Music News

Maren Morris Returns to Social Media Amid Divorce From Ryan Hurd

Maren Morris returned to social media with an encouraging message following news that she filed for divorce from her husband Ryan Hurd.

On Friday (Oct. 20), the singer-songwriter, 33, shared a positive quote through her Instagram account weeks after officially ending her marriage. The quote begins with partially scribbled-out text “It will be fine,” above the words, “It will just be, and when it is, you will face what’s necessary.”

The carousel post also includes a mirror selfie of Morris wearing a black baseball hat with the lyrics “There were nights when the wind was so cold,” from Celine Dion’s hit song “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now,” which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1996.

The five-slide post included the caption, “Welcome to The End where you can come and lose some friends…” The gallery also features a photo of a wine bottle, along with snapshots of skincare products, and a TikTok clip of Morris attending the premiere of Taylor Swift‘s Eras Tour film.

News of Morris’ divorce surfaced on Tuesday (Oct. 17). The singer’s lawyers said in an Oct. 2 complaint that she and Hurd, 36, were “unable to live together successfully as husband and wife,” and were “experiencing irreconcilable differences in their marriage.”

The filing said that the couple had signed a prenuptial agreement, which will govern how their assets are divided. The pair, who share a 3-year-old son, will submit a “permanent parenting plan” to be approved by a judge, according to the court documents. Morris also asked for child support.

Morris and Hurd began dating in 2015 and wed in March 2018 in Nashville. They welcomed son Hayes in March 2020.

See Morris post on Instagram here.

8 Impactful Moments From 2023 GMA Dove Awards

Brandon Lake and Tasha Cobbs Leonard were among those in the winners circle on Friday evening (Oct. 20), as the 54th annual Dove Awards aired on TBN.

The Gospel Music Association began in 1964, and the first Dove Awards were held in 1969; initially, the ceremony primarily honored Southern gospel music. But the awards ceremony has expanded over the decades to honor an array of sounds and musical styles, including pop, hip-hop, Gospel, country, Latin and more.

During the 2023 ceremony, which was taped earlier this week on Oct. 17 at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Lake took home the lion’s share of wins, earning four trophies, including the overall artist of the year trophy.

“There are so many people in this room that I look up to and who gave me permission to write as a young boy. They say imitate before you innovate,” Lake said in accepting his artist of the year honor. “I have imitated so many of you year after year after year and songs not making it and no one hearing it and then God breathes on a little something. I’m so grateful to be a part of this community.”

Cobbs Leonard took home two awards — gospel worship album of the year for Hymns (Live) and traditional gospel recorded song of the year — and closed out the evening by performing “Burdens Down.”

“This album means a lot to me because I’m a church girl; I’m a PK [preacher’s kid],” Cobbs Leonard told the audience after winning the evening’s first honor, gospel worship album of the year. She added, “One of the ways I learned scripture was through song. I think we have an amazing opportunity to impact future generations through our lyrics.”

Toby Mac, Blessing Offor and Jeff Pardo each won two awards. Other winners included Katy Nichole (new artist of the year), Elevation Worship (worship album of the year for Live From the Loft), Jason Crabb and Dylan Scott (bluegrass/country/roots recorded song of the year for “Good Morning Mercy”) and Lecrae (rap/hip-hop album of the year, for Church Clothes 4). Song of the Year went to “Goodness Of God,” honoring songwriters Ben Fielding, Ed Cash, Jason Ingram, Jenn Johnson, and Brian Johnson. Miel San Marcos, Daniel Calveti, Marcos Witt and Ingrid Rosario won Spanish language recorded song of the year for “Coritis (En Vivo).”

Here, we look at 8 impactful moments from the ceremony. A full list of winners can be found here.

Neil Young Announces New Album ‘Before & After’

Neil Young surprised fans on Friday (Oct. 20) when he announced that he’s unveiling a new album, Before and After, on Dec. 8.

