Music News

29 Jan 2025

Here’s the Advice Lady Gaga Wishes She Could Give Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter & Charli XCX

Lady Gaga has some hard-earned wisdom to pass down to the younger pop stars who are following in her footsteps.

In a new cover story interview with Elle published Tusday (Jan. 28), the 13-time Grammy winner gave her two cents on artists such as Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX rapidly reaching superstar status in 2024 with their respective projects. The “Hot to Go” singer and “Espresso” musician are both nominated for best new artist at the 2025 Grammys, and all three are up for album of the year.

“They’re amazing,” Gaga said of the musicians. “They’re strong and vibrant and creative and artistic. I think they’re being celebrated because they’re wonderful.”

As for the advice she wishes she could give pop music’s current crop of younger stars, the Joker: Folie à Deux star said, “It would be that the whole you matters.”

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“Who you are at home is just as valuable as who you are when you’re onstage,” Gaga explained. “And no matter what anyone says to you, you can value who you are outside of all of this … I’ve been in this business for years. Being a woman and a product at the same time was really exhausting.”

The interview comes just one day after Gaga finally announced the title and release date of her highly anticipated seventh studio album, Mayhem. The 14-track project will arrive March 7, featuring previously released Bruno Mars duet “Die With a Smile” — which spends its fourth week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated Feb. 1 — and “Disease.”

A third single and its music video will premiere during a commercial break at the Feb. 2 Grammys, where “Die With a Smile” is also nominated for two prizes: song of the year and best pop duo/group performance.

Gaga has previously shown love to Roan and Charli XCX, as well as Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift and Kesha — each of whom she personally shouted out in her Vogue cover story in September. “I’m not only cheering them on, I want them to know that my heart is in it with them,” she said at the time, tearing up. “And I want them all to feel really happy.”

29 Jan 2025

Post Malone to Perform at Super Bowl LIX Tailgate Concert in New Orleans

Post Malone is headed to New Orleans. As announced Wednesday (Jan. 29), the superstar is set to perform at the official Super Bowl Tailgate hosted this year by YouTube, taking the stage in Louisiana just before the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles Feb. 9.

Set to take place at 4 p.m. ET just “steps away” from the Caesars Superdome — where kickoff will commence at 6:30 p.m. on game day — the “Better Now” musician’s pregame performance will be exclusively livestreamed by YouTube. It’ll kick off a day full of live music taking place during and around the game, including Kendrick Lamar’s highly anticipated Halftime Show performance with guest star SZA and Jon Batiste’s performance of the national anthem.

This year is the first that YouTube is taking over as sponsor of the show, but the tailgate concert tradition dates back to the pandemic, when Miley Cyrus delivered the inaugural performance virtually. Since then, The Chainsmokers, The Black Keys, Jason Derulo and Gwen Stefani have all headlined.

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Posty should be all warmed up for a big game-day performance, having just joined Beyoncé on the field for halftime at the Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens game on Christmas Day. The “Circles” rapper made a cameo during the vocalist’s big showcase to help her sing their Cowboy Carter collaboration “Levii’s Jeans,” after which Malone wrote on X, “thank you @Beyonce so much for havin me out in Houston, and on your beautiful record. also, thank you for sharin your talent and art with the world. I love you.”

LIX also won’t be the first Super Bowl the “Congratulations” musician has taken part in. In 2024, he performed “America the Beautiful” on the field before the Chiefs faced off against the San Francisco 49ers, winning 25-22.

29 Jan 2025

Here’s Why Azealia Banks Says She Respects Taylor Swift

It’s famously difficult to win Azealia Banks‘ approval, but Taylor Swift has it. And in a series of posts on X Wednesday (Jan. 29), the rapper gave a detailed explanation why.

After previously declaring that Swifties make up one of the only fanbases she actually likes, Banks responded to a follower who asked her to elaborate. “Cause they don’t bother anybody,” she obliged. “Taylor doesn’t bother anybody. To have beef with her or over is a real sign of TRUE lack of self esteem.” 

“Like Kanye Tyler charli whoever else is a f–kin lame,” the “212” artist continued, referencing Ye’s famous feud with the “Anti-Hero” artist, Tyler, the Creator’s recent clash with Swifties, and the Charli XCX’s rumored tension with Swift; the Brat artist and superstar later sang each other’s praises, debunking the rumors. “She really makes her music and minds her biz.” 

