Music News

17 May 2023

Liam Payne Celebrates 100 Days of Sobriety: ‘I Feel Amazing’

Liam Payne is celebrating a major sobriety milestone. In an interview with boxing channel IFL TV after Saturday’s Joe Fournier/KSI fight in London the former One Direction singer noted that he’s got more than 100 days of not drinking under his belt.

“Things are really, really good. I’m sober now over 100 days. I feel amazing,” Payne said. “I feel really, really good, and support from the fans and everything has been really, really good. So, I’m super happy.”

“I’ve been making an album for a change, which is quite fun and it’s been good so I’m excited to bring it out and I definitely want to tour this time,” he said of the as-yet-untitled follow-up to his 2019 debut full-length solo album, LP1. “It’s just unusual because I wasn’t sure I was going to tour for a long time.”

Payne, 29, said he was “over” the idea of touring for a bit, but not he’s really excited to get back out on the road and see his fans again. In 2021, Payne discussed his substance use issues on the Diary of a CEO podcast, revealing his struggle with depression and substances during the chaotic 1D years.

“I was worried how far my rock bottom was going to be. Where’s rock bottom for me?” the singer told host Stephen Bartlett. “And you would never have seen it. I’m very good at hiding it. No one would ever have seen it.”

Payne said there were definitely things he’s “never, never spoken about. It was really, really, really severe. It was a problem,” he said of his fragile mental state and substance struggle. “And it was only until I saw myself after that I was like, ‘Right, I need to fix myself.’” He described seeing pictures of himself on a boat when he was “all bloated out,” describing what he called his “pills-and-booze face. My face was just, like, 10 times more than it is now. I just didn’t like myself very much, and then I made a change.”

The singer’s most recent music release was the 2021 one-off single “Sunshine” from the movie Ron’s Gone Wrong.

Watch Payne’s interview below.

17 May 2023

Macaw Confesses They Were ‘Afraid to Show Myself’ on ‘The Masked Singer’ Finale: Exclusive

The Masked Singer season 9 finale is upon us, and Billboard has an exclusive first look at Macaw reflecting on their emotional journey throughout the competition.

“Tonight, honey, you showed us what you are made of,” judge Nicole Scherzinger raves following one of the masked contestant’s finale performances. “You always pull at our heartstrings, you give us the feels, but tonight you hunkered down and you said, ‘Naw, it ain’t over with yet, baby! I’m comin’ for you!’”

With their speaking voice modulated to hide their identity, the Macaw replied, “I had a lot of anxiety before coming onto the show because I was afraid to show myself,” before their voice broke on the verge of tears.

“Take your time, take your time,” host Nick Cannon said, offering the singer a consoling arm while Macaw continued, “It’s been a difficult last couple of years and I’m truly humbled, so thank you.”

Throughout the season, Macaw has absolutely crushed covers of everything from Elton John’s “Your Song” and “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw to Ed Sheeran’s “Photograph” and One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful.” In the finale, the colorful songbird faces off against Medusa for the season 9 crown after beating out the likes of California Roll (Pentatonix), UFO (Olivia Culpo), Fairy (Holly Robinson Peete) and Axolotl (professional wrestler Alexa Bliss).

Other celebs who’ve rounded out the latest season of the hit reality show include Lou Diamond Phillips as Mantis, Melissa Joan Hart as Lamp, Dee Snider as Doll, former Selling Sunset villain Christine Quinn, Lele Pons as Jackalope, Grandmaster Flash as Polar Bear, Debbie Gibson as Night Owl and more.

Watch Macaw’s emotional confession during The Masked Singer finale below.

17 May 2023

Foo Fighters Drop ‘Under You’ Single, Announce Free Global Streaming ‘Preparing Music For Concerts’ Event

The Foo Fighters are gearing up for a summer of major shows by putting on a major show. The group announced on Wednesday morning (May 17) that they will preview songs from their upcoming 11th album, But Here We Are (June 2) during a free global streaming event they are calling “Foo Fighters: Preparing Music For Concerts.”

According to a release, the event will feature the debut performances of songs from their new album — their first since the shocking death of drummer Taylor Hawkins last March — as well as exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and some surprises during the show from their 606 studios.

