Pop

10 Mar 2024

Madonna Apologizes After Accidentally Calling Out Fan in Wheelchair for Sitting at L.A. Concert

Madonna made a faux pas at a recent Celebration Tour stop near L.A.

During her show at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, Calif., on Thursday (March 9), the Queen of Pop accidentally called out a fan in a wheelchair for sitting during her performance.

“What are you doing sitting down over there? What are you getting sitting down?” Madonna asked the concert-goer, before walking to the edge of the stage to get a closer look.

The pop icon then quickly apologized after realizing her embarrassing mistake. “Oh, okay. Politically incorrect. Sorry about that,” she said after seeing that the person was in a wheelchair. “I’m glad you are here.”

Fan-captured footage of the cringeworthy moment quickly circulated online, causing backlash from many social media onlookers.

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“Does it matter if they’re sitting or standing? they paid for the ticket and took the time to be there? Isn’t that enough???” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter), adding a shrugging emoji.

“Lots of people need to sit down who don’t use wheelchairs, too. This is honestly just gross, ableist behavior,” another X user wrote. “Appreciate that the person purchased a ticket and came to see you!”

Madonna launched a five-night stand at the Kia Forum on Monday (March 4). The singer’s Celebration Tour is a career-spanning look back on her hits, personal struggles, pop culture impact and enduring influence.

During the opening night of her L.A. stretch, the 65-year-old superstar revealed that the severe bacterial infection she suffered in June 2023 –which led to her hospitalization and the postponement of her current trek — at one point made it nearly impossible for her to move around.

“This summer I had a surprise,” she told the crowd, holding a cowboy hat in one hand and gripping a guitar in the other. “It’s called a near-death experience.”

10 Mar 2024

Ariana Grande Powerfully Delivers Two New ‘Eternal Sunshine’ Songs on ‘SNL’: Watch

Ariana Grande returned to Saturday Night Live as musical guest to perform new songs from her latest album, Eternal Sunshine.

The 30-year-old pop superstar and actress took the stage at Studio 8H for the third time on March 9 to deliver powerful renditions of “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)” and “Imperfect for You” from her seventh full-length, which arrived on Friday.

The Wicked star was introduced by SNL host Josh Brolin for her first song and received an intro from her mother, Joan Grande, for her second performance.

Grande opened with “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love),” delivering the midtempo track on a set designed as a living room while the song’s just-released music video played on a retro TV set in the background. The clip pays loving homage to the 2004 Jim Carrey sci-fi romance that inspired her album new album title.

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The singer and actress returned for a stirring performance of “Imperfect for You,” where she performed amid an outdoorsy background reminiscent of the poppy field in Wizard of Oz.

Grande has appeared on SNL twice before: once as the musical guest in September 2014 and once pulling double-duty as both host and performer in March 2016.

The songstress launched her Eternal Sunshine era at the top of 2024 with the release of “Yes, And?” The Max Martin-helmed house bop debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100 — her sixth song to do so — and later received a remix featuring fellow chart-conquering diva Mariah Carey. Inspired by the Oscar-winning Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Grande’s new album features contributions from Martin, Ilya, Oscar Görres and Nonna, Ariana’s grandmother.

On Saturday evening, Grande also announced the “slightly deluxe” version of Eternal Sunshine, featuring four additional tracks: “Supernatural (featuring Troye Sivan), “Imperfect for You” (acoustic), “True Story” (a capella) and “Yes, And?” (featuring Carey).

Watch Grande’s SNL performances below. For those without cable, the broadcast streams on Peacock, which you can sign up for at the link here. Having a Peacock account also gives fans access to previous SNL episodes.


https://youtube.com/watch?v=YhUXD7aIOeY&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent


https://youtube.com/watch?v=q1rdjHIu1jA&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

09 Mar 2024

BTS’ V Teases ‘FRI(END)S’ Music Video, Shares Concept Photos

V is giving fans a first look at “FRI(END)S.” The BTS member unveiled a preview of the official music video for his new solo single, plus a set of concept photos for the song, on Saturday (March 9).

