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Ethel Cain has defended her choice of words in the wake of the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
On Jan. 10, the 26-year-old musician shared a quote on her Instagram Story from former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, discussing how powerful groups such as the NRA, Big Oil and insurance companies influence Congress. Cain added the hashtag “#KillMoreCEOs” to the post, later clarifying she wasn’t aiming to be reactionary or “edgy.”
“I genuinely mean what I say. Corporations giggle at protesting,” Cain wrote. “Why would anyone ever willingly come down off their throne that they’ve spent years building off the suffering of their fellow man? Nobody is getting visited by the ghost of Christmas future, no one is having a change of heart. It’s simple, you make them fear for their lives and hit them in the only place they hurt or nothing will ever get done.”
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“I don’t even see how that’s an incredibly radical idea,” she concluded. “It seems quite straightforward to me. ‘Violence is never the answer’ wrong. Sometimes it is.”
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The backlash to the post was swift, with Fox News panelists Jason Chaffetz, Jackie DeAngelis, Anita Vogel and Guy Benson discussing the comments on an episode of the network’s The Big Weekend Show.
“The message there is violence is the answer,” Benson said in response to Cain’s post. “You know who used that exact same mentality, that type of language? Terrorists. That is actual terrorism, what she’s talking about here … This should be a very clear black-and-white moral issue, and it is scary to see how much support that type of sentiment has gotten.”
“People need to boycott her,” added DeAngelis, with Chaffetz saying, “I hope people call her out for this.”
Now, Cain has weighed in on the topic once again, taking to Tumblr to share a new post which defends her position, and questions why climate change and “corrupt” healthcare systems have become political issues.
“I find it funny that conservatives try to paint me calling for the death and destruction of multi-billionaire CEOs as some radical ‘woke liberal’ standpoint,” Cain began. “As if that even has anything to do with politics, especially in this era of surface level circus politics. The same way they try to politicize the hurricanes or the wildfires destroying parts of America, as if climate change is somehow a red vs. blue issue.”
“It’s no secret I’m from a deeply conservative family in the sticks of Florida and I still grew up hearing ‘I fought the law and the law won’. The healthcare system has fucked each and every member of my family in a different way at one point or another, as is the case with pretty much every family in this scorched earth nation.”
As Cain continued, she switched her attention to the “staunchly anti-government” origins of country music. In 2024, Billboard looked back at the changing politics of country music, noting how Richard Nixon’s 1972 re-election campaign began to appeal to the historically Democratic-voting working and middle class Southern whites, ultimately instigating a gradual shift to the right for country music which – as Cain points out – has only continued.
“Remember when country music, the genre currently associated the heaviest with the most conservative faction of America, used to be staunchly anti-government and about sticking it to the man?” she asked. “Remember when the coal miners, grandfathers to the ‘Trump-er hillbillies’ of Appalachia that everyone loves to write off as ignorant, fought tooth and nail for unionization because the companies that were built off their labor didn’t give a shit if they lived or died? Since when has ‘upholding traditional values’ gone hand in hand with… defending lawmakers and oil tycoons.
“My family and I complain about the same issues at the dinner table. The men in charge better hope they can keep their digital smokescreens running as long as they can because the moment the rednecks and the hippies lay down their swords long enough to realize they have the same enemy, all hell is gonna break loose.”
Cain’s controversial comments came just two days after the release of her latest recording project, Perverts, which arrived as the follow-up to her acclaimed 2022 debut album, Preacher’s Daughter.
Chart-topping Japanese pop group BE:FIRST is finally expanding onto the global stage with their first-ever world tour.
Following the boy band’s eight No. 1 hits on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart, Billboard can exclusively reveal that BE:FIRST is embarking on a world tour this year titled -Who Is BE:FIRST?-. Launching on April 22 in Los Angeles, the trek will span 15 cities across North America, Europe and Asia to mark a major move in the J-pop stars’ international ascent.
