Music News

27 Oct 2024

Chino Pacas Breaks Down 5 Essential Tracks From ‘Que Sigan Llegando Las Pacas (Extended)’

When Chino Pacas received a DM on Instagram from none other than Drake, it wasn’t just another social media interaction — it was the catalyst for one of the most groundbreaking tracks on his debut album, Que Sigan Llegando Las Pacas.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

The album was released on his birthday (Oct. 18), with the extended version arriving Oct. 25. The set fuses the raw emotion of corridos tumbados with urban sierreño, revealing a narrative rich in youthful ambition and heritage.

Born Cristian Humberto Ávila Vega, Chino Pacas evolved from a viral TikTok sensation, and a Billboard Hot 100 newcomer to now cementing his status as one of the defining voices of his generation. The Guanajuato musician’s talents are backed by the prowess of Street Mob Records, helmed by Fuerza Regida’s JOP, who has praised him as one of the label’s most talented artists.

Trending on Billboard

In “Modo Capone,” featuring Drake and JOP of Fuerza Regida, fans experience the Toronto superstar singing solely in Spanish, channeling his “Champaign Papi” persona once again, but this time stepping into corridos territory.

Beyond the star-studded features, each track from Chino Pacas’ debut album tells a story, whether it’s about personal struggles, his ambitions, or the day-to-day life in the barrios of Guanajuato where he grew up. The opener, “Smith,” plunges into a world of excess and indulgence, depicted through sharp visuals of “Dom Pérignon,” “pretty faces” and “el reventón” (or bustling parties).

On the other hand, “Morena Canela,” where Pacas shifts to a more personal narrative, paints vivid pictures of desire and decadence, showcasing his skill in blending informal, conversational language with poetic imagery.

Below, Chino Pacas breaks down five essential songs from his new album, in his own words.

“Smith” with Junior H & Fuerza Regida

“Smith” is with my colleagues, with Jesús Ortiz Paz from Fuerza Regida and Junior H, [the latter] who is originally from the same state [Guanajuato] as me. We put this song at number one because I really like it. I felt it was going there, at number one. Smith is a comrade from Mexico, a character, to whom the song was written. We were the interpreters and the writer is Miguel Armenta [among others].

“Modo Capone” with Drake & Fuerza Regida

Drake texted me on Instagram and told me he wanted a corrido for himself and a corrido with me. From there we started working. We sent him several songs including that one, which was the one that stuck. They were thinking and decided to include someone else from the regional Mexican music scene who was on top, so we included Fuerza Regida.

[When I saw Drake’s message] the truth is that I was like, not like in shock, but I was more surprised than anything. When we were recording the song “Modo Capone” in the studio, he, Jesús Ortiz, and I in Houston, we were guiding him so that he could do the vocals. You can really feel the professionalism and it was a very cool vibe. What I always like in all my songs is that chemistry happens and this one was no exception.

“El Gordo Trae el Mando”

This is one of the most important songs of my career, it was the first one we released and the first one that reached the linking of many people. It went viral. This song meant a lot to me too. Many people became aware of my music and after that song, many things changed. [The last year] has been a lot of learning and a lot of work.

“Pues Podemos” with Turo Pacas

The truth is this song is one of the most badass songs on this album. It is the first song that people see me singing with my brother. What I like about this song is that it was a 50/50 split effort — it is a combination of his tastes and my tastes. In the lyrics too and the composition — what he sings, he wrote and what I sing, I wrote. The song, just like the title says, is about how we can. We can do it and we did it.

“Dijeron Que No La Iba a Lograr”

It’s [the song with] the one I identify with the most. I was writing “El Gordo Trae el Mando” [two years ago] with the same chords, the same tone, and that’s where “Dijeron Que No Lo Iba a Lo Lograr” came from. The song is about that, that I wasn’t going to make it, and we were writing it without having made it.

Check out the full album below:

Chino Pacas

Chino Pacas

Dangy

26 Oct 2024

Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter Serve Surprise Mix of ‘Espresso,’ ‘Is It Over Now?’ & ‘Please Please Please’ in New Orleans

Taylor Swift served “Espresso” and more with with Sabrina Carpenter in New Orleans Saturday night (Oct. 26).

Swift teased she was about to do something different for her acoustic set during her latest stop on The Eras Tour — sing someone else’s song. “It’s been stuck in my head,” she explained to the crowd at Caesars Superdome of her choice to bring a new flavor to the surprise song menu.

