Music News

Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos returns to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, jumping six places to top the charts due to its release on vinyl. It’s the fourth total week at No. 1 for the Spanish-language project, following three consecutive weeks atop the chart from January 25-February 8. This is an historic week for Latin music on the Billboard 200, as Fuerza Regida notches its first Top 10 release with 111XPANTIA, which debuts at No. 2. This marks the first time in the 69-year history of the all-genre chart that Spanish-language albums are Nos. 1 and 2 at the same time. 111XPANTIA becomes the highest-charting Spanish-language album by a duo or group, and the highest-charting regional Mexican music album of all-time.

Key Glock scores his fourth Top 10 album on the Billboard 200, as the rapper’s new project, Glockaveli, premieres at No. 8. Elsewhere in the Top 10, SZA’s SOS drops one spot to No. 3, Morgan Wallen’s One Thing at a Time remains at No. 4, Kendrick Lamar’s GNX falls two spots to No. 5, Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet falls one spot to No. 6, PARTYNEXTDOOR and Drake’s $ome $exy $ongs 4 U slides down one slot to No. 7, Morgan Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album rises one place to No. 9, and Shaboozey’s Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going falls two spots to No. 10. (Billboard)

Fresh off releasing her new single, “More To Lose,” on Friday (May 9), Miley Cyrus posted an Instagram Story that personally addressed the rumors that she is currently feuding with her parents, Tish and Billy Ray. When fans noted that Tish had recently unfollowed Miley on Instagram, people speculated that the two of them had a falling out. “I rarely comment on rumors,” Miley noted. “But my mama and I are too tight for anything to ever come between us. She’s my best friend. Like a lot of moms, she doesn’t know how to work her phone and somehow unfollowed me–simple, coincidental, and uninteresting.” As to her complicated relationship with her father, Miley adds, “My dad and I have had our challenges over the years. Now, in my thirties, family is my priority above all else. I’m at peace knowing bridges have been built and time has done a lot of healing.” She concluded her message, “Grateful for the good health and love that flows through my family.” (Billboard)

Lola Young’s "Messy" jumps up two spots this week to hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart. This achievement follows “Messy” topping the Alternative Airplay chart for a week back in April, marking the first debut hit by a woman to reach No. 1 on both charts since Lorde's "Royals" in 2013. “Messy” was released by Day One/Island Records and promoted to radio by Republic. The track becomes just the sixth song by a solo woman or female-fronted group to top both Pop Airplay and Alternative Airplay charts in the 32-plus years that these rankings have coexisted, joining Billie Eilish’s “Therefore I Am” (2021) and “Bad Guy” (2019), Lorde’s “Royals” (2013), Evanescence’s “Bring Me to Life” featuring Paul McCoy (2003), and Alanis Morissette’s “Ironic” (1996). Among all acts, only 28 total songs have achieved the rare feat of reaching No. 1 on both Pop Airplay and Alternative Airplay charts. (Billboard)

Harry Styles was among the thousands of spectators who crowded St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on Thursday (May 8th) to witness the announcement of Pope Leo XIV as the successor to the late Pope Francis. Despite attempting to remain incognito while dressed in a blue jacket, sunglasses, and a baseball hat emblazoned with the phrase, "Techno Is My Boyfriend," a now-viral fan photo confirmed the pop superstar's presence at the historic event, which featured the election of the first ever US-born Pope. This marks one of Styles' rare public appearances following the conclusion of his "Love on Tour" back in 2023, following his impressive finish in the Tokyo Marathon in March – where the singer crossed the finish line in 3 hours 24 minutes and placed 6,010th out of over 37,000 runners – as well as taking part in a random running club session in London in April. (The Hollywood Reporter)

Paul McCartney, Elton John, Dua Lipa, and Coldplay have joined more than 400 artists advocating for copyright protection in light of advances in A.I. technology. The group all signed an official letter urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to update U.K. laws to help safeguard their creative work ahead of a vote in the House of Lords on Monday (May 12). “Creative copyright is the lifeblood of the creative industries,” the letter reads. “It recognizes the moral authority we have over our work and provides an income stream for 2.4 million people across the four nations of the United Kingdom.” The artists are in support of the Data (Use and Access) Bill, which aims to ensure developers are transparent with copyright owners when utilizing their material for training A.I. models. The letter states that “the first job of any government is to protect its citizens,” while adding that the bill would “put transparency at the heart of the copyright regime and allow both AI developers and creators to develop licensing regimes that will allow for human-created content well into the future.” (Rolling Stone)

As Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani approach their tenth anniversary, the country music superstar reflects on their enduring love in a new interview with People. "It honestly does [feel like time is flying by]. It's like, how did this happen so quickly?" says Shelton, 48. He admits that "10 years is a long time," but affectionately says that the relationship "still feels new for me." "I feel like that might be the key to happiness, is that it feels just as exciting and new and happy," Shelton says. In addition to their successful marriage, Shelton collaborated with his pop superstar wife on his new single, “Hangin’ On,” which is featured on his current record, For Recreational Use Only, which was just released on Friday, May 9. The couple even saved one track they worked on in that recording session for a possible future release. "We were both so fired up about both of them that we ended up holding one back for the next project," Shelton revealed. (People)

On Thursday (May 8), Lorde announced the dates and details of her 2025 Ultrasound World Tour in support of her fourth studio album, Virgin, set to be released on June 27. The North American leg of the arena tour kicks off on September 17 in Austin, and concludes on October 22 in Seattle, while stopping in Chicago, Nashville, Toronto, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Las Vegas, Portland, and more. The tour will feature special guests Japanese House, Blood Orange, Nilüfer Yanya, Chanel Beads, Empress Of, Jim-E Stack (who produced Virgin), and Oklou on select dates. “Every show I play is a collaboration between you and me,” Lorde said in her tour announcement. “We meet in a room and we make music together, our bodies and the machines in search of something bigger together. 12 years of meeting up and making sound that's just for us. Since last time I've been stripping away unnecessary layers, finding us more room to move. I think that Ultrasound could be our masterpiece.” Ticket presale starts on Wednesday (May 14), with general on-sale starting on Friday (May 16). (Rolling Stone)

Calum Hood is gearing up to release his debut solo album, Order Chaos Order, on June 13, and the 5 Seconds of Summer bassist just shared his latest single, “Call Me When You Know Better,” on Thursday (May 8) alongside a music video directed by Andy DeLuca. The vulnerability of Hood’s new track compliments the emotional sentiments of his previously released single, “Don’t Forget You Love Me,” which will both be featured on his new project. “‘Call Me When You Know Better’ is a love letter in the form of an apology,” Hood shared in a statement. “For maybe not being the best lover or friend to the people who mean the most to me. It’s a reflection on mistakes made, perpetual regret and self pity.” Hood becomes the last 5SOS member to release a solo album, following in the footsteps of his bandmates Michael Clifford, Ashton Irwin, and Luke Hemmings, who each released solo projects in recent years. (Rolling Stone)

On Wednesday (May 7), Universal Music Group filed a motion to dismiss Drake's amended defamation lawsuit regarding Kendrick Lamar's song, "Not Like Us." The Canadian rapper is accusing UMG – his and Lamar's record label – of intentionally defaming him through their promotion of the track. UMG's lawyers claim that in the amended complaint, Drake “removed obviously false factual allegations” while adding that the “new allegations are astonishing.” The company claims that the lawsuit only serves as an attack on the commercial and creative success of Lamar’s chart-topping song, rather than addressing the content of the lyrics. In a separate statement, a UMG spokesperson said, “Drake’s lawyers believe that when Drake willingly participates in a performative rap-battle of music and poetry, he can be ‘defamed’ even though he engages in the exact same form of creative expression.” (Variety)

On Thursday (May 8), the full list of nominees were revealed for the 2025 BET Awards, with Kendrick Lamar leading the field with 10 total nods. Doechii, Drake, Future, and GloRilla all received six nominations, with SZA and The Weeknd each receiving four nods. The BET Awards is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and the ceremony will feature Lamar competing in categories like Album of the Year for GNX, Video of the Year for “Not Like Us,” Viewer’s Choice Award nominations for “Not Like Us,” “Luther,” featuring SZA, and “Like That” with Future & Metro Boomin, and Best Male Hip Hop Artist. Rising star Doechii – who won Best Rap Album at the recent Grammy Awards – is up for Album of the Year, Video of the Year and Viewer’s Choice Award for “Denial is a River,” and Best Female Hip Hop Artist. The BET Awards will be held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 9, and will be hosted by Kevin Hart for the second time. (Rolling Stone)

