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04 Jan 2024

Mr. Bungle Founding Member Theo Lengyel Arrested, Suspected of Killing Girlfriend

Theo Lengyel, a founding member of the experimental rock band Mr. Bungle, has been arrested on suspicion of killing his girlfriend after human remains were found at a park near San Francisco, police said.

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Alice “Alyx” Kamakaokalani Herrmann was last seen Dec. 3 in Santa Cruz County, where she lives, and became the subject of a missing person inquiry the following week, according to a statement from California’s Capitola Police Department.

“As the investigation progressed, it became clear that foul play was involved, leading to the identification of Theobald Lengyel as a suspect,” Capitola police wrote in a statement.

Lengyel, 54, was arrested Tuesday after investigators discovered human remains in a wooded area of Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley, the statement said. DNA confirmation is still pending but police believe it is Herrmann.

Jail records show Lengyel, of El Cerrito, California, was held without bail on one count of first-degree murder. He’s scheduled to appear in court Jan. 16.

A phone listing for Lengyel could not be found Thursday and it wasn’t known if he has a lawyer. The Santa Cruz County Public Defender’s Office didn’t immediately respond to an email asking if one of its attorneys was representing him.

Lengyel left Mr. Bungle in 1996 after playing saxophone, clarinet and keyboards on several recordings, including the band’s self-titled 1991 debut album and Disco Volante in 1995. He did not participate in any of the band’s recent reunion tours, which began in 2020.

Mr. Bungle was formed in Northern California’s Humboldt County in 1985 by high school friends including guitarist Trey Spruance, bassist Trevor Dunn and vocalist Mike Patton, who went on to perform with Faith No More. Mr. Bungle experimented with funk, heavy metal, electronic, jazz and other musical styles, gaining popularity during the alternative rock boom of the 1990s.

In a 2005 Q&A, Dunn said Lengyel left the band on bad terms, SF Gate reported.

“We unanimously decided to go on without him because he wasn’t growing with the rest of the band and we were running out of things for him to do. He got pissed off and I haven’t heard from him since,” Dunn wrote in response to a fan question.

Herrmann is a software engineer who was educated at the California Institute of Technology and worked at several San Francisco Bay Area companies over the years, according to her brother, Eric Herrmann. She is also an avid athlete who competed internationally in outrigger canoeing, he said.

“She’s very talented, loves music, very active outdoors,” Eric Herrmann told SF Gate on Dec. 19.

04 Jan 2024

Selena Gomez Showed Off a ‘Flowing’ Free People Sweater Set You Can Still Snag: Shop Here

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Selena Gomez has had some major glam moments, including the sparkling Revolve dress from her “Single Soon” music video and her glittering Aupen purse that you’ll want to add to every outfit. Most recently, though, she took a more comfy route, stepping out on Saturday (Dec. 30) in a matching sweater set from Free People.

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Before the Only Murders in the Building made her public debut with Benny Blanco at a Lakers game, she was spotted taking a photo with a fan in the cozy sweater set, according to the Instagram fashion blog Selena Gomez Closet. The photo shows the singer wearing the matching set paired with Puma Cali sneakers and a long black wool coat from The Row.

This shows a more dressed-down-yet-stylish outfit for the Rare Beauty founder. It’s not uncommon for Gomez to step out in more preppy attire, and her trench coat continues to fall in line with the aesthetic. When looking at the matching set, it comes with a more elegant take on leggings and soft shirts. The bottoms show off a slight flare fit with a ruffle hem and a high-rise waist you can tuck your tops in or pair with a cropped shirt.

Rather than keep things form-fitted, the top comes with a relaxed, loose fit as well as a boat neckline and pocket in the top corner of the front.

Reviewers are also a fan of the ensemble describing it as “comfortable” and “flowing” making it the ultimate lounging outfit.

Keep reading to shop the exact look.

model wearing white matching sweater set with sandals

Free People

Karina Sweater Set

Free People’s Karina Sweater set is made from a comfy acrylic and cotton material that’s ready to carry you through the week. It features a matching yet long-sleeve top and pants you most likely won’t want to take off. Plus, it comes in five different shades to choose from to personalize to your unique style and aesthetic.

