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Music News

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Loyle Carner has shared his first taste of new music in almost three years with the release of new singles “All I Need” and “In My Mind.”
The London-based musician (real name Ben Coyle-Larner) released hugo, his most recent LP, in October 2022. The album hit the No. 3 spot on the U.K.’s Official Albums Chart and was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize. 

In the last week, he began teasing new music with photos from the studio on his Instagram, and in an accompanying press release, Carner said that indie acts such as Fontaines D.C., Idles and Big Thief inspired him to write more alternative music after years with his hip-hop-influenced sound. 

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On the tour supporting hugo, Carner formed a live band to help elevate his material, and utilised the new set-up for “All I Need” and “In My Mind.” The tour concluded in August 2024 with a show at London’s 35,000-capacity All Points East festival in Victoria Park.

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Carner is yet to confirm the release of what could be his fourth studio album, but in June, he will headline Glastonbury’s Other Stage alongside other huge names across the weekend, including Charli XCX and The Prodigy, and has teased it as “his only show of the summer.” The Pyramid Stage will be headlined by The 1975, Olivia Rodrigo and Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts.

Since arriving on the British scene more than a decade ago, the south Londoner has released three studio albums — Yesterday’s Gone (2017), Not Waving, but Drowning (2019) and hugo (2022) — and his material has crossed over 1.1 billion streams throughout his career. In that time, he has sold out historic venues such as London’s Wembley Arena, and collaborated closely with guitarist Tom Misch and jazz group Ezra Collective.

He has been passionate about his love of cooking and raising awareness for people living with ADHD. In 2024, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of the Arts London, and was recently announced to star in his first acting gig in the upcoming BBC series Mint, by BAFTA-nominated Scrapper director Charlotte Regan.

Listen to his two new songs below:

Lucy Dacus and MUNA’s Katie Gavin are on the latest cover of Alternative Press, and the duo paid tribute to an iconic Vanity Fair cover for their photoshoot. In the snap, Dacus is seen in a barber chair with shaving cream on her face, as Gavin gives her a sensual shave while wearing a black […]

East Tennessee native and cultural icon Dolly Parton will soon have her inspirational career spotlighted in the Country Music Hall of Fame in Museum, when the Hall launches its new exhibition, Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker, on May 20. The exhibit will run until September 2026.
Parton, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, has forged a multifaceted career as a singer, songwriter, actor, author, businesswoman and philanthropist.

“Being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame was one of the greatest moments of my life, and being able to have a personal exhibit for the fans that put me there is a very big deal to me,” Parton said in a statement. “This seeker is very proud and honored, and I hope you enjoy my journey. I will always love you.”

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“After accomplishing enough for three lifetimes, Dolly Parton continues to astound and amaze us with her boundless talent, her vivacious wit and her tremendous generosity,” added Kyle Young, chief executive officer of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Like all great artists, Parton has demonstrated consistently that she can transform adversity and setbacks into works of stunning beauty and insight into the human condition.”

The exhibit will feature costumes, awards, instruments, photographs, handwritten lyrics and exclusive interview footage from throughout Parton’s career. In 1978, Parton was named as the Country Music Association’s entertainer of the year, and she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999. At 79, her tireless passion for her career is evident, as she continues extending her career’s acclaim with the recent announcements of her upcoming musical and Nashville hotel.

The exhibit will highlight key points in Parton’s career, such as the handwritten lyrics to her No. 1 hit “Jolene,” and the Sony portable cassette tape player recorder she used when she wrote her now-iconic songs including “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene” and the exhibit’s namesake song, “The Seeker.”

Other pieces to be featured include Parton’s Kennedy Center Honors medallion she was presented with in 2006, as well as a cowgirl outfit Parton wore in the 1980 movie 9 to 5. Also on display will be a Lucy Adams-designed dress Parton wore on appearances on The Porter Wagoner Show, as well as the cover of the 1974 album Porter ‘n’ Dolly, which marked the final collaborative project from Parton and Wagoner. Another dress, designed by Steve Summers, features mesh fabric, spikes and breaded fringe, and was worn by Parton in promoting her 2023 album Rockstar.

