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John Williamson, the Australian “bush music” legend, has criticized a nationwide anti-immigration protest where his signature song, “True Blue,” was reportedly played without his approval.
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Thousands gathered in several Australian capital cities last Sunday, Oct. 19 for the “March for Australia” rallies, which formed as a collective voice against the federal government’s immigration policies, and for counter protests. Williamson, not for the first time, has called out the unauthorized use of his music.
Turning to Facebook, Williamson writes: “‘True Blue’ is a song for all Australians and should not be hijacked by any group that seeks to use the song to sow division. I believe in a multicultural society – one where all Australians come together in unity to celebrate our unique multicultural nature and freedoms.”
A decade ago, the ARIA Hall of Famer put conservative event organizers on blast for attempting to weaponize his famous song. Back in 2015, he shared a post on Facebook in which he noted that “True Blue” was reportedly being used at rallies by various groups including the Reclaim Australia movement, and “did not have my approval to use it.” On that occasion, he wrote, “I would prefer the song be used to celebrate togetherness in our great country. How about holding a rally for ‘Love’ and see who turns up. Hatred never solves anything.”
A musician and conservationist, Williamson’s career spans more than 50 years. The 79-year-old has sold more than 5 million albums and accumulated upwards of one billion streams. Over time, he has collected 28 Golden Guitar awards, four ARIA Awards, and on Australia Day 1992, was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) “for service to Australian country music and in stimulating awareness of conservation issues.” Williamson performed at the opening ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and in 2010 he was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.
Since its release in 1982, “True Blue” song has become part of the fabric of Australian culture, and is regularly played at sporting events and ceremonies, including Steve “Crocodile Hunter” Irwin’s public memorial service, where he performed it twice on acoustic guitar.
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Broke Records is facing a lawsuit from ATLXS, the 18-year-old Italian artist behind the hit dance track “Passo Bem Solto,” who alleges the indie label is refusing to release him from a distribution deal he signed as a minor.
Broke, co-founded by Andre Benz and Brandon De Oliveira in 2023 in partnership with Create Music Group, has carved out a niche identifying viral songs and turning them into streaming hits. This is precisely what the label did with “Passo Bem Solto,” which is currently No. 6 on Billboard‘s Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart and has more than 450 million Spotify streams across various remixes.
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But the artist behind “Passo Bem Solto,” 18-year-old ATLXS (Diego Basile), is now suing Broke to get out of his contract. ATLXS’ attorney, Douglas Johnson, writes in a Monday (Oct. 20) federal complaint that he signed over the “Passo Bem Solto” masters to Broke in January, and Johnson tells Billboard that the agreement also included publishing rights.
The lawsuit alleges the deal was “predatory,” and that a provision of California’s family code allows a contract signed by a minor to be later “disaffirmed” — that is, made void. ATLXS, who was only 17 when he signed with Broke, sent a legal notice to the label terminating his contract under this provision last month.
According to the lawsuit, Broke refused to honor the termination notice and is continuing to monetize “Passo Bem Solto” on streaming platforms. ATLXS is seeking a court order requiring his masters and publishing rights to be reverted back, as well financial damages for copyright infringement.
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“Defendant has retained revenues, royalties and profits derived from the exploitation of the subject works after disaffirmance,” reads the complaint. “Defendant has continued to exploit the works through all of its streaming distribution channels, including continuing to stream the subject works on several streaming services, including but not limited to YouTube and Spotify.”
Speaking with Billboard on Tuesday (Oct. 21), Johnson says California law is clear that minors can rebuke their contracts and that an artist like ATLXS can regain his copyrights. “I find it to be a straightforward case,” he says.
Reps for Broke declined to comment on the lawsuit Tuesday.
Trending on Billboard The sheer number of artist signings announced on a weekly basis makes it difficult to keep up, no matter how closely you pay attention to the industry news cycle. That’s why every other Tuesday, Billboard compiles the latest signings to labels, distributors, agencies, management companies and more, in an effort to provide […]
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As Taylor Swift sang on last year’s Tortured Poets Department: “We declared Charlie Puth should be a bigger artist.” Maybe the pop singer/songwriter just needs his next era to get even bigger than he already is (the man has four Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hits, including the 12-week No. 1 “See You Again” with Wiz Khalifa, after all). And that next era is on the horizon, with the announcement of his fourth studio album Whatever’s Clever!, due in March, and the release of the lead single “Changes” last week.
Over the past month, Puth has been testing out some of his new material during a 16-show residency across Blue Note New York (Sept. 25-28) and Blue Note Los Angeles (Oct. 16-19), bringing jazzy reimaginings of some of his biggest hits to the legendary jazz club stage. Billboard was inside the final Los Angeles concert over the weekend, and on the new Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, Katie is telling Keith all about seeing Puth play at such an intimate venue.
