Music

15 May 2023

Seun Kuti Arrested in Nigeria Over Alleged Police Assault

Nigerian Afrobeats star Seun Kuti was arrested Monday (May 15) after being accused of assaulting a police officer in the commercial hub of Lagos.

Kuti was detained at the Lagos State police headquarters after turning himself in, according to police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, who tweeted photos of the celebrity in handcuffs.

The son of Nigerian musical icon and political agitator Fela Kuti, who himself was serially detained by Nigerian military regimes, Seun Kuti was “captured on video assaulting a police officer in uniform,” the police said.

Videos posted online appeared to show an agitated Kuti pushing a police officer as the officer stood beside a police vehicle along a major road in Lagos on Saturday.

It was unclear what led to the confrontation, though Kuti tweeted that the officer in question “tried to kill me and my family.” He suggested the officer tried to ram their car.

Inspector General of Police Usman Alkali Baba ordered an investigation into the incident. The inspector general “assures Nigerians that acts of contempt/disdain for symbols of authority will not be tolerated while offenders of such hideous crimes will be surely brought to book,” the police said.

“I welcome the investigation and will give my full cooperation!” Kuti responded on Twitter. See his messages below:

15 May 2023

Kevin Jonas Had to Chose Between Demi Lovato & Miley Cyrus’ Music: Here’s What He Said

Kevin Jonas had a tough decision to make on Watch What Happens Live on Sunday night (May 14) during a round of host Andy Cohen’s popular “Plead the Fifth” game with the Jonas Brothers.

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“Which former Disney star has the better music catalogue? Miley Cyrus or Demi Lovato,” Cohen asked, to which Kevin gave a diplomatic response. “We wrote the first album for Demi, so I would say us because, then, we’re included,” he said, with Nick giving his older brother a round of applause for the response. For those who didn’t know, Jonas brothers wrote and produced most of Lovato’s 2008 album, Don’t Forget, which featured hits like “La La Land” and “Get Back,” and even had a Jonas Brothers collaboration called “On the Line.”

The JoBros also have a personal connection to both Disney darlings, as Nick famously dated Cyrus and Joe dated Demi.

Meanwhile, Lovato has been outspoken about some of their difficult experiences growing up in the Disney Channel bubble, which they called “Disney High.” Earlier this year, it was revealed that Lovato began directing their very first feature film, which will stream on Hulu sometime in 2024. Along with Nicola Marsh, the pop star will co-direct Child Star, a Hulu Original documentary film that promises to “deconstruct the highs and lows of growing up in the spotlight through the lens of some of the world’s most famous former child stars,” according to a release.

Watch the Jonas Brothers play “Plead the Fifth” on Watch What Happens Live below.

15 May 2023

SZA’s ‘Kill Bill’ Ties ‘Old Town Road’ for No. 1 Record on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart

Nearly five months after it staked out a first week at No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, SZA’s “Kill Bill” captures the ultimate prize: With a 20th week at the summit, it matches Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, for the longest run at No. 1 in the list’s history.

The singer achieves the history-equaling feat on the chart dated May 20. “Kill Bill” once again vanquishes its competition, despite drops in all three metrics – streaming, radio airplay and sales – that contribute to the list’s calculations. “Bill” posted 20.3 million official streams in the United States in the latest tracking week (May 5 – 11), according to Luminate, a 5% drop from the week prior, but enough to win a 19th week at No. 1 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming Songs chart. Radio airplay audience, too, sheds 5%, down to 78 million in total audience impressions, as “Bill” reverses 3-4 on the all-genre Radio Songs chart. Sales, meanwhile, backtrack to 1,000 copies sold in the most recent tracking period, a 12% slide that prompts a 6-7 dip on R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales.