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In the replies, Banks also praised the 14-time Grammy winner for promoting Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass” back in the early 2010s before the track fully blew up and launched the Queen of Rap into superstardom. Minaj has also previously credited Swift for having a hand in the song’s success, and in 2011, the two women performed it together on the latter’s Speak Now World Tour. 

“Like what other white female artist would share her platform with a black girl like that without asking for anything in return but just out of sheer f–king respect for the music?” Banks added. “Not a single one of them. They always want something in return and I really respect the way she carries herself it’s refreshing.” 

Banks’ approval of Swift might come as a surprise to some knowing how many other stars the former has verbally struck down over the years. One of the “Liquorice” artist’s most recent targets was Grimes, whom she accused of “trying to paint me like the [villain]” before alleging that Elon Musk had “dumped” and “cheated on” the “Oblivion” singer; Grimes quickly fired back, “i didn’t ‘get dumped.’ I bounced.” 

Shortly before that, Banks sparred with Matty Healy over comments the former made about Charli XCX. The exchange crested when the New York native said that The 1975 frontman’s fiancée, model Gabriette, looked “like Frankenstein,” after which Healy said he was “going to f—ing slap [Banks] so hard I’ll get a Guinness world record” before announcing that he was stepping back from X. “I don’t have the right kind of intelligence / emotional maturity etc for social media I literally just end up saying stuff that immediately regret,” he wrote. 

See Banks’ posts about Swift below.

29 Jan 2025

Watch Cher’s Time Travel Trip to the ’80s Go Terribly Wrong in Hilarious Commercial

Cher finally found a way to turn back time — but it isn’t exactly what she was hoping for. In a hilarious new commercial for Uber Eats that premiered in Australia, a mysterious time machine is delivered to the superstar’s doorstep just as she’s listening to her own 1989 smash “If I Could Turn Back Time.” Cher immediately knows where she wants to go — “Take me back to the ’80s,” she tells the device — but instead of the 20th century, she ends up in the 1680s.

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When she arrives in the middle of a colonial settlement, it’s hard to say who’s more confused: Cher or the locals, who take note of her futuristic appearance and accuse her of being a witch. “I’m not a witch — I’m an icon!” she says in futile protest, with the villagers proceeding to burn her at the stake.

Moral of the story? The food delivery service should strictly be enjoyed as a thyme machine, not a time machine.

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In a statement about the project, Cher said, “I get approached to do commercials all the time – but the creativity and hilarity that Uber Eats presented appealed to me right away.”

“I am really proud of the final product,” she added. “I sincerely hope Uber will get me back my boots.”

The commercial is just the latest endeavor Uber Eats has rolled out ahead of the 2025 Super Bowl. Charli XCX recently defined football positions in club terms and played a game of “We Listen, But We Don’t Judge” with Martha Stewart for the company, and on game day, the pair will costar with Matthew McConaughey in an ad that’ll air during the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles broadcast Feb. 9.

Watch Cher turn back time to the 1680s above.

29 Jan 2025

Bruno Mars Jokes About His Gambling Debt Rumors Following Spotify Record: See What He Said

While MGM refuted reports of a $50 million gambling debt compiled by Bruno Mars last year, the superstar still had some fun with the casino rumors.

Bruno hit the jackpot to break a Spotify listener record earlier this week and he took to his Instagram Story on Tuesday (Jan. 28) to celebrate the feat and even joked about taking a chunk out of his alleged debt.

“I’ll be out of debt in no time,” the 15-time Grammy Award winner captioned the post about him becoming the first artist to eclipse 150 million monthly Spotify listeners in the platform’s history.

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NewsNation reported in 2024 that Bruno owed millions to MGM and that number was as high as $50 million from hitting the casino tables. “He makes $90 million a year off of the deal he did with the casino, but then he has to pay back his debt … after taxes (Mars makes $1.5 million per night),” NewsNation‘s source speculated.

However, MGM Grand quickly debunked the report and said that the singer had no debt with the casino.