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The 35-second teaser shows a moment of grabbing leftover takeout from the fridge and eating it alone, before cutting to a chaotic scene at a movie theater and one where V sits by himself in a crowded diner. The clip features a brief preview of instrumentals and vocals.

V’s “FRI(END)S” concept photos — including the black-and-white image above — show the singer in solitude as well. Check out the full set of six concept photos for the single on BTS’ Instagram.

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The K-pop star first announced the March 15 release date of “FRI(END)S” last weekend. BTS’ official Instagram account had also teased “FRI(END)S” with a brief clip featuring V.

“The track, rooted in the pop soul R&B genre, delivers relatable and witty romance through lyrics written entirely in English,” a press statement from Big Hit Music said. “The single artwork accompanying the announcement reveals the song title and release date against a vivid pink background that hints at the song’s sweet mood.”

Big Hit says that another set of concept photos and “flash video encapsulating the overall mood of the single” will be released on March 11, and a second music video teaser will come on March 12.

“FRI(END)S” follows V’s 2023 solo debut, Layover, which included songs like “Love Me Again,” “Rainy Days” and “Slow Dancing.”

Watch the “FRI(END)S” music video teaser below.



09 Mar 2024

Ariana Grande Asks Fans to Stop ‘Sending Hateful Messages to People in My Life’ Following Release of ‘Eternal Sunshine’

Ariana Grande has a message for fans who are attacking anyone on the internet after listening to the pop star’s new album Eternal Sunshine.

“i just wanted to say anyone that is sending hateful messages to the people in my life based on your interpretation of this album is not supporting me and is absolutely doing the polar opposite of what i would ever encourage (and is also entirely misinterpreting the intention behind the music)… i ask that you please do not. it is not how to support me. it is the opposite,” she wrote in an Instagram Story posted Saturday afternoon (March 9).

“although this album captures a lot of painful moments, it also is woven together with a through line of deep, sincere love,” Grande said. “if you cannot hear that, please listen more closely.”

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“thank you! i love you!!!!!!!’ she added in a second slide.

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Grande’s introspective new album — exploring relationships and personal growth — comes after her love life dominated headlines in 2023, when Grande separated from Dalton Gomez after two years of marriage and started a new relationship with Wicked co-star Ethan Slater.

Eternal Sunshine arrived on Friday. It’s the singer’s seventh full-length album, and her first since chart-topper Positions, which spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart in 2020.

On Saturday, Eternal Sunshine set a record as the most-streamed album in a single day in 2024 so far.

Grande will perform as the musical guest on the Josh Brolin-hosted episode SNL Saturday night.

See Grande’s message on her Instagram Stories.

09 Mar 2024

Ariana Grande Says ‘We Can’t Be Friends’ Video Captures Spirit of ‘Eternal Sunshine,’ Shouts Out Co-Star Evan Peters

Ariana Grande is reflecting on her new “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)” music video.

On Saturday (March 9), the 30-year-old pop superstar took to social media to share a heartfelt message about her loving homage to the 2004 Jim Carrey sci-fi romance that inspired her new album title, Eternal Sunshine.

“Thank you for creating such a safe space, for holding my hand, and for thoughtfully bringing this entire album to life with this one video. Though we will make many more, this video is the album to me,” Grande wrote on Instagram alongside a teaser of the visual, giving a shout-out to co-star Evan Peters and director Christian Breslauer. “A tremendous thank you to the incredible crew who made this what it is.”

Grande followed her note with a long list of the crew members involved in the creation of the video.

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Breslauer, who also directed the singer and actress’ “Yes, And?” video, shared his gratitude in the comments section. “Thank you for writing from the heart, leading the way and trusting me with something so precious,” the director wrote.

The midtempo track is the second single from Eternal Sunshine, following the January Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping hit “Yes, And?” In celebration of the album’s release, Grande will perform on Saturday Night Live this weekend as the Josh Brolin-hosted episode’s musical guest.

