Music news

• First Out: New Music From Lil Nas X, Years & Years, K.Flay & More

  21-05-2021 23:45
  
  In need of some new tunes from some of your favorite queer artists? Billboard Pride is here to help with First Out, our weekly roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ artists.
  From Lil Nas X’s heartfelt follow-up single to Years & Years’ new collaboration with Kylie Minogue, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below.
  Lil Nas X, “Sun Goes Down”Throughout his tenure as the Hot New Artist in music, Lil N
  
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• First Stream Latin: New Music From Lunay, Rauw Alejandro, Adriana Ríos, Leonel García & More

  21-05-2021 23:26
  
  First Stream Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums and videos recommended by the Billboard Latin editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
  Lunay, El Niño (La Familia)
  Lunay is ready to celebrate his 21st birthday, but not without dropping his sophomore album El Niño in celebration of his blossoming career. The 15-song set, released under La Familia Records, Chris Jedi and Gaby Music’s independent label, kicks off with the title
  
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• Inside Track: UMG’s Potential US Investor, FTC Knocks Back Ticketmaster Probe

  21-05-2021 23:17
  
  Edited by Dan Rys
  Who Will Buy a 10% Share of Universal Music Group?
  When Vivendi announced on Tuesday it may sell a 10% stake in Universal Music Group to a U.S. investor, speculation began about who would spend a few billion on the world’s largest music company before it’s spun off from its parent conglomerate in September. The label-publisher is valued at 33 billion euros ($40 billion), making a 10% investment worth at least $4 billion — perhaps more for a motivated buye
  
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• LA teen punk band The Linda Lindas go viral with anti-racist anthem ‘Racist Sexist Boy’

  21-05-2021 23:10 via nme.com
  
  An LA teen punk band have gone viral after live footage of their anti-racist song ‘Racist Sexist Boy’ was shared.
  The clip, which was shared on social media yesterday (May 20), sees The Linda Lindas giving a vitriolic performance in a library.
  The track was written by band members Mila and Eloise after a boy allegedly singled out the former in school.
  “A little while before we went into lockdown, a boy in my class came up to me and said that his dad told him to stay away from C
  
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• Saweetie ‘At a Loss for Words’ as a First-Time Billboard Music Awards Finalist

  21-05-2021 23:06
  
  Saweetie has multiple No. 1 hits on the Billboard charts and is a finalist at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards — and she hasn’t even released her debut album.
  After dropping a slew of EPs since 2018’s High Maintenance with her three-time platinum-certified debut single “Icy Girl,” Saweetie’s highly anticipated LP Pretty B*tch Music is set to drop this summer. She’s already supported the album with hit singles “Tap
  
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• J. Cole Prizes Benign Autobiography Over Social Commentary on ‘The Off-Season’

  21-05-2021 23:02 via rollingstone.com
  
  The rapper's compositions are nimble but his stories feel safe
  
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• Dave Grohl to Co-Host ‘Tonight Show’ Monday Night

  21-05-2021 23:01 via rollingstone.com
  
  Foo Fighters frontman and Jimmy Fallon will deliver monologue, interview guests and more
  
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• Japan’s Top Concert Promoters Form Alliance to Bring Back International Acts

  21-05-2021 22:58
  
  Japan’s leading concert promoters have joined forces to create a new alliance to help accelerate the reopening of live concerts by international artists in the country.
  The new initiative, called the International Promoters Alliance Japan (IPAJ), will include 10 of Japan’s leading promoters, who are members of the All Japan Concert & Live Entertainment Promoters Conference (ACPC).
  The IPAJ was created to establish unified guidelines for the safe resumption of events and concerts
  
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• Duran Duran Teases First-Ever Billboard Music Awards Performance

  21-05-2021 22:45
  
  Expect a view to a thrill when Duran Duran hits the 2021 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday (May 23) for their first-ever performance on the awards show.
  The British new wave hitmakers are currently putting finishing touches on a new album, Future Past, which they recently previewed with lead single “Invisible” and its artificial intelligence-assisted video. Hopping on a Zoom call with Billboard ahead of this weekend’s BBMAs, the quartet teased the new album and what to expect on
  
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• Which 2021 Billboard Music Awards Performance Are You Looking Forward to Most? Vote!

