A new study from the global ticketing marketplace viagogo has revealed the highest selling and most in demand Black musicians over the past year. The study analyzed recent ticket sales data, which found that 19 of the 25 highest-selling Black live performers of 2024 are either hip-hop or hip-hop-adjacent acts. Travis Scott tops the list due to his record-breaking Circus Maximus Tour, which earned over $150 million. The top five was rounded out by Usher, Akon, Bryson Tiller, and Ne-Yo, with Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, PartyNextDoor, Childish Gambino, and Nas all placing in the top 25. Minaj landed at No. 8 in the rankings, making her the highest-selling Black female artist of the year due to her Pink Friday 2 World Tour earning over $100 million. Also featured on the list are Janet Jackson (who placed 15th), Doja Cat (19th), and SZA (21st), as well as RAYE (17th) and Mariah Carey (20th). (Consequence of Sound)

On Saturday night (November 24), Adele wrapped up her Weekends With Adele residency in Las Vegas, leaving her future live performance plans in limbo in the process. The 36-year-old singer launched her Vegas residency back in November of 2022, and the 16-time Grammy-winner has created so many wonderful memories for herself and fans alike over the past two years of performances. “I will miss it terribly. I will miss you terribly,” Adele tearfully admitted on stage during the final night of her residency. “I don’t know when I’m going to perform again. I’m not doing anything else, I’m actually sh**ting myself about what I’m actually going to do. I don’t have any f**king plans.” Adele also took a moment to praise Taylor Swift, who is also set to finish up her Eras Tour in Vancouver on December 8. “That’s been a long f**king tour,” Adele said. “Girl needs some rest. She deserves her rest.” (People)

As the first quarter of the 21st Century draws to a close, Billboard counted down the 25 greatest pop stars of the past 25 years as chosen by their staff. On Tuesday (December 3), the publication revealed that Beyoncé topped their list as the greatest pop star of the 21st Century. Billboard said Beyoncé was selected “based on her full 25 years of influence, evolution and impact.” On March 2, 2024, Beyoncé topped the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for the 12th time this century with “Texas Hold ‘Em.” While her second career No. 1 hit came at the start of the century on March 18, 2000, when Destiny’s Child topped the Hot 100 with “Say My Name.” Beyoncé has dominated the charts and the music headlines over the past 25 years, always remaining culturally and commercially relevant while staying a step ahead of her contemporaries and critics. “There are no flop eras for Bey, no periods where she disappeared for a half-decade,” Billboard wrote. “There are only varying degrees of winning for over two decades.” (Billboard)

Beyoncé has now become the most RIAA-certified female artist of all time, with a record-setting 103 certified titles in her back catalog. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) made the historic announcement with an Instagram post on Tuesday (December 17). “We are so excited to recognize the incredible talent, hard work and creative spirit reflected across diverse genres,” RIAA President & COO Michele Ballantyne said in a statement. “Beyoncé’s iconic catalogue has earned the achievement of most certified titles for a female artist in RIAA’s history. Congratulations on this crowning milestone, Beyoncé.”

Among Beyoncé’s multiple RIAA-certifications are 2x-Platinum status for Renaissance, 4x-Platinum for Lemonade, and 7x Platinum for both Sasha Fierce and Dangerously In Love. Beyoncé has also just achieved her first Diamond-certified singles (for sales of 10 million units) for “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” and “Halo,” while her numerous platinum hits range from 2003’s “Me Myself and I” to 2024’s Grammy-nominated “Texas Hold ‘Em.” (Variety)

On Wednesday (December 4), Spotify revealed its year-end Spotify Wrapped data, which featured its ranking of the most-streamed albums in the world over the past 12 months. According to those figures, the Top Eight most-streamed albums of 2024 were all released by women. Taylor Swift is featured three times in the Top Eight, with The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology topping the list of the most-streamed albums of the year, while 2023’s 1989 (Taylor’s Version) is at Number Six, and 2019’s Lover reached Number Eight. Billie Eilish‘s Hit Me Hard and Soft came in at Number Two on the most-streamed albums of 2024, while Sabrina Carpenter‘s Short n’ Sweet is third, Karol G’s Mañana Será Bonito is Number Four, Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine is Number Five. and SZA’s 2022 album SOS landed at Number Seven. Swift was also crowned Spotify’s most-streamed artist globally for the second consecutive year, with the pop superstar racking up 26.6 billion worldwide streams. (Rolling Stone)

Mariah Carey will be performing a pre-recorded rendition of her holiday No. 1 hit, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” before Netflix’s broadcast of two NFL games on December 25. Carey’s rendition of her modern Christmas classic will air before the day's two holiday games on the streaming service, a 1 p.m. ET matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers, and a 4:30 p.m. ET game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans. Carey and Netflix shared a promotional video to announce the pop superstar’s involvement in the days festivities, with Mimi saying in the clip, “This Christmas, we all get our wish. The NFL is live on Netflix, and I’ll be there too.”

Carey is finishing up her largest ever Christmas tour in celebration of the 30th anniversary of her beloved holiday album, Merry Christmas. That album’s lead single was “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which the RIAA has officially certified as 16-times platinum, making it the highest-certified single ever from a female artist. (Rolling Stone)

Sam Goody, the one time giant record store chain that shaped music, video, and entertainment retail in the late-20th century, is set to close its last two remaining stores in early 2025. Sam Goody was once a staple of malls and shopping centers throughout North America, but their business declined rapidly with the advent of the internet and online streaming. The chain’s last two stores are located in the Ohio Valley Mall in St. Clairsville, Ohio, and the Rogue Valley Mall in Medford, Oregon, with both now set to close early next year. The local Ohio newspaper, The Times Leader, reported that the manager of the Sam Goody at the Ohio Valley Mall (which first opened in 1980) learned about the store closing shortly after Thanksgiving. “It’s changed over the years, and it [stinks],” said manager Rick Polanski. “We were a $2 million store at one point, but times have changed, and there’s nothing I can do about it.” (Rolling Stone)

Taylor Swift wrapped up her record-setting The Eras Tour with a celebratory, emotional final show in Vancouver on Sunday night (December 8). Fans from all over the world flocked to the city to see the final Eras Tour shows, with officials claiming that up to 70 percent of ticket holders were not from the Vancouver area, including about 40 percent of international travelers. The Eras Tour – which began in Glendale, Arizona, on March 17, 2023 – is the highest grossing concert tour of all time, with an estimated $2.2 billion earned. Merchandise sales alone totaled over $440 million.

Swift performed 149 total shows over the course of 21 months to an estimated 10 million fans, with each of her shows featuring over 40 songs during the 3.5-hour sets. The Eras Tour featured live dates held in five different continents throughout the world during its historic run, with estimates that between tickets, travel, outfits and lodging, the average Swiftie spent $1,300 per show. The Eras Tour movie also set a record for a concert film by bringing in more than $261 million worldwide. (Today)

On Friday (December 20), the UK’s Official Charts Company announced that Wham!'s "Last Christmas" became the first song in chart history to score two consecutive Christmas Number Ones. The beloved 1984 holiday track, released by the pop duo comprised of Andrew Ridgeley and the late George Michael forty years ago, once again claims the coveted UK Christmas No. 1 single as the most-streamed and physically purchased song of the big holiday week. Ridgeley affectionately paid tribute to Michael – who wrote and produced the iconic holiday tune, and sadly died on Christmas Day in 2016 – in an Instagram video where he was presented with a trophy honoring the song’s historic No. 1 achievement. “I’m especially pleased for George,” Ridgeley said. "He would have been utterly delighted, his fabulous Christmas composition has become such a classic.” (People)

In a new Instagram video promoting the upcoming season of American Idol, country superstar Carrie Underwood reflects on her journey from aspiring contestant to taking over the prestigious judges' chair. Underwood replaces former Idol judge Katy Perry this season, coming back to where her award-winning music career began. In a preview video ahead of the March 9 premiere of American Idol on ABC, Underwood’s 2005 audition for the show is juxtaposed alongside footage capturing the moment the singer stepped into the audition room as a judge for the first time. “Twenty years ago I was standing on a stage just like this one,” Underwood says in the video, as fellow judge Lionel Richie replies, “And now you’re sitting here with us.” “That’s the power of American Idol,” fellow judge Luke Bryan adds, before host Ryan Seacrest chimes in, “So, should we save some lives together?” “Let’s do this,” Underwood replies with a smile, culminating her 20-year path from Idol contestant to music superstar and now, Idol judge. (Billboard)

During a recent appearance on the BBC podcast Sidetracked, The Cure’s frontman Robert Smith said he could relate to Chappell Roan’s recent headline-making complaints about obsessive fans who continue to invade her privacy. While Smith has dealt with passionate fans who occasionally have crossed the lines over his 45-year career, he admits that the music world is completely different – and more dangerous – nowadays. “I think what you’re doing as an artist, you want people to feel like they’re engaging with you,” Smith explained. “But it is a modern-world phenomenon that there’s a sense of entitlement that didn’t used to be there amongst fans.” Smith reflected on his own early music fandom and how much things have changed in the social media era. “It was enough to see Alex Harvey or to see David Bowie," Smith reflects. "I didn’t expect to hang out with them or get to know them, whereas now it seems almost like that is part of the deal.” (Variety)

Prince, the Clash, Frankie Beverely, Taj Mahal, and Frankie Valli will all be honored by the Recording Academy with Lifetime Achievement Awards during a ceremony the day before the 2025 Grammy Awards. The honors will be presented during the Special Merit Awards Ceremony, which will take place at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles on February 1, 2025. Prince previously earned a total of 32 Grammy nominations over the course of his illustrious lifetime, ultimately winning seven Grammys, including Best Rock Performance for “Purple Rain” in 1985. The legendary London punk group the Clash only received only one Grammy nomination during their celebrated career, winning Best Long Form Music Video for the 2000 documentary film, The Clash: Westway to the World. The 2025 Grammy Awards ceremony is set to take place on Sunday, February 2nd at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. (Consequence of Sound)

Alfa Anderson, the vocalist in the legendary 1970s disco band Chic, has died at the age of 78. Chic’s founder and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musician Nile Rodgers shared the sad news on Instagram last week in a touching video tribute to Anderson featuring a series of photographs of the group throughout their celebrated career. “RIP Alfa Anderson. CHIC Organization. Forever loved ❤️🙏🏽,” Rodgers affectionately wrote in his caption. No cause of death has been publicly shared. Anderson was was introduced to Rodgers by Luther Vandross in 1977, and soon joined the newly formed Chic. Anderson would go on to sing on the group’s biggest hits like “Everybody Dance,” “Dance Dance Dance,” “Good Times,” and the 1978 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit, “Le Freak,” which was the “biggest-selling single in Atlantic Records history” for more than 30 years, and was eventually inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2015. (People) 

