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09 Oct 2023

Justin Long Lip-Syncs to The Proclaimers While Eating a Creepy-Crawly Breakfast in Eerie ‘Goosebumps’ Preview

If you’re looking for your next spooky watch ahead of Halloween, look no further than the new Goosebumps TV series, premiering Friday on Disney+ and Hulu. And in a new clip below, exclusive to Billboard, Justin Long’s character shows just how spooky things will get.

The horror-comedy series, based on R.L. Stine’s beloved ’90s Goosebumps book series, stars Long as teacher Nathan Bratt, who moves into a mansion haunted by the ghost of Harold Biddle, a teen boy who was tragically killed, and ends up possessed.

The new preview starts out ordinarily enough, with Long popping a Proclaimers album into a CD player and jamming out to “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” as he gets to work on a project in his basement. But things turn eerie when he heads to the kitchen for his breakfast, bypassing the box of cereal on the counter to instead enjoy a bowl full of live worms by the heaping, creepy-crawly spoonful.

The clip follows in the dark-humor footsteps of Stine’s book series — which even includes a 1994 book called Go Eat Worms! The original book series ran from 1992 to 1997, with subsequent spin-off series as well.

“I’m Gonna Be,” from The Proclaimers’ 1988 second album Sunshine on Leith, was the biggest hit for the Scottish rock duo, climbing all the way to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1993.

You can watch the new clip below and the Travis Scott-soundtracked trailer here, and check out the first five episodes of the 10-part series starting Friday.

09 Oct 2023

Joe Budden & Nicki Minaj’s Radio Shows In Limbo As Amazon Amp Closes

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Joe Budden for Amazon

Source: Dane Isaac / Amazon

It seems Amazon’s attempt at reimagine radio did not go as plan. The brand is shutting down their Amp platform which leaves Joe Budden and Nicki Minaj’s shows without a home.

HipHopDX is reporting that the streaming giant has announced that it will be shutting down Amp. Back in March 2022 Amazon announced the live audio app that would allow users to talk through songs like on air disc jockeys. According to Bloomberg News Vice President of Amazon Steve Boom sent a memo confirming the rumors the company will cut the switch on this product offering. “This decision was not made quickly or easily,” Boom wrote. “It only became clear after months of careful consideration determining the investments Amazon wants to make for the future.”

Along with what seemed like a heavy advertising spend the product launch also was tied to celebrity programming; a lot of it. Amp rolled out several shows hosted by musicians, podcasters, athletes and comedians including Joe Budden, Nicki Minaj, Jason Lee, Draymond Green, and more. But it seems Amazon saw that the app was not being well received by consumers only seven months into the launch as executive leadership decided to lay off half of the AMP staff back in October.

At my this time the app is still available for download and is still airing live shows.

09 Oct 2023

Drake Gives Away a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon to a Fan at His Toronto Concert

Drake‘s giving streak is still going strong. At his homecoming concert in Toronto over the weekend, the 36-year-old rapper raffled off a luxury car to one lucky fan in the crowd.

The “Rich Flex” musician has made a tradition of doling out expensive gifts to fans at his It’s All a Blur Tour, with past presents spanning designer handbags to stacks of cash. This time, however, Drizzy switched things up. Not only did he give away something he’s never given away before — a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon — but he also selected his recipient completely at random, as opposed to his usual method of scanning the crowd and choosing someone — oftentimes holding a clever homemade sign — whom he sees in the crowd.

“This is what I’m gonna do,” he told the crowd mid-show at Scotiabank Arena. “I’m gonna pick a winning ticket out of this drum here. I want everybody to be super quiet.”

The Grammy winner then dipped his hand into a clear container filled with seat numbers printed on slips of paper. The winner? No. 17483, which appeared to be located in the upper level of the venue.

According to the Mercedes-Benz website, the base model G 550 SUV starts at $139,900.

