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05 Jan 2023

Who Is Your 2022 Power Artist? Vote in the First Billboard Power Artist – Fan Choice Bracket

As Billboard prepares to unveil its annual Power List in less than a month, ranking the music executives making the biggest impact across an ever-changing industry, we thought we should put some power in the fans’ hands too. Looking back on the past year in music, who is your 2022 Power Artist?

Today, Billboard is launching the brand-new Power Artist 2022 – Fan Choice bracket, in which music listeners pick the music star who made the biggest impact last year. In the bracket below, you can choose between the 32 artists who dominated Billboard‘s 2022 year-end charts, making huge moves in streaming, touring, radio, album sales and beyond.

The winner of this inaugural bracket will be revealed in Billboard‘s 2023 Power Issue alongside the executive Power List. Can your favorite artist go all the way?

First-round voting is open now, in the bracket below, and will close Monday, Jan. 9, when we reveal your Sweet 16 artists. We’ll get down to the Elite Eight on Wednesday, Jan. 11; the Final Four on Friday, Jan. 13; and championship-round voting between your top two artists begins Monday, Jan. 16.

Alongside the Power Artist 2022 bracket, Billboard is also adding a peer-voted award to its annual Power 100 ranking of the music industry’s most influential executives. This new Power Players’ Choice Award will honor the executive whose peers believe he or she had the most impact across the music business over the past year. Voting is open Friday (Jan. 6) to all Billboard Pro members. For more information, go here. Both the 2022 Power Artist and the Power Player’s Choice Award will be unveiled in the Billboard Power Issue.

So who will be crowned the first fan-voted Power Artist? Only you can decide. Vote in the bracket below. (Reminder: First-round voting closes on Monday.)

05 Jan 2023

Emma Myers Gives Jimmy Fallon a SEVENTEEN Crash Course on ‘The Tonight Show’: Watch

Emma Myers made her late-night talk show debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday (Jan. 4). And before talking about anything else, she couldn’t help but rave over how much she loves SEVENTEEN.

“Emma, I wanted to ask you about this because I read this online, that you’re a big fan of a band,” said host Jimmy Fallon. “And when you’re talking to people, you like to introduce this band to people if they don’t know of this.”

The rising star quickly clarified that she only introduce people if asked, but when Fallon gave her the green light, she enthusiastically jumped in. “What is the name of the band?” Fallon asked, to which Myers replied, “SEVENTEEN.”

After sharing that she’s been part of CARAT for the past five years, since she was just 15 years old, the Wednesday actor went on to explain the dynamics of the K-pop boy band. “Yeah, that’s them,” she confirmed when Fallon brought out a picture of the idols, adding, “Only thirteen [members]…Thirteen in SEVENTEEN, yeah it’s a whole thing.”

“OK, I’ll explain the numbers,” Myers continued. “There’s thirteen of them, so that’s thirteen, right? And there are three different groups. You have hip-hop, performance and vocal. And then there’s one team. So thirteen plus three plus one is SEVENTEEN.”

As for which song Myers would recommend as an entry point for new fans discovering the band, she chose “To you” off their 2021 mini-album Attacca. “It’s really fun, it’s upbeat, it’s got a great story behind it, so…yeah, everybody listen to it!”

Watch Myers dish on SEVENTEEN and her role on Netflix’s Wednesday above.

05 Jan 2023

NYPD Officer Blasted By Mayor For Punching Black Staten Island Girl

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Times Square ready for first new year celebration after lifting of Covid-19 restrictions

The NYPD found itself in poor public light once again after an incident between an officer and a Black teenager was caught on video and went wide. The scuffle caught the attention of New York Mayor Eric Adams, who spoke out about the actions of the officer that was later suspended as an investigation was launched.

According to a report from NBC 4 New York, the unnamed NYPD officer was near Port Richmond High School and I.S. 5 and en route to detain a 14-year-old girl when the teen’s younger sister reportedly swung at the officer, prompting him to hit her back. The older sister also reportedly reached for the officer’s handcuffs and struck him as well.

