Music

17 Feb 2023

Rihanna’s Super Bowl ASL Interpreter Opens Up About Her Viral Halftime Show Performance

Justina Miles just opened up about her Super Bowl 2023 playbook for the first time since her American Sign Language interpretation of Rihanna‘s halftime show on Feb. 5 went mega viral. In a candid interview with Gayle King on CBS Mornings on Friday (Feb. 17), the performer shared details about how she prepped for game day and revealed what Ri said in a DM to her afterward.

Given how perfectly Miles nailed each and every lyric of the pop star’s halftime show medley of hits — as demonstrated in dozens of TikToks with millions of views and likes — you might be surprised to learn that she only received Ri’s setlist five days before the show. “I was nervous before getting [the setlist], like, ‘Oh my gosh, what’s she gonna do?’” Miles confessed.

“I got it and I’m like, I know all the songs,” she continued. “I was confident. I looked over the lyrics, made sure I got all the meanings right … I memorized the lyrics and the beat, so that way I can sign the lyrics and move to the beat so [viewers] can see the beat rather than hear the beat.”

A nursing student from Maryland, Miles explained that there are different levels of deafness. While she herself can hear to an extent, she is still considered deaf, which makes her the first deaf woman to serve as an interpreter for the Super Bowl. After their performance, she said Ri messaged her directly to congratulate her on the feat.

“I did not get a chance to meet her, but she did DM me,” Miles said. “She was like, ‘Black queen, you’re amazing. We’re BFFs in my head, you were amazing!’ It was beautiful.”

“We practiced in the same vicinity — she did not look pregnant!” she added, referencing the “Lift Me Up” singer’s surprising pregnancy reveal during the show. “I found out after.”

Watch Justina Miles recap her viral Super Bowl performance below:

17 Feb 2023

Here Are All the Performers Confirmed for 2023 Premio Lo Nuestro

The 2023 Premio Lo Nuestro awards are just days away, with Sebastian Yatra leading the pack with 10 nominations. 

The Colombian artist, who’s nominated for the all-genre artist of the year, is closely followed by other top nominees Bad Bunny, Camilo, Becky G, and Grupo Firme, who each have nine nods; Maluma, Daddy Yankee, and Ozuna with eight each; power couple Rauw Alejandro and Rosalía tie with seven, as well as Carin León, Karol G, Carlos Vives, and J Balvin.

In total, 192 artists across diverse musical backgrounds are nominated in 39 categories, but in addition to its well-deserving nominees, the awards show will also feature a star-studded lineup of performers. 

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Maluma, Marc Anthony, Christian Nodal, Ivy Queen, Paulina Rubio and many more acts have been confirmed to take the stage on Thursday, Feb. 23.

This year’s theme is “El Mundo Es Lo Nuestro” (“The World Is Ours”), and the 35th annual award show will broadcast live on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m. ET. It will be simulcast on Galavisión in the U.S. and Canal 5 in Mexico.

Here are all of this year’s performers, in alphabetical order:

  • Alan Estrada
  • Álvaro Diaz
  • Arthur Hanlon 
  • Aymée Nuviola 
  • Carin León
  • Carlos Rivera
  • Christian Nodal 
  • El Alfa 
  • Elena Rose
  • Fuerza Regida
  • Gente De Zona
  • Gilberto Santa Rosa
  • Gloria Trevi 
  • Goyo
  • Grupo Firme
  • Grupo Frontera
  • Isabella Castillo
  • Ivy Queen
  • Jerry Rivera
  • La Adictiva 
  • Lupita Infante 
  • Maffio
  • Maluma
  • Marc Anthony
  • Mau y Ricky
  • Melendi
  • Noel Schajris
  • Norberto Vélez
  • Ozuna
  • Paulina Rubio 
  • Pepe Aguilar
  • Prince Royce 
  • Ricardo Montaner
  • Sebastián Yatra
  • Tiago PZK
  • Tini 
  • Tito Nieves
  • Valentina

17 Feb 2023

‘A Dream Come True:’ Ana Bárbara Talks Collaborating With Vicente Fernández

Getting the great Vicente Fernández to record a song with you wasn’t always easy. Just ask Ana Bárbara who for many years persisted until one day he agreed.

