Music
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SZA season is upon us, according to the artist herself. The four-time Grammy Award-winner has confirmed that fans will be hearing new music before the year is out, sharing the news as part of a recent appearance on Kai Cenat’s livestream alongside fellow guest Lizzo. Letting slip that a “whole new project” was up her […]
Seattle grunge icons Pearl Jam have wrapped up their 2024 touring activities with a special show in Sydney.
The final show of their Dark Matter World Tour (and the final date of their first Australian tour in a decade) took place at Sydney’s ENGIE Stadium on Saturday (Nov. 23), and featured a 27-song set full of hits, deep cuts, and the typical cover versions.
One of the more notable covers was the band’s rendition of “Hunger Strike”, originally recorded by Temple of the Dog for their sole self-titled album which peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 in 1991. Considered something of a retroactive supergroup due the presence of future Pearl Jam and Soundgarden members, the original version features respective frontmen Eddie Vedder and Chris Cornell sharing co-lead vocal duties on the track.
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It’s become a grunge anthem, and as a result, it’s sporadically been played by Pearl Jam, with its last appearance in the band’s set being at Neil Young’s Bridge School Benefit in October 2014. It had previously been a staple of Cornell’s live sets prior to his passing in May 2017.
Pearl Jam’s final Australian show also featured covers of The Who’s “Baba O’Riley” and Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing”, with their 11-song encore set opening with a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “No Surrender”.
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The first time it had been performed since the band’s appearance in New Jersey in June 2006, this particular performance saw Vedder solo armed with an acoustic guitar as he dedicated the track to its creator. Dubbing Springsteen “a great friend of mine and a brother of mine”, Vedder explained that if he hadn’t been performing the final show of Pearl Jam’s world tour, he would have been watching The Boss wrap up his own world tour in Vancouver.
“Bruce Springsteen is magic and he makes magic, and he works hard to make magic,” Vedder told the crowd. “And then sometimes it’s easy for him to make magic, but he also has songs of strength.
“I know for him, as well as us, it’s been a tricky time in our nation back home,” he continued. “We’re going to be OK. It’s just going to take some time, a bit of a reset. But we will lean on music when words fail us.”
Previously, Vedder had performed “No Surrender” alongside Springsteen at New Jersey’s Continental Airlines Arena in October 2004 as part of the 2004 Vote For Change tour. That same performance also saw Vedder guesting on a rendition of “Darkness on the Edge of Town”.
Wizkid‘s Morayo tops this week’s new music poll.
Music fans voted in a poll published Friday (Nov. 22) on Billboard, choosing Wizkid’s latest album as their favorite new music release of the past week.
The poll featured competition from various music genres, and Wizkid’s new song collection brought in an impressive 78% of the vote. Voters this week chose Morayo over new music releases from ROSÉ, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow, Quevedo, Miguel and Jelly Roll — and even the soundtrack to the box office hit Wicked, featuring lead vocals from Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
Wizkid’s Morayo, released via Starboy Entertainment and RCA Records, is dedicated to the Nigerian artist’s late mother, Juliana Morayo Balogun. The Yoruba word Morayo translates to “I see joy.”
“It’s very, very personal,” he said of the album’s material, in an interview with Esquire over the summer. “I hope it lifts spirits and spreads positive energy.”
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The 16-song set features collaborations with Jazmine Sullivan, Brent Faiyaz, Asake, Anaïse and Tiakola, and is the follow-up to 2022’s More Love, Less Ego, which peaked at No. 2 on the World Albums chart and No. 59 on the Billboard 200.
Morayo lead single “Piece of My Heart,” featuring Brent Faiyaz, was released ahead of the album in October, reaching No. 4 on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart and No. 7 on World Digital Song Sales.
Among the new music trailing behind Morayo on this week’s poll is ROSÉ’s solo single “Number One Girl,” which came in second place, and Kendrick Lamar’s surprise album GNX, which came in third.
See the final results of this week’s poll below, or here.
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Adele bid an emotional farewell to the Las Vegas stage she’s performed on since November 2022, which is when her two-year residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace began. “I don’t know when I’m next going to perform again,” she said to her final “Weekends With Adele” audience on Saturday night (Nov. 23), telling fans, […]
All seven members of BTS have now hit the Billboard 200 album chart’s top 10 as soloists, as Jin’s Happy debuts at No. 4 on the latest ranking (dated Nov. 30). He joins his fellow BTS members J-Hope, Jimin, Jung Kook, RM, Suga and V with individual top 10s. The Billboard 200 chart ranks the […]
Jay-Z was in the house to watch the Washington Commanders face off against the Dallas Cowboys.
The 54-year-old music mogul, whose Roc Nation has a partnership with the NFL, attended Sunday’s (Nov. 24) game at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md., alongside Fanatics founder/CEO Michael Rubin.
