The singer reacted on Twitter after the White House used “Big Boy,” originally aired as part of an SNL sketch in December 2022, in a social media post earlier this week. “White House rage baiting artists for free promo is PEAK DARK ..inhumanity +shock and aw tactics,” she wrote. “Evil n Boring.”
The White House used the viral tune to promote the actions of ICE, tweeting a video that showed agents arresting immigrants. “We heard it’s cuffing szn,” posted the White House, a reference to the song’s lyrics. “Bad news for criminal illegal aliens. Great news for America.”
SZA‘s manager Punch also seemed to address the White House post, writing on X, “Trying to provoke [artists] to respond in order to help spread propaganda and political agendas is nasty business. Knock it off.”
A representative for the White House did not immediately respond to Variety‘s request for comment.
SZA joins a growing list of artists who have spoken out against the White House for repurposing their songs for posts. Last week, Sabrina Carpenter slammed Donald Trump’s administration for using her hit song “Juno” in a video montage depicting ICE raids. “This video is evil and disgusting. Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda,” she wrote on social media.
Shortly after deleting the initial X post, the White House posted another clip of Carpenter doing an SNL commercial with the audio overdubbed so that it appears to be calling cast member Marcello Hernández “illegal” instead of “hot.”
If you think you’ve never heard Ink, we guarantee you that you’re wrong! This GRAMMY-nominated songwriter has already made it onto your playlists with songs like Beyoncé’s ‘16 CARRIAGES,’ Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s ‘luther,’ and Lay Bankz’s ‘Tell Ur Girlfriend.’ But now, she’s proudly stepping onto the stage with her own narratives and voice on her debut EP, BIG BUSKIN’, which proves that Ink is a vital storyteller defining this generation in music. We need music that connects and transforms us more than ever, and she has the perfect pen for the job.
Across 13 songs, Ink throws a moving ‘Hoedown’ that walks us through her love story with music, her views on persistence and tough times, and the passion that’s carried her through life. “They can steal your style, but they can’t steal your story,” she muses on the spoken opener, ‘Inktro,’ over a western-inspired soundscape. At the heart of each song lies Ink’s authenticity and pure, all-encompassing love for the music she makes, especially on emotive tracks like the incredible ‘God’s Been Drinkin’.’ Even the EP title is an ode to her love for her craft – some of her earliest musical pursuits involved busking and learning how to make her storytelling as moving as possible, and the ‘Tony Machine on 42nd’ interlude tells the story of one of those performances.
The hell with all that BS — press play and find out — real music is back!
Ink
We’re ‘Comin’ Back’ from our listening experience with some extra sweet news: we got to ask Ink all about BIG BUSKIN’, writing her truth, and her biggest inspirations! Press play on BIG BUSKIN’ then keep reading to learn more about the project from the musical genius who created it.
Hey Ink, congratulations on the EP release! What has it been like for you to drop it and see how much fans are loving it? It’s been incredible to drop the EP! Finally being able to say it’s out now is surreal.
There are so many thoughtful lyrics on your standout single ‘Sweet Tea,’ with one of our favorites being “we can’t take it back, so really we gotta live again.” Which line from the song are you most proud of? “Yeah, my granny never even cuss ‘til she got Alzheimer’s / Uh, real GOAT, greatest of all timers.”
The ‘Sweet Tea’ music video includes so many sweet home movie clips and throwback moments. What was it like for you to revisit so many memories for the song and video? It was the best part about it. It just took me back down memory lane. It felt so good to be back home and just have the spirit of my family and those that aren’t here anymore still be there to celebrate.
We’re so excited about your debut BIG BUSKIN’ EP! Which song were you most hyped for fans to hear and why? Which tracks are the most meaningful to you? They’re all meaningful to me, but I’m most hyped for fans to hear ‘Sweet Tea’ because they get to hear a little about the fam, and ‘All I Got’ since it really summarizes the EP. Plus all the inkerludes!
Inspired by ‘Turquoise Cowboy,’ which color do you think best matches the energy of BIG BUSKIN’? Turquoise with a little wood grain.
The BIG BUSKIN’ title nods to your own experiences busking around Atlanta, which you’ve described as “resilience in motion.” What’s something you learned during that phase of your musical journey that you’ve taken with you as you’ve grown? The world is a beautiful place, you’ve just gotta choose to see it.
In your recent INKtionary post on Instagram, you listed one of the definitions of BIG BUSKIN’ as “to live loud, global, and unapologetic – outlaw energy with superstar reach.” How do you stay true to yourself and your roots as your star rises? I just carry on the memory of the places I’ve been and the people I’ve met as I go. I take my boots off, get my feet in the grass, and connect to nature.
Alongside your own work, you have writing credits on iconic songs like Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s ‘luther,’ Beyoncé’s ‘TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,’ and Lil Nas X’s ‘STAR WALKIN’!’ How do you approach writing for another artist differently than writing for your own releases, and how do your experiences on those songs inform how you approach your music? Each artist has their own story, so I just see it as me being there to help serve them creatively. It helps me learn new things for my process, as each artist has a different process and story. They each teach me something different.
You told Billboard that you wrote the lyrics to The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill on flash cards one day after school – as a publication run by fans, we love the passion! Is there a certain song on the album that has most influenced you and your music? I think the whole album – it gives you the sense of creating a body of work. Some artists can make a few great songs, but she really made a great body of work.
From Beyoncé to Shaboozey and Post Malone, country is definitely ‘Comin’ Back’ to the mainstream spotlight lately! What do you feel makes country so moving, especially in a time when we need the magic of music more than ever? The storytelling!
You’ve called yourself “a faucet of creative energy that never runs out” to The Tennessean. When do you feel most inspired, and what inspires you most? Life and the people and places in it make me feel most inspired. I can just open my eyes and there’s a song waiting.
What can your fans look forward to in the rest of 2025/2026? Performing, pulling up, doing shows, and lots of great music. Next year I’ll also be dropping my debut album!
Is there anything else you’d like to mention or say to your fans that the questions didn’t touch on? Pull up when you see the spill!
It sounds like BIG BUSKIN’ is just the very beginning, and we can’t wait to see what Ink will spill next! Thank you so much to Ink for answering our questions and pouring so much heart into every song you touch.
Now, honeybees, we have some questions for you! What are your favorite tracks on the BIG BUSKIN’ EP? Who do you hope to hear Ink write with in the future? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! You can also buzz on over to our Reddit community to chat with us.
As promised, we’ve compiled swoon-worthy stunners (and our thirst-trappin’ celebrity faves) with SZA making her return to the series amid swirling rumors she’s cowboy canoodling with Shaboozey.
This comes after the chart-topping cowboy posted a photo dumpof some recent moments that included an eye-catching video of a woman running up to a Chinese fast food spot and, while he didn’t show her face, she looked very much like the SZA we know and love.
It didn’t take long for fans to dig up some pictures and another video proving the woman in question is, in fact, SZA, wearing the same exact outfit and posing in front of the same spot.
While this is undeniable proof that SZA and Shaboozey linked up, it’s not exactly confirmation that they’re dating. But, then again, it’s also veryyyy similar to how Klay Thompson and Megan Thee Stallion soft-launched their Klaygan coupledom a few weeks back in July.
This week’s thirst trap compilation also features Chlöe Bailey delivering heat along with Lori Harvey and Lexi Williams giving what needs to be gave.
There’s also big baddie energy from Rubi Rose, Demetria Obilor, Gem Jewels, and more so we invite you to enjoy our latest collection of top-tier thirst traps on the flip.
As The Associated Press’ music writer, Maria Sherman has seen more than 40 concerts during the first half of 2024. Here are some picks for the best shows … so far, excluding any one-off performances that cannot be repeated, and where you too can catch these artists.