“Shows like this don’t happen every day. To take this moment to gather fans worldwide, to give people an opportunity to share in the experience no matter where they are, is a gift,” said Good Charlotte’s Joel Madden, CEO and founder of Veeps, the streaming platform hosting the gig. “Having a place to make these moments accessible is why we built Veeps and we’re honored to be trusted with delivering this incredible show for Foo Fighters and all of their fans. The show will premiere on Sunday (May 21) at 3 p.m. ET here.

In addition, the Foos released the second single from the album on Wednesday, the Greg Kurstin-produced mid-tempo rocker “Under You,” on which singer/guitarist Dave Grohl sings the wistful lyrics, “I woke up and walk a million miles today/ I’ve been looking up and down for you/ All this time it still just feels just like yesterday/ That I walked a million miles with you.” He later alludes to the loss of someone dear in the gut-punch verse, “Someone said I’ll never see your face again/ Part of me just can’t believe it’s true/ Pictures of us sharing songs and cigarettes/ This is how I’ll always picture you.”

While the band has not yet officially announced a replacement for longtime drummer Hawkins — who died at 50 while on tour with the Foos in South America — they are slated to make their road return on May 24 at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Gilford, N.H. They have a very full summer planned, including more than a dozen festival appearances at Boston Calling, Sonic Temple, Rock Am Ring, Bonnaroo, Ottawa Bluesfest, Harley-Davidson Homecoming, Fuji Rock, Wildlands, Outside Lands, Jazz Aspen Snowmass, Riot Fest, Sea.Hear.Now, Louder Than Life, Ohana and ACL as well as a number of North American and international headlining dates.

Produced by frequent collaborator Kurstin and the band, But Here We Are was described in a press release as “the first chapter of the band’s new life… a brutally honest and emotionally raw response to everything Foo Fighters endured over the last year… a testament to the healing powers of music, friendship and family. Courageous, damaged and unflinchingly authentic.”

“But Here We Are is the sound of brothers finding refuge in the music that brought them together in the first place 28 years ago, a process that was as therapeutic as it was about a continuation of life,” it promised.

Listen to “Under You” below.

17 May 2023

Lea Michele Tests Positive For COVID, Sitting Out Broadway’s ‘Funny Girl’ For a Week

Lea Michele will have to take a week off from Broadway’s Funny Girl after testing positive for COVID again. The production announced on Instagram that the singer/actress will sit out the production through May 23, with Julie Benko playing the role of Fanny Brice until Michele is able to return; Ephie Aardema will step in for Friday’s (May 19) performance).

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

“Unfortunately, Lea Michele has tested positive for COVID. She will be out of the show this week and will return on Tuesday, May 23,” read the Instagram post. This is the second time Michele has been forced to step aside after testing positive for COVID following a week of missed shows in September.

According to Deadline, despite veteran Benko’s solid reviews in the standby Brice role — first in April 2022 and then again in August following Beanie Feldstein’s leave-taking — the production typically experiences “steep declines” in box office when Michele is out for vacation or other reasons. It also reported that since Michele took over from Feldstein in the revival last fall, Funny Girl has been one of Broadway’s biggest earners, with the show grossing more than $1.6 million last week. The musical is slated to close on Broadway on Sept. 3.

Two days before the announcement, Michele pulled her son Ever out of the crowd during Sunday’s Mother’s Day performance during the curtain call and carried him around to greet some of her cast mates. In March, Michele revealed that the two-year-old was hospitalized due to an undisclosed health issue. At the time she took a one-night break from Funny Girl to be at the hospital due to Ever’s undisclosed “scary health issue.”

Check out the post announcing Michele’s absence.

17 May 2023

Slowthai Removed From Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds Festival Lineups Following Court Appearance on Rape Charges

Warning: the following story contains descriptions of an alleged sexual assault.

British rapper Slowthai‘s name appeared to be quietly scrubbed from the lineups of the Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds festivals on Tuesday (May 16) after the MC appeared in court on two charges of rape. The 28-year-old rapper (born Tyron Frampton) was charged with two counts of rape earlier in the day during a video link court appearance before Oxfordshire, England magistrates, where he was charged with oral and vaginal penetration of a woman without her consent in connection with an alleged 2021 incident in Oxford.