The album will feature an “eclectic” fresh takes of Young’s favorites lesser-known tracks from his songwriting vault, per a press release. “The feeling is captured, not in pieces, but as a whole piece — designed to be listened to that way. This music presentation defies shuffling, digital organization, separation. Only for listening. That says it all,” the icon wrote in a statement.

Before and After will be available in four formats: vinyl LP; clear vinyl LP (Limited Edition available only from Indie outlets and Young’s Greedy Hand online store), Blu-Ray disc featuring Atmos mix, Binaural mix and Hi-Res 96/24 stereo; as well as CD.

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Per-order is available now via the Greedy Hand Store at the Xstream Store © at NYA. and music retailers everywhere. All Greedy Hand Store purchases come with free hi-res digital audio downloads.

Travis Kelce Suggests What He Wore to Meet Taylor Swift ‘The First Time’ as Halloween Costume Idea

Halloween is right around the corner, and with interest in Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s relationship dominating social media in recent weeks, the couple is destined to be a popular couples costume choice this year. Luckily, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end offered up an idea on how to dress like him for the spooky season.

In a Friday (Oct. 20) press conference, shared by the Chiefs on their website, the football player was asked by a reporter, “You and Taylor is a very popular Halloween costume coming up this year. What do people have to have if they’re going to dress up as you for their costume?”

“Man … um, the mustache is slowly starting to disappear, but I’ll tell you what man — that ‘stache and the 87 jersey was pretty iconic there for a little bit,” Kelce said. “I had it when I met Taylor for the first time.”

Accessorizing won’t be integral to completing his look either. He continued: “I guess just my ‘stache and yeah … maybe a [friendship] bracelet or something, I don’t know.”

Expect to see a lot of Taylor and Travises out on Halloweekend — according to an Oct. 9 report by WWD, searches for “Travis Kelce costume” and “Taylor Swift costume” soared by 761 percent and 464 percent respectively. The searched spiked after the “Anti-Hero” singer attended the Chiefs’ game against the Chicago Bears on Sept. 24.

Sadly, finding a Kelce jersey has become a difficult task, as sales of his jersey surged 400% after Swift attended his recent games, but you can find more couples costume ideas here.

Britney Spears’ ‘The Woman in Me’: 11 Biggest Revelations From Her Memoir

From her abortion to her “drug of choice,” the pop star reflects on her turbulent life in the new book.

Britney Spears’ memoir The Woman in Me arrives on Tuesday, Oct. 24, and the Princess of Pop has not wasted her chance to tell her side of the story. Spears opens up about her highly publicized relationship with boy bander Justin Timberlake and elaborates on all the ways their time together has been misconstrued. She shares her thoughts on how being in the public eye shaped the woman she has become — for better and for worse — and how she has come to deal with the privileges and consequences of that fame in her current life.

Spears begins her story with heartbreaking detail about her sincere connection with the women in her family, and how their trauma has uncannily resurfaced in her own life. From a grandmother who lost a child and later found herself institutionalized, to how her own mother coped with her father’s heavy drinking. The pop star also details how, much like her grandmother, she felt silenced by her family as they controlled her through a conservatorship, and her disturbing belief that her own kin was on a mission to “kill” her.

In a quick 275-page read, Spears finally has the chance to tell her own narrative, to get her voice back after years of tabloid stories and a 13-year conservatorship that stripped away her autonomy. The Woman in Me is worth reading in full to understand the true depths of Spears’ experience through her own lens — or a few hours’ listen when actress Michelle Williams narrates the audiobook.

Britney Spears

Gallery Books

There are gossipy stories in Spears’ memoir that will certainly make readers gasp — though she has said that the memoir’s “purpose was not to offend anyone” — but there are also a lot of vulnerable and heartbreaking moments that could not have been easy to share. For a fraction of the story that one of the biggest cultural icons of a generation chose to share, Billboard has rounded up 11 of the biggest revelations from Spears’ book.

Billie Eilish Says She ‘Couldn’t Be More Single’ After Report of Dating Tattoo Artist

Billie Eilish would like a word. On Thursday, the “What Was I Made For?” singer took to Instagram to clarify her dating status after false rumors circulated online of her dating celebrity tattoo artist David Enth.

