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Britney Spears had a lot to say about famous ex Justin Timberlake in her 2024 memoir, The Woman in Me. And over the weekend, she said even more in her favorite medium: dance. In her latest choreo video, Britney slipped into a pair of thigh-high black boots, a brown stetson hat and a patterned thong bodysuit to bust some moves in front of a roaring fireplace to a classic JT tune.
In the video posted with no commentary, Britney swivels her hips, spins around and shakes it around the room to the strains of “Señorita,” the sensual single from Timberlake’s 2002 debut solo album, Justified. At one point, as the jazzy pop ballad plays out, Britney moves over to the fireplace and appears to get dangerously close to the flames as she drops it low in front of the flaming logs.
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In her memoir, Spears wrote about having an abortion after an unexpected pregnancy with then-boyfriend Timberlake, saying it was something “I never could have imagined choosing for myself, but given the circumstances, that is what we did.”
Despite the pain from the medication abortion — which she called “excruciating” — Spears said she still had love for married father of two Timberlake. “After that, I was messed up for a while, especially because I still love Justin so much,” she wrote. “It was insane how much I loved him, and for me, it was unfortunate.”
Spears has been on a posting spree over the past couple days, also offering up a dance to Otis Redding’s “These Arms of Mine,” with a lengthy commentary on her recent doings. “After a day phone call, yoga, and watching the sunset at 5 which was literally way more beautiful in person … The phone does no justice !!! Time with self trying to teach self love sometimes that’s the hardest thing to do so I get busy and rode horses and got pissed the f–k off because no matter how hard I kicked with my heels he only listened to his trainer !!!” she wrote.
“Finally actually rode the damn horse and got back realizing evenings are meant for substance as you get older so I confess I want wine !!! My mind is too busy and the two classes I was supposed to teach for once I said f–k it and danced for me !!!,” Spears added. “And I did after being on the beach and saving 7 sea shells that to me felt like silk !!! I’m never hungry here I’m just excited so I walk outside and see the fire pit and I swim and feel like a mermaid and I become one with fire 🔥 once again !!! The dirty night gown !!! I have nice dresses too but do you honestly think I feel anyone is honestly worthy of the real me at this point ??? Just motherf–king saying I’d rather serve cow s–t !!!”
She also posted a throwback pic from early in her career shot by legendary photographer Herb Ritts, as well as another dance video in which she rocks a floor-length red strapless dress and one in which she wears a low-plunging cheetah-print bodysuit as she rocks out to Janet Jackson’s “All Nite (Don’t Stop).”
“I dropped four sizes putting the cheetah on — Haven’t danced in a while !!!,” she wrote. “I burned my bathroom down today, ran like a maniac back to the house because there was a pie in the oven and I’m honestly tired of making sense of things these days !!!”
Prince Jackson stepped out in Sydney over the weekend to support MJ the Musical, the Tony Award-winning production that brings his father’s legendary career to the stage.
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The eldest son of the late Michael Jackson attended the official Australian premiere of the jukebox musical at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre on Saturday (March 8), wearing a dark pinstripe suit paired with a purple tie.
Fresh off its global success—including Broadway, London, and Germany—this four-time Tony Award-winning production transports audiences back to 1992, inside the high-stakes creative process of Jackson’s Dangerous World Tour. Through the lens of an MTV documentary crew, the musical explores not just Jackson’s signature moves and music, but his relentless artistic vision and the challenges behind the scenes.
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Producer Michael Cassel, who brought MJ to Australia alongside original Broadway producers Lia Vollack, John Branca, and John McClain, said the response has been overwhelming, “I said Australian audiences would be obsessed with this incredible show, but I couldn’t have imagined just how passionately they would embrace it! From fans dressing up to audiences dancing in their seats, this show has truly captured Sydney’s heart.”
Leading the cast is Roman Banks, whose portrayal of Jackson has already won critical acclaim in the U.S., where he debuted in Chicago in 2023 and has played the role more than 200 times.
