Music News
Page: 58
Six years after Leaving Neverland gave Wade Robson and James Safechuck a platform to share shocking accounts of Michael Jackson‘s alleged sexual abuse of them as children, the two men are once again taking to the documentary format to talk about their experiences. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts […]
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. If you’re looking for great NBA merch, the Grateful Dead collection doesn’t miss. Taking inspiration from the legendary band’s iconic skull […]
Tiny Desk Concerts have become a rite of passage for artists, and Leon Thomas checked off another box in his ascension on Thursday (Feb. 20) as the R&B star made his debut on the NPR office stage. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Rocking a Satoshi Nakamoto […]
Dolly Parton has stepped into the Wiggles‘ world for the children’s group’s upcoming country album, Wiggle Up, Giddy Up. Album track “Friends!” — penned by Parton, and featuring the country icon on lead vocals — was released on Thursday (Feb. 20), as well as “Counting 1 to 5,” which has the Wiggles reimagining a Parton classic.
“Friends! Everybody shout it/ Friends! No doubt about it/ Friends! Make the world go round/ We can depend on friends! / Someone to lean on, friends!/ Everybody needs one/ Be my friend!” Parton jubilantly sings on the feel-good chorus.
The Wiggles reference Parton’s “9 to 5” on “Counting 1 to 5,” interpolating the melody of the country star’s hit that was originally released in 1980, and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1981: “Counting 1 to 5/ Yes, today that’s what you’re learning,” the Wiggles sing to the familiar tune.
Trending on Billboard
Music videos for both “Friends!” and “Counting 1 to 5” were also released on Thursday, with the double single made available on streaming services including Spotify and Apple Music.
“We Will Always Be Friends,” another single with (and written by) Parton, will be released on March 7 with the full Wiggle Up, Giddy Up collection, which can be pre-saved here. The Wiggles also recorded a cover of Parton’s “Love Is Like a Butterfly” for the album.
“Well, I just wiggled my way out into the Wiggles’ world! I had so much fun being a part of this project, and I hope you enjoy it as much as we have,” says Parton in a press release statement.
The collab is particularly meaningful for Red Wiggle (Caterina Mete), who has a tattoo inspired by Parton and even named one of her twin daughters Dolly. She shares, “Getting to work with my absolute musical hero is beyond surreal. Dolly has inspired me in so many ways, and I know these songs will bring so much happiness to families everywhere.”
“Dolly’s music is pure magic,” Blue Wiggle (Anthony Field) chimes in. “Getting to work with her on these songs is a dream come true. We can’t wait for families everywhere to sing along and share in the joy.”
Lainey Wilson, Orville Peck, Dasha, Morgan Evans, Jackson Dean, Kaylee Bell, MacKenzie Porter, Troy Cassar-Daley, The Wolfe Brothers, Travis Collins, Lucky Oceans and Slim Dusty are all featured on the Wiggles’ Wiggle Up, Giddy Up.
The Wiggles will be touring the U.S. and Canada in June. Dates and ticket information for the group’s Bouncing Balls Tour are available here.
Check out the joyous “Friends!” video, and the educational “Counting 1 to 5” video — which not only teaches little ones about counting, but also features a fun country line dance — with your kids below.
Several actors from music-connected films and TV shows will present on the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards, which will air live on Netflix on Sunday, Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT from the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles. The ranks of presenters include Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and […]
HarbourView Equity Partners is buying Grammy award-winning rapper-producer T-Pain‘s publishing catalog and certain master recording rights, the company announced on Thursday (Feb. 20). The Tallahassee, Fla.-born artist known for late-2000s party music hits like “Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin’),” “Bartender (featuring Akon)” and “I’m N Luv (Wit a Stripper) (featuring Mike Jones),” has been […]
LISA may have delivered some serious drama for her “Born Again” music video featuring RAYE and Doja Cat, but a new behind-the-scenes clip released on Thursday (Feb. 19) shows a fun and smile-filled day of filming. In the two-minute clip, the 27-year-old K-pop superstar is glowing as she gets glam for the music video, visibly […]
Carl Cox will no longer appear at Movement 2025. A statement posted to the techno producer’s Instagram Story on Thursday (Feb. 20) reads, “I regret to inform you that due to scheduling complications, my show at Movement has been postponed to 2026. I’m sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, but I promise to make […]
After President Donald Trump was elected chair of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, many have speculated about what the embattled commander in chief would do with his new position. This week, one performing group got an answer.