As “Kill Bill” ascends to share the gold medal, here’s an updated look at the champs with the most weeks at No. 1 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs since the list became an all-encompassing genre survey in 1958:

Most Weeks at No. 1 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs:
20, “Kill Bill,” SZA, 2022-23
20, “Old Town Road,” Lil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus, 2019
18, “Industry Baby,” Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow, 2021-22
18, “One Dance,” Drake feat. WizKid & Kyla, 2016
16, “Blurred Lines,” Robin Thicke feat. T.I. + Pharrell, 2013
15, “Be Without You,” Mary J. Blige, 2006

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“Kill Bill” began its reign on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs on the chart dated Dec. 24, 2022, and, through its first 22 weeks on the list, has only been evicted from the top spot twice – one week each by The Weeknd and Ariana Grande’s “Die for You” and Drake’s “Search and Rescue.” The juggernaut has aligned with the similar domination for its parent album, SOS, which has spent 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, the most ever by any album by a woman.

Looking ahead, initial signs point to “Kill Bill” having a strong chance to achieve an unprecedented 21st leading week on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. The single has a healthy lead above the current runner-up, Metro Boomin, The Weeknd and 21 Savage’s “Creepin,” which, like “Bill” is receding from its peak. The new No. 3, though, Toosii’s “Favorite Song,” is making rapid gains, potentially setting up the new Hot 100 top 10 hit as the likeliest challenger to SZA’s reign.

15 May 2023

This Taylor Swift Fan Went Viral for Bringing Printed-Out Lyrics to Philadelphia Concert

After Taylor Swift finished out her trio of Philadelphia Eras Tour shows on Sunday night, one fan went viral for her dedication to the pop star’s lyricism.

At the Friday show, 62-year-old Maureen Gregory helped light up Philly’s Lincoln Financial Field with her trusty reading light as she followed along with Swift’s setlist by reading 81 pages of typed-out song lyrics.

A fan-captured moment of Gregory singing along as Swift performed 2020’s “Willow” took TikTok by storm as the original poster wrote, “And she didn’t mess up one word.” The Chester County native’s nephew confirmed her identity with his own tweet, writing, “Lol my Aunt Maureen is going viral on TikTok rn because she printed out the lyrics to every song in the set list for the Taylor Swift concert. 81 pages! With a reading light! Iconic. #TSTheErasTour #Philly.”

After becoming the most well-known Swiftie at the Philly shows, Gregory agreed to an interview with her local CBS News affiliate. “I just love the lyrics,” she said, revealing that she assembled the packet of lyrics at Staples and informing the interviewer that Swift “kinda did them in order by the albums” at the show.

Next, Swift is scheduled to head to the outskirts of Boston for three shows at Gillette Stadium this Friday, Saturday and Sunday (May 19, 20 and 21) before heading to MetLife Stadium for three more shows outside New York City over Memorial Day weekend.

Check out Gregory’s nephew tweeting about his aunt’s epic 81 pages of Swift lyrics, as well as the original TikTok video of the moment, below.

15 May 2023

Katy Perry Shows Off Her ‘Incredible’ Look for ‘American Idol’ Disney Night

Katy Perry was more than prepared for American Idol‘s Disney Night on Sunday — and her costume was also a perfect fit for the Mother’s Day episode.

“My secret identity is…. Mom. Katy Perry. Popstar. #Idol judge. But tonight I’m ELASTIGIRL,” she shared via Twitter, along with several photos in which she’s dressed as Helen Parr from Disney’s The Incredibles. The reveal came after the Idol judge took a look back at her elaborate costumes for the show’s previous Disney Nights, including Snow White, Tinkerbell and the Little Mermaid.

Elsewhere during Disney Night — when the singing competition whittled contestants down from the top five to the top three — the new live-action Little Mermaid star Halle Bailey delivered a stunning performance of “Part of Your World” live from Disneyland, stationed in front of Cinderella’s castle.

After her moving version of the track, Bailey tweeted to share that she hadn’t sang the song in a while. “First time singing part of your world live since filming,” she told followers. “thank you @AmericanIdol for giving me the chance to do so on stage at Disneyland ..singing vocals in freezing cold weather at 3am while park is closed is no joke but we did it! only 11 more days until you all can watch the film !”

Iam Tongi, Megan Danielle and Colin Stough were crowned the show’s final three contestants on Sunday’s episode. The season 21 finale is this coming Sunday, May 21, when Idol judge Keith Urban will return to perform his 2022 hit “Wild Hearts” and mentor the top three.

See Perry’s Disney Night costume below.