“I went on tour with him twice in the U.S. and during those shows, I’d go onstage to sing with him,” she tells Billboard. “But we had never actually recorded a song together, and I would always tell him that it was a dream of mine. After I insisted and insisted, he said ‘yes’ with a song I had just written, called ‘La Jugada.’ He was very particular in that aspect, so it had to be the right song.”

Seven years ago, the Mexican singer-songwriter was at Fernández’s ranch Los 3 Potrillos in Jalisco, Mexico when she personally played “La Jugada” for him. It was an instant yes but the actual recording of the track and then recording the music video was a “process.”

“These things take time, you know, and I din’t want to rush anything,” Bárbara adds. “When we finally recorded the song five years ago, it was magical. He was able to hear our recording before he passed and he was really happy with it.” They then filmed the music video three years ago — two years before the ranchera titan died in December 2021. “I can now say that I have a song with Don Vicente Fernández. It’s a dream come true.”

Bárbara — who is set to receive Icon Award at the 2023 BMI Latin Awards in March — first met the “El Rey” singer when she was just 12 years old. She vividly remembers watching him perform at a Palenque in Guanajuato, Mexico. “It was impactful,” she remembers. “It’s a moment that marked my life. That little girl dreamed of one day singing with him. He’s no longer with us, but our song will live forever. To know that we were able to unite our voices gives me peace.”

“La Jugada” is a romantic mariachi ballad where Bárbara and Fernández passionately sing lyrics about putting their guard down and opening themselves to love. Stream the song below:

17 Feb 2023

P!nk Announces Dates for Fall 2023 ‘TRUSTFALL’ Arena Tour

You are going to have a lot of chances to see P!nk on the road this year. On the same day she dropped her ninth studio album, TRUSTFALL, the “Never Gonna Not Dance Again” singer announced the dates for her 2023 fall arena tour in support of the collection, which is slated to kick off with an Oct. 12 date at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif.

The Live Nation-produced 14-city North American tour with support from Grouplove and KidCutUp will feature stops in San Francisco, Vancouver, Denver, Kansas City, Montreal, New York, Cleveland and Miami before winding down on Nov. 18 at Amway Center in Orlando. Tickets for select dates on the TRUSTFALL Tour will be available in a Citi and Verizon presale beginning Tuesday (Feb. 21) at 10 a.m. local time until Feb. 23 at 10 p.m. local time here.

The general onsale for the tour will start on Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. local time here.

Fans have already gotten a taste of TRUSTFALL through the singles “Dance” and the touching ballad dedicated to her late father, “When I Get There.” The album also features collaborations with Chris Stapleton, The Lumineers and First Aid Kit, as well as production and songwriting from Max Martin, Shellback, Greg Kurstin, FRED and Billy Mann.

The TRUSTFALL tour will follow this summer’s previously announced Summer Carnival Stadium Tour, which will feature guests Brandi Carlile, Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Grouplove and KidCutUp.

Check out the dates for P!nk’s fall 2023 TRUSTFALL tour and the album cover below:

  • Oct. 12 – Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center
  • Oct. 14 – San Francisco, CA @ Chase Center
  • Oct. 17 – Tacoma, WA @ Tacoma Dome
  • Oct. 20 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
  • Oct. 25 – Denver, CO @ Ball Arena
  • Oct. 27 – Kansas City, MO @ T-Mobile Center
  • Nov. 1 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
  • Nov. 4 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
  • Nov. 7 – Indianapolis, IN @ Gainbridge Fieldhouse
  • Nov. 8 – Cleveland, OH @ Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
  • Nov. 11 – Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Center
  • Nov. 12 – Charlotte, NC @ Spectrum Center
  • Nov. 14 – Miami, FL @ Miami-Dade Arena
  • Nov. 18 – Orlando, FL @ Amway Center

P!NK, pink

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17 Feb 2023

Lil Yachty, Feid, Eladio Carrión and Kx5 (Kaskade x deadmau5) to Play Billboard Presents The Stage at SXSW

Billboard is returning to SXSW in Austin, Texas, this year for three nights of star-studded concerts, plus an interactive content house featuring conversations with musicians and industry leaders.

