Music News

10 Jan 2023

‘How I Met Your Father’ Season 2 Trailer Features Meghan Trainor Cameo & The Cure Classic

Season 2 of How I Met Your Father is almost here, and to drum up anticipation, Hulu released the first trailer — which features a classic track by The Cure — for the show’s newest season on Tuesday (Jan. 10).

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The trailer opens with The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven,” with Hilary Duff (as Sophie) having a solemn moment outside Pemberton’s, before cutting to a separate scene of her with Francia Raisa (as Valentina) commiserating about officially being in the third decade of their lives.

“We’re 30 now and our lives are…,” Duff says, which Raisa completes with their harsh truth: “Trash.” Duff hilariously adds that they are “train wrecks.” Scenes of Valentina’s off-and-on-again romance, Sophie’s attempts at finding love, and a surprise cameo of Meghan Trainor nervously preparing to give birth are sprinkled throughout the trailer as the Cure hit sets the tone for what’s to come in season 2.

“Just Like Heaven” was released in 1987 as the second single from the British band’s seventh studio album, Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me. The track served as The Cure’s second chart entry on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as its first top 40 hit, peaking at No. 40 on the all-genre tally.

As for how Duff is feeling about season 2 of How I Met Your Father, “I’m so excited, it’s really really good,” she shared in a video posted to her Instagram Story on Monday. “I hope that you guys will go on this journey with us for season 2. We’ve had a ton of fun and we’re finishing up the last four episodes now which feels really sad, but we did 10 extra episodes this season, so this season will be longer and we go on a lot of fun adventures and do a lot of fun things, so check out the trailer.”

Watch the trailer for season 2 of How I Met Your Father — which will arrive Jan. 24 on Hulu — in the video above.

10 Jan 2023

Iggy Azalea Promises New Music and ‘Scandalous Sh–’ Is On the Way

First thing’s first, she’s still the realest. Iggy Azalea took to social media on Tuesday (Jan. 10) to confirm that she has new music coming out later this year.

The rapper teased the new tunes in response to a fan asking her directly when new music would arrive on Twitter. Quote-tweeting the follower’s question, she wrote, “Music?… summer. Scandalous sh–?… Friday.” (She previously confirmed her grand return to music last summer in a tweet decrying followers’ penchant for being “negative AND nosey. So if I can’t have peace, neither can you. I’m coming back. Cry about it,” she wrote at the time.)

Azalea didn’t offer any more clues as to the scandal she’s currently prepping for the end of the week, but music by the summertime would be her first new release since the 2021 single “Knock Yourself Out,” featuring Sophia Scott and Renee Blair.

The star also dropped her most recent full-length that same year, The End of an Era, which included the singles “Sip It” with Tyga, “Brazil” and “Iam the Stripclub,” as well as collaborations with Sisterhood of Hip Hop star Bia (“Is That Right”), Ellise (“Day 3 in Miami (End of an Era)”) and Alice Chater (“N.Y.E.”).

Both announcements will arrive in the wake of Azalea selling her back catalog in a reported eight-figure deal to Domain Capital. The agreement included both the rapper’s masters and publishing shares on her past hits like “Fancy” (with Charli XCX), “Black Widow” (with Rita Ora), “Problem” (with Ariana Grande) and more.

See Azalea’s latest tease about new music below.

10 Jan 2023

Ellie Goulding Delays ‘Higher Than Heaven’ Album Release

Ellie Goulding has hit a bump in the road regarding her album release plans. On Tuesday (Jan. 10), the English singer revealed that her album Higher Than Heaven — originally scheduled to be released next month on Feb. 3 — had been delayed to a later date.

“To my incredible fans- I’m sorry to announce that we’re delaying the release of ‘Higher Than Heaven’ to March 24,” Goulding shared on Twitter, along with a short video of her recording in the studio and clips of her filming music videos. “I know you’ve all been so patient with me but we’ve had some exciting opportunities appear behind the scenes which I cannot wait to share with you in due course.”

