State Champ Radio Music News
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Megan Thee Stallion season has returned with plenty of time to heat up before the summer. The Houston Hottie has kicked off her next era with the arrival of “Whenever” on Friday (April 25). Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The fiery track serves as Meg’s first […]
Peter Criss, the co-founding drummer of rock veterans KISS, has announced the release of his first solo album in almost two decades.
News of Criss’ forthcoming LP was announced via a short video from fansite KissFAQ, where band historian Julian Gill shared details of the record.
“I have an announcement,” Criss tells fans in the video. “I have my new rock and roll album to [share with] you KISS Army guys coming out in the fall, and I really hope you like it, man. And I wanna say God bless to each and every one of you.”
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Gill then took over with the reporting, noting that the record is a “hard rock, kick-ass album” that features the production work of Barry Pointer, while Criss is joined by guitarists John 5 and Mike McLaughlin, bassists Billy Sheehan and Matthew Montgomery, and pianist Paul Shaffer. The record also features the talents of backing vocalists Dennis and Sharron Collins, and Cathryn Manning.
“I was honored to listen to this album at Peter’s studio with him last night, and it was absolutely amazing to hear this new music,” adds Gill. “It was vibrant and powerful.
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“I’m so excited for it to be released, and I think KISS fans are gonna love this album. Peter’s drum sound is absolutely massive and his vocals are powerful. Barry Pointer’s production is stunning, and Peter’s got an incredible group of musicians and background vocalists behind him.”
The as-yet-untitled studio album will be Criss’ first solo release since 2007’s One for All, which itself arrived 13 years after his previous solo release. Criss had previously touched upon a new solo album back in 2017, revealing that he had a “half-finished rock album” whose composition could be traced back to before his 2008 diagnosis with breast cancer. However, Criss explained at the time that his retirement from the touring circuit would hopefully result in its completion.
Criss initially departed KISS in 1980, having performed his last show with the band in December 1979. He would later rejoin the band in 1996 as part of their original lineup reunion, and following a brief departure in 2001, would rejoin the band until his final exit in 2004.
While former KISS members Ace Frehley and Bruce Kulick would make guest appearances with the band in their final years, Criss did not take part in any additional shows with the band following his departure, and has not performed live since his retirement from touring in June 2017.
Mexican-American duo Ha*Ash showcased its signature Latin pop sound with country influences at the third edition of Billboard Latin Women in Music, broadcast live on Thursday (April 24) via Telemundo.
Hanna and Ashley, the Louisiana-born sisters of Mexican descent, shined while performing a medley of songs including “Perdón, Perdón” and “Estés Donde Estés,” showcasing the power of their voices and harmonies, each carrying her own guitar. Moments later, they received the Unbreakable Award from bachata star Prince Royce, who called them “two women with talent on another level.”
“This award is a celebration and a reminder that there is strength in unity, and our strength has been being sisters, partners in crime, and never letting go through thick and thin,” Hanna said while accepting the award.
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“Our career has been like a chain; each person is a link,” Ashley added, thanking her team, her family, and her fans, whom she called “the strongest link” and her “greatest source of love.”
Recognized for their resilience, innovation, and empowerment, Ha*Ash made an impressive debut in 2004, earning their first top 10 hit on the Latin Pop Airplay chart with “Estés Donde Estés,” which reached No. 9.
Over the years, the duo has showcased its staying power, racking up a total of 16 entries on the chart, four of which landed in the top 10. Recently, the sisters made a notable comeback with “El Cielo Te Mandó Para Mí,” a standout track from their album Haashville, which climbed to No. 7 on Latin Pop Airplay. They are currently on their Haashville Tour across the U.S. and Canada.
Hosted by 2024 honoree Ana Bárbara, the third annual edition of the Billboard Latin Women in Music special is broadcasted live exclusively on Telemundo, Universo, Peacock, and the Telemundo app, and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean via Telemundo Internacional.
This year’s honorees also include Selena Gomez as Woman of the Year, as well as Olga Tañón (Lifetime Achievement Award), Belinda (Evolution Award), Natti Natasha (Unstoppable Artist Award), Anitta (Vanguard Award), Chiquis (Impact Award), and Celia Cruz, who, on the centenary of her birth, is posthumously recognized with the Legend Award and featured in the new Billboard Español cover story.