The Sun published a report stating that Eilish had a “new boyfriend” that looked like an older version of her ex, The Neighbourhood frontman Jesse Rutherford. “Their romance is super low-key but they’ve been on quite a few dates,” a source alleged to the tabloid. “He is used to tattooing celebrities and he came highly recommended. They’ve really hit it off. David is very much her type because she likes a bad boy with face tattoos—her ex looked like an older version of him. It is all very new but they make a great couple.”

Following the report, Eilish took to Instagram to categorically deny the rumor. “I’m so dead, literally couldn’t be more single right now LMFAO what the hell is all this,” she shared in a text post published to her Instagram Story.

The seven-time Grammy winner’s last documented relationship was with Rutherford. The pop star opened up about dating the singer in her annual Vanity Fair video interview in November 2022, saying that she successfully “pulled” him after being a fan of his.

“It’s really cool, and I’m really excited and I’m really happy about it,” she gushed. “I managed to get my life to a point where I not only was known by a person that I thought was the hottest f—ing f—er alive, but pulled his a–! Are you kidding me? Can we just [get a] round of applause for me … thank you, Jesse Rutherford, everyone! I pulled his a–. All me. I did that sh–.”

The pair ultimately broke up after seven months of dating, with a source explaining the split was an amicable one. “We can confirm Billie and Jesse did split amicably and remain good friends,” a rep for Eilish told Page Six, who broke the news. A rep for Rutherford also confirmed to Billboard that “All cheating rumors are false. Both are currently single.”

Brandy Gets Festive for Upcoming Christmas Album, Featuring a Collab With Her Daughter

The holiday season is just around the corner, and Brandy got fans in a festive mood on Friday (Oct. 20) by announcing her upcoming album, Christmas With Brandy.

The album will feature a fresh take on festive classics, including “Someday at Christmas,” “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls.” She’ll also team up with her daughter Sy’Rai on “Christmas Gift,” and puts the soul on tracks like “Christmas Party for Two” and “Feels Different.”

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The album, out Nov. 10 via Motown Records will come just a week before Brandy stars in the Netflix original film, Best. Christmas. Ever!, on Nov. 16. The Mary Lambert-directed film stars Brandy as Jackie, who sends out a holiday newsletter every year that makes her college friend Charlotte (Heather Graham) feel envious. When Charlotte, her husband Rob (Jason Biggs) and their family end up on Jackie’s and her husband Valentino’s (Matt Cedeno)’s house before Christmas, Charlotte sets out to prove that Jackie’s life isn’t as perfect as it seems.

Pre-save Christmas With Brandy here.

Bizarrap & Milo J Unite Atop Billboard Argentina Hot 100 With ‘Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 57’

Bizarrap extends his No. 1 record on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart as his latest release, “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 57” with Milo J, surges 35-1 on the Oct. 21-dated ranking.

“Vol. 57” ejects Luck Ra’s “La Morocha,” featuring BM, from its five-week domination, with a 1-2 dip.

With the move, 16-year-old rapper Milo J claims his first champ among 15 entries. The Argentinian previously reached a No. 11 high through “Dispara***,” with Nicki Nicole (July 15-dated list). Bizarrap, meanwhile, captures his ninth No. 1 on the tally and extends his record for the most champs since the chart launched in 2018. Let’s look at the leaderboard:

9, Bizarrap
6, Maria Becerra
5, DuKi
5, Tiago PZK



Further, Bizarrap and Milo J join forces with four debuts. El “Fruto” leads the new recruits as the week’s Hot Shot Debut, at No. 11. “Toy En El Mic” follows at No. 15, “No Soy Eterno” at No. 21, and “Penas De Antaño” No. 31.

Continuing with the top 10, Emilia’s “GTA.Mp3” falls 2-3, Grupo Frontera and Ke Personajes’ “Ojitos Rojos” holds at its No. 4 high for a second week, while Myke Towers’ “Lala” completes the top 5 with a 6-5 jump.