“We’re proud of our relationship with Bruno Mars, one of the world’s most thrilling and dynamic performers,” a spokesperson from MGM Grand told Billboard at the time. “From his shows at Dolby Live at Park MGM to the new Pinky Ring lounge at Bellagio, Bruno’s brand of entertainment attracts visitors from around the globe.”

They continued: “MGM and Bruno’s partnership is longstanding and rooted in mutual respect. Any speculation otherwise is completely false; he has no debt with MGM. Together, we are excited to continue creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.”

The 39-year-old even mocked the gambling debt reports on stage during a performance last year. “Ever since those articles came out about me owing the casino money you stopped picking up my calls,” he joked. “It’s me baby — I got money.”

Bruno added another seven dates to his Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM, where he’ll kick off the summer with shows in late May and early June.

On the music side, Bruno Mars remains atop the Billboard Hot 100 with “Die With a Smile” featuring Lady Gaga holding strong at No. 1. Bruno also delivered his first single of 2025 when teaming up with Sexyy Red for their “Fat Juicy & Wet” strip club anthem.

29 Jan 2025

Will Ferrell’s New Film Features Stevie Wonder Classic ‘Isn’t She Lovely’: Watch the Clip

The countdown has begun for Amazon Studios’ premiere of You’re Cordially Invited. Lift-off for the highly anticipated comedy starring Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon is set for Jan. 30 on Prime Video. In advance of the premiere, Billboard is now cordially inviting viewers to watch an exclusive clip above from the film’s opening scene featuring Stevie Wonder’s 1976 classic “Isn’t She Lovely.”

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The premise of You’re Cordially Invited revolves around two weddings that are accidentally booked on the same day at the same venue. Both hilarity and chaos ensue when the father of one bride (Ferrell) and sister of the other bride (Witherspoon) go head-to-head in their very determined efforts to ensure their families’ respective special celebrations go off without a hitch. In the film’s opening scene, viewers are introduced to Ferrell’s loving dad character while Wonder’s song plays in the background.

You’re Cordially Invited was written and directed by Nicholas Stoller (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, The Muppets). Of using “Isn’t She Lovely” in the film’s opening sequence, Stoller tells Billboard, “It’s a beautiful song about the birth of Stevie Wonder’s daughter, which makes it the perfect introduction to Will Ferrell and his daughter [played by Geraldine Viswanathan]. Also, it’s one of my favorite songs of all time.”

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“We knew we wanted to open the film with a song that was 100% pure joy, positivity and universally loved by all,” note the film’s music supervisors Manish Raval and Tom Wolfe. “Stevie Wonder’s ‘Isn’t She Lovely’ is not only that song, but the fact that, lyrically, it’s a love letter to his daughter makes it the perfect sentiment to play as Jim [Ferrell] is awaiting his daughter’s return home.”

In addition to Ferrell, Witherspoon and Viswanathan, the You’re Cordially Invited cast includes Meredith Hagner, Jimmy Tatro, Stony Blyden, Leanne Morgan, Rory Scovel, Keyla Monterroso Mejia, Ramona Young, Jack McBrayer and Celia Weston.

29 Jan 2025

Former MTV VJ Matt Pinfield Hospitalized After Massive Stroke

Former MTV VJ and music industry stalwart Matt Pinfield has been placed under a temporary conservatorship following a massive stroke he suffered on Jan. 6. According to the TMZ, Pinfield’s daughter Jessica filed for the conservatorship after the stroke due to concerns about her dad’s ability to handle health and financial decisions.

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Jessica said Pinfield, 63, a onetime Columbia Records VP of A&R who has had a number of radio gigs over the past 20 years — most recently co-hosting The Power Hour on AXS TV — suffered the stroke on Jan. 6, the same day he issued his most recent Instagram post.

In the post, the rock superfan known for his gravely voice and endless, infectioous enthusiasm for talking about alternative music wrote, “Starting another week with gratitude for a life surrounded by great people, life changing music, and unforgettable experiences that I never take for granted. Here to another week-another day-open heart and open mind. Let’s rock!”

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A spokesperson for Pinfield confirmed that he remains hospitalized following the stroke and that he is under a temporary conservatorship. The legal arrangement is typically approved to provide short-term care and protection for someone who is incapacitated and needs help managing their health care, personal finances and day-to-day needs, typically for up to 90 days.