The luxury car giveaway comes a couple weeks after Drake made headlines for hooking up one fan at his Miami show with $50K after reading the fan’s sign, which read, “I spent all my savings buying tickets for me and my ex, but Honestly, Nevermind, it’s really Her Loss.” “You know what? She’s gonna feel real f–ked up ’cause I’ma give you 50 bands, so you gon’ flex on her tonight,” he consoled the recently single — and newly rich — person in the crowd.

Prior to that, Drake offered to send a newlywed couple to Turks & Caicos after finding out they’d skipped their honeymoon in order to attend the show.

But while Drake’s good deeds have earned him some positive press in recent months, fans have been calling him out ever since he dropped his new album For All The Dogs Friday. That’s due to several lyrics on the record that fans saw as disses aimed at Rihanna, his onetime love interest, and her now partner, rapper A$AP Rocky.

On the track “Fear of Heights,” for instance, the hip-hop star repeatedly says the word “Anti,” aka the title of Ri’s Billboard 200 No. 1 2016 album. He also appears to make indirect references to her home country (Barbados), as well as her honorary Parsons degree. Plus, he seemingly takes a dig at Rocky by rapping, “That man, he still with you, he can’t leave you.”

Drake hasn’t responded to the criticisms over his apparent Rihanna lyrics, but he has started a war of words with Joe Budden in the days following The Dogs’ release. He’s also let fans know that the new album will probably be his last one for a while, as he plans to temporarily step away from music to focus on his health.

Watch Drake give away a G-Wagon below:

09 Oct 2023

Bono Dedicates ‘Pride (In the Name of Love)’ to Israeli Victims of Hamas Attack on Dance Festival: ‘Our Prayers Have Always Been for Peace’

U2 have been advocates for peace and justice for nearly a half century. Which his why it was not surprising that during Sunday night’s (Oct. 8) show at the new Sphere in Las Vegas singer Bono took time out to acknowledge the devastating aftermath of a brutal surprise assault by Hamas militants early Saturday morning o Israel that has so far resulted in the deaths of more than 700 Israelis, including 260 killed at the Supernova desert dance festival.

“In the light of what’s happened in Israel and Gaza, a song about non-violence seems somewhat ridiculous, even laughable, but our prayers have always been for peace and for non-violence…” the band wrote on Instagram next to a video of Bono introducing their enduring 1984 tribute to late civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Pride (In the Name of Love),” which they added to the middle of setlist.

“But our hearts and our anger, you know where that’s pointed. So sing with us… and those beautiful kids at that music festival…,” he added with a hitch in his voice about the 3,500 people who were attending the rave just miles from the Gaza border. In the accompanying clip, Bono updated the song’s lyrics, singing, “Early morning, Oct. 7, as the sun is rising in the desert sky/ Stars of David, they took your life/ But they could not take your pride/ Could not take your pride/ Could not take your pride,” as the band rushed into the song’s uplifting chorus.

The U2 tribute came after the multi-pronged attack from Hamas militants from Gaza, who surprised Israelis during the Sukkot Jewish holiday with an early morning attack from the air, sea and land that prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called an act of war.

To date, in addition to the dead and 2,400 wounded Israelis — as well as an as-yet-undetermined number of kidnapped civilians and members of the military — the fast-moving, escalating conflict has also resulted in more than 560 dead and 2,700 wounded in Gaza.

Like U2, Madonna decried the “devastating” attack in a post, saying that watching “all of these families and especially children herded, assaulted and murdered in the streets is Heartbreaking.” The violence also resulted in Bruno Mars cancelling a planned concert in Tel Aviv on Saturday. On Sunday, President Biden said he had been in touch with Netanyahu to express “my full support for the people of Israel in the face of an unprecedented and appalling assault by Hamas terrorists. We will remain in close contact over the coming days. The U.S. will continue to stand with the people of Israel.”

Watch U2’s tribute below.

