State Champ Radio Music
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Given the ramp-up to tonight’s BET Awards — Kendrick Lamar leading the charge with 10 nominations; Lil Wayne, GloRilla, Playboi Carti and Leon Thomas performing; a salute to video countdown show 106 & Park and not one but four Ultimate Icon Award honorees: Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg and Kirk Franklin — no doubt more than a few people will be tuning in as “Culture’s Biggest Night” celebrates its 25th anniversary.
And that should come as no surprise. Because in the last 25 years, the BET Awards show has lived up to that lofty tag line while, in turn, cementing the show’s venerable legacy.
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As Connie Orlando, BET’s executive vp of specials, music programming and music strategy, noted in a 2021 Billboard interview, “If you look at the BET Awards — ‘culture’s biggest night’ — it’s big. It’s Black excellence. It’s the best of the best. We want to thunder home a message about music, culture and everything.”
The show had accomplished just that the year before Orlando’s above-referenced comments when it went virtual in June 2020 — exceeding expectations and garnering fans’ and critics’ praise despite the challenges presented by COVID-19. In setting the show’s culturally empowering tone, host/actress Amanda Seales delivered a searing monologue about the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor while questioning renewed white fervor for civil rights in the wake of Juneteenth being designated as a national holiday: “…Y’all don’t let them Cinco de Mayo our day. If we ain’t watchful, every June 19th, folks going to be at the bar wearing Frederick Douglass wig hats, ordering ‘Harriettinis’ off the drink special.”
But that wasn’t the only reason that 3.7 million viewers tuned in that evening. The riveting performances and special awards were just as memorable. There was Megan Thee Stallion revving up an ATV in the desert — along with her formidable twerking prowess — for “Girls in the Hood” and “Savage (Remix),” riveting tributes to late pioneers Little Richard and Kobe Bryant and former First Lady Michelle Obama presenting that year’s Humanitarian Award to Beyoncé in recognition of the star’s charitable endeavors and fight against sexism and racism.
Other social media and water-cooler moments spring to mind as well. Like Michael Jackson trading fancy footwork (to rabid audience screams) with his idol James Brown before presenting the Godfather of Soul with BET’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003. Or Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett being the first married couple to host the show in 2005. Then 19 years later Smith returned to the BET Awards stage last year for his first solo performance on a major awards show since his infamous Oscar slap in 2022 that got him banned from Academy Award events for 10 years.
Let’s not forget Jamie Foxx’s compassionate yet joyous turn as host for the 2009 ceremony, just days after Jackson’s untimely death. In a rousing tribute to the singer-songwriter, the Oscar winner donned a red jacket and one jeweled glove to perform “Beat It” before being joined onstage by an emotional Janet Jackson. “We’re going to celebrate this Black man,” Foxx declared at one point during what became one of the highest-rated BET Awards shows ever with more than 10 million viewers. “He belongs to us, and we shared him with everybody else.”
And the list goes on. Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar opening the show in 2016 with an astonishing, splashy performance of “Freedom.” Prince hoisting one of Patti LaBelle’s high-heeled shoes in the air after her stirring interpretation of “Purple Rain” during his 2010 lifetime achievement induction. Charlie Wilson’s own bar-raising lifetime award presentation featuring Snoop Dogg, Pharrell and Justin Timberlake in 2013. Chris Brown’s electrifying dance moves in tribute to Jackson in 2010 and again in 2011 before taking home four statuettes as that year’s top winner. Not to mention illuminating performances in salute to lifetime achievement queens Chaka Khan and Mary J. Blige in 2006 and 2019. Not to mention surprise reunions over the years like New Edition and En Vogue.
Such memorable moments haven’t been limited to artist performances or the colorful cast of hosts along the way, including Taraji P. Henson, Kevin Hart (marking his second time as emcee tonight) and Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross. Actor Samuel L. Jackson was at the helm in 2016 when Grey’s Anatomy star and activist Jesse Williams’ impassioned speech after accepting BET’s Humanitarian Award literally stole the show. “We’re done watching and waiting while this invention called whiteness uses and abuses us,” Williams declared in part, “burying Black people out of sight and out of mind while extracting our culture, our dollars, our entertainment like oil — Black gold! — ghettoizing and demeaning our creations and stealing them, gentrifying our genius and then trying us on like costumes before discarding our bodies like rinds of strange fruit.”
