State Champ Radio Music News
Page: 208
A London judge has released Chris Brown on bail in the amount of $6.7 million on Wednesday (May 21), according to Reuters. The “Forever” singer also has to surrender his passport when not traveling for his upcoming Breezy Bowl XX Tour in North American and Europe, which is scheduled to kick off June 8. According […]
If it seems as if Jennifer Lopez has been a part of the American Music Awards for decades, well, she has. Lopez was just 21 in 1991 when she made her AMAs debut as a dancer behind New Kids on the Block. She first performed on the show as a star attraction in 2001. She […]
Michael B. Tretow, the pioneering Swedish sound engineer who helped craft the signature sonic identity of ABBA, has died at age 80.
His wife and son confirmed the news to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, with the band’s longtime manager Görel Hanser also confirming his passing. A cause of death has not been made public.
Best known for his studio wizardry, Tretow was often referred to by fans as the unofficial “fifth member” of ABBA for his indispensable role in shaping the band’s groundbreaking sound.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
He worked on every one of ABBA’s albums throughout their imperial phase, from 1973’s Ring Ring through to 1981’s The Visitors, and co-owned the group’s label, Polar Music. Notably, he was not involved in the group’s 2021 reunion album, Voyage.
”You meant more to us four in ABBA than anyone else,” Andersson told Aftonbladet. “I hope and believe that you felt it throughout all the years that have passed since we worked (and continuously laughed) in the studio. Our music lives on, it seems, and you are the one who made it timeless.”
Trending on Billboard
“You were a fantastic inspirer and joy-maker, and the finest sound engineer the world has ever seen,” he said, adding: “I miss you. And I’ve saved all your coconuts!”
Björn Ulvaeus added that Tretow’s significance “cannot be overestimated,” remembering him as “a warm, generous person and a good friend.”
Anni-Frid Lyngstad said, “No one fit the bill as well as you. For us, you are forever part of the ABBA sound and you will never be forgotten.”
Agnetha Fältskog reflected on their final moments together: “So glad I got to spend some time with you a few weeks ago… You were so sick, but your laughter and humor were still there. So many memories are preserved, your encouraging words during the recordings meant so much. We are sad now, a talented and unique person has left us. Sleep well Micke, you are in our hearts forever.”
Tretow is survived by his wife and son.
Robbie Williams is looking to hark back to “a golden age for British music” with his newly-announced LP Britpop, slated to land this autumn.
The album, which the singer says was inspired by the iconic musical era of the same name and the bands who defined it (Oasis, Blur, Pulp et al), will arrive via Columbia Records. It will mark Williams’ 13th solo full-length effort to date, and his first of non-festive original songs since 2016’s The Heavy Entertainment Show. A release date is due to be confirmed soon.“I set out to create the album that I wanted to write and release after I left Take That in 1995,” he said in a statement. “It was the peak of Britpop and a golden age for British Music. I’ve worked with some of my heroes on this album; it’s raw, there are more guitars and it’s an album that’s even more upbeat and anthemic than usual.“There’s some ‘Brit’ in there and there’s certainly some ‘pop’ too – I’m immensely proud of this as a body of work and I’m excited for fans to hear this album.”
The news coincides with the release of the album’s blistering lead single, “Rocket,” which features Black Sabbath legend Tony Iommi on guitar. Its accompanying music video is set to drop this Friday (May 23), though a press release states that it will feature scenes of Williams and Iommi together in the latter’s hometown of Birmingham.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Williams will support Britpop with an extensive U.K. and European headline tour this summer, which features two nights at London’s 60,000-capacity Emirates Stadium (June 6-7). Support will come from Warrington rock band The Lottery Winners, as well as Rag ‘N’ Bone Man on select dates.
Trending on Billboard
The artwork for Britpop, meanwhile, nods to one of Williams’ most iconic looks: the red tracksuit worn to Glastonbury Festival in 1995 when he partied with Oasis at the height of the Britpop era. He had departed boyband Take That shortly before this time, in order to pursue a solo career. It also features an illustration of two demonstrators in ‘Just Stop Pop’ t-shirts defacing the image, in the style of protest group Just Stop Oil.
In January, Williams secured a huge milestone on the U.K. Album Charts. Better Man, the soundtrack to his recent biopic of the same name, gave the pop icon his 15th No. 1 album, seeing him move ahead of The Rolling Stones (14) in the all-time rankings. He is now tied with The Beatles at 15 for the most ever.
The Voice wrapped its 27th season on Tuesday night (May 20) with a high-energy, emotional finale that crowned Adam David as this season’s champion.
Representing Team Michael Bublé, the Florida-based singer emerged victorious after a week of standout performances, beating out finalists from teams helmed by Kelsea Ballerini, John Legend and Adam Levine.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
David’s win marks Bublé’s second straight coaching victory, following his Season 26 triumph with Sofronio Vasquez. This season, the 34-year-old singer captivated both the coaches and audiences with powerhouse vocals, ultimately sealing his place as the Season 27 winner thanks to America’s vote.
