News

11 Apr 2023

Taylor Swift Steps Out in NYC For First Public Outing Since Joe Alwyn Breakup News & Fans Have Some Thoughts

Best believe she’s still bejeweled! Taylor Swift looked effortlessly glamorous stepping out in New York City Monday evening (April 10) to grab dinner, her first public outing since reports of her breakup from longterm boyfriend Joe Alwyn emerged over the weekend — and naturally, fans have thoughts on everything from the restaurant location to the pop star’s accessory choice.

Alongside frequent collaborator Jack Antonoff and his fiancée, actress Margaret Qualley, Swift was captured by paparazzi and fans exiting an Italian restaurant — reportedly Via Carota in West Village — wearing a sleek black top, jeans with a bedazzled butterfly-shaped cutout and heels. Already, there’s a lot to unpack as far as Swifties are concerned, starting with the fact that the “Anti-Hero” singer’s famous Cornelia Street apartment would have been just minutes away from her dinner spot.

Why does that matter? The building is the setting of Swift’s Lover track “Cornelia Street,” universally believed to be about the beginnings of her relationship with Alwyn, whom she dated for six years. “I hope I never lose you, hope it never ends/ I’d never walk Cornelia Street again/ That’s the kind of heartbreak time could never mend/ I’d never walk Cornelia Street again,” she sings on the track.

But wait, there’s more. Fans have also begun dissecting Swift’s night-out outfit; for instance, is the butterfly detail a clue that her self-titled debut album, which has a butterfly graphic design pattern on the cover, is the next “Taylor’s Version” re-recorded release?

The most contentiously debated part of the 12-time Grammy winner’s look, however, is her necklace, which is too fuzzy to see clearly in the photos taken of her Monday evening. Some fans are sure that the necklace is Swift’s famous “J” necklace, the one she sings about in Reputation track “Call It What You Want” (“I want to wear his initial on a chain round my neck…”). If that’s the case, believers argue, does that mean Alwyn and Swift are actually still together in spite of reports?

Others, however, think the necklace is just that: a necklace. “Its not the j necklace. Its much thinner,” tweeted one Swiftie detective, posting two photos for comparison.

See how Swifties are reacting to Taylor Swift’s post-breakup night in NYC below:

11 Apr 2023

‘Cuff It’ Becomes Beyonce’s Longest-Charting Solo Hot 100 Hit

Beyoncé banks a new milestone on the Billboard Hot 100, as “Cuff It” becomes the longest-charting hit on the survey of her solo career. The song adds a 34th week on the Hot 100, ranking, fittingly, at No. 34 on the April 15-dated chart, and surpasses the 33 weeks that “Telephone” with Lady Gaga logged in 2009-10.

“Cuff It” was released on Beyoncé’s album Renaissance, which launched as her seventh No. 1 on the Billboard 200 last August. The set’s lead single, “Break My Soul,” became her eighth Hot 100 No. 1 the same week, while “Cuff It” reached No. 6 this February. The latter song became her 21st top 10 as a soloist, while Renaissance became her first album with multiple top 10s since I Am…Sasha Fierce in 2008-09.

Here’s a look at Beyoncé’s longest-charting Hot 100 hits:

Weeks on Hot 100, Title, Peak Pos./Year:
34, “Cuff It,” No. 6, 2023
33, “Telephone,” Lady Gaga feat. Beyoncé, No. 3, 2010
31, “Halo,” No. 5, 2009
30, “Irreplaceable,” No. 1 (10 weeks), 2007-07
29, “Sweet Dreams,” No. 10, 2009
29, “Baby Boy,” feat. Sean Paul, No. 1 (nine weeks), 2003
28, “Check On It,” feat. Slim Thug, No. 1 (five weeks), 2006
27, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” No. 1 (four weeks), 2008-09
27, “Crazy in Love,” feat. Jay-Z, No. 1 (eight weeks), 2003
24, “Me, Myself and I,” No. 4, 2004

Meanwhile, Beyoncé is now one week away from matching her longest Hot 100 stay including her time in Destiny’s Child. The group, with her as a member, spent 35 weeks on the survey with its debut hit “No, No, No” in 1997-98. The song became the act’s first of 10 top 10s, a total that includes four No. 1s.

11 Apr 2023

Sting Is Bringing His My Songs World Tour to North America: Here Are the Dates

Sting‘s 2023 world tour is finally getting ready to touch down in North America. The Police singer announced on Tuesday (April 11) that he will be playing a series of dates across the United States and Canada starting in September.

