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20 Mar 2023

New Menudo Boy Band Members Unveiled

Nearly a year after Menudo Productions announced they were on the search for new members to form the next generation of Menudo, the band has officially unveiled the five boys that will comprise the group.

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On Monday (March 20), Nicolas Calero (10), Gabriel Rossell (13), Andres Emilio (14), Alejandro Querales (15) and Ezra Gilmore (12) were announced as the new faces of the eternally youthful boy band. And, in celebration of the announcement, the group also released their very first single “Mi Amore,” the first song off their upcoming debut album.

The process to find its new members kicked off in August when Menudo Productions, along with television personality Mario Lopez, began virtually auditioning talent between the ages of 12 and 16. The new members are multi-talented performers with experience in acting, singing and songwriting.

“Deciding on the final five was harder than we ever imagined because there was so much great talent to choose from,” Lopez said in a statement. “The five boys we selected gelled together instantly, and the music they’ve created have exceeded all of our expectations. I think we have several massive hits, and I’m more excited than ever to introduce these boys to the world in less than three weeks.”

According to a previous statement issued to Billboard, “unlike previous group incarnations,” the new Menudo members will be “sharing in all concert, merchandise, and music revenue.” Menudo’s management will be Miami-based.

The most successful Latin boy band of all time, Menudo was originally established in Puerto Rico in 1977 by Edgardo Diaz, releasing a handful of hit songs such as “Quiero Ser” and “Claridad” and launching the music careers of Ricky Martin and Draco Rosa, among many others.

Watch the “Mi Amore” music video below.

20 Mar 2023

Def Leppard Drummer Rick Allen’s Statement on Florida Attack: ‘Together With Love, We Can All Get Through These Difficult Times’

Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen has spoken out about an incident last week in which he was allegedly assaulted by a man outside a Fort Lauderdale, Florida hotel. In a statement first issued to ABC News on Sunday (March 19), Allen, 59, thanked fans for their “overwhelming support” in the wake of the attack in which Ohio native Max Edward Hartley, 19, allegedly rushed the drummer at full speed and knocked him to the ground last weekend.

“Your love and prayers are truly helping. My wife Lauren [Monroe] was thankfully not with me at the time of the incident,” Allen said. “We are together now, and working on recovering in a safe space. We are focusing on healing for everyone involved. We ask you to join us in our effort to move from confusion and shock to compassion and empathy. We understand this act of violence can be triggering for so many people.”

Police arrested Hartley after the teen allegedly attacked Allen outside the Four Seasons Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale on March 13, a day after the veteran British band played a show at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel with Mötley Crüe.

A police report noted that Hartley hid behind a pillar outside the hotel entrance while Allen smoked and then allegedly rushed at the drummer at full speed and knocked him to the ground. The report said that Allen “hit his head on the ground causing injury” and that when a woman ran out to help Allen Hartley allegedly attacked her as well.

Hartley was arrested a short time later after police found him at another hotel allegedly breaking car windows and then charged him with two counts of battery, four counts of criminal mischief and abusing an elderly or disabled adult; Allen lost his left arm after a 1984 car accident.

“To all of the fans, veterans, and first responders in our global community we are thinking of you all,” Allen said in his first official statement on the attack. “Together with love, we can all get through these difficult times.”

The Florida show came just before a break in the band’s touring schedule, with the next date scheduled for May 22 in Sheffield, England.

Read Allen’s statement below.

20 Mar 2023

Twenty One Pilots Paid Tribute to Absent Blink-182 at Lollapalooza Argentina With a Classic Cover

Blink-182 couldn’t make it to Lollapalooza Argentina over the weekend, so Twenty One Pilots brought a bit of Blink energy during their set filling-in for the SoCal pop punk legends. With drummer Travis Barker sidelined after surgery on his dinged finger, Blink had to postpone their planned Latin America tour, including Saturday night’s Lolla headlining slot at the Hipodromo de San Isidro.

In fan video of the performance, touring guitarist Dan Geraghty chopped out the indelible chunky opening riffs to Blink’s smash 1999 hit “All the Small Things” as the crowd shouted the first verse while singer Tyler Joseph knelt on his knees on stage. Coming in on the “na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na” refrain, Joseph traded lines with the massive audience as drummer Josh Dun pounded out Barker’s big beats.

In another video of the moment, Joseph first offered a thank you in Spanish to the crowd and said, “I know we weren’t supposed to play this show, but we are honored to be here playing this show with you,” right before the band busted into the Blink song.