On Wednesday (May 7), Fitz and the Tantrums shared the funky title track to their upcoming album, Man on the Moon, which is set for release on July 25 via Atlantic Records. Following a short run of previously announced southern shows in May, the Los Angeles indie pop band will embark on a 31-date Man On The Moon Tour, which kicks off July 24 in San Diego, and finishes up with an ACL Live show in Austin on August 31. “I decided I was simply going to write for my heart and for my soul and nobody else,” frontman Fitz Fitzpatrick said of the group’s 14-track album. “At this point in our career, myself and the band feel we have complete creative license. So I’m not going to chase some vapor in the wind. I’m going to just do what I want.” Special guest opening acts on select dates of the tour will be Aloe Blacc, Neal Francis, Gable Price and Friends, Ax and the Hatchetmen, and Snacktime. (Rolling Stone)

The title-track of SZA’s chart-topping album, SOS, incorporates lyrics and the melody of Beyoncé’s song, "Listen," from 2006's Dreamgirls soundtrack. With a comment on a recent Instagram post, SZA revealed that she still owes Bey money for the interpolation, but the 35-time Grammy winner has yet to ask her to pay up. The original social media post made light of the extensive number of co-writers that are routinely credited on Beyoncé's songs, with SZA responding in the comments, “I literally owe her half my publishing off interpolation alone on SOS and she never pressed me lmao a generous QUEEN 😭.”  SZA, who is currently on the road with Kendrick Lamar on their joint Grand National Tour, is a self-proclaimed Beyoncé fan, praising her in a 2024 interview, "I just admire her. She's a masterclass on poise, grace, artistry, beauty and kindness." (People)

Former One Direction singer Liam Payne died without a will, leaving Cheryl Tweedy, his former partner and mother of their son, Bear, to be named administrator of his $32 million estate, alongside music industry lawyer Richard Mark Bray. Tweedy – a former member of Girls Aloud – will work alongside Bray to oversee Payne's finances, property, and possessions, potentially putting much of it into a trust for their son. English and Welsh laws dictate that a person's spouse and children have first claim to the estate in the absence of a will. Payne tragically died on October 16, 2024 at the age of 31, following a fall from the balcony of his hotel room in Buenos Aires. While the initial charges against the hotel workers and Payne’s friend have all been dropped, two individuals accused of selling him drugs remain detained while awaiting their pending trial. (Rolling Stone)

In a phone call with The Daily Mail on Wednesday (May 7), Smokey Robinson responded to allegations of sexual assault made by multiple former employees in a civil lawsuit filed in Los Angeles on Tuesday (May 6). The four Jane Does are accusing him of sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, gender violence, and creating a hostile work environment. The complaint detailed disturbing incidents of forced sexual acts spanning nearly two decades. "I am appalled," Robinson said of the charges, while adding, "I can't speak about this right now." Robinson's wife, Frances, was also implicated for allegedly enabling his behavior, and failing “to take the appropriate corrective action” to prevent his “deviant misconduct.” The plaintiffs, all former housekeepers of the 85-year-old Motown star, are also accusing the couple of failing to pay minimum wage and overtime, and are seeking damages of at least $50 million for the alleged misconduct. (People)

In a new ELLE digital cover story, Kelsea Ballerini is advocating for inclusivity in country music. The 31-year-old singer expressed support for artists transitioning into the genre – like Beyoncé, Post Malone, and Lana Del Rey – while also stressing the importance of embracing diversity. "If we, as country artists, feel like we can have a collab on top 40 or have a collab with an R&B artist, why wouldn’t we give a welcome to someone else?" Ballerini said. "I think that’s where people who are pushing back really need to check themselves, because music is for everybody. And specifically country music, the marquee of it is it’s the people’s story.” Ballerini also reflected on the rewarding experience of headlining her first ever arena tour. “I really like to be inclusive and I feel like I have songs truly for everyone," said Ballerini, who ensures "that the boyfriends and husbands that have been dragged there unwillingly by their girls also feel welcome, because they are." (People)

