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Sony’s Sweat-Proof Wireless Earbuds Are Marked Down to $68

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Sony is one of the most-trusted names when it comes to audio gear, but it’s not always easy to find deals or discounts on Sony products. That’s why you’ll want to take advantage of this surprise Amazon sale, which gets you a pair of Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds for just $78 — their lowest price this year.

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Regularly $99.99+, this Sony earbuds deal brings the price of the WF-C500s down to just $78 — a $22 discount. This is the lowest price for Sony earbuds online and one of the best deals overall for wireless earbuds on Amazon.

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EARBUDS DEAL

Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

The Sony WF-C500 Wireless Earbuds are equipped with Sony’s 360 Reality Audio technology, which seemingly “floats” sound all around you, for a wider, more immersive soundscape. This is the same 360 Audio technology found in large Sony speakers, only paired down to fit the shape and confines of these tiny buds.

Speaking of size, Sony says these earbuds are 45% smaller than previous earbuds, making them more comfortable in your ears, even while wearing for long periods of time. They’re less likely to fall out too, and in our experience, don’t take a lot of wiggling or adjusting to find a great fit. Sony says that’s thanks to the earbuds’ “Ergonomic Surface Design,” which helps the buds better conform to your ear shape.

With an IPX4-rating, the Sony WF-C500 earbuds are splash-proof and sweat-proof, making them great for taking on a run or workout. Get up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge and 20 hours with the included charging case.

These earbuds have a built-in mic, so you can use them at work for taking or making calls too.

Sony earbuds rarely go on sale so you’ll want to take advantage of this Amazon deal while it’s live. As with all Amazon sales, this discount could go away at any time. Regularly $99.99+, get the Sony WF-C500 Wireless Earbuds for just $78 here.

The Killers, Beck and Jane’s Addiction Primed for a Rock-Steady Evolution Festival in STL

St. Louis, Missouri’s emerging Evolution Festival will mark its second year this fall with a killer lineup — literally. Alt-rock anthem makers The Killers will join anti-folk funk-soul rocker Beck as headliners of the event, which returns to Mound City’s leafy Forest Park on Sept. 28-29 following a successful debut in 2023.

Joining the veteran headliners will be fellow seminal acts Jane’s Addiction, Blondie and Nile Rodgers & Chic. The rest of Evolution’s stacked lineup includes recent Grammy winner Killer Mike, Americana singer Elle King, studio wizard Todd Rundgren and singer-songwriter Pete Yorn, along with Robert Finley, S.G. Goodman, His Lordship, Beachwood Sparks, The Mysterines, Lola Kirke, 95 Bulls, Tre Burt, The Asteroid No. 4 and more.

Like other area festivals, namely Music at the Intersection, Evolution co-producers Contemporary Presentations and The Just Listen Company make sure to weave in local acts as well. This year, the honors go to alt-country statesmen Son Volt and a group simply called Nadine. The former helped popularize the genre following the collapse of frontman Jay Farrar’s earlier band, Uncle Tupelo; the latter produced a series of beloved indie albums that evolved from straight-on roots to more atmospheric territory during a brief run in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

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Organizers hope to build on the momentum of Evolution’s inaugural event, which attracted over 25,000 attendees last August for a lineup that included Brandi Carlile, The Black Keys, Ice Cube and Sugarhill Gang, plus a curated program of local culinary offerings and craft-y spirits.

“We are thrilled to bring Evolution Festival back to Forest Park for its second year,” said festival producers Steve Schankman and Joe Litvag. “Building upon the success of our inaugural year, we are committed to creating a dynamic and inclusive experience that celebrates music, food, and community. We look forward to welcoming fans to what promises to be an unforgettable weekend.”

Attendees can choose from two general admission tiers, starting at $129.50, or spring for one of three VIP or ‘Platinum’-level packages that provide special seating, access to lounge areas and special food offerings. All options will be available for purchase on Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 10:00 a.m. CST.