  21-05-2021 22:40
  
  Before the 2021 Billboard Music Awards go live on Sunday, Billboard wants to know: Which performer are you most excited to see?
  Nick Jonas will pull double-duty by hosting the awards show and performing with the Jonas Brothers, who will run through a medley of hits, including their latest single “Leave Before You Love Me” with Marshmello.
  BTS will give one of the most anticipated performances of the night when they bring “Butter” — their brand-ne
  
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• Black Midi share new single ‘Chondromalacia Patella’ and launch Golden ticket contest

  21-05-2021 22:03 via nme.com
  
  Black Midi have shared the third taste of their upcoming album ‘Cavalcade’ in the form of new single ‘Chondromalacia Patella’.READ MORE: Speedy Wunderground: The cult label on working with Squid, Black Midi and moreYou can listen to the hectic single below, which comes with visuals directed by Vilhjálmur Yngvi Hjálmarsson and was inspired by an injury one band member sustained while running.
  ‘Cavalcade’ will be released on May 28 via Rough Trade.
  
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• BTS Call ‘Butter’ Their ‘Summer Anthem’ & Reflect on 8 Years Together in New Billboard Interview

  21-05-2021 22:02
  
  BTS is ready to season this summer with “Butter,” their brand-new single that dropped first thing Friday (May 21). In a new video interview ahead of Sunday’s Billboard Music Awards, the K-pop superstars talked to Billboard about why they’re calling “Butter” a “summer anthem” and reflected on being together for the last eight years as a group.
  “While ‘Dynamite’ was an upbeat, kind of like a disco-pop [track] that we
  
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• A Crowdfunder to restore the creepy puppet from Interpol’s ‘Evil’ video is nearing its total

  21-05-2021 21:57 via nme.com
  
  A GoFundMe campaign to restore the creepy puppet from Interpol‘s ‘Evil’ video is close to reaching its target.
  The puppet, which appeared badly beaten in the original video, is said to be in an even worse state 17 years down the line according to organiser John Kolbek.
  “He’s had a rough 17 years. Being passed around as a Halloween ornament, to ending up in someone’s storage shed. The good news is, he’s found a new caring home, the bad news is, he’s
  
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• Lil Nas X Saves His Younger Self In Emotional ‘Sun Goes Down’ Music Video

  21-05-2021 21:47
  
  On Friday (May 21), Lil Nas X dropped “Sun Goes Down,” a somber track that reflects on the artist’s past struggles coming to terms with his sexuality and identity as a gay man.
  
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• First Spin: The Week’s Best New Dance Tracks From Duke Dumont & Channel Tres, Rezz, Wave Racer & More

  21-05-2021 21:47
  
  This week gave us a double dose of Avicii news, with the sisters of Nervo clarifying that while they are working on their decade-old Avicii collab “Let Me Show You Love (Don’t Give Up On Us),” they’re actually entirely revamping the song’s composition, as they only own rights to its topline. Additionally, Stockholm’s Ericsson Globe has been officially renamed Avicii Arena, with the 15,000-person venue to also serve as a hub for initiatives by the Tim Berg
  
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• Olivia Rodrigo: 'Comparing myself to others on social media crippled me'

  21-05-2021 21:31 via music-news.com
  
  Olivia Rodrigo was "borderline addicted" to social media.
  
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• Brian May undergoes eye surgery to improve his sight

  21-05-2021 21:31 via music-news.com
  
  Brian May "didn't feel a thing" during the procedure.
  