Earlier this month, Barker thanked fans for their patience after he underwent surgery to fix a torn ligament in his finger. Blink’s wildly anticipated world tour — marking the first time Barker, Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge have played live together since 2014 — was postponed due to the drummer’s injury, which happened during rehearsals early last month before he hurt it again two weeks later.

“This has been something we’ve been aiming to do for so long and we work so hard and we just kind of had one of those freak accidents that nobody saw coming,” DeLonge said while making the announcement postponement announcement. “This is just so sad. These were the biggest shows we ever played. These are some of the most important places in the world for for a band this is like the pinnacle of our career was coming down and playing for you guys. So I really want you all to know, we are devastated and we plan to come back.”

The global trek was originally schedule to start in Latin America next week with shows booked in Tijuana, Buenos Aires, São Paulo, Bogotà, Lima and elsewhere, but will now be pushed back until Barker has fully recuperated.

20 Mar 2023

Watch Emma Stone Freaking Out at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Kick-Off Just Like the Rest of You

Taylor Swift kicked off her Eras Tour over the weekend with a three-hour, 44-song extravaganza that folded in songs from all 10 of her studio albums at a stadium blow-out that was everything Swifties could have hoped for.

But also, she made her pal actress Emma Stone absolutely lose it. The Cruella star went viral after Friday night’s show in Glendale, Arizona when video surfaced of the star dancing like 60,000 people weren’t watching as she belted out the lyrics to “You Belong With Me.” In a TikTok entitled “Emma Stone losing her gd mind over YBWM,” Stone can be seen shouting the chorus and pumping her first from the VIP section.

Another video caught Stone going just as hard during “Fearless,” singing along and busting out some serious arm choreography. Stone and Swift have been friends for more than 15 years and there was good reason for Emma to be so hyped, as by all accounts Taylor brought some serious thunder to the kick-off of her first tour in five years.

“I can’t even go into how much I’ve missed you… I don’t know how to process all of this and how it’s making me feel right now… let me start by saying you’re making me feel fantastic,” Swift told the crowd at the sold-out show. The eagerly anticipated kick-off to Swift’s stadium tour left such a pop blast radius that country singer Kelsea Ballerini stopped in the middle of her show on Saturday night in Atlantic City, New Jersey to do a quick check-in.

“Can I just level with you for a minute?” Ballerini asked her audience. “Is anyone stalking The Eras Tour? Has it started?… I’m gonna stalk it after this, but I have one question. Is ‘Cruel Summer’ on the setlist?” For the record, yes, the Lover favorite that had never been publicly performed live by Swift finally got its time to shine at State Farm Stadium during the two-night opening run.

Check out the videos below.

20 Mar 2023

Small Town Singer Mariah Faith Delivers ‘World Class’ Performance on ‘Idol’: Watch

Mariah Faith comes from a small town, but she’s on her way to LaLa Land and it won’t be as a tourist.

The 21-year-old hairstylist stepped onto the American Idol stage on Sunday night (March 19), for an audition that couldn’t have gone any better.

Born in Baltimore, Faith relocated at a young age to Conway, South Carolina, a town so small, she claims you could traverse it on foot in ten minutes.

The relocation was at the behest of her late step-dad, Faith’s inspiration, her “No. 1 supporter and best friend,” she explained in the intro. He died from a heart attack in 2019, leaving a hole in the family.

When Faith entered the lion’s den that is an Idol audition, she carried the spirit of her step-dad, to whom she dedicated a rendition of Vince Gill’s “Whenever You Come Around.”

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Wearing blonde dreads and a nose-ring, Faith looked and sounded at ease. Her performance, grounded, earthy and pretty special, the judges agreed.  

“I had chills the whole time. You are on just the edge of greatness,” noted judge Luke Bryan. “You’ve just got it all. It doesn’t matter if you hit a wrong note, it’s still right.”

It was more of the same from Katy Perry. “World class,” she piped up. “There’s so many subtleties in your voice. I’m hanging onto every syllable.” Perry added, “You have this natural cry-slash-gospel vocal,” at which point the contestant remarked, I was “raised in the church.”

Perry spotted it. “Well, we can hear it. You are a star,” she enthused. “You’ve got it. One of the most interesting voices” of this 21st season.