15 May 2023

5 Ways Britney Spears Fans Are Consuming Her Music Since the Conservatorship Ended

Check out which Britney songs are ruling her streaming numbers, which album performed best over the past 12 months and more.

Britney Spears

Britney Spears attends Sony Pictures’ “Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood” Los Angeles Premiere on July 22, 2019 in Hollywood, California.

Matt Winkelmeyer/GI

In November 2021, Britney Spears’ controversial conservatorship came to an end following a worldwide fan movement to change the way in which the pop superstar’s life and career were managed. Over the past year-and-a-half, Spears, who had been under the conservatorship for 13 years, settled into a new reality. The pop icon — whose debut single “…Baby One More Time” became the first of her five No. 1s on the Billboard Hot 100 and catapulted the teenager into international stardom — has been active on social media, posting videos and messages that have stoked fan and media speculation over the last 18 months. Since the end of her conservatorship, she also scored her biggest hit in years, crashed an unexpected Billboard chart for the first time and watched fans interact with and champion a catalog of music that stretches back a quarter century.

Details about the future of Spears’ recording career, including any new full-length to follow 2016’s Glory, are scarce. Yet millions of listeners remain engaged with her brand of pop on streaming platforms, radio stations and on social media sites like Instagram and TikTok. Looking at data on Luminate, we can observe how certain songs and albums have evolved on these platforms over time — Spears’ biggest catalog hit on streaming platforms today, for instance, was not her biggest hit at the time of its release.

Here are five fascinating facts about the current state of Britney Spear’s music consumption — which may give some clues into what’s next for Britney.

15 May 2023

10 Cool New Pop Songs to Get You Through The Week: Lauren Daigle, Daft Punk, Charlotte Cardin & More

Looking for some motivation to help power you through the start of another work week? We feel you, and with some stellar new pop tunes, we’ve got you covered.

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These 10 tracks from artists including Lauren Daigle, Daft Punk, Charlotte Cardin and more will get you energized to take on the week. Pop any of these gems into your personal playlists — or scroll to the end of the post for a custom playlist of our favorite 2023 cool pop songs.

Charlotte Cardin, “Looping”

Montreal singer-songwriter Charlotte Cardin makes the most of a sample of Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were,” and her own vocal loops, on a track that turns the phrases that haunt us through mental repetition into a literal refrain. Created with Mr. Hudson, Felix Joseph and Jason Brando, “Looping” fits into the soulful pop tradition that made a mark on top 40 radio near the beginning of the 2010s, but the songwriting makes Cardin’s obsessions sound thoroughly modern. – Jason Lipshutz

Victoria Anthony, “New Disaster”

The title track of Victoria Anthony’s just-released sophomore album captures a delightfully familiar teen-hang scenario: after breaking her best friend’s phone and realizing it’s time to head back to her house, the Vancouver native lingers a little too long with the wrong partner, knowing it’s a mistake but being okay with making it. “New Disaster” speeds ahead with a light pop-punk touch, as Anthony commits to her course of action with youthful energy and plenty of hooks. – J. Lipshutz

Becky Hill & Lewis Thompson, “Side Effects”

A wondrous dance song like “Side Effects” isn’t the least bit surprising when considering Becky Hill’s track record: the UK house mainstay has been scoring hits for nearly a decade, and her voice is pristinely attuned to this type of kinetic energy. Working with British producer Lewis Thompson, Hill wields her power comfortably on “Side Effects”: belting with restraint on the pre-chorus, racing alongside the beat on the hook, and injecting every stray thought about an ex with roof-rattling emotion. – J. Lipshutz

Kamille feat. Nile Rodgers, “Muscle Memory”

Part of the fun of first listening to “Muscle Memory,” the new disco strut from British multi-hyphenate Kamille, is waiting for Nile Rodgers’ main guitar riff to arrive, as if the song waits a bit before reaching another gear of groovy euphoria. Once the legend steps in, “Muscle Memory” really takes off: with Kamille guiding the action and Rodgers supporting her direction, the track invites repeat listens so that you can experience that arrival all over again. – J. Lipshutz

Local Natives, “NYE”