On Friday (December 20), the Recording Academy awarded Charli XCX and Post Malone with additional nominations at the 2025 Grammy Awards. Charli and Posty were both given Best Recording Package nominations in recognition of their art direction contributions to their respective albums, Brat and F-1 Trillion. Both albums had already been nominated in the category, but neither artist were included among the original nominees list when the Grammys were first announced. Charli and Malone will be up against Kate Bush in the category, with the English icon receiving her first Grammy nomination in nearly 30 years for serving as art director on Hounds of Love the Baskerville Edition. The additional nod increases Charli’s 2025 Grammy nominations to eight, including Album of the Year for Brat and Record of the Year for “360.” Malone’s total Grammy count jumps to seven, including Best Country Album for F-1 Trillion and Song of the Year for his Taylor Swift collaboration, “Fortnight.” (Rolling Stone)

Stray Kids new record, HOP, debuts at No. 1 on this week’s Billboard 200 albums chart. HOP is the sixth consecutive chart-topping album for the K-pop sensations, making Stray Kids the first act to debut at No. 1 with its first six entries in the 69-year history of the Billboard 200 chart. Elsewhere in the Billboard 200 Top 10, Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas reaches the Top 10 for a seventh consecutive holiday season, as the beloved 1994 album jumps four places to No. 10.

The rest of the Top 10 is rounded out by Kendrick Lamar’s GNX staying put at No. 2, Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department drops two spots to No. 3, Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet moves up a slot to No. 4, Michael Bublé’s Christmas jumps up two places to No. 5, Bing Crosby’s Ultimate Christmas moves up two spots to No. 6, the Wicked film soundtrack slides down a slot to No. 7, Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft moves up a slot to No. 8, and Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess climbs two slots to No. 9. (Billboard)

On Saturday (December 21), Operation Breakthrough in Kansas City shared an adorable thank you video to Taylor Swift, following the pop superstar’s generous $250,000 donation to the children’s educational center. Swift’s boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs football star Travis Kelce, has also previously supported Operation Breakthrough over the years. “Thank you, Taylor, for making our wildest dreams come true,” one girl said in the video, referencing Swift’s 4x-platinum 1989 single, “Wildest Dreams.” The educational center shared their appreciation to Swift in the caption of their post: “✨ Thank you, @taylorswift13, for making our holiday season shine even brighter! Your kindness and thoughtful 250K donation means the world to our children and families.” Due to the donations of Kelce, Swift, and others, Operation Breakthrough was able to serve 400 students over the past year, and opened up 10 new labs while teaching nearly two dozen industry skills to their students. (People)

To celebrate his 1973 Christmas hit single, “Step Into Christmas,” Sir Elton John enlisted actress/model Cara Delevingne for a playful reworking of the original music video that was released on Wednesday (December 18). Delevingne completely transformed herself into a slick 70s version of Elton for the new video, which even features her singing alongside archival footage of the music legend at one point. Elton was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Delevingne on this project. "I saw Cara at Glastonbury last summer, and we talked about how much we’d love to work together if the right idea came up," John said in a statement. "She’s hilarious to spend time with; we both have quite a self-deprecating sense of humor.” Delevingne says Elton is “an idol of hers,” while adding: "To be asked by him to PLAY him in this recreation was a dream that I didn’t know I had until it happened. Honestly, I wish I could pretend to be Elton every day.” (People)

Dave Grohl’s eldest daughter, Violet Grohl, is planning on releasing her debut album sometime soon. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the 18-year-old singer has been “incredibly committed” to working on her music and “to growing as an artist.” Violet has been collaborating with producer Justin Raisen on the project, who previously worked with Kim Gordon on her Grammy-nominated album The Collective, in addition to past projects with Charli XCX, Lil Yachty, and Sky Ferreira. Violet is apparently writing and recording material in the studio space she received as a birthday gift from her father. Back in 2018, a then 12-year-old Violet made her live debut alongside her dad at a benefit concert, and went on to tour as a backing vocalist for the Foo Fighters in recent years. “She’s a true torch singer,” says one source. “Her vocals are tremendous. She’s very talented.” (Consequence of Sound)

On Wednesday (December 17), GloRilla returned home to Memphis to visit her alma mater, Melrose High School, where the hip-hop superstar surprised students and faculty members by presenting the school with a $25,000 check. The funds will go towards educational resources for the school, including substantially upgrading the library center. The library will now be named The Gloria H. Woods Media Center in Glo’s honor. “I always wished somebody could do that when I was younger,” GloRilla said to a local TV network. “So the fact that I have the ability to do it now, it warms my heart.” Melrose High School Principal Kristopher Davis said Glo’s generous donation will help the school “upgrade our system so students can be more interactive, so they can research and take their learning to the next level.” (Billboard)

During his Spotify's Billions Club Live performance in Los Angeles on Tuesday (December 17), the Weeknd delivered a career-spanning, hits-filled set for his “OG XO” fans while also sharing what 2025 holds for the chart-topping musician. “2024 is almost done, but 2025 we've got some new s**t coming up,” the Weeknd announced from the stage to the 2,000 lucky audience members who packed the intimate venue. “New album, new tour, new movie, new everything — we're shutting this s**t down." The announcement of a forthcoming tour was a revelation, since the only official live performance the Weeknd has scheduled in 2025 is his massive one-night-only show at the Rose Bowl on January 25, the day after his new record, Hurry Up Tomorrow, drops. The Weeknd finished the set with his new collaboration with Anitta, “São Paulo,” and told the crowd, "I'll see you in 2025, it's going to be a big year." (People)

During a new interview with the L.A. Times, Lady Gaga provided additional insight into her hotly-anticipated new studio album, which she and her fans have taken to calling LG7. While the recently-released lead single, “Disease,” was the first official taste of Gaga’s new sound, she shared that the true start to her current era dates back to her summer collaboration with Bruno Mars, “Die With A Smile.” Gaga said the Grammy-nominated Song of the Year represents a “huge part of my album,” which is expected to arrive in February. “The record is full of my love of music — so many different genres, so many different styles, so many different dreams,” Gaga shared. “It leaps around genre in a way that’s almost corrupt. And it ends with love. That’s the answer to all the chaos in my life is that I find peace with love.” (Rolling Stone)

During an appearance on the Baby, This Is Keke Palmer podcast on Thursday (December 19), Lizzo addressed the sexual and racial harassment lawsuits that she faces from three of her ex-dancers. The 36-year-old Grammy-winning musician said she was "completely surprised" by the complaints, and that she "needed time to process" before she broke her silence and spoke out about the situation. "I was literally living in my dream, and then the tour ended, and three ex-dancers just completely, like, blindsided me with a lawsuit," Lizzo said. "I was very deeply hurt because these were three ex-dancers, these were people that I gave opportunities to.” Lizzo says many of the claims are “silly” while saying she has “no regrets” about how she handled things, emphatically stating, "Let's be clear, I did nothing wrong.” (People)

Saturday Night Live is currently celebrating its 50th season and has some special events scheduled in early 2025 in recognition of the big anniversary. NBC announced on Thursday (December 19) that Questlove is directing an upcoming three-hour documentary highlighting the musical guests and song-filled sketches featured on the show over the years titled, Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music. It will premiere on NBC on January 27 at 8 p.m. ET, and stream the next day on Peacock. According to the network, the special will “feature untold stories behind the culture-defining, groundbreaking and newsmaking musical performances, sketches and cameos of the past 50 years.”

“Everyone knows the most famous SNL appearances, whether it’s Elvis Costello, Prince or the Beastie Boys, but they’re the tip of a huge iceberg,” Questlove said in a statement. “The process of going back through the incredible archival footage was like being in a time machine. I’m so happy I went on the trip and now get to share it with everyone.” (Billboard) 

A new documentary on the late DJ-producer Avicii is set to premiere on Netflix on December 31. Avicii – I’m Tim tells the life story of the musician – born Tim Bergling – in mostly his own words. A new trailer for the music documentary premiered on Wednesday (December 18), which features Bergling himself narrating much of the clip, which is filled with live performances, archival footage of the young Swedish musician, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the personal and professional life of Avicii, who died in 2018. Avicii – I’m Tim also features interviews with collaborators like Aloe Blacc and Coldplay’s Chris Martin.

“This is a film where Tim himself is the narrator and he shares his inner self in a way we haven’t heard before,” Netflix says in a synapsis of the 95-minute documentary. “We get to know Tim — the boy behind Avicii — for the first time.” Netflix is also premiering Avicii – My Last Show on December 31, a 30-minute concert film capturing Bergling’s final performance from Ibiza. (Rolling Stone)

On Tuesday (December 17), Pharrell Williams received the honor of being named UNESCO’s Goodwill Ambassador for Artistic Education and Entrepreneurship during a ceremony in Paris. Williams’ new role for the United Nations cultural agency involves promoting initiatives dedicated to protecting indigenous cultures, advancing education and health care for women around the world, and raising awareness about genocide prevention while safeguarding cultural heritage. “Growing up in Virginia, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be given an opportunity like this one,” said Williams while accepting the honor.

The 51-year-old musician hopes to use his role to do work that “evens the odds for marginalized communities.” UNESCO general director Audrey Azoulay called Williams a “complete artist [who is] also a humanist who works to put culture at the service of peace and bringing people together. He believes in the power of creativity and education to build a better future.” (Billboard)

Mariah Carey finished off her Christmas Time holiday tour in style on Tuesday night (December 17). Following her cancellation of three recent shows due to the flu, the Queen of Christmas made a triumphant return to the stage at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, marking the final concert of Carey’s 2024 holiday tour. The show brought out high-profile celebrities like Rihanna, who hilariously got her breast signed by Carey mid-show. In a fan shot TikTok video, Rihanna invites Carey to sign her chest with a red sharpie. “What do you want me to write?” Carey says in the clip. “Mariah,” Rihanna replies. “Whatever you want. Wow, this is iconic.”