The My Songs World Tour — which previously traveled to Asia, Africa and Australia earlier this year — will kick off in Toronto at the Budweiser Stage on Sept. 5, and will make stops in Boston, Phoenix, Vancouver, Los Angeles and more before concluding in Rogers, Ark., at the Walmart AMP on Oct. 12.

Members of Sting’s official fan club will be one of the first to score presale access to the tour starting on April 12 by visiting his website. Additional fan presale will roll out later through the week, with the tour’s general onsale starting on Friday, April 14, at 10 a.m. local time.

See the full list of North American concert dates for the My Songs tour below.

STING: MY SONGS 2023 NORTH AMERICA LEG 1 TOUR DATES

  • Sept. 5 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
  • Sept. 7 – Boston, Mass. – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
  • Sept. 20 – Morrison, Colo. – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
  • Sept. 23 – West Valley City, Utah – USANA Amphitheatre
  • Sept. 29 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
  • Oct. 2 – Concord, Calif. – Concord Pavilion
  • Oct. 4 – San Diego, Calif. – Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU
  • Oct. 7 – Los Angeles, Calif. – Hollywood Bowl
  • Oct. 9 – Phoenix, Ariz. – Arizona Financial Theatre
  • Oct. 12 – Rogers, Ark. – Walmart AMP

11 Apr 2023

Jennifer Lopez Is a Dangerous Mom on a Mission in ‘The Mother’ Trailer

Netflix unveiled the first look at its new action movie The Mother starring Jennifer Lopez on Tuesday (April 11).

In the film, the superstar plays a deadly assassin living a solitary life in the Alaskan wilderness after giving birth to a daughter she was forced to give up. However, when big baddies played by Joseph Fiennes and Gael García Bernal kidnap the girl 12 years later in a bid for revenge, Lopez’s trained killer comes out of hiding to protect the one thing she loves most — even though the preteen doesn’t know she’s her mother.

“You’d burn down our entire world just for her?” Fiennes asks in a tense, snowy confrontation. Naturally, Lopez responds with a resolute “Yes” before a wild showdown in hand-to-hand combat ensues.

“I’m a killer … but I’m also a mother. And I will die protecting her,” she goes on to promise while shooting guns, racing snowmobiles, dodging explosions and even staring down a white wolf with blood dripping from its mouth.

The Mother will be released on the streamer just in time for Mother’s Day on May 12, and is quite the pivot from Lopez’s most recent roles in romantic comedies such as 2022’s Shotgun Wedding and Marry Me. In addition to Fiennes and García Bernal, the thriller also stars Omari Hardwick, Paul Raci, Lucy Paez, Jesse Garcia, Yvonne Senat Jones and more and was helmed by Niki Caro, who also directed Disney’s 2020 live-action adaptation of Mulan.

Check out Lopez letting loose her inner mama bear in the trailer for The Mother above.

11 Apr 2023

Ted Nugent Calls Anheuser-Busch’s Dylan Mulvaney Partnership ‘the Epitome of Cultural Deprivation’

As conservative uproar over Bud Light teaming up with a trans person continues, Ted Nugent threw his hat in the ring to criticize the beer brand.

The “Stranglehold” singer appeared on a recent episode of Newsmax’s “Eric Bolling the Balance” to share his response to Anheuser-Busch working with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. “The beauty of my life is that I’ve never spent one red cent on alcohol,” the guitarist said. “But I made sure that my entire crew and my family will never allow any Anheuser-Busch products anywhere near my world.”

After referencing a Pride-related campaign coming from Jack Daniel’s as well, Nugent called out these campaigns for being “disrespectful” to the brands’ “core consumer demographic,” appearing to refer to conservatives. “How can they possibly have a meeting around the table and come to the conclusion that they’re going to piss in the face of the people who pay their salaries?” he said. “This is the epitome of cultural deprivation in an ongoing tsunami of cultural deprivation.”

Nugent is just one in a series of artists to share their displeasure with Anheuser-Busch’s recent work with Mulvaney. Country singer Travis Tritt declared that he would no longer include any of the company’s products on his tour rider, while John Rich of duo Big & Rich “congratulated” anyone who was joining him in boycotting Bud Light.

