions and answers are immediately deleted.

Why We Love It: One way to make roads safer is to keep people’s eyes focused on the road. ChatGPT’s integration into Volkswagen makes it easier for drivers to ask questions on the spot, reducing driver distraction. Hands-free technology is not only more convenient, but it is safer. The IDA voice assistant can help with navigation, air conditioning controls, monitor the infotainment and answer general questions. It’s the ultimate co-pilot.

Available: The second quarter of 2024
Best Sustainable Product: Gen Phoenix x Dr. Martens

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Gen Phoenix is the world’s first and only producer of sustainable recycled leather at scale. It gives new life to leather waste by transforming it into a sustainable alternative through a circular process that rescues leather offcuts destined for landfill and regenerates them into a premium recycled leather material. At CES 2024, they highlighted two of their most innovative recent collaborations with fashion brand Coach and its sustainable sub-brand Coachtopia and music-industry-favored boot legend Dr. Marten.

Why We Love It: Gen Phoenix CMO Elyse Winer says Gen Phoenix is committed to zero waste solutions and since 2007 the company has diverted thousands of tons of material from landfills. With Gen Phoenix, Dr. Martens will be releasing a more sustainable version of their iconic boot, available in the coming months.

Available: Mid-2024
Best Turntable: Victrola Stream Sapphire

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Victrola Stream Sapphire is for the vinyl lover who wants high-quality wireless audio fused with sleek design and premium components. It offers the ability to stream vinyl with impressive clarity to Sonos, UPnP and Roon integrated systems and with support for up to 24-bit/48kHz lossless FLAC audio. Effortlessly, subscribers of Roon – a music management and listening solution offering Airplay, Chromecast, and high-performance Roon Ready connectivity – as well as owners of UPnP network-enabled streaming devices such as home theater A/V receivers, UPnP speakers, and smart TVs will be able to enjoy a wireless vinyl experience with no additional equipment required.

Why We Love It: As the first Stream turntable to launch with multiple connectivity options, Victrola Stream Sapphire makes it easy to wirelessly stream to a speaker setup, all through the Victrola Stream app. Structurally, Victrola Stream Sapphire brings clear audio from its low-resonance MDF plinth with walnut veneer and adjustable-height aluminum feet with sound dampening base. A two-speed brushless motor provides quiet and consistent speed control.

Available: Spring 2024

Cost: $1,499

29 Jan 2024

Taylor Swift Parties With Cara Delevingne, Keleigh Sperry, Kylie Kelce & More at Chiefs-Ravens Game

Taylor Swift seemed to have an enchanted time at the AFC Championship game Sunday (Jan. 28), where boyfriend Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs earned their place at this year’s Super Bowl by triumphing over the Baltimore Ravens.

In a slew of photos shared to Instagram Stories by the pop star’s close friend Keleigh Sperry, Swift parties with a large group of friends and fellow Chiefs fans in her box suite at M&T Bank Stadium in Maryland. In one snap, the “Anti-Hero” singer — wearing a bright red sweater, matching lipstick, black tights and boots — wraps Sperry and Cara Delevingne in a hug next to Kylie Kelce, who is married to Travis’ brother and Eagles center Jason Kelce.

In another picture, Swift models a “KC Conference Champions” cap while once again hugging Sperry, who is married to Top Gun: Maverick star Miles Teller. The model-actress, who earlier this month attended the Golden Globes as Swift’s date, also shared a behind-the-scenes photo of the pop star grinning and pumping her fist next to Travis’ parents, Ed and Donna Kelce, Jason, and Brittany Mahomes, who is married to Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Sperry also shared a picture of just her with Kylie, which she captioned, “My girl.”

Ross Travis, Keleigh Teller, Cara Delevingne and Taylor Swift look on during the first quarter in the AFC Championship Game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium on Jan. 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Swift and her A-list group of friends have become a mainstay at Chiefs games since the 12-time Grammy winner started dating Travis last year. Fans are hopeful she’ll round out the NFL season by attending the Super Bowl Feb. 11, although she’ll likely be cutting it close to make it to Las Vegas in time; the “Karma” musician is set to perform an Eras Tour show in Tokyo the day before, meaning she’ll have to catch a flight quickly after the concert is over.