Erykah Badu Honored By DART With “Badu Bus” In Dallas

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Another Badu Birthday Bash

Source: Omar Vega / Getty

The City of Dallas and DART are giving fans of Erykah Badu a permanent “Window Seat” after unveiling the new “Badu Bus” to honor the Neo-Soul icon.

According to the announcement last week at a press conference outside Badu’s old high school, Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, the Grammy Award-winning singer and DART revealed they teamed up to put artwork on Dallas buses and trains; announcing that the design would be seen for the next year. Overwhelmed and excited by the DART x BADU collaboration, the “Next Lifetime ” artist said:

“If you are Black in Dallas, Texas, you know you made it, if you’re on the cover of Jet and on the cover of DART,” Badu said. “I was a hustler, everybody. And I’m still a hustler today. And what I’m hustling now is love, and kindness any kind of way I can. I want to thank y’all for allowing me this space, this platform, and this day; And, if you guys can give me my keys, I’d like to take my bus now.”

The “Badu Bus” is a collection of three buses and two trains that have been specially wrapped and decorated, featuring images of Badu and artwork designed to celebrate this collaboration. The new “Badu Bus” design will be operational throughout DART’s thirteen service area cities.

As noted by Dallas radio station, 97.9The Beat, students, teachers, and DART executives were thrilled to commemorate Badu at this significant milestone, ahead of her annual Birthday Bash event at The Factory in Deep Ellum, over the weekend. At the Birthday Bash, four lucky DART riders and their plus-ones received special access to a VIP section, private entrance, exclusive swag, and a DART monthly pass for riding on the “Badu Bus”.

When asked by the station about the significance of receiving the honor during Black History Month, given Black Americans’ history with the bus system, Badu said:

“Humor is my defense mechanism, so I don’t have anything funny to say about that,” Badu said. ”I remember there was one bus driver on my route — it wasn’t called DART at the time; it’s rebranded now, it was yellow and black and white. I remember my route, the No. 2 Ervay route to this school, Booker T. The bus driver was so sweet. He would let people on who didn’t have transfers or the money or stuff. He didn’t talk at all, he would just do a little [nods] go to the back kinda thing.’ It reminded me that there are still angels and love in the city.”

8 Popular Athleisure Brands to Shop Online, From Luxe Leggings to Stylish Sweats

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Wearing comfortable clothing doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style — and with athleisure continuing to dominate the trends, you can have the best of both worlds. In the past, running shorts and leggings would’ve been categorized as just athletic wear, but now the style has evolved into versatile pieces you can show off anywhere from the gym, to errands, to meeting up for drinks with friends.

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Athleisure brands continue to stand out with pieces that are as comfortable (think stretchy, soft and breathable) as they are trendy. Think of it like wearing your comfiest yoga pants without looking as though you’ve just hopped off your at-home fitness equipment. You don’t have to burn a hole in your wallet to invest in the style either — there is practically an endless amount of online retailers that offer athleisure for a range of budgets and aesthetics.

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What Is An Athleisure Brand?

As the name suggests, athleisure brands refers to clothing brands that make pieces combing athletic wear and leisure wear. The best athleisure brands combine the movement and functionality of sportswear with the style and trendiness of everyday apparel such as T-shirts, trousers, bodysuits and more. Rather than feeling restricted and uncomfortable, these styles usually use materials from sportswear styles to create a look that will move with you without sacrificing style.

Athleisure brands have even made popular athletic apparel trendy enough to show off everyday, including the classic tennis skirt. What sets it apart from traditional sportswear is its versatility — meaning your outfit can go from the couch to brunch or the gym to work without having to pack an additional outfit.

What Are the Best Athleisure Brands?

Looking for the best athleisure brands and pieces to add to your wardrobe? Billboard Shopping has gone through and picked the best athleisure brands to help inspire your next shopping session. Keep reading to shop our picks below.

Nike

unisex pick

Nike

Nike aims to inspire athletes of all levels with apparel that’s both versatile and performance-focused. You can find a mix of pieces for men, women and even unisex options for a range of prices starting at $12. The brand has also tapped celebrities including Meghan The Stallion to show the range the brand has both in style and sportswear.