Indie-rock staple Local Natives have returned with “NYE,” the lead single off Time Will Wait For No One and a new balancing act for the band, as its members deliver a characteristically breezy melody with more edge and urgency. Member Ryan Hahn recalled in a statement how the song was inspired by his own wedding, during which the band continued its tradition of performing at one another’s nuptials. Once Hahn’s bandmates started to play a song by The Strokes, “I thought we had to do a fast and wild song — and ‘NYE’ was born.” — Lyndsey Havens

Lauren Daigle, “Ego”

2023 is a major year for Lauren Daigle: fresh off a label deal with Atlantic Records, the Contemporary Christian Music star has now released the first half of her two-volume self-titled album, filled with songs that highlight her brand of personal pop and soulful roots. “Ego” is situated in the sweet spot of Daigle’s register, as she sings in a low and cautionary tone: “Have we lost who we are to the pressure / Trading souls for the sake of the pleasure / I’m done wrestling with my ego / Lord knows it all feels so hollow.” — L.H.

Beverlee, “I Am a Window” 

“Don’t have to open all up baby, go slow,” sings Beverlee on new single “I Am a Window.” With its playful rhythms, plinky synths and a recurrent siren, this ode to finding balance in a relationship (which comes with a “lesbian reimagining of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” music video) is an irresistible slice of quirky queer pop, reminiscent of Tune-Yards, from the L.A.-based singer-songwriter. – Joe Lynch 

Tucker Nichol, “Long Story Short” 

Juxtaposing sensual R&B vibes with blunt lyrical kiss-offs (“to make a long story short, I can’t stand you”), “Long Story Short” finds up-and-comer Tucker Nichol expertly demonstrating that you can move on from a toxic relationship while still feeling yourself. – J. Lynch  

Daft Punk feat. Julian Casablancas and The Voidz, “Infinity Repeating”

Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories turns 10 this month, and to celebrate, the defunct French duo released a deluxe edition of the album featuring several demos from the vault — including the Julian Casablancas and The Voidz collaboration, “Infinity Repeating.” While the original version of the album will cause fans to draw comparisons to “Instant Crush,” “Repeating” serves as its jazzier B-side: Casablancas languidly sings over hi-hat drum beats and trinkling synth keys as he reflects on the fickle nature of humans. – Starr Bowenbank

Albert Hammond Jr. feat. Matt Helders and Steve Stevens, “Thoughtful Distress”

Albert Hammond Jr. rolled out the first half of his fifth studio album, Melodies on Hiatus, last week, and of its nine tracks, “Thoughtful Distress,” serves as a delightful surprise. Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders and Billy Idol guitarist Steve Stevens teamed up with The Strokes member on the song, helping to flesh out its simmering yet groovy instrumental as Hammond Jr. plays tug of war with the object of his affection. – S.B.

15 May 2023

Jimmie Allen’s Estranged Wife Alexis Gale Reveals Sex of Baby No. 3 

Alexis Gale is celebrating Mother’s Day, despite the allegations made against her estranged husband, Jimmie Allen.

Gale took to her Instagram Stories on Sunday (May 14) to share an ultrasound photo of the former couple’s upcoming third child, revealing the sex of the baby with the caption, “My baby boy [heart emoji].” See her post before it disappears here. Gale and Allen are also parents to two daughters: three-year-old Naomi and one-year-old Zara.

Last month, the former couple revealed that they are expecting their third baby together, but also that they are parting ways. “After much thought and reflection in recent months, Lex & I have made the decision to separate,” the country star wrote, with Gale posting a similar statement to her page. “Our number one priority is and always will be ensuring that our children are healthy, happy and loved, and we remain committed to co-parenting with love and respect for one another. In light of our growing family, we respectfully request privacy during this time.”

Shortly after, a woman on his management team filed a civil lawsuit in Tennessee federal court, in which the anonymous “Jane Doe” accused Allen of sexual assault. The accuser claimed that Allen “manipulated and used his power” over her job as a day-to-day manager in order to “sexually harass and abuse her” over a period of 18 months from 2020 to 2022.