This isn’t the first time Prince has shown his support for the production, which debuted on Broadway in 2022 and has since expanded globally. In March 2024, he attended the London preview night alongside his siblings, Paris Jackson and Bigi Jackson, continuing their tradition of honoring their father’s legacy.
Two years prior, he and Paris made an appearance at the 2022 Tony Awards, where MJ the Musical was nominated for multiple awards, including Best Musical. The siblings introduced the cast’s performance of Smooth Criminal that night, with Prince reflecting on their father’s deep love for musicals.
“A lot of people seem to think our dad Michael Jackson changed popular music forever. And who are we to disagree?” he said during the awards show. “But what people may not know is that he loved musicals, on film and on the stage.”
Following its success in New York, the musical has expanded to London’s West End, a U.S. national tour, and now Australia, where it will run in Sydney before moving to other cities.
Michael Jackson remains one of the most celebrated artists in music history, with an influence that continues to be felt across generations. He holds the record for the best-selling album of all time with Thriller and has achieved 13 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. His groundbreaking performances, innovative music videos, and signature dance moves reshaped pop music and cemented his place as the “King of Pop.”
Prince Jackson has remained active in preserving his father’s legacy, often attending events in his honor and sharing personal stories about his upbringing. Alongside his siblings, he has worked on charitable initiatives and music-related projects, ensuring that Michael Jackson’s impact remains alive for future generations.
With MJ the Musical now expanding worldwide, it’s clear that the magic of Michael Jackson’s music still captivates audiences, decades after he first moonwalked into history. Throughout his career, 13 of his solo singles went to No. 1, with 30 of his songs reaching the top 10 and six albums topping the Billboard 200.
Tickets for MJ The Musical are available now at mjthemusical.com.au.
Little Monsters everywhere have spent all day Friday (March 7) rejoicing, after Lady Gaga unveiled her long-awaited new album Mayhem. One of those fans, it turns out, is Gaga’s fellow pop star Bebe Rexha. In a series of posts shared on X, the “I’m the Drama” singer shared her first impression of Gaga’s new album, […]
Daniel Seavey’s bid for solo stardom is no surprise. At 25, Seavey has already been carving his path in the industry for years — first capturing attention on American Idol in 2015, and then making waves as a member of a pop group, formerly known as Why Don’t We. Now, he is once again stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist with the release of his debut album, Second Wind, out today (Mar. 7), using the project to prove that his journey is just getting started.
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Following the formation of Why Don’t We in 2016, Seavey and the rest of the group scored a pair of top 10 albums on the Billboard 200, earned a top 40 hit on the Hot 100 with 2020’s “Fallin’ (Adrenaline),” and toured the world, with sold-out shows alongside the rest of the group later leading to solo performances. Yet Seavey’s pursuit of music stalled in 2022, when Why Don’t We disbanded amid lawsuits between their former manager and then-current management over control of the group.
The ligitation forced Seavey to cancel his 2023 solo tour in support of his debut EP, Dancing In The Dark. The case finally concluded last Thursday (Feb. 27), with a jury ruling that the four ex-band members named in the lawsuit (Zach Herron, Corbyn Besson, Jonah Marais, and Jack Avery) owed their former managers a symbolic $1 each, but could no longer utilize the Why Don’t We name.
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With all the hurdles Seavey has overcome as an artist, he’s not only been determined to solidify his spot in the industry as a solo artist, but to also make his mark. Following multiple EPs and singles throughout 2023 and 2024, Second Wind encompasses the mentality of growing older while clinging onto youth: the project, which was executive produced by Michael Pollack, draws inspiration from early-’00s pop-rock, blending infectious energy with introspective lyrics, and radiating both optimism and artistic freedom.
Determined to reconnect with the childlike joy of making music, Seavey aimed to create something fun and meaningful. Throughout the 12 tracks on Second Wind, he opens up to fans, sharing his struggles and hopes for the future in an honest and heartfelt way.