Bad Bunny, “The Most Wanted Tour”
March 14, Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena
Bad Bunny’s show begins with a symphony, transitioning into the unmistakable strings of his monster hit, “Monaco.” “The Most Wanted Tour” highlights El Conejo Malo’s fifth solo album “Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana” (“Nobody Knows What Will Happen Tomorrow”) and his past reggaetón hits, too.
HIGHLIGHT: There is one moment that can only be described as equine.
OPENER: When you’re one of the biggest artists on the planet, do you really need an opener? Bad Bunny didn’t.
SEE IT YOURSELF: This particular run of shows has come to an end, but here’s a reminder to catch him next time he’s in town.
Bad Bunny performs during “The Most Wanted Tour” at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on May 15, 2024. (Photo by Paul R. Giunta/Invision/AP, File)
Olivia Rodrigo, “GUTS World Tour”
April 5, New York’s Madison Square Garden
Rodrigo’s spirited punky-pop warms an arena, as does her irreverent charms and Disney-informed dancing. If women performing their rage has fallen out of vogue, Rodrigo has brought it back, full force.
HIGHLIGHT: For the fans of her big-hearted ballads — in one moment, she’s lifted into the air and circles the arena in a purple crescent moon to slow things down.
OPENER: The Breeders — fronted by the Pixies’ Kim Deal — legends of ’90s college radio and indie rock. There’s something completist about hearing an arena discover “Cannonball” for the first time, a song that no doubt inspired Rodrigo’s music.
SEE IT YOURSELF: Rodrigo heads back to the U.S. this month with a new opener, the U.K. hyperpop producer PinkPantheress, before the Breeders return for two final nights in Los Angeles.
Brutalismus 3000, “AMERIKATRÄUME”
April 11, New York’s Knockdown Center
Every generation gets the Crystal Castles it deserves. Or in less niche language: This Berlin duo brings humor to their music, which veers from hyperactive techno to German Neue Deutsche Welle in their acquired-taste electronica. The shows are sweaty, and no matter your age, you will be the oldest person in attendance.
HIGHLIGHT: The duo samples Dido’s soft-pop hit “White Flag,” while waving a white flag. It works.
OPENER: The techno-punk LustSickPuppy, whose abrasive rave music is presented as a kind of nightmarish clown show.
SEE IT YOURSELF: Brutalismus will be hitting a few festivals in Europe this summer and fall.
Nicki Minaj, “Pink Friday 2 World Tour”
May 1, New York’s Barclays Center
She will run on club time, and she will not disappoint. Nicki Minaj’s “Pink Friday 2” is almost a retrospective of her chart-toppers, shifting alter-egos with incredible ease.
HIGHLIGHT: At this particular show, Minaj brought out Cyndi Lauper to duet “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” after 1 a.m.
OPENER: Monica has joined Minaj for this tour, and in Brooklyn, Pepa of Salt-N-Pepa opened the show.
SEE IT YOURSELF: Minaj is hitting the European festival circuit this summer, then heading back to the U.S. in September.
Nicki Minaj performs during the MTV Video Music Awards on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File)
Sum 41, “Tour of the Setting Sum”
May 6, New York’s Brooklyn Paramount
Canadian pop-punk band Sum 41 has called it quits — and they’re going out in a blaze of glory, a farewell tour that has the immediacy of their youth.
HIGHLIGHT: Sum 41 does not want to exit quietly — they prove their endurance with an explosive set, fireworks and mosh pits and all. There’s also a giant, blow-up skull.
OPENER: The Interrupters, a ska-punk band that revitalized the genre, are worth arriving early for. At future dates, Sum 41 will be joined by Gob, Pup, Neck Deep and the Bronx.
SEE IT YOURSELF: Sum 41 is zigzagging across Europe and North America through early 2025.
Deryck Whibley of Sum 41 performs during Sonic Temple Art and Music Festival on Friday, May 17, 2024, at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP, File)
Megan Thee Stallion, “Hot Girl Summer Tour”
May 21, Madison Square Garden
Not every artist can sell out Madison Square Garden on her first tour, but Megan Thee Stallion is not every artist. On her stage, Megan is an athlete and a dancer who delivers her fierce bars with an incredible crispness.
HIGHLIGHT: “WAP” is a can’t miss moment, of course — particularly if Cardi B makes a surprise appearance, like she did at MSG.
OPENER: Tennessee rapper GloRilla, who was most recently featured on the great, braggy “Accent” from the headliner’s third album, “Megan.”
SEE IT YOURSELF: Europe will get to catch her in July, before she heads back home for a few festivals.
Megan Thee Stallion performs during the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in Manchester, Tenn. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)
The Rolling Stones, “Stones Tour ’24 Hackney Diamonds”
May 23, East Rutherford, New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium
The Rolling Stones ran through 60 years of hits across two hours, including cuts from their first album of new material in nearly two decades, “Hackney Diamonds.”
HIGHLIGHT: When it comes to The Rolling Stones, the entire show is the highlight — but for this audience, it was likely the rollicking rendition of “Wild Horses.”
OPENER: The soulful Jon Batiste, an award-show staple for a reason.
SEE IT YOURSELF: The Stones’ North American tour continues through July.
Ronnie Wood, from left, Mick Jagger, Steve Jordan, and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones perform during the “Hackney Diamonds” tour at Soldier Field on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Chicago. (Photo by Rob Grabowski/Invision/AP, File)
George Strait
June 8, MetLife Stadium
They call him the King of Country for a reason. Live, George Strait can transform his one-off stadium shows into a honky-tonk; he performs with a big band and a lot of heart.
HIGHLIGHT: The closest a person can get to levitation is singing along to “Amarillo by Morning” in a stadium of tens of thousands.
OPENER: Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town, with Stapleton joining Strait for a new song called “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame.”
SEE IT YOURSELF: Strait has a two more stadium dates in July — in Detroit and Chicago — and another in December, in Las Vegas.
George Strait performs at the iHeartCountry Festival on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Jack Plunkett/Invision/AP)
SEE IT YOURSELF: Many of these artists will be hitting festivals in North American and Europe this summer. In fact, if you want to catch SZA, Sexyy Red and Chappell Roan in one go, consider Lollapalooza in August. Pluma is currently on his “Éxodo Tour” across North America, running through October.
Chappell Roan performs during the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival on Sunday, June 16, 2024, in Manchester, Tenn. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)
Sexyy Red performs during the Governors Ball Music Festival on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)
CLAMM
Feb. 18, Melbourne, Australia’s Northcote Social Club
In the search for thrilling, cathartic underground music — particularly of the indie variety — look no further than the rich scene of Melbourne, Australia. CLAMM, the punk trio, brings a controlled aggression to their live show. It is ferocious noise punk that hits like inhaling hand sanitizer — stinging alert their audience with clever agitation.
HIGHLIGHT: Later this month, CLAMM will release a new record, “Disembodiment.” Live, they’ve begun performing the chant-along opening cut, “Change Enough.”
OPENER: At this particular show, the Aussie indie band Scott and Charlene’s Wedding and the rapper Mulalo. A genre-diverse club show is a life-affirming club show.
SEE IT YOURSELF: CLAMM are headed to Europe for a series of dates this July, and back to Australia in August.
Popstars have been the backbone of the music industry for decades upon decades. There were OG divas like Whitney Houston and Britney Spears. There were Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Rihanna. But it felt like we were in need of a fresh sound.
Most of our original pop girls are onto ventures like starting beauty lines, starring in films, writing books, and starting families. There wasn’t an immediate need to release albums or tour anymore. So the takeover of male artists on Billboard charts ensued.
Of course, the shine to Taylor Swift will blaze on. But the world grows tired of hearing the same few artists over and over. As always, there’s a bright new, shiny Next Big Thing on the horizon.
