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07 Sep 2023

Ezra Collective Becomes First Jazz Act to Win the Mercury Prize

Ezra Collective’s Where I’m Meant to Be won the Mercury Prize on Thursday (Sept. 7), making the London jazz quintet the first jazz act to win that prestigious award. The Mercury Prize celebrates the best of British and Irish music across a range of contemporary music genres. This year’s ceremony was held at Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, London.

Accepting the award, drummer Femi Koleoso said, “This is not just a result for Ezra Collective, or for UK jazz, but this is a special moment for every single organization across the country, ploughing efforts and time into young people playing music.”

Where I’m Meant to Be, Ezra Collective’s second studio album, was written and recorded in lockdown. But rather than reflect the isolation of the COVID-19 era, the album has been described by BBC as “a joyous celebration of community, positivity and friendship.”

The album was produced by the band and Riccardo Damian, and features a diverse roster of musicians, including Sampa the Great, Kojey Radical, Emeli Sandé and Nao, as well as filmmaker Steve McQueen.

Where I’m Meant to Be reached No. 24 on the Official U.K. Albums chart, a strong showing for a jazz album. On this side of the pond, it debuted and peaked at No. 15 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Albums chart.

The album was nominated for best jazz record at the 2022 Libera Awards. But it draws on several other genres, including grime, salsa and reggae.

Speaking to BBC News after being announced as winners, Koleoso explained: “We’re the shuffle generation of music, we listen to some Beethoven, and then 50 Cent comes on straight after, and then Little Simz comes on just after that. And that kind of influences the way we approach music. So, there are no rules. We love jazz, but at the same time we love salsa too, so why not try and get that in there?”

The other albums in contention for the top prize were Arctic Monkeys’ The Car, Fred again.’s Actual Life 3 (January 1 – September 9 2022), J Hus’ Beautiful and Brutal Yard, Jessie Ware’s That! Feels Good!, Jockstrap’s I Love You Jennifer B, Lankum’s False Lankum, Loyle Carner’s hugo, Olivia Dean’s Messy, RAYE’s My 21st Century Blues, Shygirl’s Nymph and Young Fathers’ Heavy Heavy.

Broadcaster Lauren Laverne hosted the ceremony, which featured live performances from nine of the shortlisted artists, including Jessie Ware and RAYE.

Last year’s Mercury Prize winner was London rapper Little Simz for her fourth album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert.

07 Sep 2023

Halle Bailey Channels Janet Jackson in a Stylish Blazer Dress: Shop the Look

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.

Halle Bailey made a dazzling appearance at Pandora jewerly’s New York Fashion Week event for its lab grown diamonds on Wednesday (Sept. 6). The Little Mermaid star lit up the red carpet in a black blazer-dress, platform heels and a red lip.

The look was inspired by Janet Jackson, Bailey told People during the event. The 23-year-old recording artist added that she’s “all about being comfortable” when it comes to style.

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Bailey also posted photos of her look on Instagram with the caption, “You can never go wrong with a red lip and a little black dress.”

Other celebs at the party included Ashley Park, Pamela Anderson and Cara Santana. Pandora’s collection of lab grown diamond rings, earrings, necklaces and other jewelry have prices ranging from $250 to over $1,500.

In the spirit of Bailey’s “little black dress,” we’ve collected a list of blazer dresses that need to be in your closet.

Shop the look below.

H&M

H&M Jacket Dress

$65

Simple and affordable. This fitted, double-breasted H&M jacket dress features wide, notched lapels and shoulder pads. It’s almost sold out online, so act fast!

Miss Selfridge Contrast Blazer

$46.48 $93 50% off% OFF

The white lapel gives this blazer dress gives it a retro feel. It’s 50% off at ASOS. Need we say more?

Amazon

UNIQUE21 Women Luxe Stain Breasted Asymmetric Blazer Dress

$59.99

Looking for more than basic black? This asymmetrical blazer dress comes in 15 different colors including black, white, pink, brown and blue (sizes XS-16). If you’re going for a slouchier look, check out this Amazon Basics oversized blazer dress.

Amazon

Topshop Oversized Straight Fit Blazer

$64 $85 25% off% OFF

For the petite fashionistas on a budget, this Topshop blazer can be worn as a suit jacket or a dress. The jacket measures 30 inches long, and it’s on sale at Nordstrom. Grab it now to get 25% off!