Our favorite Nike athleisure picks: you can’t go wrong with a bold pair of Nike Air Force 1 Shadow sneakers ($130) paired with some comfy fleece pants ($39, reg. $60) and a soft fleece hoodie ($65).

Girlfriend Collective

sustainable pick

Girlfriend Collective

If you’re looking to shift to more eco-friendly brands, then look no further than Girlfriend Collective. The brand uses recycled plastic materials in their fabrics and offer a mix of basics in neutral and statement shades that pair easily with any look or personality style.

Some of the brand’s bestselling styles include their Sport Skort ($62), Recycled Cotton Cropped Crew ($42) and the Compressive Pocket Legging ($88), which also earned a spot on Oprah’s Favorite Things list in 2022.

Alo Yoga

luxury pick

Alo Yoga

Alo Yoga is one of the priciest options on the list, but is completely worth the money for its elevated athleisure styles. The brand has even gained the love of celebs like BLACKPINK’s Jisoo who was tapped to be the face of the athleisure brand’s spring campaign. You can expect to find looks that’ll easily have you looking like one of the most fashionable people at the gym or office.

Some styles we recommend trying include the Varsity Tennis Skirt ($74), Airbrush Streamlined Bra Tank ($68) and the Alo x 01 Sneakers ($168).

Athleta

everyday pick

Athleta

Whether you’re looking to refresh your basics or want more comfortable, everyday pieces that can be worn to meet up with friends, Athleta has the inventory to meet your needs. The brand has a range of leggings, sports bras and also pants and tops that can provide fashionable looks that are breathable and stretchy.

Take a peek at the brand’s popular Brooklyn Heights Wide-Leg Jumpsuit ($104, reg. $139), Elation V-Neck Hybrid Dress ($97, reg. $129) and the Salutaion Jogger ($67, reg. $89).

Outdoor Voices

tiktok pick

Outdoor Voices

If it’s not Outdoor Voices‘ skirt going viral on TikTok, then the social media platform is most likely going wild over the brand’s athletic dress. At their core, the athleisure brand wants to encourage people to get moving no matter what their athletic abilities are. To help, they’ve designed cute and functional pieces for men and women that can be integrated into your everyday outfits or worn to workout in.

Some of the most popular styles include The Exercise 3″ Skort ($68), The Exercise Dress ($100) and The RecTrek Pant ($98).

For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best winter running gear, shoes for travel and SKIMS dupes.

Rod Stewart And Jools Holland Eye U.K. No. 1 With ‘Swing Fever’

Swing Fever is gripping the U.K.

When the calendar flips over to March, expect to see Rod Stewart and Jools Holland at No. 1 on the U.K. chart with Swing Fever (via Rhino), a covers collection gathering songs from the big band era.

Swing Fever leads the midweek chart, and is set to become Stewart’s 11th No. 1 album, and first since You’re In My Heart led the tally back in December 2019. Holland has never nabbed top spot on the Official U.K. Chart.

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Should it stay on target, Swing Fever would see Stewart move up to 10th on the U.K.’s list of artists with the most career No. 1s, and into equal fifth among solo acts with the most leaders.

Meanwhile, Scottish rock act the Snuts slot in at No. 2 on the Official Chart Update with Millennials (Happy Artist), their third album. Millennials should give the Snuts a third consecutive top three debut, following 2021 chart leader W.L. and 2022’s Burn The Empire, which peaked at No. 3.

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Liverpool’s Red Rum Club could be raising a glass this Friday. The alternative sextet’s new album Western Approaches (Modern Sky) is set to enter the national tally at No. 3, for what would be the group’s first top 10 appearance. The band previously cracked the top 40 with 2021’s How To Steal The World, which hit No. 34.

Completing an all-new top four on the chart blast is Barking, England rapper Potter Payper with Thanks For Hating (36TL), new at No. 4. The homegrown hip-hop artist has two previous top 10 appearances, with 2020’s Training Day 3 (No. 3 peak) and 2021’s Thanks For Waiting (No. 8).

