“I’m so sorry that I have to reschedule the first batch of Arena shows” scheduled for Feb. 27 through March 17, Manilow said on X. “But when I do come back, I will COME BACK!!!”
Canceled shows also include his March 11 concert at North Charleston Coliseum in Charleston, which was a makeup date for a concert canceled in January.
His condition has limited his endurance behind the mike, he said.
“Very depressing visit,” Manilow said about Friday’s trip to his surgeon. “I told him that I have been using the treadmill three times a day (I have) but that I still couldn’t sing more than three songs in a row before I had to stop.
“But I was sure that I would be able to do the Arena shows in a few weeks,” he said.
“’You won’t make it through,’” he said his surgeon replied, shaking his head and looking down.
“Well, I had a feeling he’d say that,” Manilow posted. “Deep down, I wanted to go back — but my body knew what my heart didn’t want to admit: I wasn’t ready.”
Joe Marusak has been a reporter for The Charlotte Observer since 1989 covering the people, municipalities and major news events of the region, and was a news bureau editor for the paper. He currently reports on breaking news. Support my work with a digital subscription
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The moment every Lizzie McGuire fan has dreamt of has finally arrived: Hilary Duff‘s return to the stage. It comes 18 years after the star’s last performance, which was back in 2008. But thankfully, she’s waking up and coming clean in her Small Rooms, Big Nerves tour this winter and spring. Now that fans know they’re getting both a tour and an album (luck… or something releases February 20, 2026), the next step is to scoop up tickets to see her perform her new music and nostalgic throwbacks live. If you want to dance all night alongside Duff and the girls who get it, we’ve got the 4-1-1 on where to buy cheap Hilary Duff tickets online.
Hilary Duff 2026 Tour Tickets at a Glance
Tour Dates: January 19, 2026 – May 24, 2026 (10 shows total)
The singer’s 2026 tour kicked off in London on January 19, 2026 and will come to a close on May 24, 2026 in Las Vegas. There’s a total of 10 shows you can get tickets for, and all of them already sold out when stubs initially went on sale via Ticketmaster back in November 2025. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still see Duff perform live. Ticket resale sites are your best friend when it comes to sold-out tours, and even though seats might cost a bit more on them, there are still low prices to be found.
Keep reading for the cheapest Hilary Duff tickets across StubHub, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek for each city and date, and get ready to see the most beautiful night.
Where can I get cheap tickets for Hilary Duff’s 2026 tour?
While Ticketmaster served as the official vendor for general sale tickets (which already sold out in November 2025), resale ticket platforms like StubHub, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek still have relatively cheap seats available. Just know that pricing varies by city, date, and seating location.
What are the cheapest ticket prices for Hilary Duff’s 2026 tour?
As of January 21, 2026, the cheapest Hilary Duff tickets overall are in Las Vegas, with Los Angeles right behind it. Across all three ticket resale sites, the most affordable tickets are generally in Las Vegas, with the absolute lowest price being $491 for her Valentine’s Day show. Her Brooklyn stop is by far the most expensive of the bunch.
It looks like Duff’s Las Vegas shows have multiple ticket tiers on StubHub, such as general admission, VIP, bar stools, and tables. General admission stubs will, of course, be the most affordable, with bar stools being the second most affordable, and tables and VIP unsurprisingly being the priciest. That’s all to say, keep the different ticket tiers in mind when buying your seats, so you can score stubs within your budget.
Editor’s Pick
Buy Hilary Duff Tickets on StubHub
When shows sell out on Ticketmaster, StubHub is a reliable resale option backed by its 110% FanProtect guarantee. The platform guarantees valid tickets to any event or your money back, provides replacement tickets if there’s an issue with your order, and offers a cash refund or 120% credit if an event is canceled and not rescheduled.
January 27 in Brooklyn starts at $1,615, February 13 in Vegas starts at $583 (down from $983), February 14 in Las Vegas starts at $491 (down from $643), February 15 in Las Vegas starts at $771, May 22 in Las Vegas starts at $690, May 23 in Las Vegas starts at $628, and May 24 in Las Vegas starts at $862. StubHub doesn’t show tickets listed for her Toronto or Los Angeles shows. If you want to see Duff for less, consider attending one of her Vegas dates, as those are more likely to have the more affordable numbers due to steep discounts.
Notable Prices: Lowest price for January 27 show in Brooklyn, lowest price for any show in Las Vegas, and lowest price for any show across all three ticket resale sites
$30 Off Deal
Buy Hilary Duff Tickets on Vivid Seats
Vivid Seats is another dependable marketplace for resale tickets. The platform’s pricing is higher than StubHub’s for certain dates and lower for others. Hilary Duff tickets go for $1,557 for Toronto, $2,400 for Brooklyn, $637 for Los Angeles, $1,083 for February 13 in Vegas, $655 for February 14 in Vegas, $595 for February 15 in Vegas, $508 for May 22 in Vegas, $578 for May 23 in Vegas, and $603 for May 24 in Vegas. Vivid Seats certainly takes the cake for the cheapest prices for almost all of Duff’s Las Vegas concerts. It also serves up the best price for the star’s final show of the tour (May 24 in Las Vegas). Meanwhile, Toronto and Brooklyn pricing is quite high. You can find cheaper seats elsewhere for those two shows.
Trying to buy tickets the smart way? Enter code SC30 to save $30 on orders of $300 or more at checkout. Vivid Seats backs purchases with a Buyer Guarantee, ensuring tickets are valid, authentic, and match your order (or better), or they’ll issue a refund.
Notable Prices: Lowest price for her final show (May 24 in Las Vegas)
$10 Off Deal
Buy Hilary Duff Tickets on SeatGeek
SeatGeek serves as another trusted resale marketplace for fans who are tracking down tickets to the Small Rooms, Big Nerves tour. The platform’s search tools help buyers compare prices across different dates and venues. To make it easy on you, her January 24 Toronto show starts at $1,478, her January 27 Brooklyn show starts at $3,134, and her January 29 Los Angeles show starts at $620. Prices have yet to be posted for Duff’s Las Vegas dates. Which concert ticket prices stand out the most? SeatGeek offers the cheapest stub to her Los Angeles show, while her Toronto ticket price is on par with competitors, and her Brooklyn ticket price is way above the rest.
Lucky for you, concert goers can save $10 on purchases of $250 or more with code STYLECASTER10 (valid on first purchases only). SeatGeek’s Buyer Guarantee promises a refund or comparable (or better) seats if purchased tickets aren’t delivered in time for the event, don’t provide valid entry, or don’t match your order.
Notable Prices: Lowest price for January 29 show in Los Angeles
On Repeat
Pre-Order Hilary Duff’s ‘luck… or something’ Vinyl
On Sale 7% off
Be sure to mark your calendar for February 20 so that you don’t miss the release of Duff’s upcoming album, luck… or something. While you wait, you can pre-order the 11 new tracks for $26 on Amazon
. This is the star’s sixth studio album, which she co-wrote with her husband, Matthew Koma, who is a Grammy-winning songwriter and producer. Luck… or something is also Duff’s first full-length release in over a decade. She’s already given fans a sneak peek of her new album, by releasing a lead single called “Mature.”
Hilary Duff Small Rooms, Big Nerves Tour Dates 2026
January 19, 2026 @ Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London, UK
January 24, 2026 @ History in Toronto, ON
January 27, 2026 @ Brooklyn Paramount in Brooklyn, NY
John Mellencamp — a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer responsible for ’80s smashes like “Jack & Diane,” “Pink Houses” and “Small Town” — is returning to Charlotte in 2026 for what stands to be his biggest concert here, in terms of audience size, in more than 20 years.
His “Dancing Words Tour — The Greatest Hits” will stop at Truliant Amphitheater (formerly PNC Music Pavilion) on Thursday, July 30, the 74-year-old singer-songwriter announced on Wednesday morning.
The last three shows Mellencamp has played here, in 2015, 2019 and 2023, were all staged at 2,455-seat Ovens Auditorium.
The new concert, meanwhile, will be set at Truliant, which has a capacity of approximately 20,000. He hasn’t performed at the venue since it was named for Verizon Wireless (in 2005), having also headlined there when it was named for Blockbuster (in 1999).
Wednesday’s announcement noted that his 2026 tour “marks the first time Mellencamp will be performing all his most beloved songs in a single night, some of which haven’t been played live in many years” — including “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.,” “I Need a Lover,” “Wild Nights” and “Ain’t Even Done With the Night.”
Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets from 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, until 10 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22; for details: www.citientertainment.com. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale kickoff, which is set for 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23; details: Mellencamp.com. VIP options can be perused at vipnation.com.
The first show of the tour will take place in Grand Rapids, Mich., on July 10.
This story was originally published January 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM.
If you’ve been living anywhere other than under a rock this year, there’s a one hundred percent chance that you’ve heard of Sabrina Carpenter! In just a few short years, we’ve gotten to watch an artist we’ve loved for years blossom into a full-blown pop star, and 2025 was the biggest year of them all! From being on SNL, to winning big at the Grammys (and being nominated again) to releasing Man’s Best Friend, there was no stopping Sabrina Carpenter this year! When looking back at Sabrina’s list of accomplishments this year, we knew we had to break down some of the biggest and best for you!
Let’s jump in!
Man’s Best Friend
We say this with complete confidence, Man’s Best Friend is one of the best pop albums of the last decade! And we don’t even think that’s a hot take because we’ve watched the general public fall as in love with this record as we, career-long fans, have. The witty songwriting, the visual storytelling, the vocals, and the elements Sabrina continuously excels at are heightened even further here on this record. From ‘Manchild,’ which has been inescapable, to some of our favorites, ‘Go Go Juice,’ and ‘House Tour,’ there is no doubt in our mind that Man’s Best Friend will have a long, ever-evolving life with fans.
Grammy Awards
The Grammys are one of those accomplishments that artists spend their whole careers chasing, that hold meaning for their nominees, and for fans alike. At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Sabrina Carpenter took home two (!!!!) awards, and has already scored six nominations for the 2026 ceremony! That is the direct result of over a decade of hard work and dedication to mastering her craft.
Variety Hitmaker Of The Year
Much like the Grammy Awards, being named Hitmaker of the Year comes on the heels of hard work. What sets this honor apart is that being a “Hitmaker” in such a pop-saturated market takes a deep understanding of what a “pop” song entails, and how to catch lightning in a bottle time after time. From ‘Espresso’ and ‘Manchild’ to ‘Nonsense,’ Sabrina’s deep understanding of this concept just keeps growing.
Saturday Night Live
SNLis a true rite of passage for creatives throughout the entertainment industry, and Sabrina pulled off three appearances this year alone! And even more impressively, one of these appearances included the double duty of hosting and performing! These appearances reminded so many people that Sabrina is an actress! Her comedic timing is impeccable, and she also happens to have an incredible voice and is a master storyteller.
Check out more of our year-end/holiday content here!
We would love to hear from you! What was your favorite Sabrina Carpenter moment from 2025? Let us know by commenting below or by tweeting @TheHoneyPOP! We are also on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!
2025 was truly the best year in pop music we’ve had in a while! It seems like artists are simply locking back into what makes a true pop song and mastering that art. Narrowing this list down to simply 25 songs was quite the challenge, but we think this list is the best of the best throughout all facets of pop music! From Olivia Dean and Chappell Roan to Greyson Chance and so many more, let’s jump in!
Taylor Swift – ‘The Fate of Ophelia’
There is no way to talk about the great pop resurgence of 2025 without highlighting The Life of a Showgirl by Taylor Swift. For us, the entire album is full of examples of a true-to-form pop song, but we had to choose to highlight ‘The Fate of Ophelia’ due to it being inescapable since its release. This song is pure ear candy, and will get stuck in your head for hours even after just hearing a few seconds.
Olivia Dean – ‘Man I Need’
Olivia Dean is taking the pop music world by storm with ‘Man I Need,’ and to us that makes perfect sense. In anyone else’s discography, ‘Man I Need’ would be an easy career highlight, and yet, it’s one of many songs on Olivia’s most recent album, The Art of Loving, that blew us away upon the first listen and could have easily taken this spot.
Sabrina Carpenter – ‘House Tour’
Man’s Best Friend is stacked top to bottom with pop gold, but after listening back through the album, ‘House Tour’ had to be our choice! Everything from that infectious chorus to the “my house is on pretty girl avenue” line made this one of those songs that will soundtrack nights out for us through the foreseeable future.
Jonas Brothers – ‘Love Me To Heaven’
The Jonas Brothers have been experts at the pop music game since Nick first uttered the words ‘red dress’ back in 2008, so it’s no surprise to us that they are only getting better and better 17 years later. Their newest record, Greetings From Your Hometown, had an obvious stand-out to us the first time we listened, and that was ‘Love Me To Heaven.’
Audrey Hobert – ‘Phoebe’
Who’s The Clown?by Audrey Hobert was truly on an endless loop here at THP! Upon first listen, it was automatically clear that we were witnessing the artistic birth of someone who had a crystal clear understanding of how to bring themselves through in the music, be specific while staying relatable, and develop a sound that was particularly hers. We could have easily put any song from the album here, but ‘Phoebe’ is a forever favorite of ours!
Greyson Chance – ‘Waiting Outside The Lines ‘25’
No, we are not trying to transport you back to 2011, but there is so much beauty in taking a certified nostalgia-packed hit and reimagining it with years of life lived and heightened vocal ability to back it up. We can’t help but have a permanent smile on our face listening to this track and diving into Greyson’s current catalog (which everyone should do themselves the favor of doing)!
Jensen McRae – ‘Novelty’
If you asked us what album impacted us the most this year, one of the easiest answers would be I Don’t Know How But They Found Me!Anyone who has dived into Jensen’s discography knows what a savant she is. Her relationship to her pen is one of one, and this album may be the best example of that in her discography so far. ‘Novelty’ is the song that immediately jumps out at us as a must-listen.
Lady Gaga – ‘How Bad Do U Want Me’
Lady Gaga is synonymous with pop music at this point. She has always had the skill on lock, and in many ways, has influenced so much of what the modern genre looks like. MAYHEM was a true return to form for Lady Gaga, and showed that her knowledge and talent with the pop music world has never faltered. ‘How Bad Do U Want Me’ is an instant smash and is still on repeat.
5 Seconds of Summer – ‘NOT OK’
We will forever preach our love for 5 Seconds of Summer and how they get better with every release! (If you didn’t know, this band is literally why THP exists!) EVERYONE’S A STARcame out just over a month ago and is the band’s most ambitious, larger-than-life project yet. But of course, every element was nailed perfectly. Each of the guys has so many standout moments, but there are even more moments when it is so clear why they continue to make music together: everything flows seamlessly.
Sadie Jean – ‘She’s Dating My Boyfriend’
Sadie Jean is the exact singer-songwriter your playlist is in need of, and we had to highlight a track off her debut album, Early Twenties Torture! Every song on this record feels like Sadie had a insider’s look at our deepest thoughts and struggles, was able to turn them poetic, and then put them to music. That skill of relatability is rare. ‘She’s Dating My Boyfriend’ is our favorite example of that peek inside our minds.
Laufey – ‘Lover Girl’
Laufey has seamlessly blended the worlds of pop and jazz music and made a fusion that leaves us regularly at a loss for words. A Matter of Time is Laufey’s most recent album. And upon our first listen, it was clear that this is a generational album, one of those records where anyone who gives it a chance will fall in love with it. ‘Lover Girl’ is our favorite song off the record, so we had to highlight it!
Amber Mark – ‘Let Me Love You’
Amber Mark is the pop star you’ve been looking to add to your playlists! If you’re a fan of artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Dean, Amber’s album, Pretty Idea, and specifically our favorite track, ‘Let Me Love You,’ is going to be right up your alley! We are predicting that 2026 is going to be a huge year for Amber! And with music of this quality, it makes complete sense!
Justin Bieber – ‘Yukon’
‘Yukon’ was one of our most-streamed songs of the year; it’s that serious to us! SWAG, for us, felt like Justin coming back into his own, making the music that feels true to form. With ‘Yukon,’ that infectious chorus we’ve come to know and love from Justin Bieber is the shining star, which definitely adds to why we are constantly playing this track on a loop.
Lydia Night – ‘The Bomb’
You may know Lydia Night from her time with the band The Regrettes, but trust us when we say she has turned into a full-blown solo pop star. Lydia released her debut album, Parody of Pleasure, back in August, and all thirteen songs are expertly crafted! ‘The Bomb’ has been a standout since we first dove into this album. The song is playful and reminiscent of early 2000s pop.