Ahead of the matchup, Jay-Z — dressed in a sleek black sweater, long gray coat, dark pants and a large beanie — was spotted chatting on the sidelines with Commanders general manager Adam Peters.
Before the Commanders were sold in 2023, Jay was reportedly among several high-profile figures, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and media mogul Byron Allen, who expressed interest in purchasing the team, according to Sports Illustrated. Ultimately, the team was sold to investor Josh Harris for a reported $6.05 billion.
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Jay-Z’s presence at the game left many fans on social media curious about his allegiance. “Jay-Z at a Commanders game is random, but I’m not surprised,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Another posted, “Jay-Z at the Commanders vs Cowboys game… wild. I wonder who he’s rooting for?” That sentiment was echoed by another user, who asked on X, “When did Jay-Z become a Commanders fan???”
Earlier this year, Bloomberg reported that Jay and the NFL are continuing their partnership. At the NFL owners’ meeting in Atlanta on Oct. 15, Commissioner Roger Goodell said, “It’s been a mutually positive relationship, I’m not sure either one of us really spend much time talking about contracts. Jay is happy. Desiree Perez is happy. I’m happy, so we’re all good.”
According to ESPN, Roc Nation’s previous deal with the NFL, valued at $25 million over five years, has included overseeing the Super Bowl Halftime Show and supporting the league’s social justice initiative, Inspire Change, which has awarded $375 million in grants.
The partnership has sparked its share of controversy since its announcement in the summer of 2019. Jay-Z faced backlash for aligning with a league that had been accused of blackballing former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick for kneeling during the national anthem in protest of police brutality. More recently, Jay-Z faced criticism from some in the hip-hop community after it was announced that Kendrick Lamar — not Lil Wayne — would headline this year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans.
Under Jay-Z and Roc Nation’s stewardship, the Super Bowl Halftime Show has featured a string of hip-hop centric acts, including Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, The Weeknd, Dr. Dre and friends, Rihanna and Usher. This year’s show, featuring Lamar, is highly anticipated as he aims to cap off a stellar year with a headline performance.
ATEEZ add their second No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart as GOLDEN HOUR: Part.2 debuts atop the list (dated Nov. 30) with 184,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. in the week ending Nov. 21, according to Luminate. With an opening frame driven largely by album sales — 179,000 copies sold — the set marks the best week yet for the pop ensemble by both units earned or traditional album sales.
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The act previously topped the chart with THE WORLD EP.FIN: WILL in 2023. In total, GOLDEN HOUR: Part.2 is the sixth top 10-charting set for the group, all consecutive.
Also in the top 10 of the latest Billboard 200, Linkin Park logs its 12th top 10-charting set with the No. 2 bow of From Zero; Jin’s debut album, Happy, enters at No. 3; Rauw Alejandro achieves his first top 10 with the arrival of Cosa Nuestra at No. 6; and ENHYPEN’s ROMANCE: UNTOLD re-enters the list at No. 7 following its reissue on Nov. 15 (dubbed ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream-) with two bonus tracks. The set debuted and peaked at No. 2 in July.
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With K-pop acts ATEEZ, Jin and ENHYPEN at Nos. 1, 4 and 7, respectively, on the Billboard 200, there are three K-pop albums in the top 10 for the first time.
The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric consumption as measured in equivalent album units, compiled by Luminate. Units comprise album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). Each unit equals one album sale, or 10 individual tracks sold from an album, or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription on-demand official audio and video streams generated by songs from an album. The new Nov. 30, 2024-dated chart will be posted in full on Billboard‘s website on Tuesday (Nov. 26). For all chart news, follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram.
Of GOLDEN HOUR: Part.2’s 184,000 equivalent album units earned, album sales comprise 179,000 (it’s the top-selling album of the week and debuts at No. 1 on Top Album Sales; it’s also the sixth-largest sales debut week of 2024 for any title), SEA units comprise 5,000 (equaling 6.43 million on-demand official streams of the set’s songs) and TEA units comprise a negligible sum. The album’s first-week sales were bolstered by its availability across 29 physical format variants (23 CDs and six vinyl editions; all containing collectible branded paper ephemera, some randomized) and three digital download variants (a standard edition and two versions containing voice notes from the acts as bonus tracks).
As GOLDEN HOUR: Part.2 is mostly in the Korean language, it is the 26th mostly non-English-language album to hit No. 1, and the third of 2024. Two other mostly-Korean-language sets topped the chart earlier this year: on the Aug. 3-dated list, Stray Kids’ ATE become the group’s fifth leader, and on the March 9 ranking, TWICE’s With YOU-th garnered the act its first leader. Of the 26 mostly non-English-language albums to reach No. 1, 17 are mostly Korean, five mostly (or all) Spanish, one mostly Italian, one entirely French, and two mostly a blend of Spanish, Italian and French. Of the 26 mostly non-English-language albums to reach No. 1, 22 have topped the chart since 2018 (the year that K-pop superstars BTS scored their first of six No. 1s, the chart’s first Korean-language leaders).
