Music News
Kelly Clarkson Hits a Home Run With Her Bleachers’ Cover: Watch
In spite of the song title, it really doesn’t get any better than Kelly Clarkson‘s new performance of “I Wanna Get Better.” The Voice coach teamed up with her band Y’all to deliver a stunning version of Jack Antonoff’s Bleachers track on the Monday (Feb. 21) edition of “Kellyoke,” The Kelly Clarkson Show‘s hit cover series. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news “I Wanna Get Better” is an exceptionally wordy anthem that changes pace multiple times, but Clarkson and her band didn’t miss a beat. Flashing blue lights were programmed to sync up with the song’s roaring drum pattern, turning the Kelly Clarkson Show stage into a high-energy alternative rock concert — which wouldn’t be complete without Clarkson’s signature, always impressive belt. The pe...
John Mayer Drummer Tests Positive for COVID-19, But Tour Will Go On
John Mayer‘s touring drummer has tested positive for COVID-19, the singer-songwriter revealed on social media Monday night (Feb. 21). “This afternoon, our drummer tested positive for COVID-19,” Mayer wrote around 7 p.m. ET. He then wished him a quick recovery and clarified that Monday night’s concert would go on as planned, though he didn’t say who will be filling in on drums. “Tonight’s concert @TheGarden will go on as scheduled, with a very special presentation. We all wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing you all at the show.” Explore See latest videos, charts and news Mayer is set to perform at New York City’s Madison Square Garden tonight, the second of two evenings at the venue, as part of his Sob Rock Tour, which runs through May. “It all feels deeper and more exciti...
Britney Spears Lands $15M Tell-All Book Deal: Report
Britney Spears is gearing up to tell her side of the story, according to reports of a $15M book deal that surfaced on Monday (Feb. 21). Page Six first reported the news of the alleged landmark deal, noting that publishing house Simon & Schuster won a bidding war for a tell-all memoir about the superstar’s career, life and relationship with her family. Variety also reported that the news had been confirmed with a “source close to Spears.” Representatives for Spears had not responded to Billboard‘s request for comment at publication time. Explore See latest videos, charts and news The reported book deal comes three months after the 13-year conservatorship that controlled Spears’ personal and professional life was ended by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge. In January, the pop star’s sis...
Sam Hunt’s Pregnant Wife Hannah Lee Fowler Files for Divorce, Citing Adultery: Report
Sam Hunt‘s pregnant wife, Hannah Lee Fowler, has reportedly filed for divorce after five years of marriage. Fowler alleges that the country music star, 37, is “guilty of inappropriate marital conduct” and “guilty of adultery,” according to court documents obtained by TMZ. Prior to the report, it was not publicly known that Hunt and Fowler, who married in April 2017, were expecting a child together. The legal docs, filed in Tennessee, reportedly reveal that Fowler is pregnant and due in May. Explore Explore Sam Hunt See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Billboard has reached out to Hunt’s representatives for comment. Fowler is asking for alimony, child support and primary custody of their forthcoming child, according to TMZ. “The husband is guilty of such cru...
Jane ‘Nightbirde’ Marczewski, ‘America’s Got Talent’ Contestant, Dies at 31
Jane “Nightbirde” Marczewski, a contestant on season 16 of America’s Got Talent, has died following a battle with cancer. She was 31. The singer passed away on Sunday (Feb. 20), TMZ reports. “We are saddened to learn about @_nightbirde’s Passing,” AGT host Terry Crews wrote on Instagram Monday. “Our Condolences goes to her Closest Family & Friends in such of This difficult time. We Love you, Nightbirde.” Judge Heidi Klum also shared a tribute to the singer on her Instagram Story. “We love you. Rest in peace @nightbirde,” Klum wrote alongside a photo of the Zanesville, Ohio, native. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Marczewski soared on America’s Got Talent in June 2021 with a heart-warming, golden buzzer-winning audition featuring her origina...
Nelly to Play New York State Fair for Second Year in a Row
Fans who missed Nelly at last year’s New York State Fair are getting another chance this summer. Organizers announced Monday (Feb. 21) that the Grammy-winning rapper will be back at the fairgrounds Aug. 31. “Nelly’s show last year was one of the biggest in fair history, and we are fortunate to be able to bring him back so quickly,” fair director Troy Waffner said in a statement. Explore Explore Nelly See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The state fair will run from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5 this year at the fairgrounds near Syracuse. Chevrolet sponsors the concerts, which are free with fair admission. With three Grammys and a roster of platinum and gold records, Nelly is known for tracks including “Hot in Herre,” “Country Grammar” and “Ride Wit Me.” [flexi-common-...