The week’s Greatest Gainer goes to Marka Akme, Migrantes, Lauty Gram, Peipper, and DJ Tao’s “Linda” which rallies up 66 ranks, from No. 91 to No. 25.

Three other songs arrive on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 list this week: Darell adds his 10th career entry with “Lollipop” at No. 53. Further, BM, Big One and Tini’s latest team-up, “Lágrimas I CROSSOVER #4,” debuts at No. 69. Lastly, WOS clocks his sixth entry with “Morfeo” at No. 77.


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PETA Slams ‘Washed-Up Musician’ Aaron Lewis for Spelling ‘Trump 24’ With 32 Dead Coyotes

PETA is criticizing Staind‘s Aaron Lewis after the rocker posted a photo of 32 dead coyotes spelling out “Trump 24” on social media.

“How vile and pathetic that a washed-up musician, desperate for relevance, terrorized and killed animals to get a brief taste of the attention he obviously craves,” Lisa Lange, PETA’s senior vice president, says in a statement to Billboard. “Just like the dogs who share our homes, coyotes feel pain and fear and love their families, and because they’re one of the few species found in nearly every U.S. state, they’re beloved by many as America’s ‘song dog.’ PETA encourages Aaron Lewis to seek attention through some act of kindness, rather than slaughtering individuals who are simply trying to eke out an existence in an increasingly paved-over world.”

Lewis, who is also a country musician, began sharing the photo on social media Wednesday (Oct. 18) on Facebook, Instagram and Truth Social.

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“Another incredible 3 night hunt,” his caption on the twice-impeached former president Donald Trump’s social media platform read in part, also indicating that the hunt took place in Texas. “Who knew it would take exactly 32 dead coyotes to write such a poignant message to this amazing country we are all watching crumble before our eyes.”

The non-profit animal rights organization isn’t the only one upset by Lewis’ photo.

“I’m pro Trump, pro guns, pro hunting and like Arron Lewis but have some damn respect for the animals!” commented one follower on Facebook. “Who raised you??”

“I’m a hunter and own livestock and farm and I don’t destroy huge populations of apex predators,” wrote another. “I make sure I secure my domestic animals because I’m educated and know this isn’t conservationism.”

More fans on Instagram slammed the Staind frontman over his photo of the dead coyotes; he has since hidden comments and removed the ability to respond to the post.

Billboard has reached out to Staind’s rep for comment on Lewis’ photo.

Friday Dance Music Guide: The Week’s Best New Tracks From Barry Can’t Swim, ISOxo, Rêve & More

This week in dance music: Texas Eclipse Festival 2024 announced a heady, heavy lineup, Dutch festival DGTL announced that it’s making it’s U.S. debut this December, BMG acquired Martin Solveig’s catalog, Kenya Grace made history as the first artist to hit No. 1 on Hot Dance/Electronic Songs with a track produced, written and sung exclusively by a woman, and we talked to her about the track, the Mayan Warrior team announced that it will bring a new car to Burning Man in 2024 after its original rig burned down this past April, we got exclusive CRSSD Fall 2024 sets from Basement Jaxx, Nikki Nair and Interplanetary Criminal and we spoke with III Points co-founder David Sinopoli ahead of the festival, which launches today (Oct. 20) in Miami with headliners including Black Coffee, Caroline Polacheck, Skrillex and Fred again..

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That’s a lot, and there’s more. These are the best new dance tracks of the week.

Barry Can’t Swim, When Will We Land



The Label: Ninja Tune

The Spiel: Barry Can’t Swim has released more than half his debut album, When Will We Land?, in singles over the last few months, but damn if it doesn’t all sound so good all together. The Scottish producer has a talent for lushness and groove, building the standout “Always Get Through To You” to an exultant place while bringing in Afrobeats, house, jazz and ambient influences throughout. Vocal snippets give the project a human, sometimes slightly melancholic, mood and depth. The Edinburgh native is on tour in the U.K. and Europe for the remainder of 2023.