To the delight of many, she launched into Carpenter’s massive summer hit “Espresso” on her guitar. Then she paused and asked her fans a silly question — “Is it OK if I call her, and you guys can say hi?” — and picked up a cell phone to get Sabrina on the line.

The pair of pop stars acted out a bit, with Swift putting Carpenter on speakerphone, holding it up to the mic and asking her how long it might take her to get to the stadium.

As it turns out, about five seconds later they were on stage together, working “Espresso” into a three-song mashup with Swift’s 1989 vault track “Is It Over Now?” and another one of Carpenter’s big hits, “Please Please Please.”

Trending on Billboard

The highlight of Swift’s Saturday night? Having an excuse to sing the “Espresso” lyric “I’m working late ‘cause I’m a singer” to a sold-out stadium as it neared 11 p.m. at night.

“She has literally one day off. She is on tour. This is crazy that she came to perform for us,” Swift said at the end of their crowd-pleasing duet. Carpenter exited the stage, leaving Swift to wrap the evening’s acoustic section on her own at the piano, where she played a mashup of Midnights bonus song “Hits Different” and 1989 opener “Welcome to New York.”

Watch clips of their surprise performance below.

26 Oct 2024

Madison De La Garza, Demi Lovato’s Younger Sister, Mourns Loss of Baby Following Emergency C-Section

Demi Lovato‘s newborn niece, Xiomara, died following an emergency cesarean section, says the singer’s younger sister, Madison De La Garza. De La Garza posted a statement on Instagram on Saturday (Oct. 26), and Lovato shared her sister’s heartbreaking message.

“On the evening of September 27th, after an emergency c-section, Ryan and I held our little girl for the first and last time. Thank you, Xiomara, for making us parents to the most perfect angel in heaven. Mommy and Daddy love you sweet girl,” De La Garza, 22, wrote in her post. She and boyfriend Ryan Mitchell had announced the pregnancy on Sept. 7, as well as De La Garza’s October due date.

“I love you so much Xiomara. An angel in every sense of the word. I’ll be your auntie forever,” Lovato commented on her sister’s post on Saturday.

Dallas Lovato, their older sister, penned a touching poem: “Baby girl Xiomara, I miss you everyday. I’ll take good care of your mom, so you can fly away. Watch over us and guide us and give us little signs. One day we’ll come and see you, it just might take some time. Not a single day will pass without you in our hearts. I wish we got more time together before you had to depart. So have fun in your new world, the one we cannot see. Because every breath I take, I’ll be taking one for z.”

Dianna De La Garza, the siblings’ mother and baby Xiomara’s grandmother, wrote, “They say when you meet your Grandchild for the first time, you feel a love that you can’t explain in words. I felt that love and I will feel it til the day I die. I love you my sweet granddaughter Xiomara. Thank you for making me a REAL ‘Grandma D.’”

On Saturday, Lovato also shared her younger sister’s post in an Instagram Story on her own account, where she wrote, “RIP to my beautiful, perfect niece Xiomara. I’m so grateful I got to hold you. I’ll forever be your auntie.”

“I love you so much @maddelagarza,” she said.

De La Garza and Mitchell are both actors, with De La Garza best known for her role as young Juanita Solis on Desperate Housewives from 2008-2012. Mitchell’s credits include appearances on soap operas The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless in 2017.

They shared their first public photo as a couple on Instagram on June 13, with De La Garza captioning the personal snapshot “My whole world.”

On Sept. 7, when the couple announced they were expecting, De La Garza shared a sweet picture of herself with Mitchell, with her hand resting on her belly. The photo was one of several in a slideshow of images celebrating the pregnancy with family. She did not post again until Oct. 26.

Last month Lovato shed light on her experience with childhood fame when she released her documentary Child Star on Hulu. The pop star and actress co-directed the film with Nicola Marsh. Since then, she’s performed at the 2024 Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Gala, participated in Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day panel and gala, and sang one of Foreigner’s biggest hits, “Feels Like the First Time,” at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 2024 Induction Ceremony.

26 Oct 2024

Chappell Roan Confronts ‘Rude’ Photographer on Red Carpet: ‘I Deserve an Apology’

Chappell Roan confronted a photographer she’d previously had an uncomfortable encounter with on the red carpet Friday (Oct. 25).

Making an appearance on the carpet at the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix’s Olivia Rodrigo: Guts World Tour film, which will be streaming Oct. 28, the “Good Luck, Babe!” singer-songwriter pointed, said, “You,” and walked straight over to a photographer she recognized.

