Pop

22 Nov 2023

Jung Kook Pens Open Letter to ARMY Announcing Military Enlistment: ‘I’ll Miss You Deeply’

Jung Kook is preparing to enlist in the South Korean military, and took to Weverse on Wednesday (Nov. 22) to send a sweet message to the ARMY.

“In December, I will start a new journey I’m leaving you for a while to serve in the military,” he wrote . “As I share this news, I feel heavy on one hand, and on the other hand, I’m reminded of precious memories with ARMY, so my heart warms up. Every moment I’ve spent with you has been the brightest time of my life. ARMY’s laughter, support, and love led me to this point. Thank you so much for supporting my dream and walking with me silently.”

He continued, “I’m careful to tell you to wait for me while I’m in the military. A year and a half is a long time, so I can’t say anything selfish. I promise that I’ll be back on stage with a more mature side where I always am I hope ARMY’s lives will always be full of laughter and happiness. I hope you fill in ARMY’s daily life healthily and beautifully. I’ll miss you deeply while waiting for the day we meet again and talk about something new. Don’t get sick and stay healthy. I love you.”

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The K-pop supergroup’s label, Big Hit, announced earlier in the day that the final four singers awaiting the start of their enlistment — RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — have begun the 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.”

South Korean requires an 18-month military service stint for all able-bodied men by the time they turn 28. BTS announced a pause in their group work in October 2022 to allow all the singers to enlist. BTS is expected to reconvene in 2025 when all have completed their duty to country.

22 Nov 2023

Olivia Rodrigo & Camila Cabello Blow Kisses in Adorable Mirror Selfie

The crossover of pop queens occurred on Tuesday night (Nov. 21), when Camila Cabello and Olivia Rodrigo spent some quality time together.

The duo attended Doja Cat’s concert at Miami’s Kaseya Center, and commemorated the hang with a classic bathroom mirror selfie. See the snap on Cabello’s Instagram Story here before it disappears.

Rodrigo is gearing up for her own tour in support of her sophomore album Guts. The 57-date trek — which is produced by Live Nation — kicks off Feb. 23 at Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, Calif. She’ll perform in North America through April, where she’s scheduled a pair of dates for April 5 and 6 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, then heads overseas, beginning her international dates on April 30 in Dublin, Ireland. The pop star returns to the United States with a July 19 show in Philadelphia, and wraps her world tour with two concerts at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on Aug. 13 and 14.

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The Breeders, PinkPantheress, Chappell Roan and Remi Wolf are scheduled to open on select dates.

“I’m getting it all together right now, brainstorming everything,” she told The Hollywood Reporter at the premiere of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes on Monday night (Nov. 13). “I’m running on the treadmill right now singing my songs, because I want to be able to jump up and down and sing the songs. I think it’s going to be really fun. I want the show to feel like a great place for people to scream and jump around and let loose.”

22 Nov 2023

Zara Larsson Is Ready to Show Off Her ‘Dynamic’ & ‘Honest’ Side on Upcoming ‘Venus’ Album

Zara Larsson has come a long way since her debut 2014 studio album, 1 — not only personally, but also artistically.

That’s why her upcoming album Venus feels like a re-introduction. “This is a very solid body of work that I’m very proud of,” she tells Billboard, noting that she isn’t confined by the idea of remaining in one genre. “I find it really hard to stay sonically in one kind of genre. Even though the album is still pop, it sounds a bit more R&B-leaning and also has more just classic pop jams. There are drum patterns and drum beats on some songs and there are also some beautiful strings on most of the songs. So, while there are definitely elements which tie it together, overall, I would just say the real thread throughout the album is just my voice and me telling a story depending on what I’m feeling right now.” 

In fact, vulnerability is also a common thread she’s exploring throughout the project, stepping confidently into her own inner goddess by reflecting on who she truly is — hence Venus being her first album release under her own Sommer House label.

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Take her musical reunion with David Guetta, “Oh My Love,” for example. “Into the dark, into the light, baby, I go / Whether it’s wrong, whether it’s right, I will follow / I’ll pay the price, I’ll sacrifice / That’s on my love,” she belts in the chorus, which represents a promise to her younger sister Hanna Larsson that she’ll do anything for her. “Sometimes you’re super happy and no one can stop you, and then other times you’re like, I feel so sad and I feel so broken. You just go through all the emotions,” she says of being human, which is a main theme of the album.

