State Champ Radio News
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Pete Townshend has a simple description of The Who’s turbulent split with longtime drummer Zak Starkey: “It’s a mess.”
In a new interview with i Paper, the legendary guitarist and songwriter opened up about the chaotic sequence of events earlier this year involving Starkey’s firing, rehiring and eventual departure. Starkey, a veteran session and touring drummer, had been part of The Who’s lineup for nearly 30 years.
“I will miss Zak terribly. But quite what the story is, I don’t f—king know. I really don’t know,” Townsend admitted.
The confusion began in April when Townshend and The Who frontman Roger Daltrey made a “collective decision” to part ways with Starkey, who is the son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr. Days later, Townshend reversed course, stating Starkey was “not being asked” to step down. But just a month later, Townshend again changed his stance, saying, “The time has come for a change,” signaling the end of their long-running collaboration.
Trending on Billboard
Shortly after, Starkey offered his own version of events, claiming he hadn’t been “fired” but had instead “retired to work [on] my own projects” ahead of The Who’s The Song Is Over farewell tour.
The fallout appears to have been sparked by a misstep during the band’s charity performances for the Teenage Cancer Trust at London’s Royal Albert Hall in March.
“[Daltrey] came in four bars early,” Starkey told Rolling Stone in June. “But he just got lost. He blamed it on the drums being too loud, and then it got made into this huge social media thing.”
In his interview with i Paper, Townshend addressed the same performance.
“I couldn’t see anything wrong. What you see is a band who haven’t played together for a long time. But I think it was probably to do with the sound. I’ve lost my sound man as a result,” the iconic musician said.
He continued, “I think Roger just got lost. Roger’s finding it difficult. I have to be careful what I say about Roger because he gets angry if I say anything about him at all. He’ll be sacking me next. But that’s not to say that he sacked Zak. It’s a decision Roger and I tried to make together, but it kind of got out of hand.”
Despite the turmoil, Starkey says he would return to The Who if asked.
“Of course I would,” he told Rolling Stone. “I said to Pete, ‘Thirty years. In the 30 years, you put the bar so f—kin’ high. What the f—k do I do now?,’” he said. “The Who, you just don’t know what’s going to happen. If you think something is going to happen, the opposite happens. If you second guess Pete, he will play the opposite. You have to go with whatever you’re doing, and not think.”
Morgan Wallen didn’t disappoint fans on the second night of his I’m the Problem tour stop in Houston on Saturday (June 21).
After kicking off the weekend with a surprise appearance by NFL legend Andre Johnson and Houston businessman Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale on Friday at NRG Stadium, the 32-year-old country star had more star power in store for night two.
Continuing what has become a signature grand entrance at his shows, Wallen took the stage accompanied by rap superstar Drake and baseball great Roger Clemens at the home of the Houston Texans. Dressed in a black Kid Rock T-shirt, Wallen walked out flanked by Drake and Clemens as the singer’s “Broadway Girls,” featuring Lil Durk, played in the background.
The moment was captured on video and displayed on the stadium’s jumbotron, showing Clemens handing Wallen a custom baseball jersey while a denim-clad Drake appeared to take a swig from a flask.
Trending on Billboard
Morgan also shared the walkout moment on Instagram, set to Drake’s 2011 track “Under Ground Kings.” “All summer long,” he captioned the post. Diplo took to the comments, writing, “Man can’t be stopped.”
This isn’t the first time Wallen and Drake have teamed up. In 2023, the Toronto MC featured the “Last Night” singer in the opening scene of his “You Broke My Heart” music video. The track was featured on the “Scary Hours” edition of Drake’s For All the Dogs album.
Wallen’s dramatic walkout moments at NRG Stadium have become a hallmark of his live shows, with past surprise guests including Travis Kelce, Troy Aikman, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.