RiRi then takes the microphone and announces to the audience, “Mariah Carey is signing my t*t, y’all.” Carey’s Christmas Time tour was a celebration of the 30th anniversary of her 1994 album, Merry Christmas, and its beloved hit single, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which is currently experiencing a two-week reign at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. (Rolling Stone)

According to a new report from Business Insider, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, Alice in Chains, Marshmello, and other artists apparently spent massive amounts of COVID relief grant money on luxury items, travel, and themselves. Senator Gary Peters called it “an abuse of federal resources.” Brown’s CBE Touring company received $10 million from the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program, with nearly $5 million going directly to Brown, which he used to pay for a lavish birthday party and a trip to Mexico. Lil Wayne received an $8.9 million grant, spending $1.4 million on private jets and nearly $500,000 on luxury clothing.

DJ/producer Marshmello collected the entire $9.9 million grant his touring company received. While Alice in Chains touring company, AIC Entertainment, received a $4.1 million grant. Frontman Jerry Cantrell received $1.4 million of SVOG funds, while drummer Sean Kinney and bassist Mike Inez each received $682,000. None of that money went towards staff health insurance, forcing AIC’s guitar tech/photographer Scott Dachroeden to start a GoFundMe to pay for his cancer treatment in 2022. Dachroeden died earlier this year. (Rolling Stone)

On Sunday (December 15), Michael Bublé made his celebrated debut at the Grand Ole Opry, and he has country star Carly Pearce to thank for the memorable experience. The pair of singers recently collaborated on the soulful holiday hit, “Maybe This Christmas,” and they performed the track together at the Opry in Nashville over the weekend. Pearce made sure that Bublé’s first time on the Opry’s sacred stage went smoothly. “I loved getting to watch Michael take his first step into the circle. It brings me back to my first time in 2015,” Pearce said of the experience. Bublé expressed his appreciation to Pearce – who served as his team’s playoff mentor this season on The Voice – for opening the Opry door for him. “Carly brought me into a world I would never have been a part of, and I couldn’t thank her enough.” (People)

Olivia Rodrigo is donating more than $2 million from the proceeds of her 2024 GUTS World Tour to 10 global women’s charities. The donations are a part of Rodrigo’s Fund 4 Good initiative, which is focused on “building an equitable and just future for all women and girls through direct support of community based non-profits that champion girls’ education, support reproductive rights and prevent gender-based violence.” The 10 charities Rodrigo is donating to are: National Network of Abortion Funds (United States); Women’s Shelters Canada; Women Against Violence Europe; The Pratthanadee Foundation (Thailand); Korea Foundation For Women; Harmony House Limited (Hong Kong); NPO Women’s Saya-Saya (Japan); Aidha (Singapore); Jhpiego (the Philippines), and Wesnet (Australia). The Filipino-American singer performed in the the Philippines for the first time back in October, and Rodrigo donated all the net ticket proceeds from her show to Jhpiego, an organization that supports adolescent and youth health, gender equity, family planning, and reproductive health. (People)

SZA shared a teaser video starring Ben Stiller on Instagram on Tuesday (December 17) to reveal that her long-awaited new album, Lana, is set to drop this Friday (Dec. 20). In the clip, Stiller is singing along to a new SZA song, “Drive,” which is presumably the lead single from the new project. The release of Lana will come almost exactly two years after the release of SZA’s Grammy-winning album, SOS, which dropped on December 9, 2022. Rather than a standalone new record, Lana will serve as a deluxe edition companion album to SOS, with additional new songs and unheard tracks left over from the previous recording sessions. “[‘Lana’] is outtakes [from ‘SOS’] and new stuff, too — I added a couple of songs,” SZA teased to Variety way back in 2023. “It’s like a whole new project. It’s called ‘Lana’ — my name but, it’s the first tattoo that I ever got, when I was 13. It was 10 bucks a letter and I only had 40, so that became my nickname for no reason. ‘Lana’ is really just the B-side of SOS.” (Variety)

The shortlist for Best Original Song at the 2025 Academy Awards is filled with A-list music superstars. Elton John and Brandi Carlile are shortlisted for co-writing “Never Too Late” from Elton John: Never Too Late; Lainey Wilson for co-writing “Out of Oklahoma” from Twisters; Pharrell Williams for writing “Piece by Piece” from his Netflix biopic Piece by Piece; Maren Morris for co-writing “Kiss the Sky” from The Wild Robot; Robbie Williams for co-writing “Forbidden Road” from Better Man; and Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for co-writing “Compress/Repress” from Challengers. Emilia Pérez features two shortlisted songs, “El Mal” and “Mi Camino,” both co-written by Clément Ducol and Camille Dalmais, while Diane Warren is included for writing “The Journey” from The Six Triple Eight, and Lin-Manuel Miranda is shortlisted for writing “Tell Me It’s You” from Mufasa: The Lion King. The shortlist will be narrowed down to the final Oscar nominees when the official Academy Awards nominations are announced on January 17. (Billboard)

John Legend has just been announced as the headliner of the 2025 Move Afrika tour that is set to get underway in February. This Global Citizen-affiliated tour of Africa is a creative partnership with Kendrick Lamar’s entertainment company pgLang, and aims to bring additional economic opportunities to the youth in the area through live music. The 2025 Move Afrika tour will be hosted in Nigeria and Rwanda, with Move Afrika: Kigali taking place at BK Arena on February 21, while Move Afrika: Lagos is scheduled for the Palms on February 25. “I’m honored and excited to perform in Kigali and Lagos as part of the Move Afrika tour — an initiative that not only brings unforgettable shows, but also creates entrepreneurship and job opportunities, empowering young people to engage with Africa’s growing music and creative industries,” said John Legend in a statement. “Africa has always been a global cultural powerhouse, and it’s an honor to be part of the future of live music on the continent.” (Rolling Stone)

A holiday special hosted by Andrea Bocelli is set to air on CBS on Christmas Eve (December 24). Christmas with Andrea Bocelli and Friends: A Grammy Holiday Special will feature the legendary Italian tenor singing alongside pop superstars Dua Lipa, Jennifer Hudson, Josh Groban, and Sofia Carson. Bocelli's wife Veronica and his daughter Virginia will also perform during the program. "All my life, I've enjoyed entertaining people in person, on record, on film and on television," Bocelli said in a statement. "I am really looking forward to sharing performances with both friends and family on my own Christmas special.” Christmas with Andrea Bocelli and Friends airs at 8 p.m. ET on December 24 on CBS, and will also stream live on Paramount+, and will be available on-demand on Paramount+ on Christmas day. (UPI)

Madonna took to Instagram on Monday (December 16) to share a video clip of her working on new music in the recording studio. The Queen of Pop captioned her post: “Working on new music with Stuart Price. these past few months has been medicine for my SOUL. Songwriting and making music is the one area where I don’t need to ask anyone for their permission.. i’m so excited to share it with you. Who wants to hear new music in 2025! 🎄🎹🤶🏻”  The playful clip features Madge singing, writing, and dancing in the studio, as well as having fun with her longtime producer/music director, Stuart Price. The video also features guest appearances by Madonna’s daughters, Stella and Estere – who are shown recording vocals in the studio – as well as her manager, Guy Oseary. Madonna’s last full-length record was 2019’s Madame X, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. (Billboard)

A special holiday episode of Carpool Karaoke has debuted on Apple TV+ starring Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, and Chappell Roan. A Carpool Karaoke Christmas is hosted by Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, who drives the pop superstars around Tokyo, Missouri, and Los Angeles. They all sing along to holiday tunes and their own hits, like Gaga’s “Disease,” Lipa’s “New Rules,” and Roan’s “Pink Pony Club.” Roan was joined by her proud parents, Kara and Dwight Amstutz, during her segment, while Lipa took Lowe Christmas shopping in downtown Tokyo. AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson made a surprise appearance during Gaga’s segment, as the singers dueted on “Highway to Hell,” while Gaga revealed that she was in AC/DC’s “Stiff Upper Lip” music video. “I was 17 and I was an extra in the back,” she recalled. “I was headbanging and they were like, ‘hmmm. Don’t head bang, we want it to be modern.’ And I was like, ‘no, there’s only one move that I can do.'" (People)

Mariah Carey‘s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” hits No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the second consecutive week. Carey’s Christmas classic tops the charts for a 16th total week, tying her longest rule at No. 1 in her celebrated career that was previously set by “One Sweet Day” with Boyz II Men in 1995-96. Holiday hits own the entire Top 5 of the Hot 100 this week, with Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” staying at No. 2, Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock” jumps up two places to No. 3, Wham!’s “Last Christmas” drops a spot to No. 4, and Burl Ives’ “A Holly Jolly Christmas” vaults five places to No. 5.

Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile” moves up three places to No. 6, while three singles from Kendrick Lamar’s GNX are in the Top 10 for the third consecutive week, as “Luther” with SZA drops a spot to No. 7, “TV Off” featuring Lefty Gunplay slides four places to No. 8, and “Squabble Up” falls two slots to No. 9. The Top 10 is rounded out by Shaboozey’s former chart-topper, “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which falls two spots to No. 10. (Billboard) 

Late last week, the Recording Academy officially withdrew the 2025 Grammy nominations for J-Kwon (Jerrell C. Jones), Joe Kent, and Mark Williams, the writers of J-Kwon’s 2004 hit “Tipsy,” which Shaboozey interpolated in his chart-topping megahit, “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” The crossover smash received Grammy nominations for both Song of the Year and Best Country Song. If “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” wins either or both awards during the 67th annual Grammy Awards on February 2, the Academy has determined that the writers of the original “Tipsy” will only receive certificates, not Grammy trophies. Grammy rules state that “songs that contain samples or interpolations are eligible” for Song of the Year. But the rules also make a clear distinction between songwriters of the new song (who are eligible for Grammys) and “publisher & songwriter(s) of sampled or interpolated material, if applicable,” who are eligible only for certificates. (Billboard)

Snoop Dogg’s Dr. Dre-produced new album, Missionary, was released on Friday (December 13). One of the clear standouts on the record is the rapper’s long-awaited collaboration with Jelly Roll, and the track is Snoop's ode to weed that fittingly samples Tom Petty. Snoop and Jelly’s joint track, “Last Dance with Mary Jane” borrows its hook and title from Petty’s 1993 hit song, “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” and finds the rapper reflecting on his lifelong love affair with weed. Jelly Roll, a recovering drug addict, takes the song in a different direction with his verses, singing, “Mary Jane is not a plant I smoke, but a woman who broke my heart…It’s so unfair what she did to me, the way she sparked this epiphany.” Snoop and Jelly Roll debuted “Last Dance With Mary Jane” a few weeks ago, when the rapper was a surprise special guest during the country star’s Beautifully Broken Tour stop at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on November 26. (Rolling Stone)