Managed by Tokyo-based agency BMSG, the septet consisting of Sota, Shunto, Manato, Ryuhei, Junon, Ryoki and Leo debuted in 2021 after winning fans through the reality singing competition The First. BE:FIRST’s first-ever single, “Gifted.,” topped the Billboard Japan Hot 100, leading the band to millions of views on YouTube, and collaborations with fellow chart-toppers like English DJ and producer Jonas Blue and two singles with K-pop boy band ATEEZ. Through their three years together, and with a mix of feel-good pop, intense EDM, futuristic hip-hop and classic R&B, the seven-member group has carved a multifaceted musical identity that’s garnered millions of social-media followers and fans — or BESTY, as their fans are affectionately known.
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“We are excited to announce that BE:FIRST will be embarking on a world tour,” the guys tell Billboard exclusively. “As BE:FIRST, we’ve had very few opportunities to perform outside Japan so we’ve been eagerly looking forward to holding our first-ever world tour! We’re truly excited to see how international BESTY will react to our music and performances. In addition to sharing our music, we’re especially looking forward to the stage talk during our shows — talking about the local culture, sharing memories in the cities we visit and creating unforgettable moments together!”
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“BE:FIRST was founded with the goal of delivering world-class dance and vocals — a vision they have pursued since their audition process,” says legendary rapper-producer SKY-HI, the CEO of BMSG who also acts as BE:FIRST’s main producer.
“With the support we’ve received through their activities in Japan and the success achieved so far, BE:FIRST is now ready to embark on their first-ever world tour. As the producer of BE:FIRST, I am confident that their music, performance quality, and attitude align with global entertainment standards, and I deeply appreciate the high praise they have received so far. At the same time, we remain aware that we are still a young and emerging presence in the industry. Having sparked a sensation in Japan in 2021 and 2022, BE:FIRST is determined to recreate that excitement on the global stage, embarking on this journey as fresh newcomers. We deeply appreciate your continued support. At BMSG, we proudly represent Tokyo, Japan, and we see this as an opportunity to make the world a more exciting place. By showcasing the power of creativity, we will continue to uphold our ‘creative first’ philosophy. We hope you look forward to what’s to come.”
In addition to live concerts in new countries and continents, BE:FIRST has also lined up representation outside of Japan with Steel Wool Entertainment, the management and media agency whose clients have included Anderson .Paak, Hayley Kiyoko, Amber Liu and more.
“I flew into Osaka to see BE:FIRST and was blown away by their stage presence and knew that we had to work with them,” says Steelwool CEO and founder Kevin Morrow. “I can’t wait for the world to see what I saw on their upcoming tour.”
In the meantime, the BE:FIRST members want their fans to stay healthy and send BESTY-approved recommendations for their cities.
“Please take care of your health, and let’s enjoy the show to the fullest!” BE:FIRST adds. “And if you have recommendations for delicious local food or great places to visit in your area, let us know — we’d love to explore during our stay! We’re all so thrilled to meet you soon!”
Fans can look forward to different VIP packages available for the tour, as well as BE:FIRST’s upcoming single “Spacecraft,” set for release in February. The track follows the group’s recent Top 5 Billboard Japan Hot 100 hit “Sailing,” a collaboration with the popular animated manga series One Piece.
Read on for the full tour dates and on-sale ticket information across regions, as well as more tour information on BE:FIRST’s official site here.
-Who is BE:FIRST?- 2025 World Tour dates:
4/22/25 – Los Angeles, CA, USA – The NOVO4/23/25 – San Francisco, CA, USA – The Regency Ballroom5/15/25 – Taipei – Zepp New Taipei5/24/25 – Bangkok – Samyan Mitrtown Hall6/1/25 – London, United Kingdom – O2 Forum Kentish Town6/3/25 – Paris, France – Bataclan Theatre6/4/25 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Melkweg6/6/25 – Frankfurt, Germany – Batschkapp6/9/25 – New York, NY, USA – Webster Hall6/10/25 – Philadelphia, PA, USA – Keswick Theatre6/14/25 – Chicago, IL, USA – Copernicus Center6/17/25 – Honolulu, HI, USA – Hawaii Theatre6/28/25 – Hong Kong – TBD7/5/25 – Singapore – Capitol Theatre
Ticket On Sale Information:
North America:Artist Fan Club Presale: Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 1:00 a.m. PST – Thursday, Jan. 24 at 5 p.m. PSTGeneral Onsale: Friday, Jan. 24 at 10 AM local
Europe:Artist Fan Club Presale: Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 1 a.m. PST to Thursday, Jan. 24 at 5 p.m. PSTMastercard / LiveNation Presale: Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 10 a.m. local to Friday, Jan. 24 at10 a.m. localGeneral Onsale: Friday, Jan. 24th at 10 a.m. local
The lineup for the 2025 MusiCares Person of the Year benefit gala held in tribute to the Grateful Dead in Los Angeles has been revealed.
