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22 May 2023

Halle Bailey, H.E.R. & Fantasia Star in ‘The Color Purple’ Trailer

Warner Bros. unveiled the trailer for the big-screen musical adaptation of The Color Purple on Monday (May 22), starring Halle Bailey, H.E.R., Fantasia and more.

“Today, our teacher taught us about a place called Africa,” Bailey says as young Nettie Harris tells her older sister Celie to open the preview. “She say our mamas come from queens over there. That means that we? Royalty.”

As Fantasia’s voice echoes over the clip as a grown-up Celie singing “I’m Here,” the two sisters are cruelly separated by Celie’s much-older husband, leaving Celie without her only support system in life. The trailer then progresses to reveal Danielle Brooks as Sofia and Taraji P. Henson as the fabulous Shug Avery, who introduces Celie to a brighter, more musical life, declaring, “Let’s see this smile in color,” as she applies lipstick to the latter’s face for the very first time.

Produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg and Quincy Jones, the new rendition of The Color Purple will be the first time the Broadway musical is brought to the screen — itself an adaptation of the 1982 novel of the same name by Alice Walker. Spielberg also directed the original, non-musical version of the story in 1985, which starred Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Winfrey, Laurence Fishburne and more, and was nominated for 11 Academy Awards at the time of its release.

For her part, Fantasia has previously stepped into Celie’s shoes multiple times, both in the 2007 Broadway revival and its subsequent national tour. The big-screen musical will also serve as Bailey’s follow-up to her heralded role as Ariel in the new live-action retelling of The Little Mermaid, which premieres this Friday (May 26).

The Color Purple is scheduled to hit theaters on Christmas Day (Dec. 25). Watch the trailer below.

22 May 2023

YouTube Won’t Face Copyright Class Action Over Anti-Piracy Tools, Judge Rules

A federal judge on Monday (May 22) dealt a major blow to a lawsuit that claims YouTube enables piracy by restricting access to copyright tools like Content ID, refusing to allow the case to proceed as a class action that could have included tens of thousands of rightsholders.

The lawsuit, filed by a composer named Maria Schneider, claims that YouTube has become a “hotbed of piracy” because the platform provides “powerful copyright owners” like record labels with Content ID to block and monetize unauthorized uses of their content, but fails to do the same for “ordinary owners.”

But in his ruling on Monday, Judge James Donato said that Schneider could not team up with tens of thousands of other rightsholders who she claims suffered similar harm from YouTube’s policies, dramatically reducing the scope of the lawsuit.

Cases can only be “certified” as class actions if the various accusers share similar complaints against the defendant. And in Schneider’s case, Judge Donato said different rightsholders would have very different cases against YouTube.

“It has been said that copyright claims are poor candidates for class-action treatment, and for good reason,” the judge wrote. “Every copyright claim turns upon facts which are particular to that single claim of infringement [and] every copyright claim is also subject to defenses that require their own individualized inquiries.”

Filed in 2020, Schneider’s lawsuit claims that YouTube (owned by Google parent Alphabet) forces songwriters and other smaller rights holders to use “vastly inferior and time-consuming manual means” of policing infringement, allowing piracy of their material to flourish on the platform.

For its part, YouTube says it’s done nothing wrong. In court documents, the company has argued that it’s spent “spent over $100 million developing industry-leading tools” to prevent piracy, but that it limits access because “in the hands of the wrong party, these tools can cause serious harm.”

With a trial date looming next month, attorneys for Schneider had urged Judge Donato to let the case move forward as a class action. An expert retained by her legal team suggested that the class “at a minimum” would include between 10,000 and 20,000 aggrieved copyright owners.

“The Copyright Act does not countenance such blatant disregard of individual artists’ intellectual property rights,” her attorneys wrote. “Class actions were created for this institutionalized misbehavior that relies upon the disincentives and lack of resources for a lawsuit absent collective action. A class action is the superior method through which YouTube’s participation in and facilitation of copyright infringement can be held to account.”

But in Monday’s ruling, Judge Donato strongly disagreed. He said the many individual claims against YouTube would require “highly individualized inquiries into the merits,” including a case-by-case assessment of whether YouTube possibly had a valid license to those particular songs.

“Whether YouTube has a license for a particular work will be a matter of intense inquiry at trial,” the judge wrote. “The answer to this inquiry will depend upon facts and circumstances unique to each work and copyright claimant.”

Monday’s order won’t end the case, but it will now proceed to trial based only on copyrights owned by Schneider and two other plaintiffs (Uniglobe Entertainment and AST Publishing). The lawsuit is scheduled for a June 12 trial, though it’s unclear if that date will be changed in the wake of Monday’s decision.