Dillards

Good American Shiny Scuba Blazer Mini Dress

$159

Good American’s Shiny Scuba Notch Lapel Long Sleeve Mini Dress is available in multiple sizes ranging from small to 5XL.

Revolve

Remi x Revolve Meghan Blazer Jacket Dress

$77 $145 47% off% OFF

Hot dress, hot deal! The Meghan blazer dress has a double-breasted, full button closure with a belt. It’s available in sizes ranging from XXS-3X.

07 Sep 2023

XG Talk About New Music, Trip to Disneyland, Universal Studios & More | Billboard

XG talks to Billboard about their upcoming new music, recent trips to Disneyland and Universal Studios, and more at KCON LA 2023.

Tetris Kelly:
Well, first of all, I feel like I already know you because you’ve been hanging out with my producer Evan, and he loves you guys so much. So I’m happy to meet you guys at KCON. Tell me about these outfits because you guys look great. What was the inspiration? A little bit of race car going …

Maya:
Oh, yeah … this is like a race car concept. But we wanted to put energy into our performance as well. So we put, like, red colors and also sparkles, bling bling. You know, we need the bling bling for the big stages today!

Tetris Kelly:
Well, you guys are blinging and I know you’ve been busy, obviously. You’ve been at our studio, you’re at KCON LA now. What else have you guys gotten to do while you’re in L.A.? I’ve heard something, I’m just saying.

Maya:
Well, we are preparing a lot of new songs. Our first mini album is coming soon, Sept. 27. Actually, so we’re preparing for that. Oh, yes. Get ready. New DNA is coming. So yes, we’re preparing for that and also different stages upcoming this year.

Tetris Kelly:
As you prepare for your new release, did you also get to maybe check out Disneyland or something?

Cocona:
Oh, I went to Universal Universal Studios Hollywood with Harvey and Maya.

Tetris Kelly:
Oh, y’all split it up. So what was your favorite thing at Universal?

Cocona:
Oh, studio tour. Oh yeah. I love it.

Tetris Kelly:
What did you guys do at Disneyland? And I need your favorite ride/

Jurin:
Oh, favorite ride? Incredicoaster. That was so fun.

Tetris Kelly:
Incredicoaster! So fun! And then last, before I let you guys out of here: What’s your favorite song this summer?

Jurin:
Oh favorite summer song is “New Dance” by XG. We can’t spoil it or anything, but it will come out on Aug. 23. So I hope you guys enjoy it.

Tetris Kelly:
Well, look forward to new music from XG. Thank you so much for hanging out with us.

07 Sep 2023

Ice Spice Receives BMI Impact Award at 2023 R&B/Hip-Hop Awards

Ice Spice received the inaugural BMI Impact Award at the 2023 R&B/Hip-Hop Awards, which were held at LIV Nightclub in Miami Beach on Wednesday (Sept. 6). As previously announced, Lil Wayne received the BMI Icon Award.

The private event was hosted by BMI president/CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI vp of creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton.

Over the course of the ceremony, BMI also recognized the top producers and songwriters of 2022’s 35 most-performed R&B/hip-hop songs in the United States, leading up to song of the year, which went to “About Damn Time,” written by Ricky Reed and Blake Slatkin. Lizzo’s recording of the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and won a Grammy for record of the year.

As one of 2023’s biggest breakout stars, Ice Spice has had four top 10 hits on the Hot 100 so far this year, thanks to collaborations with Taylor Swift, Pink Pantheress, Nicki Minaj and Aqua.

As a member of the BMI family for more than 20 years, Lil Wayne has amassed 53 BMI Awards, was named BMI Songwriter of the Year four times and now adds BMI Icon to his collection of accolades. R&B and hip-hop royalty paid tribute to Lil Wayne with performances of some of his most popular songs: Big Freedia opened with a medley, Bobby V followed with “Mrs. Officer,” NLE Choppa offered “A Milli” and Trombone Shorty played a set.

As the 2023 BMI Icon, Lil Wayne joins an elite group of music creators including Busta Rhymes, Janet Jackson, Patti LaBelle, Nile Rodgers, Snoop Dogg, The Jacksons, LA Reid, Babyface, Al Green, Isaac Hayes and James Brown.

Songwriter of the year was a three-way tie with Chris Brown (“Baddest,” “Come Through,” Under the Influence”), Doja Cat (“Get Into It (Yuh),” “Vegas,” “Woman”) and Tems (“Free Mind,” “Lift Me Up,” “Wait for U”) sharing the title; each wrote three of the previous year’s most-performed songs.