The “Lights” singer did predict that something like an album delay could happen. In an interview with Billboard News, published in October, Goulding provided an update regarding Higher Than Heaven‘s release but said she may hesitate closer to its release day.

“The album’s done, although I’m sure it will get to the release date of the beginning of next year and I’ll be like ‘No! There’s more songs to write!’” she explained at the time. “But I have a couple more songs coming out this year. The next one I’m really excited about. It’s one of those songs that isn’t a radio song, but something I think people will enjoy.”

In the meantime, fans of Goulding’s can listen to the three singles preceding Higher Than Heaven‘s March 24 release date — “Easy Lover” featuring Big Sean, “All By Myself” and “Let It Die.”

See Goulding’s new album update below.

10 Jan 2023

‘Parade’ Starring Ben Platt, Micaela Diamond Sets Limited Broadway Run

Ben Platt and Micaela Diamond will star in Parade on Broadway this spring, reprising their leading roles in the Tony-winning musical following a sold-out New York City Center run.

On Tuesday producers announced the Michael Arden-directed production will open at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre for a limited engagement run starting March 16. Previews will begin on Feb. 21 with a final performance slated for Aug. 6.

“Jason Robert Brown’s and Alfred Uhry’s masterpiece, Parade, is one of the most beloved musicals of the past 25 years. Whenever you mention the show to a theater fan, they light up talking about the first time they saw a production or heard a recording,” producers Seaview and Ambassador Theatre Group said in their own statement. “At City Center, Michael Arden mounted a magnificent production with incandescent performances from Ben Platt and Micaela Diamond that had audiences enraptured. We are overjoyed that we can bring this to Broadway so more people can experience Parade anew.”

The production, written by Pulitzer Prize winner and Academy Award winner Alfred Uhry with music and lyrics by Tony-winner Jason Robert Brown, stars Platt and Diamond as Leo and Lucille Frank, a newlywed Jewish couple already struggling to build a life in the old red hills of Georgia when Leo is accused of an unspeakable crime. It’s an event that propels them both into an unimaginable test of faith, humanity, justice and devotion.

“Twenty-five years ago, we were honored to bring the story of Leo Frank to the musical stage, guided by our visionary director, Hal Prince,” Uhry and Brown said in a statement. “It was an extraordinary gift to watch a whole new audience connect with Parade at City Center under the thrilling direction of a new visionary: Michael Arden. We couldn’t be more grateful that this production is now moving to Broadway, where even more people will get to see Ben Platt and Micaela Diamond deliver phenomenal performances and lead this large and gifted cast.”

After tickets went on sale Tuesday, users trying to buy tickets on Telecharge reported experiencing long wait time and error messages, in part because of demand and also because of the start of the discounted Broadway Week. “After experiencing overwhelming demand for both Parade and Broadway Week, Telecharge service has been restored and tickets are once again on sale. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming audiences to Broadway this winter and beyond,” said a spokesperson from Telecharge.

In its initial Broadway run, the musical — which scored nine Tony nominations and two wins for best book and best original score, was directed by Harold Prince.

“I am delighted that Alfred Uhry and Jason Robert Brown’s musical will be seen by Broadway audiences again after our brief run last fall. Parade has been a seminal piece of theater for me as an artist since it premiered 25 years ago, and to be collaborating with this incredible group of producers, designers, and artists led by the brilliant Ben Platt and Micaela Diamond is truly a dream come true,” Arden said in a statement. “The story of Leo Frank is more important than ever to re-examine, and it is my hope that audiences are both inspired and activated to reflect on both the past failure and the enduring promise of the complicated tapestry we call America.”

Parade‘s creative team includes choreography by Lauren Yalango-Grant and Christopher Cree Grant, scenic design by Dane Laffrey, costume design by Susan Hilferty, lighting design by Heather Gilbert, sound design by Jon Weston and projection design by Sven Ortel. Tom Murray serves as the music director, with Tom Watson heading up hair and wig design and Justin Scribner serving as production stage manager. Telsey + Co and Craig Burns, CSA handled casting.

