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Charli XCX is riding the Brat wave all the way to this year’s Grammys, where she’s nominated for seven awards — and she’s fully aware that she owes it all to the album that made her a household name. In a W Magazine cover story published Thursday (Jan. 30), the pop star reflected on picking […]
On February 8, 2015, nearly everyone in attendance at the Staples Center in Los Angeles expected the top prize at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards to go to Beyoncé. The pop and R&B superstar had changed the game 14 months earlier with the surprise drop of her self-titled album, topping the Billboard 200, drawing unanimous raves and dominating the culture for the entire year to follow. But when it came time for Prince to announce the winner for album of the year that night, a different solo “B” name was called – confusing many in the crowd and watching at home, infuriating one easily excited fellow superstar, and setting into motion many of the narratives that continue to define the Grammys a decade later.
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This week, on the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, we debut our Great Moments in Pop History series, looking at some of the pivotal moments throughout the decades that have come to define our perception of pop music, pop culture and pop stardom. On the precipice of the upcoming Grammys – airing this Sunday (Feb. 2), with one of the most loaded nominee classes in recent memory – we flash back to 10 years earlier, when one of 2025’s preeminent nominees (and the biggest overall winner in Grammy history) lost an album of the year race she was the heavy favorite to win, with Beck’s acclaimed-but-less-impactful Morning Phase instead taking home top honors. It’s a snub the Recording Academy still has not yet made good on, with Beyoncé being nominated and losing in the category twice in the years since.
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Host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard executive digital director (and Pop Shop Podcast co-host) Katie Atkinson – who was in the building that memorable night – to recall everything there is to recall about the 2015 Grammys. We start with everything else of note that happened during those Grammys – like Sam Smith’s early-career-peak night of dominance, the cavalcade of pop megastars performing (but somehow playing zero of their signature hits) and an A-plus-list trio of legends united for one time only. We also run through some of our favorite less-starry performances of the night, including Hozier with a towering Annie Lennox, and Sia with both a wig and Kristen Wiig.
And then, we dig into the nitty gritty of Beck beating Beyoncé – and Kanye nearly crashing the stage in protest – and the impact it all ended up having on the Grammys’ next decade. We remember the double-shock of Beck’s longshot victory combined with Kanye’s oh-no-not-again fakeout, and give context for how bizarre it was (and remains) that Beck, of all people, became the face of Grammy-approved establishment rock. Then, of course, we set our sights on the 2025 awards – where Beyoncé is once again an album of the year nominee, for 2024’s Cowboy Carter – and ask: Is it finally time for the Queen to take home the crown? (And if she finally does this year, will it actually be… kinda weird?)
Check it out above — along with a YouTube playlist of some of the most memorable moments from the 2015 awards — and subscribe to the Greatest Pop Stars podcast on Apple Music or Spotify (or wherever you get your podcasts) for weekly discussions every Thursday about all things related to pop stardom!
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Legendary Hip-Hop producer Scott Storch‘s baby mama, Florence Mirsky, was seen and heard hurling a racial slur, and going full racist while retrieving her car from valet parking. It seems to have gone down Tuesday (Jan. 28) in Beverly Hills and it’s not hyperbole to say she was acting horribly.
According to TMZ, it was the mother of Storch’s son, who is also an “influencer,” going full racist while retrieving her whip—pun intended—and trashing the valet employees.
Reports TMZ:
Video of Mirsky — an L.A.-based influencer — is circulating online … and, in it, she called a man jawing at her a “wet****” before adding President Donald Trump is doing great things because “you guys rape and kill people.”
Obviously, Mirsky is speaking to people she believes are Latino — and, she’s hurling every disgusting insult she can think at them.
Clearly, she’s also racist. But, of course, she’s copping pleas.
Obviously, Mirsky is speaking to people she believes are Latino — and, she’s hurling every disgusting insult she can think at them.
Mirsky says she had such a strong reaction because of past trauma and manic episodes … but, adds people who know her know this isn’t the real her.
She also posted a clip to Instagram … explaining the same situation and adding she didn’t want to go to jail for hitting the guy because of her child — Leo Storch — who she shares with Scott.
Mirsky even went on to say that she hangs out with Mexicans all the time, and has even dated them, so she can’t be racist. Yeah, okay.
