News

26 Oct 2023

Deezer Added 500,000 Subscribers in Q3, Revenue Up 4.8%

French music streaming company Deezer added 500,000 subscribers in the third quarter, helping its revenues improve by 4.8% (5.5% at constant currency) to 120.7 million euros ($131.4 million), the company announced Thursday (Oct. 26).

“We are back to meaningful subscriber growth and secured top line acceleration starting in Q4 thanks to the implementation of a new wave of price increases, as well as the ongoing growth of new partnerships,” said CEO Jeronimo Folgueira in a statement. 

A relatively small music subscription service, Deezer has recently taken an outsized position of influence with its partnership with Universal Music Group to revamp how it calculates artist royalties and addresses fraud. The “artist-centric” system was announced in September and will be implemented in France in the current quarter, to be followed by additional markets. Around half of Deezer’s streams are already running on the new model, the company said Thursday. 

While direct subscriptions remained flat at 5.6 million, subscribers from partnerships grew from 3.8 million to 4.3 million. Deezer said it had “very strong initial subscriber growth” in Brazil and Mexico stemming from its partnership with Uruguay-based e-commerce giant Mercado Libre. The third quarter was also the first full quarter for which Deezer managed the Sonos Radio service. Deezer also powers the music streaming in RTL+, a multimedia platform launched by RTL Germany that has 4.5 million subscribers, according to RTL’s website. 

Revenue from direct subscribers grew 3.3% to 71.7 million euros ($78 million). Revenue from partnerships increased 11.9% to 34.2 million euros ($37.2 million). Other revenue (advertising and ancillary revenue) decreased 16% to 4.1 million euros ($4.5 million). 

France accounted for 59% of Deezer’s revenue in the quarter compared to 60% in the prior-year period. Direct subscribers in France increased by 200,000 while subscribers elsewhere decreased by an equal amount. 

Direct subscribers are more lucrative than partnerships on a per-subscriber basis. Direct subscriber ARPU (average revenue per user) rose 3.4% to 4.9 euros ($5.33) while partnerships ARPU improved 10.6% to 2.9 euros ($3.16). Direct subscriber ARPU will get a further boost from a price increase instituted on Sept. 21 for all new subscribers in France, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. For all current direct subscribers, the increase will progressively roll out starting on Oct. 24.

Deezer reiterated its previous guidance of 7% to 10% revenue growth for the full year and a “significant reduction” in adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization in the second half of the year. 

Q3 2023 financial metrics:

  • Revenue grew 4.8% (5.5% at constant currency) to 120.7 million euros ($131.4 million).
  • Total subscribers grew 4.9% to 9.9 million.
  • Direct subscribers were flat at 5.6 million. Subscribers from partnerships grew by 500,000 to 4.3 million. 
  • ARPU from direct subscribers grew 3.4% to 4.9 euros ($5.33).
  • ARPU from partnerships grew 10.6% to 2.9 euros ($3.16).

26 Oct 2023

Calvin Klein Slashes Up to 50% Off All Styles, Including Jung Kook, Jennie & Kid Cudi-Approved Looks: Shop Here

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.

Calvin Klein is helping you update your fall wardrobe without having to avoid eye contact with your wallet after checkout. From now until Sunday (Oct. 29), the clothing brand is having a Friends of Calvin sale featuring 40% off sitewide, 50% off outerwear and 30% off underwear — and that includes its new star-studded fall campaign starring Jung Kook, Jennie and Kid Cudi as well as Kendall Jenner and Alexa Demie.

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Everything from chic denim dresses, everyday T-shirts, shackets, jean jackets and more will be discounted, meaning you can get some trendy basics to layer with, for less.

The BTS singer showed off some pieces from the new fall collection during a trip to Tokyo with the brand on Wednesday (Oct. 25), which Calvin Klein posted on X.

“on the way vision. Jung Kook en route to our event in Tokyo,” the caption says.

To infuse some of the K-pop singer’s style into your own (and for a fraction of the price), keep reading to shop each artist’s outfits that are on sale. You can also check out the full fall campaign pieces here.