For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best corsets, hoodies and sweatshirts and teddy coats.

04 Jan 2024

Luck Ra & BM’s ‘La Morocha’ Back At No. 1 on Billboard Argentina Hot 100

Luck Ra and BM’s “La Morocha” rebounds to No. 1, from No. 2, on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart (dated Jan. 6). The collab adds an eighth week at the apex, after it led the tally for seven weeks, a tie for the longest-leading song, along with four other titles, in 2023. 

As “La Morocha” takes the lead, it sends Emilia and TINI’s “La_Original.Mp3” to No. 2.

Continuing with Luck Ra, the Argentinian urban artist also makes progress as “Que Me Falte Todo”, with Abel Pintos, ascends 5-3, for a new peak. 

Los Angeles Azules and Maria Becerra’s “El Amor De Mi Vida” climbs 6-4, after its No. 2 high last October. 

The week’s Greatest Gainer goes to Fer Vazquez and Flor Alvarez as “Sin Querer,” their first team-up, surges from No. 85 to No. 45. 

Meanwhile, the Hot Shot Debut of the week goes to The La Planta and El Negro Tecla, who each add a new chart entry with “Auto al Piso” at No. 84. 

04 Jan 2024

Nicki Minaj Reflects on How Father’s Death Inspired ‘Pink Friday 2’ & What Led to Drake’s Feature on ‘Needle’

Nicki Minaj‘s latest album, Pink Friday 2, became a certified hit on the Billboard 200 following its release in December, spawning several fan-favorite tracks like “Everybody (feat. Lil Uzi Vert)” and “Needle (feat. Drake).” The album, however, opened up with the emotive track “Are You Gone Already,” which Minaj explained in her Thursday (Jan. 4) interview with Apple Music was inspired by the sudden loss of her father in 2021.

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“My father had just passed. So right after I had the baby, and it was during Corona [the pandemic], and nobody knew what was going on, so, one day, I was rocking the baby and I don’t normally have the phone on me when I’m rocking him,” she told Ebro.

Minaj continued, “But that day, as I’m rocking him, the phone rings, and I see it’s my father. … I picked up, he was very happy, and he was like, ‘Baby, I could come on Monday.’ Because he had been waiting to be able to come to Cali to help me. I kept on saying, ‘Come on out.’ He wasn’t really happy, but I knew that when he came to be with us, we were going to be happy.”

Later that night, the rapper explained, she woke to a phone call from her mother stating that her father had been killed in a hit-and-run car accident. Paralyzed by the news, Minaj fainted — “After I had my baby was the first time in my life that I ever fainted; I never knew what it felt like to faint” — and recalled that she had multiple dreams in the past about someone she loved getting into an accident, with one occurring just two days before her father died.

The grief Minaj experienced inspired the track, down to its title. She explained that while on the phone with him hours before the incident that claimed he life, she uttered the name of the track to him. “He was the happiest that I had heard him in a long time. … What was interesting, why I said, ‘Are you gone already?’ is because I knew he was gone already,” she said.

Elsewhere in the interview, Minaj spoke about working with Drake on “Needle” and noted that the track was initially meant to appear on For All the Dogs, but there was a change of plans.

“He told the fans at his tour that I was going to be on his album. And actually, the song he was talking about was ‘Needle,’” she explained. “But he ended up feeling like sonically it didn’t match For All the Dogs. And I, from day one, felt like it matched Pink Friday 2.”

While some fans were upset at the lack of Minaj on Drake’s record, she said the change “worked out for the best.”

Watch Nicki’s full interview with Ebro for Apple Music in the video above.

04 Jan 2024

4 Best Doc Martens Dupes That Will Elevate Your Style Without Breaking the Bank

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.

Doc Martens are like Chuck Taylors — they’re timeless. The black work-boot style has been a celebrity trend for years, with singers including Olivia Rodrigo, Phoebe Bridgers, Selena Gomez and more sporting the shoes in their streetwear and even red-carpet looks. The platform boots may be a staple piece, but finding Doc Martens sales can be rare. Rather than wait for the prices to drop, Doc Martens dupes give you the look for less, so you can show off the elevated look without having to burn a hole in your wallet.