The AFC Championship did, however, mark a first in Swift’s game-day appearances. Instead of keeping to her box and the stadium’s private hallways after the game concluded, she joined Travis down on the field to help celebrate Kansas City’s victory, kissing the tight end several times on camera. She also stuck around to watch No. 87 give a speech to Chiefs Kingdom, during which he proclaimed: “You gotta fight for your right to party!”

29 Jan 2024

Watch Ed Sheeran Fall Down, Then Get Up Again Like a Champ

It’s not the fall that hurts, it’s when you hit the ground. That lesson is not lost on Ed Sheeran, who posted a video on Sunday (Jan. 28) of a close-call near-fall he had while making an entrance to the stage during a recent date on his Mathematics world tour.

In the clip, Sheeran is sprinting up to the stage as a crowd shouts his name, only to get his foot caught on the last step, which causes him to pitch forward. With his trusty acoustic guitar in hand, Sheeran briefly crashes to his knees, but almost instantly recovers and hops up to strum his instrument while turning around to the below-stage void behind him with a knowing smile.

“Styled it out,” Sheeran wrote in an Instagram post featuring the video, which ends with the iconic gif of Keanu Reeves giving a rain-soaked thumbs up from 1991’s Point Break. Sheeran’s elegant recovery earned some plaudits from a few famous followers, with Natasha Bedingfield commenting “Quickest getting up ever,” Steve Aoki adding “Yesss!! Nailed it,” Gavin DeGraw giving Ed props by saying, “nobody noticed” and Diplo writing “crushed it.”

Sheeran spent much of 2023 on the road playing stadiums across Australia/New Zealand and North America before picking up the tour’s dates in the Middle East earlier this month with gigs in Bahrain and the UAE. The tour touched down at Kyocera Dome Osaka in Osaka, Japan on Jan. 27 for the first of a two night run at the venue, where it appears the tripping video was shot.

The Mathematics tour is slated to continue into late 2024 with additional shows across Asia and Europe through a Sept. 8 show at the Larnaca Marina in Cypus.

Watch Sheeran’s near wipe-out below.

29 Jan 2024

Lil Nas X Breaks Down the ‘J Christ’ Backlash: ‘It Wasn’t My Chaos Anymore’

It’s been a few weeks since Lil Nas X made headlines for his controversial comeback single “J Christ,” and the singer is ready to talk frankly about the public’s reception of his latest track.

During his appearance on the podcast On Purpose with Jay Shetty, the rapper explained that he felt the messaging of his song was taken out of context. “[‘J Christ’] was this thing that artistically was just supposed to be like, I’m returning … I’m back like Him, you know what I mean?” he said. “It turned into this whole thing where it was me trying to dunk on Christians or something, and that was never what it was. Never.”

Lil Nas agreed with some of the backlash, saying that the anger over a video of him eating communion wafers “looks really bad on paper,” adding that he did properly apologize for releasing that video. “This [was a] thing that I thought was just like a little jokey fun video. I also had to think about how many of my family members are Christian, like my grandmothers and stuff, and like aunties and things like that,” he said. “And I’m like, ‘Wow, do they see this as that too?’ If they do, you know, that’s really messed up. And it makes me sad.”

But the rapper said the he did not apologize for the song or the music video because he stood by his intended messaging. “That message turned around and I didn’t know how to do anything with it. It wasn’t my chaos anymore. It was the world’s and anything anybody said was true because that’s who I am as a person,” he said. “I’m this troll and I want to make these people mad. And so everybody can run with that. And there’s nothing I can do about that. I can say as many things as I want, but knowing my history, they look right, I look wrong.”

The interview comes after Lil Nas X spoke publicly about the release of “J Christ” in a video posted to his Instagram. In the original clip, the rapper explained that those online claiming that he was insulting Christianity with his song were mistaken. “I knew there would be some upset people simply because religion is a very sensitive topic for a lot of people,” he said. “But I also didn’t mean to mock — this wasn’t a f— you to the Christians. It was literally me saying I’m back like Jesus.”

Elsewhere in his interview on On Purpose, Lil Nas said that he’s now reflecting on what his future releases will look like, where his music will go in the future. “You’ve been so focused and zoned in on what you’re doing, and you push your art out into the world and it’s kind of received negatively by the majority … but then also understanding why, you know, and having to see it through,” he said. “So I guess that’s where I’m at right now and my next move, you know, the things that I’m planning on right now, I feel like somewhere in here that’s gonna be this magical moment that I can’t even take credit for.”