This month, he’ll embark on his international headlining tour in support of the project, kicking off on March 18 in Dallas and wrapping up in June in Auckland, New Zealand. His jump into a world tour comes as no surprise — Seavey has been anxious to hit the road. In 2024, he built momentum as an opener for Benson Boone’s Fireworks and Rollerblades world tour and Dean Lewis’ Sad Boi Winter run, in addition to a main stage slot at Lollapalooza in Chicago.
Billboard sat down with the star to discuss his album, touring and his plans for the future in music.
Congratulations on the release of your debut album, Second Wind. How does it feel to finally be putting it out for the rest of the world to hear?
It is the biggest relieving moment to have it finally coming out. It was a long time coming, more than I would have hoped, but it also feels really special timing in that I finally got my head out of all the dark clouds of the last couple years and what better way to celebrate that than to have people hear the music that I’m putting my heart into… It nails how I feel, I’m hitting a second wind, and enjoying life right now and excited for [fans] to hear that in the songs.
Can you walk me through how you decided you wanted to create a full album on your own?
I think making an album was always a dream of mine. I’m very musically inclined and I play a lot of different instruments, and I think an album is a great way to showcase the different sides of me and all kinds of different ways in which I wanted to travel musically. And I think this album does exactly that. It goes a lot of different directions, and I think I’ll look back on it and I’ve dreamt of doing as I started making music on my own at 15.
Do you feel any relief knowing the lawsuit has officially come to an end?
One hundred percent. In the sake of trying to get back to a good place, the wind was taken out of our sails and a dark cloud was above us. With that gone, we can breathe again. Time heals, and with time we can take this and crawl back to that standpoint of being friends again… It’s a breeziness in the air that’s unbelievable, and so nice for all of us.
What do you think of Why Don’t We’s legacy, and what do you hope people think of when listening to your band’s past music?
It’s a tricky question for me right now. It’s unfair, and being so transparent, anything that relates to the band – the name, the music – right now I’m in the thick of it, it’s a little traumatic. And I hear the songs and it brings back tough memories but I have such an appreciation for the music and when I think on it a little longer. All the good memories are there. I hope to get my head and heart. I would love to be able to look at it and fully accept it.
The overarching theme of Second Wind is about growing up, and not only reminiscing about your youth, but finding memorable moments to cling onto. Compared to your previous singles and EPs, how different was bringing this album to life?
With all my original EPs, I wrote those in a really tough time… I was in the thick of life being really hard. I wrote those first singles and EPs in my house and the difference was that I was completely on my own for the most of it… I produced the whole thing myself and it was great for that time, but the biggest difference of this last album was that I brought in some people who I love and immensely trust and it really reminded me of how fun music is. I think you can hear it in the songs.
If you could pick a favorite song that you wrote but also to perform what would it be?
It changes all the time — when I was performing last year, I did a couple of the songs off this album. “Sleeping With The Lights On” was a fun one. I haven’t performed “Waves” yet, but I’m really excited for that one. I’m most excited to perform “Eden,” it may or might not make the album.
If there was one song you could encourage fans to listen to off of your album, which would it be?
“The Older You Get.” It’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever penned. It really sums up my standpoint and perspective on life. It includes where my life was at and what was going on and the optimism I have.
You opened for Benson Boone and Dean Lewis in 2024, and you’re now preparing for your own global headlining tour this year. How excited are you to be on the road, and what are you most looking forward to on tour?
I am beyond excited… I was so nervous for that first tour, I had no idea of what it would be like to be on my own. It was a completely new experience. I was just a nervous wreck. Since then, even opening and being in the uncomfortable position of opening for people that aren’t there for you and kind of getting to win them over, I feel so ready and comfortable to be back on stage more than ever. I’m dying to be back in front of my fans and really build that bond and I know it’s going to be so special. I’ve been dreaming about it this whole year.
Do you have any fun surprises for the tour that you’re willing to share?
