Music

22 Dec 2023

Looking Ahead: A Release Calendar of Upcoming Albums in 2024

2023 may have featured massive releases from artists such as Taylor Swift (Taylor’s Versions of Speak Now and 1989), Drake (For All the Dogs and its Scary Hours edition), Bad Bunny (Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana), Nicki Minaj (Pink Friday 2), Morgan Wallen (One Thing at a Time) and many others, but 2024 is shaping up to be a strong year as well.

Albums scheduled for release include Jennifer Lopez’s long-awaited ninth studio album This Is Me…Now, the follow-up to her 2002 release This Is Me…Then. Also planned? New albums from Kali Uchis, Usher, Lenny Kravitz and many more. Among them as well is the Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign collab Vultures, which has moved its release date from 2023 into the new year.

Though projects are announced, they’re sometimes delayed for various reasons, or even announced just days in advance, so keeping track of when artists’ albums are coming can be difficult. To make it easier for fans, we’ve compiled this release calendar so the biggest and most anticipated releases won’t be missed when release dates come and go.

The list is organized chronologically by month and week, and includes genres from pop, hip-hop, rock, K-pop, Latin, country and beyond. Keep reading for our running calendar of the major album releases coming in 2024.

22 Dec 2023

Ado’s ‘Show’ Returns to No. 1 on Japan Hot 100

Ado’s “Show” returns to No. 1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, dated Dec. 20, extending the song’s record to 11 weeks at the top.

Despite an overall drop in points, the Universal Studios Japan Halloween event theme makes its comeback atop the list after slipping to No. 2 last week, boosted mainly by the mysterious singer’s recent string of appearances on TV, among other factors. The track holds at No. 1 for streaming for the 13th consecutive week, though figures are down by about 7% at 10,355,342 weekly streams. It’s also in its 11th straight week at No. 1 for video views, while also coming in at No. 3 for downloads (up 3%, 10,302 units) and No. 7 for karaoke.

YOASOBI has two tracks in the top 5 this week, with “Idol” at No. 2 and “The Brave” at No. 5. The former — Billboard Japan’s 2023 No. 1 Song of the Year — is still going strong and currently at No. 3 for streaming (down 5%, 8,225,278 streams), No. 11 for downloads (down 2%, 3,458 units), No. 2 for video, and No. 8 for radio.

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Sexy Zone’s “Jinsei Yuugi” debuts at No. 3 on the Japan Hot 100 with 203,299 copies sold in its first week. Although the group’s 25th single falls short of the first-week figures of its predecessor, “Honne to Tatemae,” the new song hits No. 1 for physical sales and comes in at No. 31 for video.

Angerme’s “RED LINE” bows at No. 7 on the Japan Hot 100, launching with 70,397 CDs to hit No. 2 for the metric. The track is part of the Hello! Project group’s double A-side single RED LINE / Life is Beautiful! released Dec. 13 and also hits No. 13 for downloads with 3,302 units. 

Another debut at No. 8 this week is BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “Sleep Walking Orchestra,” the opening theme song for the upcoming anime series Delicious in Dungeon, set to begin airing in January. The anime is being shown in theaters for a limited three-week run starting Dec. 8. The veteran four-man band’s new number rules downloads with 14,494 units and is also at No. 1 for radio. While still not charting in the top 100 for streams, the number of listeners is expected to increase after the TV premiere of the series.

The Billboard Japan Hot 100 combines physical and digital sales, audio streams, radio airplay, video views and karaoke data.

See the full Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart, tallying the week from Dec. 11 to 17, here. For more on Japanese music and charts, visit Billboard Japan’s English Twitter account. 

22 Dec 2023

Watch Anitta & Lele Pons Ski in Nothing But Towels While Drinking Champagne on Aspen Trip

Further demonstrating their strong friendship, Anitta and Lele Pons are having the time of their life in Aspen, Colorado. 