Perhaps the most fiery response came from Kid Rock, who declared “f–k Anheuser-Busch” in a video last week after shooting three cases of Bud Light with an assault rifle. Nugent applauded the “Devil Without a Cause” singer in his interview, saying, “I think I might’ve trained Kid Rock appropriately, because nothing says ‘I love you’ like a fully automatic MP5 and nine-millimeter blasting about 600 rounds per minute.”

The partnership in question came when Mulvaney posted a video to her social media accounts promoting a March Madness-themed campaign for Bud Light, wherein she received a commemorative can of the drink with her face emblazoned on the side. Anheuser-Busch stood by its campaign in a statement to Billboard last week, saying it was one of “hundreds” meant to help the brand “authentically connect with audiences across various demographics.” The spokesperson also added that Bud Light cans with Mulvaney’s face were not for sale, since the piece was “a gift to celebrate a personal milestone.”

Jack Daniel’s also offered a statement to Billboard last week, standing by their values of “individuality and living life boldly on your own terms,” and adding that their products are made “with everyone in mind, including the LGBTQ+ community.”

11 Apr 2023

Britney Spears Slams Trainer Who Told Her She Needed to Get Her ‘Younger Body Back’

Britney Spears is doing fitness her way, and without the input of any personal trainers. In a triumphant Monday (April 10) Instagram post, the pop star showed off her fitness progress while calling out one exercise coach who said she needed to focus on getting her “younger body back.”

Alongside a video of the pop star confidently dancing in a crop top that shows off her toned midriff, the “Toxic” singer wrote about feeling “protective of myself” following a slew of paparazzi photos she thinks portrayed her body in an unflattering light. “It didn’t look like my body [in the pictures],” she captioned the video, specifically referencing unflattering photos snapped of her as she dealt with her car breaking down in L.A.

“By no means am I saying my body is perfect but I took the time 2 months ago to find a trainer and the first thing she did to me was literally … and I’m not even lying … pinch the skin on my stomach and legs and told me I need to get my younger body back,” Spears continued. “Why the hell did she do that ??? It made me cry.”

Two months later, though, Spears is getting her revenge by calling out the toxic behavior and taking pride in the body she has today. “I obviously didn’t hire [that trainer] so I did it myself !!!” the Grammy winner boasted of her fitness progress. “God knows my body ain’t perfect but I did want to share what my body looks like at the moment … I worked my a– off and for some people like that trainer who might see those nasty pap pics and secretly smile … Yup, y’all got it … I have 4 hours of footage from me shooting this yesterday and b—h, I’m just getting started.”

See Spears’ full post below:

11 Apr 2023

5 Things We Learned From ‘La Firma,’ Starring Rauw Alejandro, Tainy, Nicki Nicole, Yandel & Lex Borrero

As música urbana continues to permeate all corners of pop culture — from the charts to Billboard magazine covers and in the global music festival circuit — the genre now makes its way to a TV-competition series as a Netflix Original. 

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See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

La Firma (The Signing), the first-ever Latin music competition show on the streaming platform, seeks to sign the next big Latin music star with the support of some big names: Rauw Alejandro, Tainy, Nicki Nicole, Yandel and Lex Borrero. 

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to give artists from all over Latin America a platform to be heard, [and] what better home than Netflix and in front of some of the biggest names in Latin music,” Borrero tells Billboard Español via email. 

In a similar spirit as The Voice and Making The Band, La Firma places 12 hopeful contestants in a mansion, and follows them for the chance to secure a record deal with Neon16 — a talent incubator founded by Borrero and Tainy. Spectators are introduced to budding talent from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Perú, and the U.S.

“What makes La Firma unique is that we are not just looking for talent, but artists with something to say in the world. To stand out, you have to be original,” affirms Borrero in the first episode of the eight-part series which premiered last week (Apr. 4); that’s the premise of La Firma, which you’ll read below.  

There are plenty of highlights in the five episodes that are now streaming — the remaining three will premiere on Wednesday, April 12. Here are five things we learned: 

“There are many people with talent but few with something to say”

Throughout the series, the all-star cast of judges share valuable industry wisdom with contestants (and spectators). Although Borrero is the first one to be brutally honest with the dozen budding artists, his feedback is always constructive. “Nerves and falsetto don’t go well together,” he offers — or, “There is a big difference between being a good writer and being an artist. Work on your artistic image, because in music you have it.”