Megan Fox Reacts to Being Called Machine Gun Kelly’s ‘Wife’ at NBA All-Star Game
When Machine Gun Kelly was introduced to the crowd at the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, his date Megan Fox got a shout-out as well. But “Please welcome Machine Gun Kelly and his wife, actress Megan Fox!” was announced at the event — and while the actress and artist are engaged, they haven’t tied the knot yet. The camera was on the couple at that very moment, and Fox turned to MGK. Although she covered her mouth with her hand for a moment, it appeared that the amused star was pointing out to her fiancé that she’s not his wife yet. Explore See latest videos, charts and news The pair first connected in spring 2020, when they were filming the movie Midnight in the Switchgrass in Puerto Rico, before things really started heating up between the two in the summer. They announced their engagem...
The Weeknd’s ‘Dawn FM Experience’ Music Special Is Heading to Amazon: Watch the Teaser
A music special expanding on The Weekend‘s Dawn FM album is heading to Amazon. The digital giant announced on Monday (Feb. 21) that the R&B superstar’s upcoming television special, titled The Weeknd x The Dawn FM Experience, will premiere exclusively through Prime Video on Saturday (Feb. 26). “I’m ecstatic to partner with Amazon to premiere the most elaborate live TV special I’ve ever done,” The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, said in a statement. “Welcome to the next phase of Dawn FM — a purgatory otherworld where live performance, theater, and performance art collide for a night out at the club.” Explore Explore The Weeknd See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news A teaser video for the Micah Bickham-directed Dawn FM Experience shows a much older-...
Stephen Marley Details Nina Simone Reggae Tribute: ‘Our Queens Deserve Recognition’
A defining voice of the Civil Rights and Black Power movements as well as a brilliant, genre-blurring musician and vocalist, the late Nina Simone’s revolutionary songs have taken on renewed significance in these tempestuous times. A classically trained pianist who was dubbed the High Priestess of Soul, Ms. Simone’s smoky contralto was a disarming vessel for her own searing lyrics that decried racism in songs such as “Mississippi Goddam” and “Old Jim Crow.” Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Aiming to familiarize his own fan base with the fearlessness of Simone’s oeuvre, eight-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Stephen Marley has produced Celebrating Nina: A Reggae Tribute to Nina Simone, Billboard can announce. The seven track EP features as ma...
Macy Gray Sings the National Anthem at NBA All-Star Game: Watch
Macy Gray, introduced as the “acclaimed singer, songwriter and Grammy Award winner from Canton, Ohio,” performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the 2022 NBA All-Star Game. Gray sang her rendition of the national anthem accompanied by a guitarist ahead of Sunday night’s (Feb. 20) matchup between Team LeBron and Team Durant. Explore See latest videos, charts and news This year’s All-Star Game took place at Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and aired live on TNT and TBS. Gray’s debut studio album, On How Life Is — featuring her breakthrough single “I Try,” which earned her a Grammy for best female pop vocal performance — peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 in 1999. “I Try” reached No. 5 on the Hot 100 songs chart in 2000. Her most recent album, Ruby, was released in 2018. See Macy G...
Justin Bieber Tests Positive for COVID-19, Postpones Las Vegas Concert
Justin Bieber has tested positive for COVID-19, Billboard has confirmed with a representative for the singer. As a result, the 27-year-old pop star has postponed his concert at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on Sunday (Feb. 20). “Due to positive COVID results within the Justice Tour family, we will unfortunately have to postpone Sunday’s show in Las Vegas,” reads a statement on the venue’s website. “Justin is of course hugely disappointed, but the health and safety of his crew and fans is always his number one priority. The tour launch in San Diego was a massive success, and Justin is excited to bring this spectacular show to his Las Vegas fans as soon as possible.” Explore See latest videos, charts and news Bieber’s Las Vegas show has been rescheduled for June 28, but that date in contingent o...
Police Identify Two More Persons of Interest in Young Dolph Homicide Investigation
The Memphis Police Department is seeking help locating two new persons of interest connected to the murder of Young Dolph. Police have named Devin Burns and Joshua Taylor in the development of their investigation into Adolph “Young Dolph” Thornton’s death. The Feb. 20 notice, which includes photos, describes Burns as a Black male, 26 years of age, 5’6” and 135 pounds. Taylor is described as a Black male, 26 years of age, 6’6” and 180 pounds. Explore See latest videos, charts and news Those with information regarding the whereabouts of Burns or Taylor are asked to contact the Homicide Bureau at 901-636-3300 or Crime Stoppers, where tips can be submitted online. Two others, Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith, were previously charged with fatally shooting rapper Young Dolph, 36, outside a Ten...