The Recording Academy and MusiCares are partnering with Direct Relief, the California Community Foundation and the Pasadena Community Foundation to bolster support for those impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. On the Grammy telecast on Sunday (Feb. 2), attendees, viewers, music industry partners, and corporate sponsors will be encouraged to donate throughout the show, and all funds raised from the telecast will be used to support this new partnership, which will serve not only Los Angeles area music professionals, but the broader needs of others impacted in the Los Angeles community.
“In addition to raising money for music people, we are proud to add these three incredible partners who are supporting the Los Angeles region in other ways to maximize our efforts of aiding those impacted by this crisis,” Recording Academy and MusiCares CEO Harvey Mason jr. said in a statement. “We are so grateful to these organizations for their collaboration and look forward to bringing music professionals and fans together on Sunday, Feb. 2 to help rebuild and uplift Los Angeles and its people.”
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Here’s information about each of these three partners and a quote from their chief executives:
Direct Relief
Direct Relief is a California-based humanitarian organization committed to improving the health and lives of people affected by emergencies and poverty. Since the L.A. wildfires began, Direct Relief has provided thousands of air-purifying masks and respiratory protection gear to residents, equipped first responders, and supplied community health centers with essential medications and financial assistance to support displaced residents.
Dr. Byron Scott, CEO: “For communities devastated by the Los Angeles wildfires, the road to recovery will be long, and the need for support will not end when the flames are extinguished. Direct Relief is committed to ensuring that those affected—whether displaced families, frontline responders or healthcare providers—receive the medical care, essential supplies and ongoing support they need today and for as long as it takes to rebuild. This partnership strengthens our ability to stand with these communities in their time of greatest need.”
California Community Foundation (CCF)
CCF is a leading philanthropic organization dedicated to building a stronger, more equitable Los Angeles County. Since 2003, CCF has provided critical disaster aid to communities across California to complement immediate relief and long-term recovery, ensuring the most impacted and vulnerable receive the help they need. To date, CCF has awarded more than $15 million to more than 130 local nonprofits supporting victims of the Los Angeles wildfires.
Miguel Santana, president: “Our path to recovery will be long, and will require the support of all in our community. Thanks to the generosity of thousands in Los Angeles, and across the world, we have raised more than $30 million and granted out $15 million to trusted organizations that provide essential services to the most affected and the most vulnerable. Through this incredible partnership with the Recording Academy and MusiCares, we will raise critical resources that will expand our capacity to build back LA strong.”
Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF)
PCF has been supporting Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre nonprofit organizations since 1953. The foundation’s Eaton Fire Relief & Recovery Fund is focused specifically on assisting those impacted by the Eaton Fire in Altadena and Pasadena. Since the start of the crisis, PCF has raised more than $8 million and has dispersed resources to 20 Altadena- and Pasadena-based nonprofits in its first round of funding.
Jennifer DeVoll, president & CEO: “Since 1953, Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) has been embedded in the greater Pasadena area—Pasadena, Altadena and Sierra Madre are our core grantmaking communities. Because of that history, PCF understands the magnitude of loss in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire and has already disbursed $533,000 in relief grants through our Eaton Fire Relief & Recovery Fund. We know Altadena in particular is a vibrant, artistic community, and we are incredibly grateful that the Recording Academy and MusiCares have chosen to partner with PCF to support local artists and all those impacted by this catastrophe.”
These partnerships amplify the efforts of MusiCares Fire Relief, which the Recording Academy and MusiCares launched soon after the wildfire crisis began to support impacted music people. All money raised will remain in the community and be used to aid those impacted.
To contribute money that will be exclusively used to support music people impacted by the Greater Los Angeles fires, visit this website.
To contribute money that will be used to support music people and others impacted by the Greater Los Angeles fires, visit here.
The 67th Annual Grammy Awards telecast will be broadcast live on Sunday (Feb. 2) at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS and available to stream live on Paramount+.
Mike Chester has been promoted to general manager of Warner Records, expanding his responsibilities to include digital and viral marketing, as well as artist development, while continuing to oversee promotion and commerce.
Based in Los Angeles, Chester reports to co-chairman & COO Tom Corson and works closely with label CEO & co-chairman Aaron Bay-Schuck on company goals and artist release strategies.