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• Ministry Of Sound announce huge 30th anniversary O2 arena show

  21-05-2021 21:24 via nme.com
  
  Longstanding dance music institution Ministry Of Sound has announced details of a huge London show to mark its 30th anniversary this year.
  Ministry Of Sound was founded as a South London nightclub in 1991, with the brand expanding in the time since to incorporate a record label, touring platform, fitness studio and more.
  The celebratory show takes place at The O2 in London on Saturday, November 13, and is part of the venue’s full capacity ‘Welcome Back’ series. Tickets go on sa
  
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• How to Watch Eurovision 2021

  21-05-2021 21:17
  
  If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, we may receive an affiliate commission.
  After having to cancel in 2020 for the first time in its 65-year history due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Eurovision Song Contest is back.
  The grand final of the international singing competition will take place on Saturday (May 22) in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Eurovision will stream online on Peacock at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT. Sign up for the streaming servic
  
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• 20 Questions With Counting Crows’ Adam Duritz: The Group’s Studio Return & His Favorite Modern Songwriters

  21-05-2021 21:15
  
  On Friday (May 21), Counting Crows returned with Butter Miracle Suite One, a four-song, 19-minute song suite that finds Adam Duritz and co. continuing to turn everyday details into poignant songwriting fodder. Produced by Brian Deck and released through BMG, Butter Miracle Suite One represents Counting Crows’ first recording project since 2014’s Somewhere Under Wonderland, a welcome studio return for one of the most reliable pop-rock touring groups of the past two decades.For Billboa
  
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• Lil Baby, Kirk Franklin Team Up for ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’ Song ‘We Win’

  21-05-2021 21:09 via rollingstone.com
  
  Soundtrack arrives July 9th, one week before LeBron James-starring film premieres July 16th
  
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• Krept & Konan are recording England’s official anthem for Euro 2020

  21-05-2021 21:05 via nme.com
  
  Krept & Konan are set to record England’s official anthem for Euro 2020.
  The duo are documenting the recording through a BBC documentary which will see the rapper’s seeking England manager Gareth Southgate’s help along with Premier League footballers Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Declan Rice and Tyrone Mings.
  The film will also see them seeking advice from Aitch and Big Zuu.
  Fiona Campbell, controller of BBC Three, said: “This film explores the idea of cultural and national
  
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• Morgan Wallen Officially Disqualified by the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards

  21-05-2021 21:04 via digitalmusicnews.com
  
  The Board of Directors at the Country Music Association has officially disqualified Morgan Wallen from its upcoming Awards show in November. But they are allowing limited eligibility to allow Morgan collaborators to win accolades. The Country Music Association (CMA) is now the latest music industry to cancel Morgan Wallen. The Association has officially disqualified the […]
  The post Morgan Wallen Officially Disqualified by the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards appeared first on Digit
  
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• Federal Judge Denies Original Lady A’s Motion to Dismiss or Transfer Lawsuit Filed By Lady Antebellum

  21-05-2021 21:01 via digitalmusicnews.com
  
  A Tennessee federal judge has officially denied a request by Seattle-based blues singer Anita White to dismiss or transfer a lawsuit filed against her by the country trio formerly known as Lady Antebellum. To recap, the long-running courtroom confrontation was set in motion nearly one year ago, when the five-time Grammy-winning act Lady Antebellum announced […]
  The post Federal Judge Denies Original Lady A’s Motion to Dismiss or Transfer Lawsuit Filed By Lady Antebellum appeared fir
  
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• Vevo Launches ‘Vevo Rewind’ to Better Target Nostalgic Viewers

  21-05-2021 21:00 via digitalmusicnews.com
  
  Vevo has launched a new contextual advertising product called Vevo Rewind. Vevo Rewind allows brands to place their campaign alongside Vevo music videos of a specific decade. Contextual advertising for the 1970s through the 2010s is available using this tool, in addition to targeting via music genre and country. The tool follows Vevo’s Moods contextual […]
  The post Vevo Launches ‘Vevo Rewind’ to Better Target Nostalgic Viewers appeared first on Digital Music News.
  
