Music News

24 Oct 2022

Mariah Carey Announces Pair of ‘Merry Christmas to All’ Concerts

Mariah Carey has some big plans for the holiday season. The reigning queen of all things red and green announced a pair of Christmas shows on Monday morning (Oct. 24) at which she will deck the halls with all her jingle bell best. “It’s almost time NEW YORK + Toronto!!!” she wrote. “Come celebrate Christmas with me this December! lil’ excited lil’ excited to be back on stage and get festive with everybody!!”

Tickets for the shows — Dec. 11 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Dec, 13 at Madison Square Garden in New York — will go on sale on Friday (Oct. 28) at 10 a.m. ET on Ticketmaster. Carey, as always, will be a major presence leading up to the holiday, via her illustrated holiday fairytale book, The Christmas Princess, due out on Nov. 1, as well as the annual chart watch to see if her perennial Christmas classic, “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” will hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for a fourth year in a row.

Last week, the Christmas Queen got fans excited to get in the spirit by teasing the kick-off to “All I Want” season by tweeting, “It’s almost time…,” in which she showed off her festive red robe draped on the steps leading to her luxurious jacuzzi-style bathtub. The scene was filled out with a giant display of red and white roses spelling out her initials.

But, before you get too revved up, as the first, twinkly notes of “All I Want” bubbled up, Mariah tapped the brakes and in a follow-up tweet cautioned, “Not yet.”

Check out the announcement below.

24 Oct 2022

Fans Choose Taylor Swift‘s ’Midnights‘ as This Week’s Favorite New Music

Taylor Swift‘s new album Midnights has topped this week’s new music poll.

Music fans voted in a poll published Friday (Oct. 21) on Billboard, choosing Midnights as their favorite new music release of the past week.

Swift’s latest release brought in more than 66% of the vote, beating out new music by Carly Rae Jepsen, Shakira and Ozuna, Arctic Monkeys and more.

As of Saturday (Oct. 22), Midnights was off to a record-breaking start in sales in the U.S. after its first day of release. According to initial reports, the album has sold more than 800,000 copies in the U.S. through its first day across all available formats. It has already logged the largest sales week for any album since 2017, is the top-selling album of 2022 year-to-date, and has set a modern-era record for single-week vinyl album sales. (See the full update here.)

The 13-track album arrived with a “chaotic” bonus at 3 a,m.: The 3am Edition of the album gave fans seven additional new songs.

“Surprise!” Swift wrote. “I think of Midnights as a complete concept album, with those 13 songs forming a full picture of the intensities of that mystifying, mad hour. However! There were other songs we wrote on our journey to find that magic 13.”

Trailing behind Swift’s Midnights treasure trove on the fan-voted poll is Carly Rae Jepsen’s The Loneliest Time album, with 16% of the vote, and Shakira & Ozuna’s track “Monotonía,” with 8% of the vote.

See the final results of this week’s poll below.

23 Oct 2022

Hayley Williams Pens Emotional Letter Ahead of When We Were Young Fest Headlining Set

Las Vegas’ When We Were Young Festival has Hayley Williams reflecting on the music scene that she grew up in with Paramore.

Paramore is set to take the stage at Las Vegas Festival Grounds on Sunday night (Oct. 23) after Saturday, the opening day of the festival, saw the fest’s lineup canceled due to high winds. On the bill alongside Paramore this weekend are My Chemical Romance, Bring Me the Horizon, Bright Eyes, Avril Lavigne, Taking Back Sunday, Jimmy Eat World and more.

“To grow up in this scene was not a simple thing,” Williams wrote in a lengthy letter posted on Instagram Stories Sunday. “To be celebrating it (and to be celebrated by it) is not a simple thing. Nothing about this life — for you, me, or anyone — is simple. We fell in love with this subset of post-punk and hardcore likely because nothing else moved us. We didn’t fit in other places.”

“To be a young girl in love with this scene was to have the hope that I might find my own way to belong. It took years to find that belonging. It’s taken a lot of unlearning. A lot of untangling knots I didn’t even know were there. What I did know was that for every ‘Take off your top!’ or snarky punkzine review … For every dramatic headline pinned on my name, or any season of self-doubt … No one was going to define Paramore but Paramore,” she said.

“Nearly 20 years later, we find ourselves a pillar of the very scene that threatened to reject us. And me,” said Williams.

She wrote, “I do my best to stay humble. What good is a bloated ego? But beyond the intense devotion of Paramore fans around the world, the reason we made it this far is us. What I really mean to say is — we never banked on trends. Or nostalgia. Or even me, alone. We only did exactly what we knew was real for us. (And sure, I leaned into spite as needed.)”