Lionel Richie was singing from the same hymn sheet. “What we just heard is the tip of the iceberg, but your potential could take you seriously all the way,” he stated.

When the judges cast their votes, it was three yeses and a ticket to Hollywood. Faith also landed the opportunity to open a Nashville concert for last season’s respective Idol winner and runner-up, Noah Thompson and HunterGirl.

Watch below.

20 Mar 2023

Taylor Swift’s ‘All The Girls’ Set For Highest Entry On U.K. Singles Chart

Taylor Swift’s surprise four-pack should have an immediate impact on the U.K. singles chart.

The U.S. pop superstar last Friday (March 17) dropped a batch of recordings, including “All The Girls You Loved Before” a previously-unreleased song that didn’t make the final pressing of 2019’s Lover LP.

Perhaps it should have made the cut. “All The Girls” is on track for the week’s highest debut, at No. 7, for what would be Swift’s 22nd top 10 appearance, according to the Official Charts Company’ first chart blast of the week.

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Swift’s fresh four songs included re-recordings of Swift’s The Hunger Games tracks, plus “If This Was a Movie (Taylor’s Version),” all dropping on the eve of her The Eras Tour opener.

At the top end of the First Look chart, which captures sales and streaming data from the first 48 hours in the cycle, Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” is on target for a 10th consecutive week at No. 1.

Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding could have a say in that. The pair’s latest collaboration, the ‘90s rave-channeling “Miracle” is set to lift 3-2 in its second week. Meanwhile, Pinkpantheress appears to have missed the chance for a maiden No. 1 with “Boy’s a liar,” which, after several weeks at No. 2, slips to No. 8 on the chart blast.

Further down the list, BTS’ Jimin could snag his debut solo top 20 with “Set Me Free Pt. 2.” It’s new at No. 14 on the chart blast, coming soon after bandmate J-Hope cracked the top 40 (and made chart history) with his J. Cole collaboration, “On The Street.”

Finally, Lewis Capaldi could crack the top 20 with his new tear-jerker, “How I’m Feeling Now,” set to arrive at No. 19, while Irish singer-songwriter Hozier is hovering just outside the top 20 with his comeback single “Eat Your Young.” It’s new at No. 21 on the chart blast, the OCC reports, and is expected to become the “Take Me To The Church” singer’s third first top 40 single and first in eight years — since “Someone New” hit No. 19 in 2015.

All will be revealed when the Official U.K. Singles Chart is published late Friday.

19 Mar 2023

Miley Cyrus Scores U.K. Chart Double

Miley Cyrus nabs a rare U.K. chart double as Endless Summer Vacation (via Columbia) debuts at No. 1 on the national albums survey and “Flowers” extends its streak atop the singles tally.

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Endless Summer Vacation, Cyrus’ eighth studio album, had led the midweek chart by a wide margin and finishes the chart week in first place.

It’s the U.S. pop star’s second U.K. albums chart leader, following 2013’s Bangerz, and sixth career top 10 appearance. Also, it’s the second time Cyrus has simultaneously led both main charts, which did she with Bangerz and “Wrecking Ball.” Cyrus is the first artist to complete the double in 2023, and the first since Taylor Swift did it in October 2022 with “Anti-Hero” and Midnights.

As previously reported, “Flowers” enters a ninth consecutive week at No. 1 on the Official U.K. Singles Chart, published March 17.

Meanwhile, The Weeknd’s hits collection The Highlights (Republic Records/XO) lifts 3-2 for an equal high position in its 110th week on the chart.

Coming in at No. 3 on latest albums tally is Sleaford Mods’ UK GRIM (Rough Trade), the indie electronic duo’s 13th studio album. UK GRIM becomes the pair’s fourth top 10 LP, and a career-best position, going one better than 2021’s Spare Ribs, which peaked at No. 4.

Further down the list, legendary Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison lands his 43rd U.K. top 40 album with Moving on Skiffle (Exile), new at No. 16. It’s the followup to 2021’s Latest Record Project, Volume 1, which peaked at No. 5.

And finally, Ward Thomas earns a fourth top 40 with Music in the Madness (WTW Music), the country-pop duo’s fifth studio album. It’s new at No. 31.

19 Mar 2023

Rick Ross’ Buffalo Roamed Off His Crib, Pisses Off Neighbors

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Legendz Of The Streetz Tour Reloaded

Source: Paras Griffin / Getty

Rick Ross has some epic first-world problems. Apparently, the Miami-representing but now Georgia-residing rapper’s neighbors are upset that his buffalo have roamed onto their property and cause some damage.