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The classic look usually entails an above-ankle fit with a lace-up combat boot design, but those aren’t the other styles that have taken over social media. You can also find Chelsea boots, platform Mary Janes and Oxford shoes on both stars and influencers alike.

Most of the boots run for $100+ each and even with a sale you’ll most likely still in the high $90 range. Most dupes though can go for as low as $20 and give you that grunge utility feel, while keeping your wallet from shaking its head in disappointment.

Rather than scour the web yourself for quality, reviewer-loved pairs, Billboard Shopping did the research for you and found a few of the best Doc Martens dupes from Chelsea styles to the classic combat boot to add to your rotation and enjoy the look, for less.

Best Doc Marten Dupes

black lace-up combat boots

Amazon

ICHIGO Lace-up Combat Boots

$35.99

$63.99

44% off

Enjoy the classic combat boot look for less than $40, which feature contrast stitching reminiscent of the designer brand’s iconic style. You can also enjoy a rubber sole for added traction whether you’re going to school, work or running errands.

white and black platform chelsea boots

Circus NY

Darielle Lug Sole Chelsea Boot

$59.95

$100

40% off

Rather than go for a traditional neutral black shade, these white Chelsea boots are still versatile enough to go with everything while providing a heightened look that you can slip on and go. And did we mention they’re less than $100?

black lace up oxford shoes

DSW

Rocket Dog Donna Oxford

Rocket Dog’s oxford shoe comes in an all black design with laces you can customize to your liking. The chunky sole will provide a more modern and streetwear vibe while ensuring your feet stay swaddled in extra comfort for all-day wear.

model wearing black mary janes with heart socks

Urban Outfitters

UO Margot Mary Jane Shoe

$19.95

$59

66% off

Take advantage of 66% off Urban Outfitters’ Mary Jane shoes that come with an elevated sole and black and silver buckle strap. Each pair is made with a rounded toe and less than $20 making them a cute and budget-friendly find.

For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best platform heels, men’s sneaker deals and shoes for travel.

04 Jan 2024

5 Things to Know About 2024 Golden Globes Host Jo Koy

The 2024 Golden Globe Awards are just around the corner, and stand-up comedian, actor and author Jo Koy is set to host the star-studded ceremony on Sunday (Jan. 7).

Koy will host the three-hour broadcast for the first time, following fellow comedian Jerrod Carmichael, who hosted the show last year.

“We are thrilled to have Jo host the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards and bring his infectious energy and relatable humor to kick off Hollywood’s award season,” Helen Hoehne, Golden Globes president, said in a statement at the time of the announcement. “We can’t wait to see what he has in store for the stars in the room and a global audience.” 

“I’ve stepped onto a lot of stages around the world in my career, but this one is going to be extra special,” added Koy. “I’m so excited to be hosting the Golden Globes this year. This is that moment where I get to make my Filipino family proud.”

The 2024 Golden Globes will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Sunday (Jan. 7) starting at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Before the big event, see below for five things to know about this year’s host, Jo Koy.

04 Jan 2024

New Year, New Bedding: This Cozy Comforter Feels Like You’re Sleeping on a Cloud – Here’s Where to Get It on Sale

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.

New year, new bedding. Switching out your comforter is an easy way to change the vibe in your bedroom without blowing the bank.

When it comes to getting a good night’s rest, investing in the right mattress, pillows, blankets, sheets and comforter will help you sleep better.

The obsession with finding the softest comforter has officially flooded TikTok with millions of videos recommending the softest, coziest comforters on the market, such as Buffy’s Cloud Comforter. The cozy comforter is TikTok-approved, Billboard-approved, and on sale for a limited time only.

Now’s your chance to see if the Cloud Comforter lives up to the hype — and you won’t have to pay full price. Save up to 15% off the comforter and other bedding, bundles and more during Buffy’s winter sale. The sale includes the Cloud Comforter, Cloud Pillow, Breeze Comforter and Breeze Sheet Set.

