State Champ Radio News
Page: 415
Months after receiving backlash for utilizing AI-generated imagery for her “Delusional” single, Kesha has announced new artwork for the track.
First released in November 2025, “Delusional” was issued as the second single from Kesha’s forthcoming sixth album, . (Period). However, the track’s original artwork – which depicted a number of handbags with the word ‘delusional’ spray painted on them, often incorrectly – was swiftly criticized for its use of generative AI.
Kesha did not respond to the backlash, or address fans’ requests to commission an actual artist to create new imagery for the single. However, on Tuesday (May 20), she took to social media to share new artwork for the single, along with an explanation for the update.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
“When making the single art for my song ‘Delusional,’ I wanted to make the point that it’s DELUSIONAL that the world expects artists to continue making art when we are so undervalued,” she explained. “I tried to echo my ideas in the form of a political single cover. I’ve realized that living in alignment with my integrity is more important than proving a point.
Trending on Billboard
“So I’ve decided to change the cover art for this song. She’s one of my favorites.”
Kesha also made a point to individually thank the creative team behind the artwork, including the photographer, videographer, stylists, and more. “Thanks to my crew for helping me live out here in my highest and c–tiest potential,” she added.
In closing her social post, Kesha also addressed the elephant in the room, directly shifting her focus to the work of AI and the toll it can take on real creatives in the process.
“AI is a Pandora’s box that we as a society have collectively opened, and I think it’s important that we keep human ramifications in mind as we learn how to use it as a tool and not as a replacement,” she explained. “Just me healing, in real time.”
The updated artwork arrives less than two months from the release of . (Period) on July 4 via her own Kesha Records label. It also arrives as her first LP since the 2023 settlement of a yearslong legal battle with Dr. Luke over Kesha’s claims that he drugged and raped her in 2005, after which he sued her for defamation while calling the allegations “false and shocking.”
“I’m really excited for the world to hear this, because I’ve been in control of everything,” she revealed on The Jennifer Hudson Show recently.
“It’s been all of my vision, all of my words, a lot of hard work, a lot of joy,” she continued. “Really coming back home to myself and feeling what freedom really looks like, feels like, sounds like.”
20 years since he took up the role of vocalist of Foreigner, Kelly Hansen has announced that he will be leaving the band this year.
Hansen’s news was shared on the season finale of NBC’s The Voice on Monday (May 20), where the band was on hand to perform a medley of their hits.
Following a rendition of “Feels Like the First Time,” Hansen took the opportunity to announce his plans to the audience. “After 20 magical years fronting this band, this will be my last year with Foreigner,” he revealed. “At the end of this summer, a new great voice will sing these songs for you; my friend Luis Maldonado.”
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Hansen then welcomed Maldonado for a performance of “Juke Box Hero,” before the pair shared lead vocals on “I Want to Know What Love Is.”
“Being the voice of Foreigner has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” added Hansen. “But it’s time to pass the mic. Luis has the voice, the energy, and the soul to carry these songs into the future. I couldn’t be prouder to hand this off to him.”
Trending on Billboard
Hansen rose to fame in the ’80s as the vocalist for Hurricane, whom he fronted until their 1991 dissolution. Following years spent working with other bands, such as Air Pavilion, Unruly Child, Perfect World, and recording with Slash’s Snakepit, Hansen joined Foreigner in 2005 following the departure of co-founding vocalist Lou Gramm two years prior.
Maldonado, meanwhile, joined Foreigner in 2021, having previously served as the guitarist of Train and having worked with names such as John Waite and Lisa Marie Presley. “This music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Maldonado added. “I’m ready to honor Foreigner’s legacy and bring my heart to every performance.”
The status of Hansen’s role in the band had previously been the subject for debate in March, when it was announced that actor Geordie Brown, who is perhaps best known for his role in Foreigner’s own Jukebox Hero – The Musical – would be fronting the band for their Canadian Farewell Tour throughout October and November. Foreigner’s recent South American tour also featured Maldonado on lead vocals, while Gramm returned as a guest musician.
Foreigner was first formed in 1976 by former Spooky Tooth guitarist Mick Jones, with the band releasing their self-titled debut album the following year. They topped the Billboard 200 in 1981 with the aptly-titled fourth album, 4. The record also boasted top five songs “Urgent” and “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” though they would release their highest-charting single in 1984, with “I Want to Know What Love Is” topping the Hot 100 after it was issued as the lead track from Agent Provocateur.