Role Model – ‘Sally, When The Wine Runs Out’
Obviously, ‘Sally, When The Wine Runs Out’ has taken the world by storm this year, so there was no way we weren’t going to give Role Model his flowers. We haven’t heard a chorus quite as infectious as ‘Sally, When The Wine Runs Out’ in quite a long time. It’s impossible not be in an instant good mood when it hits.
Myles Smith – ‘Stay (If You Wanna Dance)’
If you were as obsessed with Myles Smith’s ‘Stargazing’ as we were, then ‘Stay (If You Wanna Dance)’ is the perfect addition to your playlists! Myles is someone who you continue to find new things about his artistry to dig into with each listen.
Zara Larsson is a pop star in the truest sense of the word. Her entire album, Midnight Sun, is a pop masterclass, in which she’s the only person equipped to teach. When we first heard the title track ‘Midnight Sun,’ we knew that this was a whole new ball game in terms of pop music, and that we would take every opportunity to praise what Zara is doing with her artistry.
HAIM – ‘Relationships’
This song is pure ear candy and truly a discography highlight from one of our favorite trios! The chorus has serotonin woven into every line and lyric. And it makes us want to be out at night in the city with friends, dancing to every word. Their most recent album, i quit, is chock-full of tracks where you will see these themes.
Conan Gray – ‘Vodka Cranberry’
Conan Gray was born to make the exact music he’s making right now. He releases such infectious pop tracks with lyrics that both feel true to self for Conan and still connect deeply with his audience. ‘Vodka Cranberry’ blew up this year, and to us, it only makes perfect sense. This is a solidified hit.
Tate McRae – ‘Sports Car’
If you didn’t know, Tate McRae is a name that we have been screaming from the rooftops since we got to interview her years ago (which you can read here!). Tate blends musicality with dance seamlessly to draw people into who she is as a musician. ‘Sports Car’ and its visual components showcase exactly why Tate has quickly become a household name.
Avery Cochrane – ‘Shapeshifting On A Saturday Night’
Hailing from Seattle, Avery Cohrane is bound to be the name you can’t escape this next year in pop music! This year, she released her track, ‘Shapeshifting on a Saturday Night,’ and blew us away with the established pop sound she was crafting. If you’re a fan of artists like Chappell Roan or Olivia Rodrigo, we think you will love Avery!
Addison Rae – ‘Headphones On’
It’s no secret that Addison Rae has had a massive year. From the success of ‘Diet Pepsi’ and her tour to her debut album, Addison, everything about her career so far has been the beginning of a pop star who will be talked about and celebrated for years to come. For Addison, pop is a true work of performance art, following in the footsteps of the likes of Britney Spears. ‘Headphones On’ off her debut album summarizes everything we love most about Addison as an artist.
Reneé Rapp – ‘I Think I Like You Better When You’re Gone’
We yell the chorus to ‘I Think I Like You Better When You’re Gone’ at truly astronomical levels. Everything about this track resonates with us. Something that Reneé Rapp never fails to do is draw the listener in and weave her story in a way that feels relatable to others. On top of the lyrical content of the song, Reneé’s vocals are otherworldly here.
Demi Lovato – ‘Joshua Tree’
The 2025 version of Demi Lovato is the only artist who could craft an album like It’s Not That Deep. This record is a amalgamation of someone who has gone through it all. Someone who has experienced hardships and heartache and is in the complete opposite space now. And a lot of it is backtracked with songs you want to be in the club dancing to. That’s the duality of pop and of Demi, and it’s beautiful. To us, ‘Joshua Tree’ best represents the album as a whole.
Chappell Roan – ‘The Subway’
Ending our best 2025 pop songs with one that is still inescapable like ‘The Subway’ only felt right. Chappell Roan is a once-in-a-lifetime artist. She creates with such intention and really takes her time with each project, which comes through in the music. ‘The Subway’ will be looked at years from now as one of the great songs of the decade.
We would love to hear from you! What is your favorite pop song of 2025? Is it something off the new Taylor Swift album? Maybe a Conan Gray song? Or an Olivia Dean song? Let us know by commenting below or by tweeting @TheHoneyPOP! We are also on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!
If you’re looking for a new band to take over your playlists, look no further than Arrows in Action! Their latest album, I Think I’ve Been Here Before, is the perfect gateway into their musical world, so this is the ideal time to jump in! We were lucky enough to get to chat with Arrows in Action all about their newest album, past music, live shows, and so much more!
Hello! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! To start us off, how would you describe your sound to someone who is tuning in for the first time? We’re an alternative pop-rock band! We’re a blend of everything we love, and we love a huge array of music.
I Think I’ve Been Here Before is less than a month away. What emotions are you guys feeling leading up to the release of this record? We’re feeling a mix of relief, excitement, and catharsis with the release of this album! We can’t wait for people to hear it all in its intentional order.
Out of the eleven songs on the record, only two are unreleased. What goes into the decision of what to release and what to hold back? We wanted to make sure to save the conclusion of the album for the day of release. We were very intentional with the track order on this record, and we wanted our fans to experience the album in its entirety together.
‘Hello Sunlight!’ is the oldest track on the record, having been released in May of last year. When this song came out, did you know it was part of a bigger project, or did that come with time? Though it was released far ahead of the album, ‘Hello Sunlight!’ is the track that started the writing process and was instrumental in guiding us towards the sounds that would make up Side A.
You’ve released this album in two parts, with Side A coming out earlier this year. How do you group the songs and figure out which song belongs on which side? In both subject matter and sonics, we accidentally curated two distinct vibes while writing this album. It could be the simplest thing, like the placement of a minor chord that guided a song toward side B, and in many cases, it was the lyrical perspective that placed the song.
With a new album comes the hope of live music! While crafting the album, which song off this album were you most looking forward to bringing to life on stage? Victor: ‘Cheekbones,’ Jesse: ‘Empty Canvas,’ Matt: ‘Empty Canvas.’
Your debut album, Be More, came out four years ago! When you look at the artists who released that record, and the artists who are about to release this record, what do you see as the biggest area of growth? Our biggest area of growth has been how much we collaborate! With years of touring and writing together, we know each other better than ever before, and we know how to expand on each other’s ideas.
Once again, thank you so much for chatting with us! Before we let you go, what is one thing on the Arrows in Action bucket list as we close out 2025? A bucket list item we completed this year was headlining in Europe and the UK! A bucket list item we have that is yet unchecked is performing at Red Rocks in Colorado. Thanks for having us!
We would love to hear from you! What is your favorite song off of I Think I’ve Been Here Before by Arrows in Action? Let us know by commenting below or by tweeting @TheHoneyPOP! We are also on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!
The Jonas Brothers bring their “Jonas 20: Greetings From Your Hometown Tour” to Raleigh, N.C.’s Lenovo Center, Wednesday night, Oct. 29, 2025.
Scott Sharpe
ssharpe@newsobserver.com
The Jonas Brothers are celebrating their 20th year together as a band — longer as brothers, of course— with a massive tour, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down.
The “JONAS20: Greetings From Your Hometown” tour launched in August, complete with surprise guests and collaborations at almost every stop. Since then, they continue to add dates to the tour, extending it through the end of December.
Wednesday night, Nick Jonas, 32, Joe Jonas, 35, and Kevin Jonas, 37, brought their career-spanning concert to Raleigh’s Lenovo Center. The lineup shines a spotlight on “every chapter of Jonas Brothers’ 20-year journey,” according to publicity notes.
That includes their hits as a trio along with solo projects from Nick Jonas & the Administration and Joe Jonas’ group, DNCE. Earlier this week in Orlando, Kevin Jonas announced his debut solo single, “Changing.”
They will bring the tour to Charlotte on Nov. 5.
Here are photos from the Raleigh concert with The All American Rejects as the opening act.