On Monday (Jan. 20), The Hollywood Reporter announced the artists attached to the Grammy Week event scheduled for Jan. 31 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Dead & Company (which includes Grateful Dead co-founders Bob Weir and Mickey Hart), John Mayer, Mick Fleetwood with Stewart Copeland, Norah Jones, Maren Morris, Noah Kahan, Vampire Weekend, Sierra Farrell and Lukas Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, Billy Strings, My Morning Jacket, Sammy Hagar, the War and Treaty and the War on Drugs are set for the event, as well as previous Grateful Dead collaborator Bruce Hornsby. Andy Cohen will be the MC.
Original Grateful Dead members Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann and Bob Weir will be recognized for their contributions to music, their philanthropic efforts and the group’s pioneering role in fostering communities through their concerts and activism. Two of the band’s founding members, the late Jerry Garcia and Phil Lesh, who passed away in October, will be honored posthumously.
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The Grateful Dead is the third band to receive the honor, following Fleetwood Mac (2018) and Aerosmith (2020). The esteemed list of MusiCares Person of the Year honorees also includes Jon Bon Jovi, Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson, Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton, Tom Petty, Lionel Richie, Bob Dylan, Carole King, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, Neil Young, Neil Diamond, Aretha Franklin, Don Henley, James Taylor, Brian Wilson, Sting, Bono, Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Luciano Pavarotti, Phil Collins, Quincy Jones, Tony Bennett, Gloria Estefan, Natalie Cole, Bonnie Raitt and David Crosby.
It was confirmed that the 2025 MusiCares Persons of the Year event will go on as planned last week, amid the wildfires that have devastated the Los Angeles area. The announcement came a day after the Recording Academy said the Grammys are still on for Feb. 2.
“Your attendance at Persons of the Year and your ongoing generosity will support these continued vital efforts, helping those in urgent need and signaling to the world that this vibrant city is on its feet,” MusiCares said in a statement. “At our upcoming Persons of the Year, we will make a special appeal for donations to support our wildfire relief efforts. We invite you to join us in spreading the word to your friends and family by sharing this link: www.musicares.org/FireRelief.”
Since 1991, the MusiCares Person of the Year gala has raised funds to support MusiCares’ health and human services programs, which offer physical and mental health care, addiction recovery, preventive clinics, unforeseen personal emergencies and disaster relief to music professionals.
The Black Eyed Peas have canceled their upcoming Las Vegas residency scheduled for 2025. On Sunday (Jan. 19), the group announced via their Instagram Story that their planned shows at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino’s PH Live would no longer take place due to “current circumstances.” “To our dearest Peabodies,” the Black Eyed Peas wrote. […]
Chappell Roan is opening up about how speaking out against “creepy behavior” has impacted her career.
In a new interview with the BBC, published Sunday (Jan. 19), the 26-year-old pop star discussed her decision to stand up for herself despite being labeled by some as a “spoiled diva” or accused of throwing “tantrums” about her privacy.
The “Good Luck, Babe!” singer has previously spoken about her experiences with “predatory behavior” from fans on social media. She explained that after years of hard work building her music career, she’s had to set clear boundaries to protect herself from uncomfortable and often invasive interactions.
“I’ve been responding that way to disrespect my whole life — but now there are cameras on me, and I also happen to be a pop star, and those things don’t match,” Roan told the BBC. “It’s like oil and water.”
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In October 2024, Roan went viral after confronting a photographer who had previously made her feel uncomfortable on the red carpet at the premiere of Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts World Tour film in Los Angeles. She had a similar experience with another photographer at the 2024 MTV VMAs.
The “Red Wine Supernova” artist admitted that her outspoken nature has had consequences for her career.