The two BFF’s have been documenting their holiday getaway via their respective Instagram accounts, which includes photos in their fashionable winter gear and even a risque collaborative video post of the two Latinas in towels. 

“Skiing with your bestiee like…,” reads the caption of a short clip where the Venezuelan influencer-turned-singer and Brazilian funk sensation are seen skiing down the snowy mountains in nothing but their towels and drinking champagne. The soundtrack to their fun moment is Anitta’s latest reggaeton single “Bellakeo” in collaboration with Peso Pluma. 

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The two girlfriends were not alone on their trip; in fact, they were joined by celebrity real estate agent and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills personality Mauricio Umansky, who has served as their own personal videographer. All three celebs were in Colorado celebrating the birthday of Brazilian DJ and producer Pedro Sampaio.  

Prior to their adventurous trip, Pons and Umansky were both participants on Dancing with the Stars season 32. The former was eliminated on the Nov. 7th episode, while the latter was cut just one week prior on Oct. 31st. 

While Pons’ husband — Puerto Rican star Guaynaa — was nowhere to be seen in her posts with Anitta, a later story posted to Pons’ Instagram story on Thursday night (Dec. 21) showed that she had returned to Miami to attend his Miami show at LIV Nightclub. Meanwhile, Anitta continued celebrating with Sampaio and their friends in Aspen according to a few clips posted to her Instagram Stories.

Watch the epic video of Pons and Anitta below:    

22 Dec 2023

Jack Antonoff Says His Work With Taylor Swift & Lana Del Rey Just Keeps Getting ‘Loonier’

Jack Antonoff spent much of the last few years collaborating with superstars like Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey — and on his Thursday night (Dec. 21) visit to Late Night with Seth Meyers, the producer revealed what it’s really like to make music with the pop auteurs.

“I’m really proud of those two,” the New Jersey native said of Swift’s Midnights and Del Rey’s Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, both of which he produced. “Lana and Taylor, we’ve just worked for a long period of time and found this space where it gets, like, loonier and loonier and more exciting.”

“I think a big theme is investing in long relationships,” Antonoff added of the projects, which he personally ties back to his recent marriage to actress Margaret Qualley. (Both the Swift and Del Rey were in attendance at the newlywed’s ceremony in August.)

The Bleachers frontman is fresh off of scoring six Grammy nominations for next year’s awards, including producer of the year. He’s also running against himself in two of the main categories — song of the year and album of the year — thanks to his writing and production with Swift and Del Rey on their albums and their songs “A&W” and “Anti-Hero,” respectively.

Antonoff also recently helped Swift celebrate her 34th birthday, attending a star-studded party at New York City’s The Box nightclub. In a recent interview with Vulture, he also revealed which of the Eras Tour showwoman’s songs still makes him emotional: “You’re on Your Own, Kid” from Midnights.

“I remember, she wrote that right in front of me and then we put it down, and I was completely punched in the gut,” he told the publication. “Beautiful.”

Watch Jack Antonoff on Late Night above.

22 Dec 2023

Beyoncé Surprises Fans at Brazil ‘Renaissance’ Film Premiere: ‘It Was Very Important to Be Here’

The Renaissance is far from over. On Thursday (Dec. 21), Beyoncé made a grand return to Brazil to celebrate the premiere of her Renaissance documentary concert film in a slew of new international territories, marking her first visit to the country in a decade.

Queen Bey had days earlier shared on Instagram the latest KNTY 4 News update: Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé would premiere in 15 new countries, including Brazil, on Dec. 21. “Y’all didn’t have to break my website,” she said in a voiceover. “But I told y’all, the renaissance is not over.”

To celebrate the film’s release around the world, Parkwood Entertainment and TV Globo teamed up to co-sponsor an event in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Fan-captured footage shows what appears to be a replica of the Renaissance World Tour stage and exclusive Club Renaissance merchandise.

Beyoncé teased her arrival in Brazil with a cheeky meme of the Renaissance disco horse — nicknamed Reneigh by fans — peeking out of a private jet. Sure enough, the music icon surprised fans with her first public appearance in Brazil in 10 years. She last visited the country during her Mrs. Carter Show World Tour back in 2013.

