News

22 Nov 2023

BLACKPINK Hit Buckingham Palace For a Royal Visit With the King and Queen

BLACKPINK are K-pop royalty used to playing to massive crowds or adoring fans. But on Tuesday night (Nov. 21) Jennie, Jisoo, Rosé and Lisa were happy to share the spotlight with some actual nobles when they attended a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.

The quartet were the guests of England’s King Charles and Queen Camilla at a glitzy state dinner in honor of South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee during their visit to the UK. The Royal Family’s X account posted footage of the King greeting the four women and giving them awards for their roles as advocates at last month’s COP26 global climate summit in Glasgow.

“The King, joined by The President and First Lady of the Republic of Korea, has welcomed @BLACKPINK to Buckingham Palace, as they are awarded Honorary MBEs,” read the statement. “The K-pop band have been awarded the honours in recognition of their role as Advocates for the COP26 Summit in Glasgow.” In the accompanying video, King Charles presents each member with their royal honor as they curtsy and shake the monarch’s hand.

In a second tweet, the four hold up their MBEs and smile alongside the message, “First appointed to the role by the UK Government in January 2021, @BLACKPINK encouraged millions of young people to engage with the global UN climate change conference and the top of climate action. Congratulations to Rosé, Jennie, Jisoo and Lisa!”

The royal account also posted a pic of the band posing with the King and the South Korean president as well as footage of a royal musical regimen performing a BLACKPINK instrumental outside the palace. BLACKPINK were among the more than 170 guests on hand for the event, during which King Charles shouted out the group, while praising the UK’s close relationship with South Korea and the nation’s — and BLACKPINK’s — commitment to increased sustainability, one of Charles’ longtime causes.

“It is especially inspiring to see Korea’s younger generation embrace the cause,” Charles said at the royal gathering also attended by Prince William and Kate Middleton. “I applaud Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa and Rosé, better known collectively as BLACKPINK, for their role in bringing the message of environmental sustainability to a global audience as Ambassadors for the U.K.’s Presidency of COP 26, and later as advocates for the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.”

“I can only admire how they can prioritize these vital issues, as well as being global superstars,” Charles added in a speech that also touched the global impact of director Bong Joon-ho (Parasite), the Netflix series Squid Game and, of course, BTS. In July, BLACKPINK made history when they became the first South Korean band to headline a major festival in the UK when they took the stage at the BST Hyde Park Festival.

According to Vogue, the always-stylish quartet brought their fashion A-game for the visit, with Jisoo wearing a “black, textured puff-sleeved dress from Christian Dior’s resort 2024 collection, which hails from Maria Grazia Chiuri’s ode to Frida Kahlo,” partnered with a monogrammed Dior top-handle purse. Rosé wore a “black strapless velvet dress with a sweetheart neckline,” matched with a hair bow and a black pointed-toe pump.

Jennie switched it up, contrasting with her bandmates in a simple, long-sleeved, off-the-shoulder “sweet, bridal ensemble” with a black platform sandal and a sparkly clutch. Lisa went neutral in beaded tulle “aquamarine dress with a regal, cape dress from Georges Hobeika,” accessorized with a metallic gold platform shoe and diamond necklace.

It was the second time this week BLACKPINK met with dignitaries, following on the heels of Rosé joining U.S. First Lady Jill Biden for a mental health event at Apple’s HQ in Cupertino, CA.

See footage and photos from the visit below.

22 Nov 2023

18 Songs That Mention President Kennedy

Like Pearl Harbor and 9/11, the assassination of President Kennedy was one of those stunning events where, if you were alive at the time, you will always remember where you were when you heard the news.

Many pop songs have referenced President Kennedy, and more than a few have dealt with the circumstances of his assassination, which occurred 60 years ago Wednesday (Nov. 22) as he rode in an open convertible through downtown Dallas. (It’s hard to imagine a president being so exposed today, but it was a more innocent time.)

Even before the assassination, singers (and one very famous actress) sang about him. Frank Sinatra sang a special-material version of his Oscar-winning 1959 hit “High Hopes” that became Kennedy’s 1960 campaign theme song. His rival in that election, Richard Nixon, was doubtless irked by the line “Oops there goes the opposition, kerplop.”