Charli XCX has been revealed as the newest addition to the cast of the upcoming film, The Gallerist, which will be directed by Cathy Yan. Natalie Portman and Jenna Ortega were previously announced as the lead stars of the forthcoming project, which is currently in pre-production and is expected to begin shooting at the end of 2024. Charli joins Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Sterling K. Brown, Zach Galifianakis, Daniel Brühl, and Catherine Zeta-Jones in rounding out the cast of The Gallerist. This caps off the most successful year of Charli XCX’s career, as her recent release, Brat, is nominated for Album of the Year at the upcoming Grammys, and the pop superstar has also signed on to appear in the upcoming films 100 Nights of Hero, Erupcja, Faces of Death, I Want Your Sex, Mother Mary, and Sacrifice, as well as guest starring in the Amazon comedy series Overcompensating. (Billboard) 

Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department sits at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart for the 17th total week. Swift’s newly RIAA certified 6x-platinum album returned to the top of the charts last week after its deluxe Anthology edition was released on CD and vinyl exclusively at Target on Black Friday. Elsewhere in the Billboard 200 Top 10, ROSÉ’s debut solo album, rosie, debuts at No. 3, TWICE’s Strategy premieres at No. 4, and Sabrina Carpenter’s holiday album, Fruitcake, reenters the chart at No. 10 following its physical release. Kendrick Lamar’s GNX stays put at No. 2, Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet remains at No. 5, the Wicked film soundtrack drops three places to No. 6, Michael Bublé’s Christmas holds at No. 7, Bing Crosby’s Ultimate Christmas jumps up a spot to hit a new peak at No. 8, and Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft falls three spaces to No. 9. (Billboard)

Taylor Swift celebrated her 35th birthday on Friday (December 13) by giving her fans some behind-the-scenes glimpses into her most beloved music videos. Taylor Nation – Swift’s marketing and public relations company – announced on Instagram on Friday that to celebrate the pop superstar’s big day, they have launched an “Eras Archive” site that pays tribute to some of Swift’s most iconic musical eras. The site includes eight videos that showcase candid footage from Swift’s music videos over the years, with many of the clips originally shown during The Eras Tour pre-show festivities. In addition to behind-the-scenes glimpses of Swift acting and directing on set, the clips include interviews with her music video co-stars Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles, Taylor Lautner, and Ice Spice. “She’s so incredible and supportive, like she’s just cheering you on the whole time,” Spice said about Swift during one of the clips. “Taylor is an amazing director. She knows exactly what she wants. I can tell she’s been doing this for a while.” (Rolling Stone)

A woman who accused Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs of sexually assaulting her when she was 13 at an after-party following the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards, has acknowledged that there are inconsistencies in her story. The lawyer for the unnamed woman has said that he will continue to vet her claims. The woman recalls talking to Good Charlotte’s Benji and Joel Madden at the party, and that her father picked her up after the alleged assault. However, a representative of the Maddens confirmed that they were on tour in the Midwest during the VMAs, while her father said he doesn’t remember the drive home of more than five hours. Jay-Z said in a statement that these inconsistencies prove that Tony Buzbee filed a false complaint against him for money and fame. “This incident didn’t happen and yet he filed it in court and doubled down in the press,” Jay-Z said. “This was over before it began. This 1-800 lawyer doesn’t realize it yet, but, soon.” (AP News)

During a stop on the Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour in Glendale, Arizona, on Friday (December 13), Billie Eilish was struck in the face with a necklace thrown by someone in the crowd. The incident took place as Eilish was in a vulnerable seated position on stage, singing her Oscar-winning Barbie song, “What Was I Made For?” Fan captured footage of the moment shows Eilish flinching when the necklace hits her in the face, before tossing the item aside. The 22-year-old singer handled the incident like an old pro, finishing the song as if nothing had happened.

Eilish addressed this issue with The Hollywood Reporter at the Barbie premiere back in 2023. “I’ve been getting hit on stage with things for, like, literally six years,” Eilish said at the time. “People just get excited, and it can be dangerous. It’s absolutely infuriating when you’re up there. But you know it’s out of love, and they’re just trying to give you something. You’re in a vulnerable position, but I’ve been getting hit with stuff for years.” (Billboard)

During an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show on Thursday (December 12), Keith Urban shared memories of the time when a 19-year-old Taylor Swift was his opening act during his 2009 Escape Together World Tour. Urban went on to bring the creative experience full circle by duetting with Swift on “That’s When,” from her reworked 2021 album, Fearless (Taylor’s Version), a song she played during that early tour. "She was amazing even back then,” Urban recalls. “I would sit up front and watch her sing and I'm like, 'Oh, she was singing way off into this other thing.' You could see it. She was playing way past where she was already. It's amazing." Urban shared that he was in the mall when Taylor texted him about singing on “That’s When,” sitting in the food court listening to the song she shared with him. "I'm sitting there with my AirPods in, listening to this unreleased Taylor song. It was crazy," Urban recalls. (People)

During the latest episode of the How’s Life With John Mayer radio program, Shawn Mendes and host John Mayer bonded over their shared experience of having high-profile ex-girlfriends write hit songs about them. The two musicians are believed to have inspired songs of heartbreak and retribution from a who’s-who of pop superstars including Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Camila Cabello, and Sabrina Carpenter. “No one’s gonna understand,” Mayer said. “You and I are both talking as people who’ve heard songs that — at least other people are saying — are references to us.” Mendes agreed, and added, “It’s a funny feeling to feel like you’re being written about, and maybe the whole picture’s not being expressed.” Mendes admitted that the short term pain is ultimately worth it in the end. “The suffering that is from hearing a song talking about you in a way you don’t want to be talked about is not even close to the beauty of falling in love with someone for the first time,” Mendes shared. (Billboard)

Snoop Dogg is working with Luc Besson on an upcoming science-fiction movie titled, The Last Man. The rap superstar will not only star in the film, but he will co-produce the project as well. In a Variety interview from November, Snoop revealed that he was involved in a then-unnamed movie. “I can’t really give up the storyline, but I’m going to [share] the idea,” Snoop said at the time. “Planet of the Apes made me wait too long to see the next one. So I’m going to do something in that vein, where you don’t have to wait. But just imagine it was dogs instead of apes.” That description lines up with Variety’s story about The Last Man. Besson will write the movie’s screenplay, and will reunite with Snoop for the film, after first working with the rapper 20 years ago when he voiced a character in the animated feature, Arthur and the Minimoys. Filming for The Last Man is expected to begin in 2025. (Variety)

In a new interview with Variety, Ed Sheeran disclosed that his forthcoming new album is already finished, and that he is “getting back into big pop” on the project. The 33-year-old British singer shared that his next, untitled record is done and ready to go, and he has already shot two music videos for his new songs, with two more planned for early next year. The multiple-Grammy winner is excited to launch a full promotional campaign for his upcoming release, since “Equals” came out during the pandemic, while Sheeran says that “Subtract” “was obviously a completely different record that didn’t really call for big pop stuff.” Ed is clearly excited about his new collection of songs, saying that “it feels like I’m getting back into big pop for the first time in a long time,” while admitting that the shift to a new sound and musical style is “quite exciting.” (Variety)

The 2024 Billboard Music Awards took place on Thursday night (December 12), and just like the rest of the year in music, the evening belonged to Taylor Swift. The pop superstar took home 10 awards at the ceremony, including the night’s biggest award, Top Artist, as well as Top Billboard 200 Album for The Tortured Poets Department. With those new trophies, Swift becomes the winningest artist in the show’s 31-year history. Zach Bryan, who led all artists with 18 nominations, took home five awards on the night, including Top Rock Artist, Top Country Touring Artist, and Top Country Album for Zach Bryan. Morgan Wallen took home four trophies, including Top Male Artist, Top Country Artist, and Top Country Male Artist.

Chappell Roan won Top New Artist, Beyoncé was recognized as the Top Country Female Artist, and Charli XCX took home Top Dance/Electronic Artist while Brat won Top Dance/Electronic Album. Four artists won three trophies on the night: Shaboozey, who took home Top Song Sales Artist; Bad Bunny, who won Top Latin Artist; Elevation Worship; and Drake, who took home Top Rap Artist and Top Rap Male Artist over his hip-hop adversary Kendrick Lamar. Stray Kids won Top Global K-Pop Artist, Fuerza Regida won Top Duo/Group and Top Latin Duo/Group, Jack Antonoff was awarded Top Hot 100 Producer, and Linkin Park won Top Rock Duo/Group and Top Hard Rock Artist.

The awards ceremony also featured some spirited live performances from unique locations around the globe, as Coldplay, Jelly Roll, Megan Moroney, Shaboozey, Teddy Swims, Tyla, SEVENTEEN, Stray Kids, Linkin Park, and Fuerza Regida all played during the two-hour televised event, which was hosted by actress and comedian Michelle Buteau.

Linkin Park announced on Instagram on Wednesday (December 11) that they have been added to the roster of performers taking part in Thursday’s 2024 Billboard Music Awards. “From a sold-out stadium in Brazil 🇧🇷 to the Billboard Music Awards,” the band captioned their post. Linkin Park joins Coldplay as the only rock bands set to perform at this year’s BBMAs. The beloved band announced their reunion earlier this year, seven years after the death of vocalist Chester Bennington in 2017. In November, Linkin Park released their eighth studio album, From Zero, which features new vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain, who replaced co-founder Rob Bourdon.