An attorney for Schneider and a representative for YouTube did not immediately return requests for comment on Monday’s order.

22 May 2023

We Asked K-Pop Fans About Their Favorite Groups & Biases | Billboard News

We asked K-pop fans at We Bridge Expo about who their favorite groups and biases of those groups were.

Tetris Kelly 0:00
I’m doing some hard investigative work out here and I’m trying to find out who’s your number one favorite K-pop group.

K-pop fans 0:05
Oh Monsta X. Monsta X without hesitation. Monsta X 1,000%, Monsta X.

Tetris Kelly 0:11
Oh I found the Monsta X crew. Are you guys fighting though? Because who’s your bias?

K-pop fans 0:17
Joohoney, Shownu, Joohoney — but we’re not fighting it’s all love!

Tetris Kelly 0:22
K-pop is becoming one of the biggest genres in the world, but who’s everybody’s favorite group? And do you know what a bias is?

Tetris Kelly 0:31
Can you help me explain to the people at home what’s a bias?

K-pop fan 0:34
Okay, so you get like emotionally attached to someone they pick you, you never pick them? Well, Jimin picked me so I agree.

Tetris Kelly 0:43
I’m trying to find out who everyone’s favorite K-pop group is? You gotta pick I know it’s gonna stress you out.

K-pop fan 0:52
I have to say Shinee. I gotta say Shinee.

K-pop fan 1:00
Got7 those are my boys forever.

Tetris Kelly 1:03
Who’s your bias?

K-pop fan 1:04
Taemin

Tetris Kelly 1:05
Oh she didn’t even think about it.

K-pop fan 1:06
We like this. For life!

Tetris Kelly 1:07
Who’s your bias in your favorite group?

K-pop fan 1:10
Mark Tuan. I love him.

K-pop fan 1:13
That’s my boy!

K-pop fan 1:17
K-pop group you would have to be SEVENTEEN.

K-pop fan 1:24
NCT, but Stray Kids and P1Harmony are like close second.

Tetris Kelly 1:28
She gave us three she likes. I can’t decide: Who’s your bias in P1Harmony?

K-pop fan 1:33
P1Harmony? Intak, yeah it’s Intak.

Tetris Kelly 1:37
But me and you, we got to have a conversation right now because who is your bias?

K-pop Fan 1:41
Hoshi.

Tetris Kelly1:46
Hoshi! Oh my god we’re literally the same same, same, same. I feel like I know the answer already because of your lightstick but who is your favorite K-pop group?

K-pop fan 1:53
ENHYPEN. Mine’s ENHYPEN. Right now it’s ENHYPEN.

Tetris Kelly 2:00
But the question is who’s your bias?

K-pop fan 2:02
My Enhypen bias is Jake. I love Jake I love him so much. Yeah, I love Jake. Ni-Ki

Tetris Kelly 2:11
Nobody’s supposed to know who my bias is.

Jungwon 2:14
Hi Billboard!

Tetris Kelly 2:17
I’m really mad about all the people that share biases with me but it’ll be alright for Billboard News, I’m Tetris Kelly.

22 May 2023

Busta Rhymes & Jhene Aiko to Headline at The Show: Sunshine Vibes Sessions in Las Vegas

This Memorial Day Weekend, Busta Rhymes and Jhene Aiko look to light up Las Vegas with their performances at the Palms Casino Resort as part of the launch of The Show: Sunshine Vibes Sessions.

The two concerts will begin this Saturday (May 27) at the Soak Pool with special performances by Aiko, Swae Lee, Saint Jhn and DJ Boof. The following night will feature a second concert by Rhymes, Jeremih and DJ Boof on the 1’s and 2’s.

“We are thrilled to kick off the pool season this Memorial Day Weekend at SOAK,” Steve Sagan, executive director of nightlife and daylife at Palms, said exclusively to Billboard. “SOAK Pool promises to be an ultimate poolside party paradise, offering a vibrant lineup of high-energy entertainment, fantastic music, refreshing drinks, delectable food, and endless fun.”

Last month, Rhymes performed in Vegas for Lovers and Friends and, shortly after, alongside the venerable Janet Jackson during her tour at the New York show. He also has a new album slated to be executive produced by Pharrell, Swizz Beatz and Timbaland.

“First and foremost, thank you to everyone for the birthday well wishes. They always mean so much. I am truly blessed. We continue the celebration this weekend and all year long,” he told Billboard.

Busta continued to speak on his banner year, as he recently headlined the epic HipHop50 tribute at this year’s Grammy Awards and enjoyed a sold-out performance at New York’s Carnegie Hall.