“You were so disrespectful to me at the Grammys,” she said, as seen in clips making their way around social media on Saturday. The photographer she approached is not seen on camera.

“You yelled at me at a Grammy party,” said Roan, no stranger to setting boundaries with those who approach. “I remember. You were so rude to me. And I deserve an apology for that … You need to apologize to me.”

Roan — one of Rodrigo’s special guests on the Guts Tour when the pair performed “Hot to Go” together, and an opening act for Rodrigo’s show previously — spoke her mind to another red carpet photographer at the VMAs last month. When the person behind the camera yelled at the pop star to “Shut the f— up,” Roan responded, “You shut the f— up.” The singer waved a finger and added, “Not me, b—-.”

Trending on Billboard

Rodrigo spoke highly of Roan on the red carpet for her Guts concert film premiere on Friday, in an interview with Billboard: “She actually gives me so much advice on taking care of myself and being me in an industry that’s so overwhelming sometimes. I really appreciate her. If I give her any advice, I’m not so sure. But I get a lot from her.”

See a clip of Roan’s run-in with a photographer on Friday below.

26 Oct 2024

Olivia Rodrigo Talks Advice She Received From Chappell Roan, ‘Billboard’ Cover & More at ‘Guts World Tour’ Film Premiere

Olivia Rodrigo is celebrating the release of her new concert film.

During the premiere of Olivia Rodrigo: Guts World Tour in Los Angeles on Friday (Oct. 25), the 21-year-old pop star walked the red carpet in support of her forthcoming movie, which was filmed over two shows at L.A.’s Intuit Dome in August.

The singer-songwriter, who graces the new cover of Billboard, took a moment to reflect on the Guts World Tour film, reminisce about her recent Billboard photoshoot, and the discuss the support she’s received from friends like fellow musician Chappell Roan, who was in attendance at Friday’s premiere.

“I love all my friends who make music and it was so sweet that some of them came by to support me. It means the world,” Rodrigo told Billboard News‘ Tetris Kelly.

Other stars in attendance at the L.A. event included singer-songwriter Laufey, actress Xochitl Gomez, and alt-pop artist Remi Wolf.

Trending on Billboard

Asked what type of advice she’s given to Roan, who’s been outspoken about her mental health issues, Rodrigo said: “She actually gives me so much advice on taking care of myself and being me in an industry that’s so overwhelming sometimes. I really appreciate her. If I give her any advice, I’m not so sure. But I get a lot from her.”

Rodrigo also reflected on the photoshoot for her recent Billboard cover. “It was incredible. We shot that whole cover right before a show. I was worried, ‘Like, I don’t have a lot of time,’ but I love the photos. It turned out great. Your team killed it, thank you,” the “Vampire” singer said.

Guts World Tour premieres through Netflix on Tuesday (Oct. 29). The film documents Rodrigo on her trek in support of her sophomore album, Guts, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 2023. Over the past year, the Guts World Tour has traveled through North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

“I’ve never actually gotten to watch the Guts World Tour,” Rodrigo said on the red carpet. “It’s a really fun experience and I just love everyone that’s involved with the show so much — all my band and all my dancers. I’m just such a fan of them, so I was just watching it admiring them the whole time.”

And what’s her favorite part of the new concert film? “I’m so excited for everyone to watch ‘All-American B—-,’” she said. “That was my favorite one to perform.”

Watch Billboard‘s interview with Rodrigo at the Guts World Tour L.A. premiere on Instagram below.

26 Oct 2024

Lizzo Shares ‘South Park’-Inspired ‘LizzOzempic’ Halloween Costume: See the Photos

Lizzo is officially kicking off Halloween 2024 with a creative new costume.

On Saturday (Oct. 25), the pop-rap sensation took to Instagram to showcase her self-described “LizzOzempic” outfit, inspired by a recent episode of South Park.

“Ok Halloween… you can start now,” Lizzo captioned a faux advertisement featuring herself alongside a mock prescription box for a weight loss drug.

The South Park episode, titled “The End of Obesity,” aired in May and comically critiqued the Ozempic trend, using Lizzo as an alternative to the popular medication. In the episode, Eric Cartman visits his doctor seeking Ozempic for weight loss. When he learns he can’t afford it, the doctor prescribes an unconventional solution: “I’m going to write you a prescription for Lizzo. She’s a really good singer who talks about body positivity,” he says. “I want you to listen to Lizzo five times a day and watch her videos before bed. I’m afraid you’ll have to be on Lizzo for the rest of your life.”