Trending on Billboard
Before the results were revealed, Bublé took a moment to share his admiration for his finalist on air. “I love you, man,” he told David. “You’re my kind of artist. I love my sister and she wrote me this morning and she said, ‘You tell me when Adam David puts his tickets on sale ’cause I need to go see that show.’” The Canadian crooner added: “Congratulations, I knew you could do it.”
Jaelen Johnston from Team Kelsea followed David in second place, RENZO from Team Legend in third, Lucia Flores-Wiseman from Team Adam in fourth, and Jadyn Cree (also from Team Bublé) in fifth.
During the finale, each coach joined their finalist for a special duet. Team Legend’s Renzo kicked things off with a performance of Harry Styles’ “As It Was,” while Kelsea Ballerini and Jaelen Johnston delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Whiskey Lullaby,” originally by Alison Krauss and Brad Paisley.
Michael Bublé teamed up with Adam David for a stirring cover of The Band’s classic “The Weight,” and Adam Levine joined Lucia Flores-Wiseman on a moving take of The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” Bublé then returned to the stage with his second finalist, Jadyn Cree, for a charming duet of Sonny & Cher’s “I Got You Babe.”
The finale also welcomed Kelly Clarkson (debuting new single “Where Have You Been”), Blake Shelton (“Texas”), Alicia Keys with Amanda Reid, Chance the Rapper, Joe Jonas, Sheryl Crow, James Bay, Foreigner and Season 22 winner Bryce Leatherwood.
NBC has confirmed that The Voice will return for Season 28 in September, airing Monday nights at 8 p.m. with Bublé, Reba McEntire, Niall Horan and Snoop Dogg all returning to the red chairs.
Adam David now joins the ranks of past winners like Cassadee Pope, Jordan Smith, and Bryce Leatherwood and with his victory, continues The Voice’s legacy of elevating fresh talent into the spotlight.
Months after receiving backlash for utilizing AI-generated imagery for her “Delusional” single, Kesha has announced new artwork for the track.
First released in November 2025, “Delusional” was issued as the second single from Kesha’s forthcoming sixth album, . (Period). However, the track’s original artwork – which depicted a number of handbags with the word ‘delusional’ spray painted on them, often incorrectly – was swiftly criticized for its use of generative AI.
Kesha did not respond to the backlash, or address fans’ requests to commission an actual artist to create new imagery for the single. However, on Tuesday (May 20), she took to social media to share new artwork for the single, along with an explanation for the update.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
“When making the single art for my song ‘Delusional,’ I wanted to make the point that it’s DELUSIONAL that the world expects artists to continue making art when we are so undervalued,” she explained. “I tried to echo my ideas in the form of a political single cover. I’ve realized that living in alignment with my integrity is more important than proving a point.
Trending on Billboard
“So I’ve decided to change the cover art for this song. She’s one of my favorites.”
Kesha also made a point to individually thank the creative team behind the artwork, including the photographer, videographer, stylists, and more. “Thanks to my crew for helping me live out here in my highest and c–tiest potential,” she added.
In closing her social post, Kesha also addressed the elephant in the room, directly shifting her focus to the work of AI and the toll it can take on real creatives in the process.
“AI is a Pandora’s box that we as a society have collectively opened, and I think it’s important that we keep human ramifications in mind as we learn how to use it as a tool and not as a replacement,” she explained. “Just me healing, in real time.”
The updated artwork arrives less than two months from the release of . (Period) on July 4 via her own Kesha Records label. It also arrives as her first LP since the 2023 settlement of a yearslong legal battle with Dr. Luke over Kesha’s claims that he drugged and raped her in 2005, after which he sued her for defamation while calling the allegations “false and shocking.”
“I’m really excited for the world to hear this, because I’ve been in control of everything,” she revealed on The Jennifer Hudson Show recently.
“It’s been all of my vision, all of my words, a lot of hard work, a lot of joy,” she continued. “Really coming back home to myself and feeling what freedom really looks like, feels like, sounds like.”
20 years since he took up the role of vocalist of Foreigner, Kelly Hansen has announced that he will be leaving the band this year.
Hansen’s news was shared on the season finale of NBC’s The Voice on Monday (May 20), where the band was on hand to perform a medley of their hits.
Following a rendition of “Feels Like the First Time,” Hansen took the opportunity to announce his plans to the audience. “After 20 magical years fronting this band, this will be my last year with Foreigner,” he revealed. “At the end of this summer, a new great voice will sing these songs for you; my friend Luis Maldonado.”
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Hansen then welcomed Maldonado for a performance of “Juke Box Hero,” before the pair shared lead vocals on “I Want to Know What Love Is.”
“Being the voice of Foreigner has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” added Hansen. “But it’s time to pass the mic. Luis has the voice, the energy, and the soul to carry these songs into the future. I couldn’t be prouder to hand this off to him.”