Check out the full episode of On Purpose featuring Lil Nas X below:

29 Jan 2024

Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Inspire United Airlines’ Custom Flight Numbers Ahead of Super Bowl

fans traveling to Las Vegas ahead of Super Bowl 2024 are sure to be flying in “Style.” In celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs advancing to the final round – having defeated the Baltimore Ravens at the AFC Championship game Sunday (Jan. 28) — United Airlines has announced custom flight numbers inspired by tight end Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift.

In total, the airline unveiled three specialized flights honoring the athlete and his superstar girlfriend, each of which will transport fans from Kansas City International Airport to Las Vegas’ Henry Reid International Airport Feb. 8 and 9 ahead of Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 11). The first trip is simply named “UA 1989” in honor of “the album of the Chiefs’ popular superfan,” according to a press release. (It also happens to be the year both Swift and Kelce were born.)

The second, “UA 2287,” combines Swift’s famous Red single “22” with Kelce’s jersey No. 87. The third, “UA 1587,” features the jersey numbers of both Kelce and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

“These special flights will provide direct flights for more than 1,000 Kansas City fans to get to Vegas to cheer on the Chiefs,” United continued in the release. “United is flying its largest Super Bowl schedule ever this year adding more than 40 special flights total, which will help 14,000 more fans across the country get to the big game.”

Swift herself will have to catch a long flight from her Feb. 10 Eras Tour show in Tokyo if she hopes to make it to Sin City in time to watch Kelce play at the Super Bowl — but she does have access to her own selection of private jets. Once in Vegas, the Chiefs will face off against the San Francisco 49ers, who won their own championship game against the Detroit Lions at the NFC finals also on Sunday.

And, worry not, 49ers fans: United also has a couple special flights in store for the Chiefs’ upcoming opponents. Two planes leaving from San Fran ahead of the big game will fly under the identifiers “UA1995” and “UA 1849,” respectively named in honor of the year the Cali team last won the Super Bowl and the year of the state’s famous “Gold Rush” (which is, coincidentally, the title of another Swift song).

See United’s Instagram post about the flights below:

1 … 1,483 1,484 1,485 1,486 1,487 1,488 1,489 … 2,569

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Best Hairstyling Tool: Airlight Pro

Best Automotive Music Experience: MBUX Sound Drive

Best Immersive Audio: Dolby Atmos FlexConnect

Best Use of Generative AI: Digital Human Concierge

Best Brain Hack: BrainGym

Best E-Bike: Urtopia Fusion GT

Best Cosme-tech (Cosmetic Technology): Amorepacific Lipcure Beam

Best Beauty Innovation: BeautiGloo Lite

Best Smart Care System: Nomo Smart Care

Best Audio Integration: Anthem+ Digital Showering

Best 8k TV: Samsung Neo QLED 8K TV

Best Customizable Speaker: Samsung Music Frame

Best Vehicle Security System: Nextbase iQ Dash Cam

Best Sports Buds: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 Earbuds

Best Noise-Canceling Headphones: Master & Dynamic MW75-Neuro

Best Wireless Audio Innovation: AUDIO Cu

Best Appliance: GE Profile UltraFast Combo with Ventless Heat Pump Technology

Best Throwback: Fiio CP13 Cassette Player

Best SmartCase Earbuds: JBL Live 3 Buds

Best Smart Lighting: Nanoleaf Orchestrator with Lighting Integrations

Best Smart Appliance: Bosch 800 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

Best Charger: Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Stand

Best Smartphone Keyboard: Clicks Creator Keyboard

Best Travel Accessory: Satechi 145W USB-C 4-Port GaN Travel Charger

Best Pet Product: Pawport Pet Door

Best Product Under $100: EarFun Wave Pro

Best Product Concept: Supernal eVTOL

Best Streaming App: ROXi

Best Laser Display: Hisense Automobile Laser Display

Best Gaming Monitor: Samsung 2D/3D Gaming Monitor

Best Transparent TV: LG Signature OLED TV 4K

Best AR Glasses: XREAL Air 2 Ultra AR Glasses

Best Auto AI Integration: Volkswagen With ChatGPT

Best Sustainable Product: Gen Phoenix x Dr. Martens

Best Turntable: Victrola Stream Sapphire

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