Me being the nerd as I am, I’ve been messing with this Looper [loop pedal] a ton. On my first tour, I don’t think the technology was particularly there to do what I wanted to do, so I kind of made the Looper work, in a sense I wanted to loop all the instruments together to be a one-man band. Looking back on it, it’s giving band class, but I think I cracked the code a little more.
Manifesting your dreams into reality, do you have any fun guests for the tour or collaborations in the future?
Possibly! I’m just getting into those conversations toward the tail end. I was so focused on saying who Daniel was, and I’m definitely talking about certain collabs… We’ll see!
Check out Daniel Seavery’s Second Wind below:
Billboard’s Friday Music Guide serves as a handy guide to this Friday’s most essential releases — the key music that everyone will be talking about today, and that will be dominating playlists this weekend and beyond.
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This week, Lady Gaga creates glorious chaos, JENNIE steps into the spotlight and Doechii revisits an old hit for a new single. Check out all of this week’s picks below:
Lady Gaga, Mayhem
“I’ve seen Little Monsters be so amazing for almost 20 years. I haven’t seen us like this in a long time,” Lady Gaga told Billboard regarding recent fan enthusiasm online. Their excitement is understandable: Mayhem, Gaga’s long-awaited new album, centers big, brash hooks with the same propulsion of her Fame Monster days, while also mixing in industrial music, disco-funk and synth-rock to her pop approach. If you’ve been a longtime fan or simply want a handful of new bangers to add to your playlists, you’re going to put your paws up to Mayhem.
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JENNIE, RUBY
The extended rollout of BLACKPINK solo projects ends with a bang: RUBY, the debut album from JENNIE, is a pop tour de force, with the K-pop star pulling in an eclectic mix of guest artists and producers — Dua Lipa and Doechii for front-half anthems “Handlebars” and “ExtraL,” for instance, while Mike WiLL Made-It helms four crackling songs on the second half — and convincingly playing the role of the magnetic, effortlessly cool global star.
Doechii, “Anxiety”
The societal anxieties of 2012 might feel quaint compared to those of today, but Doechii has reworked one of that year’s biggest hits, Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know,” into “Anxiety,” which translates the nervous energy of its foundation into a perusal of the rap star’s claustrophobic thoughts (“Can’t shake it off of me / Somebody’s watching me, and my anxiety”).
J-Hope feat. Miguel, “Sweet Dreams”
Speaking of 2012, anyone who fondly remembers Miguel’s Kaleidoscope Dream era will latch onto “Sweet Dreams,” in which BTS star J-Hope brings in the R&B veteran to concoct something rhythmic, romantic and instantly likable, the gentle synths and dueling vocal tones creating a pillowy bedrock for the potential hit.
GELO feat. GloRilla, “Can You Please”
GELO’s “Tweaker” was the sort of viral sensation that results in multiple remixes and a lucrative label deal; “Can You Please,” then, is the high-stakes follow-up, which relies on an always-great guest star, GloRilla, to help stick the landing and prolong momentum. Fortunately, “Can You Please” is as audacious as its predecessor, with GELO’s rumbling flow halting to elongate melodies and emphasize the best one-liners.
TobyMac, Heaven on My Mind
The snappy title track to Heaven on My Mind, which kicks off TobyMac’s ninth studio album, immediately establishes that the project will be a sunnier affair than the singer-songwriter’s last release, 2022’s Life After Death, which followed the tragic passing of his son; indeed, Heaven on My Mind finds the Christian Airplay mainstay uplifting over quicker tempos, while still taking space to process complex emotions.
Tiago PZK, Gotti B
The fact that Teddy Swims is featured on “Sometimes,” the waltzing focus track of Tiago PZK’s new EP, may help the Argentine superstar bring in some new fans from North America, but as a whole, Gotti B extends Tiago’s appeal, with his elastic delivery guiding the 7-song project through dance tempos and slower movements.
