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Chappell Roan says she’s been diagnosed with severe depression, but she hasn’t been feeling sad.
The “Good Luck, Babe!” singer-songwriter, just named best new artist at the MTV VMAs, tells The Guardian she’s “in therapy twice a week” while on the road for her Midwest Princess Tour. The trek currently has her in London (Sept. 21), with a stop in Berlin next (Sept. 23) before she returns to the U.S. for a handful of concerts, beginning with the All Things Go Festival in New York City on Sept. 28.
“I went to a psychiatrist last week because I was like, I don’t know what’s going on,” Roan shared with the publication for a profile released on Saturday.
“She diagnosed me with severe depression — which I didn’t think I had because I’m not actually sad,” she said. “But I have every symptom of someone who’s severely depressed.”
Roan’s symptoms have included brain frog, forgetfulness, poor focus and “a very lackluster viewpoint.”
“I think it’s because my whole life has changed,” she said of her current symptoms. “Everything that I really love to do now comes with baggage. If I want to go thrifting, I have to book security and prepare myself that this is not going to be normal. Going to the park, pilates, yoga — how do I do this in a safe way where I’m not going to be stalked or harassed?”
Later in the article, she said that “every time I walk through my front door, it just comes out of me … I can’t even help it, I just start sobbing and either being so angry at myself for choosing this path, or grieving how the curiosity and pure wonder I had about the world is somewhat taken away from me.”
The upside of fame: the opportunity it brings. “I get to feel the energy of other people. It’s so cool to have shows so packed and have so much joy in the room,” she said.
Roan — whose debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200, and who has seen seven songs chart on the Hot 100 in just the past five months — isn’t alone in experiencing complex feelings about fame (“I was warned that it’s going to feel like going through puberty again,” she told The Guardian. “My body does feel different. It’s holding tension in a very different way: I have all these new emotions and I’m really confused”). She’s bonded with peers in the industry over the pressure that comes with such a sudden rise, meeting up with Sabrina Carpenter and texting Lorde for advice.
“We’re both going through something so f—ing hard,” said Roan of Carpenter in a recent Rolling Stone cover story, sharing that the “Espresso” hitmaker “feels like everything is flying, and she’s just barely hanging on.”
Roan has been open about how she’s feeling with fans, too. In August, she penned a statement on Instagram about setting boundaries with those engaging in “predatory behavior (disguised as ‘superfan’ behavior) that has become normalized because of the way women who are well-known have been treated in the past.”
“I embrace the success of the project, the love I feel, and the gratitude I have. What I do not accept are creepy people, being touched, and being followed,” she wrote.
The singer-songwriter, now 26, has also been candid about pre-fame mental health struggles. Roan was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder at age 22.
She described her childhood experience in an interview last year with the University of Southern California’s Daily Trojan: “Being bipolar, I was so depressed as a little kid and so angry. You just think you’re such a bad person, and don’t realize that you’re really sick and need help, and our parents don’t know how to deal with it. I think it’s like rewiring my brain to be like, ‘Actually, you’re a good person, and you’re creating a safe space and music for people to dance to.’”
In 2022, she posted on Instagram about her bipolar II disorder, telling fans “it’s pretty hard to keep it together” and balance work and fan commitments with her therapy schedule. She noted, “I don’t really talk about it much, but it affects me daily and is a pretty big part of my music.” In 2023, she wrote about it again on Instagram: “i am very fortunate and grateful to have my dream job,” she said, but added, “This job is very difficult for me to process and maintain a healthy life & mindset. I already have difficulty regulating my emotions because I have bipolar 2 disorder.”
Read Roan’s latest conversation with The Guardian here. Roan’s upcoming tour dates can be found on her official website.
Questlove has revealed that he will direct an upcoming documentary about Earth, Wind & Fire.
The Roots drummer, whose also been working on a Sly Stone doc, fittingly made the announcement on Saturday (Sept. 21) through his Instagram account, noting that the EWF project is slated for 2025 and will be the “definitive story” of the iconic R&B band.