The exhibit showcases Parton’s generational appeal through her inspirational, rags-to-riches story of growing up in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, in a home with no plumbing or electricity. She inherited from her family both a love of music and an intense work ethic, and by the age of 10, she was performing on radio and television broadcasts in Knoxville, Tenn. She began recording music by the time she was in her teens. She moved to Nashville after finishing high school, and released her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967 on Monument Records.

Crucially, Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker will highlight Parton’s determined spirit throughout her career and her unique creative and business vision, such as when, at age 13, she made her Grand Ole Opry debut, though only after she and her uncle Bill Owens persuaded Jimmy C. Newman to give her one of his Opry performance timeslots after an Opry manager refused to give her a performance timeslot due to her young age. In 1974, after a seven-year stint on The Porter Wagoner Show, Parton decided to part ways with Wagoner, with whom she had become one of country music’s most popular duos. That decision sparked the beginning of Parton’s rise as one of country music’s most revered and recognized solo artists.

Later on in her career, she opted to work with Los Angeles pop music producer Gary Klein on her 1977 album Here You Come Again, which brought backlash from some in the Nashville music community, who claimed she was abandoning Nashville in favor of pop music success. The album reached No. 1 on Billboard‘s top country albums chart, and the top 20 on the all-genre Billboard 200, spurred by songs including the title track and “Two Doors Down.” The album was also Parton’s first million-selling album, earned the star her first Grammy award win, and led to her film debut in the movie 9 to 5.

The exhibit also highlights the 10-time Grammy winner’s work as a philanthropist. Among her initiatives, in 1995, she encouraged new generations of children to love reading by founding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Three years later, she launched the Dollywood Foundation, with the Imagination Library as its flagship program. The program is now active in not only all 50 states, but also in Australia, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Along with the new Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum exhibit, an illustrated and in-depth exhibit book will supplement the information presented in the gallery presentation. The book will highlight Parton’s career triumphs and share stories behind four of her most beloved songs, “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “I Will Always Love You” and “Jolene.” The book will also be sold in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s store starting May 20. An official exhibit playlist will be available on all major streaming platforms beginning on May 20.

Rubby Pérez was among the victims of the deadly Jet Set nightclub roof collapse on Tuesday (April 8). Hours after the tragedy, it was confirmed that the 69-year-old merengue icon had died after being trapped in the rubble.
Pérez had been performing at the nightclub in the early morning hours of Tuesday at the upscale nightclub located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, when the roof collapsed, killing more than 120 people, according to the Associated Press’ latest death toll, and injuring hundreds more.

On Wednesday, Pérez’s team posted an official statement on the artist’s Instagram account. “It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the passing of our beloved Rubby Pérez,” the post reads in Spanish. “We sincerely appreciate all the love, support and solidarity we have received at this difficult time for his family, friends and fans. His musical and human legacy will live forever in our hearts.”

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Born Francisco Arturo Pérez in Hato Mayor, the singer launched his career as the lead vocalist of Wilfrido Vargas’ orchestra. He then kicked off his solo career in the 1980s and catapulted to stardom thanks to classics like “Volveré” and “Enamorado de Ella.”

Immediately after reports of his death, a number of Latin artists posted heartfelt tributes in honor of the musician. “Heartbroken, not only for all the victims of this tragedy but also for the departure of someone so admired,” merengue star Olga Tañón wrote on Instagram. “My God, maestro you leave us in great pain. One of my greatest idols of all my life!”

“My heart goes out to all Dominicans after such a terrible tragedy, the loss of a great musician, a great brother, who with his music transcended generations as was the great Rubby Pérez, and for all those who died and were affected under the same circumstances,” wrote Venezuelan salsa singer Oscar D’León.