Once at the event, a visibly overwhelmed Beyoncé addressed the crowd, saying in fan-captured video, “I was not able to come for the Renaissance tour, but I’m so happy to give y’all the Renaissance film … You are the Renaissance!”

“I came because I love you so much … It was very important to be here, right here,” the “Cuff It” singer continued. “Thank you for all your support over the years. There is no one like y’all. You are one of one, No. 1 and the only one!”

Immediately following her brief appearance — during which she wore a stunning silver hooded grown — Beyoncé shared some snaps on her Instagram page featuring her chucking up the deuces on her private jet, holding the Brazilian flag, and taking in the enraptured crowd.

The “Break My Soul” singer originally hosted two premieres for her film: a private premiere at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles on Nov. 25 and a public premiere at Leicester Square in London on Nov. 30. At both events, Beyoncé sported brand new platinum blonde hair.

The film made its U.S. debut on Dec. 1, topping the domestic box office in its first weekend and earning acclaim from critics and fans alike. The behind-the-scenes look at her Renaissance World Tour and accompanying Grammy-winning album featured Beyoncé at her most vulnerable in years.

Beyoncé’s record-breaking tour visited the U.S., Europe and Canada, selling more than 2.7 million tickets and grossing $579 million. The trek, which was in support of her Billboard 200-topping Renaissance album, is the highest grossing tour by a woman, by a Black artist and by any American soloist in Billboard Boxscore history.

Check out some fan-captured footage of the Beyoncé’s momentous visit to Brazil below:

22 Dec 2023

New Music Latin: Listen to Releases From Oscar Maydon, Ñengo Flow & More

New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.

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Oscar Maydon, DISTORSIÓN (Rancho Humilde/Sony Music Latin)

Oscar Maydon’s second full-length album Distorsión marks a bold entrance into the booming corridos bélicos movement, released under Rancho Humilde. Hailing from Mexicali, Baja California, Maydon fearlessly navigates the genre’s unapologetic storytelling with grim, grit and grime, and the unexpected swank of a reggaetón track, “YW&F – Versión Reggaetón.” In a riveting transformation to modern-day Mexican Gatsbys, Maydon, Natanael Cano, and Gabito Ballesteros kick off the album with a symbolic nod to extravagance on “Tipo Gatsby,” rewriting the traditional American Dream.

The 17-track journey features collaborations with familiar names like Junior H, Chino Pacas and Codiciado, as well as the unexpected addition of the hitmaking rapper (and Kylie’s ex) Tyga on “Kim Kardashian.” Distorsión doesn’t shy away from punishing lyrics, invigorating guitar leads and clever use of Mexican slang, as shown in “Ahuevo Que Sí.” Embodying the rebellious spirit reminiscent of a musical outlaw, Oscar Maydon’s album cements his place as a dynamic force in the corridos bélicos scene, leaving listeners intrigued by the audacious charm of his musical narrative.  — ISABELA RAYGOZA

Ñengo Flow, Myke Towers, “Fast Money” (Rimas Entertainment)

In another collaborative effort, Ñengo Flow and Myke Towers join forces to do what they do best: flaunt their luxurious lifestyle, fueled by sacrifices and hustle. Produced by Kongreezy and Shooter Bang, the fresh track “Fast Money” is backed by a hard-hitting trap beat where the two Puerto Rican rappers belt out raw lyrics about making just that. “Hey, I’m a fan of making money fast/ It doesn’t buy happiness, but I feel happy, bro,” chants Towers with his semi-raspy vocals, while Ñengo assures in his verse that he’s been the Real G leading the movement for years now. — JESSICA ROIZ

Caloncho & KURT, unas acústicas (Universal Music México)