Like other award ceremonies, BET has also endured its share of bumps and bruises in the ongoing tug of war between captivating audiences in a 24/7 media world and lower ratings. In 2022, Lil Nas X tweeted his dismay (“Thank you bet awards. an outstanding zero nominations again”) and even released a song, “Late to Da Party,” about the matter. In a statement, BET cited his 2020 nomination and performances on the show in 2019 and 2021 and added in part, “We love Lil Nas X … At BET, we are passionate advocates for the wonderful diversity that exists within our community.”
Speaking of ratings, the 2024 BET Awards claimed bragging rights as the No. 1 cable awards show, drawing more than 3 million viewers, according to Nielsen — and its highest viewership in the coveted 18-49 demographic in five years. In addition to Usher receiving the lifetime achievement award, the boost was further propelled by Will Smith’s first performance on the BET stage and country artists being spotlighted for the first time as well with performances by Shaboozey and Tanner Adell. “This groundbreaking inclusion of country music highlighted Black music’s rich history, diversity and landscape” and “celebrated the fullness of Black music,” BET said in a statement.
Ultimately, it’s the cultural impact that stands at the heart of the BET Awards’ legacy, not ratings. As BET itself marks its 45th anniversary at a time when diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are being erased, books are being banned and revisionist history is becoming a popular pastime, it’s imperative that Black voices not be silenced but celebrated and chronicled.
“For 25 years, the BET Awards has stood as the most coveted and authentic stage for celebrating Black culture; not just in music but in all its dynamic expressions,” Orlando tells Billboard ahead of tonight’s show. “No other award show carries the same responsibility, resonance or expectation. [The audience] comes for joy, for protest, for healing; to see Black Excellence in all its complexity, creativity and power. That’s what makes the BET Awards unlike anything else — and why it continues to matter so deeply.”
So stay tuned for what “Culture’s Biggest Night” has in store this time around.
Some Miley Cyrus fans who paid top dollar to attend the Tribeca Festival debut of the singer’s new visual album, Something Beautiful, appeared to be under the impression that a post-screening Q&A would include a concert. When Cyrus sat down with the film’s co-directors, Brendan Walter and Jacob Bixenman, and producer Pano Cosmatos to discuss […]
If you were a British boy band fan of a certain age, then Friday night’s Robbie Williams gig at Emirates Stadium in London was Christmas and New Year’s wrapped into one. Not only did Williams rock the crowd with his set of massive hits, including “Let Me Entertain You,” “Rock DJ” and “Love My Life,” but midway through the first act he brought out some fellow boy band survivors for a very special cameo that blew the crowd’s minds.
In the first live performance of the full group in 25 years, Williams welcomed 1990s British lad band favorites 5ive — Jason Brown, Sean Conlon, Abz Love, Ritchie Neville and Scott Robinson — out on stage to sing their beloved 1995 “Keep on Movin.’” Former Take That member Williams teased the surprise by beginning to sing the song himself before admitting to the audience, “I don’t remember the words to this next bit. I wonder if anyone can help me out? Ladies and gentlemen, the first time they’ve been seen on stage for 25 years, my mates, 5ive!”
The men then came out and bounced across the stage as they sang the buoyant pop hit alongside Williams, who was dressed in red track pants and a matching tank top. “Give them so f–kin’ love!” Williams shouted after the shock pop-in.
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In a post-show carousel featuring pics of the guys posting with Williams, 5ive wrote, “Wow, what an honour to be asked by @robbiewilliams to join him on stage at his London stadium show. Rob has been such a big supporter of ours, from the early days through to our comeback, so when he reached out to ask whether we’d come out on stage for his performance of ‘Keep On Movin’,’ it was the EASIEST yes. To get to share that moment with @robbiewilliams infront of 60,000 people was crazy… definitely a version of ‘Keep On Movin’’ we’ll never forget.”
Back in February, 5ive — who originally formed in 1997 after its members answered an ad seeking young male singer/dancers with “attitude and edge” — revealed that they are reuniting for a full-force fall U.K. tour slated to kick off on Oct. 31 at the Brighton Centre in Brighton. “This has been a long time coming and it really does feel right for all of us now – 25 years on and we’re so ready for it,” they wrote on Instagram at the time. “We really can’t wait to get back on stage together and see you all in person, it’s gonna go OFF!! Let’s goooooo!
5ive split following the release of their third album, Kingsize, in 2001, then attempted a comeback in 2006 before properly reuniting, without Brown, in 2012 for the first in a series of comeback tours.