The summer of 2024 proves that you don’t necessarily need to be a “new” artist to rise to superstardom. Ever since Coachella, it has become clear that there are two Next Big Things in the realm of pop music: Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan.
Both Carpenter and Roan signed to labels when they were young. You may know Carpenter from opening for Swift on The Eras Tour or her stint as a Disney star. And you may know Chappell as the opener for Olivia Rodrigo on The Guts Tour.
Chappell has been signed to Atlantic Records since she was 17 – back when she uploaded an original song called “Die Young” to YouTube. Under Atlantic, Chappell released an EP and eventually, in 2020, released “Pink Pony Club.” Not long after, she was dropped.
Everything shifted in September 2023. After being dropped from the label, she remained independent until releasing her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, through Island Records.
Come 2024, Chappell toured the album in two parts, captivating fans’ hearts with her wit, her live vocal ability, and her homemade tour outfits that were equally as camp as her music.
In the meantime, she remained in control of her social media accounts. Regularly posting funny TikTok anecdotes, capturing more fans in her web along the way. Although Chappell’s album was receiving rave reviews, we were still a little ways away from the world finding her.
Once she joined friend Olivia Rodrigo on The Guts Tour (previously appearing as The SOUR Tour opener), Roan’s streams saw a 32% increase. But this was only the beginning.
April 2024 marks the complete juggernaut of Chappell Roan’s career. She’s no longer a best-kept secret. Chappell Roan – who sings candidly about sexuality and celebrates being gay in her drag-inspired makeup, her wild red hair, and her Lady Gaga-esque dedication to dramatics – was about to become the next mega-popstar.
The Rise Of Chappell Roan
In early April, Chappell released “Good Luck Babe” as the next single from The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. It felt like the start of the rest of her career. Her way of telling the world: here I am to give you the latest, refreshing pop music. And while I’m at it, shine light on the LGBTQ+ community.
The song received 7 million streams in the first week, “Good Luck Babe” became her fastest song to reach 100 million streams in no time. And then came the Coachella performance.
Chappell was set to perform in the Gobi tent. If you’re clued in to Coachella lore, the tents are generally smaller venues compared to the stages. It’s not typically reserved for bigger artists because they draw larger crowds.
However, during Chappell Roan’s Weekend I set, the Gobi tent overflowed with fans and new listeners alike. The world was watching on the Coachella livestream. And thanks to social media, thousands of TikToks and Instagram Reels were sourced and shared to millions of viewers.
Chappell Roan caught the world’s attention by being true to herself. Her humility and humor make her relatable – she often displays emotions on stage no matter what they are. Her avant-garde makeup and outfits pay homage to fabulous drag queens and are reminiscent of Lady Gaga in 2010.
And of course, her music brings back a sense of fun to the world. Each song is catchy, daring, and reveals Roan’s true colors. After Coachella, her monthly listener count on Spotify saw a 500% increase to 7 million.
The Year Of Chappell Roan Continues
Since then, the world’s attention is on Chappell Roan. Her monthly listener count sits at over 24 million. She’s dined with new friend Elton John, who shared her album with Ed Sheeran, who also adores it.
She took the stage at Gov Ball 2024 inside an apple, dressed as the Statue of Liberty, holding a massive joint…to a massive crowd – bigger than the headliners. She’s as in-demand as it gets right now…publicly declaring she turned down a visit to the White House until there’s liberty and justice for all.
In an audacious performance, Chappell Roan declares herself as “your favorite artist’s favorite artist.” And she’s not wrong anymore. It’s no longer simply an outrageous statement. Simply put. Chappell Roan is a sensation.
She receives acclaim from Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, SZA, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, and so many more. And has been candid about struggling with her recent rapid rise to the top – breaking down onstage, sharing with viewers on TikTok that many pop girls are really just as nice as they seem.
As she continues to grow and flourish in the public eye, Chappell Roan’s bearing up under the burden of pop princess. It’s something she has in common with another rising star, Sabrina Carpenter – who often goes viral for her off-the-cuff comments and sexual innuendos.
A new voice of our generation – Chappell Roan is a breath of fresh air. The people love honesty, they love personality, and they love fine music. Thank goodness Chappell Roan has all three.
You can stream Chappell’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess here:
New York is home to an abundance of A-listers and socialites, the Met Gala, a rich sports history, and a strong hand in the music industry. In terms of music hotspots, the Big Apple reigns as the East Coast capital for major record labels, festivals, and stunning venues.
The summer brings live performances to an already thriving music scene…my personal favorite is The Governor’s Ball. Also known as Gov Ball, it takes place in Corona Park in Flushing, Queens and is a must-attend for music lovers everywhere.
From Sea.Hear.Now to Coachella, I love a good festival. I constantly rave about the benefits of spending your money on a festival over a concert. In Girl Math terms, it’s the most fiscally responsible choice: you get to see 100 concerts for the price of one.
Each year at Gov Ball, the biggest artists in the world spanning multiple genres gather for memorable performances. From June 7-9, 2024, tens of thousands of fans will flock to Corona Park to hear the likes of Post Malone, SZA, Sabrina Carpenter, Peso Pluma, and more.
What makes Gov Ball unique is their commitment to the fan experience. It’s not just a haphazardly thrown festival with lackluster stage production, lack of water and bathrooms, and barely edible food. No, Gov Ball has been a renowned local gem for over a decade.
For years, my friends have told tall tales of their past lives at Gov Ball…it’s something everyone who’s anyone in the Tri-State Area has attended at least once in their lives. It’s our East Coast Coachella.
This year, I’m super excited to be attending Gov Ball and giving you all the inside information you need. It’s one of the hottest festivals this summer, you won’t want to miss out.
We’re officially one month away, so here’s what you need to know so far.
Gov Ball lineup Gov Ball 2024
Ultimately, what gets everyone excited about a festival is the lineup. GovBall rarely misses with their performers, and this year has a great mix of different genres and names in the industry.
GovBall 2024’s headliners feature: Post Malone and Rauw Alexander, The Killers and 21 Savage, and SZA and Peso Pluma. Other performances include Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Renee Rapp, Dominic Fike, Labrinth, Sexxy Redd, and more.
With such a diverse lineup, there’s a chance to see artists you know and love…and perhaps be introduced to your next favorite singer. Live performances show you an artist’s true colors – especially in a lineup like GovBall.
Gov Ball Food and Drinks
Gov Ball food and bev list 2024 Gov Ball
What may be equally as important as the music is the food. I’ve been to countless festivals where I’d almost rather starve than eat their cuisine. Yes, the $18 pulled pork sandwich may look good on the outside, but on the inside it’s somehow flavorless.
Luckily, GovBall highlights local favorites and a variety of cuisines that people actually rave about. Their food vendors include top-rated NYC essential establishments such as Magnolia Bakery, Van Leeuwan, Mao’s Bao, and Gotham Burger.
This is the one time in my life I’m looking forward to trying the food at a festival…and that’s because GovBall takes the time to highlight New York City’s diverse culture. They’re well aware that not everyone gets a chance to see the city that never sleeps…so they bring it to you.
Plus, with featured beverages like Aperol Spritz, Dunkin Donuts, Espolon Tequila, Jack Daniel’s, and more, you’re guaranteed a good time.
Getting Tickets To Gov Ball
Here’s where Gov Ball impresses me the most: the options for attending the festival are endless. Sure, there’s your classic 3-day pass or you can choose to attend an individual day if there’s a specific artist you want to see. But what stands out are the other opportunities to upgrade your experience.
The GA+ option allows access to private, air-conditioned bathrooms in the GA+ Lounge. You’ll also have a private bar, which genuinely saves a ton of time. There’s nothing worse than waiting in a line when your favorite artist is about to perform.