Another side of your favorite Latin music superstar  

Seeing Tainy, Yandel, Rauw and Nicki Nicole outside of their usual musical persona is appealing. Beyond the celebrity role, the four superstar judges act like coaches, even cheerleaders at times. They share their own experiences to help elevate their contestants. Rauw and Nicki Nicole lighten up the intensity of Lex Borrero’s hard criticism. Yandel and Tainy offer deep insight into a field they’ve seen evolve from its roots in the ’00s. Shots outside of the judging/coaching element are charming too; there’s a scene where Rauw is at the barbershop and Yandel coolly interferes in the fading process and buzzes his hair. “That’s some real Puerto Rican s–t,” said my La Firma viewing partner, who is Boricua himself.

Borrero is intimidating, but it makes for great entertainment 

The entertainment mogul knows how to intensify the scene, in a nail-biting kinda way. “You have the best in the industry, and impressing them is not going to be easy,” Borrero says early in the show. His astute criticism and wise one-liners come equipped with advice that’s meant to endure, like good ol’ tough love, the kind that can stick forever in a budding artist. 

Then there’s the process of elimination, which will have some at the edge of their seat. Bodyguard Tony isn’t one to mess with; he gives Borrero the unsigned contracts of those who run the risk of losing the round. After all is said and we learn who has lost, Borrero presumes to shred the contract in two with his bare hands, thus building for classic competition-based reality TV sensationalism.

An intimate look at the backgrounds of a diverse casting 

The show wastes no time spotlighting their rising stars. As soon as the hopeful crew arrive at their Miami mansion, they are immediately told they’ll be put to the test on day one. That night, they make their way to the E11EVEN club, where we learn the type of style each player is bringing to the table. But beyond their individual talent, the show goes at lengths to shed an intimate light on the dozen, who some come from humble beginnings. We get a glimpse of their world back home, but also the struggles that some of them have faced in their own lives.    

As the show evolves, the artists grow on you — and La Firma is able to capture their big transition, especially for those who still remain. Their personalities shine, they become less shy and they begin to write and perform better music. Neon16 had built a rep for developing compelling acts, and they display that on the show. 

Key elements that Latin industry heads look for in aspiring artists  

Aside from making an entertaining series that highlights the genre in a new light, La Firma offers a deeper look at the Latin music industry. The five star judges take the reins in examining the various components of a contestant’s potential star power: from their artistic image to vocal range, song themes, stage presence and ability to shine even in unfamiliar and perhaps uncomfortable settings.

Each day, the contestants are put through unique challenges that push them to think outside the box, and how well they handle pressure — even if it’s random, like assuming the role of Borrero’s assistants for a day. Judges test their willingness, discipline and creativity, all while contestants simultaneously write original songs alongside some of the best songwriters and producers in the industry: Elena Rose, Albert Hype, Jota Rosa, Gaby Morales, and The Rudeboyz. They also travel to Puerto Rico to discover reggaetón’s foundations, see iconic venues like El Choli, meet with genre pioneer Luny and more. 

11 Apr 2023

Morgan Wallen Triples Up at No. 1 on Artist 100, Hot 100 & Billboard 200 Charts for a Second Time

Morgan Wallen simultaneously tops the Billboard Artist 100, Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200 charts (dated April 15), ruling as the top musical act with both the No. 1 song and album in the United States for the second time in his career.

Wallen is now the eighth artist to spend multiple weeks leading the Artist 100, Hot 100 and Billboard 200 charts at the same time.

Wallen first tripled up atop the three tallies dated March 18, as his LP One Thing at a Time launched atop the Billboard 200 and its single “Last Night” hit No. 1 on the Hot 100. The set scores a fifth week at No. 1 on the latest Billboard 200 with 173,000 equivalent album units earned (March 31-April 6), according to Luminate, while “Last Night” rebounds for a second week atop the Hot 100.

Most Weeks Simultaneously Leading the Artist 100, Hot 100 & Billboard 200 Charts

  • 16, Drake
  • 15, Taylor Swift
  • 9, Adele
  • 5, The Weeknd
  • 2, Ariana Grande
  • 2, Ed Sheeran
  • 2, Harry Styles
  • 2, Morgan Wallen
  • 1, Beyoncé
  • 1, Justin Bieber
  • 1, BTS
  • 1, Camila Cabello
  • 1, Future
  • 1, Kendrick Lamar

As Wallen’s “Last Night” returns to No. 1 on the Hot 100 for a second total week on top, it becomes the first song by a male artist and no accompanying acts to have notched multiple weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100 and the Hot Country Songs chart, where it claims a ninth week on top, since Glen Campbell’s “Rhinestone Cowboy” in 1975. Wallen places 12 songs on the latest Hot 100, after simultaneously charting a new one-week record 36 songs on the survey dated March 18, all from One Thing at a Time.