On Tuesday (May 6), Yungblud took to Instagram to reveal that his new album, Idols, will be released on June 20 as a part of a planned double LP. According to Dominic Harrison, who performs under the Yungblud moniker, his fourth album is “a love letter to self-reclamation … to rock music … [and] to life in all it’s f–king madness.” The 12-track project was recorded in Leeds, near the singer’s hometown of Doncaster, England, and it features previously released singles, "Hello Heaven, Hello" and "Lovesick Lullaby." The album was produced by Yungblud’s frequent collaborator Matt Schwartz, along with Bob Bradley, and touring guitarist Adam Warrington, and marks his first release under Island Records (U.K.) and Capitol Records (U.S.) after leaving Geffen/Interscope. Yungblud's previous albums, Weird! and Yungblud, both hit No. 1 on the U.K. Charts, with his self-titled release reaching a career high peak of No. 45 on the Billboard 200 album chart. (Billboard)

On Sunday (May 4), Quavo's Rocket Foundation hosted a Mother’s Day brunch for moms who have lost children to gun violence. The Migos frontman was joined by his mother, along with the event’s co-hosts – TakeOff's mother and grandmother – who all honored the late Migos rapper who was killed in a shooting in 2022. The event aimed to provide healing and support to the community, featuring panel discussions with anti-violence groups, floral arrangements provided by Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty, and memorials and photos paying tribute to the lives lost. This was the fourth event of its kind hosted by the Rocket Foundation in Atlanta, which aims to meet with members of congress this summer. In addition to taking part in this event, Quavo also just released a posthumous collaboration with TakeOff, “Dope By Phone,” on May 2. (Billboard)

During a recent appearance on an episode of Ann Wilson's After Dinner Thinks podcast, Chappell Roan praised the Heart singer, while reminiscing about the power she felt covering their classic hit,"Barracuda," at the Austin City Limits festival in 2024. “You’re rockin’ mama! I’m rockin’ because you rockin’, really, truly,” Roan praised Wilson. “I think you have the best voice in rock.” Roan and fellow guest Lucy Dacus discussed the transformative power of rock music with Wilson, while contrasting that electric energy with pop. Roan went on to proclaim that “Barracuda” is the “coolest song ever,” while admitting that performing the track live made her “feel like a rock star.” Wilson went on to share her approach to singing the rock anthem with the young musicians, saying,  “A song like that… you can’t hold it in. It has to be an independence of the soul where you just let it go. This is a physical event.” (Billboard)

On Tuesday (May 6), the lineup was revealed for the 2025 Austin City Limits Festival, which will showcase a diverse set of headliners such as Sabrina Carpenter, Hozier, Doja Cat, Luke Combs, and The Strokes. ACL will take place across two weekends in Austin’s Zilker Park from Oct. 3-5 and 10-12, with performances spread out over nine stages. In addition to the headliners, the festival will also feature appearances from Cage the Elephant, T-Pain, Empire of the Sun, DJO, Pierce the Veil, Rilo Kiley, Maren Morris, Mk.gee, Zeds Dead, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Modest Mouse, Wet Leg, King Princess, and many more. The event is once again set to stream on Hulu, which will air select live performances and interviews during the first weekend, with a full broadcast schedule to be announced later in the summer. A variety of three-day ticket packages went on sale on Tuesday (May 6), with single-day tickets available at a later date. (Billboard)

Beyoncé has removed a visual of the Sphere from her Cowboy Carter Tour after receiving a cease-and-desist order from the venue’s owner. An image of the Sphere was included in the show’s “400 Foot Cowboy” visual interlude where the towering singer picked up the venue from the Las Vegas strip. During Sunday night’s show (May 4) in Inglewood, the image was appropriately replaced with footage of Vegas’s Allegiant Stadium, where Beyoncé is set to perform in July during her Cowboy Carter Tour. Following the show, Beyoncé’s production company, Parkwood Entertainment, shared the new clip on Instagram, captioning the post, “What happens in Vegas starts with a BANG.” The cease-and-desist letter was reportedly issued by Sphere Entertainment Group, who claimed that the footage of the state-of-the-art venue was used “without permission,” and misled fans by prompting speculation of a potential Sphere residency for Beyoncé. (Rolling Stone)