In May 1962, country and pop singer Jimmy Dean (who had topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961 with “Big Bad John”) had a top 10 hit on that chart with “P.T. 109.” The song recounted Kennedy’s heroic actions during World War II as the commanding officer of patrol torpedo boat that bore that name. After the boat was rammed by a Japanese destroyer, Kennedy, then 26, led his crew to safety.

Perhaps most famously, Marilyn Monroe sang a steamy, sexy “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” at a 45th birthday salute to President Kennedy at Madison Square Garden in May 1962. Kennedy followed the performance with a quip that showed his celebrated wit: “I can now retire from politics after having had ‘Happy Birthday’ sung to me in such a sweet, wholesome way.” Tragically, both would be dead in a little more than 18 months. Monroe died of an overdose in August 1962.

Here’s a sampling of 18 songs – some famous, some not; some reverent, some highly irreverent – that reference President Kennedy. They are listed in chronological order. We show how high the song climbed on the Hot 100 – if it charted – and how high its corresponding album climbed on the Billboard 200.

22 Nov 2023

Here Are 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Eric Nam | Billboard

Eric Nam reveals five things you didn’t know about him to Billboard!

Eric Nam:
Hey, this is Eric Nam, and here are five things that you probably don’t know about me.

No. 1: My jersey number in high school for soccer was the number 18. I just like that number.

No. 2: Here’s a random story — I used to have hamsters. One of my hamsters bit my neighbor’s son’s finger, and he screamed really loud and bled all over the place and I was like, “I was so sorry,” and then we never had hamsters again.

No. 3: My social security number is *********, there you go. You’re welcome. Please don’t steal my identity.

Here’s something else you don’t know about me: Today, my underwear is green.

One of my biggest pet peeves is when people chew really loudly, like, when they eat. I’m not eating — you are. I don’t want to feel like I’m eating, please. Also, it’s even worse when they make sounds as they eat, almost like very uncomfortable.

I’m Eric Nam, and those were five things you didn’t know about me, nor did you need to know, but now you know.

Watch the full video above!

22 Nov 2023

BTS’ RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook Begin South Korean Military Enlistment Process

All the members of BTS are now either preparing to enlist in the South Korean military or already doing their mandatory service. The K-pop supergroup’s label, Big Hit, announced on Tuesday (Nov. 21) that the final four singers awaiting the start of their enlistment — RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — have begun the process.

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

“We would like to inform our fans that RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook have initiated the military enlistment process,” read the statement. “The artists are preparing to fulfill their military service duties. We will inform you of further updates in due course.”

South Korean requires an 18-month military service stint for all able-bodied men by the time they turn 28. BTS announced a pause in their group work in October 2022 to allow all the singers to enlist, with eldest member Jin the first to suit up. J-Hope and Suga put on their camo earlier this year. With all seven men now going through their paces, BTS is expected to reconvene in 2025 when all have completed their duty to country.

“We ask for your continued love and support for RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook until they complete their military service and safely return,” read the Big Hit statement. “Our company will spare no effort in providing support for our artists.”

The four men were busy in the run-up to their enlistment, with Jimin recently dropping his Production Diary documentary about the making of his mini-album Face, Jung Kook issuing his debut solo album, Golden, several weeks ago and V issuing his Layover album in September; RM released his Indigo LP last December.

22 Nov 2023

50 Cent Surprises London Fans With Ed Sheeran Cameo at O2 Date

50 Cent had a very special, surprise guest for the fans at his “Final Lap” show at London’s O2 Arena on Tuesday night (Nov. 21). During his performance a giant box on stage flashed the message “there’s a monster in this box,” as the familiar strains of Ed Sheeran‘s “Shape of You” filled the arena and Fiddy said “turn it up even more!”

Ed then popped out from under the box — without his signature acoustic guitar — and began singing his 2017 smash while dapping up 50 who added some ad libs and joined the clearly excited Sheeran on the chorus. Sheeran chronicled the special moment on his Instagram Story, writing, “50 Cent has invited me to the O2 to sing ‘Shape of You,’” along with footage of himself walking around beforehand backstage singing to 50’s “21 Questions.”