Chester joined Warner in 2018 as executive vp of promotion, later adding commerce to his title in 2021. His leadership has been instrumental in Warner Records’ revitalization, earning him recognition as Billboard‘s Executive of the Week following a barrage of midyear wins in 2024.
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Before Warner, he served as senior vp at Scooter Braun’s SB Projects, working with Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, and spent over a decade at Def Jam Recordings. He began his career at Arista Records before moving to Atlantic and then Def Jam in 2004.
Corson and Bay-Schuck praised Chester’s leadership, artist relations expertise, and strategic vision, crediting him with playing a key role in Warner’s resurgence.
“He possesses extraordinary leadership qualities, has excellent artist relations skills, and knows how to balance all with confidence, compassion, and integrity,” they said. “He is an invaluable member of our senior management team and we know he will continue to thrive and innovate in his new role.”
Chester also shared his excitement about the new role, emphasizing Warner’s dedication to artist development and innovation.
“The team here at Warner is phenomenal, and our artist roster – from emerging talent to superstars – is second to none,” he said. “We pride ourselves on being the premiere artist development label, and we constantly discover new avenues in which to bring even more music to fans. I’m excited to continue promoting, innovating, and building careers in this dynamic and rapidly expanding musical environment.”
In the border towns of Mexicali and San Felipe, Óscar Maydon was just another local musician performing covers in small local venues. His role then, defined by the success of others, hadn’t found its unique voice. Then, as the world halted in 2020’s Covid-19 pandemic, he faced what seemed like an insurmountable obstacle. Concerts were canceled, venues closed, and opportunities dried up overnight. Yet, it was during this lockdown that Maydon’s career in music inadvertently began.
Faced with the urgent need to make ends meet, Maydon turned to what he knew best: music. But instead of continuing with covers, he began to write original corridos for friends and colleagues. “‘Hey, I’ll sell you a corrido,’ I’d tell them, ‘Want one? I’ll write it for you,’” Maydon recalls. “They’d ask, ‘How much will you charge?’ ‘I don’t know. Let me write it and I’ll tell you how much.’” This shift from performer to creator was not just about finding an income during difficult times, but the birth of an artist who would soon capture the heart of the masses with his storytelling.
Today, Óscar Maydon is behind one of the hottest tracks on the Latin music charts: “Tu Boda,” featuring Fuerza Regida. After an impressive 11-week reign at the top of the Hot Latin Songs chart, largely held by its streaming power, the song — a compelling Gothic sierreño romance — now dominates radio, earning the No. 1 spot on the Regional Mexican Airplay chart this week.
“We were coming from Baja Beach Fest [in August 2024]. Post-festival, I hit the studio to hunt for the perfect requintos and embellishments — I’m meticulous with these things,” Maydon recalls about the game-changing creation of “Tu Boda,” released last September. “Considering every element, from the guitars to the bajo sexto, the tololoche, the charchetas, and the vocal arrangements… I even texted Chachito — my manager and the song’s co-writer — urging him to finalize the lyrics quickly. Our dedication to refining the details is why, I believe, we’ve managed to elevate Mexican music to new heights. The public’s response has been overwhelmingly positive; they’ve really embraced our sound.”
Madyon grew up on a steady diet of norteño music and “all-things regional,” with Joan Sebastian, Juan Gabriel, and Mexicali band Los Muecas being a constant influence. “I learned to play when I was about 15 years old, coming out of high school. From there I started playing guitar. My whole family are musicians,” he reveals. “In my grandfather’s world, everybody sings, and some play instruments. And I have cousins who are musicianswho taught me a few things. And my uncle taught me the basics — A, B, C, D, E, F, G chords, and YouTube. It’s really the desire that makes you learn things — nobody teaches you anything. They do explain it to you, but it’s the desire that makes you learn something”.
With hit collaborations alongside música mexicana giants like Natanael Cano in “Madonna,” Peso Pluma in “Santal 33,” Junior H in “Fin de Semana” and Gabito Ballesteros with Chino Pacas in “Elvira,” Óscar Maydon, who is signed to Rancho Humilde, is not just a part of the regional Mexican music scene — he is actively shaping its future.
From a local musician playing cover songs in small venues to a chart-topping hitmaker, Maydon remains committed to pushing musical boundaries and exploring new sounds that continue to enrich the genre. Read more about our January Latin Artist on the Rise below.