More from NBC 4 New York:

The 14-year-old was arrested and the younger sister given a juvenile report for the alleged assault. Their mother is calling for a full investigation of what went down.

“They’re supposed to be protected by the police officers and I didn’t expect them to get hurt,” said Taneesha Robinson, who added that her daughter is doing better and “basically has a headache now.” Robinson said it’s not up to her if the officer should face further discipline.

As for the officer, who has been on the job for 14 years, he has been suspended, according to the NYPD, with an internal investigation underway into what led up to the encounter.

The NYPD said via its official Twitter account that the officers who were on the scene are under investigation by the Internal Affairs Bureau.

Mayor Adams addressed the incident during a press conference on Wednesday (Jan. 4) and said that bodycam footage will be reviewed by all the proper authorities.

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Photo: Anadolu Agency / Getty

05 Jan 2023

Quavo Drops Tribute Track For Takeoff, “Without You”

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2nd Annual The Black Ball: Quality Control's CEO Pierre

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It’s been two months since the tragic passing of beloved Migos member, Takeoff, and in that time a few of his peers have dropped some tribute songs. Now Migos brethren and actual uncle Quavo has released his own heartfelt and heart wrenching song “Without You” in honor of his younger nephew.

For the lyric video to the song, Quavo simply sits in a studio chair and puffs on some smoke as the song plays, and truth be told, it’s as effective as it is moving. Opening the song with straight from the heart bars, Quavo states what many of their fans knew he’d be feeling when he started it off with “Tears rollin’ down my eyes / Can’t tell you how many times I cried / Days ain’t the same without you / I don’t know if I’m the same without you…”

Going on to reminisce about the good times they spent together, Quavo uses his time to pay homage to his fallen family member while expressing his pain with lines like “I miss how how you smile at me

Unc & Phew until infinity.” We can’t even imagine how painful it must’ve been for Quavo to write and record this track.

As heartbreaking as it is moving, “Without You” will definitely be getting burn by Migos fans who still feel the pain of the loss of Takeoff.

Check out “Without You” here and let us know your thoughts on the track in the comments section below.

05 Jan 2023

Amy Robach Photographed Leaving T.J. Holmes’ Apartment After His Wife Breaks Silence

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2022 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon

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Former GMA3 co-hosts Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes are still carrying on with their now not-so sneaky links.

Amy Robach was spotted leaving T.J. Holmes’ New York City apartment Wednesday (Jan. 4) — in photos obtained exclusively by Page Six. Dressed casually, Robach gave a silent smile as photographers peppered her with questions about her future at Good Morning America. She and Holmes are currently on leave as ABC conducts an internal investigation into their conduct. 

Robach headed off to a train station keeping her AirPods in her ears–the paparazzi followed her onto the train. Marilee Feibig–Holmes’ estranged wife who has filed for divorce finally released a statement via her attorney addressing the affair which became public late last year. 

“During the holiday season and in light of the challenging times, Marilee’s sole focus has remained on the overall best interest of her 9-year-old daughter,” her attorney Stephanie Lehman told The Daily Mail.  “To that end T.J.’s lawyer and I have been working together to move their divorce forward privately, expeditiously and as amicably as possible,” said Lehman. 

She added, “Notwithstanding, we continue to be disappointed by T.J’s lack of discretion, respect and sensitivity toward Marilee and the party’s daughter. Marilee has been touched by the outpouring of support and looks forward to a new beginning in this new year.” 

Feibig, 45, is an attorney and the Chief Diversity Officer for the Save the Children Foundation. She and Holmes met in 2009 and married in Memphis in March 2010. They have a daughter, Sabine, who will be 10 this month. 

It was the DailyMail that shared the blockbuster photos of the former coworkers kissing and cuddling in New York City. Since then, they have been seen cozying up to each other in Miami and leaving each other’s homes in New York. 

Robach and her husband Andrew Shue are close to finalizing their divorce proceedings. The PageSix report notes that despite have at least two other affairs with GMA staff members, Holmes is confident that he will return to his job at the network. 