Further down the list, Tyneside, England singer and songwriter Nadine Shah is on the brink of her first top 10 appearance with Filthy Underneath (EMI North), her fifth album. It’s new at No. 8 on the chart update. Filthy Underneath should comfortably set a new career best for Shah, besting the No. 29 peak for 2020’s Kitchen Sink.

All will be revealed when the Official U.K. Albums Chart is published Friday, March 1.

Sean Combs Sued by Music Producer for Sexual Assault, Sex Trafficking in Sprawling Complaint

A music producer who says he worked on Sean “Diddy” Combs‘ 2023 album The Love Album: Off the Grid is accusing the hip-hop mogul of sexual assault and harassment, sex trafficking and various other forms of misconduct in a sprawling lawsuit filed Monday (Feb. 26).

In the complaint, filed by plaintiff Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones Jr. in New York federal court, the producer accuses Combs of “groping and touching” his anus and trying to groom him into engaging in sexual acts with Combs and other individuals, including Love Album producer Steven Aaron Jordan (a.k.a. Stevie J) and a cousin of Combs’ ex-girlfriend Yung Miami (named as a Jane Doe defendant). He also claims that Combs “forced” him to “solicit sex workers,” some of whom were underage, as well as to “perform sex acts to the pleasure of Mr. Combs.”

In one alleged incident from February 2023, Jones claims he woke up “naked, dizzy, and confused” in a “bed with two sex workers and Mr. Combs” at Combs’ home in Miami and “believes” he was drugged by Combs.

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The lawsuit, filed by attorney Tyrone Blackburn, names several more defendants whom Jones claims conspired with Combs in an alleged “RICO enterprise” to enable his misconduct: Universal Music Group (UMG), its subsidiary Motown Records, Combs’ label imprint Love Records, UMG chairman/CEO Lucian Grainge, former Motown CEO/chairwoman Ethiopia Habtemariam; Combs’ chief of staff, Kristina Khorram; and Combs’ son, Justin Combs. Federal RICO cases, which are based on the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act traditionally used to target the mafia and drug cartels, are brought to more effectively sweep up members of alleged crime rings. (Notably, the ongoing Georgia criminal case against Young Thug that alleges the rapper ran a violent Atlanta street gang is based on a Georgia statute modeled off of the federal RICO law.)

In this case, Jones claims the “RICO enterprise” in question was set up to recruit sex workers, some of them underage, and to acquire and distribute drugs and guns out of Combs’ Miami home. He accuses the participants in the alleged enterprise of keeping him under their control by threatening him with violence, ostracism from the music industry and nonpayment for work on the album, which he says he still has not been compensated for despite having allegedly produced nine tracks.

The lawsuit also brings up an alleged September 2022 incident at Chalice Recording Studio in Hollywood, during a writing and producing camp for The Love Album, that allegedly resulted in a man being shot in the stomach following a “heated conversation” between Combs, his son Justin Combs and another unnamed man. Following the incident, Jones claims Combs forced him to lie to police by telling them the man was injured in a drive-by shooting outside. Jones is suing Combs, UMG, Motown, Love Records and Chalice Recording Studio for providing “inadequate or negligent security” during the camp.

In a statement sent to Billboard, Combs’ attorney Shawn Holley said: “Lil Rod is nothing more than a liar who filed a $30 billion lawsuit shamelessly looking for an undeserved payday. His reckless name-dropping about events that are pure fiction and simply did not happen is nothing more than a transparent attempt to garner headlines. We have overwhelming, indisputable proof that his claims are complete lies. Our attempts to share this proof with Mr. Jones’ attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, have been ignored, as Mr. Blackburn refuses to return our calls. We will address these outlandish allegations in court and take all appropriate action against those who make them.”

A spokesperson for Justin Combs sent the following statement: “Justin Combs categorically denies these absurd allegations. They are all lies! This is a clear example of a desperate person taking desperate measures in hopes of a pay day. There will be legal consequences for all defamatory statements made about the Combs family.”