This is the second show from New York City Center to come to Broadway this year, following Into the Woods, which ran from August 2022 through Jan. 8. Both shows are musical revivals, and therefore would seemingly be considered in the same Tony Awards category. New York City Center’s Encores! program stages concert versions of older musicals for runs of about one to two weeks.

This story was originally published by The Hollywood Reporter.

10 Jan 2023

BLACKPINK’s History-Making Accomplishments: A Timeline

Since debuting in 2016, BLACKPINK has been busy not only making music, but collecting accolades. Besides climbing up the charts with their well-received releases and catchy tunes, the quartet of Lisa, Jennie, Rosé, and Jisoo has been raking in numerous firsts as an all-female K-pop group.

Billboard charts records? Check! First K-pop girl group to not only perform at Coachella, but first Asian act to headline the festival? Done! New Guinness World Records? Yep! Surpassing Justin Bieber in YouTube subscribers? You know it! And that’s just several of the notable accomplishments the four ladies of BLACKPINK have notched on their belts in just a few short years. Even more impressive? Many of those achievements came about even before their debut studio album — titled The Album — arrived in October 2020.

“It’s very surprising to us. All the records are the results of our fans, BLINKs, and their unconditional support,” Jennie told Grammy.com of their success in September 2020. “Every day we try to acknowledge how grateful we are, but more than the pressure, we are ready to give them back as much as they gave us. It just gives us more motivation to go further than we ever dreamed of.”

With sophomore studio album Born Pink now out and a world tour to support the set, BLACKPINK is primed to knock down even more records. Read on to see what the global K-pop superstar group has managed to accomplish in North America thus far.

10 Jan 2023

Calvin Harris, The Chemical Brothers, Eric Prydz’s HOLO, & More: Here’s Every Electronic Artist Playing Coachella 2023

Coachella season is officially upon us. After weeks of swirling rumors about who’d be filling out the 2023 lineup, the desert’s most hyped music festival on Tuesday (Jan. 10) announced its 2023 lineup.

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In addition to headliners Bad Bunny, BLACKPINK and Frank Ocean, there is of course, as always, a robust slate of dance/electronic artists on the bill. Key players include Calvin Harris, who hasn’t played Coachella since his mainstage slot back in 2014, the Coachella debut of Eric Prydz’s massively hyped (and with good reason) HOLO show, a set from Deadmau5′ TESTPILOT alter-ego, along with genre pioneers The Chemical Brothers, whose last Coachella appearance was back in 2011.

Notably, Harris’ name currently appears at the bottom of the bill, signifying that festival organizers have not yet decided on which day of the fest the Scottish superstar will play the show. Last year, Swedish House Mafia initially appeared in this area of the lineup poster as well, until the group replaced Ye as the event’s Sunday night co-headliner, along with The Weeknd.

The finer print of the Coachella 2023 bill features a crew of major dance players, including a reunion from Sasha & Digweed, Alison Wonderland’s Whyte Fang project, actor/DJ/heartthrob Idris Elba, Danish sensations WhoMadeWho and LP Giobbi.

Coachella has two stages dedicated exclusively to dance music, with the Yuma tent providing a club-style space for house and techno, while the massive Sahara Tent hosts more commercial sounds, with the genre also spread out between the festival’s other stages. The festival’s Do Lab stage also annually hosts its own three-day slate of electronic artists, with that companion lineup — which typically includes a few massive surprise sets — to drop in the coming months.