Watch Ha*Ash on the pink carpet during Billboard‘s livestream here.
For Billboard’s Latin Women In Music 2025 executives list, click here.
Chiquis invigorated the stage at the 2025 Billboard Latin Women in Music event with an electrifying live performance on Thursday (April 24) that showcased her artistry and paid homage to her roots.
The Mexican American singer delivered a medley of “Qué Me Vas a Dar” — a heartfelt cover of her legendary mother Jenni Rivera — and her empowering anthem “Por Qué Soy Abeja Reina,” a bold declaration of her individuality, but important lessons she learned from her mom. Backed by a robust banda ensemble, Chiquis proved why she’s a force to be reckoned with in Latin music and beyond.
Dressed in a striking burgundy gown paired with a matching cowboy hat, Chiquis commanded the stage as her powerful vocals soared. Behind her, a shimmering iridescent visual of a diamond display added another dimension to the performance, enhancing the emotional energy of the moment.
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Her accomplishments extend far beyond music. Chiquis was honored the Impact Award at this year’s ceremony for her philanthropic and entrepreneurial endeavors.
“Thank you for recognizing the great work. To the people who have been with me since I started this career, there were many moments when I wanted to give up, to throw in the towel, because it was a very difficult path. I always had my vision clear: having a microphone is a great responsibility. It’s not always going to be easy, I understand that, I lived it with my mother. Thank you for giving me strength when I didn’t have it. I started this to inspire and to empower. ¡Arriba las mujeres!” Amandititita delivered Chiquis her prize.
“I have to use my voice, not just to sing, but to send light and radiate love, and talk about the things that really matter to me,” Chiquis told Billboard earlier this week. In tandem with her musical career, she also launched her Boss Bee Nation initiative in 2014, to help those in need. “A lot of artists are afraid to speak their truth or stand behind what they believe in because it might affect and trickle their streams, but I don’t like to worry about that. I feel that if I’m my authentic self and use my platform for things that I believe in, and my heart is in the right place, you’re not going to lose the people who are important to you.”
The third annual edition of the Billboard Latin Women in Music special is broadcasted live exclusively on Telemundo, Universo, Peacock, and the Telemundo app, and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean via Telemundo Internacional.
The 2025 honorees also include Selena Gomez as Woman of the Year, as well as Belinda (Evolution Award), Natti Natasha (Unstoppable Artist Award), Anitta (Vanguard Award), Ha*Ash (Unbreakable Award), Olga Tañón (Lifetime Achievement Award),and Celia Cruz, who, on the centenary of her birth, is posthumously recognized with the Legend Award and featured in the new Billboard Español cover story.
Watch Chiquis on the pink carpet during Billboard’s livestream here.
For Billboard’s Latin Women In Music 2025 executives list, click here.
The Chainsmokers dropped a remix of Chappell Roan‘s “Pink Pony Club” on Thursday (April 24), with the duo shaving down the original from four-plus minutes to a tight two-minute and 11-second edit. The remix bounces along on a dark house beat before taking a turn into brighter and quintessentially Chainsmokers sonic terrain around the one-minute […]
Ayra Starr and Wizkid linked up again on “Gimme Dat,” which she released on Thursday (April 24). The Sabi Girl teased the collaboration a week earlier in an Instagram video of her vibing out to the tropical-tinged dancefloor filler while watching the sunset before the song cuts to Wizkid singing, “God da–,” which Starr used […]
Quavo has been building his acting résumé over the years, and he’s hoping to get better at it — in fact, he’s hoping to be one of the best. TMZ caught up with the Atlanta rapper and asked if he could eventually become the best rapper-turned-actor ever and was asked if he could be better […]
In a new interview, Billy Ray Cyrus is opening up about his unexpected relationship with Elizabeth Hurley and the text message that started it all.
The “Old Town Road” singer sat down with Apple Music’s The Ty Bentli Show this week, and in an excerpt previewed by People, Cyrus opened up about reconnecting with the actress after filming the movie Christmas in Paradise together back in 2022. (The pair caught the world off-guard on Sunday when they shared a photo of Cyrus kissing Hurley via Instagram with the simple caption “Happy Easter.”)