“2023 has been another milestone year for me, from honoring our beloved hip-hop culture with fellow icons at The Grammys to performing with Queens Janet Jackson and Mary J Blige in the same week at their respective concerts, to my first headlining, sold out, engagement at Carnegie Hall. And of course, when I got the invitations from the Kings Pharrell and Usher, I had to go and destroy the festivals “Something In The Water” and “Lovers & Friends.” As always, my family Spliff Star and DJ Scratch, have been with me tearing down every stage.

He adds, “I assure you we are just getting started. My new album is on the way, and of course, me and my longtime brothers, 50 Cent and Jeremih, are going absolutely earthquake every city starting this summer on the Final Lap Tour 2023.

Tickets range from $65 – $150 and doors will open at 11 AM Saturday morning. Fans can buy here.

22 May 2023

Chloe Bailey Is Glowing in Gold Bikini While Enjoying a Beach Vacation

Chloe Bailey is enjoying a much-deserved tropical vacation.

The “Pray It Away” singer took to Instagram on Monday (May 22) to share a fun video montage of her recent trip, where she dances around in a gold fringe bikini, does cartwheels in the grass, swims in the ocean, eats delicious meals, goes on hikes, surfs, takes outdoor showers and generally enjoys herself. “baby finally went on vacation.. having my eat pray love moment,” she captioned the post.

Her sister, The Little Mermaid star Halle Bailey, supported her sibling in the comments section, writing, “So beautiful!!!”

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The vacation comes after a busy year for the 24-year-old singer, who is fresh off the release of her solo album, In Pieces, and went on tour in support of the project last month. “In Pieces is for the ones who behind closed doors are breaking and don’t know how much more they can take,” she previously wrote of the album. “In Pieces is for the ones who hold the people up around them while barely holding themselves. In Pieces is for the people who continue to get stabbed in the back, heart broken by the ones they thought they could trust, but STILL that doesn’t change their heart and how they love. In Pieces is for the ones like me, who wear their outer shell so well that you’d have no idea what they’re going through.”

See Chloe’s vacation post below.

22 May 2023

Amazon’s Viral $13 Jumpsuit Is the Everyday Outfit Your Closet Needs

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.

Athleisure is the one fashion trend we can rely on to always stay in style. Celebrities like Dua Lipa, Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez and more are commonly spotted wearing everything from leggings and sports bras to the most trendiest look to pop up: fitted rompers.

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The latest viral ‘fit to take centerstage is an Amazon No. 1 new release in the clothing department. Not only does it look like something straight from Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS line, but it’s paired with a wallet-friendly cost of just $13 (yes, you read that right).

Now that festivals and tours are back in effect, finding an outfit that’s stylish yet comfortable is essential for all-day wear. Thankfully, this fitted jumpsuit comes in five shades that you can stock up on and it’s packed with cozy materials that won’t have you counting down the seconds until you’re home so you can change.

Amazon

QINSEN High Waist Tummy Control Jumpsuit

$from $12.89 $29.99 57% OFF

The versatile jumpsuit can be dressed up or down depending on how you style it. Whether it’s to the gym for a yoga class, paired with a denim jacket or worn under a blazer, this romper will adapt. The stretchy material is also made from a soft mix of nylon and elastane that will smooth and stretch to move with you. Plus, at a price that’s under $20, you really can’t beat it.

Reviewers also stop can’t praising it for how it “does not disappoint,” putting an emphasis on how “snatched” you look once it’s on. For those nervous about how sheer the material is, shoppers have described the material as “thick” with one even comparing it to the fabric of Lululemon’s leggings, which is known for its coverage.

Most reviewers have even gone back for more shades — it’s that trendy. With that in mind, though, it probably won’t be long until they style is sold out, so be sure to snag the viral ‘suit while you can!

22 May 2023

TikTok Sues to Overturn Montana’s Ban of the App

Social media company TikTok Inc. filed a lawsuit Monday seeking to overturn Montana’s first-in-the-nation ban on the video sharing app, arguing the law is an unconstitutional violation of free speech rights and is based on “unfounded speculation” that the Chinese government could access users’ data.

The lawsuit by TikTok itself follows one filed last week by five content creators who made the same arguments, including that the state of Montana has no authority to take action on matters of national security. Both lawsuits were filed in federal court in Missoula.

Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed the bill Wednesday and the content creators’ lawsuit was filed hours later. The law is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1.

TikTok has not shared and would not share U.S. user data with the Chinese government and has taken measures to protect the privacy and security of its users, including storing all U.S. user data in the United States, the company states in its complaint.

Some lawmakers, the FBI and officials at other agencies are concerned that the video-sharing app, owned by the Chinese tech company ByteDance, could be used to allow the Chinese government to access information on U.S. citizens or push pro-Beijing misinformation that could influence the public.