Though they were in all-white on stage, 50 posted some backstage images of the men in all black yukking it up with the message, “My man came through for me tonight, [bomb emoji], BOOM [wind blowing emoji] LONDON went crazy! It don’t get bigger than this.”

Sheeran also previewed his walk-out in an Instagram Live video shared by 50, in which the singer tells the camera, “50 Cent has invited me to the O2 to sing ‘Shape of You,’ and I’m going to walk on stage and go, ‘Who likes ‘In Da Club?… Here’s ‘Shape of You.’” Ed then sings a bit of 50’s “21 Questions” before a stagehand loads him into the lift that positions him inside the box as he yells “In Da Club!”

Afterwards, a hyped Sheeran can’t stop yelling “In Da Club!” as he leaves the stage and retreats to a sky box to watch the show and rap along to “Many Men” and, of course “In Da Club.”

The old friends collaborated with mutual pal Eminem on the song “Remember The Name” from Sheeran’s 2019 album No. 6 Collaborations Project; earlier this summer, Em also hopped on stage with Sheeran in Detroit to perform “Lose Yourself” during a stop on Ed’s Mathematics world tour.

50’s Final Lap tour will hit the Al Dana Amphitheatre in Zallaq, Bahrain on Thursday night (Nov. 23) and Mumbai, India’s DY Patil Stadium on Saturday (Nov. 25).

Check out footage of Sheeran joining 50 below.

22 Nov 2023

IMPALA’s Board to Discuss Spotify’s New Royalty System

Spotify’s new royalties model will be a subject of discussion when IMPALA’s board meets later this month.

In a brief statement, the Brussels-based independent music companies association announced it was canvassing its member views on the proposed changes, detailed for the first time in a blog post published on Tuesday (Nov. 21).

“Our focus is and will remain ensuring a fair, diverse and sustainable music ecosystem for all,” reads the trade body’s message, “as set out in our 10-point plan to make the most of streaming, which was released two years and a half ago and was updated earlier this year.”

The board of IMPALA is scheduled to meet next Thursday, Nov. 30.

With its post, Spotify confirmed the broader music industry’s worst-kept secret by sharing details of a three-pronged royalties model, which would funnel more money to popular artists, labels and distributors, lift the streaming threshold, while putting the clamps on streaming fraud.

Among the changes touted by Spotify: tracks must have reached at least 1,000 streams in the previous 12 months in order to generate recorded royalties; labels and distributors will fined per track when “flagrant artificial streaming is detected” on their content; and functional content — think rain noises, whale sounds, recordings of wind rustling the leaves— will be significantly devalued, and its minimum track length increased to two minute into order to be eligible to generate royalties.

By tackling these issues that account for just a “small percentage of total streams,” Spotify reckons, its new policing of content “now means that we can drive approximately an additional $1 billion in revenue toward emerging and professional artists over the next five years.”

IMPALA’s voice has been front and center in the debate for a “fairer, more dynamic” streaming market.

In April, IMPALA published an updated version of its 10-step plan to “make the most of streaming,” which proposed various changes to how digital royalties are allocated, including attaching a premium value to tracks that the listener has sought out, a so-called “Fan Participation Model” whereby artists and rights holders could generate incremental revenue within digital services through offering special features and extra tracks, higher share for master rights and more. 

Later, in September, IMPALA raised concerns over the new “artist-centric” streaming model being rolled out by Deezer and Universal Music Group (UMG), warning of a potential “two-tier” music market that unfairly disadvantages indie artists and labels.

The European trade body represents nearly 6,000 independent companies, labels and national associations, including Beggars Group, Cooking Vinyl, Epitaph and PIAS Music Group.

22 Nov 2023

‘You’re Already a Star’: Huntley Delivers Again on ‘The Voice’

The Voice has reached the Playoffs phase and Huntley is, well, very much in the hunt.

The Fredericksburg, Virginia-native impressed when he stepped onto The Voice last month for the Blind Auditions, showcasing a voice with depth and character, a rare blend that could power its way through country, blues, rock and grunge.

From the opening notes of that audition, when he sang “She Talks To Angels,” Huntley caught a four-chair turn. Niall Horan went on to secure his services.

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Heading into Tuesday night’s episode, Huntley had a lot to live up to. Pressure, no pressure.

Huntley put on his game voice, and hit a full-throated rendition of David Kushner’s “Daylight”.