“Tonight, while we’re running through the lengths of our discography and I’m refraining from singing the word “whore,” know that, inside, I’m celebrating the fact that, as a scene, we’ve come a long way,” Williams noted. “With much further to go. F— the ones who doubted! Hugs to the ones who watched on and even sort of believed. Young girls, queer kids, and anybody of any color … We have shifted this scene together, messily, angrily, heartbroken, and determined. Tonight, for me at least, is about celebrating all the facets of what punk music actually represents. All the things it wasn’t allowed to be when we were young. Can’t wait to see everyone tonight.”

Following Paramore’s headlining slots at When We Were Young Festival, the group will continue on its fall tour. See their currently scheduled dates here.

23 Oct 2022

Cardi B and Madonna Make Amends After Rapper Calls Out Queen of Pop for ‘Disrespect’

Cardi B and Madonna have patched things up following comments the Queen of Pop made while reflecting on the 30-year anniversary of her Sex coffee table book.

On Sunday morning (Oct. 23), the superstar rapper fired off a series of now-deleted tweets expressing that she felt disrespected by comments Madge made on her Instagram Story the previous evening about how the iconic singer helped pave the way for other female artists expressing their sexuality.

“30 years ago I published a book called S.E.X. In addition to photos of me naked there were photos of Men kissing Men, Woman kissing Woman and Me kissing everyone,” Madonna wrote on Saturday, noting that she faced a great deal of criticism at the time. “Now Cardi B can sing about her WAP. Kim Kardashian can grace the cover of any magazine with her naked ass and Miley Cyrus can come in like a wrecking ball.”

Cardi took particular offense to the final line of Madonna’s post, which read, “You’re welcome b—-es,” followed by a clown emoji.

“I literally [paid] this woman homage so many times cause I grew up listening to her …she can make her point without putting clown emojis and getting slick out the mouth,” the rapper wrote in a now-deleted tweet alongside a screenshot of a 2018 Billboard article in which she praises Madonna. “These icons really become disappointments once u make it in the industry that’s why I keep to myself.”

Later Sunday morning, Hollywood Unlocked founder Jason Lee tweeted that he was “on the phone with Madonna and Cardi” and listening to the stars “share their perspective on the communication going on has broadened their love for each other.”

Shortly after, both Cardi and Madonna took to Twitter to share that they had patched things up. “I talked to Madonna …It was beautiful …Have a great day and drive safely yallll,” the rapper wrote. Madonna added, “I love you @iamcardib!! Always have and always will.”

In a video posted to Hollywood Unlocked’s Instagram account, Cardi shared a few more words about her telephone conversation with Madonna.

“I’m glad I had a conversation with Madonna, because I am sensitive. You already know I’m a sensitive gangsta,” the rapper said. “My feelings was a little hurt because to me Madonna is not no regular artist; she’s actually somebody that I really look up to.”

In 2018, Cardi gushed after meeting her “idol” Madonna at an Oscars afterparty, where she posed for pictures alongside the singer and Kardashian.

“I met my real life IDOL Madonna. I can’t even believe I performed at her event and it was the most meaningful performance ever,” Cardi wrote on Instagram at the time. “I grew up with my mom listening to Madonna for hours. I performed ‘Material Girl’ freshman year in High school, listen to her on all my photo shoots to have super confidence and always mentioned her in my interviews. The best part about it is she was everything i thought she would be a Liberal Kick ass feminist bitch. I’m soo happy.”

See Cardi and Madonna’s tweets below.

23 Oct 2022

BTS’ Jin Teases ‘The Astronaut‘ Solo Single With ‘Outlander’ Concept Photos

BTS‘ Jin has unveiled concept photos for his new solo single “The Astronaut.”

The K-pop superstar took to Instagram on Sunday (Oct. 23) to share several stunning images to promote his forthcoming song, which he will debut during Coldplay’s concert in Buenos Aires on Oct. 28.

“The photos titled ‘Outlander’ give out the captivating charm of Jin,” reads a statement from HYBE, the media conglomerate behind BTS. “The universe-like set with planet-shaped props and Jin’s outfit provide fans room to imagine the mood and story of the song.”

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In two of the photos, Jin dons a loose-collared white dress shirt with a black tie and matching jacket while posing against a starry blue background. The third image finds Jin standing amid green shrubbery and a pale sky while surrounded by numerous planets and holding a large Jupiter-like sphere.