If you want an elite experience, the VIP pass is for you. With luxury lounges throughout the festival, a sectioned area for a more private concert experience at the front of the stage, access to the express lane at merch stands, and all the amenities of GA+.
Although pricey, VIP tickets eliminate all the festival hiccups attendees can face. Bathroom and merch lines can be taxing everywhere, and in the summer heat you don’t want to spend a lot of time waiting around.
But that’s not all! If you’re dying to see an artist and want the insider experience…there’s a one-day Ultimate pass, which offers up backstage access to Artist Village, $100 credit to use towards merch, golf cart transportation between stages, and access to a shared all-inclusive Guest Cabana.
Popdust’s Gov Ball Must-Sees
Let’s be frank, we’re all at the festival for one thing and that’s the music. I’m super excited to catch a few of my tried and true artists like The Killers, Post Malone, and Renee Rapp…however, this will be my first time seeing a bunch of my favorite artists live.
Here’s who you absolutely need to see when you go to GovBall 2024:
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter has not stopped performing. From her own emails i can’t send tour to opening for Taylor Swift on The Era’s Tour to Coachella to GovBall. It won’t be long before she’s on the main stage for these festivals, so catch her while you can.
Chappell Roan
Chappell RoanRyan Clemens
Another force in the music industry is bubblegum pop princess, Chappell Roan. Roan went viral for her iconic Coachella performance – you won’t want to miss her fervent fanbase and electric live shows.
Goth Babe
Goth BabeInsomniac
Goth Babe’s music is made for the summer. If you want a relaxing, transcendental experience then see Goth Babe.
Post Malone
Post MaloneMeg Young
A superstar artists in the industry (and he’s making a run at the country scene), Post Malone is a mega-talented performer. I caught him a few years back at Firefly Music Festival and can’t wait to see him again.
Renee Rapp
Renee Rapp
Renee Rapp seamlessly floats between actor and singer without missing a beat. After seeing her live a few months ago, I instantly became a fan of her music. She’s an enigma who keeps growing.
Head-Hottie-In-Charge Megan Thee Stallion was back at it again with the thunderous twerks–this time, kicking off her now-viral “Wanna Be” challenge with a thrilling display of cake-clappery that sent social media into a FRENZY.
“IG after dark lol and nobody better not challenge me bc this the best a** on IG 🤪 or if you think so tag me in your video 😂 stream WANNA BE,” she captioned on the video that skyrocketed to over 2 million Likes.
The caked up challenge comes just days after the release of her and GloRilla‘s highly anticipated collab “Wanna Be” and its accompanying visuals ahead of the dynamic duo’s upcoming tour.
A benevolent baddie, Meg tagged in SZA, Latto, Normani, Cardi B, and more to join the trending challenge that gets bigger (and bouncier) by the hour.
So far, Big Latto is the only big name to enter the challenge with notable submissions from Baddies star Scotlyn aka Scotty With The Body, and more.
With a hit single, viral challenge, and several sold out shows, Meg and Glo’s ‘Hot Girl Summer’ Global Tour already off to an amazing start.
The tour kicks off on May 14 in Minneapolis and make stops at several major cities across the United States including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, a hometown performance in Houston before wrapping up in Las Vegas on June 22.
The international leg of Megan’s tour kicks off in Glasgow, Scotland on July 4 with additional shows in England, France, Germany and Ireland.
Who would you want to see participate in the ‘Wanna Be’ Challenge? Will you be pulling up to the ‘Hot Girl Summer’ Tour? Tell us down below and peep the social media hysteria over Hot Girl Meg’s social media-shattering twerk vids on the flip.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — The countdown to Dreamville Festival is just a day away.
Raleigh’s Dorthea Dix Park is closed on Friday as the final touches are being put together, gearing up for the weekend’s festival.
But, the excitement starts today.
All week-long crews at the park have worked to assemble each stage, the Ferris wheel and other attractions on the big field.
Local businesses have also been preparing.
Earlier in the week, ABC11 learned last year’s festival brought in $145 million. Tourism officials are expecting another 100,000 people all over the world to come back to the Oak City.
They’re one of the vendors participating in a free public block party outside of CAM Raleigh Museum in the Warehouse District the Friday before Dreamville.
WATCH | Businesses brace for surge of customers during Dreamville Festival in Raleigh: ‘Biggest Party’
Raleigh businesses, restaurants and hotels are bracing for a surge of visitors for the 2-day Dreamville Festival in Dix Park.
“People were getting last-minute (out)fits for Dreamville here,” Manager Iyana Thompson said.
The free events in downtown Raleigh start at 11 a.m. and last all day.
Dates for the 2024 Dream Festival are Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, 7 at Dorthea Dix Park. Some of the festival’s biggest performers include SZA, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj and festival co-founder and Fayetteville native J Cole.
Look, concerts are great. I would love to see my entire Spotify Wrapped lineup live. And I’ve spent thousands of dollars on Harry Styles alone — judge me if you want, I don’t plan on stopping. But my wallet isn’t as enthusiastic.
That’s where the beloved music festival comes in. It’s the best opportunity to see a bunch of artists in the span of a few days. You either love them or you’re not built for them…and I fall somewhere in between.
A music festival is the equivalent of an appetizer sampler; you get to see some artists you normally wouldn’t spend money on, and you also get some of your classic favorite artists all on the same lineup. For example, I went to Firefly Music Festival to see Billie Eilish…and left loving The Killers.
Now that the weather is getting warmer and we are increasingly more open to the idea of leaving our homes, festival season is quickly approaching. Coachella, one of the world’s most famous (and potentially overrated) festivals, occurs every year in April and kicks off a slew of fun music festivals to attend.
The only issue is: how do you choose the best music festival for you? With over 50 festivals listed already this Spring and Summer 2024, it can be hard to choose. I like to check out the lineups and see which festivals have the most new artists for me to discover. Then, I take a look at where they’re happening and make my decision from there.
I’ve rounded up a few festivals happening in the US in 2024 that are both newsworthy and will get you to see the most relevant artists in the industry. Enjoy the food, the shopping, the arts, and the acts!
Who? Dominic Fike, Duke Dumont, Hippo Campus, Gorgon City, SG Lewis, Dayglow, DRAMA, and more.
What? A music festival thrown by non-profit, The M3F Fund, where 100% of proceeds go to charities like Habitat for Humanity, Phoenix Rescue Mission, Arizona Helping Hands, and more. It’s a great way to give back while having fun with your friends and family, and their lineup is always good.
Who? Lana Del Rey, Tyler, The Creator, Doja Cat, Lil Uzi Vert, John Summit, Dom Dolla, Jon Batiste, Bleachers, No Doubt, J Balvin, and more.
What? The festival where spotting an influencer or two will be the highlight of your trip. You probably won’t make out with Timothee Chalamet, but you definitely will eat some overpriced food. However, you have to go to Coachella once in your life. This year marks the reunion of No Doubt — and perfect timing, since TikTok has revived their music for Gen Z.
Who? Noah Kahan, Weezer, Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, Arcade Fire, Young the Giant, Girl in Red, and more.
What? A great mix of indie and rock acts spread throughout the weekend. I would travel far and wide to see Noah Kahan ahead of his summer arena tour, and this is a great excuse to do so.
Who? Zach Bryan, Lana Del Rey, Odesza, The Chainsmokers, Cage The Elephant, Renee Rapp, Dominic Fike, Dom Dolla, and more.
What? One of the most diverse music festivals in terms of genre…Hangout Music Festival has everything- from popular EDM acts to country to pop. It’s also one of the few tour dates Lana Del Rey has right now, so go see her while you can.