05 Jan 2023

Alleged Takeoff Shooter Freed On $1M Bond

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The man alleged to have shot and killed Migos member Takeoff last November is now out of jail thanks to a hefty bond being posted.

According to reports, Patrick Xavier Clark was released from the Harris County jail on Wednesday (Jan. 4). His bond was set at $1 million. Clark is set to appear back in court March 9 to stand trial for the murder of Kirshnik Khari Ball, aka Takeoff, one-third of the Atlanta, Grammy Award-nominated group Migos. 

The 33-year-old had initially received a bond of $2 million after his arrest by law enforcement Dec. 1. Clark’s lawyers, Letitia Quinones and Carl Moore argued that the bond amount was excessive and unconstitutional. Under the law in Texas, bond amounts are set to ensure that defendants make their date in court and not to confine them unnecessarily if they’re unable to financially post bail. Clark had also surrendered his passport, no longer making him a flight risk. 

The conditions of Clark’s release according to court records stipulate that he remains on house arrest. He’s also mandated to wear a GPS monitor to track his movements and cannot have any contact with individuals involved with the shooting investigation. This includes veteran music executive J Prince and his family, along with the family of Takeoff. He is also barred from possessing deadly weapons. 

Clark was arrested after Houston police determined he was the prime suspect due to surveillance footage from that night as well as other evidence including his fingerprints that were found on a bottle at the scene. The allegation against Clark is that he pulled out a gun and fired after an argument over a dice game that fellow Migos member (and Takeoff’s uncle) Quavo was involved in outside of a bowling alley. Takeoff was struck in the head and torso and died at the scene, with police deeming him an innocent bystander. 

05 Jan 2023

Democrat Robert Garcia Plans To Use Vintage ‘Superman’ Comic When He’s Sworn Into 118th Congress

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The general session of the California Democratic Party convention in Long Beach

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As Republicans continue to hold up the congressional duties of our elected officials due to their reluctance to vote in Kevin McCarthy as the Speaker of the House, newly elected member of U.S. Congress Robert Garcia already knows how he plans on being sworn in once things get back to normal, and it’s a pretty interesting way of going about his inauguration.

Earlier this week the California congressman took to Twitter to reveal that when it comes time to get sworn into the 118th United States Congress, Robert Garcia will be using three items that mean the world to him including a photo of his parents whom he lost to the COVID pandemic, his certificate of citizenship, and an original copy of Superman #1 from the Library of Congress.

While the picture and certificate of citizenship makes sense, it’s interesting that he chose the priceless comic book as an item to use as he prepares to work for the people of the United States. Still, the first Latino and first openly gay mayor to ever be elected to be Mayor of Long Beach, California told Buzzfeed that the reason he chose the comic book is because he “learned to read and write English reading comics as a kid,” and ultimately “Never stopped reading.” Neither have we.

As for why he chose the Man of Steel over other superheroes, Garcia said, “I’ve read almost all genres, but Superman is always the character that stood out and spoke to me the most.”

He must’ve been heartbroken like the rest of us when he found out that Henry Cavill wasn’t going to be returning as Superman in James Gunn’s reboot of Warner Bros. DCEU.

Unfortunately for Garcia, he won’t be taking that Superman oath anytime soon as far-right MAGA Republicans and Conservative Republicans continue to bicker over who’ll be the next Speaker of the House and begin swearing in the next members of congress. But when that time does come, y’all know Robert Garcia will be flying high like his favorite superhero.

05 Jan 2023

Taylor Swift Is Selling Digital Copies of ‘Midnights’ With Bonus Material… And You Only Have Hours to Buy Them

It’s time to act swiftly, Swifties. On Thursday (Jan. 5), Taylor Swift‘s official store announced a limited 12-hour sale of exclusive digital Midnights album copies, each with never released cover art and bonus behind the song material — and the clock is ticking.

There are exactly four different digital versions of Midnights up for purchase on Swift’s store website, available until 11:59 p.m. EST Thursday night. Each one features bonus material about one of four songs on Midnights: “Mastermind,” “Anti-Hero,” “Karma” and “Bejeweled,” specifically.