Name: Óscar Maydon
Age: 25
Recommended Song: “Otra Mentira”
Major Accomplishment: “My greatest achievement is that people sing my songs. At the end of the day the charts and all that — yes it’s very nice, but what we all want is for people to sing your song, that your song gets through to their feelings,” he says.
What’s Next? “Óscar Maydon has a lot of music to release this 2025. We are going to open with an album. My goal is to release about three albums this year.”
Vybz Kartel has kept his foot firmly planted on the gas pedal ever since his release from prison last summer (July 31, 2024).
In celebration of the ten-year anniversary of his seminal Viking (Vybz Is King) album, Kartel is releasing a special deluxe edition of the set featuring seven new songs on Friday (Jan. 31). From the sanctified Sunday mornings (“God Is the Greatest”) to unruly Saturday nights (“Str8 Vybz”), the new additions to Viking expand on the equally vulnerable and anthemic qualities of the original tracklist. The expanded version of Viking (released via Adidjahiem Records/TJ Records) also boasts an eye-popping, X-rated collaboration with dancehall star Ishawna titled “Porn Flick.”
Released in 2015 — three years into his incarceration — Viking became Kartel’s fourth consecutive project to reach the top 10 of Reggae Albums (No. 3). The LP spawned several hits, including “Unstoppable,” “Enchanting” and “Gon Get Better,” which was sampled by Fifth Harmony on their decade-old debut studio album.
The new deluxe edition of Viking follows a hectic past few months for Worl’ Boss. Mere months after regaining his freedom and serving 13 years of a now-overturned life sentence for murder, Kartel mounted Freedom Street — a star-studded New Year’s Eve homecoming concert that stood as Jamaica’s biggest musical showcase in nearly 50 years. In addition to his dancehall deejay sons Likkle Addi and Likkle Vybz, several other stars came out to support Kartel at Freedom Street, including Spice, Popcaan, Skeng, Busta Rhymes, Shatta Wale and more.
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Less than a week after Freedom Street, the “Fever” deejay graced Billboard’s first cover of 2025, in which he discussed recording music while incarcerated, new music with Cardi B and whose side he chose in last year’s bombastic Drake–Kendrick Lamar feud. In the cover story, Kartel also reacted to his first career Grammy nomination, which he earned in the best reggae album category with his Party With Me EP.
“If I wasn’t incarcerated, I would have been nominated already,” he candidly told Billboard. “But I understand, why would they want to nominate a dude in prison? I know if I wasn’t arrested, based on the trajectory that my career was on, I would have definitely won. But I’m very, very grateful.”
At the Feb. 2 ceremony — which will be held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif. — Kartel will vie for best reggae album against Shenseea (Never Gets Late Here), Collie Buddz (Take It Easy), The Wailers (Evolution) and the Bob Marley: One Love soundtrack. This year’s Grammys will serve as a fundraiser to help the greater Los Angeles rebuild after several devastating fires.
See the album’s full tracklist below, and pre-order it here.
1. God Is the Greatest*2. It A Tape*3. Polite*4. Dreams Are Made Of*5. Str8 Vybz*6. Porn Flick featuring Ishawna*7. Gon’ Get Better8. Enchanting9. Dancehall Cyah Stall10. Unstoppable11. #AmOut*
*new songs
The 1990s brought a host of new names to the Billboard 200, as acts in pop, rock, R&B/hip-hop, country and dance made their marks with attention-getting albums. Still, not all artists lead the list on their first try, as they continue to build a following – making an initial No. 1 that much sweeter. In […]
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According to KTVU, Wayne Shaw, the 61-year-old older brother of rap legend Too Short, tragically was shot and killed. Shaw reportedly lost his life during a botched robbery at a marijuana grow operation in East Oakland. Shaw was shot and killed around 7 a.m. on the 1200 block of 49th Avenue, near East 12th Street, while reportedly sleeping at the warehouse. Authorities believe the incident was an attempted robbery, with Shaw tragically caught in the crossfire while trying to protect the operation.
Police are still investigating the details surrounding the shooting, but early reports suggest that the suspects targeted the grow house with the intention of stealing marijuana or other valuable goods. Shaw’s decision to stand his ground and protect the operation ultimately led to his fatal encounter with the assailants.