In the early hours of Friday morning (Oct. 21), Jin also gifted the ARMY with three more solo songs — “Super Tuna,” “Abyss” and “Tonight” — that became available across streaming services via BIGHIT MUSIC. The singles were previously released between 2019-2021, and were only available across BTS’ SoundCloud and YouTube accounts.

The trio of tracks arrived ahead of Jin’s upcoming solo single “The Astronaut,” co-written by Jin and Coldplay. The song is scheduled to drop at midnight on Oct. 28. In addition to the just-released concept photos, BTS noted that a music video and lyric video will released as part of the rollout for the new song.

Check out Jin’s concept photos for “The Astronaut” on Instagram below.

23 Oct 2022

Elton John & Britney Spears Drop Video for Joel Corry Remix of ‘Hold Me Closer’: Watch

Elton John and Britney Spears have dropped the official music video for the Joel Corry remix of their hit collaboration “Hold Me Closer.”

The four-minute video, directed by Rebekah Creative and produced by Greatcoat Films, arrived on Sunday (Oct. 22) and features the British DJ and producer alongside a group of dancers paying tribute to John and Spears by sporting the superstars’ various iconic fashion looks throughout the decades.

In early October, Spears and John shared the first official remix of “Hold Me Closer,” featuring a reimagining by Corry. The new version begins with a slow piano build to the chorus, with isolated vocals from John and Spears. As John and Spears’ vocals are isolated. As the track progresses to its guiding hook (“Hold me closer tiny dancer/ Count the headlights on the highway”), the beat progresses to a euphoric tropical house, dance-ready groove.

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Combining elements of Sir Elton’s past hits 1971’s “Tiny Dancer” and 1992’s “The One,” the danceable bop has so far peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Thanks to its top 10 debut, the song marked Spears’ highest-charting single since 2012’s “Scream and Shout” with will.i.am.

“Hold Me Closer” has also given both singers new milestones on Billboard‘s various radio charts, including top 10 on Adult Pop Airplay and the top spot of Dance/Mix Show Airplay.

Watch the video for the Corry remix of “Hold Me Closer” below.

23 Oct 2022

Cardi B Fires Back at Madonna After Being Mentioned in Star’s ‘Sex’ Book Reflection: ‘Don’t Insult Me’

Cardi B is feeling disrespected after being mentioned in Madonna‘s reflection on the 30th anniversary of her Sex coffee table book.

The superstar rapper took to social media on Sunday (Oct. 23) to fire back at the Queen of Pop following an Instagram Post about how the iconic singer’s then-scandalous book — released in conjunction with her 1992 album, Erotica — helped pave the way for other female artists expressing their sexuality.

“30 years ago I published a book called S.E.X. In addition to photos of me naked there were photos of Men kissing Men, Woman kissing Woman and Me kissing everyone,” Madonna wrote on Saturday night, noting that she faced a great deal of criticism at the time. “Now Cardi B can sing about her WAP. Kim Kardashian can grace the cover of any magazine with her naked ass and Miley Cyrus can come in like a wrecking ball.”

She closed with, You’re welcome b—-es,” alongside a clown face emoji.

In a series of tweets the next morning, Cardi wrote that she felt disrespected by the post, especially Madonna’s use of the clown emoji.

“I literally payed this woman homage so many times cause I grew up listening to her …she can make her point without putting clown emojis and getting slick out the mouth,” the rapper wrote alongside a 2018 Billboard article in which she praises Madonna. “These icons really become disappointments once u make it in the industry that’s why I keep to myself.”

Some Twitter users wrote that Cardi failed to comprehend Madonna’s point, noting that Madge was saying she “paved the way for sexual songs to become mainstream” and that the singer wasn’t trying to insult the rapper.

“I know exactly what she said and I understand,” Cardi replied, “but it’s about THE TONE …Calling me b—-es and putting clown emojis ? The f—!”

In a similar reaction, the rapper wrote, “EXACTLY SAY WAT YOU WANT TO SAY BUT DONT INSULT ME THE F— …nobody gonna lil girl me (specially a white woman).”

In 2018, Cardi gushed after meeting her “idol” Madonna at an Oscars afterparty, where she posed for pictures alongside the singer and Kardashian.

“I met my real life IDOL Madonna. I can’t even believe I performed at her event and it was the most meaningful performance ever,” Cardi wrote on Instagram at the time. “I grew up with my mom listening to Madonna for hours. I performed ‘Material Girl’ freshman year in High school, listen to her on all my photo shoots to have super confidence and always mentioned her in my interviews. The best part about it is she was everything i thought she would be a Liberal Kick ass feminist bitch. I’m soo happy.”