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• Kacey Musgraves says her new album is inspired by Daft Punk, Weezer, Sade and more

  21-05-2021 20:44 via nme.com
  
  Kacey Musgraves has discussed the inspirations behind her forthcoming album, naming the likes of Daft Punk, Weezer, Sade and more.READ MORE: The Big Read – Kacey Musgraves: “I really have seen a few UFOs…”Speaking to Elle, Musgraves said that the album sees her tackling her recent divorce from musician Ruston Kelly, and that the record contains 15 of the 40 songs she wrote during the pandemic.
  “I feel like I don’t belong to country in any way on one hand
  
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• Here Are all the Performers & Presenters For the 2021 Billboard Music Awards

  21-05-2021 20:25
  
  It’s time for the 2021 Billboard Music Awards! To help get you ready for the big event Sunday (May 23), we’ve compiled the complete list of performers and presenters who’ll be taking the stage for the show.
  Nick Jonas will be a busy man come show night. The artist will not only be hosting the show live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, but he’ll also be closing the show with the Jonas Brothers. The trio will be performing a medley that will include their latest s
  
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• Twenty One Pilots Saying Hello, Goodbye to Livestreams With Massive, Broadway-Style Blowout

  21-05-2021 20:16
  
  COLUMBUS, Ohio — With more than 3 dozen people looking on earlier this week, Twenty One Pilots singer/guitarist Tyler Joseph was quietly rehearsing some choreography during yet another all-day rehearsal for the band’s massive livestream on Friday night (May 21). Lost in his footwork, Joseph moved across the floor in deep concentration as if he was alone in the cavernous room packed with equipment, as his choreographer shadowed his steps off-camera.
  Seven months in the making, the lau
  
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• Twenty One Pilots Say Hello, Goodbye to Livestreams With Massive, Broadway-Style Blowout

  21-05-2021 20:16
  
  COLUMBUS, Ohio — With more than 3 dozen people looking on earlier this week, Twenty One Pilots singer/guitarist Tyler Joseph was quietly rehearsing some choreography during yet another all-day rehearsal for the band’s massive livestream on Friday night (May 21). Lost in his footwork, Joseph moved across the floor in deep concentration as if he was alone in the cavernous room packed with equipment, as his choreographer shadowed his steps off-camera.
  Seven months in the making, the lau
  
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• Muscle Shoals star Roger Hawkins has died

  21-05-2021 20:13 via nme.com
  
  Roger Hawkins, the drummer who shaped Alabama’s famed Muscle Shoals music scene, has died.Hawkins passed away following an extended illness and several years of health struggles, according to AL.com. He was 75.
  The Muscle Shoals Music Foundation announced his death yesterday (May 20) on Instagram.
  In a statement, they wrote: “Our hearts are breaking today as the heartbeat of ‘The Swampers’ drummer Roger Hawkins passed away this afternoon at his home in Sheffield. He
  
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• How to Watch 2021 Billboard Music Awards (Plus Everything You Need to Know)

  21-05-2021 20:00 via rollingstone.com
  
  The 2021 Billboard Music Awards will air Sunday, May 23. Here's everything you need to know about the nominees, hosts, performances, and how to stream the show live from home without cable
  
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• Madness remember locking Calvin Harris in a portable toilet: “Unnecessary all round”

  21-05-2021 19:57 via nme.com
  
  Madness frontman Suggs has recalled the band’s feud with Calvin Harris in 2010, which stemmed from the DJ’s refusal to give an autograph.READ MORE: Does Rock ‘N’ Roll Kill Braincells?! – MadnessSpeaking to NME for Does Rock ‘N’ Roll Kill Braincells, Suggs was asked about the band’s saxophonist Lee Thompson calling Harris a “prick” while they performed onstage at V Festival.
  “I would like to apologise to that prick Calvin Klei
  
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• Olivia Rodrigo, BTS, Lil Nas X & More: What’s Your Favorite New Music Release? Vote!

  21-05-2021 19:56
  
  This week doled out a taste of summer in an assortment of flavors like the neighborhood ice cream truck. But which one can’t you get enough of?
  Olivia Rodrigo finally delivered a mix of sweet ballads and rock-tinged teen angst anthems in her Sour debut album, while BTS gave fans a taste of something they’ve had before from the late-’90s boy band era with their new English-language single “Butter.”So which flavor of new music are you enjoying the most?
  