Katie was mostly struck by what a good fit the venue was for Charlie and his catalog, as “Professor Puth” (known for sharing his music education with the TikTok audience) led an incredibly talented band of instrumentalists and backup singers through a masterclass of live pop. And as for the new songs — we heard “Beat Yourself Up” and “Changes” from the upcoming album on Sunday night — the crowd was just as into the brand-new tunes as they were into “Attention,” “We Don’t Talk Anymore,” “How Long” and, of course, “See You Again.” It seems that this new Dad Rock vibe Puth is leaning into (appropriately, the “Changes” music video also doubled as a pregnancy announcement for him and his wife Brooke) is going to be a perfect match.
Listen to the full conversation here:
And speaking of Taylor Swift… also on the show, we’ve got chart news about how Swift continues to hold down the No. 1 spots on both the Billboard 200 albums and Billboard Hot 100 songs charts with The Life of a Showgirl and lead single “The Fate of Ophelia,” while Olivia Dean makes gains on the Billboard 200 with The Art of Loving.
The Billboard Pop Shop Podcast is your one-stop shop for all things pop on Billboard‘s weekly charts. You can always count on a lively discussion about the latest pop news, fun chart stats and stories, new music, and guest interviews with music stars and folks from the world of pop. Casual pop fans and chart junkies can hear Billboard‘s executive digital director, West Coast, Katie Atkinson and Billboard’s managing director, charts and data operations, Keith Caulfield every week on the podcast, which can be streamed on Billboard.com or downloaded in Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast provider. (Click here to listen to the previous edition of the show on Billboard.com.)
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Rising global stars of Latin music like Aitana (Spain), Silvana Estrada (Mexico), Yami Safdie (Argentina), Ela Taubert (Colombia) and Yailin (Dominican Republic) gathered Tuesday (Oct. 21) to discuss the challenges of achieving gender equity in the music industry during the second day of activities at Billboard Latin Music Week 2025, in Miami Beach, Florida.
During the “Women’s Panel: Global Rise,” moderated by Billboard Español editor Sigal Ratner-Arias, the artists also talked about the biggest challenges they’ve faced as women in the music industry, the role of social media in their lives and careers, how they’ve found their unique sound, and the importance of mental health.
The conversation showcased a wide range of opinions, styles, cultures, creative processes and challenges faced by these female stars in the Latin music industry, who share similarities in age (all in their 20s), a solid career path in music, and clear global growth. Some of them have won Latin Grammy Awards and sold out stadiums in their home countries
“When we come together, we are stronger,” Estrada, who won the Latin Grammy for best new artist in 2022, said as she spoke about the challenge of achieving gender equity in an industry that has historically been predominantly male-led and highly competitive.
Yami Safdie, who started out years ago as a popular content creator in Argentina, stated that the standards for men and women in the music industry are different. From her experience, she said, “Women are constantly being pitted against one another.”
“I didn’t know how to dance, and in this industry, they teach you that pop singers must know how to dance well, but men aren’t expected to dance well,” added Spanish star Aitana. “I thought, I’m not a good pop artist if I can’t put on a show.”
Silvana Estrada shared that many people told her she wouldn’t be able to achieve her dreams, but her strong belief in herself helped her turn her aspirations in music into a reality. She added that she has received great support from colleagues and friends like fellow Mexican singer-songwriter Natalia Lafourcade. “The rivalry [imposed by society on women] is designed to weaken us, to isolate us, when in reality, when we come together, we are stronger,” she expressed.
Colombian artist Ela Taubert admitted that winning the Latin Grammy for best new artist in 2024 left her feeling insecure about what would come next and whether she would be able to meet expectations. “I’m afraid of disappointing people. The pressure is there,” she said. “But then came the advice from my mom… The key is to enjoy the process.”
Yailin, who was a bit more reserved than her peers on the panel, spoke about the importance of mental health and recalled being a victim of online hate due to her high-profile relationships with urban music artists. “I faced hate I didn’t deserve,” she said, “but my way of dealing with it was by delivering joyful music to my audience.”
With over 30 years of history, Latin Music Week is the largest and most important gathering of Latin artists and music industry executives worldwide. The event also coincides with the Billboard Latin Music Awards 2025, which will air on Thursday (Oct. 23) on Telemundo and Peacock, where Bad Bunny will be honored as the Artist of the 21st Century.
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Reggaeton icon Ivy Queen and icon in the making Tokischa joined forces at 2025 Billboard Latin Music Week on Wednesday (Oct. 22) for a candid conversation about feminism, sexuality and music — also marking the first time the Dominican breakout star and Puerto Rican icon met.