Meanwhile, Wilfrido Vargas, who was a key figure in the rise of Pérez, shared on Instagram: “I am devastated. The best singer the genre has ever produced, the highest voice of merengue. The friend and idol of our genre, has just left us. I have no more words. This is very deep, deeper than what you can feel even in the most terrible of dreams. Farewell Rubby Pérez.”

“You have arrived in the presence of the Lord Jesus, dear and admired Rubby Pérez,” Juan Luis Guerra wrote on Instagram. “May God pour out strength and His peace that surpasses all understanding upon your family and friends!”

Fellow Dominican artist, Milly Quezada, expressed on Instagram: “Fly high my friend! Rest in peace dear Rubby! My heart goes out to your family and also to the families of all those affected in this tragedy!Without words…”

Other artists who mourned Rubby Pérez include Marc Anthony, Ricky Martin, Chichi Peralta, Elvis Crespo, Sergio Vargas, Yordano and Toño Rosario, among others.

Jennifer Lopez is set to return to the American Music Awards as both host and performer for this year’s show, which is set to air live from Las Vegas on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, on CBS, and streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S. This marks Lopez’s second time hosting the ceremony, a role she first took on in 2015 when she opened the show with “Waiting for Tonight,” which led into a dancing medley of 14 of the year’s biggest hits.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer Lopez back to host the American Music Awards,” Jay Penske, CEO, Dick Clark Productions, said in a statement. “Jennifer’s incredible talent and incomparable stage presence make her the ideal host of the show.  We know she will bring her one-of-a-kind energy to the official kick off celebration of summer.”

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Lopez teased her return to hosting on last fall’s top-rated American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special on CBS, one of the most watched entertainment specials of the year. Lopez has performed on the AMAs more than 10 times.

Lopez has won three American Music Awards: favorite pop/rock female artist in 2003 and favorite Latin artist in both 2007 and 2011. In February 2001, Lopez famously became the only female artist to have the No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 (J.Lo) and No. 1 film at the box office (The Wedding Planner) simultaneously.

This will be the first regular American Music Awards broadcast in 2 and a half years, since the show in November 2022 that was hosted by comedian Wayne Brady. This will also be the first regular AMAs broadcast on CBS. The AMAs aired on ABC from 1974 to 2022.

This is also the first show since it moved to Memorial Day. The plan is for the show to air each Memorial Day, paying tribute to U.S. troops and veterans in addition to honoring the year’s hottest music stars. The show aired in January or February each year from 1974 through 2003, and then in October or November each year from 2003 to 2022.

Legendary producer Dick Clark created the show, which is known as the world’s largest fan-voted award show.

The 2025 AMAs will broadcast globally across linear and digital platforms. More details will be announced soon.

Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live but will have access to on-demand the day after the special airs.

The American Music Awards are produced by Dick Clark Productions, which is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Eldridge Industries and Billboard parent company Penske Media.

Lorde seems to finally be answering her fans’ prayers for new music, with the pop star randomly dropping a snippet of an unreleased song on TikTok Wednesday (April 9) ahead of her highly anticipated fourth studio album. In the seconds-long clip, Lorde — wearing a white button-down and jeans — films herself walking through Washington […]

Sony has unveiled its latest superstar partnership with none other than chart-topper Post Malone. The global star has teamed up with the brand for the launch of its new Ult Power Sound series, part of Sony’s For The Music audio brand campaign, the company announced on Wednesday (April 9). According to the release, Sony picked […]

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Make room on your shelf, because the very first P!nk Funko Pop! collectible is finally here. Inspired by her 2023 Trustfall […]

Ye (formerly Kanye West) has been staunch in his support for Donald Trump since the business mogul’s first presidential term. During a stream with Digital Nas on Tuesday (April 8), the embattled rapper claimed that Frank Ocean attempted to talk him out of supporting the twice-impeached president prior to the 2016 election.
“Frank Ocean p—y a– come over my house talking about Trump all day and how I shouldn’t support Trump,” he said. “N—a f–k you know about politics and n—a I’m your motherf—ing senior, OG, y’all used to come on tour with mea.”