The back-to-back concerts in Houston launched Wallen’s 20-date I’m the Problem tour, which runs through Sept. 13 and hits 10 cities across the U.S. His next stop is a two-night run at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisc., on June 28–29. The tour features an all-star lineup of supporting acts, including Koe Wetzel, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn, Ella Langley, Gavin Adcock and Thomas Rhett.
The trek supports Wallen’s blockbuster fourth studio album, I’m the Problem, which has held the top spot on the Billboard 200 for four consecutive weeks since its release on May 16.
Check out Wallen’s walkout with Drake and Clemens on Instagram below, and see the tour setlist here.
Source: Radio One Atlanta / Radio One Digital
Belly Gang Kushington brought energy and hometown pride to Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash 2025, delivering a highly anticipated surprise performance. Backstage with Incognito, the rapper didn’t hold back his enthusiasm for being part of the iconic event. “I ain’t clear my schedule. This is my schedule. I’ve been waiting on this moment!” he declared.
RELATED: “It’s Culture, Music, Family:” Offset Shines at Birthday Bash 2025RELATED: Everything You Missed During #BirthdayBashATL Weekend 2025!
Reflecting on the significance of Birthday Bash, Kushington shared nostalgic memories of attending as a child to see Atlanta’s top artists unite. “It’s amazing,” he said. “You get to see all the artists you’ve been listening to all year in one spot.” Now, as a performer, he’s stepping into the event’s rich cultural legacy.
Kushington teased the crowd with hints of his favorite unreleased song, “Streets Back,” which he promised would go crazy during his performance. Later that night, he planned to keep the festivities alive at a sold-out afterparty at Dreams ATL, celebrating yet another milestone in his rising career.
With his passion for his city and dedication to his craft, Belly Gang Kushington’s presence at Birthday Bash wasn’t just a performance—it was a full-circle moment marking his place in Atlanta’s hip-hop scene.
“I’ve Been Waiting On This Moment!” Belly Gang Kushington Lights Up Birthday Bash 2025
was originally published on
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Source: Radio One Atlanta / Radio One Digital
Gunna made a triumphant return to Atlanta at Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash 2025, where he delivered a performance that resonated deeply with the city’s hip-hop heart. Fresh off his electrifying set, the rapper joined Fly Guy DC backstage to reflect on the experience and his path forward.
RELATED: “It’s Culture, Music, Family:” Offset Shines at Birthday Bash 2025RELATED: Everything You Missed During #BirthdayBashATL Weekend 2025!
“It’s always a blessing to come home and do it for us,” Gunna said, emphasizing his connection to Atlanta. He extended gratitude to Offset for orchestrating the opportunity, saying, “Shout out Set for putting it together and bringing me back to bless the city.”
On the music front, Gunna shared updates about his creative process and upcoming album, declaring it a “masterpiece” in progress. With his latest single, Won’t Stop, already making waves, fans can expect more from the rapper soon, though he’s keeping release dates under wraps.
For aspiring artists, Gunna offered heartfelt advice, urging them to “embrace the struggle” and use challenges as opportunities for growth. “Everything happens for a reason,” he affirmed, highlighting the importance of persistence and learning from obstacles.
Ending the night on a high note, Gunna left fans inspired by his success and his unyielding commitment to representing Atlanta’s culture.
“It’s Always a Blessing To Come Home & Do It For Us” Gunna Reflects at Birthday Bash 2025
was originally published on
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Source: Radio One Atlanta / Radio One Digital
Mariah the Scientist captivated Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash 2025 with her poise, originality, and excitement for what’s next. Backstage with Fly Guy DC, the singer reflected on the whirlwind success of her latest viral song. “I didn’t know it was gonna do all that, but I’m happy about it,” she shared, in awe of the song’s unexpected reach among both ladies and gents.
RELATED: “It’s Culture, Music, Family:” Offset Shines at Birthday Bash 2025RELATED: Everything You Missed During #BirthdayBashATL Weekend 2025!