Who? Post Malone, The Killers, 21 Savage, Sabrina Carpenter, SZA, Peso Pluma, Sexxy Red, Renee Rapp, Labrinth, Goth Babe, and more.
What? Located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Gov Ball is an iconic festival to start the summer. This year’s lineup is worth your time with festival favorites like The Killers and Post Malone, and exciting additions like Goth Babe and Sabrina Carpenter.
Who? FISHER, Post Malone, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fred Again…, Maggie Rogers, Cage The Elephant, Cigarettes After Sex, Diplo, Two Friends, Carly Rae Jepsen, Lizzy McAlpine, and more.
What? Bonnaroo hosts some of the hottest musical acts in the industry year after year. This year’s lineup includes Megan Thee Stallion, Renee Rapp, T-Pain, Sean Paul, and more. I couldn’t think of anything better.
When commuting to work, I do a lot of people watching. Call me creepy, but in New York City, there’s not much else you can do besides be hyper-aware of your surroundings. And that includes taking note of the three main different types of commuters.
There’s the insufferable worker: has a classic novel folded as they lean against the subway rails, barely cognizant of the fact that they could be launched onto their neighbor at any moment. Yes, they’re waiting for someone to ask them if they truly enjoy the discourse of the Charles Dickens book they’re toting.
Then there’s the head down, hating-the-world commuter who just needs to get to their destination in one piece. Do not make eye contact, you’ll turn to stone.
…And then there’s me: the off-duty DJ. At any moment, I’m hoping someone stops and asks me what song I’m listening to for their TikTok’s. I’m bobbing my head, there’s a little skip to my step, and I’m rocking out at all times. I like to think of myself as the pedestrian version of Baby Driver.
Music gets me out of bed and helps me hype myself up for work. It’s the background noise as I get ready to go out each weekend. It’s also part of my job. I should have a black card Spotify membership at this point.
So, as we know, I spend the week gathering up all the new music that’s released every Friday and compiling a playlist that is so irresistible you’ll spend the weekend replaying it. If you’re looking for new music, well, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve got another week filled with fresh tracks you won’t wanna miss. Without further ado, let’s get listening!
“Saturn” – SZA
GRAMMY award winner, SZA, is fresh off her SOS album: a thrilling sophomore addition to her no-skips, no-miss collection of music. She’s gearing up to release the deluxe reissue of the album titled, Lana, and “Saturn” is her first submission. It’s your classic, dreamy SZA sound with ethereal beats and longing vocals.
Singing about how she doesn’t belong on this planet, how life is better on Saturn – where none of this matters. It’s about the sheer feeling of escapism that overwhelms you from time to time…and it gets us excited for what comes next.
“Planet” – Aidan Bissett
Aidan Bissett has a unique way of combining rock and pop to create an earworm-worthy single. Alongside his EP, Supernova, Bissett releases “Planet” – a song about finding inspiration in the most unlikely places. Written after being ghosted, he touches on real-life experience to produce yet another banger in his already impressive discography.
Begging for someone to “come back down to this earth”, Bissett bursts into the chorus lamenting how he’s wasting his time and unable to understand his partner…so she must be from another planet. It’s a softer edge to Bissett that works just as well as his upbeat songs.
“Proud” – SERGIO
When interviewing SERGIO a while ago, you could tell he was someone who had two things figured out: his sound, and how he wants to stay true to making music he loves. You can see this reflected in his new song, “Proud”, which emphasizes all the hard work he has put in to get to where he is now.
SERGIO’s voice is smooth, clean-cut, and soothing, gently guiding you throughout the song filled with catchy pop sounds and passionate lyrics. “Proud” is a perfect example of how SERGIO can make a song both relatable and unique all in one.
“All I Want” – Simi
Simi is a star in her own right: an actress, a songwriter, a singer, and a performer. She owns her own label, Studio Brat, which is where she’s releasing her next single, “All I Want” – and it’s every bit as fulfilling as the rest. An upbeat, encouraging song that is dedicated to finding love, Simi makes it all feel possible with this new single.
“All I Want” is her follow up to last year’s ballad, “Stranger”, which is an exemplification of her vocal range and songwriting ability. It’s rare to have someone who can do it all, but Simi seemingly does it with ease.
“Believe” – USHER
Fresh off a Super Bowl Halftime performance, USHER has had himself a year. An extended Vegas residency that draws A-list crowds (my roommate sat next to the Kardashian’s table), and now new music as the cherry on top of it all. “Believe” is everything you love about USHER: his traditional R&B sound, littered with vocal runs and sensual sounds.
“Believe” is your reminder that USHER isn’t going anywhere, any time soon. He looks as good as he did when he was performing “Somebody To Love” with Justin Bieber, and he sounds even better.
Drake, Sexyy Red, and the baby from American Sniper play perfect families in the video for “Rich Baby Daddy.” Aubrey cosplays suburban family man, making home videos of him and new bride Sexyy Red celebrating her pregnancy. When her water breaks in the middle of the video, Drake, Sexyy, and SZA take the party to the hospital and turn up, much like how Sexyy Red actually did when she gave birth earlier this month. “Rich Baby Daddy” was released last year, on Drake’s For All the Dogs, but the video needed some more time to gestate. Now all three collaborators have new things to celebrate: Sexyy Red has a new child, SZA has multiple (and yet still not enough) Grammy Awards, and Drake just won huge betting on the Super Bowl.
Fresh off winning three GRAMMY Awards, SZA sits down with SiriusXM’s J1 to talk about all things GRAMMYs, her live performance, and her partnership with Mastercard. Hear about the making of her new song, “Saturn,” her passion for the environment, and her support of forest restoration with the Priceless Planet Coalition.
And, as part of this special collaboration, we are on a mission to plant trees – this is your opportunity to do your part!
Share this siriusxm.com/mastercard link with friends and family and they can get 4 months free of SiriusXM streaming.
Plus, when they sign up for this 4 month free offer, we’ll help plant 10 trees plus 2 more for each hour they listen on the app (up to 15 hrs.) through 3/31/24, up to half a million trees.*
*$2/tree. Up to 30 more trees for streaming (2 trees/hr streamed, max 15 hrs) per subscriber to this offer during the term. Ends 3/31/24 or when max $1M donation is reached, whichever occurs first. Funds donated to Conservation International a U.S. 501(c)(3) charity. Automatically renews for $9.99/mo. after trial. Visit My Account on siriusxm.com to manage/ cancel. New & eligible returning subscribers only. Add’l terms apply.
SZA Sweepstakes
Also, don’t SNOOZE on this! We are giving five lucky fans the chance to win a custom planter, seeds from SZA’s 2024 performance at GRAMMY House presented by Mastercard, and a framed autographed photo of SZA. Click HERE for full details and to enter on The Heat’s Instagram page.
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SZA is all smiles after receiving her flowers — literally and figuratively — in the last week. After securing three GRAMMY awards on Feb. 4, the singer got another sweet surprise from Beyoncé!
She took to social media to thank the star for her kindness, recognition, and beautiful bouquet of white roses.
“Thank you for seeing me before anyone else saw me. Thank you for making me feel valuable when I was the tiniest in the room. Thank you for shining your light on me and pouring into me with Goddess-level kindness. May God continue to protect and bless you, queen,” SZA wrote on Instagram Story.
As mentioned, SZA’s message was a response to Bey’s overall support and the card attached to the floral delivery.
“I’m so happy for you, beautiful! Watching you grow and watching you win is an honor. Sending you a huge congrats talented queen. All my love and respect, B”
See SZA and Beyoncé’s sisterly exchange below.
SZA secured nine GRAMMY nominations this year. By the end of the 66th Grammy Awards ceremony on Sunday, she had killed a stage performance and collected three wins.