As the older brother of Too Short, one of hip-hop’s most iconic figures, Wayne Shaw’s death has added another layer of heartbreak to an already tragic situation. Too Short, known for his contributions to West Coast rap, has yet to publicly comment on the loss of his brother, but the tragedy has left a lasting impact on both the local Oakland community and the hip-hop world at large. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are seeking justice for Shaw and his family.
More news to come as the story develops.
The Recording Academy has selected “Deliver,” written by Iman Jordan (performer), Roy Gartrell, Tam Jones, and Ariel Loh—as the 2025 recipient of its Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change Award. The honor will be presented at the academy’s Special Merit Awards ceremony on Saturday (Feb. 1) at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles.
This is the award’s third year. In its first two years it went to “Baraye” by Shervin Hajipour and “Refugee” by K’naan, Gerald Eaton and Steve McEwan.
“Deliver,” a soulful ballad with hip-hop and rock elements, captures the challenges of today’s sociopolitical climate and the struggle to communicate and reconcile differences. As a rallying cry against war, the song calls for unity, civility and meaningful dialogue.
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The Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change Award is a CEO’s Merit Award established by the academy’s national trustees in 2022 to honor songwriters of message-driven music that speaks to the social issues of our time and has demonstrated and inspired positive global impact.
Recipient(s) are selected annually by a committee of peers dedicated to artistic expression, the craft of songwriting and the power of songs to affect social change. The award was named in honor of the late singer and actor Harry Belafonte, a powerful voice for social justice throughout his career. Belafonte, a two-time Grammy winner who received a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy in 2000, died in 2023 at age 96.
Ahead of the 67th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 2, the Recording Academy has also chosen the winner of its Music Educator Award presented with the Grammy Museum, and Entertainment Law Initiative Writing Contest scholarships.
Music Educator Award
Adrian L. Maclin of Cordova High School in Memphis, Tennessee is the recipient of the 2025 Music Educator Award presented by the Recording Academy and the Grammy Museum. Maclin will also be recognized during the Special Merit Awards ceremony on Feb. 1.
The Music Educator Award recognizes current educators who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the music education field and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools. The award is open to current U.S. music teachers. Each year, one recipient is selected from 10 finalists and recognized for their impact on students’ lives. They will receive a $10,000 honorarium and a matching grant for their school’s music program. Nine additional finalists will each receive a $1,000 honorarium and a matching grant. The remaining 15 semifinalists will receive a $500 honorarium and a matching school grant.
The Music Educator Award program is made possible by The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation. In addition, the American Choral Directors Association, National Association for Music Education, NAMM Foundation, and National Education Association support this program through outreach to their constituencies. Nominations and applications for the 2026 Music Educator Award are now open via grammymusicteacher.com.
Entertainment Law Initiative Writing Contest
The Recording Academy Entertainment Law Initiative (ELI) has selected Melanie Sallis of Georgia State University/College of Law in Atlanta, Georgia as the winner of its annual ELI Writing Contest. Sallis won for her paper, “Beyond Takedowns: Expanding Music Monetization Tools to Support All Artists.”
In addition, two students were announced as runners-up: Angelina Craig of Drexel University/ Thomas R. Kline School of Law in Philadelphia, PA for “Words on Trial: The Use of Rap Lyrics as Evidence,” and Olivia McHenry of Nova Southeastern University/Shepard Broad College of Law in Fort Lauderdale, FL for “Hidden Fees and Scalpers are the Worst, So Put Fans First: Why the Fans First Act is a More Resourceful Option Over Structural Relief of Live Nation-Ticketmaster.”
The Recording Academy established the Entertainment Law Initiative in partnership with some of the nation’s most prominent entertainment attorneys to promote discussion and debate around compelling legal matters and trends in the music industry. Co-sponsored by the American Bar Association, the ELI Writing Contest challenges law students to identify and research a current legal issue in the music industry and outline a proposed solution in an essay. The winning paper is published in the ABA’s journal, Entertainment & Sports Lawyer. A $10,000 scholarship is awarded to the winner, who will also receive tickets to attend the 67th annual Grammy Awards and MusiCares Person of the Year event.
$2,500 scholarships are given to two runners-up. All three top finalists receive a mentor session with a leading entertainment attorney.