NME reported that Slowthai’s name was taken off the festival’s rosters after the court appearance and at press time neither the artists nor the festival organizers had made an official announcement about the change; Billboard confirmed that Slowthai is no longer listed on the lineups for the events on their official websites. A spokesperson for Slowthai had not returned Billboard‘s request for comment at press time.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Slowthai posted a message on Instagram following his brief court appearance to deny the allegations. “Regarding the allegations being reported about me. I categorically deny the charges,” he wrote. “I am innocent and I am confident my name will be cleared. Until then I will apply my energy to ensure this is concluded swiftly and justly.” He asked his supporters not to “comment about this situation” and to “respect the process and privacy” of his family.

According to The Guardian, Frampton did not enter a plea during the appearance and only confirmed his real name, date of birth and Northampton address. Prosecuting lawyer Adam Yar Khan said the rape charge must be heard at crown court, due to it being an indictable-only offense. At the time of publication, there is no further information surrounding the charges and the accuser’s claims.

17 May 2023

Congratulations! Post Malone Helps Scottish Artist Pay House Deposit

Post Malone has made a 12 carat gesture by helping a Scottish singer in his quest to buy a home.

The “Rockstar” singer star immediately hit it off with Gregor Hunter Coleman, who he caught singing in Glasgow’s Wunderbar last Friday night (May 12).

According to the BBC, the pair sang and chatted through the evening. As the night progressed, Posty generously chipped in money towards a house deposit, for which the Scotsman has been saving his pennies.

After completing his set, Coleman was invited over to meet Posty. “He said, do you want a drink?,” Coleman tells BBC Scotland. “I was like, listen, I’m saving for a house so I’m not drinking just now. Which was daft, my mates were, like, why did you turn down a drink from Post Malone?”

Posty respected the singer’s decision and extended an invitation for him to perform at his official afterparty the following night. “He started saying, how much will you charge? I said nothing, it’s Post Malone, this is the chance of a lifetime.”

Malone “got talking to me and he offered to help me out with my house deposit,” in an encounter he described as “bizarre”.

The pair exchanged details and the Scot is keen to present music to his new pal. And how much money did the superstar donate to Coleman’s cause? The singer is keeping mum on that.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news


Taking to social media, Coleman describes the catchup as “a life changing experience.”

The time “spent with this gent chatting and jamming was life changing in itself, not to mention what followed. This could be my time to hit the ground running.”

Malone was in the city performing at the Hydro on May 13, part of the U.K. and Europe leg of his Twelve Carat Tour, which kicked off last September for a North America run, and passed through Australia and New Zealand earlier in the year.

The action doesn’t end there. Posty set a swag of RIAA records last month and released a new greatest hits compilation The Diamond Collection, which includes his new pop-leaning number “Chemical.”

There’s more music on the way, with a fifth album, Austin, due out July 28, and the first single from it dropping this Friday (May 19), “Mourning.”

16 May 2023

Will Beyoncé & Taylor Swift’s 3-Hour Concerts Become the Norm for Pop Tours?

Three hours or bust!

On their ambitious new tours, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are setting the bar impossibly high for treks to come, playing three-hour (or longer!) concerts that each cover more than 3 dozen songs from their respective catalogs. Rock fans have come to expect marathon concerts from the likes of Bruce Springsteen or Pearl Jam, but this is a rarity for a pop concert; by comparison, another currently touring pop superstar, Janet Jackson, is playing just under two-hour shows.

On the new Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, Katie & Keith — with a special assist from Billboard touring director Dave Brooks — are discussing whether this could become the norm for a pop show or if Bey and Swift are just supernova outliers.

Also on the show, we’ve got chart news on how Morgan Wallen charts a 10th straight week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with his album One Thing at a Time. How rare is that? How many albums have spent at least 10 weeks at No. 1 in the chart’s history? And how many more weeks do we think he’ll spend on top? Plus, Ed Sheeran’s – (Subtract) lands at No. 2 in its first week on the chart.

The Billboard Pop Shop Podcast is your one-stop shop for all things pop on Billboard‘s weekly charts. You can always count on a lively discussion about the latest pop news, fun chart stats and stories, new music, and guest interviews with music stars and folks from the world of pop. Casual pop fans and chart junkies can hear Billboard‘s executive digital director, West Coast, Katie Atkinson and Billboard’s managing director, charts and data operations, Keith Caulfield every week on the podcast, which can be streamed on Billboard.com or downloaded in Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast provider. (Click here to listen to the previous edition of the show on Billboard.com.)