As for reuniting with Guetta seven years after their 2016 collaboration “This One’s For You,” Larsson says being in the studio with the beloved DJ and producer is like spending time with an “old friend.” “I do really love him,” she gushes. “He’s one of the most positive and amazing people that I’ve met in the industry, and he’s always so excited for the stuff that he likes. I just love the song. I think he’s so cool and I’m super happy. It feels like a full circle moment.”

Guetta is not the only industry veteran Larsson looks up to, mentioning Tinashe, Victoria Monet and Troye Sivan as some of her current inspirations. “They’ve never been cooler, and with every video and every song, the image they’re creating for themselves is getting clearer,” she says. “I just love it. So hopefully, with this album too, I’ll continue to create more of a world with my music.”

She plans to do so not only with her upcoming album, but also with her UK and European tour, which is set to kick off February 16 in Manchester, England, and stretch across Europe before wrapping up on March 16 in Reyjavik, Iceland.

“She’s definitely more dynamic than Poster Girl,” Larsson concludes of Venus. “She is more brave in the sense that she dares to be more personal and emotional, but she’s also just a bit more personal in the sassy, fun way. Like she would say some s—, you know? She’s more playful, but at the same time, more honest.”

Venus is out on February 9. Pre-order the album here.

22 Nov 2023

Jennifer Garner Thanks Mariah Carey For ‘Spreading All the Christmas Cheer’ at Hollywood Bowl Show

The whole point of Mariah Carey‘s Merry Christmas One and All! tour is to fill the holiday season with joy and jingling cheer. If that’s the goal, then as far as Jennifer Garner (The Last Thing He Told Me) is concerned it is mission accomplished.

The actress posted a short video on her (since expired) Instagram Story after attending MC’s holiday show at the Hollywood Bowl on Tuesday night (Nov. 21), in which Garner waved her arm around over her reindeer antler-bedecked head as she watched Carey wow the crowd. “Thank you @mariahcarey for spreading all the Christmas cheer [Christmas tree, heart, Santa emoji],” Garner captioned the clip in which Carey was belting out “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).”

Carey responded by reposting Garner’s video with the caption “thank you @jennifergarner for being so festive [heart, Christmas tree emoji].”

Garner wasn’t the only one who had a blast at the show. Sisters Kim and Khloe Kardashian were also in the house with their kids and mom Kris Jenner. The K clan posed backstage with Mariah, with Khloe writing, “The Queen of Christmas!!!! For the little girls very FIRST concert ever, we went to see the Queen herself, @mariahcarey !! We all had the best time, creating the most magical memories!! Thank you mommy for taking all of us!”

Carey’s tour will hit Kansas City on Friday (Nov. 24) for a show at the T-Mobile Center, with the holiday swing scheduled to keep her on the road through a Madison Square Garden show in New York on Dec. 17.

And, as if it even needs to be said, Carey’s holiday classic, “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” has once again jingled its way back onto the Billboard Hot 100 (dated Nov. 25), re-entering the chart at No. 17.

Check out Khloe’s post below.

22 Nov 2023

Taylor Swift Sends ‘All My Love’ to ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Contestants on Her Theme Night

It was a love story dedicated to Taylor Swift on Dancing With the Stars Tuesday (Nov. 21). ABC’s long-running ballroom bash featured a night of cha-chas, tangos, rumbas and more set to the pop superstar’s vast category of hits. Before the competition kicked off, Swift herself sent in a video message to encourage the contestants.

“Hey guys! It’s Taylor! I just wanted to say thank you so much for having this me themed night on Dancing With the Stars!” she began happily. “I so wish I could be there to see what you and your amazing choreographers and my friend Mandy Moore have put together. I wish I could be there, but I’m on tour in Brazil, but I’m sending you guys all my love, and best of luck to all the contestants!”

Moore, who is Swift’s lead choreographer for her ongoing Eras Tour, was the guest judge for the evening, joining regulars Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough.

Six remaining pairs competed on Taylor Swift Night. Actress Alyson Hannigan and pro partner Sacha Farber showed off their cha-cha moves to “You Belong With Me” and earned a score of 29 out of 40. Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix and pro Pasha Pashkov did a rumba to “Cruel Summer,” and despite battling back pain, she impressed the judges and got a 37. Singer-songwriter Jason Mraz and Daniella Karagach tangoed to “Don’t Blame Me” and redeemed themselves for last week’s lackluster performance, this time snagging a perfect 40. Too Hot to Handle‘s Harry Jowsey rumba’d with Rylee Arnold to “August” for a 30; The Bachelorette’s Charity Lawson tangoed with Artem Chigvintsev to “Look What You Made Me Do” for a 38; and Xochi Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy did a quickstep to “Paper Rings” and earned a 38.

After the competitors delivered a few relay dances for potential extra points, the judges’ scores were combined with fan votes to determine who would be out. The unlucky hoofer this week was Jowsey.

Swift — who is a big fan of the ballroom bash and has previously performed on the show — is currently wrapping up the South American leg of her megahit Eras Tour. She has three remaining shows in Sao Paolo, Brazil, happening Nov. 24-26. After that, she’ll take a quick break before kicking up the international leg of her tour again, starting with concerts in Tokyo in early February.

The 12-time Grammy winner also recently won big at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, earning 10 trophies, including top artist and top female artist. The victories put her in a tie with Drake for the title of winningest artists at the BBMAs, with 39 each. She has also been named Billboard‘s top artist of 2023.

22 Nov 2023

BLACKPINK Hit Buckingham Palace For a Royal Visit With the King and Queen

BLACKPINK are K-pop royalty used to playing to massive crowds or adoring fans. But on Tuesday night (Nov. 21) Jennie, Jisoo, Rosé and Lisa were happy to share the spotlight with some actual nobles when they attended a state banquet at Buckingham Palace.

The quartet were the guests of England’s King Charles and Queen Camilla at a glitzy state dinner in honor of South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee during their visit to the UK. The Royal Family’s X account posted footage of the King greeting the four women and giving them awards for their roles as advocates at last month’s COP26 global climate summit in Glasgow.

“The King, joined by The President and First Lady of the Republic of Korea, has welcomed @BLACKPINK to Buckingham Palace, as they are awarded Honorary MBEs,” read the statement. “The K-pop band have been awarded the honours in recognition of their role as Advocates for the COP26 Summit in Glasgow.” In the accompanying video, King Charles presents each member with their royal honor as they curtsy and shake the monarch’s hand.

In a second tweet, the four hold up their MBEs and smile alongside the message, “First appointed to the role by the UK Government in January 2021, @BLACKPINK encouraged millions of young people to engage with the global UN climate change conference and the top of climate action. Congratulations to Rosé, Jennie, Jisoo and Lisa!”

The royal account also posted a pic of the band posing with the King and the South Korean president as well as footage of a royal musical regimen performing a BLACKPINK instrumental outside the palace. BLACKPINK were among the more than 170 guests on hand for the event, during which King Charles shouted out the group, while praising the UK’s close relationship with South Korea and the nation’s — and BLACKPINK’s — commitment to increased sustainability, one of Charles’ longtime causes.

“It is especially inspiring to see Korea’s younger generation embrace the cause,” Charles said at the royal gathering also attended by Prince William and Kate Middleton. “I applaud Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa and Rosé, better known collectively as BLACKPINK, for their role in bringing the message of environmental sustainability to a global audience as Ambassadors for the U.K.’s Presidency of COP 26, and later as advocates for the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.”

“I can only admire how they can prioritize these vital issues, as well as being global superstars,” Charles added in a speech that also touched the global impact of director Bong Joon-ho (Parasite), the Netflix series Squid Game and, of course, BTS. In July, BLACKPINK made history when they became the first South Korean band to headline a major festival in the UK when they took the stage at the BST Hyde Park Festival.

According to Vogue, the always-stylish quartet brought their fashion A-game for the visit, with Jisoo wearing a “black, textured puff-sleeved dress from Christian Dior’s resort 2024 collection, which hails from Maria Grazia Chiuri’s ode to Frida Kahlo,” partnered with a monogrammed Dior top-handle purse. Rosé wore a “black strapless velvet dress with a sweetheart neckline,” matched with a hair bow and a black pointed-toe pump.

Jennie switched it up, contrasting with her bandmates in a simple, long-sleeved, off-the-shoulder “sweet, bridal ensemble” with a black platform sandal and a sparkly clutch. Lisa went neutral in beaded tulle “aquamarine dress with a regal, cape dress from Georges Hobeika,” accessorized with a metallic gold platform shoe and diamond necklace.

It was the second time this week BLACKPINK met with dignitaries, following on the heels of Rosé joining U.S. First Lady Jill Biden for a mental health event at Apple’s HQ in Cupertino, CA.

See footage and photos from the visit below.

22 Nov 2023

BTS’ RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook Begin South Korean Military Enlistment Process

All the members of BTS are now either preparing to enlist in the South Korean military or already doing their mandatory service. The K-pop supergroup’s label, Big Hit, announced on Tuesday (Nov. 21) that the final four singers awaiting the start of their enlistment — RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — have begun the process.

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“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.”

South Korean requires an 18-month military service stint for all able-bodied men by the time they turn 28. BTS announced a pause in their group work in October 2022 to allow all the singers to enlist, with eldest member Jin the first to suit up. J-Hope and Suga put on their camo earlier this year. With all seven men now going through their paces, BTS is expected to reconvene in 2025 when all have completed their duty to country.

“We ask for your continued love and support for RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook until they complete their military service and safely return,” read the Big Hit statement. “Our company will spare no effort in providing support for our artists.”

The four men were busy in the run-up to their enlistment, with Jimin recently dropping his Production Diary documentary about the making of his mini-album Face, Jung Kook issuing his debut solo album, Golden, several weeks ago and V issuing his Layover album in September; RM released his Indigo LP last December.

22 Nov 2023

50 Cent Surprises London Fans With Ed Sheeran Cameo at O2 Date

50 Cent had a very special, surprise guest for the fans at his “Final Lap” show at London’s O2 Arena on Tuesday night (Nov. 21). During his performance a giant box on stage flashed the message “there’s a monster in this box,” as the familiar strains of Ed Sheeran‘s “Shape of You” filled the arena and Fiddy said “turn it up even more!”

Ed then popped out from under the box — without his signature acoustic guitar — and began singing his 2017 smash while dapping up 50 who added some ad libs and joined the clearly excited Sheeran on the chorus. Sheeran chronicled the special moment on his Instagram Story, writing, “50 Cent has invited me to the O2 to sing ‘Shape of You,’” along with footage of himself walking around beforehand backstage singing to 50’s “21 Questions.”

Though they were in all-white on stage, 50 posted some backstage images of the men in all black yukking it up with the message, “My man came through for me tonight, [bomb emoji], BOOM [wind blowing emoji] LONDON went crazy! It don’t get bigger than this.”

Sheeran also previewed his walk-out in an Instagram Live video shared by 50, in which the singer tells the camera, “50 Cent has invited me to the O2 to sing ‘Shape of You,’ and I’m going to walk on stage and go, ‘Who likes ‘In Da Club?… Here’s ‘Shape of You.’” Ed then sings a bit of 50’s “21 Questions” before a stagehand loads him into the lift that positions him inside the box as he yells “In Da Club!”

Afterwards, a hyped Sheeran can’t stop yelling “In Da Club!” as he leaves the stage and retreats to a sky box to watch the show and rap along to “Many Men” and, of course “In Da Club.”

The old friends collaborated with mutual pal Eminem on the song “Remember The Name” from Sheeran’s 2019 album No. 6 Collaborations Project; earlier this summer, Em also hopped on stage with Sheeran in Detroit to perform “Lose Yourself” during a stop on Ed’s Mathematics world tour.

50’s Final Lap tour will hit the Al Dana Amphitheatre in Zallaq, Bahrain on Thursday night (Nov. 23) and Mumbai, India’s DY Patil Stadium on Saturday (Nov. 25).

Check out footage of Sheeran joining 50 below.

22 Nov 2023

‘Celebration of Taylor Swift’: Jason Mraz Enjoys Perfect Night on ‘DWTS’


Too much Taylor Swift clearly isn’t enough as Dancing With The Stars paid tribute to the pop superstar with an all-TayTay special.

After remembering the late Whitney Houston on last week’s show, celebrity competitors this time strutted their stuff on the DWTS hardwood for “A Celebration of Taylor Swift.”

Leading the way once again was Jason Mraz who, along with his partner Daniella Karagach, enjoyed a bounce-back routine, an Argentine Tango to “Don’t Blame Me.”

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=3uKcgDO3ANU&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Mraz has impressed throughout the competition, now in its 10th season, though his performance last week didn’t hit his usual high marks. For a moment there, Mraz confesses he was concerned about an early exit. On Tuesday night (Nov. 21), the pair nailed it, earning a perfect score of 40 from the judging panel.

“Reputation restored,” remarked judge Bruno Tonioli, staying firmly in TayTay theme.

More points were up for grabs, as the teams entered the “Relay Dances.” Mraz and Karagach would face off against Bachelorette star Charity Lawson and Artem Chigvintsev, with a cha cha to Swift’s “Lavender Haze,” remixed by Felix Jaehn.

There could only be one winner, and that was two-time Grammy Award winner Mraz and Karagach, as the pair bagged the additional three points for a perfect night out — and a spot at the top of the leaderboard.


https://youtube.com/watch?v=xz4zalKi3Ic&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Earlier, the DWTS professional dance squad got matters moving with a performance to “Love Story” choreographed by guest judge Mandy Moore (not to be confused with the singer and actor), lead choreographer on Swift’s The Eras Tour.

“I wish I could be there but I’m on tour in Brazil,” Swift said in a clip that aired at the top of episode. “I’m sending you guys all my love and best of luck to all the contestants.”

DWTS is simulcast live across both ABC and Disney+ in local time zones and the next day on Hulu.


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

There wasn’t much luck for Too Hot to Handle’s Harry Jowsey and Rylee Arnold, who were eliminated from DWTS with the semifinals in sight.

DWTS is simulcast live across both ABC and Disney+ in local time zones and the next day on Hulu.

22 Nov 2023

Ed Sheeran Drops First Fan-Made Official Music Videos From ‘Autumn Variations’

Like leaves falling in an autumnal park, Ed Sheeran has begun dropping the official music videos from his latest LP, Autumn Variations.

Over time, Sheeran will share 14 new music videos in total, all created by Sheerios, the culmination of a global content, for which more than 4,000 music videos were entered from 75 countries.

Sheeran handpicked the winners, representing 14 different countries: Ireland, United Kingdom, Australia, Italy, The Netherlands, United States, Brazil, Germany, Japan, France, New Zealand, Taiwan, Mexico, and India.

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The project, reads a statement from Warner Music, “continues the execution of Ed’s initial vision for ‘Autumn Variations’ as an album for the fans and by the fans as he spotlights their artistry.”

Today, the British pop superstar begins the drip feed with music videos for “Midnight” by Meg Igarashi from Japan; “That’s On Me” by Brazilian fan Beatriz Santamaria Pinha; and “American Town” by Michael Lamhang of the United Sates.





“I made Autumn Variations for the fans and I really wanted to bring them into the fold on this album,” comments Sheeran in a statement. “I was keen to see how they interpreted the music, so I decided to ask my fans from across the world to make videos for each album track.”

The remaining music videos will roll out on YouTube over the coming weeks, reps say.

“There were so many wonderful submissions,” Sheeran adds, giving a shout out to “each and every fan who made these videos so special. I love them and hope you will too.”

Produced by the National’s Aaron Dessner, Autumn Variations extended Sheeran’s perfect albums chart records in the U.K. and Australia to seven, all consecutive (including two in 2023).

In the United States, the set gave Sheeran his sixth No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales Chart.

Sheeran has wrapped his The Mathematics Tour for 2023, a run that saw the Englishman smash attendance records on multiple continents, including East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (twice). The Asia leg of his trek will kick off in January 2024.

Sheeran kept the fans in the loop with the release of Autumn Variations (Fan Living Room Sessions), a compilation of recordings from 14 fan visits, which can be streamed in full below.

Check out the lineup of “Autumn Variation” fan-created official music videos below.
“Magical” – Edel Temple (Ireland)
“England” – Marlon Cang (U.K.)
“Amazing” – Elder (Australia)
“Plastic Bag” – Laura Days (Italy)
“Blue” – Renee Schuurmans (The Netherlands)
“American Town” – Michael Lamhang (U.S.)
“That’s On Me” – Beatriz Santamaria Pinha (Brazil)
“Page” – Gordian Schroedter (Germany)
“Midnight” – Meg Igarashi (Japan)
“Spring” – Ciara Griot (France)
“Punchline” – Evan Heasman [Soju Shorts] (New Zealand)
“When Will I Be Alright” – Karina Yang (Taiwan)
“The Day I Was Born” – Mike Bautista (Mexico)
“Head>Heels” – Anshul Mittal & Kanika Gupta [Digiscape Media] (India)