Various lineup changes over the years have left Jones as the only original member of the band, though he has been absent from the live stage since 2023. In October 2024, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Sammy Hagar.
As Iron Maiden ready themselves to climb aboard Ed Force One and launch their Run for Your Lives World Tour, manager Rod Smallwood has asked fans to put their phones away.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The veteran British heavy metal outfit will launch their upcoming tour in Budapest, Hungary on May 27, with the shows also kicking off their 50th anniversary celebrations. With the massive milestone in their back pocket, and the tour also set to see the debut of drummer Simon Dawson, there’s a lot worth documenting.
However, Smallwood has taken to the band’s website to share a post titled “Put away your phones and get ready to Run For Your Lives!” in which he urges fans to experience the shows “in the moment” rather than on smaller screens at a later date.
Trending on Billboard
“We really want fans to enjoy the shows first hand, rather than on their small screens,” Smallwood wrote. “The amount of phone use nowadays diminishes enjoyment, particularly for the band who are on stage looking out at rows of phones, but also for other concertgoers.
“We feel that the passion and involvement of our fans at shows really makes them special, but the phone obsession has now got so out of hand that it has become unnecessarily distracting especially to the band. I hope fans understand this and will be sensible in severely limiting the use of their phone cameras out of respect for the band and their fellow fans.”
Iron Maiden aren’t the first band to ask fans to put their phones back in their pockets. In 2015, Jack White shared a verbal plea for no phones during his Lazaretto tour, and by the time The Raconteurs toured in 2019, attendees were told to put their devices in locked Yondr pouches.
“We think you’ll enjoy looking up from your gadgets for a little while and experience music and our shared love of it in person,” a note from the band read at the time.
Other acts, such as Tool, have also employed a similar approach, requesting phones stay off their phones until their final performance. Guitarist Adam Jones explained in 2022 that while part of the reason was due to the loss of connection between band and fan, another factor was the limited technological know-how of some concertgoers.
“I think one of the problems is you get a lot of lights because people don’t know how to use their cameras correctly, which makes it very blinding onstage,” Jones explained.
As Smallwood added on Iron Maiden’s website, much of the urging for fans to stow their phones comes out of a plea for respect, for both the larger experience and the band themselves.
“We would very much like you to be ‘in the moment’ instead and be fully actively involved to enjoy each and every one of these classic songs in the spirit and manner they were first played,” he adds. “This show isn’t just a celebration of our music; it is, as you will see, also about our years of art, of Eddie and of the many, many worlds of Maiden we have created for you.”
“So please respect the band, respect the other fans and have the time of your lives as you join your Maiden family by singing your heart out, rather than getting your phone out!! It’s really not a lot to ask is it?”
The upcoming Run for Your Lives World Tour will be Iron Maiden’s first performances since wrapping their The Future Past Tour in São Paulo, Brazil in December. That tour was the last to feature drummer Nicko McBrain, who announced his “decision to take a step back from the grind of the extensive touring lifestyle.”
Lady Gaga took home a Sports Emmy on Tuesday night (May 20) for her pre-Super Bowl performance of “Hold My Hand” in tribute to victims of the New Orleans terror attack on New Year’s Eve, Hurricane Helene in Florida and Georgia in the fall, and the January wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles County. In a […]
Warner Music Latina signed three emerging urban artists who are creating a viral buzz on social media and the Billboard charts: DFZM (Colombia), Jombriel (Ecuador), and Milo Bvgatti (Venezuela). DFZM made his Billboard chart debut last November DFZM with “+57” in collaboration with Karol G, J Balvin, Feid, Ryan Castro, Maluma, and Ovy on the Drums. Jombriel hit No. 1 on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart this March with his “Parte & Choke (Remix)” with Ryan Castro. Meanwhile, Bvgatti has already received stamps of approval from Feid, Jay Wheeler and Dalex. “At Warner Music Latina, we believe in the power of fresh voices from the Andean region to make waves globally,” said Roberto Andrade, MD of Warner Music Latina, in a statement. “We proudly welcome DFZM, Jombriel, and Milo Bvgatti — a new chapter begins, filled with music and momentum.” – Jessica Roiz
Southern California band Of Mice & Men signed with Century Media Records. The group released the single “Another Miracle” on May 8, marking its first new music since 2023. Of Mice & Men is currently on tour in the U.S., with festival dates including the Summer Daze Festival in Elko, Nev.; Warped Tour in Long Beach, Calif.; and Louder Than Life in Louisville, Ky.