Here’s when the electronic acts are playing at this year’s festival:

Friday, April 14 & 21

  • The Chemical Brothers
  • Kaytranada
  • Yves Tumor
  • TESTPILOT
  • Maceo Plex
  • Jamie Jones
  • Malaa
  • Whyte Fang (Alison Wonderland)
  • Idris Elba
  • Vintage Culture
  • Dombresky
  • Nora En Pure
  • Uncle Waffles
  • Mochakk
  • Dennis Cruz
  • PAWSA
  • Oliver Koletzki
  • Chris Stussy

Saturday April 15 & 22

  • Eric Prydz Presents HOLO
  • Underworld
  • SOFI TUKKER
  • Chromeo
  • Mura Masa
  • Tale Of Us
  • Yaeji
  • Elderbrook
  • Kenny Beats
  • Keinemusic
  • Hot Since 82
  • Monolink
  • Nia Archives
  • Jan Blomqvist
  • WhoMadeWho
  • DJ Tennis + Carlita
  • Mathame
  • Chloé Caillet
  • Francis Mercier

Sunday April 16 & 23

  • Porter Robinson
  • Fisher
  • Chris Lake
  • Jai Wolf
  • Boris Brejcha
  • 2manydjs
  • Sasha & John Digweed
  • Camelphat
  • LP Giobbi
  • MK
  • Adam Beyer
  • Big Wild
  • Romy
  • TSHA
  • Cassian
  • Gordo

10 Jan 2023

Dolly Parton Funko Pops Are Coming Soon: Where to Pre-Order the Collectibles Online

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Just in time for her birthday! Dolly Parton turns 77 on Jan. 19, and Funko is paying homage to the country legend with two Funko Pops.

Funko’s Pop! Rocks collectibles, which went up for pre-order on Tuesday (Jan. 10), are available at Funko.com and Walmart.com while supplies last. The adorable figurines retail for $12-$15 at Funko.com and $19.47 for the Walmart-exclusive Pop! Rocks collectible that comes with a durable, protective case. Per Walmart, the vinyl figurines will ship in April.

Each vinyl figure channels one of Parton’s many legendary outfits. The Pop! Rocks: Dolly Parton figurine (measuring 4.37-inches tall) looks ready to hit the stage in an orange sequin jumpsuit with silver fringe similar to what Parton wore to a benefit concert in 2014.

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The other Pop Rocks! vinyl figurine (4.50 inches) shines in a white, glittery pantsuit and a matching bedazzled guitar, reminiscent of what she wore when she headlined the Glastonbury music festival in 2014.

Funko

After more than 50 years in the business, Parton’s career might be hotter than ever. Between releasing her own line of cake mixes, pet accessories, a greatest hits album, a novel and giving out free books through her Imagination Library, Parton has been busy over the last year, and she doesn’t appear to be slowing down for 2023.

The country star will merge into a new lane with the release of a rock album due out this fall. According to Parton, the album will feature a mix of new songs and remakes of rock classics such as Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven,” Prince’s “Purple Rain,” Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird,” and “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by the Rolling Stones.

Pre-order Dolly Parton’s Funko Pop! Rocks vinyl figurine below.

Funko

Funko Pop! Dolly Parton (with protective case)

$19.76

10 Jan 2023

Shakira to Join Bizarrap for One of His Popular Music Sessions 

Shakira is joining forces with Bizarrap for one of the Argentine producer’s Music Sessions. After teasing a new track on Monday (Jan. 9), the Colombian star and Bizarrap both took to social media to confirm their collaboration.  

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Initially, the new single had been teased with release date of Wednesday (Jan. 11) and a one liner: “a wolf like me doesn’t have time for men like you.” Subsequently, they announced the collab, simply writing, “Tomorrow, BZRP Music Session #53.”

It’s the first time the pair has teamed up for a track. Shakira joins a number of artists — including Nicky Jam, Residente and Paulo Londra — who’ve jumped on one of Bizarrap’s zealously streamed music sessions. His session with Spanish act Quevedo scored both their first entry on the Billboard Hot 100. Currently, it has more than 400 million views on YouTube.

This new song will follow Shakira’s Ozuna-assisted “Monotonía,” which peaked at No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart (dated Nov. 5). It currently sits at No. 1 on the Latin Airplay chart, where it’s ruled for four weeks.  

Recently, Shakira shared a heartfelt message of hope to start off the new year. “Even if our wounds are still open in this new year, time has a surgeon’s hands. Even if someone’s betrayed us, we must continue to trust others,” wrote the Colombian singer. “When faced with contempt, continue to know your worth. Because there are more good people than indecent ones. More people with empathy than indifference.”