The coaches loved it. “I just can’t believe how amazing you are, every single time,” was Gwen Stefani’s immediate response. “Your actual vocal ability, especially in the lane of music that you do, your style of singing, it is masterful.” If she had a label, she’d sign him up. “You’re so amazing.”

John Legend was also blown away. “What you’re giving us on stage is well beyond a competition,” he enthuses. “You’re already a star. You carry yourself that way with confidence, with that distinctive voice.” The execution, flawless. Huntley could go on to be a Grammy winner someday, he reckons.

The performance was “just insane,” Horan remarks. The rocker’s coach challenged him with the song, something he felt Huntley wouldn’t pick, and the result was “the best you’ve ever sung here.”

“You’re one of the people that’s got something to say to the world, and you’ve got a voice like that, it’ll be one hell of and album, and I’d buy it.” So would Reba McEntire. So would many others.

The Irishman had the challenge of cutting three of his six artists. Ultimately, he selected Huntley, Nini Iris and Mara Justine to progress in the competition.

The Voice airs Mondays and Tuesdays on NBC and streaming next day on Peacock.

Watch Huntley’s performance below.


https://youtube.com/watch?v=kVTfJo0wusE&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

22 Nov 2023

‘Celebration of Taylor Swift’: Jason Mraz Enjoys Perfect Night on ‘DWTS’


Too much Taylor Swift clearly isn’t enough as Dancing With The Stars paid tribute to the pop superstar with an all-TayTay special.

After remembering the late Whitney Houston on last week’s show, celebrity competitors this time strutted their stuff on the DWTS hardwood for “A Celebration of Taylor Swift.”

Leading the way once again was Jason Mraz who, along with his partner Daniella Karagach, enjoyed a bounce-back routine, an Argentine Tango to “Don’t Blame Me.”

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news


https://youtube.com/watch?v=3uKcgDO3ANU&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Mraz has impressed throughout the competition, now in its 10th season, though his performance last week didn’t hit his usual high marks. For a moment there, Mraz confesses he was concerned about an early exit. On Tuesday night (Nov. 21), the pair nailed it, earning a perfect score of 40 from the judging panel.

“Reputation restored,” remarked judge Bruno Tonioli, staying firmly in TayTay theme.

More points were up for grabs, as the teams entered the “Relay Dances.” Mraz and Karagach would face off against Bachelorette star Charity Lawson and Artem Chigvintsev, with a cha cha to Swift’s “Lavender Haze,” remixed by Felix Jaehn.

There could only be one winner, and that was two-time Grammy Award winner Mraz and Karagach, as the pair bagged the additional three points for a perfect night out — and a spot at the top of the leaderboard.


https://youtube.com/watch?v=xz4zalKi3Ic&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Earlier, the DWTS professional dance squad got matters moving with a performance to “Love Story” choreographed by guest judge Mandy Moore (not to be confused with the singer and actor), lead choreographer on Swift’s The Eras Tour.

“I wish I could be there but I’m on tour in Brazil,” Swift said in a clip that aired at the top of episode. “I’m sending you guys all my love and best of luck to all the contestants.”

DWTS is simulcast live across both ABC and Disney+ in local time zones and the next day on Hulu.


https://youtube.com/watch?v=CndAPheqI_Q&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

There wasn’t much luck for Too Hot to Handle’s Harry Jowsey and Rylee Arnold, who were eliminated from DWTS with the semifinals in sight.

DWTS is simulcast live across both ABC and Disney+ in local time zones and the next day on Hulu.

22 Nov 2023

Ed Sheeran Drops First Fan-Made Official Music Videos From ‘Autumn Variations’

Like leaves falling in an autumnal park, Ed Sheeran has begun dropping the official music videos from his latest LP, Autumn Variations.

Over time, Sheeran will share 14 new music videos in total, all created by Sheerios, the culmination of a global content, for which more than 4,000 music videos were entered from 75 countries.

Sheeran handpicked the winners, representing 14 different countries: Ireland, United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, The Netherlands, United States, Brazil, Germany, Japan, France, New Zealand, Taiwan, Mexico, and India.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

The project, reads a statement from Warner Music, “continues the execution of Ed’s initial vision for ‘Autumn Variations’ as an album for the fans and by the fans as he spotlights their artistry.”