16 May 2023

Willie Nelson’s 90th Birthday Concerts Getting a Theatrical Release

If you missed out on Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday concerts on April 30 and May 1 in Los Angeles, you can see all the special performances honoring the 12-time Grammy winner in a limited theatrical run.

Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90 will be shown in theaters on June 11, with an encore presentation on June 13 and 14. Recorded at the Hollywood Bowl over two nights in April, the concert film will include performances by Nelson, Keith Richards, Neil Young, George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Snoop Dogg and many more.

Nelson, who was also inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year, is having a banner year as a nonagenarian. He was honored with an educational endowment at the University of Texas’ LBJ School of Public Affairs and will have a new book about his songwriting called “Energy Follows Thought: The Stories Behind My Songs,” coming out on Oct. 31 through William Morrow.

The Texas actor, activist and songwriter penned hits like “Crazy,” “Funny How Times Slips Away” and “On the Road Again” over his seven-decade career, as well as co-founded Farm Aid.

Tickets for the concert film, presented by Blackbird Presents, Joe Hand Promotions and Nelson’s manager Mark Rothbaum, go on sale today at willienelson90experience.com

16 May 2023

Alabama Barker Teases Potential Music Career With Rap Song Snippet

Like father, like daughter! Travis Barker’s 17-year-old daughter Alabama Barker took to TikTok over the weekend to tease a new original song.

“But listen who the f— y’all talking to / I’m Alabama, get to know me, I might sp-z on you,” the teen is seen lip-syncing in the video over her debut rap track. “Treat me like your mama, drip me out in some designer / Ice me out like boy, I’m wildin’ / You know the type of energy, don’t treat me like it’s 10 to me / You better not be textin’, treat your exes like your enemies.”

“Posting the top 10 I like on my story,” she captioned the post, encouraging her followers to make their own videos to the song for a chance to be highlighted on her Instagram Stories.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

The social media star also responded to comments defending her decision to rap amid some backlash from trolls. “She just wanna rap cause she like music and she wanted to try it that’s literally it,” one user wrote, to which Alabama simply replied, “Like fr.”

While the song doesn’t currently have an official title or release plans, the track marks Alabama’s foray into the music world, following in the footsteps of her father, producer and Blink-182 drummer Travis. The musician shares Alabama and son Landon — as well as stepdaughter Atiana de la Hoya — with ex-wife Shanna Moakler.

Watch Alabama’s teaser clip below.

16 May 2023

SZA Is Loving Janelle Monae’s Sexy New Era of ‘Self Renaissance’

SZA is all about supporting women and their sexual expression.

The “Kill Bill” singer came to Janelle Monáe’s defense on Monday (May 15) amid online backlash toward the “Lipstick Lover” singer, who has been showing off a newer, sexier side of herself leading up to her The Age of Pleasure album release.

“I love that it’s HER being free [right now] because [people] LOVE to box women in and claim that because you’re articulate respected and intelligent, you can’t show your body or be sexual or anything else lol,” SZA commented on an Instagram post from RNB Radar. “It’s a ridiculous notion and I’m ALL FOR HER SELF RENAISSANCE.”

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

In the “age-restricted” video for “Lipstick Lover” on YouTube, Monae relishes in female beauty as she enjoys poolside kisses on the neck and appreciates her muse’s curves.

“I’m like, ‘Why didn’t I write this song years ago?’ Because if you know me … Today, I don’t have on any red lipstick, but I’m always in red lipstick,” she told Apple Music’s Zane Lowe of the track. “And there have been so many instances where I’ve made out with somebody at a party, and it’s dark. Nobody notices it. But when the lights come on, whoever I’ve made out with, lipstick all over their face. And then I’ve also been on the receiving end of a human … who’s so attractive. … Or I’ll get home, and I’m like, ‘Oh my God. I have lipstick all over my face.’ And I’ve also been the ‘Lipstick Lover’ where … you know exactly who I kissed.”

Monae’s album, The Age of Pleasure — out June 9 via Wondaland Arts Society / Atlantic Records — will be her first studio album since 2018’s Grammy-nominated release of Dirty Computer.

See SZA’s supportive comment below.