Editor’s Pick: SASAMI, Blood on the Silver Screen
After 2022’s Squeeze established SASAMI as an exciting indie-pop singer and producer, Blood on the Silver Screen turns up the volume on every aspect of her persona, and features the strongest songwriting of her career. “I’ll Be Gone,” “Slugger” and the Clairo team-up “In Love With a Memory” are early highlights, but SASAMI’s latest is a widescreen thrill, and deserves to be experienced in full.
Doja Cat, KATSEYE, Gwen Stefani, David Guetta, Meghan Trainor and more are set to perform at iHeartRadio’s 102.7 KIIS FM Wango Tango in May.
And for the first time ever, the summer-kickoff concert will be held in Huntington Beach, California. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, Wango Tango will take place Sunday, May 10, and feature more performances by NMIXX, xikers, Hearts2Hearts and A2O MAY.
“We’re thrilled to bring Wango Tango back, knowing fans have been eagerly awaiting its return,” said Beata Murphy, program director of iHeartMedia Los Angeles’ 102.7 KIIS FM. “This year, we’re elevating the experience with an unforgettable day of music, energy, and beachside vibes — everything that defines SoCal. We’re also shaking things up by featuring some of the biggest artists with extended set times, unlike ever before.”
This will be the first Wango Tango event in three years, since it hit Dignity Health Center in Carson, California, in June 2022.
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iHeartMedia Los Angeles partnered with powerhouse global experience agency Code Four to execute this year’s outdoor, beachside concert experience.
“We are privileged to work with the world-class team at iHeartMedia on such an iconic brand, Wango Tango,” said Kevin Elliott, CEO of Code Four. “I grew up attending this festival as a KIIS FM listener, and it’s surreal for our team to now be working on delivering the next iteration of the Wango Tango experience – here in my hometown of Huntington Beach – one of the most incredible venues in the world!”
Added Paul Corvino, regional president of iHeartMedia: “Wango Tango has become a legendary event for Southern California music fans, something they’ve looked forward to year after year. Our partnership with Code Four is taking it to the next level, bringing it back bigger and better than ever for an unforgettable fan experience at the beach.”
Tickets go on sale first to KIIS CLUB VIP members (fans can sign up to be one for free here) on Thursday, March 13 at 10 a.m. PT. General on-sale begins Friday, March 14 at 10 a.m. PST.
Lady Gaga can do it all. At least she’s going to try to when she both hosts and performs as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live tomorrow (March 8). You know, “just like Tiomothée Chalamet” did a few weeks ago, she proudly tells cast member Bowen Yang in the second promo for this weekend’s episode
“Damn,” Bowen says with a dismissive head tilt and crossed arms. “Good luck girl.”
“Thanks,” Gaga responds, seeming a bit peeved, as Yang softens up and gives her a sweet “you’re welcome.”
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The second run finds the two a bit chummier, with Gaga leaning in to touch Yang’s chest as he reveals that he’s sooooo excited to see her perform at Coachella next month. “You’re going?” she asks. “Yeah, but I’ll be at the Chobani tent handing out açaí bowls… for whoever wants açaí,” Yang explains with an annoyed look at his mandatory sponcon gig.
“Well, that’s the best part of Coachella,” Gaga assures him as they bust out their best jazz hands to yell in unison “BRAND ACTIVATIONS!”
After a bit about Gaga’s hit Mayhem song “Abracadabra,” the pair land the plane with a most embarrassing reveal from Yang. Blushing, the Wicked-ly talented break-out star of the show pulls down the collar of his T-shirt to reveal the new chest tattoo he got honoring his favorite Gaga song, “Alejandro.”
“Bowen, who is that?” Gaga says concerned. “Hello? That’s Alejandro, Alejandro Mayorkas, the seventh United States Secretary of Homeland Security? Keep up!” he tells her as if she is dense or something. “Bowen… that’s not,” she says before they bust into the chorus of the 2010 single from her The Fame Monster album.