Buffy’s Cloud Comforter has a 4.8-star rating from more than 23,000 customer reviews. I’ve personally tested the Cloud Comforter and it’s a must-have, especially if you’re a hot sleeper or have overnight guests.

Why do I love the Cloud Comforter? It hits all the right notes: soft, comfortable, cooling, lightweight and extremely cozy. The eco-friendly comforter is warm enough on its own, but you can also slip it inside a duvet cover or pair it with other blankets for added coziness (it might even save you money on your heating bill).

The Cloud Comforter’s shell fabric is made from lyocell, a breathable fabric derived from eucalyptus that distributes moisture faster than cotton or linen, which means you’ll sweat less while you sleep (another plus for hot sleepers). According to the product description, the Cloud Comforter is constructed from “stacking 105 ultra-fine layers of fill” that provide full coverage and no cold spots.

Want more ways to refresh for the new year? Be sure to check out our recommendations for the best deals on workout equipment, best online fitness classes and best tech deals.

04 Jan 2024

Billboard Is Music Sustainability Alliance’s Official Media Partner for February Climate Summit

With climate change having an increasing effect on the music industry, Billboard is partnering with the Music Sustainability Alliance to help foster impactful solutions to this urgent issue.

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Billboard will be the official media partner of the inaugural Music Sustainability Summit, happening Feb. 5 at the USC Campus in Los Angeles. Produced by the Music Sustainability Alliance, the event marks the first music industry climate summit in North America.

“Billboard is delighted to be partnering with the Music Sustainability Alliance to amplify their essential work in educating the music industry about climate action,” says Billboard‘s Chief Brand Officer Dana Droppo. “Dedicating our attention to environmentalism is an investment in future generations of fans and artists alike, and we can’t wait witness the exchange of ideas at this inaugural Summit.”

The Music Sustainability Alliance provides science-based solutions, business case analyses, best practices, and tools for operational change across the music industry. Tickets for the Summit — running 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. — are available on a sliding scale between $25 and $200 and are available now.

“The MSA is thrilled to partner with Billboard to advance meaningful climate action in the music industry,” adds Music Sustainability Alliance President and Co-founder Amy Morrison. “With the support of Billboard, The Summit will become an annual gathering of the tribes, bringing together the MSA team, our diverse group of stakeholders and new advocates.”

The Summit will feature speakers including Lindsay Arell, head of sustainability at ASM, Maggie Baird the founder of Support + Feed, John Fernandez, the director of the Environmental Solutions Initiative at MIT, Adam Gardner, the co-founder and Co-Director of REVERB (and also the guitarist and vocalist for Guster), Garrett Keraga, the senior manager of sustainability, policy & advisory at ClimeCo, Cassie Lee, the CEO of Sound Future, Michael Martin, the CEO and founder of r.World & Effect Partners, Amy Morrison, the president & co-founder of the the Music Sustainability Alliance, Lesley Olenik the vice president of touring at Live Nation and Jake Perry, the director of operations at C3 Presents. See the complete program here.

04 Jan 2024

How to Make a Vision Board: Pictures, Supplies & More to Help Manifest Your Goals

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Entering a new year usually comes with a fresh set of goals, whether you’re looking to live a healthier lifestyle, travel more or move into your dream apartment. Making a goal is the easy part, but maintaining the motivation to work toward it can be challenging. For some of us, having a visual reference like a vision board allows you to look at your goals and set your intentions.

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Vision boards rely on manifestation to help you achieve some of your most-wanted dreams and goals. What is manifestation? Simply put, it’s the idea that you can manifest and attract visions into your life by thinking it. But thinking something won’t automatically make it happen, some work does have to be put into it like investing in fitness equipment to help strengthen your muscles.

Making a vision board also allows you to unleash your creativity while taking a moment to think of the most important things you want to work towards during the year.

Whether you’re looking for supplies or inspiration, we broke down the basics below to help you get started on your manifestation journey.

What Is a Vision Board?

Typically, a vision board consists of photos and objects you arrange yourself that will help you achieve your goals or visions in life. It can be physical or digital and is mainly used as a tool that can help you visualize your personal goals or the dream life you envision for yourself. Its versatility also enables you to switch up what you look to manifest.