“I think, actually, I’d be more successful if I was okay wearing a muzzle,” she said. “If I were to override more of my basic instincts, where my heart is going, ‘Stop, stop, stop, you’re not okay’, I would be bigger.”
She added, “I would be way bigger … And I would still be on tour right now.”
Last fall, Roan decided not to extend her tour and instead focused on her physical and mental health. The artist credits her grandfather for giving her valuable advice that guides her decisions.
“There’s something he said that I think about in every move I make with my career. There are always options,” Roan shared with BBC. “So when someone says, ‘Do this concert because you’ll never get offered that much money ever again,’ it’s like, who cares? If I don’t feel like doing this right now, there are always options. There is not a scarcity of opportunity. I think about that all the time.”
Roan, who was named Billboard’s Top New Artist of 2024 and is nominated for six Grammys, rose to fame with her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in October 2024. The album spawned multiple charting singles, including “Pink Pony Club,” “Casual” and “Good Luck, Babe!”
Karol G is in a league of her own as “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” adds a 26th week at No. 1 on Billboard’s overall Latin Airplay chart (dated Jan. 25), breaking the record for the most weeks among all songs since the list launched in 1994.
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The merengue tune surpasses the 25-week domination by Shakira’s “La Tortura,” featuring Alejandro Sanz, a record the song held since Nov. 2005, when it outdid the 20-week mark by Son By Four’s “A Puro Dolor.”
“Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,” released June 21, 2024, also remains as the top performer on the Tropical Airplay chart, where it has led the list for 28 weeks (of its total 31 weeks on the chart). Karol G might also set a new record on the tropical ranking, as she is one week away from tying Prince Royce‘s record of 29 nonconsecutive weeks at No. 1 with “Carita de Inocente” in 2020. (It stepped aside for one week during its run atop the list, when Kyen?Es? sneaked-out one week atop the chart with “El Carnaval de Celia: A Tribute (La Vida Es Un Carnaval/ La Negra Tiene…)” in September 2020.
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“Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,” commands both Latin Airplay and Tropical Airplay despite a 13% decline in audience impressions, to 10 million, earned during the Jan. 10-16 tracking week in theU.S., according to Luminate. The global hit gave Karol her 18th No. 1 on the overall Latin radio ranking when it landed at the summit last July, the second-most among women, just behind Shakira who continues at the helm with 24 champs.
While “Si Antes” spent its last week on the multi-metric Hot Latin Songs chart on the Jan. 11-dated list (due to the colossal take over by Bad Bunny’s new album), it also left a mark in 2024, tying with Xavi’s “La Diabla” and FloyyMenor and Cris MJ’s “Gata Only” for the most weeks at No. 1, all with 14 weeks at the summit. Further, in addition to “Qlona,” with Peso Pluma (No. 5), Karol’s “Si Antes” became only the second song by a female artist to close in the top 10 on the year-end Hot Latin Songs chart in 2024, at No. 8.
The new Jan. 25, 2025-dated charts will be posted in full on Billboard‘s website on Jan. 22 (one day later than usual, owed to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday in the U.S. on Jan. 20). For all chart news, follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram.
The show must go on! Carrie Underwood proved why she’s a country superstar during Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration on Monday (Jan. 20).
After an awkward two-minute technical glitch, the 41-year-old American Idol alum took control of the situation, singing “America the Beautiful” a cappella at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., just as Trump was being sworn in as the 47th president.
“You know the words, help me out here,” Underwood told the crowd before delivering the patriotic anthem solo.
An earlier program indicated Underwood was scheduled to perform with the Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club, with her performance originally slated just before Trump’s swearing-in.
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The country star’s fans quickly took notice of her professionalism and praised her stunning solo rendition on social media.
“Now that is a flex. Imagine being so talented that when technology fails, you just go, ‘Fine, I’ll do it live!’ and crush it a cappella in front of thousands,” one user on X observed. “Carrie Underwood doesn’t need auto-tune; auto-tune probably takes notes from her.”
Another wrote, “Carrie Underwood don’t need no band! That was bada–!”
“This is what a professional looks like,” a third commenter noted on X. “With grace, when the military band audio failed, she sang her song with the audience. All American and perfect.”