In another post showing off the Halloween getup, Lizzo clapped back at South Park by dancing to the show’s jingle and flipping off the camera. “Oh OH oh… it’s Lizzo b—,” she captioned the clip, which also included a Cartman cut out in the background.

Trending on Billboard

The “About Damn Time” hitmaker also shared a clip of herself dancing next to someone wearing an inflatable Cartman costume. “It’s that time of year where I feed y’all so ridiculously, and you’re so very welcome, baby,” she captioned the video, soundtracked by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars’ “APT.”

When the South Park episode originally aired, Lizzo reacted on TikTok, expressing her surprise. “That’s crazy. I just feel like, damn, I’m really that b—-,” she said. “I showed the world how to love yourself, and now these men in Colorado know who the f— I am and put it in their cartoon that’s been around for 25 years.”

Lizzo has donned numerous imaginative Halloween costumes over the years, including outfits based on Tina Turner, Marge Simpson and Baby Yoda, among others.

Check out Lizzo’s “LizzOzempic” Halloween costume on Instagram below.

26 Oct 2024

Phish Pays Tribute to Phil Lesh With Cover of Grateful Dead’s ‘Box of Rain’

Phish remembered Phil Lesh during the opening concert of the group’s fall tour.

Hours after Lesh’s death on Friday (Oct. 25), the jam band legends paid tribute to the late bassist with a cover of the Grateful Dead‘s “Box of Rain” at MVP Arena in Albany, N.Y.

The performance marked the first time Phish has covered “Box of Rain.” Guitarist Trey Anastasio previously played the 1970 track with Lesh during one of the Grateful Dead’s Fare Thee Well shows in 2015, according to Rolling Stone.

Watch Phish’s cover of the Grateful Dead’s “Box of Rain” here.

Trending on Billboard

Lesh, a founding member and longtime bassist for the Grateful Dead, passed away Friday at the age of 84. As one of the co-founders and longest-tenured members of the group, he was an essential part of a group that became synonymous with touring and live performance in rock music.

No cause of death was given at the time of publication.

Prior to Phish’s concert, Anastasio shared a heartfelt remembrance to Lesh, whom he shared the stage with on various occasions.

“Phil was more than a revolutionary, groundbreaking bass player—he transformed how I thought about music as a teenager,” Anastasio wrote on Instagram. “I have countless memories of standing in awe, listening to his winding, eloquent bass lines blending seamlessly with Jerry and Bobby’s guitars, Brent Mydland’s keys, and the thunderous drums of Billy and Mickey. I’m so grateful for those beautiful memories.”

Grateful Dead will be honored as the 2025 MusiCares Persons of the Year. The 34th annual Persons of the Year benefit gala will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, two nights before the 67th annual Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena.

26 Oct 2024

Taylor Swift Brings the Eras Tour to New Orleans: The 8 Best Moments

Taylor Swift’s blockbuster Eras Tour rolled into New Orleans on Friday (Oct. 25) for the first of three sold-out shows at Caesars Superdome.

After a lengthy run of overseas dates, Swift returned to North America for three shows in Miami last week; New Orleans is the second city on this final leg of the Eras Tour. Whereas Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium is a bit of a drive outside the city proper, the Caesars Superdome is very much in the thick of downtown New Orleans. Leading up to this weekend, bars, restaurants, hotels, pet shops, art galleries and more freely surrendered to the Swiftie takeover, offering themed menu items (Holy Ground Hurricane, Fearless Jambalaya) or hosting get-togethers tailored to the Taylor crowd (karaoke, trivia, drag shows and even look-alike contests offering hundreds of dollars to the winner).

From Canal St. to Bourbon St. to Frenchman St., concertgoers in Eras Tour t-shirts began trickling into the city days ago, eventually reaching a fever pitch on Friday. Adding to the insanity is the fact that this is also New Orleans’ big Halloween weekend. Pop into any number of bars on Bourbon ahead of the concert and you’re just as likely to spot revelers out for the city’s annual witches’ luncheon as you are tourists rocking Taylor Swift looks and/or Kansas City Chiefs gear in honor of boyfriend Travis Kelce (who also has more than his fair share of themed cocktails in New Orleans at the moment).