Today, the British pop superstar begins the drip feed with music videos for “Midnight” by Meg Igarashi from Japan; “That’s On Me” by Brazilian fan Beatriz Santamaria Pinha; and “American Town” by Michael Lamhang of the United Sates.





“I made Autumn Variations for the fans and I really wanted to bring them into the fold on this album,” comments Sheeran in a statement. “I was keen to see how they interpreted the music, so I decided to ask my fans from across the world to make videos for each album track.”

The remaining music videos will roll out on YouTube over the coming weeks, reps say.

“There were so many wonderful submissions,” Sheeran adds, giving a shout out to “each and every fan who made these videos so special. I love them and hope you will too.”

Produced by the National’s Aaron Dessner, Autumn Variations extended Sheeran’s perfect albums chart records in the U.K. and Australia to seven, all consecutive (including two in 2023).

In the United States, the set gave Sheeran his sixth No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales Chart.

Sheeran has wrapped his The Mathematics Tour for 2023, a run that saw the Englishman smash attendance records on multiple continents, including East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (twice). The Asia leg of his trek will kick off in January 2024.

Sheeran kept the fans in the loop with the release of Autumn Variations (Fan Living Room Sessions), a compilation of recordings from 14 fan visits, which can be streamed in full below.

Check out the lineup of “Autumn Variation” fan-created official music videos below.
“Magical” – Edel Temple (Ireland)
“England” – Marlon Cang (U.K.)
“Amazing” – Elder (Australia)
“Plastic Bag” – Laura Days (Italy)
“Blue” – Renee Schuurmans (The Netherlands)
“American Town” – Michael Lamhang (U.S.)
“That’s On Me” – Beatriz Santamaria Pinha (Brazil)
“Page” – Gordian Schroedter (Germany)
“Midnight” – Meg Igarashi (Japan)
“Spring” – Ciara Griot (France)
“Punchline” – Evan Heasman [Soju Shorts] (New Zealand)
“When Will I Be Alright” – Karina Yang (Taiwan)
“The Day I Was Born” – Mike Bautista (Mexico)
“Head>Heels” – Anshul Mittal & Kanika Gupta [Digiscape Media] (India)

21 Nov 2023

Drake & Taylor Swift Are Tied for Most Billboard Music Awards Wins — Who Will Break the Tie?

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — when Billboard unveils the year-end charts! And this year, for the first time in a long time, the chart unveiling coincided with the 2023 Billboard Music Awards.

If you tuned in Sunday, you know that Morgan Wallen was our big winner, taking home 11 prizes, while Taylor Swift was the top female winner with 10 awards. Over on the year-end charts, which hit Billboard.com on Tuesday (Nov. 21), Wallen is our Top Billboard Hot 100 Artist and his “Last Night” is the Top Hot 100 Song, while Swift is the Top Artist — just like she was at the BBMAs.

But one of the most surprising outcomes of Sunday’s show was that Swift’s 10 wins and Drake‘s five wins put the two chart titans in a tie for the winningest artist of all time at the BBMAs, with their totals lifted to 39 apiece. On the new Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, Katie & Keith are reviewing this year’s awards and 2023 chart-toppers, and wondering: Will Taylor or Drake break the tie next year?

Also on the show, we’ve got chart news on how Stray Kids meet Alicia Keys in the Billboard 200 chart history books; how Jack Harlow, Tate McRae, Dua Lipa and Chris Stapleton all makes waves in the top 15 of the Hot 100; and how Mariah Carey jingles her way back to the Hot 100, as “All I Want for Christmas Is You” re-enters the chart, along with a few other festive favorites.

The Billboard Pop Shop Podcast is your one-stop shop for all things pop on Billboard‘s weekly charts. You can always count on a lively discussion about the latest pop news, fun chart stats and stories, new music, and guest interviews with music stars and folks from the world of pop. Casual pop fans and chart junkies can hear Billboard‘s executive digital director, West Coast, Katie Atkinson and Billboard’s managing director, charts and data operations, Keith Caulfield every week on the podcast, which can be streamed on Billboard.com or downloaded in Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast provider. (Click here to listen to the previous edition of the show on Billboard.com.)