After the release earlier this year of his unconventional biopic Better Man, Williams announced the name of his upcoming 13th solo studio album, Britpop, which is due out in the fall.
Check out fan footage of the 5ive reunion at Williams’ show below.
The “Powerpuff Girls of Pop” descended on Barcelona, Spain this past weekend (June 5-7).
Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong has shared a message of support amid protesters rallying against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Trump administration’s recent deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles.
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On Sunday evening (June 8), Armstrong posted a protest snippet from downtown L.A. via Instagram Stories, captioned with a middle-finger emoji and an ice cube. The clip featured a live recording of “F— Off,” a track from Saviors (Édition de Luxe), the deluxe version of Green Day’s 2024 album, released in May 2025.
The post comes amid increasing criticism of federal raids across Southern California, which saw ICE agents detaining dozens of individuals alleged to be undocumented immigrants. The crackdown was quickly followed by the unrequested deployment of National Guard troops to L.A., marking one of the first times in modern history that the Guard was sent to a state without the governor’s approval.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom slammed the move as a “serious breach of state sovereignty” in a letter issued Sunday afternoon, while L.A. Mayor Karen Bass echoed that sentiment, calling the situation “provoked chaos” during a press conference.
Armstrong’s statement also follows comments from Finneas, who claimed he was tear-gassed while attending what he described as a “very peaceful protest” in downtown L.A.
The Grammy-winning producer and artist posted several Instagram stories, writing: “Tear-gassed almost immediately at the very peaceful protest downtown — they’re inciting this.” Finneas also reposted a video showing 9News Australia correspondent Lauren Tomasi being struck in the leg by a rubber bullet while reporting live from the scene.
The protests began Friday in response to ICE raids at several Los Angeles-area businesses. By Sunday, the National Guard had arrived in the city, and images of heavily armed officers confronting peaceful demonstrators, including journalists and musicians, began flooding social media.
For Armstrong, this latest act of resistance fits squarely within a decades-long tradition of speaking out against institutional injustice. Green Day’s discography is filled with political commentary, from the anti-Bush sentiment of American Idiot to more recent critiques of gun violence and authoritarianism.
Questions we asked, quips we heard and what we learned backstage at the 78th annual Tonys.
Finneas has spoken out after being tear-gassed while attending what he called a “very peaceful” protest in downtown Los Angeles.
Finneas has spoken out after being tear-gassed while attending what he called a “very peaceful” protest in downtown Los Angeles.
The Grammy-winning artist and producer took to Instagram on Sunday (June 8) to describe the scene, where protesters rallied against recent mass ICE raids in Southern California. “Tear-gassed almost immediately at the very peaceful protest downtown. They’re inciting this,” he wrote on his Story, referring to escalating tensions sparked by federal agents and military presence in the city.
The protest was one of several erupting across the city after President Donald Trump ordered National Guard troops into L.A. — a move that California officials called unconstitutional and inflammatory.
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Among the scenes shared by Finneas: a viral video showing Australian 9News reporter Lauren Tomasi being struck by a rubber bullet while covering the unrest. Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department fired rounds of crowd control munitions to disperse those gathered, with one hitting Tomasi in the leg, prompting her to cry out and grab her calf while continuing to report.
9News later issued a statement confirming the incident and affirming the safety of Tomasi and her camera operator. “While reporting from protests in Los Angeles, 9News reporter Lauren Tomasi was struck by a rubber bullet,” the statement read. “This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers journalists can face while reporting from the frontlines of protests, underscoring the importance of their role in providing vital information.”
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California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the deployment in a letter sent to the White House on Sunday, calling it “a serious breach of state sovereignty.” He was in Los Angeles meeting with law enforcement and local leaders but did not confirm if he had spoken with Trump since the raids began.
“What we’re seeing in Los Angeles is chaos that is provoked by the administration,” said Mayor Karen Bass in an afternoon press conference. “This is about another agenda — this isn’t about public safety.”
The White House quickly fired back. “It’s a bald-faced lie for Newsom to claim there was no problem in Los Angeles before President Trump got involved,” said spokesperson Abigail Jackson in a statement.
Finneas, who has previously used his platform to advocate for immigrant rights and social justice, also encouraged military personnel to resist unconstitutional orders. He shared the GI Rights Hotline — 1-877-447-4487 — along with a message soundtracked by Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down.”