On Wednesday (Feb. 19), the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington announced that the Kennedy Center had canceled its upcoming Pride Month performance of a show titled A Peacock Among Pigeons, based on the LGBTQ+-inclusive children’s book of the same name. The concert, which was set to take place with the National Symphony Orchestra in May, was scheduled to kick of Washington, D.C.’s Pride celebrations ahead of the city hosting WorldPride 2025.
“We are deeply disappointed with the news that our upcoming Pride performance with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) has been canceled,” the chorus wrote in a statement posted to its Instagram page. “We believe in the power of music to educate and uplift, to foster love, understanding, and community, and we regret that this opportunity has been taken away.”
Trending on Billboard
The organization continued, adding that they would still perform their rendition of the piece during the WorldPride festivities. “While we are saddened by the decision, we are committed to this work and to our mission of raising our voices for equality for all,” the statement read. “We are grateful to those who have supported us, and we will continue to seek spaces where our voices, our stories, and our music can be heard.”
Billboard has reached out to the Kennedy Center for comment.
The news comes just a few weeks after President Trump staged a dramatic takeover of the cultural institution. The president purged the Kennedy Center’s board of 18 Democratic appointees while promising to install himself as chairman, added new members to the board more aligned with his politics, was unanimously named the new chairman and fired the Center’s former president, Deborah F. Rutter.
In a statement given to NBC News, the National Symphony Orchestra’s executive director Jean Davidson claimed that the decision to cancel A Peacock Among Pigeons was made prior to Trump’s reshaping of the Kennedy Center’s board. “Before the leadership transition at the Kennedy Center, we made the decision to postpone [A Peacock Among Pigeons] due to financial and scheduling factors,” she said in a statement. “We chose to replace it with The Wizard of Oz, another suitable program for World PRIDE participation.”
Rihanna was a mainstay in A$AP Rocky’s corner throughout his three-week felony shooting trial, which ended with a not guilty verdict for the Harlem native on Tuesday (Feb. 18), but her presence in the courtroom wasn’t always in the cards.
Rocky’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, revealed following the verdict that his client originally didn’t want Rihanna in attendance at the trial.
“He didn’t want her there. He was very protective of her,” Tacopina told a reporter. “I was sort of supporting his decision to keep her away. The trial’s not about Rihanna.”
Trending on Billboard
However, RiRi would not be denied. as she went behind Rocky’s back to contact Tacopina and let him know she would be pulling up to court to support her boo. “But she called me one day and she was like, ‘Joe, wild horses aren’t going to keep me away, so let him know I’m coming and deal with him,’” Tacopina continued.
Billboard has reached out to Tacopina, as well as Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s reps.
Rihanna was a staple at the courthouse, and she even made appearances with their two children, Riot and RZA, alongside Rocky’s mother and sister, who consistently supported the rapper in court.
Tacopina also recently explained to Extra why the little boys were there. “That day was summations, and in theory, what we initially believed, the judge had told us he was gonna start the jury deliberations that day after summations, right after summations. If they came back with a quick verdict — like they did — and it didn’t go his way, that would be the last time he saw his children,” the attorney explained. “So she wanted them in court, in the courtroom … house. One of the, the littlest one, you know, stayed outside. But you know, RZA was inside because he’s a little older and he comported himself very well, and he looked like a sweet little gentleman. … But you know, that’s family. I mean, it’s his family.”
Rocky (born Rakim Mayers) was found not guilty on both counts in the 2021 shooting case involving his former friend and associate A$AP Relli (born Terrell Ephron).
Upon hearing the verdict, Rocky jumped over the railing into the gallery to embrace Rihanna. He then thanked the jury and Judge Mark Arnold. “Thank y’all for saving my life,” Rocky said. “Thank you, thank you. Thank you for making the right decision. Thank you, your honor.”
Rocky was arrested in April 2022 at Los Angeles International Airport after being accused of firing a handgun at Relli near a Hollywood hotel in November 2021. The 36-year-old faced a maximum of 24 years behind bars and pleaded not guilty to all charges in August 2022. Last month, he turned down a final plea deal that would have landed him 180 days in county jail.
Rihanna took to her Instagram Story on Tuesday to celebrate the court’s ruling while giving thanks to the most high. “THE GLORY BELONGS TO GOD AND GOD ALONE! THANKFUL, HUMBLED BY HIS MERCY,” she wrote.