Wallen has now spent 11 total weeks at No. 1 on the Artist 100, extending his record for the most among core country acts.

The Artist 100 measures artist activity across key metrics of music consumption, blending album and track sales, radio airplay and streaming to provide a weekly multidimensional ranking of artist popularity.

11 Apr 2023

Metallica Kick off Kimmel Residency Talking Newbie ‘Stranger Things’ Fans, Ripping Through ‘Lux Aeterna’

Metallica kicked off their week-long Jimmy Kimmel Live! residency in style on Monday night (April 10), joking that they were the world’s oldest boy band before tearing through their news ingle about eternal light. When Kimmel noted that some of the fans hanging around outside his studio were the same age that the late 50s/early 60s members were when they started, drummer Lars Ulrich asked the audience to keep their real ages a secret.

Part of the youth wave, Kimmel suggested, was the by-now-iconic placement of “Master of Puppets” in a pivotal scene in the most recent season of Netflix’s Stranger Things. “We wrote that song for Stranger Things in, what, 1980-something?,” singer/guitarist James Hetfield joked during their couch time. “We knew it was gonna happen!”

Hetfield said it was a no-brainer to allow the use of the song in the hit show, saying he’s still “blown away” that people are attracted to the relentless speed metal anthem. “It’s like a nine-minute heavy metal song from 1986 that probably predates most of these people by 25 30 years,” Ulrich said. “It’s just insane. Who would have thought?”

Considering bassist Robert Trujillo’s son played the solo on the show — with tutoring from lead guitarist Kirk Hammett — the guitarist suggested that it might not be too soon to consider tutoring some understudies to take their places at some point. And, because all their children are involved in music in some fashion, Kimmel wondered if they were happy that their offspring are in the family business.

“No, my son’s a drummer,” Hetfield said in a bid to poke Ulrich, who put his hand on James’ arm as he smiled at his pal’s gentle ribbing. “I’m not happy about that at all!” Hetfield doubled down. When Kimmel asked if they’d like it if their kids were in a band together, Ulrich said that might be “pushing it a little bit.” The band also discussed their “For Whom the Band Tolls” marching band competition, their new vinyl pressing plant and Ulrich’s obsession with coming up with different set lists for the two-night stands the band is doing on their upcoming tour.

“The challenge is to figure out how to structure the two sets, no songs can be played twice,” Lars explained. “So there’s a completely blank canvas so that’s always fun.” Tweaking his lifelong pal again, Hetfield said that “somebody sitting here is somewhat obsessed with setlists and putting things together… it’s gonna be okay buddy!”

The band then tore through the blazing first single from 72 Seasons, “Lux Æterna,” to cap off the first night of four-night stand. Metallica will be on Kimmel! through Thursday night (April 13) and will perform “Master of Puppets” on Wednesday, which Kimmel noted is the longest song ever performed on the show. Check out Metallica’s performance and couch chat below.

11 Apr 2023

Signed: Paris Hilton to YMU; Studio Ghibli Icon Joe Hisaishi to Deutsche Grammophon

This is Signed, a new biweekly column that rounds up artist signings at labels, agencies, management companies and more.

Paris Hilton signed with management company YMU, where she will be represented under the recently formed FM Group banner — a new division of YMU Music led by FM president Alex Frankel and FM COO Chris Maher. The company will work with Hilton on her music business globally, including a new album that will mark her first since 2006’s Paris.

Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi, best known for his decades-long collaboration with legendary Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki, signed with Deutsche Grammophon. The deal encompasses the full scope of Hisaishi’s career as composer, conductor and pianist. His first album on the label — A Symphonic Celebration, slated for release on June 30 — contains symphonic arrangements of his original soundtracks for Studio Ghibli films including Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke and My Neighbor Totoro. All tracks on the album were recorded in London by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Hisaishi.

Stockholm-based artist Waterbaby signed to Sub Pop Records globally. On March 29, she released her new single, “Airforce blue,” on the label. She is represented by managers Phil Jones and MNRK in the United Kingdom and Johan Calissendorff in Sweden as well as agent Tom Windish at Wasserman.