Gaga’s seventh studio album, Mayhem, is out now and she will take the stage at Coachella as a headliner at this year’s event, which takes place from April 11-13 and April 18-20.
Watch Gaga and Yang’s promo below.
Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft returns to the top of the ARIA Albums Chart this week, reclaiming the No. 1 position for the first time since mid-July.
The album, which previously spent five non-consecutive weeks at the summit in 2024, surged back to the top following her sold-out Australian tour dates.
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The record finished 2024 as the No. 2 album of the year in Australia and continues to be a strong performer across streaming and physical formats, now clocking in six non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 since its release.
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Blackpink’s Lisa makes a strong debut at No. 5 with her first solo album, Alter Ego. The project features collaborations with Raye, Doja Cat, Future, Rosalia, Tyla, and Megan Thee Stallion. Lisa is the second member of Blackpink to land a solo album in the ARIA Top 10 in the past four months—Rosé’s Rosie peaked at No. 2 in December and is currently at No. 45. Meanwhile, fellow bandmate Jennie just dropped her debut album, Ruby, which is set to make its chart debut next week.
The top five albums on this week’s ARIA Albums Chart are all by female artists. Following Eilish at No. 1, Tate McRae’s So Close To What holds steady at No. 2, Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet is at No. 3, SZA’s SOS climbs to No. 4, and Lisa’s Alter Ego debuts at No. 5.
Architects also make an impact this week with The Sky, The Earth & All Between, debuting at No. 8. The British metalcore band has a strong Australian following, with For Those That Wish to Exist reaching No. 1 in 2021.
Over on the ARIA Singles Chart, Rosé and Bruno Mars’ collaboration “APT” extends its reign at No. 1 for a 13th non-consecutive week. The track is now tied with Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Old Town Road” (2019) as the longest-running duet at No. 1 in the past five years. The all-time record for longest-running duet on the ARIA Singles Chart remains The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber’s “Stay,” which dominated for 17 weeks between 2021 and 2022.
With Eilish reclaiming the top spot and Lisa making a major solo debut, female artists continue to dominate the ARIA charts this year.
BTS’ j-hope is back with a fresh solo release, teaming up with R&B powerhouse Miguel for the ethereal new single “Sweet Dreams,” out today (March 7).
A smooth fusion of R&B, pop, and hip-hop, “Sweet Dreams” pairs j-hope’s effortless melodic flow with Miguel’s signature velvety vocals, creating an ethereal, late-night groove. The song continues the BTS rapper’s journey of blending genres, showcasing his artistic range while adding another solo to his growing discography.
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Renowned producer Johnny Goldstein, songwriters Sam Martin, known for his works with Maroon 5, David Guetta, One Direction, and Sean Douglas, who has collaborated with Madonna, Sia, and more, aided in the creation of the track.
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And there’s even more in store for fans: Billboard recently revealed that j-hope is set to make his solo debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Monday, March 10, where he’ll take the stage for a performance of his new single.
The single j-hope’s first proper release since his special album Hope on the Street Vol.1, which arrived in March last year. The project reached No. 5 on the Billboard 200, his highest solo peak on the chart to date.
The “More” vocalist also paired the LP with a docuseries of the same name. Traveling to New York, Paris, Osaka, Seoul and his hometown of Gwangju in South Korea, j-hope explored his passion for dance in the six-part Prime Video project.
He’s now gearing up to hit the road again, this time on a tour kicking off one week before “Sweet Dreams” drops. The 31-date HOPE ON THE STAGE trek will begin with a three-night stay at Seoul’s KSPO DOME starting Friday (Feb. 28).
Not counting his February feature on Don Toliver’s “LV Bag” alongside Pharrell Williams, “Sweet Dreams” also marks j-hope’s first proper solo release since he was discharged from the South Korean military.
Stream “Sweet Dreams” below.
From ballads like “Die With a Smile” to dance-pop anthems like “Abracadabra,” see where every song on Gaga’s long-awaited seventh studio album wound up on our ranking.