But as much as this once-in-a-generation cultural event has been about the sense of community leading up to the show, it’s ultimately about the music and Swift’s performance.

With more than 50,000 fans packing into Caesars Superdome on Friday night (the venue can hold closer to 83,000, but Swift’s stage design – which makes even the nosebleed seats a worthwhile investment – cuts into that), these were the best moments from Taylor Swift’s first Eras Tour show in New Orleans.

25 Oct 2024

Beyoncé Makes Her Voice Heard at Kamala Harris Houston Rally: ‘It’s Time for America to Sing a New Song’

Beyoncé is standing beside Kamala Harris leading up to Election Day on Nov. 5.

The 32-time Grammy winner took the stage alongside her Destiny’s Child bandmate and childhood friend Kelly Rowland at the Democratic presidential nominee’s rally in their hometown of Houston, Texas, on Friday night (Oct. 25), where they endorsed the Harris-Walz ticket and urged their fellow Texans to do the same.

“H-Town!” Beyoncé said to rapturous cheers when she took the mic. “We are so happy to be standing here on this stage as proud, country, Texas women supporting and celebrating the one and only Vice President Kamala Harris. A woman who’s been pushing for what this country really needs right now: unity. It’s impossible not to feel the energy in this room, the positivity, the community, the humanity. We are at the precipice of an incredible shift. The brink of history.

“I’m not here as a celebrity,” she added. “I’m not here as a politician. I’m here as a mother. A mother who cares, deeply, about the world my children and all of our children live in. A world where we have the freedom to control our bodies. A world where we’re not divided. Our past, our present, our future merge to meet us here.”

Bey spoke to “all the men and women in this room, and watching around the country,” telling them: “We need you. Your voice has power and magnitude. Your vote is one of the most valuable tools, and we need you. Your freedom is your god-given right, your human right. Everybody say Texas! Texas plays a pivotal role to change the course of our future.”

The superstar then leaned into her music roots to wrap her speech, saying, “It’s time to sing a new song. A song that began 248 years ago. The old notes of downfall, discord, despair no longer resonate. Our generations of loved ones before us are whispering a prophecy, a quest, a calling, an anthem. Our moment is right now. It’s time for America to sing a new song. Our voices sing a song of unity. They sing a song of dignity and opportunity. Are y’all ready to add your voice to the new American song? Because I am. So let’s do this. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s give a big, loud Texas welcome to the next president of the United States, Vice President Kamala Harris.”

In addition to Rowland and Beyoncé, Willie Nelson performed at the Houston rally and Harris ended the night with a speech.

Though Bey hadn’t previously vocalized support for Harris amid the 2024 election cycle, her presence has been strong in the VP’s campaign over the past few months. In August, the superstar was heavily rumored to appear at the Democratic National Convention, but never showed up. Her 2016 track “Freedom” has also been a mainstay in Harris’ campaign, becoming the Democratic nominee’s walkout song in July. CNN confirmed that month that Bey had given direct approval for the song’s use.

She has previously supported other Democratic political causes, including performing with Jay-Z at a Hillary Clinton musical rally in Cleveland in 2016 ahead of that year’s presidential election. In 2020, Bey supported Joe Biden’s campaign and later celebrated his victory on Instagram. Additionally, the “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer performed at both of Barack Obama’s inaugurations in 2009 and 2013.

Watch Beyonce’s full speech below:

25 Oct 2024

Brad Paisley Performs National Anthem at World Series Game 1

Brad Paisley stepped into the baseball diamond on Friday night (Oct. 25), where he performed the national anthem at the first game of the World Series between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Accompanied by a green electric guitar, he performed a slowed down version of the U.S. anthem, as a massive American flag was stretched across the field.

See the full performance here.

The country star is a longtime Dodgers fan, and the performance marks his fourth time singing the anthem at a World Series game. Ice Cube and Fat Joe are also set to perform at games two and three representing their respective hometowns.

Trending on Billboard

Last month, Paisley dropped the single “Truck Still Works,” off his upcoming full-length LP. The new album, which will likely come out in early 2025, will be his first full-length album since 2017 and his first since moving from Sony Nashville’s Arista imprint to Universal Music Group Nashville’s EMI Records. 

“The project has some deeper things on it but, like the song itself, is really about creativity and nostalgia and you know the themes that you want to hear right now,” he told Billboard. “Sometimes, like in these times, it’s great to give people something they just want to turn up and takes them to a place where they feel good.”