Hitmakers Tay Keith and Lil Yachty were each named producer of the year. Keith was honored for his work on hits such as “Jimmy Cooks” by Drake, “Rich Flex” by Drake and 21 Savage and “Hot Sh-t” by Cardi B featuring Kanye West and Lil Durk. Yachty was cited for “BackOutsideBoyz” and “Search & Rescue” by Drake as well as “Major Distribution” by Drake and 21 Savage.

ATL Jacob, Rob Bisel, Dougie F, Finatik N Zac, RiotUSA and Metro Boomin were also named top producers of the year.

Sony Music Publishing was named BMI’s R&B/hip-hop publisher of the year for representing 20 of the previous year’s most-performed songs including “About Damn Time,” “Break My Soul,” “Get Into It (Yuh)” and “First Class.”

In celebration of 50 years of hip-hop, BMI brought together multiple stars for performances representing key locations in the history of the genre. Ja Rule and Doug E. Fresh represented New York. Too Short dedicated his set to the West Coast. Ying Yang Twins represented Atlanta. Flo Milli introduced the Miami sounds of Trick Daddy and Trina. Additional performers included Mannie Fresh and Capella Grey.

To see a complete list of winners, visit https://www.bmi.com/randbhiphop2023.

07 Sep 2023

Kimberly Perry Welcomes Baby Boy With Husband Johnny Costello

Kimberly Perry and her husband, Johnny Costello, have welcomed their first child together, son Whit Costello. Whit was born Aug. 26 at 4:01 p.m. in Nashville, Tennessee.

“Welcome to the world Whit,” Perry said in a statement, posted to her social media. “I feel like in one short week Dad and I have moved from a season of BLOOM into a SUPERBLOOM. Our lives have become sweeter, our days have become so much fuller, our sleep has gotten shorter – but our house has truly become a home. We can’t wait to show Whit the world – this bus baby is ready to roll.”

For Perry, this year has been a time of wonder and creation, personally and professionally. In addition to welcoming baby Whit, Perry signed to RECORDS Nashville earlier this year, as well as with Warner Chappell Music and Nicolle Galyon’s Songs and Daughters Publishing. With her work as part of the sibling trio The Band Perry on hiatus, she also released her first solo country EP, Bloom, via RECORDS/Columbia.

Perry revamped the storyline of The Band Perry’s 2011 hit “If I Die Young” — which was a solo write from Perry — working with Galyon and Jimmy Robbins to craft “If I Die Young, Pt. 2.”

“I didn’t want to rob anybody of their experience with the original version because it’s a song that meant so much to so many different people in their time of loss,” she previously told Billboard. “There have been a lot of comments that Part 1 ‘really validated my feelings in that moment, but I’m so grateful to have the Part 2, because it’s like we’re healing our inner child.’ It’s almost like the love letter back to all who fell in love with that original version. It’s this message of, ‘Hold on. Life gets sweeter as we live it.’”

See Kimberly’s photos of Whit here, here and here.

07 Sep 2023

The Country’s Second Largest Music Wholesaler Is Shutting Down

Ingram Entertainment, the second largest U.S. music wholesaler, has begun telling its accounts that it will begin shutting down its music operation, with plans to close by the end of this year, sources tell Billboard.

Sources suggest that Ingram’s music operation generates about $200 million a year in revenue. Beyond music, there are indications that the company is also closing down its video wholesaling operation.

As news of the announcement began to spread Wednesday among brick-and-mortar merchants, retailers were initially worried about how the closure would impact the supply of music titles — as the shuttering will leave just two major one-stops in the United States: Alliance Entertainment and All Media Supply. Merchants were worried that if Ingram closed suddenly, it could cause disruption in the marketplace. However, a phased closing plan will allow labels and stores to adapt to the changing marketplace, those sources suggest.

Replenishment of catalog titles is particularly important to brick-and-mortar retailers, who are enjoying a physical renaissance yet again this year. Physical sales saw a slowdown in 2022 following several years of overall escalating physical sales, especially from vinyl.

In 2021, CD sales were up 1.1% to nearly 40.6 million copies, but that was after years of dramatic decreases for the format. Meanwhile, in 2021 vinyl sales were up 51.4% to 41.7 million copies, according to Luminate. But physical sales slowed in 2022, with CDs down 11.6% to 35.9 million copies and vinyl down 4.21% to 43.5 million copies. However, so far this year, CDs are back in the swing of things, up 1.8% to nearly 23.3 million copies, while vinyl is on its way to galloping growth once again — up 20.4% to 31.14 million copies, as of the week ending Aug. 31, 2023.