“The story of how a band led by a genius from Chicago changed our way of thinking, our minds and our hearts,” Questlove wrote alongside a teaser clip. “Having been baptized in the afrocentric joy river of this powerhouse unit, I’ve learned about them, I’ve learned about us & more importantly I’ve learned about and rediscovered myself in the process.”
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The Grammy- and Oscar-winning filmmaker added, “I’m so excited to be directing a documentary preserving their positive but VERY vulnerable and real story of Soul, Self & Struggle. This is the story of joy, persistence, love, pain, magic and self discovery. This is Earth, Wind & Fire.”
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Questlove’s Earth, Wind & Fire doc will also include exclusive access to the group’s archives of visual, audio and written material, along with the approval of the estate of Maurice White and the band, according to a press release (per The Hollywood Reporter).
Earth, Wind & Fire’s Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson said in a joint statement, “We look forward to this in-depth journey of our band, and are so excited to have Questlove directing the documentary.”
With classics including “Shining Star,” “Let’s Groove,” “Reasons” and “September,” the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees have topped Billboard‘s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart eight times, earned seven top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and sold more than 90 million albums around the globe.
Questlove took home an Oscar for best documentary feature in 2022 for Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), which he directed and executive produced.
See Questlove’s announcement on Instagram below.
Metallica gave its first concert in Mexico City in seven years on Friday (Sept. 20), and the band’s bassist, Robert Trujillo, took the opportunity to pay tribute to his Mexican roots by performing a peculiar song: “La Chona,” by famous corrido group Los Tucanes de Tijuana.
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“This is a great party,” Trujillo said in Spanish to the 65,000 people who packed the GNP Seguros Stadium, according to figures from promoter Ocesa. “It is an honor to be here with all of you, with the spirit of 72 Seasons. Kirk [Hammett] and I are going to play something for all of you. We are very nervous, so if you know this song, please help us by singing it.”
Immediately, they started playing the first chords of the classic by Los Tucanes de Tijuana, included in their 1995 album, Me Robaste El Corazón, which has transcended several generations in Mexico and the U.S.
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The long hair of Metallica’s fans swung to the northern rhythm, while Trujillo and Hammett, Metallica’s guitarist, swayed to the surprise and applause of much of the audience. The bassist, who on several occasions during the night wore a traditional mariachi hat, took charge of the vocals.
The moment was quickly trending on social media, where users celebrated the rock band’s gesture to its Mexican fans. “La Chona is national heritage and Metallica knows it,” wrote user @virian_avaa on her X account. “The most surreal thing, Metallica playing La Chona,” added user @Amackdiel. Both posted videos of the moment.
Metallica is giving four performances in Mexico City as part of its M72 World Tour, in support of their 2023 album 72 Seasons. The next shows at the GNP Seguros Stadium are scheduled for Sunday (Sept. 22), and Sept. 27 and 29.
Metallica’s history with Mexico began three decades ago with the tour of their Black Album (1991), which included five dates at the Palacio de los Deportes in 1993. Since then, the band has maintained a very close relationship with the country, where they recorded their live DVD Orgullo, Pasión y Gloria (2009), which portrays three spectacular nights at the Foro Sol (today GNP Seguros Stadium) in June 2009.
Metallica’s production team filmed the entire show on Friday and, according to the Mexican newspaper Reforma, next week it will make special shots at tourist spots such as Teotihuacán, the Historic Center, Chapultepec, Coyoacán, and San Ángel.
Watch Trujillo and Hammett play “La Chona” below.
Billboard Latin Music Week is returning to Miami Beach on Oct. 14-18, with confirmed superstars including Gloria Estefan, Alejandro Sanz and Peso Pluma, among many others. For tickets and more details, visit BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.
Hayley Williams didn’t hold back her feelings about Donald Trump at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival.
On Friday (Sept. 20), the Paramore singer took a moment during the rock band’s performance of “Big Man, Little Integrity” as Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena to make it crystal clear how she feels about the Republican presidential nominee, who is running against Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming U.S. presidential election.