“Plaintiff expressed in words and actions that Jimmie Allen’s conduct was unwelcome, including pushing him away, sitting where he could not reach her, telling him she was uncomfortable and no, and crying uncontrollably,” the woman’s lawyers wrote in the complaint. “However, Allen made clear that plaintiff’s job was dependent on her staying silent about his conduct.”

In a statement to Billboard, Allen admitted to a sexual relationship with his accuser but denied all allegations of assault. “It is deeply troubling and hurtful that someone I counted as one of my closest friends, colleagues and confidants would make allegations that have no truth to them whatsoever,” he said. “I acknowledge that we had a sexual relationship — one that lasted for nearly two years. During that time she never once accused me of any wrongdoing, and she spoke of our relationship and friendship as being something she wanted to continue indefinitely.”

Allen has since been suspended by his label BBR Music Group, management company The Familie and booking agency UTA following the allegations.

15 May 2023

10 Latin Songs Raising Mental Health Awareness

Latin artists have long addressed mental health issues through their music. In 2017, Juanes joined Logic, Alessia Cara and Khalid for a bilingual version of “1-800-273-8255,” the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The original song, off Logic’s album Everybody, helped him score his highest charting hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 3. As Juanes told Billboard at the time of his rendition’s release, “I think these days when everything’s about dancing and having a good time, it’s fresh to find a hit song like this one that’s talking about serious issues.”

The following year, Bad Bunny’s “Estamos Bien” quickly became a go-to uplifting anthem, with the superstar posting on social media with its release: “Many times, we’re sad and we don’t know why and it’s simply because we forget about the simple things in life.”

And three years ago, Residente released his poignant autobiographical “René,” on which he talks frankly about depression and dark moments in his life. Writing the personal track was “therapeutic,” he previously told Billboard.

The artists above are just a few of the many who have helped destigmatize the topic of mental health. Marking Mental Health Awareness Month (observed in May), Billboard’s Latin editors have compiled a list of songs on which artists speak of their personal struggles and in doing so, help raise mental health awareness.

From Bad Bunny’s “Estamos Bien” to Residente’s “René” and more, here are 10 Latin songs that touch upon the topic.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health or substance abuse disorders, reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration‘s national helpline 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for confidential treatment referrals and information. For those who are experiencing suicidal thoughts and/or distress, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255. You can also call or text 988 to get connected to trained counselors.

15 May 2023

Madonna Reflects on Motherhood & ‘Radical’ Female Role Models for Mother’s Day

Call her mother. Madonna shared her thoughts on motherhood and family in a touching social media post on Sunday, perfectly timed for Mother’s Day.

“I miss my mother every day And have fantasized for decades of what it must be like to have a mother to: call on for help, guidance, care And wisdom and yet I rejected the idea of being a mother well into my 30s because I associated motherhood with sacrifice suffering and ultimately death and I wanted none of that,” the superstar wrote of her own mother, also named Madonna, who died from breast cancer when the future Queen of Pop was just 5 years old.

“I decided to rip the a–hole out of life and take the road less traveled by with no preconceived notion of what was expected of me as a woman,” Her Madgesty’s caption continued. “All of my role models were radical women like Frida Kahlo, Martha Graham and Georgia O’Keeffe…Great Artists with no Children!!”

Alongside a slideshow of sweet family photos set to her track “Little Star,” Madonna then wrote about how “grounded” becoming a mother to her six children made her while also leaving her “dazed and confused as to how I would figure out the balancing act between being a good mother and an uncompromising artist.”

“I walked through many years half blind and made many mistakes along the way,” she added. “Because Every mother knows there are no manuals or rule books to follow. You just have to dive in and figure it out. I have Experienced my highest highs and my lowest lows as a Mother. No one could have prepared me.”

By the end of the post, Madonna connected the generations by wondering what it would have been like had her mother lived long enough to meet her grandchildren, writing, “And dear Mother…wherever you are. I hope you are happy with your grandchildren!! I often imagine you singing and dancing with us in the kitchen!”

This summer, Madonna is reissuing her Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones remix collection on rainbow-colored vinyl before heading out on her triumphant Celebration Tour to commemorate her 40 groundbreaking years in the music industry.

Read Madonna’s thoughts on motherhood below.