She won ‘Best R&B Song’ with her hit track ‘Snooze’ and ‘Best Progressive R&B Album’ for ‘SOS.’ The artist also snagged the W in the ‘Best Pop Duo/ Group Performance’ for ‘Ghost in the Machine’ featuring Phoebe Bridgers.
Beyoncé Congratulates SZA After Jay-Z Blasted The Recording Academy At The Show
Beyoncé’s kind words for SZA came after Jay-Z popped off — professionally — on the Recording Academy during their own show!
As previously reported, the ‘Empire State of Mind’ rapper took the stage to accept the second annual Dr. Dre Global Impact Award. Rather than speak of his impact, he used his speech to highlight his wife’s accomplishments and critique how the Recording Academy has honored her.
Despite having a historic 88 GRAMMY nominations, Bey has never won in the ‘Album of the Year’ category. And yes, she’s been nominated before, more than once! Jay-Z highlighted that part, saying that even by the academy’s standards “that doesn’t work.”
“Some of you gon’ go home tonight and feel like you’ve been robbed. Some of you may get robbed. Some of you don’t belong in the category,” Jay said. “Nah, when I get nervous, I tell the truth. But outside of that, outside of that, we gotta keep showing up.”
The 66th annual Grammy Awards were last night at the Crypto.com Arena in the not-so-sunny Los Angeles, California. As storms raged outside the arena, I tuned in for close to five hours of red carpet coverage and the sparkling ceremony to watch music’s biggest night and make my own judgments.
At some points agonizing, the Grammys truly take their time. Packing performance after performance, people going well over their speech time, and leaving the main awards for the very end can feel never-ending. However, this year’s Grammy Awards had everything: Taylor Swift announcing a brand new album, Tortured Poet’s Department, Miley Cyrus getting her first two Grammy’s and delivering iconic speeches and performances, nods to Barbie, a visit from Celine Dion and a few controversial decisions.
I mean, even Jay-Z took a shot at the Recording Academy for not giving Beyonce any Album of the Year awards despite having the most nominations. Taylor Swift brought Lana Del Rey on stage while accepting Album of the Year for Midnights to recognize how many artists’ sounds Del Rey’s influenced despite never having won a nomination. The Academy gets it wrong, and often.
Who Won At The 2024 Grammys?
Here are some winners from a few of the main categories, including the top four awards…And may I add that some of my predictions were spot on?
Record of the Year: “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
Album of the Year: Midnights by Taylor Swift
Song of the Year: “What Was I Made For” by Billie Eilish and FINNEAS
Best New Artist: Victoria Monet
Producer of the Year: Jack Antonoff
Best Pop Solo Performance: “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
Best Pop Duo Performance: “Ghost in the Machine” by SZA and Phoebe Bridgers
Best Pop Vocal Album: Midnights by Taylor Swift
Best Pop Dance Recording: “Padam Padam” by Kylie Minogue
Best Rock Performance: “Not Strong Enough” by boygenius
Best Country Album: Bell Bottom Country by Lainey Wilson
Best R&B Song: “Snooze” by SZA
Who Should’ve Won At The 2024 Grammys?
The Grammy Awards are decided by the Academy- a group of voters within the music industry who I sometimes think forget to listen to the music of the nominees. It’s why Jay-Z spoke up while receiving the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, it is quite shocking that Beyonce has never won Album of the Year.
While everyone at the Grammy’s deserves their awards, multiple artists got onstage to say this is not what they make music for. Artists like Miley Cyrus said she felt this happy yesterday because she’s doing it for herself. Taylor Swift thanks her fans, and says she’s happiest when making songs and doing what she loves…but sometimes, the awards gods are fickle.
Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire” went home empty-handed, which was another surprise. While GUTS may not be my favorite work of Rodrigo’s, “Vampire” was a chart-topping, viral song that I truly thought would win something. SZA’s SOS album was on top of the Billboard Hot 100 every week but failed to receive a mention in the top categories like Album of the Year.
Lana Del Rey, who’s been nominated upwards of 10 times and wrote one of the best albums in the culmination of her already iconic discography with Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Boulevard? Received zero awards throughout the night. In a controversial move, Taylor Swift brought her up on stage so the world can recognize all Lana’s done.
In the Best New Artist category, Ice Spice and Noah Kahan were betting favorites to win…but ultimately, it went to Victoria Monét.
It’s been years since Cyrus has graced any sort of stage, and she didn’t disappoint. Every bit as honest, exciting, and a true rockstar as she’s ever been, Miley Cyrus is one-of-a-kind. From chiding the audience for not singing along to celebrating her first Grammy win during her performance of “Flowers”, you could tell that Miley just wanted to have fun.
She even shared she was doing this performance so she could watch clips of it later…and also admitted to foregoing underwear. It was fun, carefree, and exactly how these award shows should be.
Joni Mitchell
You may wonder how someone with as illustrious a career as Joni Mitchell has never performed at the Grammy’s. Singing a song she wrote at 21 years old, over half a century later, “Both Sides Now” was both moving and refreshing. She’s won nine Grammy’s herself, nominated 18 times, and has inspired the sounds of our favorite artists.
She took folk music and made it her own, and after having to re-learn how to talk (and sing) from a brain aneurysm, no one is more well-respected in the industry than Mitchell.
Luke Combs + Tracy Chapman
Luke Combs’ cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” dominated the charts this year. One of the most highly covered songs in the world, and Luke Combs put his country spin on it to create a beautiful, acoustic version. It feels almost entirely his own, but his performance with OG Tracy Chapman shows that music is, indeed, art.
The song itself is a timeless classic, with Luke Combs being one of the most talented country vocalists in the game right now and Tracy Chapman reminding us the deep roots of the song.
Other Notable Grammy Moments
It was a crazy night, in all honesty...with too many moments to mention, but there are a few major points to be made:
Killer Mike won three Grammy awards including Best Rap Album, but was immediately arrested at the ceremony
Upon announcing The Tortured Poet's Department, Swifties quickly uncovered a report that ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn, Paul Mescal, and Andrew Scott's group chat was once called "Tortured Men's Club" - so count your days, Alwyn.
"Water" singer Tyla won the first-ever Award for African Music Performance
Question for the culture? Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Taylor Swift (alongside Taylor Swift’s skinny little side braid, Lana Del Rey, and Minion Man) won Album of the Year at the 2024 Grammys for Midnights. That makes Swift the winning-est musician in in the category with her fourth win. By now, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Swift would break the record. She’s a Grammys favorite, and somehow still at the peak of her career, even though that career began in 2008. Still, if you hear grumbling in the win’s aftermath, it might have to do with the sentiment of “That album? Really?” Midnights is not, to put it lightly, the most acclaimed album of Swift’s career. Even with Swift’s blockbuster year, it didn’t seem like Midnights had the caché of the Eras Tour (the tour or the film). It was just another cog in the wheel of Swift. One of her biggest hits of the year, “Cruel Summer,” didn’t even come off of Midnights.
But what should have won Album of the Year, then, you ask? Name names! Well, namely, SZA’s SOS. SZA won multiple awards this year, including: Best Progressive R&B Album, Best R&B Song for “Snooze,” and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, alongside Phoebe Bridgers, for “Ghost in the Machine.” But the Grammys have a history of preferring to reward Black women in the “down the line” categories, as opposed to one of the four general awards — and SZA deserved recognition in the overall fields for SOS. That album was, for starters, one of the most beloved albums of the year (despite coming out in 2022), featuring hits including “Kill Bill” and “Good Days.”
And, while we’re at it, maybe it’s a good time to look at some optics. With her record-breaking win, Taylor Swift has now won Album of the Year more times than all Black women combined have. The previous Black women to win were Natalie Cole in 1992, Whitney Houston in 1994, and Lauryn Hill in 1999 — a list that, Jay-Z would like you to note, does not include Beyoncé. Not giving a Black woman album of the year? Again? Snooze.