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• Executive of the Week: 88rising Founder Sean Miyashiro

  21-05-2021 19:54
  
  Sean Miyashiro has always been clear about the mission statement for his company, 88rising: to support and promote Asian artists, creatives and communities through its label, management and marketing wings. And during Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Miyashiro and 88rising have doubled down on that commitment with a series of programming events and discussions in a variety of ways, including on its own SiriusXM channel, 88rising Radio.
  This week, the company rolled tw
  
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• Los Plebes Del Rancho Talk Christian Nodal Joint Album & Keeping Ariel Camacho’s Legacy Alive

  21-05-2021 19:36
  
  In 2015, Regional Mexican star Ariel Camacho died at 22 in a car accident in his native Sinaloa, Mexico. His band, Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho, has continued keeping his music and legacy alive, releasing Friday (May 21) a joint album with Christian Nodal dubbed Recordando a una Leyenda.
  “It’s been a huge responsibility,” founding member César Sánchez tells Billboard. “There’s been many ups and downs but we continue to evolve and give it our
  
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• Apple Music’s ‘Rap Life Live’ Returns with Performances by Moneybagg Yo, Saweetie & Lil Durk

  21-05-2021 19:33
  
  After an eight-month hiatus, the second installment of Apple Music’s Rap Life Live series, filmed at the esteemed Clark Atlanta University, debuts Friday (May 212) at 2 p.m. PST.
  The episode is a part of an ongoing series taking place at historically Black colleges and universities, highlighting the interconnectedness of the Black experience, history and music. This episode of Rap Life Live will feature cinematic performances by Saweetie, Lil Durk and Moneybagg Yo across Clark Atlanta
  
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• ‘Almost Famous’ expanded soundtrack reissue to receive summer release

  21-05-2021 19:33 via nme.com
  
  A reissue of the Almost Famous soundtrack is to be released on July 9, in both 5CD super deluxe and 2LP 180-gram black vinyl form.
  For the first time, all of the music featured in the film will be released in one package. The expanded track list includes songs by Led Zeppelin, The Beach Boys, Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens, The Who, and Fleetwood Mac.
  Six original songs from the film’s fictional band Stillwater, including ‘Fever Dog’, will be included in the reissue, as well as dem
  
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• Ariana Grande, J. Cole, Quincy Jones & More of the Week’s Biggest Winners (May 21)

  21-05-2021 19:29
  
  Wedding bells are ringing for Ariana Grande and basketballs are dribbling for J. Cole this week, but they’re not the only ones going for big rings.
  Doja Cat and SZA are bringing “Kiss Me More” to the 2021 Billboard Music Awards for its debut television performance on Sunday, while the Jonas Brothers and Marshmello are also coming together to perform their brand new collaboration, “Leave Me Before You Love Me,” for the first time.
  Take a look at Billboard’
  
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• Saweetie’s ‘Fast (Motion)’ Is First Top Triller U.S. No. 1 Debut of 2021

  21-05-2021 19:17
  
  Saweetie roars to her second No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Triller U.S. chart, as “Fast (Motion)” bows atop the tally dated May 22.
  The Top Triller U.S. and Top Triller Global charts highlight the biggest songs on Triller based on a formula blending the amount of views of videos containing a respective songs, the level of engagement with those videos and the raw total of videos uploaded featuring each song, according to Triller. Data for the charts is represented on a Friday-Thursda
  
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• Paul Weller lands sixth Number One solo album with ‘Fat Pop (Volume 1)’

  21-05-2021 19:17 via nme.com
  
  Paul Weller‘s ‘Fat Pop (Volume 1)’ has hit Number One on the UK’s Official Albums Chart, the singer’s sixth time reaching the summit as a solo artist.READ MORE: Paul Weller – ‘Fat Pop (Volume 1)’ review: the Modfather’s purple patch continuesHe held off J. Cole‘s sixth album ‘The Off-Season’, which reached Number Two. Cole’s was the most streamed new album in the UK last week, while Weller’s top spot was reached
  