Influencer and podcaster Tam Kaur also breaks down the science in an explainer video on YouTube, saying “by looking at your vision board every single day, you are basically immersing yourself into the reality that you get every single thing you want.” The effect, she goes on to say, basically tricks your brain into thinking it’s already living in a reality where you already have it and the brain will make new neural pathways “that can actually create new behaviors that help you achieve all the goals,” Kaur explained in the video.

Vision Board Supplies

There is no one-size-fits-all template to making a vision board, you can let your creativity run wild — just make sure you put photos, objects and even words that’ll represent your desired outcomes. There are some must-have supplies though including photos, quotes, scissors, tacks or tape and markers. To help you get started, we listed the essentials below for you to shop.

cover of clip are book

Amazon

2024 Vision Board Clip Art Book

$13.81

$19.99

31% off

Rather than scour the web or magazines for the perfect photos, this book comes with 500 elements to choose, cut and paste with. Whether you’re looking to manifest more money, a beach getaway or a job promotion, this book will most likely have it.

cork bulletin board

Walmart

U Brands Cork Bulletin Board

U Brand’s Cork Bulletin Board is the perfect neutral display to add all of your goals and manifestations onto. You can mount it to your wall or place it on your shelves. The cork background makes it easier to attache your photos and objects, so you can admire them any time you glance at it.

box of clear adhesive dots

Amazon

Scotch Adhesive Dots

Avoid putting in tacks and apply your photos, objects and quotes with Scotch’s adhesive dots. They’re acid-free and come with a peel liner you just need to peel off and apply to your desired object.

vision board kit with photos

Amazon

Vision Board Kit

Don’t want to grab all the supplies separately? This vision board kit comes with everything you could possibly need including photos, a foldable board and a booklet guide to help you while you put it all together.

How to Make a Vision Board

Once you have all of your supplies, you’ll want to make note of the things you want to envision for the year. The possibilities are endless when it comes to putting together your vision board. You can arrange everything however you want, the most important thing to consider though, is where you put it once all your goals are pasted onto the vision board. You’ll want to ensure it’s in a spot you can see it everyday to help you trick your brain into thinking you’re living your dream life and help make the manifestations a reality.

For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best tarot cards, planners and scented candles.

04 Jan 2024

Britney Spears Not Returning to Music, Lil Nas X Claps Back at Dave Chapelle & More | Billboard News

Lil Nas X responds to jokes made by Dave Chappelle and says he is going to have the “greatest comeback of all time.” Britney Spears set the record straight about rumors she is working on new music, taking to Instagram to say she will “never return to the music industry.” Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco attended the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat game in LA yesterday. The outing marks the couple’s first public appearance together. And more!

Tetris Kelly:
Britney says she’s done with music. Lil Nas X takes on Dave Chappelle. Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco put their love on display. We run down the top songs on TikTok and learn five things about d4vd.

I’m Tetris Kelly. This is Billboard News. It’s Thursday, January 4th, and I’m still bringing you the news despite not having a voice. Let’s kick things off with a little online drama.

Lil Nas X responded to Dave Chappelle taking jabs at him in the comedian’s latest Netflix special and teases new music is on the way.

Dave Chappelle:
And for some reason, out of all them dreamers, he walked right up to me and he said, “I tried to get you in my video.”

Tetris Kelly:
Lil Nas X is tired of the “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” controversy, but some are still hanging on to it. In Dave Chappelle’s latest comedy special “The Dreamer,” the comedian noted that Lil Nas walked up to him at a party and said that he wanted Chappelle in his video. Chappelle said that the moment reminded him of grade school and being asked what he wanted to be growing up and making fun of what the 24-year-old singer might have told his teacher. Lil Nas X took to X on Wednesday to respond, writing, “Y’all gotta let ‘Call Me By Your Name’ go, me and the devil broke up three years ago. Y’all acting like children of divorce.” And letting go of that he is. The rapper also posted saying “I’m really about to have the greatest comeback of all time. Hope y’all ready for next week,” followed by an image that hints at his upcoming self-proclaimed Christian era and letting fans know new music is coming. We can’t wait.

Watch the full video above!