Ingram music executives didn’t respond to Billboard’s repeated requests for comment.

07 Sep 2023

Special Offer! You Can Join Disney+ for $1.99 a Month for Three Months

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.

Disney+ is ushering in the month of September with a special offer. The streaming giant announced a price cut on its ad-supported service on Wednesday (Sept. 6), but the deal only lasts for a limited time.  

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Read on for details on the promo, how to subscribe, plus new shows and movies coming to Disney+.

Disney+ Subscription: How to Join for Just $1.99 per Month

Regularly $7.99 monthly, you can get three months of access to Disney+ for just $6 ($1.99/month), no promo code needed. The Disney+ bundle with Hulu starts at $9.99/month under the discount.

The Disney+ streaming deal applies to new and eligible returning subscribers, but it only runs until Sept. 20, so you’ll want to act fast. This limited promo takes 75% off what you would normally pay for the first month.

Disney+

$1.99/month $7.99/month 75% off% OFF

Meanwhile, Disney+ is headed for another price hike as Disney+ Premium, Disney Bundle Trio Basic and Disney Bundle Trio Premium will be increasing next month.

Starting on Oct. 12, the Disney Bundle Trio Basic will cost $14.99/month, up from $12.99/month. The Premium trio bundle increases to $24.99 (from $19.99/month) and the Legacy Disney+ Bundle, which is $14.99/month, will increase to $18.99/month.

What Movies & TV Series Are Streaming on Disney+?

Disney+ is home to countless hours of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy from Marvel, Pixar, National Geographic and Disney Channel. Ashoka, Secret Invasion, I Am Groot, Andor, WandaVision, The Mandalorian, Loki, The Book of Boba Fett, Lego: Disney Princess: The Castle Quest, The Beatles Get Back, BTS: Permission to Dance on Stage, J-Hope in the Box, National Geographic’s Lost in the Arctic Explorer, The Simpsons and Welcome to Earth are included in the massive Disney+ streaming library.

What’s Coming to Disney+ in September?

The schedule is packed with must-watch movies and shows! The Little Mermaid swam its way onto Disney+ this week and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 premiered last month. Pixar’s Elemental will debut on Disney+ on Sept. 13.

Also headed to Disney+ this month: 2000s Greatest Tragedies, Master & Apprentice: A Special Look at Ahsoka, Marvel Studios’ Assembled: The Making of the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Animals Up Close with Bertie Gregory and Lang Lang Plays Disney. Plus, new seasons of Raven’s Home, The Ghost and Molly McGee, Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazon Friends, Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, and more.

Excited for spooky season? On Oct. 13, Disney+ will premiere a new Goosebumps series, based on the R.L. Stine novels. The series will also stream on Hulu.

Keep the Disney celebration going at Destination D23, which is scheduled to take place from Sept. 8-10 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla. The fan event will celebrate 100 years of Disney and will livestream for one day only, on Saturday (Sept. 9), via the Disney D23 YouTube and Facebook pages and D23.com/DestinationD23.

As for the annual D23 convention, it’s expected to return to the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif. next year.

07 Sep 2023

TWICE Expands ‘Ready to Be Tour’ in 2024 With New Brazil Concert

TWICE‘s Ready to Be Tour is still in full swing, and now fans in Brazil can get tickets to an extra date.

The K-pop group — Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung and Tzuyu — announced via X, formerly known as Twitter, that tickets for the new concert were officially available to purchase.

The expansion will see the K-pop stars heading to Latin America — first with a previously announced stop in Mexico City at For Sol on Feb. 3, and now two dates at São Paolo’s Allianz Parque Feb. 6-7. São Paolo initially received a single concert date, but due to high demand, the tickets sold out just hours after becoming available to purchase, with the second Feb. 7 date being added. The feat earned TWICE the title of being the first K-pop girl group to sell out a stadium show in São Paolo.

Though the first São Paolo date is sold out, the Billboard Women in Music honorees revealed that tickets for the second date will be available to purchase starting Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. local time.

TWICE will hit a few more countries before embarking on the new leg of its tour — the girl group is currently on its U.K. and European portion of the tour, which kicks off with two dates at London’s O2 Sept. 7-8 and will make additional stops in France and Germany.