Linkin Park returns to the Billboard 200 with its first new studio album in seven years, as From Zero enters at No. 2 with 97,000 equivalent album units earned. Of that sum, album sales comprise 72,000 (it debuts at No. 2 on Top Album Sales), SEA units comprise 24,000 (equaling 32.18 million on-demand official streams of the set’s songs; it bows at No. 17 on Top Streaming Albums) and TEA units comprise 1,000. From Zero is the band’s 12th top 10-charting set and the first to feature new members Emily Armstrong (co-lead vocals) and Colin Brittain (drums). The album is the first without vocalist Chester Bennington (who died in 2017) and drummer Rob Bourdon (who departed the group in 2018).
From Zero’s first-week sales were aided by its availability across 11 vinyl editions (multiple color variants, two picture discs and four alternative cover versions), four CD variants (including a deluxe boxed set containing branded merch and a CD, and a Zine/CD package), two cassette editions and two digital download editions. All versions of the album contain the same 11 songs, except for one download album, which boasts three bonus live tracks.
The new album was announced on Sept. 5 during a livestream concert that also announced Armstrong and Brittain joining the band, along with the release of the set’s first single “The Emptiness Machine.” The track debuted and peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the highest charting cut from the band since 2009’s “New Divide” hit No. 6. “Emptiness” also led the Alternative Airplay chart for five weeks, marking the 13th leader for the band on the ranking. Three more songs previewing the album were released before From Zero dropped on Nov. 15: “Heavy Is the Crown,” “Over Each Other” and “Two Faced.”
Tyler, The Creator’s chart-topping CHROMAKOPIA falls 1-3 in its fourth week on the chart, after spending its first three weeks atop the list. It earned 81,000 equivalent album units in its fourth charting frame (down 22%).
BTS’ Jin sees his solo debut project, Happy, bow at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 with 77,000 equivalent album units earned. Of that sum, album sales comprise 66,000 (it debuts at No. 3 on Top Album Sales), SEA units comprise 8,000 (equaling 10.53 million on-demand official streams of the set’s songs) and TEA units comprise 3,000. Happy’s first-week sales were enhanced by its availability across 13 CD variants (containing branded paper ephemera, some editions include randomized items) and seven digital variants (a standard version, two with alternate cover art, and four with assorted bonus tracks ranging from a voice memo to remixes).
Happy is Jin’s first charting album on the Billboard 200, and he becomes the seventh, and final, member of BTS to have achieved a top 10-charting effort. BTS itself has logged seven top 10s, including six No. 1s. BTS is the first K-pop act to see all of its members chart a solo top 10 title on the Billboard 200.
Sabrina Carpenter’s former leader Short n’ Sweet dips 3-5 with 72,000 units (up 6%).
Rauw Alejandro lands his first top 10-charting effort on the Billboard 200 as Cosa Nuestra debuts at No. 6 with 67,000 equivalent album units earned — the artist’s biggest week by units earned. The album’s opening week was overwhelming driven by streaming activity, as SEA units comprise 66,000 of the album’s first week (equaling 87.66 million on-demand official streams of the set’s songs; it debuts at No. 2 on Top Streaming Albums). Album sales comprise 1,000 (from just one digital download edition of the album) and TEA units comprise a negligible sum. Cosa Nuestra boasts guests including Bad Bunny, Laura Pausini, Romeo Santos and Pharrell Williams.
ENHYPEN’s ROMANCE: UNTOLD re-enters the Billboard 200 at No. 7 with 54,000 equivalent album units earned in the latest tracking week (up 960%), following it Nov. 15 repackage and reissue with two bonus tracks. The new iteration of the album is dubbed ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream-. All versions of the album, old and new, are combined for tracking and charting purposes. The initial release of the project debuted and peaked at No. 2 in July.
Of the album’s 54,000 units earned in the week ending Nov. 21, album sales comprise 51,000 (up 1,473%, it jumps 26-4 on Top Album Sales), SEA units comprise 3,000 (equaling 4.45 million on-demand official streams of the album’s songs) and TEA units comprise a negligible sum. The set’s album sales were bolstered by its availability across 12 new CD variants and three new download editions, joining its previously available 17 CD editions, two vinyl variants and a standard download album. All physical editions of the album contain branded paper ephemera, some randomized.
Rounding out the top 10 of the latest Billboard 200: Gracie Abrams’ The Secret of Us (4-8 with 50,000 equivalent album units; down 5%), Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft (5-9 with 49,000; up 2%) and Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess (6-10 with 43,000; down 8%).