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“I’ve seen a lot of perceptions of who you are, how you present yourself. What do you feel when people put a label on you without knowing you?” Ivy Queen asked Tokischa.
“I recently went to the dermatologist who says she’s religious,” Tokischa said. “She started talking to me about God and told me that I had a very big name, Altagracia [her middle name]. I understand what it means. It’s the name of the virgin, a message from God. People don’t expect me to be a person who believes in God, who prays, who gives thanks, who asks for forgiveness. I’m a firm believer in God, and I know what that name entails.”
Amid the conversation — during which they bonded over breaking stereotypes in the music industry, having things in common like being Pisces, and talked about relationships — Tokischa opened up about the ultra-personal album she’s working on.
“I finished my album mid-year. I worked on a super intimate project, spending seven months in the studio all day,” she expressed. “[On the album] I’m talking about my story — beyond being Tokischa la perra, la bellacal, I’m raw and honest, in terms of all the traumas I’ve overcome, from my years as an addict. I had an unstable moment because I had to uncover all those traumas and record. In my career, I’ve had to start over from scratch twice.”
“That’s normal. It’s happened to me a lot. If it’s about being reborn, I’m a phoenix,” Ivy Queen said, sharing encouraging advice. “This business takes the best of you. You have to ride the wave while it lasts, and when the sea is rough, know how to balance yourself. I considered myself an ugly duckling in this industry, and I had to blossom. You are blossoming. You’re at a stage where you’re enjoying being human, and I want you to keep rocking it, to continue being you.”
Spanning 36 years, Latin Music Week is the single largest gathering of Latin artists and industry executives in the world. This year’s event — which also features Carlos Vives, Carín León, Daddy Yankee, Ivy Queen, Gloria Estefan, Kapo, Laura Pausini, Netón Vega, Ozuna, Pablo Alborán, and Xavi, among others — hosts panels, marquee conversations, roundtables, networking and activations, in addition to its celebrated Billboard En Vivo showcases.
Latin Music Week also coincides with the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards, set to air Thursday, Oct. 23, on Telemundo and Peacock, where Bad Bunny will be honored as Top Latin Artist of the 21st Century.
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Country fans are getting an early look at Lainey Wilson‘s role in the upcoming film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s Reminders of Him courtesy of a trailer released Tuesday (Oct. 21).
The movie — due in theaters March 13 — follows protagonist Kenna Rowan (played by Maika Monroe), who makes a mistake that sends her to prison. After seven years, she returns to her hometown in Wyoming, seeking to reunite with her young daughter Diem. After Diem’s custodial grandparents deny Kenna the opportunity to reconnect with Diem, Kenna forms a connection with a local bar own named Ledger Ward (played by Tyriq Withers).
Wilson, who is one of the leading nominees at November’s CMA Awards, portrays the role of Kenna’s friend and coworker, Amy. In the trailer, Wilson’s character is seen speaking with Kenna.
“What’s your trauma?” Wilson’s character Amy says during a brief scene.
Kenna replies that she just got out of prison and is struggling to find work.
“Sh–, you win,” Wilson replies.
The film is an adaptation of Hoover’s 2022 book Reminders of Him, which sold more than 6 million copies in the United States; Colleen Hoover also wrote the bestselling book It Ends With Us, which was turned into a movie starring Blake Lively last year. The Reminders of Him cast also includes Lauren Graham and Bradley Whitford as Diem’s grandparents Grace and Patrick, while Rudy Pankow portrays Diem’s father Scotty. The supporting cast includes Jennifer Robertson playing Kenna’s landlord Ruth, while Zoe Kosovic portrays Kenna’s daughter.
The role in Reminders of Him will mark Wilson’s feature film debut, though she has previously had a recurring role on the television show Yellowstone.
Wilson just released a new EP, titled Peace, Love & Cowboys (Holiday Edition), on Oct. 17. After co-hosting last year’s CMA Awards with Peyton Manning and Luke Bryan, Wilson will solo host this year’s show for the first time. She is also on her headlining Whirlwind World Tour, which has included sold-out shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden and Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
See the trailer for Reminders of Him below:
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A trip to Honolulu might be in store for Kid Cudi, as 2008’s “Maui Wowie” debuted on the latest Billboard Hot 100 (for the week of Oct. 25) at No. 71, which comes 17 years after its initial arrival.
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A viral TikTok trend has sparked renewed interest in the A Kid Named Cudi standout, which has thousands of fans hanging from street crosswalk signs, singing along to the breezy cut.
Kid Cudi celebrated the track’s revival and chart entry on Tuesday (Oct. 21) with a post to social media.