In addition to Coldplay and Linkin Park, the other previously announced performers at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards include country stars Jelly Roll, Megan Moroney, and Shaboozey, K-pop stars SEVENTEEN and Stray Kids, soul singer Teddy Swims, South African singer Tyla, and Mexican band Fuerza Regida. The BBMAs will air on Thursday (December 12) at 8 p.m. ET on Fox. (Billboard)

Amir “Questlove” Thompson’s long-awaited documentary on the legendary musician Sly Stone, will be premiering at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival taking place in January. Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) will be the follow-up to the celebrated Roots drummer’s Oscar-winning directorial debut, Summer of Soul. Questlove announced the forthcoming premiere of his documentary on Instagram on Wednesday (December 11), sharing an image of the film’s promotional poster along with this celebratory caption: “It’s time good people. It’s official! SLY LIVES! (AKA The Burden of Black Genius) will premiere at the 2025 #Sundance Film Festival. The film explores the life, music, and cultural impact of Sly Stone, shedding light on the challenges faced by Black artists navigating success.” Sundance will take place in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah beginning on January 23, with additional music documentaries premiering at the film festival including It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley, Selena y Los Dinos, and One to One: John & Yoko. (Rolling Stone)

Amos Heller has shared a stage with Taylor Swift for over 15 years as a member of her live backing band, the Agency. Now that the record-setting Eras Tour has come to a historic end, the bassist has shared his reflections on the epic tour – along with some photos and videos from the shows – in a lengthy Instagram post on Tuesday (December 10). “No more walking into a ringing stadium feeling like a gladiator. No more screaming lyrics with a perfect stranger who’s now your best friend,” Heller wrote. “This is the best I can do now. It’s a completed work. I’ve emerged changed.” Heller went on to praise Swift by adding: “You command so much respect and admiration from everyone who’s fortunate enough to add their effort to yours. Your blend of focus, heart, stamina and joy calls forth the best of everyone around you. Thank you for trusting me with my part of your vision. It was the ride of a lifetime. I love you. Long live.” (People)

Time magazine has named Elton John their Icon of the Year in 2024. Sir Elton had plenty of quotable things to say in the interview, while also receiving praise from pop superstars Dua Lipa and Chappell Roan. John explained why he routinely turns down invites to appear as a judge on televised talent shows, “Being on TV all the time kills your career, kills your vibe, kills your charisma totally.” Roan said John was a mentor to her, calling him “one of the original queens” who advised her to be patient and “that the songs will come.” Lipa collaborated with John on “Cold Heart,” and said, “Singing alongside one of my musical heroes was a no-brainer. His music has been able to soundtrack my life from the very beginning.”

John, who has been sober since 1990, also shared his opinion about legalizing weed. “I maintain that it’s addictive,” Elton said. “It leads to other drugs. And when you’re stoned — and I’ve been stoned — you don’t think normally. Legalizing marijuana in America and Canada is one of the greatest mistakes of all time.” (Billboard)

Beyoncé is set to perform during halftime of the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens game on Christmas Day, and the music superstar has something special planned for the festive occasion in her hometown. Beyoncé shared a promotional video for her performance on Instagram on Wednesday (December 11), captioning the post, “A Cowboy Carter Christmas. HOUSTON, TEXAS 12.25.” In the clip, Beyoncé is shown hanging a football ornament on a cactus while snow falls all around her, shooting off celebratory gun fingers while dressed stylishly in all white and sporting an oversized white fur cowboy hat. The halftime show is set to feature Beyoncé’s highly-anticipated debut live performances of songs from her chart-topping, multiple-Grammy nominated album, Cowboy Carter. The game is set to kickoff at 4:30 ET on December 25, and will be streaming exclusively on Netflix. (Rolling Stone)

Crossover country hitmaker Shaboozey and rising Mexican band Fuerza Regida are the newest artists added to the list of live performers at the upcoming 2024 Billboard Music Awards, airing on Thursday, December 12, at 8 p.m. ET on Fox. Shaboozey and Fuerza Regida join previously announced performers SEVENTEEN, Teddy Swims, Tyla, Coldplay, Jelly Roll, Megan Moroney, and Stray Kids, who will all be performing live during the broadcast. In addition to performing during the awards ceremony, Shaboozey is also a finalist for six BBMA awards that night: Top New Artist, Top Song Sales Artist, and a total of four awards for his record-tying 19-week No. 1 hit, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Top Hot 100 song, Top Streaming Song, Top Selling Song, and Top Country Song. Shaboozey will be featured in a special performance from W Hollywood that will air during the broadcast, which will be hosted by actress and comedian Michelle Buteau. (Billboard)

On Tuesday (December 10), an Argentinian judge charged two additional hotel workers in relation to Liam Payne‘s death, according to new court documents. The new filings come two months after the former One Direction singer suffered a fatal fall from the third-story balcony of his hotel in Buenos Aires. The new charges are both filed against two CasaSur Palermo employees, one is apparently the hotel’s manager, while the second person is reportedly the head receptionist who called 911 prior to Payne’s death on October 16. The documents don’t specify what the charges are, with the judge only requesting that they be notified of the charges and questioned by the local authorities as part of their ongoing investigation. “Since there is sufficient reason to suspect that they have participated in the investigated act, we ask that the following people give a statement,” reads the filing. (Billboard)

During a new interview with Anthony Mason on CBS Mornings, Billie Eilish gave a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what her tour life looks like backstage at the United Center in Chicago. The 22-year-old music superstar also shared two previously unheard snippets of new songs that she is currently working on, while showing Mason the traveling recording studio she sets up in her green room at every venue while she's on the road. Eilish revealed that she and her brother, Finneas, both experienced writer's block and were “pretty stuck” while struggling to make the Grammy-nominated Hit Me Hard And Soft. “It happens and you’re like, ‘what the hell?! I’m never going to create again,'” Eilish shared. The creative breakthrough came when the duo started working on new songs, “Wildflower” and “The Greatest,” with Finneas recalling that “it started to become clear that we were telling the truth.” (Billboard) 

ABC and Dick Clark Productions announced on Tuesday (December 10) that they have added more artists to the performance lineup for Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. Alanis Morissette, Reneé Rapp, Blake Shelton, Luis Fonsi, and TLC will all take part in the holiday broadcast. Shelton will perform from Las Vegas, along with previously announced special guest  Lenny Kravitz. Fonsi will perform from his home country of Puerto Rico, while TLC will perform in New York. Morrissette and Rapp will take part in the West Coast celebration, joining Ja Rule, Ernest, Hardy, Kesha, Laufey, Natasha Bedingfield, and T-Pain. Carrie Underwood will headline the celebration in TImes Square, where she will be joined by Megan Moroney and Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Tinashe, Teddy Swims, Thomas Rhett, and Cody Johnson will also be performing during the broadcast. Ryan Seacrest will host this year’s New Year’s Eve festivities for the 20th year alongside co-host Rita Ora, while Dayanara Torres co-hosts from Puerto Rico. (Rolling Stone)

On Monday (December 9), the Knowles-Carter family attended the premiere of Mufasa: The Lion King, in Los Angeles, as Beyoncé and her daughter Blue Ivy both have roles in the film. Jay-Z was there alongside his wife and daughter, a day after he and Sean “Diddy” Combs were accused of raping a 13-year-old girl in a sexual assault lawsuit. 50 Cent mocked the rap superstar about his legal troubles in a since-deleted post on Instagram that featured a photo of Jay-Z, Blue Ivy Carter, and Beyoncé at the event, along with the caption, “Jay said they said I rapped [sic] a kid, everybody get dressed we going to see Mufasa LOL.” There was some friction within the family at the event as well, as Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, was also in attendance after her Instagram account liked a post discussing the rape allegations against Jay-Z earlier that day. Tina later took to Instagram to claim that her account was hacked, writing: "As you all know, I do not play about my family. So if you see something uncharacteristic of me. Just know that it is not me!" (People)

Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly’s volatile relationship has apparently come to an end, shortly after the couple announced they were expecting a baby together. The actress announced that she was pregnant back on November 11, sharing a photo of her baby bump as well as a picture of her positive pregnancy test on Instagram. Fox captioned the post, “nothing is ever really lost. welcome back 👼🏼❤️,” while also tagging MGK. “They broke up in late November,” a source disclosed to Us Weekly on Tuesday (December 10). “They were trying to make it work again after the pregnancy, but they are both too hot-headed and fell back into their constant fighting. They can’t get on the same page and it’s not easy for them being together.” Fox is expecting her fourth child, sharing three kids – Noah, 11, Bodhi, 9, and Journey, 7 – with ex-husband Brian Austin Green. (Us Weekly)

Nelly took to Instagram on Monday (December 9) to announce dates and details of his worldwide 2025 Where The Party At Tour. The St. Louis rapper’s sprawling 56-date international tour is in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the release of his diamond-certified, chart-topping debut studio album, 2000’s Country Grammar. Nelly will be joined by a series of his friends and frequent collaborators on various dates of the tour, including Ja Rule, Eve, St. Lunatics, Fabolous, Jermaine Dupri, and Chingy, with additional surprise special guests to be named later. The Where The Party At Tour gets underway on March 21 in Auckland, New Zealand, then travels to Australia, Canada, and Europe. The North American leg of the tour starts up on July 23 in Bristow, Virginia, before winding down in Little Rock, Arkansas on September 19, with high-profile shows scheduled in Toronto, Denver, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, and Nashville along the way. (Billboard)

Gracie Abrams just finished her run as opening act for Taylor Swift’s historic The Eras Tour, and is capitalizing on that newfound level of superstardom by announcing a headlining arena tour of her own in 2025. Abrams made the tour reveal on Instagram on Monday (December 9), which includes the biggest headlining shows of the pop star’s breakout career. The Secret of Us Deluxe Tour – which features opening act Role Model – is in support of the expanded edition of Abrams’ Billboard No. 2 charting sophomore album. The jaunt gets underway on July 24 at the TD Garden in Boston, with other high-profile dates on the brief 6-show tour including a Madison Square Garden performance on July 28, a gig at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on August 6, and an outdoor show at Colorado’s legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater on August 11, along with two international shows in Toronto and Mexico City. Abrams will also be the musical guest on the upcoming December 14 episode of Saturday Night Live hosted by Chris Rock. (Variety)

On Monday (December 9), Sean “Jay-Z” Carter responded to the recent sexual assault allegations made against him. A woman, identified as Jane Doe, claims that Carter and Sean “Diddy” Combs drugged and raped her at an after party following the Video Music Awards in 2000 when she was 13-years-old. Carter released a public statement on X calling the lawsuit a “blackmail attempt” and the allegations “so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!!” Carter claims that he is “a young man who made it out of the project of Brooklyn” which has “very strict codes of honor,” including protecting children. Carter’s attorneys filed a motion requesting the judge require Doe either reveal her identity or dismiss the lawsuit. “Mr. Carter should not have to defend himself in the brightest of spotlights against an accuser who hides in complete darkness while leveling allegations that describe the purported acts occurring in the plain sight of witnesses who could refute the plaintiff’s claims if only her identity was revealed,” the filing states. (Billboard)