Luminate, the independent data provider to the Billboard charts, completes a thorough review of all data submissions used in compiling the weekly chart rankings. Luminate reviews and authenticates data. In partnership with Billboard, data deemed suspicious or unverifiable is removed, using established criteria, before final chart calculations are made and published.
Kevin Kaarl‘s new single “Esta Noche” has topped this week’s new music Latin poll. In a poll published on Friday (Nov. 22) — in support of the weekly New Music Latin roundup and playlist, curated by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — music fans voted for the Mexican singer-songwriter’s new track as their favorite music release of the week. The ultra nostalgic “Esta Noche” […]
Cody Johnson‘s producer Trent Willmon is clarifying remarks he made about Shaboozey during the 2024 CMA Awards.
On Saturday (Nov. 23), Willmon took to social media to address the backlash he faced after appearing to throw shade at the “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” hitmaker during Johnson’s album of the year acceptance speech for Leather.
“Ok… what I meant to express in my overly-shocked and excited state was that I am very proud of @codyjohnson,” Willmon wrote on Instagram. “He has worked his BOOTY off the last 15 years putting out and performing great music and it’s not an overnight success. I was so proud he’s finally getting recognized!”
The producer added, “And shout out to Shaboozey for your response to my fumble and having a great sense of humor, congrats on that 17-Week #1 Song!”
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During his CMA Awards speech, Willmon had told the Nashville audience, “It takes an army of people to make a great record, but I gotta tell ya, this is for this cowboy who’s been kicking shaboozey for a lot of years, y’all.”
Following the comment, many country music fans took to social media, expressing confusion and anger over the remark, which some interpreted as disrespecting Shaboozey. However, it was unclear whether Willmon’s comment was an intentional dig at the artist or simply an awkward attempt at humor that fell flat.
Shaboozey — who was nominated for new artist of the year and single of the year for “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” at this year’s CMAs — didn’t seem upset by Willmon’s comment. After the show, he posted a photo on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption, “Ain’t nobody kicking me!”
Though Shaboozey didn’t win any CMA trophies, he has multiple opportunities for recognition ahead. He’s up for five Grammy Awards in 2025, including nominations for “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” in categories such as best country song, best country solo performance, and song of the year. Additionally, he’s nominated for best new Artist, while his collaboration with Beyoncé and Linda Martell, “Spaghettii,” from the album Cowboy Carter, is up for best melodic rap performance.
Shaboozey’s hit song “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” has also dominated the Billboard Hot 100 chart, spending 18 nonconsecutive weeks at No. 1 and is just one week away from setting a new record.
See Willmon’s full post about the Shaboozey comments on Instagram here.
The opening night of Death Becomes Her on Broadway brought the ladies of Destiny’s Child together for a group reunion. Both Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland showed up at New York City’s Lunt-Fontanne Theatre Thursday night (Nov. 21) in support of Michelle Williams‘ performance as Viola Van Horn in the musical.
Beyoncé posted on Instagram twice on Saturday. Both posts were full of photos and clips from attending Williams’ show, which also stars Megan Hilty (as Madeline Ashton), Jennifer Simard (Helen Sharp) and Christopher Sieber (Ernest Menville). Death Becomes Her is a musical adaptation of Universal Pictures’ 1992 film of the same name, a dark comedy led by Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, Bruce Willis and Isabella Rossellini.
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“My Belle,” Beyoncé captioned a series of pictures from her evening seeing Williams in Death Becomes Her.
In a variety of photos, fans get a glimpse at the Broadway star looking gorgeous on opening night, the ladies posing with Beyoncé’s mom (Tina Knowles) and holding each other’s hands, the Broadway production’s playbill, a look at Bey’s outfit, stage shots from the the theater and more.
Beyoncé’s other post shared similar moments from the special night, set to Cowboy Carter‘s “II Most Wanted,” in which she sings, “I’ll be your shotgun rider ’til the day I, ’til the day I die.”
Williams saw the sentimental post and commented, “I try not to cry too early in the day BUT……. My sisters 4ever!”
Last month, Williams lamented being unable to join Beyoncé and Rowland at Kamala Harris’ rally in Houston ahead of the 2024 election; she was busy in previews of Death Becomes Her in New York.
“I was so happy [for Beyoncé and Kelly],” she said in an appearance on the Sherri show. “It was the first time that I have not been able to be in person for something that I wanted to be at … It’s a sacrifice that we make [being] on Broadway.” Williams said she watched the rally later and loved that her Destiny’s Child bandmates “represented and held me down in their own way.”
The trio released their last studio album together, Destiny Fulfilled, 20 years ago. The set peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 albums chart in December 2004.
See Beyoncé’s Death Becomes Her video montage from opening night here and her slideshow of photos here.