Nashville indie-pop singer-songwriter MORGXN signed to Nettwerk, which will release his new single, “Beacon,” on Friday. He is managed by Ron Shapiro.

MNJR, a new full-service artist and label management group launched in Nashville by Mike Reynolds and Norman Jacob, signed country band The Mavericks as well as the group’s frontman, Raul Malo, for his solo projects. Also signing with the company are alt-country group 49 Winchester and emerging artist McKinley James. The Mavericks and Malo release music through their own imprint, Mono Mundo Recordings, in partnership with Thirty Tigers; they’re booked by Clint Wiley at CAA in the United States, Nick Meinema at AEC in Canada and Nigel Hassler at CAA in other territories. 49 Winchester are on New West Records and represented by Jacob Lapidus and Will Scott at CAA for the United States and Lizzie Ford at CAA internationally. James is represented by Clint Wiley at CAA in the United States, Tom Brandt at Brando Bookings for the United Kingdom and Europe and Juan Diego at El Mico Entertainment for Spain.

Appalachian country-folk singer-songwriter Charles Wesley Godwin signed with Big Loud Records. Godwin is managed by Arthur Penhallow Jr. and Reed Turner at True Grit Management.

Producer-artist Michaël Brun (J Balvin, Ed Sheeran) signed to Astralwerks, which recently released his song “Clueless” featuring Oxlade; more music is on the way in 2023. Brun is represented by manager Ardie Farhadieh at LoyalT Management and agent Scott Schreiber at UTA.

Brazilian singer-songwriter Any Gabrielly signed to Republic Records. Formerly a member of the Simon Fuller-assembled pop group Now United, Gabrielly is managed by Fuller at XIX Entertainment.

Moroccan-American singer-songwriter Dounia signed a global distribution deal with ADA Worldwide and will soon begin releasing new singles. She is managed by Matt Geffen, Jamil Davis and Matt Bauerschmidt at The Revels Group, Carron Mitchell at Nixon Peadoby and Julie Greenberg at CAA.

“Zamrock” legends WITCH signed with Desert Daze Sound, a new record label launched by Southern California music festival Desert Daze in partnership with Partisan Records. The label will release Zango, the group’s first album in nearly 40 years, on June 2. WITCH is represented by manager Gio Arlotta and agents Joey Massa at Space Agency in the United States and Polly Miles at FMLY Agency in the United Kingdom and Europe.

TAG Music, a new record label founded by artist-turned-executive Gabe Saporta (Cobra Starship, Midtown), signed Los Angeles-based singer Sophie Powers and emo alt-rock artist Jules Is Dead under a joint venture deal with Atlantic Records. The label released Powers’ new single “Nosebleed” on March 31 and will release Jules Is Dead’s single “Red is My Favorite Color” later this month.

ONErpm Nashville announced a pair of signings: country singer-songwriter William Michael Morgan (“I Met a Girl”), who will release his Keith Stegall-produced EP on the label later this year; and singer-songwriter (and former The Voice contestant) Jesslee, whose debut single, “Unmet You,” is out now. Morgan is managed by Joe Carter and Mike Taliaferro at Carter and Company while his booking is handled by The Kinkead Entertainment Agency; Jesslee is represented by Black Label Nash Entertainment Group for both management and booking.

Hannah Georgas signed to Lucy Rose‘s Real Kind Records, which released her latest single, “This Too Shall Pass.” Georgas is managed by Jen Long, while her booking is handled by Todd Walker at Outer/Most in the United States, Julien Paquin at Paquin Agency in Canada and Colin Keenan at ATC Live in the rest of Europe.

Husband-and-wife country duo The Dryes — comprised of Katelyn and Derek Drye — signed with Wasserman Music for global representation. Formerly contestants on The Voice, the duo is managed by Carrie Lelwica.

Country singer Georgette Jones — daughter of country legends George Jones and Tammy Wynette — signed an artist management deal with Dr. Gerald Murray at Gerald Murray Music; Murray previously managed her father. Jones also signed with PLA Media for public relations.

African producer Dr. Wang signed with independent label KSR Group, which will release his new single, “Love Takes Me Higher” with Josh X, on April 21. Hailing from the Ivory Coast, Wang has produced for artists including Yannick Noah and Aya Nakamura.