The Jonas Brothers bring their “Jonas 20: Greetings From Your Hometown Tour” to Raleigh, N.C.’s Lenovo Center, Wednesday night, Oct. 29, 2025. Scott Sharpe ssharpe@newsobserver.com
The Jonas Brothers bring their “Jonas 20: Greetings From Your Hometown Tour” to Raleigh, N.C.’s Lenovo Center, Wednesday night, Oct. 29, 2025. Scott Sharpe ssharpe@newsobserver.com
The Jonas Brothers bring their “Jonas 20: Greetings From Your Hometown Tour” to Raleigh, N.C.’s Lenovo Center, Wednesday night, Oct. 29, 2025. Scott Sharpe ssharpe@newsobserver.com
The Jonas Brothers bring their “Jonas 20: Greetings From Your Hometown Tour” to Raleigh, N.C.’s Lenovo Center, Wednesday night, Oct. 29, 2025. Scott Sharpe ssharpe@newsobserver.com
The Jonas Brothers bring their “Jonas 20: Greetings From Your Hometown Tour” to Raleigh, N.C.’s Lenovo Center, Wednesday night, Oct. 29, 2025. Scott Sharpe ssharpe@newsobserver.com
The Jonas Brothers bring their “Jonas 20: Greetings From Your Hometown Tour” to Raleigh, N.C.’s Lenovo Center, Wednesday night, Oct. 29, 2025. Scott Sharpe ssharpe@newsobserver.com
The Jonas Brothers bring their “Jonas 20: Greetings From Your Hometown Tour” to Raleigh, N.C.’s Lenovo Center, Wednesday night, Oct. 29, 2025. Scott Sharpe ssharpe@newsobserver.com
The Jonas Brothers bring their “Jonas 20: Greetings From Your Hometown Tour” to Raleigh, N.C.’s Lenovo Center, Wednesday night, Oct. 29, 2025. Scott Sharpe ssharpe@newsobserver.com
The Jonas Brothers bring their “Jonas 20: Greetings From Your Hometown Tour” to Raleigh, N.C.’s Lenovo Center, Wednesday night, Oct. 29, 2025. Scott Sharpe ssharpe@newsobserver.com
The Jonas Brothers bring their “Jonas 20: Greetings From Your Hometown Tour” to Raleigh, N.C.’s Lenovo Center, Wednesday night, Oct. 29, 2025. Scott Sharpe ssharpe@newsobserver.com
The Jonas Brothers bring their “Jonas 20: Greetings From Your Hometown Tour” to Raleigh, N.C.’s Lenovo Center, Wednesday night, Oct. 29, 2025. Scott Sharpe ssharpe@newsobserver.com
The Jonas Brothers bring their “Jonas 20: Greetings From Your Hometown Tour” to Raleigh, N.C.’s Lenovo Center, Wednesday night, Oct. 29, 2025. Scott Sharpe ssharpe@newsobserver.com
The Grammy award-winning pop star is hitting the road for their first tour since 2022’s Holy Fvck Tour, bringing the multi-city ‘It’s Not That Deep’ tour to Spectrum Center on April 8, 2026. Singer-songwriter Adéla will join Lovato on tour.
‘It’s Not That Deep’ is Lovato’s ninth studio album, which feature a dance-pop sound, unlike previous projects.
How to get tickets
Fans can grab presale tickets starting Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 10 a.m. local time, with general tickets available Friday, Oct. 31 at 10 a.m. via Live Nation.
This tour stop gives Charlotte fans a chance to hear Lovato’s newest hits like “Kiss” and “Here All Night,” alongside classics from like “Give Your Heart a Break” or “Sorry Not Sorry” — all live on stage.
The Charlotte performance is the only North Carolina stop on the tour.
On Saturday night, Justin and Hailey Bieber were spotted attending the Dijon concert in San Diego… But they weren’t alone. Kendall Jenner was right there with them — VERY up close and personally! On Sunday, celebrity gossip account Deuxmoi shared footage on Instagram of the trio from an intimate moment: Hailey and Kendall stood side-by-side as Justin wrapped his arms around both of them from behind and hugged them TIGHT while swaying to the music! See (below):
Ooooooh, now this is inneresting!
It’s been long speculated that J.B. and Kenny used to date… or at the very least hook up! The supermodel has denied such rumors in the past, claiming that the Canadian pop star is nothing more than “a longtime friend of our family,” but fans couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow.
On social media, users wrote things like:
“This is so weird since he used to hook up with Kendall.”
“These comments are so weird to me. Let people be happpyyyyy”
“friendship/relationship goals. I love this so much for them.”
“Let them live, it’s 2025..”
“Kendall is so pretty. This isn’t weird y’all, they are just all friends and have been for a long time. I’d want my husband to have good relationships with my best friends as well.”
“Everyone needs to relax and let the kids have fun.”
“The most photogenic group hug ever”
“Welp I might be in the minority here but I think this is cute and loving”
A third camp of netizens speculated that the group was perhaps under the influence — hence the touchey-feeliness:
“Rollin’ with the homies lol”
“Tell me you’re on molly without telling me you’re on molly”
“I don’t even care what he’s on — I’m just happy to see him looking relaxed & being nice to Hailey”
“The most obvious rolling behavior ever”
“Ahhhh drugs.”
“Oh they rollin rollin”
At the end of the day, these three have been friends for YEARS. But we’ll leave it up to you, Perezcious readers. What are YOUR thoughts on this three-way hug? Let us know in the comments down below!
Lainey Wilson — the Grammy-, CMA- and ACM Award-winning country star — brought her “Whirlwind World Tour” to Charlotte’s Spectrum Center on Saturday night.
The tour started in March, and the concert here was the third-to-last of 39 dates.
Here is a collection of photos from the show.
Lainey Wilson performs at the Spectrum Center Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Matt Kelley For the Observer
Lainey Wilson performs at the Spectrum Center Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Matt Kelley For the Observer
Lainey Wilson performs at the Spectrum Center Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Matt Kelley For the Observer
Lainey Wilson performs at the Spectrum Center Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Matt Kelley For the Observer
Lainey Wilson performs at the Spectrum Center Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Matt Kelley For the Observer
Lainey Wilson performs at the Spectrum Center Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Matt Kelley For the Observer
Lainey Wilson performs at the Spectrum Center Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Matt Kelley For the Observer
Lainey Wilson performs at the Spectrum Center Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Matt Kelley For the Observer
Lainey Wilson performs at the Spectrum Center Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Matt Kelley For the Observer
Lainey Wilson performs at the Spectrum Center Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Matt Kelley For the Observer
Lainey Wilson performs at the Spectrum Center Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Matt Kelley For the Observer
Lainey Wilson performs at the Spectrum Center Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Matt Kelley For the Observer
Lainey Wilson performs at the Spectrum Center Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Matt Kelley For the Observer
Right before kicking off their European shows, Nxdia made a stop in London. Not only was London sold out, every single show on the tour has been, which is an incredible feat for any artist, especially as a first-ever headline tour!
I Promise I’m Watching is a direct nod to their debut EP, I Promise No One’s Watching. The tour manages to create such an open, comfortable, and safe space. Curating a tour – and music, around coming out and the life experience of being queer, non-binary, and androgynous naturally draws in other people who are experiencing the same things and feeling the same feelings.
Image Source: Toyah Ann for The Honey POP
The setlist was everything from emotional hard-hitters like ‘Ambulance,’ and ‘Tin Man,’ to their biggest hits ‘She Likes A Boy,’ and ‘Feel Anything.’ Nxdia performed a cover of Katy Perry’s ‘I Kissed A Girl’ and all we have to say about that is bring back those pop-goes-punk albums. That was incredible – and such a fitting song, it sat perfectly in the setlist, and is obviously an LGBTQ+ anthem!
Every once in a while, a show will just hit the spot and make you feel like you’re floating. The Garage is such an iconic London venue and Nxdia themselves said they were nervous when it was being suggested to them. This show really was something else, and there aren’t enough words in any dictionary to explain the absolute euphoria that was felt.
Image Source: Toyah Ann for The Honey POP
The perfect pop-punk vibes, emotions were flowing left, right, and center, and the feeling of community was so intense it may or may not have reduced us to tears. They honour their heritage by writing lyrics in Egyptian, merging them seamlessly with the rest. Not only is it a beautifully unique characteristic to have in music, but it even encourages people to learn a new language – or at least some phrases in a new language, only creating a more open and diverse fanbase!
Being so loud and proud about your background, your journey, and your life is not something every artist can achieve. Nxdia has consistently grown over the years, from beautiful lyricism to this headline tour. The in-betweens consisted of performing at Bludfest, going viral many… many times, and perfectly curating such a memorable, admirable group of fans.
We could go on and on about Nxdia, how proud we are to have seen them grow. But we are aware that we came with unseen photos for everyone to admire so… we’ll leave it here, for now! You will be hearing from us again very soon…
If you’re looking for a new supergroup to dive into, look no further than one of our most recent musical obsessions, CVCHE! If you’re just now tuning in, you’ve done it at the perfect time! CVCHE’s debut album, Get Fluffy is due later this year, and we’ve just gotten their newest offering from the record, ‘The Star.’ We were lucky to chat with CVHCE about their upcoming record, ‘The Star,’ and so much more!
Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! To start us off, if someone is tuning in for the first time, how would you describe the kind of music CVCHE makes? No, thank YOU! We’d definitely describe ourselves as the pioneers of Rural Canadian Techno, since that genre did not previously exist – nor may it EVER exist – unless people want it to. You could also say “organic electronic jams that make you want to dance in your socks on a hardwood floor.”
Get Fluffy is due later this year! What has the process of crafting your first album together as a group been like? We set up four or five synths at one station for each of us. I would make a beat, then we’d all start dialing in sounds on our stations. Once we all had a good palette of sounds, someone would come up with a bass line or tonal starting point. Then we’d hit record and start laying in parts simultaneously, like a live jam, for about 20 minutes. We then edited the best parts into the final track. Some ended up tracking the record rather quickly, and on others, we spent a bit more time on arrangements.
How far into the creative process of ‘Get Fluffy’ did ‘The Star’ come to be? Were you still actively crafting the album? It all happened very quickly from inception to completion because of the process I outlined above. It’s a great way to work, and we just know each other so well that there was very little mucking around and/or throwing things out. We actually have a bunch more tracks we really like that aren’t coming out on the record. The chord progressions are more vocal-friendly, so we saved them to experiment with that at some point. We basically got into a great flow state and just made a whole bunch of stuff with no ‘demographic’ or all the other things you’re supposed to think about – where it fits, who will like it, etc. We just made music, and all this stuff is what came out, with no fidgeting around with expectations. It was fun. And still is!
When you’re in the midst of a jam session, and a song like ‘The Star’ starts to form, do you guys automatically realize you have something you want to dig into further and possibly release? We actually aren’t jamming in the typical sense. It’s more about coming up with a beat we all like, then a bassline, or riff, or chord progression. If we like where the early stages are going, we start dialing in sounds we like on all of our respective synth stations and all sorts of approve of them or not as we’re working them up. Once we have a big palette of sounds and the framework of the track, THEN we “jam” in a structured way for 20 – 30 minutes as every synth patched into ProTools is in record. We then edit it down with the sections we feel are gelling the most.
With CVCHE, when did the idea first spark to form this group? Were you all approached at once? Liam and Jimmy started jamming a bit after tracking a Metric record, and then I came in. We drank wine, pulled out more synths, and then decided to make a record after we’d already finished making it.
Each of you comes from different groups that we are sure have their own creative processes. How do you bring each of those into this new group, and what works best for what you want to be creating? I think all of our experience combined really helps in making navigating the technological aspect of things secondary to creativity, which can be a challenge for everyone. We know how to dial sounds up quickly, and we know how to get around our synth collections, arranging, mixing, etc., so it’s more about us playing off of each other rather than getting caught up in midi troubleshooting (which we’ve collectively probably spent 8 million hours doing). We all use Pro Tools, and it helps that Liam is a legit Pro Tools wizard.
And speaking of what you want to be creating, it’s been said that you guys want to “make releasing music as fun as creating it.” What aspect of creating music do you think is lost in the stress of releasing said music? Oh, wow, I could talk shit about algorithms all day! Making records is fun, spiritual, bonding, magical, and all the other feels, and then comes… algorithms, metadata, streaming companies, troubleshooting passwords, traffic light captchas. So romantic, isn’t it? So, we just said “fuck all this.” Yes, it has to be done, but what else can we do to keep it fun? That’s when we brought Jon Morris in as a member of CVCHE. He did Nine Inch Nails’ stage design, as well as designed for Lady Gaga and Metric, and has done loads of huge installations at Burning Man. Jon is the official-unofficial king of fun. He helped make an infinite scroller video game (it’s fun… check out www.heycvche.com), and we’re building out a super fun merch store. We’re planning a crazy, awesome live show as well. We tell more jokes on calls than we talk about business. We have no strategy to ‘beat the algorithms.’ We just have fun and, in between, fill out endless forms and upload to streamers and publishing info. Gotta keep it fun.
You recently released your single ‘Thumper.’ What inspired that song, and how did it come together? A super weird thumping sound that randomly started coming out of the MS-20… a ghost in the machine, as Sting would say. We made a track around the sound and then ended up muting it in the end — the track, as you hear it, remained.
While crafting this upcoming album, Get Fluffy, was there a song that felt like lightning in a bottle? That once it started, you guys knew it was going to be one of the ones that made the record? No, because we like all of them. We have more that aren’t on the record – more so because the chord progressions lend themselves to vocals – so we’re sitting on those for the right time.
We have to talk about the video game! Where did the inspiration come from to include this in the process of putting out music? Jon Morris brought that to the table, and his friend/coder, Sonny, dialed it all up. At the time of creating the game, with a new song release per level of the game… We are as certain as we can be that we were the first to do this in this way.
Once again, thank you guys so much for your time! Before we let you go, what can fans look forward to as we close out 2025? More sock jams that make you wanna dance in your socks on a hardwood floor, live shows from us at some point, and hopefully vacations in the Caribbean when it starts to get cold — for both us and fans alike. Who wants to make a plan!? We’re SO IN. ⚡️
We would love to hear from you! What do you think of our interview with CVCHE? Let us know by commenting below or by tweeting @TheHoneyPOP! We are also on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!
Twenty One Pilots perform during The Clancy Tour: Breach 2025 at PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte, NC, on Thursday, October 9, 2025.
DIAMOND VENCES
dvences@charlotteobserver.com
I’ve now seen Twenty One Pilots in Charlotte three times in the past six years, and yet …
… as someone who’s not a card-carrying member of the Skeleton Clique — the official name of the duo’s fanbase — these can be increasingly tricky reviews to write.
For instance, here’s what I observed over the span of a few songs performed midway through lead vocalist Tyler Joseph and drummer Josh Dun’s sold-out show at PNC Music Pavilion on Wednesday night:
As an old sedan became engulfed in flames behind him, on a B stage smack in the middle of the venue’s massive lawn, Joseph submerged his hands in wet black paint to match the dry black paint on his neck while rapping through a shortened version of “Pet Cheetah”.
Then he intentionally smeared the paint all over his white T-shirt and, moreso incidentally, got it on the white bass guitar he played during the poppy, peppy “Polarize”.
Then finally, while cranking out the groove-oriented “Chlorine” (and dishing out some messy-but-most-welcome high-fives) on his silky-smooth strut back to the main stage, Joseph made a pit stop to engage in a brief singalong with a group of fans clad in furry costumes that had little antlers and big ears.
Tyler Joseph of Twenty One Pilots performs while wearing one of two different masks he put on at PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte on Thursday (although for most of the night, his face was in full view). DIAMOND VENCES dvences@charlotteobserver.com
All-in members of the Clique, meanwhile, would have immediately recognized all sorts of symbolism tied to the lore and the mythology that the duo’s series of conceptual albums is drenched in — the burning car a nod to Joseph’s oppressed Clancy character, the black paint associated with the inner demons tormenting Joseph’s antagonistic Blurryface character, and the furry costumes a tribute to a creature named Ned that represents Joseph’s creativity.
(Obviously, I had to look this stuff up, and apparently, me trying to take a crash course in Twenty One Pilots lore is kind of like a second-grader trying to wrap their head around theoretical physics.)
The good news, however, is that even casual fans of their music can enjoy and appreciate what Joseph and Dun are doing up there.
Tyler Joseph of Twenty One Pilots performs during “The Clancy Tour: Breach 2025” at PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte on Thursday night. DIAMOND VENCES dvences@charlotteobserver.com
You don’t have to be a hardcore fan to appreciate Joseph’s versatility as an instrumentalist. He can pluck the thin strings of a ukulele on a song like “We Don’t Believe What’s on TV” or throttle the thick strings of an electric bass guitar on a song like on their 2016 hit “Heathens” with equal aplomb.
He can respectably tickle the ivories of both a traditional piano and an electronic keyboard (although he admitted while playing the former on “Garbage” that he favors the ebonies, because he thinks doing so helps hide the fact that he’s “not even very good”). And if you put him in a proper mood, he’ll even shake a tambourine, like he did for “Heavydirtysoul,” or beat a drum, like he did during show-closer “Trees” (more on that in a moment).