Eternal Sunshine, which arrived Friday (March 8), is already setting is already setting records. Spotify announced through social media on Saturday that the project is the company’s most-streamed album in a single day in 2024 so far.

Check out Grande’s “We Can’t Be Friends” post on Instagram below.

09 Mar 2024

Ariana Grande’s ‘Eternal Sunshine’ Is 2024’s Most-Streamed Album in a Single Day on Spotify

Ariana Grande‘s just-released album, Eternal Sunshine, is already setting records. On Saturday (March 9), Spotify announced through social media that the project is the company’s most-streamed album in a single day in 2024 so far.

The 30-year-old Wicked star unveiled Eternal Sunshine, her seventh album, on Friday (March 8), marking her first full-length since 2020’s Grammy-nominated Positions, which spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.

Grande entered the Eternal Sunshine era back in January with the release of lead single “Yes, And?” That Max Martin-producer dancefloor-ready banger used house music to kiss off her haters and shimmy to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Five weeks later, Grande’s latest Hot 100 chart-topper — her eighth overall and sixth to debut in the pole position — received a remix from none other than Mariah Carey.

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She has earned eight No. 1 singles on the Hot 100, including “Thank U, Next” (seven weeks), “Save Your Tears” (with The Weeknd, two weeks) and the eight-week leader “7 Rings.” On the Billboard 200, the multi-hyphenate has sent five titles to the chart’s summit, including 2013’s Yours Truly, 2014’s My Everything, 2018’s Sweetener and 2020’s Positions.

In celebration of Eternal Sunshine‘s release, Grande will perform on Saturday Night Live this weekend as the Josh Brolin-hosted episode’s musical guest. Along with the album, she dropped the music video for her next single “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)” on Friday.

Grande is no stranger to receiving accolades from Spotify. Earlier this year, she reflected on the stories behind all 14 of her hits that earned a billion streams on Spotify — the most of any female artist in history.

“thank you so much @spotify for this incredible honor and celebration !” the Victorious album captioned a video on Instagram, in which she shared stories about such hits as “Bang Bang,” “Rain On Me” and “Save Your Tears.” “filming this little episode was such a sweet little commemoration and gratitude meltdown, if you will !!!!! i wasn’t expecting to get emotional but it really, truly hit me!”

See Spotify’s Eternal Sunshine announcement on Instagram below.

08 Mar 2024

BLACKPINK’s Jennie Teams Up With Brockhampton’s Matt Champion for ‘Slow Motion’

The ultimate team-up arrived on Friday (March 8), when BLACKPINK’s Jennie and Brockhampton’s Matt Champion came together to release a brand new collaboration, titled “Slow Motion.”

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“If I could stop time for real/ Would make it any easier for me to love you?/ ‘Cause you know I’m shy for you still/ So bad that it kills/ And I can’t help but feel/ Like we’re moving in slow motion,” they sing on the atmospheric track’s chorus.

The new song comes a little over a year after Brockhampton released their final album, The Family, and the subsequent “parting gift”, TM. Champion took on the role of EP to finish TM after the group started the album during a two week trip to Ojai, Calif., in 2021, but never fully completed it.

Jennie, meanwhile, announced in December that she is launching a new label and company called OA. “Hi, this is Jennie. This year was filled with many accomplishments, and I’m so thankful for all the love I’ve received,” the K-pop singer wrote on her Instagram Story. “I’m also about what’s to come, as I start my solo journey in 2024 with a company that I have established called OA. Please show lots of love for my new start with OA and of course BLACKPINK. Thank you.”

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In addition to releasing long-awaited solo music in 2023, she also made her acting debut in the HBO drama series The Idol and was named an honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire. 

Listen to “Slow Motion” below.

08 Mar 2024

King Princess Opens Up About Meeting Christina Aguilera: ‘I Love When a Pop Girl Is Mean’

King Princess appreciates the culture of pop divas.

The “1950” singer (real name Mikaela Straus) was a guest on a recent episode of the Queer the Music podcast, where they opened up about accidentally meeting Christina Aguilera in the studio.