Jung Kook’s Calvin Klein Apparel

black quilted puffer jacket on model in black turtleneck

Calvin Klein

Padded Lightweight Puffer Jacket

$99.95

$199.90

50% off

Cozy up this fall with a puffer jacket that’s versatile and comfy featuring a neutral black shade and exterior quilted texture to help insulate heat. It even comes with a button closure you can personalize to fit your needs.

black jacket buttoned up

Calvin Klein

Nylon Car Coat

$74

$148

50% off

This car coat is built with a relaxed fit you can throw on over your long sleeves, sweaters and more. The nylon material was used to provided style and comfort whether you’re walking to the office or just meeting up with friends in the park.

model wearing dark wash jeans

Calvin Klein

Standard Straight Jean

$53.70

$89.50

40% off

Every jean collection needs at least one straight-fitting pair to provide clean lines and style. The darker wash allows it to be dressed up or down with a blazer of varsity jacket.

black t-shirt

Calvin Klein

Classic Smooth Cotton T-Shirt

$23.70

$39.50

40% off

Basics are an essential for every outfit making this cotton T-shirt a must-have. It’s made from a breathable and soft fabric to help keep you comfortable, and it comes with a higher neckline that would pair nicely with a gold chain necklace.

Jennie’s Calvin Klein Apparel

black double button blazer

Calvin Klein

Soft Twill Relaxed Blazer

$84

$168

50% off

Blazers will never go out of style as it can easily take a look from casual to elevated. Calvin Klein’s Soft Twill Relaxed Blazer is designed to be oversized with two buttons on the front and a pocket on each side.

model wearing medium wash blue jeans

Calvin Klein

’90s Loose Fit Jeans

$53.70

$89.50

40% off

Expand your ’90s fashion with a pair of loose fit jeans that are made with a slouchier leg and a waistband that sits right on your hips.

model wearing white cotton scoop neck bralette

Calvin Klein

Modern Cotton Unlined Bralette

$21

$30

30% off

Ditch the lace bralettes and grab this unlined cotton one that’s not just an everyday throw-on-and-go basic, but can be styled with an oversized blazer just like Jennie sports it in the campaign.

white bikini underwear

Calvin Klein

Modern Cotton Bikini

$15.40

$22

30% off

Make it a set with a pair of these bikini underwear made from a soft and breathable denim as well as an elastic waistband featuring the brand’s logo.

Kid Cudi’s Calvin Klein Apparel

model wearing light wash denim jacket with matching jeans

Calvin Klein

Future Archive Denim Trucker Jacket

Having a denim jacket goes beyond owning one style and wash — and this trucker jacket proves it. It comes in a lighter wash and more relaxed fit with loose arms and two front button pockets.

model wearing light wash denim jeans

Calvin Klein

Future Archive ’90s Loose Fit Jeans

Light wash jeans are a staple piece that look trendy especially when styled with a white T-shirt or button-down for a more business casual look. Plus, this style comes with a loose fitting leg and waist-hitting band for extra comfort.

For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best NewJeans outfits, Ugg boots and crewnecks and hoodies.

26 Oct 2023

Pete Davidson & John Mulaney Postpone Maine Shows After Lewiston Mass Shootings

Pete Davidson and John Mulaney announced Thursday (Oct. 26) that they will postpone their pair of shows scheduled in Maine this weekend following the deadly mass shootings in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday night.

“We are devastated by the events in Lewiston,” Mulaney posted to his Instagram Story on Thursday. “Shows scheduled for this weekend in Maine on Saturday, 10/28 and Sunday, 10/29 have been postponed. We are thinking of you all. – John and Pete”

A gunman opened fire in two locations in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday night, killing 18 people and injuring 13 others. The police’s suspect in the mass shootings, 40-year-old Robert Card, remained at large on Thursday. There is an arrest warrant out for Card for eight counts of murder.

“No words can truly or fully measure the grief of Maine people today,” Maine Governor Janet Mills said in a press conference on Thursday. “Our small state of just 1.3 million people has long been known as one of the safest states in the nation. This attack strikes at the very heart of who we are and the values we hold dear for this precious place we call home.”

Mulaney and Davidson kicked off their John & Pete Tour at the top of the month. The duo appear to be moving forward with two shows on Friday night in Providence, Rhode Island, but are delaying Saturday’s set in Portland, Maine, and Sunday’s set in Bangor for later dates.