You also don’t have to be a hardcore fan to be impressed by Dun’s power, precision, prowess and — should he peel off his shirt, as he did at one point Wednesday night — his pecs as he pounds on his drum kit. Or to appreciate him as a strong-silent type; Dun vocalized just twice in Charlotte, first chiming in to deliver the “I’ve been this way / I want to change” lyric on “Drum Show” and later briefly adding harmony to the initial chorus of 2015 hit “Stressed Out.”
Both times the crowd reacted as if he’d announced everybody had just won a free car.
Josh Dun of Twenty One Pilots performs during “The Clancy Tour: Breach 2025” at PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte on Thursday night. DIAMOND VENCES dvences@charlotteobserver.com
Nor do you have to be a hardcore fan to appreciate how Joseph interacts with his hardcore fans, whether that’s mixing it up with the ones cosplaying as Neds; or bringing the little girl named Emma on stage and turning her into an instant star as she helped him sing the “Oh-ooo-Oh-ooo, OOHH-OOH / Oh-ooo-Oh-ooo, OOH / I’m fallin’ / So I’m takin’ my time on my ri-ee-ii-ee-ii-ide” chorus of “Ride”; or trusting little bunches of much bigger members of the Clique to hold up platforms in GA sections so that Joseph and/or Dun can perform directly in their midst.
Twenty One Pilots perform during “The Clancy Tour: Breach 2025” at PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte on Thursday night. DIAMOND VENCES dvences@charlotteobserver.com
And you don’t have to be a hardcore fan to admire Joseph’s off-beat sense of humor, which the frontman put on display most notably here in Charlotte when he said: “I want you to know I have a feeling there’s a lot of people in this room who are creatives. I want you to know, just keep making it, keep putting it out there, keep showing people. It means something to somebody, I promise.” Then, after loud cheers and a long pause, he added his kicker: “Unless it sucks.”
As if that wasn’t enough, Twenty One Pilots also continues to demonstrate a skillful way of designing TikTok- and Instagram story-ready moments for fans of all flavors.
Exhibit A: The flaming car.
Exhibit B: That one time, during a break in the middle of “Lane Boy,” when he got all 20,000 of us to crouch as low as possible — to the sound of ominous piano notes and anxious electronic drumming; followed by the the … wait for it … wait for it … NOW! moment that saw everyone springing to their feet and erupting into screams, as band extras in full hazmat suits unloaded $5,000 fog blasters into and above the crowd.
But perhaps the best example of that knack is the stunt they pull at the end of every one of their two-plus-hour shows: Joseph and Dun, standing on matching platforms held aloft by matching sets of fans, pouring a layer of water onto matching drums, and then savagely hitting those drums to the beat of “Trees,” as splashes of water and falling red confetti fill the pit.
For hardcore fans, I think all that is supposed to symbolize a baptism of sorts, symbolizing rebirth and renewal for, um, the Clancy character. I think.
The rest of us? We’re just takin’ — and enjoying — our time on the ride.
Tyler Joseph of Twenty One Pilots performs during “The Clancy Tour: Breach 2025” at PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte on Thursday night. DIAMOND VENCES dvences@charlotteobserver.com
Twenty One Pilots’ setlist
1. “Overcompensate”
2. “The Contract”
3. “RAWFEAR”
4. “We Don’t Believe What’s on TV”
5. “Tear in My Heart”
6. “Backslide”
7. “Lane Boy”
8. “Shy Away”
9. “Heathens”
10. “Next Semester”
11. “Routines in the Night”
B Stage
12. “Message Man”
13. “Pet Cheetah”
14. “Polarize”
15. “Chlorine”
Main Stage
16. “Jumpsuit”
17. “Nico and the Niners”
18. “Heavydirtysoul”
19. “The Line”
20. “Garbage”
21. “Doubt”
22. “Tally”
23. “Ride”
24. “Drum Show”
Encore:
25. “City Walls”
26. “Guns for Hands”
27. “Stressed Out”
28. “Trees”
This story was originally published October 9, 2025 at 5:04 PM.
Théoden Janes has spent more than 18 years covering entertainment and pop culture for the Observer. He also thrives on telling emotive long-form stories about extraordinary Charlotteans and — as a veteran of three dozen marathons and two Ironman triathlons — occasionally writes about endurance and other sports. Support my work with a digital subscription
Em Beihold has been a mainstay on our playlists ever since her song ‘Numb Little Bug’ came out, so it is no surprise that her artistry is displayed in her newest song ‘Hot Goblin.’ We were lucky enough to chat with Em about ‘Hot Goblin,’ the thematic through lines of her recent music, ‘Numb Little Bug,’ and so much more!
Hi Em! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! To start us off, how would you describe your music to someone who is tuning in for the first time? Hello hello! Thanks for having me! I like to describe my music as quirky piano pop that talks about difficult things with a certain degree of levity. I’ve also been described as a popified Regina Spektor, and I really like that description.
‘Hot Goblin’ is your latest track! The lyric video felt like stepping into a fairy tale book. When crafting this track, was the inspiration immediately tied to that aesthetic? Not really! When I was writing the song, I was initially thinking more along the lines of the experience of being a woman and how fickle our relationship with confidence can be. The fairytale stuff came after and felt obvious once the concept was solidified.
Something that immediately drew us to ‘Hot Goblin’ was the vulnerability hidden within this musically upbeat pop track, the understanding of insecurities, but the ability to still find confidence in that. What do writing sessions look like for a song that presents vulnerability in this way? I think my co-writers Nick Lopez, Jason Suwito, and I had a lot of fun figuring out what the term “hot goblin” means. As a girl who definitely feels the pressure to constantly present as put-together, fashionable, hot, etc. (especially from social media), it felt freeing to put a name to the feeling of embracing your insecurities and messy parts while still loving yourself completely and not feeling less than. I also wanted the song to be about that feeling on top of the world one day and at the bottom the next, so ‘Hot Goblin’ became a way to give language to that cycle. Nick has been a close friend since we wrote ‘Numb Little Bug’ together, and Jason came into my life during a rough patch in my career, so there was already a lot of trust in the room. After we laughed about the phrase “hot goblin,” which I brought into the session (kind of as a joke), they both got it and locked in immediately. That balance of humor and honesty made the writing process really special. I write my favorite songs when I’m laughing.
‘Brutus’ is another recent release of yours! This track features some of our favorite visuals from you yet! Where did the creative vision for this video come from? And what was that on-set experience like? I was really inspired by the movie Amadeus, which my mom showed me when I was going through an intense, unforgiving period of depression, where I couldn’t stop comparing myself to other female artists who were creatively unblocked and more successful than me. I related to the character of Salieri and thought it would be fun to bring that rivalry with Mozart as a vignette alongside a few others to tell the story of what I was feeling. The on-set experience is one I will never forget because it was a day full of fun and laughter with friends, which felt SO full circle after a year of essentially crying every day and hating being in my skin. I was so happy to be me and felt so proud of the art that came out of such a hard time. I also checked off two big goals of mine, which were: one, working with my co-director, Ethan Frank, whom I’ve been a huge fan of for years, and two, fencing in a music video since I was a competitive fencer for many years.
With both ‘Hot Goblin’ and ‘Brutus,’ the themes around the visuals are locked into days of old, with fairy tales and gladiator times. Is there an intentional through line there? You know what; accidentally yes. It wasn’t intentional, but I think the whole album has puzzle-pieced itself together more than I planned for. It’s whimsical, it has hints of classical music, and instruments like the harpsichord! There’s definitely some fun “historical” stuff in there.
Egg in the Backseat came out three years ago! Is there a song on that record that, for you, has just gotten better with time? I would say ‘Goo,’ because my fans have really taken to that one at my live shows. It’s kind of a sleeper, dare I say!
We, of course, have to briefly touch on ‘Numb Little Bug!’ Now that you are three years separated from the release of the track, how has your relationship to this song changed as time has gone on? Oh my gosh! I wrote that song about my unfortunate experience with antidepressants, and now (after lots of trial and error), I’ve found one that has absolutely changed my life. It’s a cool marker of where I was then, and how much I’ve grown. I will always appreciate the response to that song and how much it changed my life.
Once again, thank you so much for chatting with us! Before we let you go, what can fans look forward to as we close out 2025? My debut album is coming out very soon in 2026! It’s the proudest I’ve ever been of anything I’ve made. It’s about my journey through depression, experiencing complete loss of self, and how I have come out on the other side to be the happiest and most me I have ever been. It’s fun and pop and silly, and I’m ready for 2025 to be done so I can finally share this new music with my fans!
We would love to hear from you! What do you think of our interview with Em Beihold? Let us know by commenting below or by tweeting @TheHoneyPOP! We are also on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram!