“We did very few scenes together but the couple times we were in the same scene there was a chemistry there,” Cyrus told Bentli. “We just laughed, and it was at a time I wasn’t laughing a lot.”
The movie was filmed the same year the country star separated from ex-wife Tish, with whom he shares five children: Brandi, Trace, Miley, Braison and Noah. (Cyrus also has two children, Christopher and Kristen, from a previous relationship.) Cyrus then went on to marry singer Firerose in 2023 before divorcing the next year.
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Cyrus has faced many public challenges in the past year, including allegations of domestic abuse from ex-wife Firerose and an apparent estrangement from some of his famous children, including Miley. “I felt like, ‘Wow, can life get any harder? Can it get any tougher?’” Cyrus told Bentli in the new interview. “For me, at a certain point it was like, you can’t get knocked down any flatter than laying on your back when life is kicking you. And in this moment… a friend reached out.”
According to Cyrus, the text from an unknown number read: “Hey, it looks like life might be a little bit tough and just wanted you to know I’m in your corner. You’ve got a friend in your corner.”
“So I text back, I go, ‘Who is this?’ And it’s like, ‘Elizabeth Hurley,’” Cyrus recalled. “Of all the people to reach out to me in that second that maybe I needed most… this friend who made me laugh.”
Cyrus likened the sentiment to a moment in 1992 when the late Johnny Cash supported him as critics were bashing his music. “Johnny said, ‘Hey, you know, just remember that all things that are good come from almighty God above and that stuff happens, and in your case… the good outweighs the bad. Let ‘em have it. I’m in your corner.’”
The “Achy Breaky Heart” singer went on to praise Hurley, telling Bentli: “She’s so impressively brilliant. She reminds me a lot of Dolly Parton. She’s a very smart businesswoman. If you can laugh together, you can make it through everything.”
He also said he has a relationship with Hurley’s 23-year-old son Damian. “No expectations of where we go from here other than her and her son — I do love him a lot, and it’s great that God brought them into my life when he did,” Cyrus said. “It’s just a good thing. It’s been a long time since I’ve been this happy.”
Hurley was previously married to businessman Arun Nayar from 2007 to 2011. She had Damian with businessman Steve Bing, who died in 2020. And Hurley famously dated British actor Hugh Grant from 1987 to 2000; Grant is Damian’s godfather.
As Ye (formerly Kanye West) continues to spend time in Spain, he’s still finding time to fire away on his X account. West once again went after Kendrick Lamar and Tyler, the Creator, whom he deemed to be “overrated” and to be on an “equal” playing field when it comes to their rapping ability. “Name […]
On Thursday (April 24), Benson Boone released his new song “Mystical Magical,” following its live debut at Coachella. It’s the second single from Benson’s American Heart album, due June 20 via Night Street Records/Warner Records.
With a jangly pop-rock production, Boone is clearly having a blast on the song, showing off his famous falsetto on the chorus as he tries to describe the otherworldly feeling of his love. “‘Cause it feels so mystical, magical, oh baby/ ‘Cause once you know, once you know/ My love is so mystical, magical, oh baby/ ‘Cause once you know, once you know,” he sings in the light-as-air chorus.
Boone made his Coachella debut on April 11, where he brought out Queen guitarist Brian May to cover the epic 1975 hit “Bohemian Rhapsody” and also gave his fans in the desert a sneak peek at his brand-new single, performing “Mystical Magical” for the first time live.
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An official lyric video for the song, directed by Matt Eastin, also debuted on Thursday, showing Boone dancing around in a series of colorful outfits and settings, as balloons float all around him or, just like the lyrics says, “dancing at the movies.”
“Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else,” the first single from American Heart, hit the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, so far peaking at No. 36, and has also climbed to No. 13 on the Pop Airplay chart.
Boone will make his Saturday Night Live debut as the May 3 musical guest alongside host Quinta Brunson. He also has a string of festival dates lined up throughout the summer, including BottleRock in Napa, California; Summerfest in Milwaukee; and Governors Ball in New York.
Find the “Mystical Magical” lyric video below:
