Pop

29 Nov 2023

Sabrina Carpenter Responds to Catholic Church Controversy: ‘Jesus Was a Carpenter’

Sabrina Carpenter is feeling lighter like a feather amid recent controversy surrounding her “Feather” music video.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that a Catholic priest who allowed a scene from the clip to be filmed inside Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Annunciation Parish in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, had been relieved of his administrative duties, according to the New York Times. In the music video scene, Carpenter dances around the church, wearing a short black tulle dress and veil and posing with religious items at the alter, including a coffin that reads “RIP B—-.”

“We got approval in advance,” the pop star told Variety of the shoot on Wednesday (Nov. 29), “and Jesus was a carpenter.”

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In an apology posted to the church’s Facebook page, the priest, Msgr. Jamie J. Gigantiello, revealed that he approved the filming in September after not finding anything negative about Carpenter online in an “effort to further strengthen the bonds between the young creative artists who make up a large part of this community.” He also told NYT that he was presented the video shoot idea as a funeral scene, but the result in the music video was “not what was initially presented to me.”

“Feather” is the latest song off Carpenter’s July 2022 album Emails I Can’t Send to get the music video treatment, following “Nonsense,” “Because I Liked a Boy,” “Fast Times” and “Skinny Dipping.” Upon its release, the album debuted at No. 23 on the Billboard 200, marking the rising pop star’s highest peak on the chart to date.

29 Nov 2023

Jimin Sends Love to ARMY After BTS’ Big Wins at MAMA Awards

BTS and its members had a big night at the 2023 MAMA Awards, which were held over two nights, Nov. 28 and 29, at Tokyo Dome, Japan. 

Jimin, who was a top nominee at this year’s ceremony with eight nods, won best male artist. Additionally, Jung Kook won two awards – best dance performance male solo and best collaboration – for “Seven” featuring Latto. BTS as a whole won three awards: worldwide fan choice, best original soundtrack for The Planet (Bastions OST) and worldwide icon of the year.

To celebrate, Jimin took to Weverse to share a message of gratitude to BTS fans, affectionately known as the ARMY. “Today we received so many valuable awards today,” the note, which was shared in Korean, reads. “Thank you very much to all ARMYs who always support and love us. We will do our best to show you better music and performances. Thank you again and I love you.”

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See the full list of MAMA Awards winners here.

Jimin is gearing up to begin his mandatory South Korean military service, according to a post by BTS’ label, Big Hit, earlier this month. In addition to Jimin, RM, V and Jung Kook have also begun the enlistment process. “We would like to inform our fans that RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook have initiated the military enlistment process,” read the statement. “The artists are preparing to fulfill their military service duties. We will inform you of further updates in due course.”

With all seven members now going through their paces, BTS is expected to reconvene in 2025 when all have completed their duty to country.

29 Nov 2023

Michael Jackson’s ‘Beat It’ Dances Its Way Into YouTube’s Billion Views Club

The King of Pop reigns forever. Despite coming from a completely different era of media, Michael Jackson‘s seminal “Beat It” music video has become the latest clip to reach one billion views on YouTube, as confirmed by the streaming giant on Wednesday (Nov. 29).

“Beat It” is Jackson’s third music video to enter the Billion Views Club, following the Moonwalk-featuring “Billie Jean” and 1996’s “They Don’t Care About Us.” For the period of Nov. 17-23, MJ ranked at #58 on YouTube’s U.S. Top Artists chart and at #96 on their Global Top Artists chart.

Nearly 15 years removed from his tragic passing, Michael Jackson continues to earn new chart achievements off the strength of his timeless catalog. Earlier this month (on the chart dated Nov. 11), Jackson’s accidental Halloween anthem “Thriller” re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 21, marking the sixth consecutive year that the song has reappeared on Billboard’s marquee singles chart. During its original chart run, the track reached No. 4.

In a matter of days (Dec. 2), a new documentary commemorating 40 years of Jackson’s historic Billboard 200-topping Thriller album will premiere on Showtime and Paramount+. Scores of chart-topping artists, including Usher, Mary J. Blige, Maxwell and Mark Ronson, are slated to appear for interviews in the new film, which will also include previously unseen footage of the making of the album.

Of course, “Beat It” appears on Thriller as one of the album’s seven Hot 100 top 10 hits alongside “Billie Jean” (No. 1), “The Girl Is Mine” (with Paul McCartney, No. 2), “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” (No. 5), “Human Nature” (No. 7), “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” (No. 10) and the aforementioned title track.

Celebrate the King of Pop’s latest achievement by watching the official “Beat It” music video above.

29 Nov 2023

Paris Hilton Said She ‘Was Crying’ When She Read the Kind Thing Britney Spears Said About Her in Memoir

On Wednesday’s (Nov. 29) Kelly Clarkson Show, the host asked guest Paris Hilton about a throwback picture the socialite/DJ recently posted of herself and pal Britney Spears way back in 2006 in which Hilton bragged that the dynamic duo “created” the idea of the selfie. Clarkson noted that like HIlton — who earlier this year released Paris: The Memoir — Spears has stepped up to give a first-hand account her life story in her recent best-selling tell-tell, The Woman in Me.

In the book, Clarkson noted that Spears wrote, “one of the people who was kindest to me when I really needed kindness was Paris Hilton.” Lamenting that good news doesn’t often get as much attention as awful news, Clarkson said it was cool to read something kind that lifted someone else up.

“I was crying when I read that, that really touched me,” said Hilton, who, like Spears, wrote about some very challenging times in her life in her book. “She’s just so strong, I love her so much and I’m just so proud of her for speaking her truth and writing this whole book. That quote meant a lot me when I read it.”

Clarkson — who also knows the rigors of being a young person thrust into the spotlight thanks to her rise to fame at 20 after winning American Idol in 2002 — said she could relate to both women’s rocky journeys. “I feel like there has to be purpose in the things that happen to us, the good and the bad. And I love that you’re a really big advocate for [the] troubled teen industry… because you had struggled,” Clarkson said.

Hilton said she’s proud of the impact she’s made by advocating for changes in the “troubled teen” industry to prevent the kind of abuse she said in her book she suffered she she was shuttled between different facilities where she was physically and mentally abused between the ages of 16-18.

Watch Hilton talk Spears on The Kelly Clarkson Show below.

29 Nov 2023

Machine Gun Kelly Offers Travis Kelce $500K to Leave Kansas City Chiefs for Cleveland Browns 

Look out, Chiefs Kingdom — there are some powerful forces at play trying to poach Travis Kelce. In a hilarious moment on the Wednesday (Nov. 29) episode of the New Heights podcast, Machine Gun Kelly genuinely tried to bribe the tight end to leave Kansas City for the Browns in Cleveland, which both MGK and Kelce have called home. 

“I’m sure you get asked this question behind closed doors a lot, but I would be remiss if due to the nature of our friendship and just as a Clevelander if I did not insert this question personally,” began the rapper-turned-rocker, calling in to New Heights with a surprise request.  

“I will give you $500,000 cash upon arrival just for shopping or whatever you want,” he continued. “As well as matching that same amount as a donation to both of our high schools — both Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights — as well as every day breakfast and coffee delivery from my restaurant, if you would just come home and put on these colors right here.” 

“Come on home, Trav!” added the “My Ex’s Best Friend” musician. “Come home, put these colors on and rock the city.”

Both Travis and his older brother/podcast co-host Jason Kelce — who plays center on the Philadelphia Eagles and was later extended the same offer by MGK — laughed out loud with bewildered shock. “You know that was the original dream, dawg,” Travis replied. “You know that was the dream!”

And although the 34-year-old football star admitted it was “an intriguing offer,” Chiefs fans need not worry. He won’t be sporting an orange and brown uniform any time soon (and consequently, his superstar girlfriend Taylor Swift will probably stick to watching his games from her usual suite in Arrowhead Stadium). “You know how much we love the East side of Cleveland, the Heights,” Travis told his friend. “I’m not gonna lie, the situation’s pretty good in Kansas City.”

“My fingers [are] crossed, there is no decision that needs to be made right now, but just know my offer is real and it’s on the table,” conceded MGK, noting he’d be sending new music soon to Travis, who he called his “secret muse.”

Watch the new episode of New Heights above.

29 Nov 2023

Cardi B Jams Out to Lady Gaga’s ‘Beautiful, Dirty Rich’ While Dressed in Her Holiday Finest

Cardi B is getting into the holiday spirit. In a pair of videos uploaded on Tuesday (Nov. 28), the “Bongos” rapper showed off what she called her “two moods,” showing off a pair of clips in which she grooves to Lady Gaga’s 2008 The Fame song “Beautiful, Dirty Rich” while rocking a voluminous red gown that showed off her legs.

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The promo shoot for Cardi’s Whipshots alcohol-infused whip cream novelty found Cardi holding up a cup of the creamy libation and striking a series of poses as a person off-camera shouts out encouragement and suggestions for different looks. In the second video, Cardi stripped down to a red bodysuit and matching fur coat while waving around two cans of Whipshots as she rapped along to Lil Boosie’s “Set It Off.”

The video post came after Whipshots posted an image from its holiday flavors campaign earlier this week, which includes a festive peppermint flavor. In an Instagram post promoting the new products, the Whipshots account wrote, “The holidays are all about coming together and getting lit – and we’re not just talking about the Christmas tree, Fam. Elevate your celebrations with Whipshots Peppermint vodka whipped cream – the perfect stocking stuffer to bring the bougie to your holiday bash. (Besides, bringing a bottle of wine for your friends and family is so been there, drank that!).”

Cardi partnered with Starco Brands on the boozy non-dairy whipped cream in December 2021, which sold its first million cans in just 10 months, selling another million cans over the next four months.

Check out Cardi’s holiday shoot below.

29 Nov 2023

Taylor Swift Drops ‘You’re Losing Me’ on Streaming to Celebrate Being Spotify’s Most Streamed Artist

There’s no more blank space anymore for this song! Taylor Swift was named Spotify‘s most streamed artist on Wednesday (Nov. 29), and to thank fans for the honor, she gave them what they’ve been asking for: “You’re Losing Me (From the Vault)” on streaming services.

“Um ok this is unreal?? I just wanted to say to anyone who listened to my music this year, anywhere in the world, thank you. Getting named Spotify’s Global Top Artist in 2023 is truly the best birthday/holiday gift you could’ve given me. We’ve seriously had THE MOST fun this year out there on tour and now this. Are you serious,” she wrote. “So I was trying to think of a way to thank you, and a lot of you have been asking me to put “You’re Losing Me (From the Vault)” on streaming… so here you go! You can finally listen EVERYWHERE now [kiss emoji]”

The track is off Midnights (The Late Night Edition), which is a special edition of the 2022 album released first to Swifties who attended the May 26, 2023, Eras Tour concert held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Then later that night, Swift’s webstore released the digital download, which was available for 24 hours only.

“You’re Losing Me” is an emotional ballad set to a heartbeat, and details a slow, painful ending of a long romance. Fans surmised that the track is about Swift’s split from Joe Alwyn, her partner of six years; their breakup made headlines in April.

In the first verse, the 12-time Grammy winner sings, “You say, ‘I don’t understand’ and I say, ‘I know you don’t’/ We thought a cure would come through in time, now, I fear it won’t/ Remember lookin’ at this room, we loved it ’cause of the light/ Now, I just sit in the dark and wonder if it’s time.”

In the heart-wrenching bridge, Swift croons, “And I wouldn’t marry me either/ A pathological people pleaser/ Who only wanted you to see her/ And I’m fading, thinkin’/ Do something, babe, say something/ Lose something, babe, risk something/ Choose something, babe, I got nothing/ To believe, unless you’re choosing me.”

See Swift’s message to fans about her latest Spotify honor, and listen to “You’re Losing Me (From the Vault)” below:

29 Nov 2023

Olivia Rodrigo Says Writing ‘GUTS’ Album ‘Tested My Confidence and Patience’

Olivia Rodrigo says she learned a very important lesson when writing the songs for her sophomore album GUTS: you can’t try to please all the people all the time. “The experience tested my confidence and patience. It taught me some important lessons about songwriting in terms of focusing on your craft rather than just waiting for inspiration to strike,” she told Variety magazine.

Most importantly, though, Rodrigo, 20, said the sessions for the LP taught her how to zero in on the mindset that is most important to writing good songs. “You can never sit down at the piano and try to write something that everyone will like; that always results in a really bad song. It taught me that I write songs that I want to hear,” she said.

Her second collaboration with producer/co-writer Dan Nigro has spawned the hit “Vampire” and recently racked up six Grammy nominations, including her first nod in the best rock song category for the grunge pop rager “ballad of a homeschooled girl.” While there was pressure to deliver a smash follow-up to her Grammy-winning 2021 debut, Sour, Rodrigo said she Rwas once again laser-focused on being as real as possible.

“Honest songwriting. It’s what I’ve gravitated towards my whole life — music that helps you process what you’re feeling or comforts you when you’re feeling these big feelings,” she said of what she hopes audiences take away from her songs. “It’s just nice to know that someone else is experiencing them. It makes you feel less alone.”

Rodrigo is slated to kick off her GUTS world tour on Feb. 23 with a show in Palm Springs, CA on an outing that is currently slated to keep her on the road through an Aug. 13 show in Los Angeles.

29 Nov 2023

Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ Concert Movie on Track For Big Opening Weekend

Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé is expected to top the box office charts this weekend when the concert film by Queen Bey opens on screen across the world. According to Deadline, on what is typically a slow post-Thanksgiving period, the movie is aiming for a $30-$40 million global opening.

The film is the second one to be distributed by AMC, following on the heels of the massive opening and box office for Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, which has raked in $250 million to date; the three-hour-plus Swift movie is headed to on-demand on Dec. 13 with three bonus songs.

Deadline reported that sources have been saying that despite the huge ticket sales for the Renaissance tour — close to $600 million, which puts it at eighth on the highest-grossing concert tours of all-time list — Bey’s appeal is very different from Swift’s, so it was always unlikely that Renaissance would open with a figure close to the Eras movie’s 92.8 million domestic.

A sign of the differing expectations can be glimpsed in the first-day presales for the films, with the Eras movie racking up $65 million to Renaissance‘s $6 million. The Renaissance movie is booked into 2,539 theaters domestically and another 2,780 abroad in 94 territories, with U.S. previews slated to begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday (Nov. 30) before it settles into a Thursday-Sunday schedule for the two-and-a-half-hour movie directed by the singer. The only major competition this weekend will come from the monster movie Godzilla Minus One.

The 42-year-old singer made a splash on Saturday night when she strutted on the red carpet with long silver hair and a body-hugging Versace dress at the movie’s premiere at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, CA. She was joined by Destiny’s Child members Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, LaTavia Roberson and LeToya Luckett, as well as Janelle Monáe, Lizzo, Chloe X Halle‘s Chloe and Halle Bailey, Gabrielle Union, Lupita Nyong’o, Tyler Perry and Kris Jenner.

29 Nov 2023

Usher Hopping on Jung Kook ‘Standing Next to You’ Remix

Usher has an early Christmas present for his fans and for ARMY. Bit Hit Music announced on Tuesday that Usher will hop on a remix of BTS member Jung Kook‘s “Standing Next to You,” which is due out on Friday (Dec. 1).

“We are pleased to announce the release of the remix version of ‘Standing Next to You,’ the main track of Jung Kook’s solo album, Golden,” read the statement from Big Hit. “Featuring the U.S.-based R&B artist Usher, this remix adds a velvety touch to the energetic vibe of the original version, showcasing the synergy between the two artists in full force. We ask for you enthusiastic love and support for ‘Standing Next to You – Usher Remix’ and Jung Kook’s future endeavors.”

The original song appeared on JK’s debut solo album, Golden, which was released earlier this month and at press time no additional information was available on the remix. Golden came pre-loaded with a number of other big-name collabs, opening with the hit Jack Harlow single, “3D,” followed by the Major Lazer-assisted “Closer to You.”

It also features “Seven” featuring Latto and “Please Don’t Change” with DJ Snake.

Earlier this month, Usher completed a R&B/Hip-Hop radio trifecta when his song “Good Good” featuring Summer Walker and 21 Savage rose to No. 1 on Billboard‘s Adult R&B Airplay chart after the single also topped the plays-based Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart and the audience-based R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay charts for two weeks each.

Prior to announcing the Usher team-up, Jung Kook dropped another “3D” remix last week featuring Justin Timberlake over a slick track with a throwback mid-2000s dance vibe. “Jung and JT on the main now/ You can still find me in a drop top/ With the top down but I got so many lanes now,” Timberlake sings on his verse. “Come with me, I’ll just call up the plane now/ Now let me fly you out to Seoul, Korea/ I Just wanna get into your soul like Aretha. I got the volume when you wanna get the beat up.”

See the Big Hit announcement below.