The final date of their tour is Nov. 10 in Windsor, Ontario.

26 Oct 2023

Mitski Remains On Top While Ashanti & Fat Joe Surge on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 | Billboard News

Mitski’s “My Love Mine All Mine” is No. 1 on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 for a third straight week, while a slew of debuts appear in the top 10 of the Oct. 28-dated chart.

Tetris Kelly:
Mitski holds on tight to No. 1, but there are four new debuts in the top 10.

“My Love Mine All Mine” sits on top for the third time in a row for the TikTok Billboard Top 50 chart posting Oct. 26th, while Martin Garrix and Lloyiso’s “Real Love” debuts at No. 4.

Oscar winner Ariana DeBose earns her first top 10 with “This Wish” thanks to the anticipation for Disney’s new film Wish.

“It Girl” sped up races to No. 6, proving Aaliyah’s Interlude really is the “It Girl.”

And who doesn’t love a throwback? Fat Joe and Ashanti’s “What’s Luv?” lands at No. 7 more than 20 years after its release, because folks love making slideshows to it, while Victoria and David Beckham prefer walking to it.

Every Thursday, Billboard will bring you the verified list of the hottest songs on TikTok by monitoring music discovery and engagement on the platform in the United States. To find the TikTok Billboard Top 50 each week, users can simply go to any sound detail page and tap the top right button to access the charts page.

26 Oct 2023

Who Is Iñigo Quintero & How Did He Reach No. 1 Globally on Spotify?

On Tuesday (Oct. 24), Iñigo Quintero’s “Si No Estás” garnered more than 5.7 million plays in just one day, an impressive amount that pushed it to the top of Spotify‘s global chart. It’s the first time a solo Spanish artist has achieved this milestone (previously Canary Islander Quevedo accomplished the feat alongside Argentina’s Bizarrap with “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 52”), and it’s all the more shocking because, at least outside of Spain, Quintero was until recently a total unknown.

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The song also reached the coveted top 10 on Billboard‘s global charts, peaking at No. 4 on Billboard Global Excl. U.S. and No. 10 on Billboard Global 200. And with daily plays surpassing such popular tracks as Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers,” Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” or Young Miko’s “Wiggy,” the meteoric rise is also enigmatic in that it has occurred without any traditional promotion, publicity, press releases or information about the artist behind the sensation. (Billboard Español requested an interview with Quintero’s representative and the response was that he is not currently talking to the company).

With verses like “Esto es una alucinación/ Quiero ver tu otra mitad/ Alejarme de esta ciudad/ Y contagiarme de tu forma de pensar” (“This is a delusion/ I want to see your other half/ Get away from this city/ And immerse in your way of thinking.”) “Si No Estás” is a piano-pop ballad that alludes to an intense obsession and longing for someone who is far away, and the anguish and pain that result from that separation — a song of unusual depth for a 2023 pop hit.



“Clearly, Iñigo’s songs are connecting with the people,” says Esteve Lombarte, founder of the Acqustic label, who represents the artist. “I think for a long time we’ve had more superficial songs focused on lives of great luxury — of cars, wealth and houses — and nowadays, there are a lot more connecting with day-to-day problems that talk about love, friendship and other issues related to people’s concerns.”

What is certain is the power of the song and its meaning, which has generated a great deal of debate on social networks. “Si No Estás” has been interpreted in different ways, from a song dedicated to God, to a reflection on a romantic breakup.

Lombarte explains that the song began to go viral organically through TikTok, and immediately connected with listeners. “From that initial boost we decided to amplify [the song],” he says. Quintero connected with the label through his other artist Besmaya, and in March 2023 they signed him.

“The truth is that the success of ‘Si No Estás’ is an unprecedented triumph in the industry, but we believe that what is behind this song is a very talented artist,” Lombarte points out. “And the rest of the songs are really doing very well too. The proof of that is that ‘Sobredosis’ is already in the top 100 in Spain, and there will be more and more songs, and we will get to know more of the artist little by little.”

He continues: “The clearest proof is that countries like France, Germany, Holland, Luxembourg, Switzerland — non-Spanish-speaking countries — have also connected with the artist beyond the lyrics. It is part of the magic of this art.”