L.A. radio station KCSN hinted at Pinfield’s health issues earlier this month when it announced he would be taking a temporary leave, telling listeners in a statement, “The SoCal Sound’s legendary DJ Matt Pinfield will be taking a temporary leave of absence. We are fully supportive of Matt and hope to have his energetic knowledge of rock n’ roll back on the air soon.”

Pinfield has had a series of health issues over the past few years, including a broken leg and lacerations in 2018 after he was struck by a car and, according to an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle in 2017, an irregular heartbeat due to years of struggles with substance use; he spent time in rehab that year. “I was dealing with A-fib (atrial fibrillation, or irregular heart rhythm),” he said at the time. “Drinking on top of it wasn’t a good idea. And it turns out I was overmedicated.”

Pinfield was photographed at disgraced shock rocker Marilyn Manson’s 56th birthday party alongside Billy Corgan, Filter’s Richard Patrick and Falling in Reverse’s Ronnie Radke, the night before his most recent Instagram post.

Check out messages of support from Pinfield’s friends and peers, including singer/producer Butch Walker, Pretty Wreckless’ Taylor Momsen, music journalist Michael Azerrad, fellow former MTV VJ John Norris and Disturbed singer David Draiman.

29 Jan 2025

Travis Kelce Can’t Believe His Taylor Swift Eras Tour Cameo Is Nominated for an Award: ‘No Way!’

The competition won’t stop for Travis Kelce after the Super Bowl. A few weeks after the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles in February, the tight end will run against the likes of Chappell Roan, Cher and Selena Gomez for favorite surprise guest at the iHeartRadio Music Awards — something he can’t believe he’s nominated for once, much less twice.

On the latest episode of New Heights posted Wednesday (Jan. 29), Travis was shocked when older brother Jason Kelce shared that the Grotesquerie star’s viral cameo at one of Taylor Swift’s London Eras Tour shows in June had earned him a nod. “What? I’m up for an award?” Travis said, smiling wide. “No way!”

When Jason went on to note that Travis is actually running against himself in the favorite surprise guest category — with his appearance alongside Patrick Mahomes at Morgan Wallen’s Kansas City concert in August also getting recognition — the Chiefs player’s excitement doubled. “Oh nice, I got two?” he responded.

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“There’s an award for just showing up and having a f–king good time?” the retired Eagles center quipped, to which Travis responded, “Jason, don’t be mad ’cause you’re not in it.”

The brothers went on to highlight a few of the other nominees — one of whom, it turns out, they both have a particular love for. “Let’s go ahead and congratulate Travis and Taylor, up against Selena Gomez, Cher, Chap-pelle Roan –” Jason began before Travis jumped in to correct his pronunciation. 

“Chappell Roan, yeah,” interjected the Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? host. “Shout-out to Selena and Chappell Roan. Shout out to Cher … The one song, man, will forever be one of my favorite songs. It’s so good.” 

Travis then proceeded to sing the icon’s 1998 smash “Believe” — which spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 — before his older brother pulled it up on his phone and started passionately dancing along. “This is the f–king song of Super Bowl LIX, baby!” Jason shouted, fired up, as the younger Kelce cackled. “Every time someone asks me who I’m rooting for, I’m going to say ‘I’m rooting for Cher.’”

Nominations for the iHeartRadio Music Awards went live Jan. 22, about two months before this year’s ceremony is set to take place March 17. Travis’ superstar girlfriend is also up for several other categories beyond the one they share, with Swift in the running for artist of the year, pop artist of the year, best music video for “Fortnight” and more.

The latest episode of New Heights marks the Kelce brothers’ first since the Chiefs won the AFC Championship Sunday (Jan. 26), meaning Kansas City will return to the Super Bowl — which this year is set for Feb. 9 — for a third year in a row. “I’m feeling great, man,” Travis said of the achievement. “Life is amazing.”

“I’ve had a lot of heartbreak,” he added. “I’ve had a lot of times where it hasn’t been this sweet, and right now I’m just riding the high of living this dream with my brothers and everybody in Kansas City.”

Watch the new episode of New Heights above.