Dua Lipa attends the 66th Grammy Awards. Getty Images for The Recording A
Awards season is upon us, and after a month of celebrating the best in film and television, it’s time to honor those in the recording industry. Tonight (Feb. 4), the 66th annual Grammy Awards will recognize the top artists, songs, albums and recordings of the past year, with Trevor Noah hosting the ceremony at Cypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
The best and brightest in the industry always come out to celebrate the biggest night in music; tonight, performers include Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Joni Mitchell, Travis Scott, Luke Combs and Billy Joel, as well as SZA, who garnered the most nominations (a staggering nine) of any of the nominees this year. Other nominees
The 2024 Grammy Awards, which air at 8 p.m. ET on CBS, will also feature three new categories: Best African Music Performance, Best Alternative Jazz Album and Best Pop Dance Recording.
Before the Let’s not forget about the pre-show extravaganza, though, because A-listers always bring their sartorial best when it comes to dressing for the Grammys red carpet. Below, see all the best red carpet moments from the 2024 Grammy Awards.
She might kill her ex. Photo: Andrew Chin/Getty Images
The Grammys are for the girls this year. An impressive number of women are nominated for music’s top honors, and now, many of them will be taking the stage too. The boys are performing with girls as well — Brandy is joining Burna Boy along with 21 Savage, while Tracy Chapman will duet her song “Fast Car” with Luke Combs. Grande Girlie Joni Mitchell will take the stage for the very first time in Grammys history. SZA, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, and Olivia Rodrigo are also set to perform — as well as Billy Joel, an honorary girlie after Rodrigo name-dropped him in her 2021 song “Deja Vu.” Variety also reported that Miley Cyrus was rehearsing to perform “Flowers,” which was perhaps meant to be a surprise given that she has yet to officially be announced as a performer.
Meanwhile,SZA, Phoebe Bridgers, and Victoria Monét are some of the night’s top honorees — not to mention Taylor Swift, who’s looking to set some records with Midnights. It all goes down February 4 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Below is everything you need to know before you get the girls together to watch.
SZA leads the Grammy pack with nine nominations for her second album, SOS, including in the top categories of Album, Record, and Song of the Year. Bridgers and Monét are just behind her with seven apiece, followed by the rest of boygenius, Jack Antonoff, Batiste, Brandy Clark, Miley Cyrus, Eilish, Rodrigo, and a little lady named Taylor Swift, all with six each. Women showed up strong when the nominees were announced on November 10, with female artists in seven out of the eight slots for Album, Record, and Song of the Year. SZA has a chance to add some serious hardware, Swift could set a record for Album of the Year wins — or Batiste could surprise us all again after playing the dark horse in 2022. Don’t put it past the Academy.
Even Burna Boy will be joined by a girlie, when Brandy takes the stage for the first time in decades alongside him and 21 Savage for the Grammys’ first-ever Afrobeats performance. Tracy Chapman will make an even rarer appearance to prove she really does like Combs’s “Fast Car” cover, dueting her hit with him. They’re just two legends scheduled, along with Mitchell (for the first time ever), Joel (for the first time in decades), and U2 (live from the Sphere in Las Vegas). SZA, Rodrigo, Eilish, and Lipa are also among the women performing — and some of the night’s top nominees. They could be part of a few brewing Grammy Moments™: a possible Barbie medley between Eilish and Lipa and a chance for Rodrigo to perform with one of her faves, Joel. Travis Scott will also perform.
Nope — it’s Trevor Noah again. The comedian is hosting the Grammys for the fourth consecutive year, the Academy announced on December 13. Hey, at least this show can hold down a host. Noah is also up for some hardware himself this year, in Best Comedy Album for I Wish You Would.
The women are back as announced presenters, however. Christina Aguilera, Meryl Streep, Samara Joy, Taylor Tomlinson, and Oprah Winfrey are all set to present. Oh, and Lionel Richie, Lenny Kravitz, Maluma, and Barbie boy Mark Ronson.
As usual, most of the Grammy Awards will be given out before the televised show. That happens at the Premiere Ceremony, which streams on February 4 beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET on YouTube. And with a somewhat loaded list of performers, this year’s may actually be worth tuning in to. They’ll include singer-songwriter Clark, a top nominee with six nods, as well as nominees Laufey, Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper, Kirk Franklin, Gaby Moreno, Adam Blackstone, and Bob James. Other performers will include Sheila E., Pentatonix, Larkin Poe, Jordin Sparks, and J. Ivy, plus drummer Harvey Mason Sr., father of the Recording Academy’s own CEO. Songwriter of the Year nominee Justin Tranter will host the preshow; presenters include current nominees Carly Pearce, Natalia Lafourcade, Rufus Wainwright, Patti Austin, and Molly Tuttle, along with Jimmy Jam.
Quite a lot, actually. Most prominently, the number of nominees in the Big Four categories (Album, Record, and Song of the Year, plus Best New Artist) is being reduced from ten to eight. The Academy had upped the nominees in those categories to ten just two years ago, out of diversity concerns; there had been eight nominees since the 2019 awards. Also, the Non-Classical Producer of the Year and Songwriter of the Year will move to the general category, where all Academy members can vote on those awards. The Grammys are adding three awards this year: Best African Music Performance, Best Pop Dance Recording, and Best Alternative Jazz Album. Oh, and at least you won’t have to worry about AI — the Academy added a rule against contributions by artificial intelligence to submissions.
The ceremony will air on CBS and Paramount+ With Showtime on February 4, beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
This story has been updated throughout with additional information.
Part of the music industry in today’s world involves promoting via social media – especially on platforms with mega-influence like TikTok. Artists will tease songs, new artists will be discovered on the platform, and if a sound goes viral tracks can resurge and soar into popularity. You saw it with songs like “Kill Bill” by SZA and “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus.
Well, bad news. As of February 1, Universal Music Group (UMG) has taken their artists’ music off TikTok after accusing the social media platform of offering unfair reimbursement to artists and allowing AI to generate recordings using an artist’s voice. In an open letter on its website, UMG states,
“TikTok’s tactics are obvious: use its platform power to hurt vulnerable artists and try to intimidate us into conceding to a bad deal that undervalues music and shortchanges artists and songwriters as well as their fans,”
And the drama doesn’t stop there. In a brief response, TikTok snaps back with,
“TikTok has been able to reach ‘artist-first’ agreements with every other label and publisher. Clearly, Universal’s self-serving actions are not in the best interests of artists, songwriters, and fans.”
Who Does UMG Represent?
Screenshot from TikTok Jai Phillips
Among UMG’s lengthy list of artists are: Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Harry Styles, Blackpink, The 1975, Beyonce, Rihanna, Lana Del Rey, and Lewis Capaldi. In the heated letter released by the music label, they mention how TikTok began to take the music down of their smaller artists, but kept their bigger names that generate revenue for the app in an effort to control them. As UMG’s response, they took every single artist away.
That means videos using popular songs like Harry Styles’ “As It Was” or Lana Del Rey’s “Say Yes To Heaven” are now met with “This Sound Is Not Available.” The only sounds under names like Olivia Rodrigo and Noah Kahan are fan-made edits and manipulations of songs.
This means both TikTok and the music industry will change a bit. A lot of artists will have less of an interest in building platforms on TikTok, because it’s not like they can play their music there. TikTok itself will have to focus on edits behind a lot of their “Get Ready With Me” videos and “Target Haul” clips.
It’s a standoff between the largest record label in music industry history and the biggest social media platform in the world.
The end of the year calls for reflection — hence our 2023 Popdust Music Awards, celebrating all of the great music we heard last year. And now, the beginning of the year indicates a time of anticipation. For that, we have our 2024 Artists to Watch, which also means that Awards Season is right around the corner.