Mariah also teased her upcoming project, set to release in August. Packed with ten tracks, she described the album as longer and more fulfilling than her previous works. Though picking favorites proved difficult, she showed enthusiasm for tracks one and ten, hinting at their standout appeal.
When asked about collaborations, she revealed that her significant other won’t appear on this album. Instead, the couple envisions a future joint project, saving their recent recordings for something even more special.
Taking the stage incognito, Mariah anticipated surprising the audience with one unique request for her set: “Make the whole stadium blue!” A true nod to her creativity and connection with fans.
With her talent and a devoted following, Mariah the Scientist proved that her artistry and authenticity shine brighter than ever.
Mariah the Scientist Talks New Music & Teases Joint Project at Birthday Bash 2025
was originally published on
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Source: Radio One Atlanta / Radio One Digital
Offset brought energy and authenticity to the stage at Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash 2025, delivering a performance that celebrated Atlanta’s rich hip-hop legacy. Speaking backstage with Fly Guy DC, the rapper expressed his deep connection to the city and how performing at the iconic event felt like coming full circle.
RELATED: “I’m So ATL” Young Dro Celebrates Sobriety and Atlanta Pride at Birthday Bash 2025RELATED: Everything You Missed During #BirthdayBashATL Weekend 2025!
“This is where it all started,” Offset shared. “Being back here, touching my people—it’s the best feeling ever.” He reflected on the significance of being on the State Farm Arena stage, emphasizing its role in his success.
A highlight of Offset’s set was the surprise appearance of fellow Atlanta rapper Gunna. “I had to do something special for the town,” Offset explained. The duo, collaborating on new music, electrified the crowd with their synergy.
Offset also discussed his recent collaboration with JID, which has sparked debates online about the best verse. “We created a masterpiece,” he said. “It doesn’t sound like anything out there right now.”
Describing Birthday Bash in three words—culture, music, family—Offset summed up the event’s heart and Atlanta’s collective spirit. His performance was a testament to his growth, gratitude, and unwavering dedication to representing his city on the biggest stage.
“It’s Culture, Music, Family:” Offset Shines at Birthday Bash 2025
was originally published on
hotspotatl.com
Source: HAYI / Getty
After initially stating to mull the decision for a time, President Donald Trump ordered the bombing of three nuclear sites in Iran on Saturday (June 21), which has escalated the conflict to unprecedented levels. Top Democratic Party officials say that they were not briefed on President Trump’s actions, and a national address from the former business mogul claimed a total annihilation of Iran’s nuclear weapons production capabilities.
As seen in an NBC News report, President Trump boasted of the bombing of three sites in Iran, Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan, which the administration framed as the epicenter of Iran’s nuclear weapons production. This comes as the two countries are locked in a long-distance skirmish that has left over 400 dead in Iran and over 24 dead in Israel.
“We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan,” Trump wrote on Truth Social shortly after the attack. The move garnered praise from several GOP officials, including Speaker Mike Johnson, who stated that Congress would have taken too long to give its approval to Trump.
Democratic Party Sen. John Fetterman praised Trump’s actions, writing on X, “Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism and cannot have nuclear capabilities. I’m grateful for and salute the finest military in the world.”
Fetterman’s stance differs from those of his party, many of whom said that they were left out of briefing talks ahead of the strikes.
Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican congressman out of Kentucky, called Trump’s actions “unconstitutional” via social media.
Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia wrote on X of the bombing, “The American public is overwhelmingly opposed to the U.S. waging war on Iran. And the Israeli Foreign Minister admitted yesterday that Israeli bombing had set the Iranian nuclear program back ‘at least 2 or 3 years’. So what made Trump recklessly decide to rush and bomb today? Horrible judgment. I will push for all Senators to vote on whether they are for this third idiotic Middle East war.”
House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York shared in a statement, “President Trump misled the country about his intentions, failed to seek congressional authorization for the use of military force and risks American entanglement in a potentially disastrous war in the Middle East.”
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also took to X to give a statement regarding the strikes:
I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.