If you’re looking for which artist is going to be the talk of the town before too long, look no further than Benjamin Steer! Benjamin Steer has just released his EP Figuring It Out, which showed us, clear as day, that we were looking at an artist who is going to have a long and prosperous career! We were lucky enough to chat with Benjamin all about the EP and so much more!
Hello Benjamin! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! To start us off, how would you describe your music to someone who is tuning in for the first time? It’s a pleasure, thank you! I would say my music is sort of a soundtrack to confusion in your 20s, a soundtrack to love, to heartbreak, and to figuring things out. I’d like to think it’s pretty cinematic but has some energy in it too!
Figuring It Out is your debut EP! What feelings accumulate as you get ready to put your first collection of songs out? It is weird. I always feel a bit of anxiety before release days, but then as soon as the project is out, the anxiety disappears. I don’t hold emotional attachment to the songs once they are out. It then becomes a case of how many people can get their ears on it. But certainly, I am really proud of these songs. I feel like it sort of marks the end of my first chapter in the music world. I feel like each song serves a different purpose; the whole thing feels pretty dynamic.
You described this record as “a hopeless romantic’s dream and downfall.” What is one lyric throughout the project that best represents the dream aspect, and on the other hand, what lyric would you say best represents the downfall? I think the dreamer line is definitely the chorus of ‘No One Wants To Die Alone,’ “Live Big Love Fast and not Die Alone.” It is sort of the payoff line in a song that lyrically is frustrated in many senses, and encapsulates the sort of desire of the EP. There are many downfall lines in the EP, so I’ll give you three: ‘Oh Darling,’ “Many nights I try to find you in other eyes… Am I blind to all that makes you you?” ’5%,’ “It’s the 5% that is in the spotlight and the 95 that hides behind my eyes – So I’ll keep it out of mind and out of sight.” ‘Sweat Off Our History,’ “I’ll thread the needle between who I am and what you want from me.” I think all of these lines sort of summarize the pressure that you have to appear complete and confident and put together… But in reality, you are still figuring things out – trying to find a purpose. And you often hide these insecurities and fears in actions and facades that are not favorable to yourself – just to appease others or numb yourself to vulnerability.
As we are writing this, the EP is officially out! What has the reaction to the record been like over the last few days? How are you feeling post-release? Honestly, I think it went as well as I had hoped. I think these things take a journey themselves when they are out. I think hopefully it has legs to continue to connect with people and make an impact. People have been so supportive and kind, and I feel very unworthy. I always say this, and it is very cliche, but I am just a dude who writes about life and love in his bedroom, so it’s surreal that it is connecting so well!
When you released ‘No One Wants To Die Alone’ last year, did you already know this track was going to be everyone’s first taste of this EP? Or was it added in as the creation of the EP went forward? No Idea. ‘NOWTDA’ always felt special. It was the first song that I wrote, and I was like, if this doesn’t become the biggest song, then I am not sure what will. It felt so right and felt so me. The EP was certainly not a manufactured Idea. It was sort of the collection of the best things I had written in the last 8 months, and it all felt rather cohesive. I think if I were to sit down with the intention of writing an ep, and with a certain goal and message, it would have almost felt like I wasn’t being authentic. That being said, ‘No One Wants To Die Alone’ was probably the first song I wrote out of the ones that made it on to the EP, so maybe in some way it did guide the sonic and messaging of the rest!
Hailing six songs, half of the record was previously released, and half of the songs were saved for release day. How do you go about deciding which songs you want to hold onto and let fans discover all at once? I think there is a feeling that you get when you have a single, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the non-single tracks are missing something. I feel like putting out a bigger body of work allows you to release songs that may never come out as a single, but you still want people to hear them. I think ‘Sweat off our History’ is a good example; this would never be a single, but that does not mean that it isn’t good. So I am glad I had the opportunity to release it.
We want to go back a bit and talk about ‘Muted Colors,’ This track changed a lot for you! When you look back, what does your relationship with that song look like now vs two years ago when it was released? I think ‘Muted Colors’ was the unexpectedly perfect first song to put out. It served its purpose in the time that it was written for me personally, but also to show an audience the type of music and messaging I wanted to pursue. I look back positively on it now for sure. It was the first stepping stone in a long journey to cross the river, and I’m so grateful that I could have even had the chance to start or embark on that journey. I think it worked because I was just honest, it was one of the first songs I had ever written and I did not really have a reference point as to what was ok and what was not. I think I do naturally cringe a little bit looking back to it now because I think my style and tone have changed a bit, but it certainly was a fantastic first step!
Once again, thank you so much for chatting with us! Before we let you go, is there anything coming up that fans can look forward to? Any live shows? Hopefully got a lot of exciting stuff coming up! Going to hopefully do another London headline before the end of the year, and then a bit more of a fuller tour in early 2026! I’m also really excited to open for Arthur Hill on his UK tour in September!
We would love to hear from you! What is your favorite song from Benjamin Steer’s EP, Figuring It Out? Let us know by commenting below or by tweeting @TheHoneyPOP! We are also on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!
The concert followed the Australian quartet’s announcement of a new forthcoming album
Credit: Andy DeLuca
As teen rockers, pop-rock band 5 Seconds of Summer never cared for being called a boyband. But just over a decade later — a string of No.1 albums, a slew of chart-topping tracks and solo projects under the belt — Luke Hemmings, Michael Clifford, Calum Hood and Ashton Irwin are embracing the label.
On Sept. 24, the Aussie group officially reemerged with its first new music since 2022’s 5SOS5. Whispers of a return began the day before when the band’s Instagram was wiped clean, save for a carousel of images that began with “5SOS are breaking up?? Click here for proof.”
Equipped with a new look that lands somewhere between goth-punk and ‘90s boyband extravagance, 5 Seconds of Summer ignited its new album cycle with the release of “Not Ok,” an arena-ready track that puts instrumental showmanship and rockstar bravado front and center. The lead single gives a taste of what’s to come on the rest of the album, Everyone’s a Star!, out on Nov. 14 through Republic Records.
Credit: Andy DeLuca
With its well-honed boyband powers, 5SOS ignited the fan bat signal and announced a free show in West Hollywood just a few hours before showtime. First come, first served, No RSVP. The girls (and some guys) came running, looping Olive Drive and down Sunset Boulevard with the hopes of being one of the lucky crowd members.
Credit: Andy DeLuca
Just after 6 p.m., a baby pink limo rolled onto The Sun Rose West Hollywood’s checkered piazza, which had been transformed from valet zone to pop-up concert, complete with a circular hot pink stage emblazoned with a black star. All fans in attendance wore t-shirts (also hot pink and black) that proclaimed “Your Favorite Boy Band.”
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Credit: Andy DeLuca
Hemmings, Clifford, Hood and Irwin hopped out of the limo to stand on top of the stretched vehicle for a moment of glory, taking in the screams and applause before hitting the stage for the live debut of “Not Ok.” Performing through technical issues, the band showed their ever-present sense of humor and encouraged the crowd to chant “Refund! Refund! Refund!” Past the blip, 5SOS powered through “Teeth” from 2020’s Calm to the palpable excitement of fans — Hemmings hardly had to sing the chorus.
Credit: Andy DeLuca
Much of the concert was dedicated to previewing the new album with more than half of the set dedicated to Everyone’s a Star! Closing with a redo of “Not Ok,” 5SOS also debuted the title track, “Boyband,” “Telephone Busy,” and “No. 1 Obsession.” But as any good boyband knows to do, the group played two other longtime favorites: pop punk breakthrough “She Looks So Perfect” and the infectious “Youngblood.”
Credit: Andy DeLucaCredit: Andy DeLucaCredit: Andy DeLuca
After taking a group bow, 5SOS piled back into the limo for an especially stylish exit. Peeling out of The Sun Rose West Hollywood driveway, the vehicle moved out slowly, careful while driving past the dedicated fans that stayed for the concert on the sidewalk, even if only to listen.
It’s a Saturday night in London, and the pubs are full of people spilling out onto the streets over laughter, clutching their half-full pints, unwinding after a long week. But on September 20th, the real buzz was not on the high street. Instead, it was at the iconic O2 Kentish Town Forum, where the queue for Grentperez’ headline show snaked around corners for miles. It’s the kind of line that makes passersby stop and ask, “Who’s playing tonight?” For one night only, the legendary stage once shared with icons like David Bowie and Bon Jovi was rebranded into Grant’s very own bar and Grill for his Backflips In A Restaurant Tour. And lucky for us, we had a table reserved and are here to share all the highlights from the unforgettable night.