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To kick off Billboard Presents The Stage at SXSW, rapper-singer Lil Yachty, presented by Doritos, will perform on March 16, with opening acts Lola Brooke and Armani White; Latin stars Feid and Eladio Carrión, presented by Samsung Galaxy, will perform on March 17; and electronic giants Kx5 (Kaskade x deadmau5), presented by Carnival, will perform on March 18.

Billboard Presents The Stage at SXSW will take place at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park in Austin. Tickets go on sale at 11 a.m. CT/noon ET here on Friday (Feb. 17).

Several artists will also take part in conversations during a variety of events hosted at The Billboard House (800 Congress) on March 17. The one-day-only interactive content house will feature brand activations, photo moments, bites, cocktails and more. Entry is on a first come first serve basis, with a reserved amount of spaces available exclusively to SXSW Music and Platinum Badge holders and SXSW Music Festival wristband holders.

Billboard will also be donating a portion of ticket proceeds to Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that aims to create an urban park system in partnership with the city of Austin. The organization’s first phase, Waterloo Park, opened in 2021 to provide downtown green space, community programming and performing arts and entertainment at the Moody Amphitheater.

In addition to the presenting sponsors, Billboard will be sharing Reels on its official Facebook page across the three-day experience, and fans will have the opportunity to create custom Facebook Reels with unique experiential activations throughout SXSW.

Billboard’s parent company PMC is the largest shareholder of SXSW and its brands are official media partners of SXSW.

billboard, sxsw

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17 Feb 2023

Solange Announces Lineup For 2023 BAM ‘Eldorado Ballroom’ Series Featuring Kelela, Archie Shepp & More

Four months after announcing that she would be curating the lineup for the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s 2023 Spring Music Series Solange revealed the full lineup for the event on Thursday (Feb. 16). The concert and film series dubbed “Eldorado Ballroom” will be co-curated by the singer and her Saint Heron Collective.

The seven events will kick off on March 30 with a concert featuring modern R&B acts Kelela, Res and KeiyaA and also feature performances by jazz saxophonist Archie Shepp, jazz singer Linda Sharrock, poet Claudia Rankine and gospel act Twinkie Clark & the Clark Sisters. There will also be a performance of the works of 20th century jazz pianist/composer Mary Lou Williams conducted by Malcolm Merriweather and a night of the orchestral and opera works of classical composer Julia Perry and jazz pianist Patrice Rushen.

The series will also feature two nights of “wordless storytelling” by Autumn Knight and artist Maren Hassenger titled “Type of Guest” and a pair of film showcases titled Unseen Nuyorican Pictures and Coeval Dance Films.

A description of the events on the BAM site nods to the multi-disciplinary, intergenerational nature of the lineup. “[Solange’s] dedication to reverencing and preserving the works of Black practitioners through Saint Heron continues with a lineup that consists of contemporary and historic creative revolutionaries whose artistry and innovation has left a profound mark on music and performance art,” it reads.

“The series is named after Eldorado Ballroom, a Houston historic Black music hall in her native Third Ward neighborhood, where her love for performance started. Each night is programmed to explore artistic territory through investigations surrounding the sonic and performance-based expressions that have shaped the artist’s own practice,” the description continues. “In these seven programs, the multigenerational audiences of Saint Heron’s and BAM’s communities will experience celebratory and tributary performances that honor the blueprints of these themes and genres as they are being reinvented today. “

BAM members, patrons and Saint Heron patrons can get in on the on sale beginning at noon today (Feb. 17), with the general public on sale kicking off on Tuesday (Feb. 21) at noon ET. The singer last worked with BAM nearly a decade ago when she headlined the 2013 Crossing Brooklyn Ferry music festival.

Her creative partnership with BAM follows Solange’s foray into composition in 2022. She wrote the score for Play Time for the New York City Ballet, which premiered at the end of September as part of the celebrated dance troupe’s Fall Fashion Gala.

Check out the event’s poster below.