Other projects that Aqcustic manages are Malmö 040, Besmaya, Ciao Marina, Maren, Yarea, Inazio and Hey Kid. “After this great success, what we will do is to continue working and preparing songs. The important thing is to sit down, compose and work to release music that connect as well as ‘Si No Estás’ has connected,” adds Lombarte.

Additional reporting by Franchesca Guim.

26 Oct 2023

Kelly Clarkson Lined Up as Host & Performer for NBC’s ‘Christmas in Rockefeller Center’

Kelly Clarkson will be booked and busy throughout the end of 2023. Just one week after returning with season 5 of her namesake talk show — now filmed at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City — the American Idol alum will pull double-duty as host and performer for NBC’s annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center telecast.

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During the Wednesday (Oct. 26) episode of her program, Clarkson revealed the news and reflected on performing at the televised tree-lighting ceremony two decades ago. “I had the opportunity to perform for my first time in NBC’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center 20 years ago, and I am stoked to reveal that I’m getting the chance to do it again, and this time, at my new home in 30 Rock,” she told the audience. “And I’m not just singing, I’m actually gonna host the whole thing!”

In a press release about Clarkson’s gig, the “Underneath the Tree” singer said, “I’m so excited to consider this city and Rockefeller Center my new home, and I can’t imagine a better way to kick off Christmas this year than to be a part of this beautiful New York tradition with the lighting of the tree!” 

Jen Neal, executive vice president, live events and specials, NBCUniversal Media Group added, “The lighting of that magnificent tree at Rockefeller Center is one of the true joys of the holiday season and to have Kelly both host and perform feels like we’re getting our Christmas presents early this year.”

The seven-time Grammy winner will have a host of holiday tracks to choose from for her performance, including beloved holiday classics and originals from her two Christmas albums: 2013’s Wrapped in Red and 2021’s When Christmas Comes Around… Additiona; performers for the special will be announced at a later date.

Christmas in Rockefeller Center will air Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and will stream on Peacock.

Watch Clarkson’s announcement in the video above.

26 Oct 2023

7 DIY Costume Ideas to Dress as Your Favorite Latin Artist This Halloween

Halloween is just five days away, and for those last-minute costume shoppers, Billboard has you covered. 

This year, we’ve compiled seven easy and quick costumes to channel your favorite Latin music stars — which you can do yourself at home, with things you either already own or can thrift at an affordable price over the weekend. 

The list includes solo costumes, such as Becky G’s sassy and monochromatic fits during her 2023 Coachella set and Mi Casa, Tu Casa tour. There’s also the emblematic Feid costume, which is probably the easiest thing to build: shorts, sneakers, green cap, white sunglasses, mustache, and voila mor!, you’re El Ferxxo. On TikTok, the artist even shared a very detailed video with the steps to follow to dress up as the Colombian singer-songwriter yourself. 

If you and a friend or your significant other don’t have un disfráz, don’t stress! The list includes co-ed ideas such as Karol G and Shakira in their empowering “TQG” music video; Maluma and Carin León dressed as two fashionable vaqueros in the “Según Quién” music video; and the “it” couple of the moment, Peso Pluma and Nicki Nicole during their “Por Las Noches” performance at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards. 

How about for you and the squad? We got that too! For the Música Mexicana lover, we suggest calling your friends and dressing up as Bad Bunny and Grupo Frontera in the “un x100to” music video. Despite needing to have your cellphone at one percent charge to really bring the costume to life, this group idea is simple and fun. 

And of course, we can’t leave behind the iconic RBD costume, especially for this year where the group made its official comeback after 15 years. For this costume, you can either seek inspiration from their Soy Rebelde Tour or go the best route and dress in their signature Elite Way uniform. 

Check out the recommendations for each of these costumes below, and Happy Halloween!

26 Oct 2023

Pop Culture Rewind: Dr. Dre’s Hip-Hop Lineup Delivers Epic Super Bowl Halftime Show | Billboard News

We’ve been celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop all year, and what better way to celebrate than to look back at Dr.Dre’s Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime show featuring appearances from hip-hop and R&B royalty: Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar and Eminem?