See Twice’s tweets below.

07 Sep 2023

Spain’s Recorded Music Revenue Grew 12% in First Six Months

As the summer break comes to an end, the Spanish recorded music industry is celebrating a remarkable first half of 2023. PROMUSICAE (Productores de Música de España), representing over 95% of the Spanish recording industry, has just unveiled the numbers — and they are looking positive. The recorded music industry has generated a total revenue of 214.3 million euros ($229.2 million) during this period, reflecting an impressive growth rate of 11.53% compared to the same period in 2022 when the income stood at 192.1 million euros ($205.4 million).

Antonio Guisasola, president of PROMUSICAE, expressed his optimism regarding the industry’s performance in 2023. “To keep presenting growth figures over the world average is a satisfaction to us and encourages the Spanish recording companies to continue investing in Spanish talent, so that our artists succeed within and out our borders,” said Guisasola in a press release.

The digital market continues to be a driving force behind this growth, with a substantial increase of 12.82% compared to the same period last year. Digital formats now account for 88% of the industry’s turnover, totaling 188.6 million euros ($201.7 million). That’s nearly all streaming, which captured 87.8% of the total market and generated revenues of 188.2 million euros ($201.4 million) — up 13.26% compared to the first half of 2022.

Audio streaming represented 84.32% of all consumption and contributed 156.9 million euros ($167.9 million) to the industry. Video streaming, while representing over a third of total music consumption time, accounted for 29.1 million euros ($31.1 million).

Guisasola adds, “Numbers are not deceptive and consumption of recorded music is via streaming, though Spanish fans still want to have a bond with their favorite artists through vinyl, a format that follows the path of sales growth, offering very well cared for products that provide an added value to consumers.”

The physical market has also shown resilience in the first half of 2023, maintaining its share of the total market at 12% and experiencing a growth rate of 2.91% compared to the same period in 2022.

Sales of vinyl, in particular, have outperformed CDs, constituting 56.2% of physical sales and generating revenues of 14.4 million euros ($15.4 million) — up 6.32%. CD sales, meanwhile, declined 1.32%, contributing 11 million euros ($11.8 million), making up 42.9% of the physical market revenues.

Guisasola concludes in the press release, “Support the Spanish recording industry so that it does not lose its own boost and can seize the great momentum experienced by Latin music to consolidate its growth in our country and abroad.”

Reduced Infographic Spanish Recorded Music Market H1 2023

Courtesy Photo

07 Sep 2023

Charlie Puth Is Engaged, 2023 CMA Nominations, Simon Cowell Is ‘Speechless’ & More | Billboard News

Charlie Puth announced his engagement to girlfriend Brooke Sansone when he posted a pic of his fianceé rocking a serious rock. The 2023 CMA Awards nominations are here, and Lainey Wilson & Jelly Roll are leading the pack! Billboard takes a look back at some of the most controversial Hot 100 No. 1 tracks. And more!

Tetris Kelly
Charlie Puth announces his engagement. Lainey Wilson leads the CMA Awards nominations. An AGT contestant leaves Simon Cowell speechless. We look at some of the most controversial No. 1s and learn five things about Noah Kahan. Welcome back to Billboard News, I’m Tetris Kelly, it’s September 7th, and we’ve got to get the show off to the most positive note: love. Charlie Puth is engaged. The soulful crooner is singing the news, and we’re letting you know all about the happy couple.

Tetris Kelly
Charlie Puth took to Instagram to announce his engagement to Brooke Sansone with this adorable picture, captioning, “I flew to New York to ask my best friend to marry me. And she said yes. I’m the happiest, best version of myself. And it is all because of you. Brookie I love you endlessly forever and ever and ever.” Congrats, Puth. Also, that pizza looks bangin’. The engagement comes nearly a year after they went IG official in a post on Charlie’s birthday. We wish the couple the best.

Onto some more good news: Country is killing it on the charts, and some of your favorites are celebrating their CMA Awards nominations. Lainey Wilson leads the pack, with Luke Combs and Jelly Roll capturing a handful of nods. Here are your CMA nominations.

Tetris Kelly
Lainey Wilson nabs nine nominations, making her the most nominated at this year’s CMA Awards. She’s nominated for the biggest prize of the night — Entertainer of the Year — but she’ll have to beat out Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton and Luke Combs, who received four nominations, including Single of the Year for “Fast Car.”

Watch the full news video above!