“Project 2025 is Donald Trump’s playbook for controlling and punishing women, poor people, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community,” Williams said while looking into a camera that was livestreaming the event on Hulu. “It is time for all Americans to band together and finally defeat the Trump agenda. And the only way to do that is by confronting him at the polls. Do you want to live in the dictatorship? Well, show up and vote.”
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This isn’t the first time Williams has spoken out against Republican politicians over anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Last year, the “Ain’t It Fun” singer lashed out against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis during a performance at the Adjacent Music Festival in Atlantic City, N.J.
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“If you vote for Ron DeSantis, you’re f—ing dead to me. Is that comfortable enough for anyone?” she told the crowd.
Earlier this year, Paramore also declined a Tennessee resolution honoring the group for its Grammy win after the state’s lawmakers blocked a similar resolution honoring Allison Russell.
“This week, Rep. Justin Jones put forth resolutions to honor my band, Paramore and another local-to-Nashville artist, Allison Russell, on our recent Grammy wins (as far as I can tell these resolutions have no legal weight to them. They’re like a big high five or when the whole restaurant joins in to sing you “Happy Birthday”),” Williams told The Tennesseean. “House Republicans only let the measure that acknowledged Paramore’s win pass. They blocked Allison’s.”
The Paramore singer added, “The blatant racism of our state leadership is embarrassing and cruel. Myself, as well as Paramore, will continue to encourage young people to show up to vote with equality in mind.”
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From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
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Becky G’s Greenspace
The Vita Coco Company teamed up with Mexican-American star Becky G to build a new greenspace at her elementary school in Inglewood, Calif. The newly-opened space at Oak Street Elementary School, is an initiative of the company’s social impact program, the Vita Coco Project, which focuses on empowering communities, according to a press release.
“Growing up, my Inglewood community shaped who I am today,” the “Mamiii” singer said in a statement. “Partnering with Vita Coco to reimagine a space where students can learn and play means everything to me. We wanted each element to be intentional, reflecting my own experience in middle school and addressing the needs and dreams of the community.”
“As a parent, I understand the desire to want the best for our kids. And one of the most overlooked resources is a child’s right to play — outside, in fresh air, climbing trees, and getting dirt under their fingernails,” added Mike Kirban, co-founder and executive chairman of The Vita Coco Company. “This project is more than just a greenspace; it’s about ensuring that every kid and their families — regardless of socioeconomic status, identity, or background — has the right to a safe and enriching environment. Let kids be kids so they can grow their curiosity about the natural world and how it works.”
More Stars Added to Latin Music Week
The 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week is just around the corner, and ahead of its arrival, Billboard unveiled a new group of artists who have officially joined the already star-studded lineup. These additions include Feid, Grupo Frontera, Álvaro Díaz, Debi Nova, Jasiel Núñez, Junior H, La Joaqui, Luck Ra, Mario Bautista, Nacho, Saiko and Tito Double P. Additionally, soccer stars Leo Campana (Inter Miami CF) and Igor Lichnovsky (Club América) have also joined the weeklong event taking place Oct. 14-18 at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater.
Celebrating its 35th anniversary, tickets for Billboard Latin Music Week are available for purchase here.
A Pitbull Residence
Pitbull is set to debut his new musical residency in Las Vegas on Nov. 8 at the Fontainebleau, Billboard Español exclusively announced on Friday (Sept. 20).
The Cuban-American hit-maker will take the stage at the BleauLive Theater with his “Pitbull: Vegas After Dark the Residency” — a series of eight weekend concerts between the end of this year and the beginning of the next. The dates are Nov. 8-9, Jan. 24-25, and March 7, 8, 14 and 15. Tickets go on presale on Tuesday (Sept. 24) and to the general public the next day at 12 p.m. ET on the Fontainebleau website.
Juan Gabriel’s Special Screening in Mexico
Juan Gabriel’s Mis 40 en Bellas Artes is set to be projected at a free event organized by Mexico City’s Secretary of Culture at the Zócalo on Sunday (Sept. 22) at 7 p.m. local time. The screening will take place there after the cancellation of a second showing at the Cineteca Nacional that was originally scheduled for Sept.14. “The city government, committed to cultural access, is offering the country’s most important plaza and stage so that more people can enjoy this memorable concert in a festive and family-friendly environment to continue the patriotic celebrations,” announced the Secretary of Culture in a statement.