Before the event, Underwood shared a statement expressing her gratitude and pride: “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event. I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”
Underwood joined a roster of performers at the inauguration, including Lee Greenwood, the Village People, Nelly, Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, Rascal Flatts, Kid Rock, Gavin DeGraw, Jason Aldean and Parker McCollum.
Carrie Underwood was among the performers during the presidential inauguration ceremony held for Donald Trump, which took place at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Monday (Jan. 20).
The country superstar’s performance took place after Trump took the oath of office as the 47th president of the United States and made his inauguration speech, beginning his second presidential term.
Technical difficulties delayed Underwood’s performance, causing the singer to stand for two minutes near the podium prior to her performance. An early program showed that Underwood had been slated to perform with the The Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club, and that she had initially been set to perform just prior to Trump’s swearing-in.
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Instead, Underwood — clad in a pale-colored dress — performed a rendition of “America the Beautiful” a cappella. “If you know the words help me out here,” the singer said before her performance, with the audience joining in to sing with her.
Prior to her performance, Underwood released a statement regarding her performance, saying, “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event. I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”
Underwood joins a slate of performers who are taking part in presidential inauguration events, including Lee Greenwood, the Village People, Nelly, Rascal Flatts, Kid Rock, Gavin DeGraw, Jason Aldean and Parker McCollum.
News of Underwood’s performance at Trump’s inauguration ceremony was met with both praise and criticism, with LGBTQ+ fans expressing anger and disappointment with the country singer’s decision to perform during the event. Underwood had previously spoken out in support of same-sex marriage in 2012, prior to same-sex marriage being legalized in 2015. Members of the LGBTQ+ community have expressed disapproval with the singer for performing at the event, given that Trump has campaigned for restrictions on trans and queer rights in the United States.
Underwood recently revealed the trailer for her upcoming concert special Carrie Underwood: Reflection, which spotlights her long-running Las Vegas residency. The concert special debuts Friday (Jan. 24), on Disney+ and Hulu. She is set to conclude her Las Vegas run on April 12. Her most recent country album, 2022’s Denim & Rhinestones, reached No. 2 on Billboard‘s Top Country Albums chart and became her 10th consecutive album to reach the top 10 on the all-genre Billboard 200.
See Underwood’s performance here.
Donald Trump showcased his signature dance moves during a high-energy pre-inauguration rally in Washington, D.C., on Sunday (Jan. 19).
The 78-year-old businessman-turned-politician, who was sworn in as the 47th U.S. president on Monday, celebrated his victory over Kamala Harris at D.C.’s Capital One Arena. The event featured performances by Kid Rock, Lee Greenwood and the Village People.
As the rally wrapped up, Trump danced and clapped along to the Village People’s 1978 hit “Y.M.C.A.,” a song frequently played at his campaign rallies. Smiling, he stood behind the group, delivering his trademark moves while the crowd cheered.
In the days leading up to the event, the Village People announced on Facebook that they had “accepted an invitation from President Elect Trump’s campaign to participate in inaugural activities, including at least one event with President Elect Trump.” The group added, “We know this wont make some of you happy to hear however we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics. Our song Y.M.C.A. is a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign where our preferred candidate lost.”
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Trump had previously featured the Village People’s “Macho Man” and “Y.M.C.A.” at his 2020 and 2024 rallies.
In December, Village People’s Victor Willis explained why he ultimately allowed Trump to continue playing “Y.M.C.A.” at rallies and events. Despite initially asking him to stop in 2020, Willis said he “didn’t have the heart” to block its use after realizing the politician “genuinely liked” the song and was “having a lot of fun” with it. Willis also noted that the track has seen a significant boost in chart positions and sales since Trump began using it during his campaign.
Sunday’s rally opened with a performance from Kid Rock, a longtime Trump supporter, before supporters like actor Jon Voight and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, among others, took the stage to offer congratulations.
“We won. We won,” Trump told the excited crowd. “I’m thrilled to be back with so many friends, supporters, and true American patriots on the eve of taking back our country. That’s what we’re going to do. Take back our country.”
He added, “Tomorrow at noon, the curtain closes on four long years of American decline, and we begin a brand-new day of American strength and prosperity, dignity and pride.”