Mexican singer-songwriter Caloncho celebrated his birthday (Dec. 20) this week with the release of the two-track single unas acústicas, alongside colleague and countryman KURT. The unplugged project includes a new version of Caloncho’s 2022 “Somos Instantes,” and the brand new “Un Salto de Fe,” a sweet, laid-back ballad co-written by the artists about being thankful for that special person in your life and making the most out of it by fully living in the present. Each comes with a music video in which the two appear playing guitar and singing together. It’s candy to the ears, perfect to relax with this holiday season. Watch the brand new video of the latter on top. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Grupo Firme & Gabito Ballesteros, “Otra Noche” (Music VIP Entertainment)

Grupo Firme’s lead singer, Eduin Caz, confirmed his return to the stage this week. As part of his comeback, the band released a new song in collaboration with Mexican artist Gabito Ballesteros. The explosive collaborative effort “Otra Noche” exhibits nuances of the popular tumbado sub-genre, while still retaining the essential essence of Grupo Firme. The song’s lyrics talk about the feeling of missing someone special: “I just want to feel your body/ The hours go by slowly/ I can’t live if I don’t have you,” both artists chant in the chorus with deep emotion. — INGRID FAJARDO

Rigoberta Bandini & Julieta Venegas, “Qué Más Da” (Rigoberta Bandini)

Spanish singer-songwriter Rigoberta Bandini teams up with Mexican star Julieta Venegas to create an empowering song for women in “Qué Más Da.” Bandini shared some details on her social media about how the collaboration came about: “I wrote her a message on Instagram to tell her that I would love to write a song with her one day and her response was a yes in capital letters.” Featuring a pop sound with electronic production elements, the duo aims to motivate women to speak freely in the face of a toxic relationship with lines like: “Take it out, your whole being, spit it out/ Say it without control/ Say what you need/ Enough of not dancing out of lack of love/ Climb that step without fear/ Look down and jump.” And they reaffirm in the chorus: “What does it matter if he leaves? Well, we start again.” — LUISA CALLE

Listen to more new Latin music recommendations in the playlist below:

22 Dec 2023

Joe Keery Reveals What Really Happened the Day He & Taylor Swift Were at the Same Studio

Fans were both surprised and excited to see Joe Keery exiting Electric Lady Studios on the same summer day that Taylor Swift was in the building, with many wondering whether the Stranger Things actor and pop star were planning to collaborate. And on a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Keery finally cleared things up.

“Well, that was a very confusing day,” recalled the actor, who doubles as a musician under the stage name Djo. “[I’m] minding my own business, not doing anything, and then I walked out the door, and it was like a thousand people were standing out there. People looked at me expecting Taylor, and were like, ‘Who’s this guy?’”

Eventually, Keery said some of Swift’s fans — who this year made a habit of camping outside of the famed Manhattan studio in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the pop superstar — recognized him and snapped a few pictures. A few months later, he reportedly hung out with the “Anti-Hero” artist and Travis Kelce at the Saturday Night Live afterparty the night she and the Kansas City tight end made surprise cameos on the show.

So there you have it — the crossing of Keery and Swift’s paths at Electric Lady was purely coincidental, and not because a collab is in the works. Or is it?

“Maybe that [day] would generate something,” Keery teased on Tonight. “Maybe that experience generated something in the universe, but I don’t know.”

The “Roddy” singer is currently beginning work on the final season of Netflix’s massively successful Stranger Things, telling Fallon that he’s read a few of the showrunners’ scripts. And while he couldn’t give anything away about the upcoming installment, Keery did joke that “odds are” his character Steve will probably continue to get beat up in the finale, as usual.

Watch Keery on The Tonight Show above.

22 Dec 2023

Abby Lee Miller Says Travis Kelce Is a ‘Much Better Dancer’ Than Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift may be TIME‘s Person of the Year, Billboard‘s biggest pop star of 2023 and one of Forbes‘ most powerful billionaire women in the world, but when it comes to Abby Lee Miller, the pop star is at the bottom of the dance pyramid.