She continued: “The ones who leave are fewer than the many who stay by our side. Our tears are not in vain, they water the soil our future will spring from and make us more human, so that even while suffering heartache we can continue to love.”

The message came after a difficult year due to her separation from Spanish soccer player Gerard Piqué, the father of her children. The singer has spoken openly about the breakup since it was confirmed in June, and has posted material — including releasing the heartbreak song “Monotonía” — alluding to her pain.

10 Jan 2023

Here’s What Readers Picked as Their Favorite Latin Album of 2022

In December, Billboard highlighted the 25 best Latin albums of 2022, according to the Latin editorial team. The list included a wide variety of titles, from Bad Bunny’s historic Un Verano Sin Ti to Romeo Santos’ Fórmula, Vol. 3 to Paulo Londra’s comeback set Back to the Game, and beyond.

Billboard also asked readers to vote for their favorite album, and the results are now in.

With more than 40 percent of the votes (43.4% to be exact), Sebastián Yatra’s Dharma (Universal Music Latino) was crowned the best studio album by fans. The 17-track set, which nabbed the best pop vocal album award at the 2022 Latin Grammys, is Yatra’s most eclectic album yet, featuring him dabbling in punk rock (“Las Dudas”), cumbia (“Amor Pasajero”), vallenato and flamenco (“Dharma”), reggaeton (“Si Me La Haces”) and pop (“Modo Avión”). Dharma also debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Latin Pop Albums chart-dated Feb. 12, 2022.

“[This album] taught me that you don’t have to limit your creativity,” the Colombian singer-songwriter previously said to Billboard. “If I tell myself that I’m only good at making ballads or that I’m only good at making pop, I will only be good at that. But I’ve never questioned if I would sound good in a rhythm or not. I’m also not thinking, ‘Oh, I’m going to show everyone that I can be good in every genre.’ I just try to make an amazing song that goes with who I am and it just happens to be that type of music.”

A very close second on the fan poll was Yuridia’s first-ever Regional Mexican album Pa’ Luego Es Tarde, helmed by Eden Muñoz as producer, with 40 percent of the votes. The 14-track set that includes the Ángela Aguilar-assisted “Qué Agonía,” debuted at No. 7 on the Regional Mexican Albums chart (dated Nov. 5, 2022) and earned the Mexican powerhouse her first-ever Top 10 title on the chart.

See where other Latin albums in the fan poll landed below.

10 Jan 2023

Bad Bunny, BLACKPINK & Frank Ocean to Headline Coachella 2023

The lineup for this year’s Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival was revealed on Tuesday (Jan. 10), and it featured a two-weekend run topped by Bad Bunny, Frank Ocean and K-pop superstars BLACKPINK. The 2023 edition is slated to run on two consecutive weekends, from April 14-16 and then again from April 21-23.

Also set to perform are Gorillaz, Rosalia, Bjork and many more.

Elusive singer Ocean was originally booked to perform at the 2020 pandemic-canceled edition of the festival; he made his Coachella debut on a side stage in 2012. Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny is a logical headliner choice, as his 2022 tour was the year’s top grosser with $373.5 million, and his top slot would make him the first-ever Spanish-language artist to close out the fest’s main stage.

Last year’s edition featured headline sets from Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, The Weeknd and the reunited Swedish House Mafia following the cancellation of the event in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As always, it was also full of unexpected, buzzy moments that made the crowd at the Empire Polo Club grounds (and those at home watching virtually) lose their minds, including Styles jamming with Shania Twain on her hits “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” and “You’re Still the One.”

They also saw Eilish bring out Blur frontman Damon Albarn for a special rendition of her “Getting Older” and the Gorillaz’s “Feel Good Inc.,” as well as Justin Bieber making a surprise appearance with Daniel Caesar to perform JB’s hit “Peaches.” They even got to see 2NE1 reunite with CL during 88Rising’s Heads in the Clouds Forever showcase.

See the full lineup below.