Trending on Billboard
Jutes signed a global record deal with Position Music, which will release his new single, “Left on Dilworth,” on Wednesday (May 21). The singer-songwriter’s singles so far this year include “Red Velvet” with Ari Abdul, “House of Cards” and “SMUT”; previous album releases include Ladybug and Sleepyhead. He’s managed by Mike Maloian at 25/7.
Indonesian dream-pop duo Galdive signed with Mom + Pop Music, which released its new album, Blue, on May 9. The act’s song “Teach Me How to Love” has picked up steam on TikTok, where it has generated more than 16 million views, 1.8 million likes, and over 2,200 UGC posts, according to the label.
Armada Music struck a joint venture deal with Dutch electronic artist Joris Voorn spanning A&R, distribution, promotion and marketing. The label will work with Voorn on his upcoming album Serotonin, which is set for release in July. It will additionally leverage its publishing arm “to add creative value” to his work via “writing camps and collaboration,” according to a press release. Armada previously released Voorn’s remix of “Transmission” by Eelke Ekleijn.
Scouting for Girls signed a label services deal with Absolute. Next year, the British trio is releasing a new album, which Absolute will support with digital marketing, distribution, project management and a long-term strategic direct-to-consumer campaign.
Sub Pop signed Brooklyn-based trio Nation of Language and will release the band’s new music globally this year and beyond. The first release under the deal is the new single, “Inept Apollo.” The band will tour North America and Europe this fall.
Virgin Music Latin signed a global agreement with rising Cuban act Wampi for the release of his forthcoming debut studio album, El Rey de la Habana. His first single under the label is “Veni,” an uptempo track that represents the Cuban Reparto music scene. El Rey de la Habana will feature collaborations with Cimafunk, Ibeyi, Los Van Van, Maffio, Michael Brun, and more. – Jessica Roiz
Mom+Pop Music signed Minneapolis artist Mother Soki, whose single “Rivet Gun” has been growing on TikTok. She is managed by Avalanche in Los Angeles.
Nettwerk signed indie-pop band Joseph, composed of sisters Natalie and Meegan Closner. The first release under the deal is the single “Bye and Bye,” a track from the duo’s forthcoming album (its first without sister Allie). The band is kicking off a round of tour dates on June 13 in Spokane, Wash.
Singer-songwriter N8NOFACE signed with Stones Throw, which released his new song, “Waiting to Wait for You,” last week. N8NOFACE is touring with Eyedress on the Stoner Tour this summer.
Scout Willis signed with WME for global representation. The singer-songwriter is currently recording her second studio album on the heels of singles “Over and Over” and “Take Me” last year. The album is slated for release this fall.
Atlanta-based five-piece band Penelope Road signed to Warner Records. The first release under the deal is the single “Out Tonight.” According to a press release, the song has already racked up “millions of views” leading up to its official release. The band, which is set to embark on a summer headlining tour on June 12 in Charleston, S.C., is managed by Lindsay Brandt.
Giant Music, a division of The Azoff Company, signed rock band Riff Wood. The band is independently producing its debut album, Tough Luck, which is set for release this summer. It’s been preceded by singles including “Blur” and “Stay a Little Longer,” the latter serving as its first release on Giant. Riff Wood is embarking on a summer tour starting July 29. The band, which won Utah’s Battle of the Bands last year, is managed by Rob Cavallo‘s Done Deal and Echo Street.
A$AP Rocky continues to tease new music ahead of dropping his highly anticipated album Don’t Be Dumb. However, the song that was played as he walked down the red-carpet stairs in the rain with his pregnant partner Rihanna at the Cannes Film Festival on Monday night, when his new movie Highest 2 Lowest premiered, sounds […]
Source: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz
This past weekend The Weeknd’s big feature film Hurry Up Tomorrow premiered in movie theaters worldwide and while it was basically dead on arrival (no shots), the Canadian crooner is still doing his best to hype up his latest silver screen project.
Hoping to at least generate some soundtrack sales, The Weeknd dropped off some new visuals to the title cut “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” which finds The Weeknd sitting alone in a room and playing a piano as he sings his heart out hoping this song will pursued people to see his bomb of a movie. It won’t. Decent song though.