17 Feb 2023

Cardi B and Offset’s McDonald’s Merch Line Is Full of Buns, Puns and Lots of Fun

Cardi B and Offset didn’t just star in an adorable Super Bowl LVII commercial for McDonald’s. They’ve also dropped an extensive line of merch to go with their burger broadcast and the t-shirts, hoodies, booty shorts and beanies perfectly match the hip-hop couple’s big love energy.

In keeping with the spot’s Valentine’s Day theme — which included the couple’s signature menu items — the line of gear features a range of black, white and pink shirts that read “nice buns,” as well as ones that say “the Cardi B & Offset meal” in bubble letters, an image of them feeding each other fries, as well as ones with Cardi’s signature phrase, “ok uu rr rr rr,” and an adorable one in which they stare at each other intently over the image of an apple pie with the words “the apple of my eye” floating over them; the gear is available for a limited time.

There are also shirts with a midnight drive-thru scene (“I been lit since last night”), another with the rappers toasting with champagne flutes (“date night?”), and one with a heart-shaped chocolate box filled with delicious dipping sauces. If those don’t grab you, there are a bunch of hoodies as well, including one that reads “babe, [McDonald’s logo]?” and another with their names on the front and “let’s eat out” on the back over an image of their respective favorite meals.

You can also try the red or pink short shorts, trucker hat or black beanie. The couple’s special meal is meant for two and features a cheeseburger and quarter pounder with cheese, two large fries, tangy BBQ sauce, baked apple pie, large Coke and large Hi-C Orange Lavaburst.

“I think we’ve been to McDonald’s 200 million times,” Cardi told Billboard of why her and Offset’s partnership with the restaurant was such a natural fit, noting that the duo have “different taste palates” when it comes to their McD’s order. “That’s the thing about McDonald’s is that we both eat it. I might suggest a different restaurant and if we get to the restaurant and the menu’s a little weird and Offset doesn’t like the food, he just looks at me.”

Check out Cardi and Offset’s ad below.

17 Feb 2023

Niall Horan Strums ‘Heaven,’ Talks Katy Perry Saving Him on ‘X Factor’ in Emotional Final ‘Late Late Show’ Appearance

Niall Horan made his final visit to the Late Late Show count on Thursday night (Feb. 16), crooning his new single, reminiscing about the time Katy Perry helped launch him into stardom and getting emotional about host and longtime friend James Corden winding down his midnight run.

Sharing the couch with Perry’s partner, actor Orlando Boom, Horan talked about how the “Teenage Dream” singer basically made his career happen in 2010 when she took a chance on his potential on X Factor. Corden rolled the tape of the moment when Perry told a blonde mop-topped, pimply-faced Niall that he needed more experience. “And by the way, just because you’re likable… likeableness isn’t going to sell records,” Perry said in 2010 as some in the audience howled.

“It’s talent and you have… a seed of it,” Perry added. “Of course, you’re in,” she said as Horan pumped his fists and shouted for joy. In a box at the bottom corner of the screen, present day Niall watched and smiled as the pivotal moment unfolded, clapping as Bloom freaked out.

“That is fantastic!” Bloom marveled. “Is that the moment that really changed your whole thing?” he asked Horan, who admitted that before Perry threw him a bone his audition was going “very south… Katy just kept me in the competition. If it wasn’t for her I definitely would not be here and she knows it.”

In addition to talking about shooting the upcoming season of The Voice with fellow newbie judge Chance the Rapper and returning chair-swivelers Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson, Horan performed a sweet acoustic take of his new single “Heaven.” After strumming a single chorus, Horan added another at Corden’s urging as the host looked on rapt with what can only be described as a moist-eyed, proud papa look on his face watching the 29-year-old singer who has been a frequent guest and become a close pal.

“That was so good, so good,” Corden whispered into Horan’s ear as he gave the former One Direction singer a warm, loving embrace. Bloom, meanwhile, snatched up Niall’s guitar pick and slipped it into his jacket pocket, promising to put it in a special place next to another one he owns from Prince.