Mariah Carey‘s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” returns to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 this week after jumping up nine spots to reach No. 1. This is the festive classic’s 15th total week topping the singles chart, spread out over six holiday seasons. Christmas tunes dominate this week's Billboard Hot 100, as Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” jumps up 13 places to No. 2, Wham!’s “Last Christmas” leaps 15 spots to No. 3, Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock” bounds up 14 places to No. 5, and Burl Ives’ “A Holly Jolly Christmas” vaults up 23 places to No. 10. A week after claiming the entire Top 5 and seven of the Top 10, Kendrick Lamar places three songs in the current Top 10, with “TV Off” featuring Lefty Gunplay at No. 4, “Luther” with SZA at No. 6, and “Squabble Up” at No. 7. Shaboozey’s record-tying former chart-topper, “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” slips down two spots to No. 8, and Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile” falls two slots to No. 9. (Billboard)

On Sunday night (December 8), Taylor Swift performed her final show on her record-setting Eras Tour, which grossed more than $2 billion over the course of its 21-month, 149-show run. During that time, Swift handed out $197 million in bonuses to the cast and crew of The Eras Tour. These bonuses were issued to everyone associated with the tour, from the musicians and dancers who shared the stage with Swift every night, to the truck drivers, caterers, instrument techs, merchandise team, lighting, sound, and production staff, carpenters, security, choreographers, pyrotechnics, hair and make-up stylists, wardrobe, physical therapists, and video team. Swift’s production company, Taylor Swift Touring, confirmed that 10,168,008 people attended The Eras Tour, and that it sold $2,077,618,725 in total tickets, making it the bestselling tour of all time and “double the gross ticket sales of any other concert tour in history.” (People)

During Variety’s 8th annual Hitmakers Brunch in Los Angeles on Saturday (December 7), industry insiders responsible for the biggest songs of the year were celebrated. Charli XCX was awarded Hitmaker of the Year, with the Brat star taking time to praise The Velvet Underground & Nico during her speech. “This record is one of the most influential and groundbreaking records of our time,” Charli said. “It’s the apex of fine art and dirty culture.” Lana Del Rey presented her frequent collaborator Jack Antonoff with Producer of the Decade, joking that he will “be richer than all of us with your 50% on everything.” Antonoff praised his new wife, the actress Margaret Qualley, while saying, “We all make our best work when we’re being decent.”

Lainey Wilson was recognized as Storyteller of the Year, presented the award by Reba McEntire. “The cool thing about storytelling is, it outlives us,” Wilson said. Olivia Rodrigo presented her Guts collaborator Dan Nigro with Producer of the Year, Shaboozey and Benson Boone were both awarded Newcomers of the Year, while Quavo received Humanitarian of the Year for his work to stop gun violence following the 2022 shooting death of his Migos bandmate Takeoff. (Variety)

On a recent appearance on the Politickin podcast, Lance Bass revealed that after he came out as gay in 2006, creative opportunities that were once available to him started to be taken away. Bass was in talks at the time to film a pilot episode of a new sitcom for the CW, but once the former *NSYNC singer announced he was gay, the network scrapped their plans for the show. “They were like, ‘We can’t do the show anymore. They have to believe that you’re straight to play a straight character,’” Bass said. That prejudicial treatment shocked Bass, who only knew the runaway success of his boy band career. “I was confused for sure. I was such a young person. And all I knew was NSYNC,” Bass recalled. “When we decided that the group was no longer, it was very confusing for me because I didn’t know where I belonged. It took awhile to figure out who I was and where I needed to go.” (Rolling Stone)

Sabrina Carpenter's A Nonsense Christmas premiered on December 7 on Netflix. One of the highlights of the holiday special is Carpenter’s duet with Chappell Roan on the Wham! classic, “Last Christmas.” The retro-themed performance was set in the aftermath of a rowdy holiday party, with wine bottles and empty red solo cups discarded on the floor. The two pop superstars delivered the 1984 holiday hit while reading the lyrics of the song karaoke-style off of a vintage TV. Wham!’s “Last Christmas” was written and produced by George Michael, and peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2023.

The premiere of Carpenter’s holiday special follows the recent news that she and former boyfriend Barry Keoghan have broken up. The couple’s relationship came to an end after a year of dating, with an insider claiming, "They are both young and career-focused, so they've decided to take a break.” After Keoghan received online harassment for the break-up, the actor deactivated his Instagram “because I can no longer let this stuff distract me from my family and my work.” (Billboard)

Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department returns to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, boosted by the first physical release of the album’s Anthology edition sold exclusively at Target beginning on Black Friday. TTPD jumps from No. 8 to No. 1, topping the charts for the 16th week overall. TTPD Anthology sold 405,000 equivalent album units, the biggest sales week for any album since Poets’ second week of release when it moved 439,000 units.

Elsewhere in the Billboard 200 Top 10, Juice WRLD’s The Party Never Ends debuts at No. 4, while two holiday albums reached the charts, as Michael Bublé’s Christmas jumps to No. 7 and Bing Crosby’s Ultimate Christmas reaches No. 9, Crosby’s first top 10 album in nearly 64 years. Kendrick Lamar’s GNX falls a spot to No. 2, the Wicked film soundtrack slips a spot to No. 3, Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet falls two spots to No. 5,  Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft slides down a spot to No. 6, Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess moves up two spots to No. 8, and Tyler, The Creator’s CHROMAKOPIA drops six spots to No. 10. (Billboard)

JAY-Z has dismissed a newly-filed lawsuit alleging he raped a 13-year-old girl in 2000 as a "blackmail" attempt by attorney Tony Buzbee, citing a "terrible error in judgment." The lawsuit, originally against Sean "Diddy" Combs, was refiled to include JAY-Z as a co-defendant, accusing both musicians of the assault at an MTV afterparty. JAY-Z preempted the lawsuit by filing a legal action against Buzbee for extortion. In a statement, JAY-Z vehemently denied the claims and refused a settlement, seeking to publicly expose Buzbee as a "fraud." Buzbee responded, asserting the facts will be litigated in court, "not in the media." (Rolling Stone)

Carrie Underwood has been announced as the headlining performer for Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2025. Underwood joins the other newly announced performers – CMA Awards Best New Artist Megan Moroney and Saltburn’s “Murder on the Dancefloor” viral sensation Sophie Ellis-Bextor – who will all perform during the holiday TV broadcast. The trio of music stars join the previously announced performers Lenny Kravitz, Teddy Swims, Tinashe, Cody Johnson, and Thomas Rhett, along with Rita Ora, who will co-host the event with Ryan Seacrest. “I have such fun memories of performing on New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in Times Square in both 2007 and 2015, and I’m so excited to perform just before the ball drops again this year,” said Underwood. “I’m thrilled to celebrate 20 years since winning American Idol by joining Ryan as he hosts his 20th New Year’s Eve in Times Square.” Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest will air on ABC on December 31 beginning at 8 p.m. ET. (Billboard)

“Rich Men North of Richmond” singer Oliver Anthony posted a video on YouTube on Wednesday (December 4) where he didn’t hold back his intense dislike of Beyoncé’s multiple-Grammy nominated album, Cowboy Carter. Anthony shared insight into a music industry executive’s plan to try and make the singer “cool.” “One of the guys I worked with, he wanted me to make some stupid f**king post about Beyoncé’s country album, about how it was good, even though it was complete trash," Anthony ranted. "It makes me just want to throw up.” He went on to express his criticism of Beyoncé’s reworking of Dolly Parton’s country classic “Jolene,” calling it “total cringe.” “It represents how degenerative our society has become,” Anthony continued. “That a song like a Beyoncé version of ‘Jolene’ can come out and anybody actually listen to it and think it’s not just complete trash.” (Billboard)

Reading & Leeds Festival announced the first round of artists set to appear at their 2025 joint events. The headliners for these celebrated English music festivals will be Travis Scott, Chappell Roan, Hozier, and Bring Me the Horizon. Those artists will top the bill at the dual-festivals held in Reading, Berkshire, and Leeds, Yorkshire, on August 21-24. The festivals will take place at Little John's Farm in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds, with the same lineups performing at both locations throughout the course of the weekend. Scott’s appearance is being touted as a European festival exclusive, while Hozier and Bring Me the Horizon will be U.K. exclusive performances. Roan’s high-profile set will be an English headlining exclusive, as well as her first ever performance at Reading & Leeds. Bloc Party will also be performing the inaugural Icon Set at Reading & Leeds, which the festival said in a press release “will celebrate the defining acts synonymous with the festival.” (Billboard)

In a new cover story interview with Complex, Billie Eilish returned the praise that Rihanna said about her back in October. “If I could only do a song with Billie Eilish, she’s so good,” RiRi gushed during a recent Fenty launch event, an interview clip that Eilish said she “literally thought … was AI.” The two-time Oscar winner was quick to return the compliments to the “We Found Love” singer and fashion mogul. “I’ve never met Rihanna,” Eilish admits. “She’s literally my idol. She’s the greatest of all time. She’s my complete dream collab.” Eilish says she typically doesn’t answer questions about who she’d like to collaborate with, but she secretly had RiRi in the back of her mind. “I always think Rihanna,” Eilish says, before modestly continuing. “I’m not going to say that, though! Why would I say that?! It’s not real. I’ve never heard from her, and I’ve never had any interaction with her, so why would I have ever even thought about it?” (Billboard)

Chappell Roan took to Instagram on Wednesday (December 4) to share an awesome throwback photo of the future pop superstar, as well as the results of her Spotify Wrapped year-end round-up. Her most-listened to artists shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, though one classic band stood out from the rest. Chappell shared her personal results in the caption of her post, “Ps My Spotify wrapped most listened to artists were 1. Ariana 2. Charli 3. Heart 4. Justice 5. Kacey Musgraves.” Heart sits prominently in the third spot surrounded by a series of contemporary artists, with Chappell reinforcing her love of the Seattle classic rock band by also disclosing, “Top song was barracuda ofc,” giving love to Heart’s 1977 Billboard No. 11 hit single. Charli XCX was quick to show her appreciation to the Grammy-nominated “Good Luck, Babe!” hitmaker, commenting “<3 <3 <3,” while Ariana Grande shared the love by commenting “🥲 ♡” on her post. (People)

In a new video interview with Variety, Charli XCX disclosed that she suffers nerve damage due to her intense performances, and that touring takes a mental and physical toll on the 32-year-old pop superstar. “I find touring really hard emotionally,” Charli shared. “I find the stage — especially these days — to be a very angry place for me. I’ve done a lot of physical damage to my body from performing, and I’m often in a lot of pain when I perform. Physically, I have nerve damage in my neck from things I’ve done on the stage.” Charli just finished up a short run of U.K. arena shows supporting her Grammy-nominated Brat album, and earlier this year played a co-headlining series of sold-out shows in North America with Troye Sivan as part of their Sweat Tour. Charli said those shows with her friend/collaborator were “a lot easier and less of an emotional battle for me.” Touring still feels like “kind of this hellhole” Charli admits, “but being with Troye softens that a lot.” (Billboard)

While The Eras Tour is coming to an end, Taylor Swift gave her fans something special to help them remember these shows forever. The Eras Tour Book was released exclusively at Target on Black Friday, and Swifties snatched up the 256-page coffee table book in record numbers. According to Circana BookScan, The Eras Tour Book sold 814,000 copies in only its first two days of release. Those sales totals mark the second-highest number of books sold in a single week since BookScan began tracking sales in 2001, with the biggest nonfiction launch being Barack Obama's memoir, A Promised Land. But his figures reflected an entire week of sales with books available at all outlets, while Swift’s sales were recorded over only two days while limited to one retailer. Swift has only three shows left on her record-setting Eras Tour, with dates in Vancouver on Friday through Sunday (December 6-8). “Our next city will be the last one of the Eras Tour, and the closing of the most extraordinary chapter of my life so far,” Swift said in Toronto. (Rolling Stone) 

Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” tied a record last month by spending 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The universal appeal of the song propelled the Virginia native into music stardom, and Shaboozey loves seeing everyone come together while enjoying his big hit. “It has an American feeling to it, that feeling when you think of apple pie,” Shaboozey shared. “Everybody just holding their drink up, arms around each other’s shoulders, having a damn ball. That’s America.” Producers Sean Cook and Nevin Sastry reworked J-Kwon’s 2004 debut single, “Tipsy,” with Shaboozey saying the track came together naturally.

“My two producers picked up the guitar, started playing the chords and then we started writing it,” he recalls. “I sang, ‘They know me and Jack Daniels got a history,’ and everyone was just like, ‘F**k.’” The rest is chart – and music – history, and Shaboozey’s career will never be the same, as evidenced by his high-profile performance of the song during halftime of the Detroit Lions annual Thanksgiving Day football game. (Variety)

In a new interview with Variety, Charli XCX shared details about her recent collaboration with Ariana Grande on the “Sympathy Is A Knife” remix, and the advice that the Wicked star gave her. “She had a lot to say,” Charli recalls. “We went back and forth on the lyrics, talking about all the knives that we both felt in this industry.” Grande had hosted Saturday Night Live back in September, and gave Charli some tips before she served as host and musical guest during a November episode of the sketch comedy show. “She’d obviously just done [‘SNL’] and killed it, so I was getting tips,” Charli reveals. “She was just like, ‘You’re gonna be amazing, just relax, it’s so fun.'” Grande and Charli’s reworking of “Sympathy Is a Knife” is featured on Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat, a remix companion to Charli’s Grammy-nominated sixth studio album, Brat. (Billboard)

Azealia Banks and the 1975 frontman Matty Healy got into a war of words on X that might lead to the provocative rapper suing the outspoken pop singer. Healy came to the defense of Charli XCX, who is engaged to his 1975 bandmate George Daniel, and Matty’s fiancée, Gabbriette, both of whom Banks was harshly criticizing on X. Healy took things too far with a response to Banks in a since deleted tweet where he threatened to “f**king slap you so hard I’ll get a Guinness world record.” Banks previously tweeted her opinion that Charli “used to be” pretty and that Los Angeles was “destroying” her. After Healy’s offensive tweet, they took their fight private, with Banks eventually posting screen shots of their DMs and writing, “He’s been in my DM apologizing and begging me not to sue but I’m f**king tired. And people are gonna learn some f**king respect.” (Rolling Stone) 

Zayn Malik waited until the last possible moment to cancel his scheduled show in Newcastle, England on Tuesday night (December 3). Fans were already inside the O2 City Hall when the former One Direction singer made the decision to cancel the show due to his vocal issues. “I’m so sorry to do this but my voice just isn’t there at all tonight and without it there’s no show,” Malik wrote on Instagram. “I’m truly sorry to let you down, especially at such short notice. I held onto hope until the very last moment. I’m hopeful with some rest tonight I’ll be back on stage tomorrow. My deepest apologies Newcastle.” Fans were informed of the cancellation with an announcement in the venue: “The show will no longer go ahead tonight. We apologize for the late notice, it was his hope that he would be able to continue with the show. But this is no longer possible.” Malik’s next stop on his Stairway to the Sky Tour went on as scheduled on Wednesday night (December 4) in Manchester. (Rolling Stone)

On Tuesday (December 3), Variety announced six additional honorees for their upcoming eighth annual Hitmakers celebration. Lainey Wilson will be awarded Storyteller of the Year, while Laufey will receive the Crossover Award. Young Miko is set to be recognized with the Trailblazer Award, while Grace Bowers will receive the Next Gen Award. The event also honors the record labels and executives that helped shape today’s hit music, with REPUBLIC Corps Collective to be recognized as Label of the Year, and Aaron Bay-Schuck and Tom Corson celebrated as Executives of the Year. These new honorees join previously announced recipients Hitmaker of the Year Charli XCX, Humanitarian of the Year Quavo, Changemaker of the Year Jelly Roll, Newcomers Award recipients Shaboozey and Benson Boone, Songwriter of the Year Amy Allen, Producer of the Year Daniel Nigro, and Producer of the Decade Jack Antonoff. The private event will be held on Saturday, December 7, in Los Angeles. (Variety)

Ahead of Super Bowl LIX at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome on Sunday, February 9, Post Malone will officially get the party started with a concert on Friday (February 7). Posty’s intimate performance will take place at the Fillmore in New Orleans, which has a capacity of only 2,000 fans, a stark contrast from the massive venues the crossover country superstar will perform at during his upcoming Big Ass Stadium Tour. The event, which is being touted as ‘Bud Light Backyard Presents Post Malone,’ will also be a free show for fans 21-and-up.

Posty’s partnership with Bud Light goes back a while, with the singer starring in three straight Super Bowl commercials for the beer, along with his Bud Light Dive Bar Tour, and his A Night in Nashville Bud Light-sponsored show in June to promote the release of his chart-topping country album, F-1 Trillion. “Bud Light has rocked with me for a while now, and I really can’t thank them enough for all the love and support they’ve shown through the years,” Malone said at the time. (Billboard)

Eminem’s mother, Debbie Nelson, has died at the age of 69. Nelson passed away due to complications related to advanced lung cancer in St. Joseph, Missouri. Nelson married Marshall Bruce Mathers Jr. when she was still a teenager, and gave birth to Eminem — born Marshall Mathers — on October 17, 1972. The pair had a contentious relationship over the years, which Em candidly expressed in his hits like “Cleanin’ Out My Closet” and “My Name Is.” Nelson sued her son for defamation in 1999, seeking $11 million in damages from the rapper. The judge ultimately ruled in her favor, however she was awarded only $25,000 in 2001.

Nelson also wrote a tell-all memoir in 2007 titled, My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem. Em tried to mend his relationship with his mother over the years, including this affectionate verse from 2013’s “Headlights”: “And I’m mad I didn’t get the chance to thank you for being my mom and my dad/ So Mom, please accept this as a tribute I wrote on this jet.” (Billboard)

During an interview on Apple Music's Le Code with host Mehdi Maïzi, LL Cool J reflected on his cultural importance in the world of hip-hop and his lasting impact on rap music. The two-time Grammy Award-winning emcee made a career out of slick rhymes filled with braggadocio, and he expressed that same arrogance throughout the discussion. "I’m [going to] say this humbly, but I really mean this," LL said. "I think one day people are going to wake up and realize that LL Cool J is the most important rapper that ever existed."

The 56-year-old Rock and Roll Hall of Famer went on to praise the groundbreaking ways he impacted rap music, like bringing jewelry, love songs, and custom clothing into the world of hip-hop, as well as popularizing the Greatest Of All Time acronym.  “When it comes to the G.O.A.T terminology, they gon’ say, ‘This is the guy who came up with all the G.O.A.T stuff,’” LL boasted. "I've done so much for the culture, it's almost unfathomable.” (People)   

On Tuesday (December 3), Ryan Seacrest announced the stacked music lineup that will bring 2024 to a rousing close during the annual holiday TV special, New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest. Country superstars Cody Johnson and Thomas Rhett, R&B sensation Tinashe, and chart-topping “Lose Control" singer Teddy Swims will all be performing during the festive event, along with the previously announced musical guest Lenny Kravitz, who will be performing at the first-ever live New Year’s Eve countdown from Las Vegas. Rita Ora will also be returning as a co-host alongside Seacrest for the live broadcast of the iconic Times Square ball drop in New York City. New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest typically receives the largest TV viewership of any non-sports rated show, and is set to air on ABC from the East and West coasts on Tuesday night, December 31. (Billboard)

Kendrick Lamar and SZA announced on Tuesday (December 3) that they are hitting the road together in 2025 on their joint Grand National Tour. The hip-hop and R&B superstars will be playing stadiums across North America during a run of 21-shows that kicks off on April 19 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Their jaunt continues throughout May, hitting cities like Atlanta, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, Detroit, and Toronto, with two-night stands planned at MetLife Stadium outside of New York City on May 8 and 9, and at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on May 21 and 23. The North American leg of the Grand National Tour finishes up on June 18 at Northwest Stadium in Washington, D.C.

Lamar and SZA have been frequent collaborators over the years, including her guest appearance on Kendrick’s current No. 3 hit single, “Luther,” from his chart-topping surprise new album, GNX. SZA is finishing up her new record, Lana, the long-awaited follow-up to her 2022 Grammy-winning album, SOS. (Rolling Stone)

Taylor Swift posted an Instagram Story on Tuesday celebrating The Tortured Poets Department, being recognized as Apple Music’s Top Streamed Album of 2024. ““Ahhhhhh thank you for listening to my music and TTPD so much!!!! You, the fans, made The Tortured Poets Department the TOP STREAMED ALBUM of The Year on @applemusic!!! 🩶,” Swift excitedly captioned her story, while also acknowledging another big streaming achievement for her in 2024. “You guys snagged me that Top Streamed Artist spot too. 😝”

Swift’s multiple-Grammy nominated TTPD was also just certified as 6x platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America on November 30. The milestone signifies that Swift’s 11th studio album has sold over six million units, her sixth record to achieve that feat. The RIAA made the announcement with an Instagram post on Monday (November 2), captioning their post, “She can do it with a broken heart 💔✨. Congratulations @taylorswift on #TheTorturedPoetDepartment earning an RIAA 6x Platinum certification! 💿” (Billboard)

In a new Nylon cover story, Camila Cabello opened up about the public reaction to her “misunderstood” recent album, C,XOXO. The 27-year-old Grammy-nominated singer also shared how receiving praise from her idols Beyoncé and Taylor Swift helped validate her work. “Now I’m going to sound name-drop-y,” Cabello shared. “But Beyoncé told me she loved my album, OK? That’s the gold star. She’s somebody I’ve watched from my childhood.” Getting Beyoncé’s and Swift’s approval sustained Cabello personally and professionally while her new work didn’t connect with portions of the music world. “Her and Taylor saying nice things about the album really meant a lot to me,” Cabello admits. “Anytime an artist that I respect has said something to me like, ‘Hey, I really love what you’re doing,’ it recharges my battery. A lot of the time I felt so misunderstood.” (Billboard) 

In a recent interview with People to promote her new solo album, Bouquet, Gwen Stefani took a reflective look back at her time with No Doubt and how those experiences shaped her entire career. Stefani is clearly proud of her work on her new record, admitting: "I love writing songs. That's everything to me. If I want to feel like I have any kind of purpose or any kind of value or anything, it's about writing a song. That's where I get my fulfillment." One song in particular helped make Stefani’s entire career, No Doubt’s Grammy-nominated 1996 single, “Don’t Speak.” Stefani wrote the hit with her brother, [No Doubt cofounder and ex-member] Eric Stefani, and the pair reworked the song to encapsulate Gwen’s recent breakup with her bandmate, bassist Tony Kanal. "It’s one of those crazy rewrites — probably the only one in history ever that actually turned out to be the heartbeat of my entire life," Stefani admits. "I wouldn’t be here without that song." (People)

Britney Spears was declared legally single on Monday (December 2), seven months after she officially finalized her divorce from ex-husband Sam Asghari. It was a legal gift granted from the California courts on the pop superstar’s 43rd birthday, who separated from the 30-year-old Asghari in late July 2023, just 13 months after their marriage. He filed for divorce from Spears in August 2023 due to irreconcilable differences, and the former couple’s divorce was finalized in Los Angeles on May 2. The required six-month waiting period following a divorce in California has finally passed, with Spears officially being declared single by the courts. Back in October, Spears shared an Instagram video of herself in a wedding dress, captioning the liberating post, “The day I married myself … Bringing it back because it might seem embarrassing or stupid, but I think it’s the most brilliant thing I’ve ever done!!!” (People)

At Louisville’s Whitney Hall on Friday and Saturday night (November 29-30), Jack Harlow brought his 4th annual “No Place Like Home” shows to his dedicated hometown fans. For these special holiday weekend shows, the Grammy-nominated rapper and pop star was backed by the Louisville Orchestra, led by conductor Teddy Abrams. In addition to his own hits, Harlow paid tribute to his influences and personal favorites, covering Elvis Presley’s 1961 Billboard No. 2 hit, “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” and the Frank Sinatra standard, “Fly Me to the Moon,” which Jack dedicated to his grandmother.

In November, Harlow released his first new single since 2023, “Hello Miss Johnson,” which made its live debut during these performances. The track is the second single from Harlow’s upcoming fourth album, which the musician teased during his Brooklyn show in September. “I got some very special s**t on the way. Next time I see you, we gonna have something to talk about.” (Billboard)

Kendrick Lamar’s “Squabble Up” premieres at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, with the Nobel Prize-winning rapper owning the entire Top 5 of the singles chart this week. Lamar – whose surprise release, GNX, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart –  joins Taylor Swift, Drake, and the Beatles as the only artists in history to have five singles charting at Nos. 1-5 in a single week. Lamar’s “TV Off” (featuring Lefty Gunplay) lands at No. 2, “Luther” (with SZA) at No. 3, “Wacced Out Murals” at No. 4, and “Hey Now” (featuring Dody6) sitting at No. 5. Two additional GNX tracks cracked the Top 10 this week, as “Reincarnated” is at No. 8 and “Man at the Garden” sits at No. 9. The rest of the Top 10 is rounded out by Shaboozey’s 19-week No. 1 hit, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” dropping to No. 6, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile” slipping five places to No. 7, and Mariah Carey’s holiday classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You” jumping up six places to No. 10. (Billboard) 

The Weeknd announced that the release date for his upcoming album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, is set for Friday, January 24. Abel Tesfaye took to Instagram to also reveal his plans for a massive one-night-only record release concert at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, the following day on January 25. This will mark the Weeknd’s debut live performance of his new work, with the special show featuring a custom built stage that will cover the entire floor of the huge outdoor stadium.

Hurry Up Tomorrow will mark the final installment of the Weeknd’s album trilogy which began with 2020’s After Hours and continued with 2022’s Dawn FM. The first two singles from Hurry Up Tomorrow have previously been released, “Dancing In Flames” and “Sao Paolo,” which features a collaboration with Brazilian pop-star Anitta. A companion feature film also called Hurry Up Tomorrow is in the works, starring Tesfaye, Jenna Ortega, and Barry Keoghan, and directed by Trey Edward Shults. (Variety)

During a conversation with her sister Brandi Cyrus on Spotify’s Billion Club series, Miley Cyrus looked back on one of her most controversial moments of her career. The Grammy-winning singer revealed that it was her mom, Tish Cyrus, who suggested she pole dance during her performance of “Party in the U.S.A.” at the 2009 Teen Choice Awards. Cyrus received backlash due to the adult themes of her dancing with a pole atop an ice cream cart, especially at an awards show geared towards kids. “Do you know whose idea that was?” Miley asked Brandi, who immediately answered Tish. “Yup, that was my mom’s idea. So she always lets me take the blame,” Miley shared, “When I got in trouble the next day, you know who was nowhere to be found? Tish Cyrus.” But Miley remembers the event for a different reason. “It was the first time I ever wore real diamond jewelry on stage,” she explained. “So you guys remember a little old ice cream truck, I remember the diamonds.” (Rolling Stone)

Chappell Roan took to Instagram on Saturday (November 30) to celebrate her hit single, “Good Luck, Babe!” surpassing one billion streams on Spotify. “Good Luck, Babe!” was released as a standalone single on April 5, 2024, and peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. The 3x-platinum certified track was recently nominated for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance at the forthcoming 67th Annual Grammy Awards. “Good luck babe hitting a billion streams on Spotify is cuckoo loco,” Chappell captioned her post. “All I have to say is thank you. ♡” Roan worked on “Good Luck, Babe!” with Justin Tranter and her longtime producer and collaborator Dan Nigro, with the pop superstar admitting to Rolling Stone, “The song was a b**ch to write.” “I just wanted to write a big anthemic pop song,” she continued,” revealing that it’s “about wishing good luck to someone who’s denying fate.” (Billboard)

During a performance in Liam Payne’s hometown of Wolverhampton, England, on Friday night (November 29), Zayn Malik honored his late One Direction bandmate by dedicating an emotional rendition of “It’s You” to him. In a fan-captured video of the performance shared on X, Malik shares some heartfelt words about Payne. “So, I’ve been doing something at the end of the show every night, and it’s being dedicated to my brother Liam Payne. Rest in peace. I hope you’re seeing this in your hometown tonight, Wolverhampton, this is for you Liam,” Malik said as he introduced “It’s You.”

During Malik’s Stairway to the Sky UK tour, he finishes each show with the words, “Liam Payne 1993-2024 Love You bro,” projected on the stage screen along with a red heart, while Zayn’s 2024 song “Stardust” plays over the speakers. Malik initially postponed the start of his first official solo tour following the news of Payne’s passing, but he started his run of live shows only days after attending Liam’s funeral. (Billboard)

Kendrick Lamar’s surprise new album, GNX, debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, after the Nobel Prize-winning rapper dropped the album with no warning on November 22. GNX marks Lamar's fifth consecutive chart-topping album, while recording the biggest streaming week for any hip-hop album in 2024. The Wicked movie soundtrack also made a strong debut this week, entering the chart at No. 2 while setting a record for the highest debut for a big-screen adaptation of a stage musical.

Elsewhere in the Billboard 200 Top 10, Sabrina Carpenter‘s Short n’ Sweet rises two spots to No. 3, Tyler, The Creator’s CHROMAKOPIA drops a slot to No. 4, Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft jumps up four spots to No. 5, Gracie Abrams’ The Secret of Us moves up two slots to No. 6, Rauw Alejandro’s Cosa Nuestra falls a spot to No. 7, Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department jumps three spots to No. 8, Morgan Wallen’s One Thing at a Time moves up three slots to No. 9, and Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess remains at No. 10. (Billboard)

In her new book, Cher: The Memoir, Part One, the legendary singer recalled a wild night when she and her then-boyfriend David Geffen brought John Lennon and his drinking buddy Harry Nilsson to the Playboy Mansion. The 78-year entertainment icon revealed that she ran into Lennon and Nilsson at a bar, and the former Beatle told her he was "dying to see the Playboy Mansion," so they went on what should have been a low-key movie night. The pair were more drunk than Cher realized, and after they boisterously chanted at host Hugh Hefner, they stripped off their clothes and went skinny-dipping in the mansion's legendary grotto. "Guys, do not come out. This is not pretty what I’m seeing," Cher wrote of the incident. Nilsson and Lennon kept "threatening to wander around the mansion naked," Cher writes, recalling that it took her "ages to get them back in their clothes. It was like herding drunks." (People)

Justin and Hailey Bieber just welcomed their son, Jack Blues, back in August, and also recently celebrated their six-year wedding anniversary, but that doesn’t keep persistent divorce rumors from circulating around the couple. According to a source with inside information about the Biebers, the couple completely dismisses any talk that their marriage is on the rocks. “They laugh at the constant divorce rumors,” the insider says. “It’s annoying but just noise.” Justin, 30, and Hailey, 28, celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary in September, only weeks after the birth of their son. In Hailey's Instagram Stories, she showed off their festive decorations for the occasion, which featured balloons and romantic candles. “6 years,” she wrote over an affectionate Polaroid photo of her and Justin kissing, adding “Love you baby,” along with a heart and a ring emoji. “They seem even more in love since the baby arrived,” a source said at the time. (People)