09 Oct 2023

Yng Lvcas Signs Management Deal With OCESA Seitrack

Yng Lvcas has signed an alliance with OCESA Seitrack, in partnership with Laele Records,  to manage his career worldwide, Billboard can exclusively announce on Monday (Oct. 9). 

The rising Mexican artist, known for his breakthrough track “La Bebe (Remix)” in collaboration with Peso Pluma, was a six-time finalist at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards. He was up for artist of the year, new; Global 200 Latin song of the year; Hot Latin Song of the year; Hot Latin Song of the year, vocal event; Streaming Song of the year; and Latin Rhythm Song of the year. 

The artist and Peso also shared center stage at the awards ceremony on Thursday (Oct. 5) in Miami to perform their smash hit, “La Bebe,” which peaked at No. 2 on the Hot Latin Songs chart, peaked No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and peaked at No. 2 on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts, earlier this year. 

“I’ve collaborated with emerging artists because I have to help other artists, we’re Mexican and we may not be best friends but coming together makes us stronger,” the 23-year-old Guadalajara-born artist expressed during the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week, where he formed part of the The New Mexican Revolution panel alongside Peso and Grupo Frontera.

In May, Lvcas — a leader of the Mexican reggaeton movement — unleashed his second all-reggaetón album Six Jewels 23, which captured the singer-songwriter his second top 10 entry on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart when it debuted at No. 5 on the June 10-dated ranking. 

The following month, he signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Mexico, and up next, he will perform at the coveted Flow Fest on November 25 in Mexico. 

09 Oct 2023

WNBA Finals: Las Vegas Aces Up 1-0 Against New York Liberty #WNBAFinals

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2023 WNBA Finals - Game One

The WNBA Finals kicked off Sunday (October 8) between the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty in Las Vegas, Nev. with the home team showing off their champion form as they defend their title in this best-of-five series. While the first half was competitive and saw the Liberty up by a handful, the Aces turned things around in the second.

Coached by Becky Hammon, the Aces, led by guards Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray, the Aces came out the gate slow but managed to keep the scoring of Liberty stars Sabrina Ionescu and Courtney Vandersloot under their usual output.

The play from the Aces trio stood out as the Liberty used much of their energy attempting to contain Aces power forward A’Ja Wilson, who scored 19 points and hauled in 8 boards, allowing Young to go off for 26 points. Young played hard all 94 feet and hindered the usually productive Ionescu from a scoring explosion. Plum also scored 26, and Gray had 20 points with a team-leading 9 assists.

On the other side of the ball, Breanna Stewart scored 21 with 9 rebounds, while Jonquel Jones had a double-double of 16 points and 10. Ionescu scored 7 points with 5 rebounds and 5 assists.

Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello, leading the team back to its first WNBA Finals appearance since 2002, stressed in the postgame press conference that her players will have to adjust to the swarming defense of the Aces and reminded the reporters in tow that this isn’t typical New York basketball.

“We can obviously learn a lot from this and we can play better,” Brondello said. “That’s what we have to remember. We haven’t lost two in a row all season long, and we’re going to know that we responded the right way. I trust these players.”

Because of the two marquee teams, the WNBA Finals attracted plenty of star power with LeBron James, Sheryl Swoopes, Mark Wahlberg, and Aces minority owner, Tom Brady all in attendance among others. The Brooklyn Nets also had several players in attendance such as Ben Simmons and Mikal Bridges, proving that women’s basketball is growing in popularity in the States.

Game 2 of the WNBA Finals kicks off on Wednesday, October 11 in Las Vegas. The series returns to New York on October 15.

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Photo: Getty

09 Oct 2023

8 Must-Hear New Country Songs: Reba McEntire, Darius Rucker, Noah Kahan and Kacey Musgraves & More

This week welcomes new country albums from Darius Rucker and Reba McEntire, as well as a new duet from Noah Kahan and Kacey Musgraves, and new music from Kelleigh Bannen, Harper O’Neill and bluegrassers Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out.