Chinese law compels Chinese companies to share data with the government for whatever purposes it deems to involve national security. TikTok says this has never happened.

“TikTok is spying on Americans. Period,” Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, whose office drafted the bill, told a legislative committee in March. Knudsen’s office has said they expected lawsuits and were prepared to defend the new law.

The federal government and about half the U.S. states, including Montana, have banned TikTok from government-owned devices.

Montana’s new law prohibits downloads of TikTok in the state. It would fine any “entity” — an app store or TikTok — $10,000 per day for each time someone “is offered the ability” to access the social media platform or download the app. The penalties would not apply to users.

22 May 2023

BLACKPINK’s Jennie Dazzles in Chanel for Her Cannes Film Festival Debut

BLACKPINK‘s Jennie has officially made here Cannes film festival debut. On Monday (May 22), the K-pop star turned up on the red carpet at the 76th annual Cannes Film Festival in France, much to the delight of Blinks across the globe.

The 27-year-old showed up to the event looking stunning in a Chanel SS20 tea-length couture gown consisting white lace and sheer black off-the-shoulder sleeves. Jennie went minimal with her accessories, adding only a black satin bow to her wavy hair and delicate diamond rings to her hands.

The BLACKPINK rapper, however, did not attend the event solo — she walked the carpet and posed for photos alongside her fellow co-stars from The Idol, including The Weeknd, Lily-Rose Depp, Hari Nef, Moses Sumney and the show’s co creator Sam Levinson. (The Idol premiered at the festival as one of four Out of Competition Selections.)

Shortly after photos and videos of Jennie at Cannes hit the Internet, Blinks fawned over the star and shared their opinions on how she looked for her Cannes debut. “She’s beyond pretty, she looks heavenly,” one Blink wrote on Twitter, while another called Jennie “THE MAIN EVENT THE IT GIRL THE MOST GORGEOUS PERSON TO EXIST.”

Jennie isn’t the only BLACKPINK member to attend Cannes this year: Rosé made her debut at the film festival last week for the premiere of Hirokazu Kore-eda directed Japanese drama, Monster.

Watch Jennie walk the red carpet for the premiere of The Idol in the video below.

22 May 2023

Here Are Five Things You Didn’t Know About Ivy Queen | Billboard

Ivy Queen reveals five things you didn’t know about her.

IVY QUEEN:
Hola, mi nombre es Ivy Queen y tengo cinco cosas para compartirte que no sabías. La numero uno, me trago los chicles. No sé si es malo or bueno, pero lo hago. La segunda, me encanta todo lo que tiene que ver con skin preparation like serums, lociones. La tercera, me encanta mucho escribir. Tengo libretas con escritos. La cuarta, soy fanática del R&B music. I love R&B. Me encanta la música con letras espectaculares. Y la quinta, bueno, muchos lo saben, pero otros no: me encanta la cocina. Those are los cinco cositas que no sabías de mí.

22 May 2023

XG, Jackson Wang, Rina Sawayama & More Announced for Head in the Clouds LA  

The fifth annual Head in the Clouds Los Angeles Music & Arts Festival has announced the lineup for its Aug. 5-6 event. The 2023 LA headliners include DPR Live, DPR Ian, Jackson Wang, NIKI, Rich Brian, Rina Sawayama, XG, YOASOBI and special guest ZEDD.

Additional performers for the West Coast iteration include TOKiMONSTA, Keith Ape, Yerin Baek, ATARASHII GAKKO!, MILLI, Warren Hue and more for two days at Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. More than 35 artists will grace the stage of the festival, produced by label 88rising and promoter Goldenvoice, who also puts on Coachella.

In addition to performances, Head in the Clouds will welcome back 626 Night Market for the fourth year as food curator for the festival. This year’s full list of offerings will be announced in the coming months.

The LA lineup follows Head in the Clouds’ first New York edition from May 20-21. 88rising in partnership with Goldenvoice and The Bowery Presents hosted the inaugural Head in the Clouds New York Music & Arts Festival at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens with sets from DUMBFOUNDEAD, MILLI, Beabadoobee, Rich Brian, ITZY, XG, NIKI and more. The music-filled weekend doubled as a celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and the 100th anniversary of Forest Hills Stadium.

This year marked the first time the Head in the Clouds festival expanded to a new market in North America following its run in Los Angeles (2018-19; 2021-22) and 2022 festivals in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Manila, Philippines.

Registration for presale passes starts today for the LA festival. The presale officially launches Thursday at 10 a.m. PT. Passes go on sale here May 30 at 10 a.m. PT. Check out the full lineup below.