“Taylor Swift is pigeon-toed,” the brazen dance coach/reality star recently said on her Leave it On the Dance Floor podcast in conversation with model Crystal Hefner. “And her boyfriend is a much better dancer. Let’s leave it at that.”

“I don’t think she’s worried about it,” Miller continued, laughing. “I don’t think that’s her top priority right now. However, I think she does probably think that she should have danced as a kid. You know, they had her slumped over that guitar playing.”

Swift, of course, is dating Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who occasionally busts a move after scoring a touchdown. The “Anti-Hero” singer has been open in the past about her awkward dance abilities; however, her three-hour Eras Tour trek includes several choreographed numbers. “Learning choreography is not my strong suit,” she told TIME for her Person of the Year cover story.

“Everyone can benefit from a class with me ?,” the Dance Moms star captioned a TikTok snippet of the podcast conversation. “I’ve seen clips of @Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, @Travis Kelce dancing it up both on the field and off. I think he’s a natural! Most football players like to show off! He’s a showman with swagger at heart!”

See Miller’s TikTok below:

22 Dec 2023

Patrick Mahomes Recalls How Teammates Reacted When Taylor Swift First Started Dating Travis Kelce

Patrick Mahomes is opening up about what it was like for the Kansas City Chiefs to witness their teammate begin a romance with one of the most famous women on the planet earlier this year, when none other than Taylor Swift started showing up to their games to cheer on boyfriend Travis Kelce.

And though the pairing was surprising at first, the quarterback says that the pop star is now just part of the family. “At first, I feel like everybody kind of stayed away, let [Kelce] do what he was doing,” Mahomes said in a sit-down with CBS Mornings’ Nate Burleson, which airs in full on Christmas Day at noon.

“Then he started bringing Taylor around and we realized how cool of a person she was,” he continued. “So for us, there was a couple jokes here and there at the beginning. But now, she’s just part of Chiefs Kingdom. She’s part of the team.”

Mahomes also touched on the 12-time Grammy winner’s friendship with his wife, retired soccer player Brittany Mahomes. The two women often sit next to each other in a box suite at Chiefs games, and have hung out together several times in both New York City and Kansas City.

“It’s cool that she’s embraced Brittany and they’ve built a friendship as well,” shared No. 15. “[Kelce is] lucky enough to be with a great girl, and a great woman. She’s top tier at her profession. It’s really cool to hear about and to see, and now I have a first-hand look at that through Brittany and Travis’ eyes.”

“It is really cool,” he added. “I’m glad she’s the person she is, and she and Travis match so well.”

Watch Patrick Mahomes talk about Swift above.

22 Dec 2023

Travis Scott Explains Why He Played ‘FE!N’ 10 Times in a Row During Brooklyn Concert

Travis Scott‘s Dec. 19 concert at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center was a memorable one, and not just because he collided with a giant head replica on stage.

A different moment from rapper’s set at Barclays went viral because he performed his Playboy Carti-assisted track “FE!N” 10 times during the show. But according to Scott, who dished on his latest concert during his Thursday (Dec. 21) appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, it was all intentional and happened because he was feeding off of his audience’s energy.

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“Man, I have the best fans in the world and I go off the energy they give me, and they were wild that night, and so I just got even wilder,” he explained. “Tonight I plan on going even crazier at Madison Square Garden.”

“FE!N” hails from Scott’s latest album, Utopia. The set, which boasts star-studded features from Drake, Beyoncé, SZA, Bad Bunny, The Weeknd and more, is up for best rap album at the Grammys next year. During the 32-year-old’s Fallon appearance, he recalled the moment he found out about his latest nomination, and showed some love to the Recording Academy for the recognition.

“I was on tour and I was about to go to the venue and my guy, my partner in everything I do, David, he called me, he was like, ‘Yo, we’re nominated again for the Grammys,’ and I was like, ‘Yes, OK. This time we got to bring it home,’ you know?” he told the host. “I love music and I love the Academy.”

Watch Travis Scott’s appearance on Fallon in the video above.