Each digital copy also has a different photo of Swift serving as the cover art, along with printed numbers ordered in an arch shape. Placed next to each other in a square pattern, the four albums form a full clockface — similar to the covers on the four special edition Midnights vinyls Swift unveiled in September.

The digital copies are each available for $4.99, a timer ticking down looming over Swift’s store’s webpage.

Released in late October 2022, Midnights has been out for less than three months but is already one of Swift’s most historic records to date. Lead single “Anti-Hero” debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100 and occupied the top spot for six weeks total (so far), and the album made Swift the first artist in history to occupy all ten of the top ten spots on the Hot 100.

The 11-time Grammy winner is currently gearing up to launch her Eras Tour next year, following an equally historic sale of concert tickets that was so successful, it caused mass outages on Ticketmaster’s website. Some Swifties are in the midst of suing the platform over its inability to functionally handle the ticket sale, profits from which could reportedly make Swift a billionaire.

05 Jan 2023

Yves Saint Laurent Is Releasing A Leftover To-Go Inspired Bag For $2K

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YSL TAKE-AWAY BOX IN VEGETABLE-TANNED LEATHER BAG

Source: YSL / YSL

Just when you thought luxury fashion could not get any more irrational Yves Saint Laurent is about to release a leftover box inspired bag priced at around $2,000.

As spotted on Hypebeast the French label is challenging the norm when it comes to accessory innovation. Officially billed as the “Take-Away Box In Vegetable-Tanned Leather,” this piece mirrors the standard shape of a to-go box you would get at chain restaurant (think Outback Steakhouse or Chili’s). Naturally the brand sought out to advance it with premium materials namely the calfskin leather and suede lining interior. As expected we get their signature logo placed boldly in the center for all the designer emblem feels.

While the Yves Saint Laurent “Take-Away Box” is sure to inspire some double takes and random questions from strangers, that added attention won’t coe cheap. This piece is priced at a cool $1,890.

Mind you it’s only seven inches tall and eight inches wide. But if you feel inclined to shop you can buy it here. 

YSL TAKE-AWAY BOX IN VEGETABLE-TANNED LEATHER BAG

Source: YSL / YSL

05 Jan 2023

Miley Cyrus Teases Lyrics From New Song ‘Flowers’

Miley Cyrus is starting off the year with a message of self-love and empowerment with her forthcoming single “Flowers,” and come Jan. 13 — which also happens to be ex-husband Liam Hemsworth’s birthday — her devoted Smilers can hear it. But in the meantime, Cyrus shared a series of lyrics from the track via Twitter on Wednesday (Jan. 4).

“I CAN LOVE ME BETTER THAN YOU CAN. FLOWERS JANUARY 13,” the Disney Channel alumn tweeted, along with a grainy close up portrait of her in angular black sunglasses and old red lipstick. In a follow up tweet, Cyrus divulged more of the track’s lyrics in a simple black square, white text format: “I can buy myself flowers/ I can hold my own hand/ I can take myself dancing/ I can love me better than you can.”

By Thursday (Jan. 5), the 30-year-old pop star shared that her eighth studio album, titled Endless Summer Vacation, is coming March 10. Cyrus also shared the LP’s cover art, which features her suspended from trapeze bar and wearing a black unitard, sunglasses and heels against a blue backdrop.

According to a press release, the album — which serves at the follow up to Cyrus’ 2020 LP Plastic Hearts — was recorded in Los Angeles with producers Kid Harpoon, Greg Kurstin, Mike WiLL Made-It and Tyler Johnson. Sonically, the “Midnight Sky” singer describes Endless Summer Vacation as a love letter to L.A. that showcases the confidence she’s found since focusing on her mental and physical well-being.

The two-time Grammy nominee previously teased “Flowers” with one line from the song — “I can love me better than you can” — in a video clip shared on New Year’s Eve.

See Cyrus’ lyrics teasers for “Flowers” below.