Ye continued: “None of you n—-s can tell me about politics n—a. F–k you think? You read a book and now you can tell me some s–t? None of these n—-s as talented. I’m the greatest motherf—ing artist that ever existed. They can just be slightly better at one thing cause they only do that one thing.”

Billboard has reached out to Ocean’s reps for comment.

Ye — who has faced continued backlash for his ongoing hate speech — hasn’t been shy about his support for Trump over the years. He originally had a pro-Trump rant during his Saint Pablo Tour in 2016 and met up with the president at Trump Towers in December 2016 for a photo op.

He pulled up to the White House in 2018 while rocking a red MAGA hat, where he spoke about his appreciation for the president and met with Trump at the Oval Office. Ye kept the MAGA hat on throughout the year and even wore it during his appearance on Saturday Night Live.

While Ye opposed Trump in 2020 during his own brief presidential bid, he came back to support Trump — who has since been convicted on 34 felony charges in his hush money case — for the 2024 election as DT defeated Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.

Around the time of the alleged conversation between Ocean and Ye in 2016, they had been collaborative on the music side. Ocean helmed “Frank’s Track” on The Life of Pablo, while West had a cameo on Blonde‘s “White Ferrari.” Ocean hasn’t released a project since.

However, West’s tune changed in March when he claimed during an explosive interview with DJ Akademiks that “Moon” from 2021’s Donda album was the end of his former collaborator’s time in music.

“Like when I made, ‘Moon,’ it basically ended Frank Ocean’s career. He ain’t have a song since then. He talking, ‘Sipping some wine.’ I knew it I heard it, I was like, ‘Oh, this n—a not gonna be able to make another album again,’” he said. “Any genre of music that anyone has, I make a better version of it. I’m 10 times stronger at music than anyone living.”

Machine Gun Kelly will see your jokes and raise you more jokes. The rap/rocker took to his Instagram Story on Tuesday (April 8) to double-down on an Onion headline tweaking the new dad just weeks after MGK’s former fiancée, actress Megan Fox, gave birth to the couple’s first child together.

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“Megan Fox Confirms She and New Baby Will Co-Parent Machine Gun Kelly,” read the lightly teasing headline, which MGK re-posted along with three laughing crying emoji. That same reel featured a re-post of footage of the rapper performing his 2024 Trippie Redd collab “Beauty,” with a caption that paid tribute to his first-born, 15-year-old daughter Casie Colson Baker. “the girl dad was performing his rap song ‘beauty’ at his birthday party on April 22, 2024, and his daughter casie was vibing to it. she knows it’s a bop,” it read.

In another slide, Kelly hangs with Casie and implores her not to read the comments on one of his performance videos. “Why? They’re not bad,” she says, as he frets, “I know but of them, just like, I see certain words and I’m like, ‘aaaahhh.’”

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In an Insta post titled “dad.,” Kelly, 34, appears in a series of selfies in which he wears all black outfits, goofs around with Casie, shows off his Rolls Royce and hangs with pals Travis Barker, Camila Cabello and Atlantic Records VP of A&R Keith “Keefa” Parker aka “Keefa Black.”

Fox gave birth to her fourth child — she has three others with former husband Brian Austin Green — on March 27. To date the formerly engaged pair have posted some face-obscured photos of their newborn daughter’s and not much else. But last month Kelly threw cold water on suggestions that they’d named their little girl “celestial seed.”

The confusion came after MGK announced in an Instagram post that he and Fox, 38, had welcomed their first child along with a picture of his daughter gripping his fingers, writing, “She’s finally here!! our little celestial seed. 3/27/25.” After headlines suggested that the baby’s name was actually “Celestial Seed,” MGK clarified in his Stories, “wait guys… her name isn’t ‘Celestial Seed’ [crying laughing emoji] her mom is gonna tell you the name when we’re ready.”