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Reba McEntire, “Seven Minutes in Heaven”

Country Music Hall of Famer McEntire returns with this new track, from her acoustic album Not That Fancy. Like the rest of the album, “Seven Minutes in Heaven” places the focus on McEntire, who still possesses one of the most distinctive voices in country music. Though she’s known for her vocal power and ability to wrap a single word with a multi-syllable trill, here McEntire tenderly bares her emotions, imagining how she would spend “seven minutes in heaven” — not catching up with music cornerstones such as Johnny Cash or Elvis Presley, or even posing questions to a higher power — but rather, spending time with a loved one who has passed on.

The album, which was released on Oct. 6, serves as a companion project to her lifestyle book Not that Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating and Dusting Off Your Boots.

Darius Rucker, “Never Been Over”

In 2008, Rucker released “It Won’t Be Like This For Long,” as a couple welcomes a young child and looks at how fleeting the years ahead will be. “Never Been Over,” from his new album Carolyn’s Boy (named after Rucker’s late mother), flips the perspective, looking back on a couple’s love nearly two decades later, chronicling years of emotional zeniths and low points, a duration spent raising kids and building a life together one day at a time.

“We’ve been holdin’ onto love so long/ That we don’t know how to run,” he sings expertly on this track — written by Rucker with Lee Thomas Miller and Brothers Osborne’s John Osborne, and bolstered by discreet, serene pedal steel and mandolin.

Noah Kahan & Kacey Musgraves, “She Calls Me Back”

Kahan and Musgraves each separately paired up with Zach Bryan on songs from his previous projects –now they are teaming up together on a refreshed version of “She Calls Me Back,” originally from his 2022 hit album Stick Season. Kahan’s ragged vocal contrasts with this immensely danceable groove, as he’s wrought with tension over his lingering obsession with an estranged lover.

With her 2018 song “High Horse,” Musgraves proved her hypnotic voice paired with a dancefloor-ready beat made for a heady mix. Here, there’s a similar feel, as Musgraves’ kaleidoscopic voice cooly floats above the propulsive rhythm. The back half of the song is interwoven with new lyrics, with Musgraves responding to his pondering with a nonchalant, forthright answer: “I’m running out of tears to cry/ They’re gone before they hit my cheeks/ Maybe it’s the air out here, or maybe something’s changed in me.” Their voices intermingle wondrously.

Kelleigh Bannen, “I Know Better Now”

Bannen is well-known for her “Today’s Country” show on Apple Music, but she’s been creating music for well over a decade. “I Know Better Now” marks her first new music in nearly four years, with Logan Wall being the sole writer on the song. “I Know Better Now” is rife with wisdom gained from years of hopes, dreams, and crushing disappointments, as she sings of growing up and learning that “life’s a string of things you gotta let go.” She holds fast to the soul-lifting aspects of music and deep breaths, and notes that “You lean a lot harder onto faith when your luck runs out.”

Piano, strings and Bannen’s voice are each rich and distinct, with the song’s uncluttered production highlighting the elegant interplay between the group of instruments.

Harper O’Neill, “Dark Bar Daisy”

“I’ve always bloomed a little later/ Closer to closing time,” Texas native O’Neill sings, offering an ode to midnight barflys. The track is led by her wisened vocal, which expertly bends notes and imbues the lyrics with the husky realism of someone who has lived, loved, lost and seen a few things. Sultry, horn-driven production, courtesy of Jake Gear, further elevates the song. O’Neill wrote “Dive Bar Daisy” with frequent collaborator Meg McRee (they also wrote O’Neill’s breakthrough 2022 song “Somebody”). Here, they craft what feels like a sparkling homage to fellow Texan Miranda Lambert’s fan-favorite “Dark Bars.” The song serves as the title track to her new project Dark Bar Daisy, released Oct. 6, which also houses previous releases like “Guilty” and “Somebody.”

Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, “Heading East to West Virginia”

This seven-time International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) vocal group of the year winning ensemble returns with its first new music since 2015’s It’s About Tyme, with a pair of new tracks, including this sprightly love song. The band is as sharp as ever, while three-time IBMA male vocalist winner Moore’s octave-leaping voice remains nimble and crystalline.

Banjo player Keith McKinnon, fiddler Nathan Aldridge, bass player Kevin McKinnon and mandolin player Wayne Benson capture the heart-quickening anticipation of reuniting with a lover, as Moore sings of making the trek from Texas to West Virginia, braving stormy weather as soon as he gets the call for reuniting with his lover.

Colbie Caillat, “Meant for Me”

Nearly two decades after breaking through with her 2007 debut single “Bubbly,” this California native (and now longtime Nashville resident) makes her official foray into country music. In this song from Caillat’s debut country solo album, Along the Way, she ponders the edifying moments from both love and loss–acknowledging that some relationships are meant to be temporary. “Meant For Me” was written by Caillat with AJ Pruis and Liz Rose and here, her voice is richer, more mature, but still with her signature, even-tempered rendering. Throughout the album, Caillat delves into appreciating the positives brought by a long-term relationship, even as it dissolves, gleaning lessons from the memories, the ache, the understanding and the moving forward.

John Morgan, “Remember Us”

Morgan has already established his bonafides in the songwriting realm, thanks to more than a dozen songs recorded by Jason Aldean — including the Carrie Underwood duet, “If I Didn’t Love You.” On the title track to his new EP, Morgan sings from a wistful, bittersweet position, recognizing that an ample amount of whiskey has unlocked his willingness to work through the more halcyon moments shared with an ex-lover. Sonically, the track hews close to Aldean’s polished country-rock sound, though Morgan’s vocal brings a patina that leans toward tender more than swagger.

09 Oct 2023

Lizzo Joins Incubus Onstage & Rocks Out With Flute: ‘This Is BEYOND a Dream’

Lizzo definitely checked off an item on her bucket list over the weekend. After being a fan of Incubus since she was a teen, the 35-year-old musician got the chance to perform alongside the California rock band during its Friday (Oct. 6) concert at the Hollywood Bowl — after which she shared her excitement on Instagram.

“Those who know me… KNOW,” the star wrote, sharing videos of her passionately playing flute next to lead singer Brandon Boyd during “Aqueous Transmission.” “This is BEYOND a dream and FULL CIRCLE.”

“I saw @incubusofficial perform 20 years ago at @woodlandspavilion for morning view (I’ve been a fan since S.C.I.E.N.C.E),” she continued. “And now to be at @hollywoodbowl performing Aqueous Transmission with @sashabefluting — I WAS A PUDDLE ON THE FLOOR — thank you INCUBUS for everything but also for inviting me on stage and making my childhood dreams come true ????”

Later, Lizzo shared footage of her jamming out to the concert with friends in the audience, along with one clip of her posing for photos with Boyd and bandmates Mike Einziger, Chris Kilmore, José Pasillas and Nicole Row. (Row subbed for bassist Ben Kenney on Incubus’ tour this year.) “IM NOT OVER IT ????????,” the “Truth Hurts” artist captioned the post.

“Thank you @lizzobeeating for joining us at the Bowl,” read a post on Incubus’ Instagram account. “Was an honor to@share the stage with you. ??”

The Hollywood Bowl show marked the official end to Incubus’ 2023 tour, which featured support from Paris Jackson and BADFLOWER. The band will play at SEMA Fest in Las Vegas in November before embarking on an Australia tour in 2024.

Lizzo wrapped up her own Special Tour in July following 10 months of performances in North America and Europe. In August, she was hit with a lawsuit from a group of former backup dancers who alleged hostile work conditions and sexual harassment, accusations the Grammy winner emphatically denounced as “false” and “sensationalized.” A couple weeks ago, Lizzo filed a request that the case be dismissed by a judge.