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• Madison Square Garden to Host 15k Fans After Cuomo OKs Vaccinated Sections

  21-05-2021 19:10
  
  When the New York Knicks take on the Atlanta Hawks this Sunday for the first round of the NBA playoffs, Madison Square Garden will welcome 15,000 fans into the arena to watch the game live, making it the largest indoor gathering for New York State since the start of the pandemic.
  Earlier in the week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that starting May 22, the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets would have fully vaccinated fan sections, increasing the capacity of both Madison Square Garden
  
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• How to Watch the 2021 Billboard Music Awards

  21-05-2021 19:09
  
  If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, we may receive an affiliate commission.
  The Billboard Music Awards are back!
  After a three-year hosting run from Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas will be taking over the role at this year’s event, which will air live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, May 23, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on NBC.
  While there isn’t a way to watch the BBMAs free online, viewers can access NBC on a
  
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• Billie Eilish Announces Happier Than Ever World Tour For 2022

  21-05-2021 19:09
  
  Billie Eilish fans are going to be happier than ever in 2022. The global star has announced her Happier Than Ever, The World Tour dates. The trek will begin in North America and work its way to Europe next summer.  
  North American dates launch on Feb. 2 at Smoothing King Center in New Orleans, and run through an additional 31 stops in the U.S. and Canada. Eilish will hit major markets including Atlanta, Montreal, Toronto, Nashville, Detroit, Chicago and Las Veg
  
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• Is Morgan Wallen Eligible for 2021 CMA Awards? Here’s What the CMA Decided

  21-05-2021 19:00
  
  The Country Music Association’s board of directors has announced a nuanced approach to a sensitive issue: Morgan Wallen’s eligibility for the 55th annual CMA Awards.
  Wallen will be eligible in categories that honor artistic works (single, song, album, musical event, and music video of the year), “so as not to limit opportunity for other credited collaborators,” in the words of the CMA. But he won’t be eligible in individual artist categories (entertainer and ma
  
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• Bop Shop: Songs From BTS, Lakeyah, Aly & AJ, And More

  21-05-2021 19:00
  
  This week's Bop Shop features an instant serotonin boost from BTS, a charismatic onslaught from Lakeyah, a sun-baked Aly & AJ moment, and more.
  
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• Paul Weller scores sixth Number 1 albums with 'Fat Pop'

  21-05-2021 18:55 via music-news.com
  
  Congratulations to Paul Weller, who lands straight in at Number 1 on this week’s Official Albums Chart with Fat Pop.
  
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• Billie Eilish Plots ‘Happier Than Ever’ World Tour

  21-05-2021 18:55 via rollingstone.com
  
  North American run will launch in February 2022
  
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• Tion Wayne and Russ Millions score third week at singles top spot with 'Body'

  21-05-2021 18:54 via music-news.com
  
  Body by Tion Wayne & Russ Millions holds for a third consecutive week at Number 1 on the Official Singles Chart.
  
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• Billie Eilish announces ‘Happier Than Ever’ 2022 world tour dates

  21-05-2021 18:51 via nme.com
  
  Billie Eilish has announced plans for a world tour in support of her forthcoming album ‘Happier Than Ever’.READ MORE: Billie Eilish’s ‘Your Power’ is a quietly potent response to abuse of powerThe pop star will hit the road in 2022 with dates lined up in the UK and Ireland in the cities of London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Belfast and Dublin in June. The dates will take in four shows at London’s O2 Arena. You can view the full list of dates below.
  Ticke
  
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• J. Cole Hits No. 1 on Streaming Songs Chart for First Time

  21-05-2021 18:38
  
  After 37 entries on Billboard’s Streaming Songs chart, the 38th is the charm for J. Cole, whose “Interlude” debuts at No. 1 on the list dated May 22.
  “Interlude” bows with 26.4 million U.S. streams in the May 7-13 tracking week, according to MRC Data.
  It’s the rapper’s first No. 1 after coming as close as No. 2 three times. First, “Déjà Vu” debuted at No. 2 in December 2016, followed by “ATM” in May 2018, and most re
  
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