Back on the rap scene, Wiz Khalifa and DaBaby finally get around to doing a collaboration and in their clip to “Viking Freestyle,” the two rappers get smoked out with the help of some Khalifa Kush before turning up during their session and spitting hella bars.
Check out the rest of today’s drops and some joints you might’ve missed over the weekend including work from Key Glock, Heem, and more.
THE WEEKND – “HURRY UP TOMORROW”
WIZ KHALIFA & DABABY – “VIKING FREESTYLE”
KEY GLOCK – “GLOCKAVELI”
POPCAAN FT. TEEBONE – “MAGICAL”
HEEM – “BARS & NOBLE 2”
LECRAE, MILES MINNICK & E-40 – “THE METHOD”
B-LEGIT, KING CYDAL & OCKY OCKY – “DO IT FOR”
CHOSE4THEGAME – “NASTY”
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Anadolu / Getty
On Monday (May 19), the biotech giant Regeneron Pharmeceuticals announced that they were acquiring the DNA testing company 23andMe after it was up for sale in an auction after declaring bankruptcy. Regeneron is best known for its antibody drug cocktail which was used by President Donald Trump when he fell ill with COVID-19 during his first term.23andMe was a dominant product as genetic testing became more publicly accepted in past years, with customers buying their test kits to find out more about their family ancestry and traits as well as potential health risks. It had a peak valuation of $6 billion after going public in 2021. The company’s decline happened afterward, due to a combination of less customers buying kits and a data breach back in 2023 which exposed genetic information for seven million of its customers.
A class-action lawsuit against 23andMe would be filed, with litigants claiming they were never notified of the breach. Last September, seven members of its board resigned citing their lack of confidence in chief executive Anne Wojcicki, according to the New York Times. The company would file for bankruptcy in March to “facilitate a sale process to maximize the value of its business.” Wojcicki would resign during that period as well.
The deal is worth $256 million, and will give Regeneron full control of all of 23andMe’s business assets which include its Personal Genome Service, Total Health and Research Services divisions. It is subject to a review from a corporate privacy ombudsman who will provide the final report on June 10. Then, approval must be given under federal antitrust laws and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, whom which a hearing is set for June 17. If all proceeds according to plan, the sale would become official in the third quarter of 2025.Regeneron has already pledged to keep customers’ data and associated materials secure. “[W]e want to let 23andMe customer know that we are committed to protecting this dataset with our high standards of data privacy, security and ethical oversight. We believe that Regeneron has the right expertise, leadership and vision to revitalize 23andMe, protect its existing customer base and benefit society overall,” the company said in a statement.
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Michael Loccisano / Getty
The 40/40 Club is set for another comeback. JAY-Z’s former hot spot will be returning to Fanatics Fest.
As per The New York Post the famed nightclub will be recreated once again for the annual Fanatics Fest. For this edition the lounge will host V.I.P.’s personally invited by JAY-Z and Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin. In 2024 the pop-up experience hosted an array of high profile celebrities, athletes, musicians and more. In the house were the likes of Quavo, Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled, Carmelo Anthony, Dez Bryant, Jalen Rose and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. According to the periodical JAY-Z is slated to attend the 2025 Fanatics Fest.
Originally launched in 2003, The 40/40 Club was a chain of upscale sports bars and lounges. Its name was a nod to the very exclusive group of Major League Baseball players who attained 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in one single season. The venue decor featured memorabilia from some of the greatest moments in sports. The brand would eventually open other locations in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and at The Barclays Center in Brooklyn. All of the locations have since been closed.
Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin detailed his enthusiasm for the event in a formal statement. “Seeing the pure joy, excitement and enthusiasm from all the fans who attended our first event last summer was absolutely incredible and I could not be more excited to bring Fanatics Fest back to New York City this June” he said. “We’re going bigger and better next year, adding hundreds of athletes and celebrities to the roster, blowing out the event space to add many more interactive experiences from the top leagues and teams, creating more opportunities for fans and collectors to meet their favorite athletes, more exclusive product drops and overall taking the entire event to a new level. June can’t come fast enough.”
Fanatics Fest will take place June 20-22 in New York City. You can find out more information about the event here.
HipHopWired Featured Video
50 Cent is back at it. The Queens rapper and filmmaker continues to troll Diddy as the Harlem mogul’s sex trafficking trial heads into its second week. This time, he posted an AI-generated picture of himself on Instagram wearing a white “Free Diddy” shirt in front of a courthouse and followed that up with a […]