The Artist Says: “I’m not really one for putting soppy s–t on socials,” the artist, born Joshua Mainnie, wrote on Instagram, “but it’s an incredibly moving thing to know there are people out there that actually want to listen to my music and hear this album. It’s been almost 2 years in the making and some of it was written when I was still working a full time job. Can’t believe it really.”

ISOxo, kidsgonemad!



The Label: 88Rising Records

The Spiel: San Diego’s ISOxo released his very-much-anticipated debut album today, and with it demonstrates why he’s simultaneously the future of bass-forward electronic music and one of the most exciting things currently happening within it. Pummeling with the same velocity of early Skrillex and containing the same kind of sleek, sharp edges of Justice, the album is raw, powerful, aggressive and inventive, with the artist balancing out walloping maximalism with more delicate moments like on the Spanish-guitar tinged “Moonspell.” The producer, born Julian Isorena, has four sold out shows at The Shrine in Los Angeles next month.

The Artist Says: “This album can be split into three parts. The first few tracks have a cocky, rebellious energy that builds to a breaking point with ‘pressure’. The second part is about trying to reconnect with the passion and feeling of making music with no restrictions or expectations (how2fly). And part three builds again into the high energy from part one and brings back those themes but from a more hopeful perspective. kidsgonemad! is the whole journey of growth and self-discovery from brash rebellion and angst to hopelessness, and finally acceptance and self-worth.”

Rêve, Saturn Return



The Label: Astrwalwerks

The Spiel: Montreal dance pop artist Rêve — a Billboard emerging dance artist to watch — is proving why with her debut album Saturn Return. Giving Future Nostalgia vibes, the album is sleek, fun, sophisticated, singable and extremely danceable, containing earlier hits including “Whitney” and “Breaking Up With Jesus” and new gems like the shimmering “Contemporary Love” and the power-lunged power anthem “Disco At The Strip Club.” The project was produced by Banx & Ranx, known for their work with Dua Lipa and Little Mix, and Grammy-nominated producer Carl Ryden, who is well-versed in the dance pop world through his work with Kylie Minogue.

The Artist Says: “The album was carefully crafted to make listeners feel sexy, vulnerable, empowered, euphoric, and free,” says the artist born Briannah Donolo. “My goal was to create a sonic dimension where everyone has a space to feel safe to experience and celebrate the full range of human emotion. I’m known for my dance vibes, which you’re getting plenty of with Saturn Return, but I also wanted people to see a more emotional and vulnerable side from me – because spilling my guts is my favorite thing to do.”

Poolside, Blame It All On Love



The Label: Counter Records

The Spiel: A longtime arbiter, of funky, groovy, smooth as hell music you can dance to (or just clean the house to), Poolside is back with his fourth full length, Blame It All on Love. It is, as they say, a vibe. Swimming largely instrumental end of the pool, the album is a lush, slinky, sorta sexy affair that features work from Cut Copy’s Ben Browning (“Ride With You”), Panama (“Back To Life”), Ora The Molecule, Life on Planets, Slenderbodies, Munya and Mazy (“Each Night.”)

The Artist Says: “I’ve spent 15 years being like, ‘F–k your rules,’ and I finally feel like I’m not trying to prove anything or anyone wrong,” the artist born Jeffrey Paradise says. “It’s just pure, unfiltered expression, and that’s why I’m really excited about this record.”

Claude VonStroke, “The Creeps”


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The Label: Dirtybird

The Spiel: The one and only Claude VonStroke is very aware of what season it is, giving spooky vibes on his latest, “The Creeps.” A simmering, ominous house beat is the foundation for vocalist Barry Drift to expound on the real terror of a bad trip, stating in a low growl, “Blood is everywhere, the drugs are so dramatic!”

The Artist Says: “A good horror film is very difficult to make because it has to be scary enough to make your skin crawl, but fun enough so you can enjoy grabbing your partner’s arm during a jump scare,” says CBS. “I decided to go for it and make a track just for Halloween based on the concept that a guy takes drugs and cannot figure out if he is in reality or a horror film. It’s a precarious balance between cheesy and creepy, but that’s the entire fun of Halloween, isn’t it?”