“This is show 1,167… you have been, when you were in the band and now as a solo artist… the times that we’ve spent with you here, you are such a part of the family,” Corden said as he held Horan’s hand. The feeling was mutual, with Horan thanking Corden for hosting him so many times and becoming part of his off-screen life as well. Getting emotional, Horan talked about his long relationship with Corden and Late Late Show co-executive producer Ben Winston, saying he lost two friends with the pair moved to the U.S. to work on the show that will wind down later this year.

“Dude, you boys changed pop culture forever and your’e two very close friends of mine and I love you both,” he said as Corden cut to commercial while wiping away tears.

Check out Horan on The Late Late Show below.

17 Feb 2023

Paramore Blasts to No. 1 on Australia’s Chart With ‘This Is Why’

With their first album in six years, This Is Why (via Atlantic/Warner), Paramore powers all the way to No. 1 in Australia.

This Is Why becomes Paramore’s third leader on the ARIA Chart, following Brand New Eyes (in 2009) and Paramore (2013). It’s their sixth studio album and the followup to 2017’s After Laughter, which peaked at No. 3 in these parts.

The reunited pop-rock trio of Hayley Williams, Taylor York and Zac Farro can boast another neat feat this week; This Is Why is the only new release to impact the ARIA Top 50.

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Completing the podium on the latest ARIA Albums Chart, published Feb. 17, is Harry Styles’ Harry’s House (Columbia/Sony), up 3-2 following his triumphant nights at the BRITs and Grammy Awards; and Taylor Swift’s Midnights (Universal), down 1-3.

Over on the ARIA Singles Chart, Miley Cyrus makes it five weeks in a row with “Flowers” (Columbia/Sony), a record that just seems to grow on fans.

The pop star’s reign could face a challenge from “Boy’s A Liar” (Plg/Warner) by PinkPantheress, the hotly-tipped British singer, songwriter and producer. “Boy’s A Liar” roars 25-3, following the release of a remix featuring U.S. rising star Ice Spice.

Also on the move up is Miguel’s 2010 release “Sure Thing” (Sony), which lifts 11-7 after getting the viral treatment on TikTok. That’s well-up on the original No. 11 peak for “Sure Thing” back in 2011, and it marks the U.S. R&B artist’s second top 10 appearance (his 2013 collaboration with Mariah Carey on “Beautiful” went to No. 6). “Sure Thing” is now three-times platinum certified.

Finally, American rapper and singer Coi Leray’s catchy number “Players” (Universal) is on the rise. It’s up 18-10.

16 Feb 2023

Hear The Rumble? Skrillex’s Sophomore Album ‘Quest For Fire’ Is Here: Stream It Now

Feel the rumble? After a long nine years, Skrillex is back today (Feb. 17), with his sophomore album, Quest For Fire.

The LP drops amidst a very big moment for our guy Sonny Moore, who came hard out the gates in January with a litany of new singles, starting with the Fred again.. and Flowdan collab “Rumble.”

That track is its sixth week on Hot Dance/Electronic Songs, where it peaked at No. 10 and is currently lodged at No. 16. “Rumble” was followed by “Leave Me Like This” with Bobby Raps (currently at No. 25 on Hot Dance/Electronic Songs), “Way Back” with PinkPantheress and Trippie Redd (currently at No. 29), “Xena” with Nai Barghouti (currently at No. 21), “Real Spring” with Bladee (currently at No. 40) and “Don’t Get Too Close” with Bibi Bourelly.

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In addition to taking over the chart, Skrill is currently also taking over New York City, playing a pop up set with Fred again.. and Four Tet at Good Room in Brooklyn this past Tuesday and the trio doing another small room show last night (Feb. 16) at LPR in lower Manhattan.

In a serious demonstration of going big or going home, the guys — who’ve been referring to each other as brothers in their IG posts — will close out the week with a show at Madison Square Garden this Saturday, February 18. Tickets sold out in less than three minutes, demonstrating the zeal for Skrillex and the continued market value of electronic music.

But first, Quest For Fire. It’s stacked with assists, including guest spots from the likes of Missy Elliott, Pete Wentz, Swae Lee, Four Tet, Mr. Oizo and many more. Stream it in full below.