Trending on Billboard
Hansen rose to fame in the ’80s as the vocalist for Hurricane, whom he fronted until their 1991 dissolution. Following years spent working with other bands, such as Air Pavilion, Unruly Child, Perfect World, and recording with Slash’s Snakepit, Hansen joined Foreigner in 2005 following the departure of co-founding vocalist Lou Gramm two years prior.
Maldonado, meanwhile, joined Foreigner in 2021, having previously served as the guitarist of Train and having worked with names such as John Waite and Lisa Marie Presley. “This music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Maldonado added. “I’m ready to honor Foreigner’s legacy and bring my heart to every performance.”
The status of Hansen’s role in the band had previously been the subject for debate in March, when it was announced that actor Geordie Brown, who is perhaps best known for his role in Foreigner’s own Jukebox Hero – The Musical – would be fronting the band for their Canadian Farewell Tour throughout October and November. Foreigner’s recent South American tour also featured Maldonado on lead vocals, while Gramm returned as a guest musician.
Foreigner was first formed in 1976 by former Spooky Tooth guitarist Mick Jones, with the band releasing their self-titled debut album the following year. They topped the Billboard 200 in 1981 with the aptly-titled fourth album, 4. The record also boasted top five songs “Urgent” and “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” though they would release their highest-charting single in 1984, with “I Want to Know What Love Is” topping the Hot 100 after it was issued as the lead track from Agent Provocateur.
Various lineup changes over the years have left Jones as the only original member of the band, though he has been absent from the live stage since 2023. In October 2024, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Sammy Hagar.
As Iron Maiden ready themselves to climb aboard Ed Force One and launch their Run for Your Lives World Tour, manager Rod Smallwood has asked fans to put their phones away.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The veteran British heavy metal outfit will launch their upcoming tour in Budapest, Hungary on May 27, with the shows also kicking off their 50th anniversary celebrations. With the massive milestone in their back pocket, and the tour also set to see the debut of drummer Simon Dawson, there’s a lot worth documenting.
However, Smallwood has taken to the band’s website to share a post titled “Put away your phones and get ready to Run For Your Lives!” in which he urges fans to experience the shows “in the moment” rather than on smaller screens at a later date.
Trending on Billboard
“We really want fans to enjoy the shows first hand, rather than on their small screens,” Smallwood wrote. “The amount of phone use nowadays diminishes enjoyment, particularly for the band who are on stage looking out at rows of phones, but also for other concertgoers.
“We feel that the passion and involvement of our fans at shows really makes them special, but the phone obsession has now got so out of hand that it has become unnecessarily distracting especially to the band. I hope fans understand this and will be sensible in severely limiting the use of their phone cameras out of respect for the band and their fellow fans.”
Iron Maiden aren’t the first band to ask fans to put their phones back in their pockets. In 2015, Jack White shared a verbal plea for no phones during his Lazaretto tour, and by the time The Raconteurs toured in 2019, attendees were told to put their devices in locked Yondr pouches.
“We think you’ll enjoy looking up from your gadgets for a little while and experience music and our shared love of it in person,” a note from the band read at the time.
Other acts, such as Tool, have also employed a similar approach, requesting phones stay off their phones until their final performance. Guitarist Adam Jones explained in 2022 that while part of the reason was due to the loss of connection between band and fan, another factor was the limited technological know-how of some concertgoers.
“I think one of the problems is you get a lot of lights because people don’t know how to use their cameras correctly, which makes it very blinding onstage,” Jones explained.
As Smallwood added on Iron Maiden’s website, much of the urging for fans to stow their phones comes out of a plea for respect, for both the larger experience and the band themselves.
“We would very much like you to be ‘in the moment’ instead and be fully actively involved to enjoy each and every one of these classic songs in the spirit and manner they were first played,” he adds. “This show isn’t just a celebration of our music; it is, as you will see, also about our years of art, of Eddie and of the many, many worlds of Maiden we have created for you.”
“So please respect the band, respect the other fans and have the time of your lives as you join your Maiden family by singing your heart out, rather than getting your phone out!! It’s really not a lot to ask is it?”
The upcoming Run for Your Lives World Tour will be Iron Maiden’s first performances since wrapping their The Future Past Tour in São Paulo, Brazil in December. That tour was the last to feature drummer Nicko McBrain, who announced his “decision to take a step back from the grind of the extensive touring lifestyle.”
Lady Gaga took home a Sports Emmy on Tuesday night (May 20) for her pre-Super Bowl performance of “Hold My Hand” in tribute to victims of the New Orleans terror attack on New Year’s Eve, Hurricane Helene in Florida and Georgia in the fall, and the January wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles County. In a […]
A$AP Rocky continues to tease new music ahead of dropping his highly anticipated album Don’t Be Dumb. However, the song that was played as he walked down the red-carpet stairs in the rain with his pregnant partner Rihanna at the Cannes Film Festival on Monday night, when his new movie Highest 2 Lowest premiered, sounds […]