Representatives for UMG, Motown, Love Records, Grainge and Chalice Recording Studio did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Habtemariam could not be located for comment at press time.

Jones is asking for damages for loss of past and future income as well as “mental anguish, humiliation, embarrassment, stress and anxiety, emotional pain and suffering, and emotional distress”; punitive damages; and the costs of bringing the suit.

The Love Album was originally announced in May 2022 as a release on Combs’ newly formed imprint Love Records, to be released in tandem with UMG’s Motown. However, the album — which featured a laundry list of stars including Mary J. Blige, Burna Boy, John Legend, Justin Bieber and The Weeknd — was ultimately released independently in September 2023.

Jones’ lawsuit is just the latest in a string of legal accusations to be lodged against Combs over the past several months. In November, Combs’ longtime girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, sued him for rape and physical abuse, though the case was promptly settled. He was subsequently sued by two more women for sexual assault and later by a Jane Doe who claimed Combs “sex trafficked” and “gang raped” her when she was 17. Combs has denied all of the allegations.

Flash (Flood) Deal! Hunter Rain Boots Are On Sale for $90 – Save Up to 44% Off

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These boots were made for walking through the storm. If you’re looking for footwear to help you face the wet weather, Hunter rain boots are on sale for up to 44% off.

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The waterproof rain boots with more than 4.2 million views on TikTok usually cost under $200, but for shoppers on a tighter budget, we spied a price cut on the Women’s Original Short Rain Boot at Amazon and Hunter.com.

The women’s rain boot is currently on sale for $90 at Amazon and $99 at Hunter.

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Hunter Women’s Original Short Gloss Rain Boots, Military Red, 5 B(M) US

$90.00

$160.00

44% off

Regularly $170, the limited deal saves shoppers up to 44% off select colors, including military red and olive green. The Women’s Short Rain Boot also comes in hunter green, purring pink, navy, black, white, and yellow.

The waterproof boot is made from natural rubber and features recycled polyester lining, with a buckle design on the side and the Hunter logo on the front.

Hunter Women’s Original Short Rain Boot, Olive

$99.99

$170

41% off

The popular boot, which is a shortened version of the Hunter Original Tall Boot, earned 4.8 stars out of 5 stars on the Hunter website and 4.6 stars at Amazon from over 2,500 customer ratings.

Hunter rain boots are available major retailers such as Amazon, Nordstrom, Free People and Zappos.

Kacey Musgraves, Hillary Duff, and Meghan Markle are a few of the celebrities that have worn Hunter boots, which music lovers have been known to wear at festivals such as Glastonburry and Coachella.

For more footwear recommendations, see our selections of the best platform boots, Ugg boots to shop for winter and best over-the-knee boots.

Taylor Swift’s Father Scott Accused of Assaulting a Photographer in Sydney, Her Rep Responds

After Australian news reports stated that Taylor Swift‘s father, Scott Swift, had been accused of assaulting a photographer in Sydney, a rep for the pop star is telling her side of events.

Sky News first reported that Swift’s 71-year-old dad was involved in an altercation with a photographer early Tuesday morning following Taylor’s final concert in Sydney on Monday night. In a statement sent to Billboard, a rep for Taylor Swift said of the incident: “Two individuals were aggressively pushing their way towards Taylor, grabbing at her security personnel, and threatening to throw a female staff member into the water.”

Police confirmed they were investigating an “alleged assault after a 71-year-old man allegedly assaulted a 51-year-old man at Neutral Bay Wharf” around 2:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday in a statement sent to People, but did not confirm Scott Swift’s or the photographer’s identity. “The younger man reported the incident and inquiries are now underway by officers attached to North Shore Police Area Command,” the police statement continued. “The man did not require medical treatment.”

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Monday night’s show was Taylor Swift’s final of four Sydney stops on The Eras Tour. She arrived in Australia last weekend for three concerts in Melbourne after kicking off her 2024 tour dates with four shows in Tokyo.