“I love when a pop girl is mean,” Straus said, before explaining that they were working on music with their friend Teo in Mark Ronson’s studio when Xtina accidentally walked in. “She saw us and was like, ‘Oh,’ and she walked out and I was like, ‘Oh my God, that was Christina Aguilera,’” they recalled

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Straus and Teo then got up to leave, as it was time for Aguilera’s studio session with Ronson. However, the producer went on to introduce the duo to the “Genie in a Bottle” star. “Mark said, ‘Did you meet Mikaela and Teo?’ And [Aguilera] goes, ‘Yeah, I saw the children.’ That meant a lot to me,” Straus said with a laugh.

On Friday (March 8), Aguilera celebrated International Women’s Day with a powerful message on Instagram. “In 2024, we face challenges we never could have imagined. But in the face of adversity, we must stand stronger and fight harder. I look towards a hopeful future where my daughter’s voice will not just be heard, but truly valued and respected. Let’s continue to uplift and empower the women around us, on International Women’s Day and every day,” she wrote alongside black-and-white photos of herself leaning against a balcony ledge.

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Watch King Princess break down the moment with Christina Aguilera below.

08 Mar 2024

Watch GloRilla, Lauren Jauregui, Remi Wolf & More Sing Beyoncé’s ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’

This ain’t Texas, but the stars at Billboard Women in Music made it feel like a rodeo when they took turns singing Beyoncé’s Hot 100 chart-topping hit, “Texas Hold ‘Em.”

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In a hilarious video shared to Billboard’s Instagram account from the event on Wednesday (March 6) at YouTube Theater in Los Angeles, Remi Wolf, Fletcher, Bailee Madison, Blu DeTiger, Jess Glynne, GloRilla and more are seen singing lines from the chorus of the track. “This ain’t Texas, ain’t no hold ’em / So lay your cards down, down, down, down / So park your Lexus and throw your keys up / Stick around, ’round, ’round, ’round, ’round / And I’ll be damned if I can’t slow dance with you / Come pour some sugar on me, honey too,” they sing, with GloRilla hitting a particularly ambitious vocal run.

Beyoncé released “Texas Hold ‘Em” as the first single from her upcoming Act II album on Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 18). Between the references to her home state of Texas and the country sound of the new music snippet, it looks like fans were onto something with their theory that Beyoncé’s next LP will find her delving into country music.

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Watch the full video from Billboard Women in Music below.

08 Mar 2024

Watch Dua Lipa Adorably Surprise Kids at Her Old Elementary School

The students at Dua Lipa‘s old grade school will be dancing the night away after meeting the 28-year-old pop star during a recent visit.

In an adorable video shared by BBC Radio 1 on Friday (March 8), the “Levitating” artist went on a journey down memory lane by turning up to her elementary-level alma mater in London, where she reconnected with an old teacher. Then, before stepping inside a classroom of shocked kids who collectively gasped with shock and excitement upon her arrival, Dua confessed that one nearly 20-year-old memory still haunts her.

“I really wanted the lead part in the school play,” she recalled in the clip. “I didn’t get it, but I wanted it so bad.”

The singer went on to re-audition for the role, taking critiques from the class. Just before reliving the tryout, she asked earnestly, “Why am I nervous?”

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Before waving goodbye, the children sang a round of Dua’s Barbie hit “Dance the Night” in unison as the British artist smiled in approval.

The Argylle actress is fresh off the March 4 release of her new single “Training Season,” which is expected to appear on the star’s upcoming album. The same goes for her November release “Houdini,” which peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“The second I write a song, I know its good or not or whether its close,” she told Jimmy Kimmel in a recent interview about the LP, for which she wrote nearly 100 songs. “Every song on this album unlike any of the other records I’ve made, I’ve gone in and I’ve re-written it over and over again, until I felt like it was perfect, which I didn’t really have the confidence to do on my previous records.”

Watch Dua Lipa visit her old elementary school below.