There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world.
I call on Member States to de-escalate and to uphold their obligations under the @UN
Charter and other rules of international law.
At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos.
Source: Pool / Getty
Late Saturday night, Trump was flanked by Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Jim Hegseth, and State Secretary Marco Rubio, praising the efforts of the military strike.
“I want to thank the Israeli military for the wonderful job they’ve done, and most importantly, I want to congratulate the great American patriots who flew those magnificent machines tonight and all of the United States military on an operation the likes of which the world has not seen in many, many decades,” President Trump said.
On X, the reaction to the Iran bombing and the fear of retaliation cast gloom across the social media network. We’ve got reactions below.
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Photo: Getty
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My main takeaway from the 2025 Kids’ Choice Awards is that kids like pretty much the same musical artists as everybody else. Sabrina Carpenter won favorite album for Short n’ Sweet, just as she had won the Grammy for best pop vocal album in February. SZA and Bruno Mars won favorite female and male artist, […]
Sabrina Carpenter was the top winner at the 2025 Kids’ Choice Awards, winning three of the show’s signature Orange Blimp trophies: favorite female breakout artist, favorite album for Short n’ Sweet and favorite song for “Taste.” Carpenter’s album, which topped the Billboard 200 for four weeks, won the Grammy for best pop vocal album. “Taste,” a fairly risqué song by Kids’ Choice standards, reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Tyla hosted the show, which aired live on Saturday, June 21 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT) from Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. Tyla led a dance celebration featuring the hottest songs of the summer and closed out the show with a centerstage sliming (the show’s most popular gimmick). She also won favorite global music star.
Trending on Billboard
Rihanna became the first recipient of the ICON Silver Blimp Award, honored for her contributions to entertainment, beauty and activism. She accepted the Blimp from inside the magical Smurf Village, before unleashing a tidal wave of blue slime on the audience.
SZA, Ariana Grande and Jack Black were all double winners on the night. SZA won favorite female artist and favorite music collaboration for “Luther,” her smash collab with Kendrick Lamar which topped the Hot 100 for 13 weeks. (It goes without saying that the target audience for this show wasn’t even born when Luther Vandross died in 2005.)
Grande won favorite movie actress for playing Glinda in Wicked and favorite song from a movie for backing Cynthia Erivo on “Defying Gravity” from that blockbuster musical, which also won favorite movie.
Black won favorite movie actor for playing Steve in A Minecraft Movie and also received the special King of Comedy award. The latter award was presented by his Nacho Libre co-stars Ana de la Reguera and Héctor Jiménez.
Bruno Mars won favorite male artist. Stray Kids won favorite music group. These were the first wins for Mars, Stray Kids and SZA.
Benson Boone won favorite male breakout artist. Selena Gomez and benny blanco won favorite viral song for “Bluest Flame.”
There were two musical performances: “cliché,” by mgk, from his upcoming seventh studio album, Lost Americana, introduced by his daughter, Casie Baker, and “Gnarly,” by KATSEYE, from their upcoming second EP, Beautiful Chaos, introduced by Ice Spice. Both performances culminated in slimings.
The show also featured celebrity appearances by Malia Baker, benny blanco, Kylie Cantrall, Auli’i Cravalho, Terry Crews, Young Dylan, Brie Garcia, Maia Kealoha, Salish Matter, Kel Mitchell, Daniella Monet, Renee Montgomery, Victoria Monét, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren and more.
Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2025 will encore on Sunday, June 22, at 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Nickelodeon; Monday, June 23, at 8 p.m. on Nicktoons, and Tuesday, June 24, at 9:10 a.m. on TeenNick. (All times are ET/PT.) The show will also be available to stream on Paramount+ on Sunday, June 22.
Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2025 is produced by Nickelodeon Productions and overseen by Ashley Kaplan, executive vp, Nickelodeon & Awesomeness Unscripted & Digital Franchise Studio; Paul J Medford, vp, Unscripted Current Series; Luke Wahl, vp, Unscripted Creative, and Jennifer Bernstein, vp, Talent. Guy Carrington & Kevin Hermanson of Done and Dusted serve as executive producers, with Rob Paine serving as co-executive producer. The show is directed by James Merryman.
Here’s a full list of nominations in all categories, with winners marked.
Favorite Song
“Abracadabra” – Lady Gaga
“Cry for Me” – The Weeknd
“I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” – Taylor Swift
“squabble up” – Kendrick Lamar
WINNER: “Taste” – Sabrina Carpenter
“Wildflower” – Billie Eilish
Favorite Album
Beautifully Broken – Jelly Roll
F-1 Trillion – Post Malone
GNX – Kendrick Lamar
Hurry Up Tomorrow – The Weeknd
I Said I Love You First – Selena Gomez, benny blanco
Mayhem – Lady Gaga
WINNER: Short n’ Sweet – Sabrina Carpenter
Wicked: The Soundtrack
Favorite Female Artist
Ariana Grande
Billie Eilish
Cardi B
Katy Perry
Lady Gaga
Selena Gomez
WINNER: SZA
Taylor Swift
Favorite Male Artist
Bad Bunny
WINNER: Bruno Mars
Drake
Jelly Roll
Kendrick Lamar
Post Malone
The Weeknd
Travis Scott
Favorite Music Group
blink-182
Coldplay
Imagine Dragons
Jonas Brothers
Linkin Park
WINNER: Stray Kids
TWICE
Favorite Music Collaboration
“APT.” – ROSÉ and Bruno Mars
“Call Me When You Break Up” – Selena Gomez, benny blanco with Gracie Abrams
“Die With A Smile” – Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
WINNER: “luther” – Kendrick Lamar and SZA
“Please Please Please” – Sabrina Carpenter (ft. Dolly Parton)
“Show Me Love” – WizTheMc, bees & honey, and Tyla
“Slow Motion” – Marshmello and Jonas Brothers
Favorite Female Breakout Artist
Addison Rae
Chappell Roan
Doechii
GloRilla
JENNIE
LISA
ROSÉ
WINNER: Sabrina Carpenter
Favorite Male Breakout Artist
Alex Warren
WINNER: Benson Boone
d4vd
Djo
Leon Thomas
Myles Smith
Shaboozey
Zach Bryan
Favorite Global Music Star
WINNER: Africa: Tyla
Asia: Stray Kids
Australia: The Kid LAROI
Europe: David Guetta
Latin America: Shakira
North America: Bruno Mars
UK: Ed Sheeran
Favorite Song From a Movie
“Can I Get a Chee Hoo?” – Dwayne Johnson (Moana 2)
WINNER: “Defying Gravity” – Cynthia Erivo (ft. Ariana Grande) (Wicked)
“Higher Love” – DESI TRILL (ft. DJ Khaled, Cardi B, Natania, Subhi) (Smurfs)
“I Always Wanted A Brother” – Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu, Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Mufasa: The Lion King)
“I Feel Alive” – Jack Black (A Minecraft Movie)
“Kiss the Sky” – Maren Morris (The Wild Robot)
“Popular” – Ariana Grande (Wicked)
“Run It” – Jelly Roll (Sonic the Hedgehog 3)
Favorite Viral Song
“Apple” – Charli xcx
WINNER: “Bluest Flame” – Selena Gomez, benny blanco
“Diet Pepsi” – Addison Rae
“Messy” – Lola Young
“Ordinary” – Alex Warren
“Pink Pony Club” – Chappell Roan
“Sports car” – Tate McRae
“That’s So True” – Gracie Abrams
Favorite Kids TV Show
Ayla & The Mirrors
Bunk’d
The Really Loud House
WINNER: The Thundermans: Undercover
Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place
Favorite Male TV Star (Kids)
David Henrie (Justin Russo, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place)
Dylan Gilmer (Young Dylan, Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan)
Hero Hunter (Charlie Wilson, Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan)