The protest he attended was one of several that grew increasingly tense over the weekend, including one outside a federal building where immigrants were reportedly detained after arriving for routine check-ins with ICE. Lawyers say some detainees were escorted to basement holding areas without notice.
Kylie Minogue is the latest musician – and the first female performer – to join the prestigious ’21 Club’ at London’s O2 Arena.
As per Rolling Stone Australia, the honor is bestowed upon performers who have performed 21 or more sold-out shows at the English venue. For Minogue, the admission to the club follows on from her four recent performances at the venue as part of her global Tension Tour – bringing her final tally to 24.
The club was first launched in 2007 to mark Prince‘s record-breaking run of 21 sold-out shows at the venue, and since then only seven other performers have been inducted, including Michael Bublé, Take That, One Direction, Drake, Young Voices, Micky Flanagan and Michael McIntyre.
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Michael Jackson‘s 50-date This Is It residency would have seen him become the second artist inducted into the club, though these shows were cancelled following his premature death in June 2009.
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Minogue first performed at the venue in July 2008, just over a year on from its initial opening, and will receive a bespoke “key to the venue” as part of her induction.
“The ‘O2 21 Club.’ London …. you know how much I love you already but THISSSS was special,” Minogue wrote of the honor on social media. “To be the first female headliner to make the club and join PRINCE!!! Wowwwwwww. THANK YOU.”
“It’s a huge achievement to join the exclusive 21 Club at The O2, and we couldn’t be happier that Kylie is the first female to do so,” added Emma Bownes, Senior Vice President of Venue Programming at AEG Europe.
“She is a phenomenon, a true music icon, and we’re beyond grateful she’s brought so many of her incredible tours here. We hope there are plenty more to come.”
Minogue’s impressive feat follows on from another legacy-related milestone in February, where she was honored with a star at the Melbourne Park sporting complex in her hometown of Melbourne, Australia.
Coinciding with the third of three consecutive performances at the city’s 14,820-capacity Rod Laver Arena, it also coincided with Minogue’s first performance at the venue back in Feb. 1990 when it was then known as the National Tennis Centre.
Since her debut at Rod Laver Arena 35 years ago, Minogue has gone on to play 30 shows at Melbourne Park, amassing sales of more than 350,000 tickets in the process. Her three recent dates brought that total to 33 performances with an additional 36,000 ticket sales, making her one of the most successful artists to ever perform at the Melbourne destination.
Minogue’s Tension tour continues throughout Europe across June and July, before wrapping in South America the following month.
The Queens, New York-set music festival, founded in 2011, took place in Flushing Meadows Corona Park for the third straight year.
New music from Tame Impala appears to be on the way, with Kevin Parker giving fans a preview of fresh material during a DJ set in Barcelona.
Parker – who formed the Tame Impala project in Perth, Western Australia in 2007 – gave his dedicated fans a taster of new music while in Spain over the weekend. Having made an unannounced appearance at Primavera Sound on Friday (June 6), Parker performed a surprise DJ set the following night at Barcelona’s Nitsa Club.
It was during this latter set that Parker turned his focus to previously unheard material. “You guys want to hear a new song? “You want to hear a new Tame Impala song?” he asked.
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“You’re going to be the first ones to hear it, you realize? There’s no going back from this point on, you realize?” he added. “Alright, let’s do it; get comfortable.”
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Notably, the resulting tune was somewhat removed from what dedicated fans may have expected from the project, with it maintaining many of the dreamy, psychedelic rock influences that have become synonymous with Parker’s music, though adding club-ready beats into the mix.
As it stands, it’s been five years since the last full-length release from Tame Impala. In February 2020, The Slow Rush became the project’s fourth studio record, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. This was one position higher than the previous album, 2015’s Currents, which served as a commercial breakthrough for Parker.
In the time since the last record, Parker has been busy with myriad other projects. In 2023, second album Lonerism would receive a tenth anniversary reissue, and would be followed by the release of the track “Journey to the Real World” for the Barbie soundtrack.
Additionally, Tame Impala would also be credited with remixes of songs from Crowded House and Elvis Presley, and would appear as a guest artist on cuts from Diana Ross and Gorillaz.
In 2024, Parker would serve as a producer and guest musician for Dua Lipa‘s Radical Optimism album, and would also serve as a guest artist on two tracks from French outfit Justice‘s Hyperdrama album. One of those collaborations, “Neverender,” would see Parker win his first Grammy for best dance/electronic recording in 2025.