29 Jan 2025

Cynthia Erivo, Teyana Taylor & More Set as ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Honorees

Newly minted Academy Award nominee and Emmy-, Grammy- and Tony-winning actress Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), actress-director Teyana Taylor (A Thousand and One), Emmy-nominated industry veteran Marla Gibbs (227) and Emmy-nominated creator, writer and-producer Raamla Mohamed (Reasonable Doubt) are 2025’s honorees for the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards. The 18th annual gala will take place Feb. 27 in Los Angeles at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel. Aldis Hodge, producer and star of Prime Video’s Cross, will host.

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Underscoring the inspiration behind this year’s event theme — “Scene and Unseen” —  Sundial Media Group and ESSENCE Ventures leadership shared the following statement: “When the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards were first established, our mission was to celebrate and elevate the extraordinary artistry of Black women, both on screen and behind the scenes in the television and film industry. For nearly two decades, this sacred gathering has honored exceptional women who are creating a foundation for the next generation of artistic trailblazers. We remain in awe of the profound depth that our honorees bring to their craft.”

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In the wake of the catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles, ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood is also supporting existing relief efforts in collaboration with organizations dedicated to providing centralized resources to the Los Angeles community. On Feb. 28, ESSENCE will also present its sixth annual ESSENCE Hollywood House: To Altadena With Love. Open to the public, this year’s Hollywood House honors the resilience of this wildfire-impacted neighborhood that was home for many creative professionals in the television and film industries. The day’s offerings will include panel discussions, a community resource hub and networking opportunities. For more information and to register, visit the ESSENCE website.

ESSENCE’s YouTube channel will premiere the awards ceremony pre-show on March 3. In addition to featuring red carpet arrivals and celebrity interviews, the presentation will reveal the winner of the inaugural ESSIES’ Choice Award: Presented by Diet Coke. Chosen by fans, the special honor recognizes an emerging industry leader.

29 Jan 2025

John Summit, Grupo Frontera & Koe Wetzel to Headline Billboard THE STAGE at SXSW 2025

Billboard is making its way back to South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, for three star-studded concerts from March 13 to 15.

Billboard THE STAGE at SXSW will take place at the the iconic Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park, and will kick off Thursday (March 13) with a performance by Texas native and country superstar Koe Wetzel. The fun continues Friday (March 14) when Música Mexicana stars Grupo Frontera — also Texas born and raised — take the stage. The final evening, Saturday (March 15), is presented by Carnival Cruise and will feature a high-energy performance from dance music artist John Summit.

More performers will be announced in the coming weeks.

Carnival Cruise Line will provide pedicabs to transport guests to and from THE STAGE, and will also host a one-of-a-kind Celebration Key experience in The Paradise Zone that features a tropical-themed bar, a snack cart and custom photo opportunities. Additionally, Azzaro Parfums is hosting an immersive fragrance sampling station.

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“Billboard has always been at the forefront of celebrating the artists and moments that shape the global music landscape, and this year at SXSW, we’re continuing that tradition with a unique concert series that highlights the diversity of today’s music scene,” Hannah Karp, Billboard’s editorial director, said in a press statement. “From country to Música Mexicana and electronic dance music, Billboard THE STAGE will bring unforgettable live performances to Austin to enhance the SXSW experience and connect music fans with the artists they love.”

Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park will host a ticket pre-sale for all three days of the event starting on Thursday (Jan. 30) at 9 a.m. CT using an exclusive venue code. General admission tickets go on sale the next day via Ticketmaster here at 9 a.m. CT, with a number of tickets reserved for existing SXSW Platinum and Music Badge holders, as well as SXSW Music Festival wristband holders. 

Billboard is also partnering with REVERB again to provide a lucky music fan with the chance to win an all-expense-paid VIP trip to SXSW. Participants can enter to win by making a donation to REVERB through Prizeo, which will support REVERB’s Music Decarbonization Project, which works to reduce carbon emissions within the music industry. The prize also includes a meet-and-greet with Koe Wetzel, side-stage viewing, round-trip airfare for two, three nights of hotel accommodations and a signed merch pack. To enter the contest, visit prizeo.com/Koe.

Billboard will report live throughout SXSW. Be sure to follow along on billboard.com and on social media (@billboard) for the latest news and announcements.

Billboard’s parent company PMC is the largest shareholder of SXSW and its brands are official media partners of SXSW.