Israel Johnson (Noah Lambert, Bunk’d)
WINNER: Jack Griffo (Max Thunderman, The Thundermans: Undercover)
Trevor Tordjman (Parker Preston, Bunk’d)
Favorite Female TV Star (Kids)
Celina Smith (Rebecca Wilson, Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan)
Janice LeAnn Brown (Billie, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place)
WINNER: Kira Kosarin (Phoebe Thunderman, The Thundermans: Undercover)
Mallory James Mahoney (Destiny Baker, Bunk’d)
Maya Le Clark (Chloe Thunderman, The Thundermans: Undercover)
Miranda May (Lou Hockhauser, Bunk’d)
Favorite Family TV Show
Abbott Elementary
Cobra Kai
Goosebumps: The Vanishing
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
WINNER: XO, Kitty
Favorite Male TV Star (Family)
Damon Wayans Jr. (Damon, Poppa’s House)
David Schwimmer (Anthony Brewer, Goosebumps: The Vanishing)
George Lopez (George, Lopez vs Lopez)
Jude Law (Jod Na Nawood, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew)
Sam McCarthy (Devin Brewer, Goosebumps: The Vanishing)
WINNER: Xolo Maridueña (Miguel Diaz, Cobra Kai)
Favorite Female TV Star (Family)
Anna Cathcart (Kitty, XO, Kitty)
Janelle James (Ava Coleman, Abbott Elementary)
Jayden Bartels (Cece Brewer, Goosebumps: The Vanishing)
WINNER: Peyton List (Tory Nichols, Cobra Kai)
Reba McEntire (Bobbie, Happy’s Place)
Ryan Kiera Armstrong (Fern, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew)
Favorite Reality TV Show
American Idol
American Ninja Warrior
America’s Funniest Home Videos
WINNER: America’s Got Talent
MasterChef Junior
The Masked Singer
Favorite Cartoon
Dragon Ball DAIMA
Monster High
WINNER: SpongeBob SquarePants
Teen Titans Go!
The Loud House
The Simpsons
Favorite Movie
A Minecraft Movie
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Captain America: Brave New World
Descendants: The Rise of Red
Paddington in Peru
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
THUNDERBOLTS*
WINNER: Wicked
Favorite Movie Actor
Chris Evans (Jack O’Malley, Red One)
Chris Pratt (Keats, The Electric State)
Dwayne Johnson (Callum Drift, Red One)
WINNER: Jack Black (Steve, A Minecraft Movie)
Jason Momoa (Garrett Garrison, A Minecraft Movie)
Jim Carrey (Dr. Robotnik, Sonic the Hedgehog 3)
Favorite Movie Actress
WINNER: Ariana Grande (Glinda, Wicked)
Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba, Wicked)
Emma Myers (Natalie, A Minecraft Movie)
Jenna Ortega (Astrid Deetz, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice)
Millie Bobby Brown (Michelle Greene, The Electric State)
Winona Ryder (Lydia Deetz, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice)
Favorite Animated Movie
Despicable Me 4
Dog Man
WINNER: Inside Out 2
Moana 2
Mufasa: The Lion King
Plankton: The Movie
The Wild Robot
Transformers One
Favorite Male Animated Voice From a Movie
Ben Schwartz (Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 3)
Chris Hemsworth (Orion Pax, Transformers One)
WINNER: Dwayne Johnson (Maui, Moana 2)
Keanu Reeves (Shadow the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 3)
Steve Carell (Gru, Despicable Me 4)
Will Ferrell (Maxime Le Mal, Despicable Me 4)
Favorite Female Animated Voice From a Movie
Amy Poehler (Joy, Inside Out 2)
WINNER: Auli’i Cravalho (Moana, Moana 2)
Kristen Wiig (Lucy, Despicable Me 4)
Lupita Nyong’o (Roz, The Wild Robot)
Maya Hawke (Anxiety, Inside Out 2)
Scarlett Johansson (Elita-1, Transformers One)
Favorite Villain
Frankie Grande (Frankini, Henry Danger: The Movie)
Harrison Ford (President Thaddeus Ross/Red Hulk, Captain America: Brave New World)