Mis 40 en Bellas Artes is an iconic Juan Gabriel concert performed in 2013 in celebration of his four decades in music, accompanied by the International Orchestra of the Arts and its choir. There, he sang some of this greatest hits, including “Caray,” “He Venido a Pedirte Perdón,” “Querida,” “La Diferencia,” “Me Nace del Corazón,” “¿Por Qué Me Haces Llorar?,” “Abrázame Muy Fuerte,” and “Así Fue.”
Ángela Aguilar’s Fashion Exhibit in Houston
To celebrate 10 years in music, Ángela Aguilar has launched an exhibit at the Mexican Consulate in Houston, which has arranged a special area for visitors to see a collection titled “Ángela Aguilar: 10 Years Singing and Dressing Mexico.”
According to a press statement, the exhibition is free and open to the public indefinitely, from Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (local time). It includes 25 outfits, including the one she wore in the “Solamente Una Vez” music video, a song included in her Latin Grammy-nominated album, Bolero.
Also on display is the Mexican flag-inspired dress she wore while on her family’s Jaripeo Sin Fronteras Tour, as well as the princess cut dress that she donned to meet Queen Sofia of Spain.
Billboard Latin Music Week is returning to Miami Beach on Oct. 14-18, with confirmed superstars including Gloria Estefan, Alejandro Sanz and Peso Pluma, among many others. For tickets and more details, visit Billboardlatinmusicweek.com.
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09/21/2024
Michaela DePrince, a powerful ballerina who appeared on Dancing With the Stars and in Beyoncé’s Lemonade film, has died. She was 29 years old. A cause of death was not revealed. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The devastating news was announced by her family via the dancer’s social media pages. “With […]
Luke Combs notches his 18th Billboard Country Airplay chart-topper as “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma” surges three spots to No. 1 on the list dated Sept. 28. The song increased by 12% to 30.2 million audience impressions Sept. 13-19, according to Luminate.
Combs authored the single with Jessi Alexander and Jonathan Singleton, and produced it with Singleton and Chip Matthews. It’s from the soundtrack Twisters: The Album, which arrived at its No. 3 high on Top Country Albums in August.
(OK, get this: Oklahoma appears in the title of a Country Airplay No. 1 for the first time. The state was previously best represented when Vince Gill and Reba McEntire’s “Oklahoma Swing” hit No. 13 in 1990.)
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Combs crowns Country Airplay after Riley Green’s “Different ‘Round Here,” on which he’s featured, hit No. 2 and his own “Where the Wild Things Are” reached No. 3, both in February. Combs last led with his version of Tracy Chapman’s 1988 pop hit “Fast Car,” for five frames starting in July 2023.
The Asheville, N.C., native rattled off a career-opening-record 14 consecutive Country Airplay No. 1s. His 18 leaders dating to his first, “Hurricane,” in May 2017, mark the most among all artists in that span; Thomas Rhett and Morgan Wallen follow with 14 each. Combs also boasts the most weeks at No. 1 – 52, or a full year – in that stretch, ahead of Wallen’s 43.
Jelly Roll’s Sixth Top 10
Also on Country Airplay, and speaking of opening runs at the format, Jelly Roll adds his sixth total and consecutive top 10 as “I Am Not Okay” pushes 11-10 (20.2 million, up 19%).
A week earlier, Dustin Lynch’s “Chevrolet,” featuring Jelly Roll, became the latter’s fifth Country Airplay No. 1, dating to his first, “Son of a Sinner” in January 2023, the chart’s longest active streak of leaders. (Jelly Roll broke through on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, where he logged five entries in 2011-16.)
Donald Trump took to his Truth Social site this week to repost a doctored image of Kamala Harris that implied she attended one of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sexual “freak off” parties. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The photo, shared by TMZ, shows the Vice President and […]