See Cardi’s response to Madonna’s Sex book reflection on Twitter below.

23 Oct 2022

Stacey Abrams Joins Latto on Stage With ‘My Body, My Choice’ Sign in Atlanta

Stacey Abrams held up a “my body, my choice” sign on stage as Latto performed “Pussy” in Atlanta Saturday night (Oct. 22).

The Democratic candidate for governor of Georgia took the stage at the State Farm Arena, where Latto was opening for Lizzo on The Special Tour. The message on the sign Abrams held high was echoed with a speech given to the crowd.

“I’m not gonna interrupt your fun. I just want to remind you that if you believe in my body, my choice, I need your vote,” Abrams said.

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“I need your big energy,” she added. “Let’s get it!”

On Instagram, Abrams posted: “Thank you for sharing your stage with me, @latto777. Time to vote and protect a woman’s right to choose. StaceyAbrams.con/voting.”

Abrams debated with current Republican Governor Brian Kemp earlier this week, as early voting commenced.

“This is a governor who for the last four years has beat his chest but delivered very little for most Georgians,” she said, according to reporting by The Associated Press. “He’s weakened gun laws and flooded our streets. He’s weakened … women’s rights. He’s denied women the access to reproductive care. The most dangerous thing facing Georgia is four more years of Brian Kemp.”

Below, see a clip from Latto’s show shared by Abrams herself, as well as her speech which was captured by a fan at the show.

22 Oct 2022

Madonna Reflects on ‘Sex’ Book Reaction From 30 Years Ago: ‘Now Cardi B Can Sing About Her WAP’

Madonna‘s 1992 album Erotica, released 30 years ago alongside her then-scandalous Sex coffee table book, paved the way for other female artists expressing their sexuality. Reflecting on that 30-year anniversary, Madonna shared her thoughts about the criticism she faced at the time of their release on Instagram Stories on Saturday (Oct. 22).

“30 years ago I published a book called S.E.X. In addition to photos of me naked there were photos of Men kissing Men, Woman kissing Woman and Me kissing everyone. I also wrote about my sexual fantasies and shared my point of view about sexuality in an ironic way,” she wrote.

“I spent the next few years being interviewed by narrow minded people who tried to shame me for empowering myself as a Woman,” Madonna continued in her note on Instagram. “I was called a whore, a witch, a heretic and the devil.”

“Now Cardi B can sing about her WAP. Kim Kardashian can grace the cover of any magazine with her naked ass and Miley Cyrus can come in like a wrecking ball,” Madonna pointed out.

She then shared an interview clip circa 1992 in which she was paired up with an interviewer incredibly uncomfortable with Sex.

“What did you get out of it?” Madonna countered when asked if there was a message in the book.

“I got afraid,” he admitted.

“Why?” she asked, to which he replied, “I’d never seen the likes of it.”

“You have so,” she teased. “You’ve never read Playboy magazine, or Penthouse, or anything like that?”

“Yes,” he said, “But it was different with you. The picture of you astride the mirror, masturbating — I thought that was horrible. It just strikes me as horrible.”

“I think people’s reaction to specific situations in the book was much more a reflection of that person than me,” she pointed out. (The full video, which aired on 60 Minutes Australia in 1992, is up on YouTube.)

“Erotica,” the album’s first single, peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and hit No. 1 on the Billboard dance club single sales chart. A remix of the song was included on Madonna’s recent collection Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones.

Rhino Records is releasing a limited-edition Erotica 12″ vinyl picture disc, featuring a toe-sucking photo from her Sex book, for the project’s 30th anniversary.

22 Oct 2022

Drake & 21 Savage Announce Joint Album ‘Her Loss’ in New ‘Jimmy Cooks’ Music Video

Drake and 21 Savage are releasing an album together this week.

The pair announced that Her Loss will be here on Friday (Oct. 28) in the middle of their new “Jimmy Cooks” music video, which arrived late Saturday afternoon, 21 Savage’s birthday.

At the 1:25 mark in the Mahfuz Sultan-directed clip, the pair snuck in the title and release date for the new album.

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OVO Sound and Republic Records both shared screenshots of the Her Loss album news on Twitter.

The Honestly, Nevermind track “Jimmy Cooks” (seemingly an ode to the character of Jimmy Brooks that Drake portrayed on Degrassi: The Next Generation) is the pair’s latest collab, and it debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 over the summer, making it Drake’s 11th Hot 100 No. 1 and 21 Savage’s second.

Watch Drake and 21 Savage’s “Jimmy Cooks” video and check out the album announcement below.