Evan Burke
This year, hip-hop is celebrating its 50th anniversary. And just last year the Super Bowl celebrated the genre in the most West Coast way possible. We take you back to that “California Love” in this week’s pop culture rewind.

Evan Burke
It was the Rams versus the Bengals at Super Bowl 56 and the location was LA’s SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Pepsi invited the best to ever do it in the best city to do it. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige and Eminem all took the stage, Dre and Snoop reminded us why Cali is the state we love. 50 Cent took us to the club and did it while upside down. Kendrick delivered the iconic lyrics he’s known for, while Mary J. Blige took us to the dancery and gave us that memorable shot of her, floored from her performance. And of course, Eminem had the crowd go crazy with one of the most motivational anthems ever, but seeing them all together was like nothing we’ve seen in music history. We had no choice but to sit down and be humbled.

We’ll have another huge moment for you next week in our pop culture rewind.

26 Oct 2023

Britney Spears Gets Cheeky at the Beach in NSFW Photo

Oops … she did it again! Britney Spears left little to the imagination in a new photo she shared to Instagram on Thursday (Oct. 26).

In the risqué image, the pop star stands nude on the beach, casting a glance over her left shoulder and revealing her behind as a photographer — whose shadow is seen in the sand behind her — snaps the NSFW shot.

Spears left the image uncaptioned, and also turned off comments on the post.

In the Grammy winner’s revealing memoir that arrived on Tuesday, she explains why she likes to share nude photos of herself on social media. “I know that a lot of people don’t understand why I love taking pictures of myself naked or in new dresses,” she writes. “But I think if they’d been photographed by other people thousands of times, prodded and posed for other people’s approval, they’d understand that I get a lot of joy from posting the way I feel sexy and taking my own picture.”

One of the memoir’s biggest revelations came when the “Toxic” singer revealed that she had an abortion while dating fellow pop star Justin Timberlake. “Abortion was something I never could have imagined choosing for myself, but given the circumstances, that is what we did,” she writes, describing the process as “one of the most agonizing things I have ever experienced.”

Thanks to the highly publicized release of The Woman in Me, Spears saw her catalog jump 21% in streaming the week prior to the book’s debut, earning 8.89 million official on-demand U.S. streams, according to Luminate.

Check out Britney’s latest Instagram post here.

26 Oct 2023

Thieves Crash Car Into Sneaker Store, Make Off With $100K In Merchandise

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WGN9 sneaker smash & grab

Source: YouTube / WGN9

Another high-stakes sneaker robbery took place, but this time it went down the old fashion way with thieves breaking into a sneaker consignment store and taking any and everything they could.

WGN9 is reporting that Chicago sneaker spot Flee Club was hit hard Wednesday (Oct. 25) when thieves rammed their SUV into the brick-and-mortar store around 4:30 a.m. and ransacked the place for its high-end sneakers and attire. After it was all said and done, thieves made off with more than $100,000 in merchandise, according to Flee Club co-owner Darris Kelly.

Per WGN9:

“Just devastation, my heart is broke,” Kelly said. “You put so much time and money into your store, someone just comes in overnight and takes your dream away.”

Following The Flee Club incident, authorities were trying to determine if the building can support the apartments above due to the severity of the damage. On Wednesday afternoon, owners told WGN News the structure has been deemed safe.

At around 6:05 a.m., Chicago police responded to an attempted retail burglary at the Louis Vuitton store in the 900 block of North Michigan. A group of five to six were unsuccessful after trying to damage the front glass door.

It’s not the only recent “crash-and-grab.”

We lowkey wish we knew which exact sneakers were taken. Sneakerheads love to know that kind of information.

Whether the thieves plan to sell all the merchandise or actually keep it for their own collection is anyone’s guess, but regardless, it was definitely a quick come-up for everyone involved as $100,000 worth of clothes and sneakers is quite the haul.

Don’t be surprised if sneaker consignment stores up their security protocols and invest more in protecting their spots. Smash-and-grabs are on the rise across the U.S. these days. These spots might begin hiring armed security sooner or later the way things are going.

What do y’all think of the latest high-stakes sneaker jux? Let us know in the comments section below.