Yes, you read that right. Apparently some time ago Rozay was gifted a pair of buffalo, and he’s allegedly not doing the best of job of keeping the beasts corralled.

Reports TMZ:

The neighbor, who lives on a plot of land behind RR’s Fayetteville, GA compound, tells TMZ … the two buffaloes have wandered onto her property twice this week. Keep in mind, adult buffalo can tip the scales at around 2,000 lbs.!!!

She’s worried they may pose a danger to her small children.

TMZ obtained video showing Rick’s behemoth pets running through the neighbor’s front yard … and she says she came home from work to discover the wild scene.

She also snapped photos of the buffaloes grazing on the grass near a paved driveway full of parked cars.

Does insurance even cover your car getting dented by a buffalo?

Sounds like the neighbor has a legit beef. No pun intended, honestly. 

Reportedly, she called the police, of course, but they didn’t take a report citing that it was a civil matter.

After news of the loose cattle broke, Ross took to IG to tell his followers the situation was being handled. He also made sure to add that his “cattle” are not meat-eaters so if you see them around, give them a carrot and give him a call to take care of it. We kid you not.



19 Mar 2023

DJ Drama Announces De La Soul ‘Gangsta Grillz’ Mixtape

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DJ Drama

Source: Radio One / Radio One Digital

DJ Drama is full of surprises. He has announced that he is working on a De La Soul Gangsta Grillz mixtape.

As spotted on Hip-Hop N More the record executive and Rap curator recently sat down with Elliot Wilson and Brian “B. Dot” Miller for a new episode of Rap Radar. The trio got Mr. Thanksgiving to open up on a variety of topics regarding his career. When asked how he has been able to remain relevant for so long he attributed his success to his roots as a DJ. In that answer he revealed his newest project offering.

“For me being a mixtape DJ I was always addicted to the new sh*t. I was a teenager in the 90’s so that’s my era; that’s what I ride around listening to” he explained. “De La Soul is coming to streaming [platforms] and I couldn’t be more excited. And we got a Gangsta Grillz coming. That’s a little sidebar.”

For some time De La Soul’s catalog has not been available digitally due to bad contracts, corporate greed and other factors. Last year the iconic group announced that they had finally worked through all the legal hurdles. This month the catalog finally hit digital streaming platforms and Hip-Hop rejoiced. “It’s been 20 plus years overdue, but finally, we are here,” said DJ Maseo.

At this time there is no release date or title for the De La Soul Gangsta Grillz mixtape.

Photo: Radio One

19 Mar 2023

Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding Grab Top U.K. Debut With ‘Miracle’

Miley Cyrus takes the plaudits once again on the U.K. singles survey with “Flowers” (via Columbia), while a throwback rave tune roars to a fast start.

Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding grab the highest new entry on the Official U.K. Singles Chart with “Miracle” (Columbia), their latest collaboration.

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The trance track bows at No. 3, for Harris’ 29th and Goulding’s 12th top 10 hit. Also, it’s their third — and peak position — as a duo following 2012’s “I Need Your Love” (No. 4) and 2014’s “Outside” (No. 6).

Meanwhile, a string of singles score top 10 peaks this week — Rema’s “Calm Down” (up 6-5 via Mavin), Lizzy McAlpine’s “Ceilings” (7-6 via Harbour Artists & Music), Libianca’s “People” (8-7 via 5K), and Strandz’s “Us Against The World” (Relentless), which gives the London rapper his first-ever U.K. top 10 entry.

Further down the list, British hip-hop artist Digga D lands his 13th top 40 with “Energy” (Black Money), new at No. 19.

Mae Muller, the U.K. entry for the Eurovision Song Contest, is enjoying positive early feedback from her homeland. Muller’s “I Wrote A Song” (Capitol) debuts at No. 30, for her highest chart position as a solo artist. According to the Official Charts Company, it’s the first U.K. Eurovision entry to debut inside the top 40 since Blue’s “I Can,” which peaked at No. 16 back in 2011.

At the top of the tally, published March 17, “Flowers” secures a ninth week at No. 1. Its parent album Endless Summer Vacation starts at the summit of the Official U.K. Albums Chart, giving the U.S. pop star a rare chart double. Album tracks “River” (No. 16) and “Jades” (No. 27) mark their entries on the national singles survey.