Starting with the Golden Globes on January 7, we are about to experience countless red carpet shots, couples debuts ( still waiting for you, Sabrina Carpenter and Barry Keoghan), and teary-eyed acceptance speeches.
While there are the BAFTAs, the Emmys, the Oscars, and the SAG Awards, my speciality is music. And there is no bigger mecca for musicians than the GRAMMY Awards. Held on February 4, 2024, and hosted by comedian Trevor Noah, the GRAMMYs are music’s biggest night.
Awards Season brings out everyone’s inner critic. Suddenly, we think we know more than the Recording Academy. Every year, there are viral moments and scandalous decisions. The Recording Academy ultimately outrages the general public in some way or another — and inevitably, fandoms will take to apps like X to become the next Joan Rivers.
It’s a delicious time of year when your favorite celebrities are forced out of hiding and into the spotlight, and we can’t wait. To get everyone in the spirit of judgment, here are some way-too-early GRAMMY predictions for the year!
Record Of The Year: “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
Any Kid Harpoon song is a classic, and Cyrus’ return from a brief hiatus from music was met with high marks. It was Spotify’s most streamed song in a week ever, spent time at the top of Billboard’s Hot 100, and was the fastest song in Spotify history to reach 1 billion streams.
Album Of The Year: Midnights by Taylor Swift
She’s won this coveted award three times already, and it’s impossible to discredit the year of Taylor Swift. She is on track for the highest-grossing tour of all time with the Eras Tour, Midnights is Apple Music’s biggest pop album of all time in terms of first-day streaming, and the album is the reason she was all 10 of Billboard’s Top 10 Songs (the first time all women have dominated the charts ever). Give Swift her flowers.
Song Of The Year: “A&W” by Lana Del Rey
Another Jack Antonoff production, Lana Del Rey’s album is a spiritual awakening. With an essence of transcendentalism and a hint of gospel, it’s Lana to her core. “A&W” is hailed Song of the Year by many already, and it’s time we recognize her for the artist she is, was, and always will be.
Best New Artist: Ice Spice
I haven’t seen many people rise to the top as quickly as Ice Spice, nor have I seen someone garner such a passionate fanbase. The rapper has hits like “Deli” and collabs with rap queen Nicki Minaj on “Barbie World” and Taylor Swift on “Karma”, not to mention her Munchkin drink at Dunkin Donuts.
Producer Of The Year (Non-Classical): Jack Antonoff
Not only is Antonoff the mastermind behind many Taylor Swift albums, including Midnights, but he has Lana Del Rey’s multi-nominated album, “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Boulevard?,” under his belt. He can’t miss, and for that, he wins.
Best Pop Solo Performance: “What Was I Made For? [From The Major Motion Picture Barbie]”
This song is stunning, productionally perfect, and sonically flawless. Billie and Finneas continue to grow as an unstoppable singer-songwriter duo who can make any song fit any moment.
Best Pop Vocal Album: GUTS by Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo wanted to have fun with her sophomore album following the immense pressure and success of her debut, SOUR. With GUTS, we had viral singles yet again that promise Rodrigo is here for the long haul.
Best Dance/Electronic Recording: “Strong” by Romy + Fred again…
Developing a cult following in the electronic music world, Fred again… is one of the hottest house dance artists in the world right now. Following a successful bout of live shows and reaching fans on almost every platform imaginable, “Strong” is a winner.
Best Pop Dance Recording: “Rush” by Troye Sivan
Troye Sivan understands how to make out-of-the-box pop music, and seals it with one hell of a dance number. He’s the embodiment of a popstar, and “Rush” was just an example of the high precedent he’s set.
Best Rock Performance: “Not Strong Enough” by boygenius
Compiled of Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus, boygenius is a supergroup showing the world how to rock again. “Not Strong Enough” showcases what each member brings to the group in one sound synergy.
Best Rock Album: Starcatcher by Greta Van Fleet
Hailed as The Next Led Zeppelin, Greta Van Fleet brings you on a journey with their Starcatcher album. Each song a delight, Greta Van Fleet has developed their sound and found their stride.
Best R&B Performance: “Kill Bill” by SZA
SOS is one of the best albums of the year, and while I don’t see it winning in the Big 4 due to competitors like Swift, I still think it wins in general. “Kill Bill” was one of the biggest songs and continues to be one of the most viral.
Best Rap Performance: “Rich Flex” by Drake & 21 Savage
The saying “I like what Drake likes” holds true for many…and the collaboration album, Her Loss, with 21 Savage was one of the biggest of the year. “Rich Flex” makes sense for two of the biggest rappers out there right now.
Best Rap Album: Heroes & Villains by Metro Boomin’
Metro Boomin’ is the rapper and producer responsible for countless hits like Migos’ “Ric Flair Drip”. His Heroes & Villains album is a masterclass for high quality rap, intricate detail in production and songwriting, and straight up hits.
Watch the 2024 Grammy Awards live on February 4, 2024 at 8 PM EST exclusively on Paramount+!
With the holiday season in full fa-la-la-la-flow, it’s time to reflect. When the year winds down, we feel a bit of burn out — you stare blankly at screens without motivation, you don’t want to work, and you’ve just spent all your money on gift giving.
The year ends in two weeks, which means all of your social media accounts are wrapping up the past 365 days and holding a mirror up to who you truly are. For Snapchat users, you get a montage of photos and videos from those embarrassing nights out and the time you took a selfie crying.
At Popdust, we’ve always loved music. It’s why I have a weekly segment rounding up popular new music and it’s why we report on so many of your most favorite artists. We’re constantly searching for the next big thing in music. And 2023 was massive for changing the soundscapes we know and love.
For instance, country folk was the breakout genre of the year thanks to artists like Zach Bryan and Noah Kahan. Popular DJ’s like John Summit and Dom Dolla have driven a surge in popularity of house music. We’ve seen Taylor Swift take over the world, alongside rapidly rising stars like Ice Spice and SZA.
With the recent announcement of the GRAMMY Award nominees, it’s never too early to hold our own award ceremony to celebrate all of the awesome music released this year. The Popdust Music Awards are for all of those 2024 hitmakers who gave us viral moments, graced our speakers, and made us sing along.
That includes celebrating Taylor Swift, our Artist Of The Year, whose Eras Tour is the highest-grossing tour of all time at $1 billion to date! Her album, Midnights, alongside re-releases like 1989 (Taylor’s Version) and Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) were chart-toppers in their own right. Consistently breaking records like dominating the Billboard Top 10, Swift deserves her flowers.
And speaking of flowers, Miley Cyrus is having a huge year with her new album, Endless Summer Vacation. “Flowers” is our Viral Song of the Year, only taking 112 days to reach Spotify’s Billions Club, the quickest in the app’s history.
There are plenty of artists to celebrate in 2023, which means 2024’s gonna be a truly thrilling year coming up. Here are some of Popdust’s favorite artists and albums from 2023!
Artist Of The Year: Taylor Swift
Best Album: Midnights – Taylor Swift
Best Deluxe Album: Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever)– Noah Kahan
Best EDM: Another Friday Night– Joel Corry
Best Pop: Something To Give Each Other– Troye Sivan
Best R&B: SOS– SZA
Best Rock: But Here We Are– The Foo Fighters
Best Alternative: Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Boulevard– Lana Del Rey
Best Rap: Like…?- Ice Spice
Best Country: Zach Bryan– Zach Bryan
Best Collaboration: Most Viral Song: “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus
Popstar Watch: Tate McRae
Honorable Mentions: The Record- boygenius, Heroes & Villains (Villains Version)- Metro Boomin’, The Show- Niall Horan
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