The Sydney Eras Tour stops have been star-studded, with Katy Perry and Rita Ora attending Friday night’s first show together (and Perry going viral for singing along with “Bad Blood,” the song she allegedly inspired) alongside Swift’s Super Bowl-winning boyfriend Travis Kelce and Australian film director Baz Luhrmann. Two-thirds of Blink-182 popped by too, with Mark Hoppus attending night 1 and Tom DeLonge spotted taking photos with Australian actress Rebel Wilson on night 2.

Swift picks her tour back up Saturday in Singapore.

Black History Month Spotlight: Phylicia Fant | Billboard News

For Black History Month, Billboard is celebrating by highlighting some of the greatest Black executives in music. And today we’re celebrating Phylicia Fant.

Phylicia Fant
Figuring out how can I be authentic, be myself and still achieve my dreams.

Tetris Kelly
For Black History Month, Billboard is celebrating by highlighting some of the greatest Black executives in music, and today we’re celebrating Phylicia Fant. From Lil Nas X to Jason Derulo and from Beyoncé to Prince, it’s not easy to be one of the industry’s best in publicity, but Phylicia Fant does it while looking flawless at the same time. Just some of her former titles include being the Vice President of Publicity at Universal Music Group and the SVP of Media and Strategic Development at Warner Music. She’s currently the Head of Music Industry and Culture Collaborations at Amazon Music, where she has transformed the brand, even working on Beyoncé’s merch deal, and she founded the Purple Agency for Public Relations and Marketing. She’s had a hand in the careers of Erykah Badu and India.Arie.

Phylicia Fant
The reason that you need executives of color in the building is because there’s things about people’s culture that you may or may not understand.

Tetris Kelly
And she’s not just here to represent herself, but fight for others to be by her side.

Phylicia Fant
The game is not necessarily rigged, but you have to really know how to pass the ladder back down.

Tetris Kelly
She’s a beacon of inspiration for aspiring executives everywhere. Her dedication, drive and undeniable style make her a true icon in the game, and we’re here for it. We celebrate you, Phylicia.

Is Cardi B Preparing for Her Next Era? Plus, Fifth Harmony Supports Normani & More | Billboard News

Fans speculate that Cardi B is making her musical comeback after the rapper noticeably wiped her social media pages. Dinah Jane, Camila Cabello, Lauren Jauregui and Ally Brooke of Fifth Harmony showed their former groupmate Normani some love after announcing her debut album, ‘Dopamine.’ Rihanna let some fans hop into her car in Milan. Reese Witherspoon praised Selena Gomez after the release of her new song “Love On.” Billboard explains the success of Billboard’s Women In Music Global Force recipient Luísa Sonza. We break down the Billboard Hot 100 top 10, reveal a new track at No. 1 and more!

Tetris Kelly
Cardi B is making a comeback. There’s a brand-new No. 1 song in the country, updates on Rihanna, Selena Gomez and Fifth Harmony and giving you the rundown on a Women in Music honoree. I am so excited for this Monday, welcome to Billboard News, I’m Tetris and it’s February 26th. I got a lot of new faces to discuss, including the reason I’m wearing cowboy boots, which you can’t see. But let’s just kick things off with the goodies. Here’s three things you should know today. What would you give to get inside a car with Rihanna? Well, that was the experience for some lucky fans in Milan in a viral video. Rihanna let some fans in her ride for some selfies. I mean, NAVY may not be getting any new music, but that’s arguably much better. Speaking of fans, we love the famous friends fangirling over each other, and that’s just what Reese Witherspoon did to Selena Gomez at the SAG Awards. Hyping her girl up right after she released her new song “Love On.” Loving on “Love On,” I can’t even imagine having an Academy Award winner tell you they like your music. Selena, you really struck friendship gold. Also excelling in the friend department is Normani, after sharing the album artwork and a snippet from her new album ‘Dopamine,’ her Fifth Harmony sisters all jumped in the comments to show her love and this is why I’ll always be a Harmonizer. That kind of sisterhood will stand the test of time and I’ll be ready when the reunion comes.

Watch the full video above!