Julie Clemessy Courtesy of French Press PR
A Band That Felt Like Family
Grentperez may be a solo act, but onstage, nothing about the performance felt solo. The connection between him and his band was electric, the kind of easy banter that makes you feel like you’re eavesdropping on best friends hanging out. His bassist, drummer, and even the on-stage sommelier who served ‘Cherry Wine’ all played their part in creating a story that unfolded live before our eyes. At times, Japanese pop culture references were incorporated, microphones were shared, and home videos were created. The immersive and collective atmosphere is an experience you’ll only get surrounded by fans watching your favorite artist live.
Fans As Part of the Show
Halfway through the night, we started to wonder what the empty candle-lit table was doing on stage. Sure, it added to the ambiance, but the two unused chairs had us questioning the plot. Of course, this was reserved for two lucky fans who were brought onstage and seated comfortably. If this is not a dream for any fan, we don’t know what is!
Serenaded by Grentperez while the entire Forum looked on, the moment was half pub sing-along, half rom-com. It was the kind of interaction that makes you forget you’re in a 2,300-capacity venue and convinces you instead that you’re in a neighborhood spot where everyone knows your name. It was truly such a unique experience and way to spotlight the fans.
The Perfect Setlist
The setlist for Grentperez’s Backflips In A Restaurant Tour, was crafted like the perfect cocktail, equal parts high-energy classics and mellow, heart-tugging ballads. From our spot in the crowd, we loved watching fans with wide eyes enjoy their night. Some were slow dancing with their lovers to tracks like ‘Everest’ while friends jammed out with rolled-up tour posters in their hands, doing the air guitar to ‘Headspace.’ It felt really memorable as we watched a room full of fans who cared more about being present than capturing it on their phones.
Julie Clemessy Courtesy of French Press PR
From start to finish, the night felt less like a traditional gig and more like an invitation into Grant’s own cozy candle-lit bar. A place where music, community, and warmth took over. While the soundtrack was Grentpereez’ insane live vocals (seriously, his voice is so versatile!) With every joke, every note, and every ‘Cherry Wine’ toast, he reminded us that the magic of live music isn’t just about the artist, but the atmosphere they build and the people they share it with. For one night in Kentish Town, Grentperez made London feel a little smaller, a little warmer, and a lot more like home.
Did you catch Grentperez on his Backflips In A Restaurant Tour? Let us know what you loved in the comments or tweet us at @thehoneypop or find us across Facebook and Instagram.
Looking for your next favorite artist? Look no further than one of the artists we are sure is going to have a huge year as we round out 2025 and jump into 2026: Hunter Daily! Hunter is responsible for one of our favorite EPs of the year with Claw Marks, and we were lucky enough to get to pick her brain all about the project, as well as turn back the clock and take a look back at where it all began with ‘Die in LA.’ Let’s jump in!
Hi Hunter! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! To start us off, how would you describe your music to someone who is tuning in for the first time? If a diary entry and a pop song had a baby, that would be my music. It’s folkypoppy, and confessional—like little stories you can crash out or cry to.
‘Claw Marks’ is your latest release and your fourth release from your upcoming EP sharing the same name. Can you tell us what it was about this track that made you want to name the project around it? Or did the song come from the name of the EP? The lyric is: “Everything I’ve ever let go of has claw marks on it.” That pretty much sums me up as a person and as a songwriter. This EP is about gripping too tightly, even when you know better—and ‘Claw Marks’ felt like the perfect way to name the whole messy, complicated story.
After the release of ‘Claw Marks,’ you have left two tracks unreleased from the EP. What goes into deciding what to hold back? It’s kind of like dating—you don’t give everything away on the first night. I wanted to build suspense, to leave people wondering what else is coming. Save the best for last.
The video for ‘Claw Marks’ feels so intimate and jam-packed with emotion, and for us, really brought the song alive! Can you talk to us a bit about the vision for the visuals? That video is basically my breakup paranoia turned into art. You know when you break up with someone and your brain won’t stop imagining what they’re doing without you? Who are they with? What does their life look like now? We took those spirals and put them on screen. It’s unhinged, but so is heartbreak.
‘Die in LA’ was your first track, and next month marks three years since its release. When you look back on that track, is there a skill that you honed in crafting it that can still be found in your most recent work? Wow—that’s so crazy; I can’t believe it’s been three years already! That song gave me the confidence to step into being a solo artist. It was the first time I realized I had something unique to share, a perspective that only I could bring. That song taught me how important it is for me to tell my truth.
Songwriting is a huge part of who you are as an artist. When you look at this EP, is there a lyric that you are particularly proud of? There’s one line: “A spaceman’s gonna suit up, a cowboy’s gonna ride.” It sounds playful, but it’s really about inevitability—that people are gonna do what they’re gonna do, no matter how much you want them to stay. It’s my way of making peace with that.
On a similar note, we know that crafting any project can take a village, but it’s also important to give yourself a pat on the back. Is there something you can point to on this record—whether it’s the creative process, the rollout, or beyond—that you are proud of yourself for accomplishing? I’m proud that this project actually sounds like me. Not the version of me I thought I was supposed to be, but the messy, dramatic, loves-too-hard, refuses-to-let-go version. That’s growth to me.
Once again, thank you so much for chatting with us! Before we let you go, we have to ask: Will we have some chances to hear all of this new music live soon? Oh, definitely. These songs were written to scream in a room with people. Performing them live is the part I’m most excited for—it’s where the claws really come out. I haven’t officially announced, but I do have a tour in the works!!
We would love to hear from you! What do you think of Hunter Daily’s track ‘Claw Marks?’ Let us know by commenting below or by tweeting @TheHoneyPOP! We are also on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!
A Scottsdale resident is determined to sing on stage with the Jonas Brothers during the Phoenix stop of the Greetings from Your Hometown Tour. The beloved boy band brothers are hitting stages across the country to celebrate two decades of bringing iconic pop music to audiences…
Kayla Nicole has BEEN that girl, and her viral spotlight-stealing stunt during a lap dance from Chris Brown was a reminder that she’s STILL that girl!
Source: John Lamparski/ Prince Williams
Kayla Nicole looked right at home at center stage during a steamy fan-favorite moment at Chris Brown’s Breezy Bowl in Los Angeles this weekend. The #TeamTory talent invited the gym-built beauty onstage for a special dance that really turned up the heat in SoFi Stadium on Sunday night.
The Welcome to the Pre-Game host was pretty and perched as the singer performed his classic hit “Take You Down,” and that’s exactly what he proceeded to do. We all know a song like this comes with some of Chris’ signature slangin’ and effortless acrobatics. Kayla cheered him on with a light twerk on a plush red lounger until the real show started.
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We might need to see the sports broadcast baddie as a video vixen because she didn’t miss a beat when it came to matching Breezy’s energy. As soon as the “Forever” star walked up, her legs went up during the steamy serenade. They were really showing out while he straddled the seat and basically Kayla at the same damn time.
Is it hot in here or is it just them?
Kayla played her position perfectly, with one leg wrapped around his waist and the other pushed back on his shoulder. Sis did what needed to be done! Chris had one hand on the mic and the other wrapped around her neck. He appeared to lean in for a kiss, making the passionate embrace look realistic enough that multiple fans joked they can’t stop replaying the mouthwatering moment.
Kayla Nicole Is Taking “Control Of The Narrative” Of Her Life
We love to see Kayla living her best life! This concert is the first public outing since the epic engagement news about her ex, Travis Kelce, and his next, Taylor Swift, reportedly brings her a new wave of unwanted attention.
Fans of Taylor Swift have more than enough to focus on with their fave’s upcoming big day and new album. However, Kayla claims some stans made a hobby of harassing her since the Chiefs star’s new coupledom was confirmed in 2023. On Unapologetically Angel, the former ESPN correspondent revealed that the “hate” she receives online affected her for years.
With all the scrutiny on the Tribe Therepē founder, she recently dodged The Daily Mail’s question about America’s favorite “gym teacher and English teacher” getting married. When she spoke to PEOPLE during NYFW last week, she noted that the biggest lesson she learned in the past year is that “the opinions of others are only as big as you make them.”
That’s a word! Although Kayla may keep her distance from social media these days, she set it ablaze with her concert cameo.