“This is MEGA!!! Debuting #71 on the @billboard charts 17 years later,” he penned to Instagram. “This is a true example of timeless music. To all the fans who made this happen, I LOVE YOU!! Lets keep it going yall!!!”
Last week, Cudi himself joined in on the trend while dangling from a crosswalk sign in front of Progressive Field in his hometown of Cleveland. “Goin’ back to Honolulu just to get that/ That Maui Wowie, that Maui Wowie,” he crooned.
A TikTok user by the name of @aaronxbrownn has widely been credited with sparking the trend in September. “Yeeaaaaaaaaa Thank u to everyone for posting my song and havin fun and showing love!!! 17 years old and timeless,” Cudi captioned the clip of himself getting in on the viral trend, which has over 22 million views.
Last week, the track debuted at No. 24 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and hit No. 2 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100.
This is a welcome surprise for Cudi and his fans, as the Ohio native explained he’d be stepping away from music to pursue other creative endeavors for the immediate future. “It’s gonna be a while between now and the next Kid Cudi album,” he said in September. “So I wanted to leave you with a little something that could motivate you, uplift you… I made it earlier this year, just f—ing around in the studio.”
Listen to “Maui Wowie” below.
Source: Streeter Lecka / Getty
Gucci Mane’s wife, Keyshia Ka’oir continues to prove why she’s wifey goals.
In a recent interview, both Mr.& Mrs. Guwop get vulnerable with The Breakfast Club about their relationship. They have gone through obstacles, but one really stood out. In the midst of the pandemic, the “Verzuz” series was a hit. We got classic battles between The Lox vs.The Diplomats. Seeing Jadakiss and Cam’Ron bicker back and forth was one for the books. On the R&B side, we got Brandy vs. Monica. But Gucci Mane & Jeezy in the same building, under the same roof?
Nobody expected it.
Gucci’s wife recalls having a conversation with him before the battle, asking him not to do the battle, “I told him not to”. Keyshia also offered her hubby a bag not to partake due to the past beef Wop & Jeezy have had, “You’re not doing that, I will pay you a million dollars not to do this.” The trap legend confirmed that she wasn’t capping, “She told me that. I swear to God.”
In retrospect, the Verzuz could have very well gone left when Gucci performed “Truth” which was a diss track towards Jeezy. Even admitting that if Jeezy had barked back with his diss, he wouldn’t have been able to handle it. Long story short, it could have gotten ugly.
Get you a Keyshai Ka’oir in your life.
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Seemingly small initiatives can make a big impact when it comes to making festivals greener — a point Oregon’s Cascade Equinox Festival is demonstrating with its ongoing sustainability program.
The festival’s third edition happened Sep. 19-21 in Redmond, Oregon, with organizers once again implementing a program they say has helped plant hundreds of trees and protect thousands of acres of rainforest in the event’s first three years.
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The program is designed around the “Eco-Band initiative,” which allows attendees to upgrade their passes to include a 100% hemp wristband for $20. A representative for the event reports that this year’s program raised enough money to plant 394 trees in Oregon forests and to protect roughly 511 acres of land in Ecuador. Another roughly $700 raised through donations on the festival’s website went to the protection of another 177 acres of the same Ecuadorian land, which is home to jaguars and Andean bears.
Since Cascade Equinox’s 2023 debut, the hemp wristband program has raised funds to plant 601 trees in the local Willamette National Forest and to protect 1,665 acres of Amazon rainforest. The latter initiative has been done in partnership with SAVIMBO, an organization founded by Indigenous leaders in the Colombian Amazon that pays Indigenous peoples and subsistence farmers in tropical forests to preserve these ecosystems. The festival’s project has specifically worked with the Cofán Indigenous Community in Chandia Na’en, Ecuador.
The hemp wristband program was executed in partnership with Green Disco, an organization composed of promoters, producers and environmental experts who consult on live events, along with Earthwin.org, which works to expand education on mindful living for global well-being.
“Sustainability is a core principle for Cascade Equinox, and in leading by example we hope that other festivals notice and make similar efforts and improvements,” festival organizer Josh Pollack tells Billboard. “We’re thrilled to have planted over 600 native trees locally in Oregon and preserved over 1,600 acres of Amazon rainforest in Ecuador over three years. Big thanks to Earthwin and Green Disco for being incredible partners and sharing our vision for music festivals making a positive ecological impact both locally and globally.”
The 2025 edition of Cascade Equinox Festival featured artists including Sylvan Esso, Disclosure, Big Gigantic, TroyBoi and Chromeo. The next event is slated for Sept. 18-20, 2026.
Billboard‘s Live Music Summit will be held in Los Angeles on Nov. 3. For tickets and more information, visit https://www.billboardlivemusicsummit.com/2025/home-launch.