Jeff Goldblum (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Wicked)
WINNER: Jim Carrey (Dr. Robotnik, Sonic the Hedgehog 3)
Michael Keaton (Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice)
Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible, Wicked)
Rita Ora (Queen of Hearts, Descendants: The Rise of Red)
Favorite Butt-Kicker
Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson/Captain America, Captain America: Brave New World)
WINNER: Emma Myers (Natalie, A Minecraft Movie)
Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova, THUNDERBOLTS*)
Jace Norman (Henry Hart, Henry Danger: The Movie)
Jack Black (Steve, A Minecraft Movie)
Kylie Cantrall (Princess Red, Descendants: The Rise of Red)
Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes, THUNDERBOLTS*)
Favorite Female Sports Star
Alex Morgan
Angel Reese
Caitlin Clark
Coco Gauff
Jordan Chiles
Naomi Osaka
Sha’Carri Richardson
WINNER: Simone Biles
Favorite Male Sports Star
Jalen Hurts
Jayson Tatum
WINNER: LeBron James
Lionel Messi
Patrick Mahomes
Shohei Ohtani
Stephen Curry
Travis Kelce
Favorite Male Creator
Adam Rose
Dhar Mann
Keith Lee
Mark Rober
WINNER: MrBeast
SeanDoesMagic
Favorite Female Creator
Brooke Monk
Charli D’Amelio
Emma Chamberlain
Lexi Rivera
WINNER: Salish Matter
Sofie Dossi
Favorite Gamer
Aphmau
IBella
WINNER: IShowSpeed
Kai Cenat
Ninja
Pokimane
Unspeakable
Fan Favorite Kids Creator
A for Adley
Danny Go!
Kids Diana Show
WINNER: Ms. Rachel
Ryan Kaji/Ryan’s World
Toys and Colors
Favorite Podcast
American Girl: The Smart Girl’s Podcast
Are You Afraid of the Dark?
Avatar: Braving the Elements
Baby, This Is Keke Palmer
WINNER: LOL Podcast
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Super Great Kids’ Stories
The Nikki & Brie Show
Favorite Video Game
Fortnite
Just Dance 2025 Edition
Madden NFL 25
Minecraft
Roblox
Super Mario Party Jamboree
Source: Radio One Atlanta / Radio One Digital
Yung L.A., a pioneer of Atlanta’s futuristic sound, brought nostalgia and resilience to the stage at Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash 2025. Backstage with Moran Tha Man, the rapper opened up about his renewed success and the cultural resurgence of his signature style.
RELATED: “I’m So ATL” Young Dro Celebrates Sobriety and Atlanta Pride at Birthday Bash 2025RELATED: Everything You Missed During #BirthdayBashATL Weekend 2025!
“This is growth for me,” he shared. “If I had stopped believing in myself, none of this would’ve been possible.” L.A.’s excitement was palpable as he reflected on his second chance at music and his gratitude for the fans who rediscovered his hits. “Good music is good music,” he said. “People are letting fun into their lives again, and they’re turning up to my tracks like it’s 2009 all over.”
For Yung L.A., the performance was not just about revisiting past glories but also about celebrating his perseverance. Positioned closer to the headliner slot than in previous years, he noted this milestone as a personal triumph. “Just being here is a blessing,” he added.
Offering advice to aspiring artists, L.A. emphasized the importance of persistence. “Keep going, believe in yourself—even if you slip. Success is in the bounce back.”
Fans left Birthday Bash knowing one thing for certain—Yung L.A.’s futuristic sound is here to stay.
“The Futuristic Sound is Back!” Yung L.A. Reflects at Birthday Bash 2025 | #BirthdayBashATL
was originally published on
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