See Lizzo’s posts from her Hollywood Bowl performance with Incubus and watch her play below:

09 Oct 2023

All the Billboard Latin Music Lifetime Achievement Award Winners Since 1994

Powerhouse producer and musician Emilio Estefan was the very first person to ever receive the Billboard Latin Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994. For a short period of time (1995-1998), the award’s name was changed to El Premio Billboard and was awarded to Tito Puente, José Feliciano, Herb Alpert and Ralph Mercado. In 1999, it returned as the Lifetime Achievement Award and was given to norteño artist Leonardo “Flaco” Jiménez.

Since, the tradition has remained, and over the years, renowned and chart-topping Latin artists such Armando Manzanero, Marco Antonio Solís, Miguel Bosé, Emmanuel, José José, Santana, Juan Luis Guerra, among many others, have gone on to receive the prestigious accolade.

The Billboard Latin Music Lifetime Achievement Award is an honor that is presented by Billboard to an artist or a group who’s had an “enduring and exceptional career, encompassing artistic and personal contributions that have had a major impact on Latin music worldwide.”

Last year, the honoree was Spanish icon Raphael who accepted the special honor at the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards. He was recognized for his “exceptional professional career and his artistic and personal contributions” that have influenced the development of Latin music around the world. With a musical career that spans more than 60 years, Raphael — known for anthemic songs such as “Yo Soy Aquel,” “En Carne Viva” and “Mi Gran Noche” — has garnered worldwide recognition as a pioneer of Spanish-language romantic ballads.

Mexican cumbia group Los Ángeles Azules was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards on Oct. 5. The band — known for songs such as “El Listón de Tu Pelo,” “Cómo Te Voy a Olvidar” and “Mi Niña Mujer” — among many other cumbia anthems, was recognized for their enduring, exceptional career that has expanded the reach of Latin music worldwide.

All of the previous honorees have made a significant contribution to Latin music. In honor of the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards show and Los Ángeles Azules’ special award, here are all the Billboard Latin Music Lifetime Achievement Award recipients from over the years.

09 Oct 2023

Here’s the Host & Musical Guest for Every ‘Saturday Night Live’ Season Premiere

Steve Martin has hosted four season openers, more than anyone else. But who is the most frequent musical guest on a season premiere?

Kanye West, Madonna, Miley Cyrus, Steve Martin, Tom Hanks and Megan Thee Stallion, Saturday Night Live

From left: Kanye West, Madonna, Miley Cyrus, Steve Martin, Tom Hanks and Megan Thee Stallion

Illustration by Lyanne Natividad

When host Pete Davidson and musical guest Ice Spice take the stage at Studio 8H in New York for Saturday Night Live’s Season 49 opener this Saturday, Oct. 14, they’ll join a long and star-studded lineage. We took a look back to see who was booked as host and musical guest on the first episodes of every previous season of the show.

These are considered plum bookings: Viewers often make an extra effort to check out the first episode of a season. As a result, producers go all out to open the season with a strong episode. For SNL, that means booking a hot host and musical guest.

Legendary comedian George Carlin was host of the first episode on Oct. 11, 1975. There were two musical guests that night, Billy Preston and Janis Ian, both of whom had had big recent hits on the Billboard Hot 100.

Steve Martin has hosted four season-openers, more than anyone else. Tom Hanks is in second place, having hosted two season-openers.

Kanye West has been the musical guest on three season-openers, more than anyone else. Keith Richards, John Mayer and The Weeknd also deserve a mention. Richards was musical guest on a season-opener once on his own and once with The Rolling Stones. Mayer was the musical guest on a season opener once and played guitar behind another season opener, Frank Ocean. The Weeknd was the musical guest on a season-opener once and was a duet partner for another season-opener, Ariana Grande.

The Stones and Miley Cyrus are the only performers who were both host and musical guest on a season-opener.

If you’re ready to go back in time, here are the hosts and musical guests on the first episode of every SNL season. Unless otherwise specified, all dates mentioned were in the same year as the year that the season premiere aired.