It’s no secret that Taylor Swift is the queen of Easter eggs. Since the early days of her career, the superstar has regularly planted clues, hints and callbacks in her music videos, live appearances, interviews and even the liner notes in her albums.
“I love to communicate through Easter eggs,” Swift said in a 2019 interview with Entertainment Weekly to help kick off her Lover era. “I think the best messages are cryptic ones. … You know, when you plan something that far in advance, you’re kind of just flexing on planning. That’s what an Easter egg really does.”
So it should come as no surprise to Swifties that The Eras Tour is no exception to their queen’s masterminded penchant for hyper-specific planning and eye for gorgeous, perfectly plotted detail — all the way down to the colors painted on her nails during tour rehearsals.
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As the U.S. leg of the wildly anticipated tour kicked off, fans at the first two shows in Glendale, Ariz. — and later across the Internet, thanks to #SwiftTok — paid keen attention to each of the singer’s choices onstage. From her costumes to her choreography, and even the songs she included (or didn’t) on the setlist, nearly every detail elicited wild analysis and speculation for what it all could mean.
Below, Billboard rounds up an ongoing list of Easter eggs spotted by fans as The Eras Tour makes its way across America. Read on to discover what hidden messages and surprises many a Swiftie surmises the star could be sending from the stage.
Kevin Jonas had a tough decision to make on Watch What Happens Live on Sunday night (May 14) during a round of host Andy Cohen’s popular “Plead the Fifth” game with the Jonas Brothers.
“Which former Disney star has the better music catalogue? Miley Cyrus or Demi Lovato,” Cohen asked, to which Kevin gave a diplomatic response. “We wrote the first album for Demi, so I would say us because, then, we’re included,” he said, with Nick giving his older brother a round of applause for the response. For those who didn’t know, Jonas brothers wrote and produced most of Lovato’s 2008 album, Don’t Forget, which featured hits like “La La Land” and “Get Back,” and even had a Jonas Brothers collaboration called “On the Line.”
The JoBros also have a personal connection to both Disney darlings, as Nick famously dated Cyrus and Joe dated Demi.
Meanwhile, Lovato has been outspoken about some of their difficult experiences growing up in the Disney Channel bubble, which they called “Disney High.” Earlier this year, it was revealed that Lovato began directing their very first feature film, which will stream on Hulu sometime in 2024. Along with Nicola Marsh, the pop star will co-direct Child Star, a Hulu Original documentary film that promises to “deconstruct the highs and lows of growing up in the spotlight through the lens of some of the world’s most famous former child stars,” according to a release.
Watch the Jonas Brothers play “Plead the Fifth” on Watch What Happens Live below.
Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins recognizes that he and his band have been able to carve a place in rock history, but he feels like there should have been one other notable group and frontman that should have continued to challenge them on the way to their success.
Speaking with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, the rock singer reflected on many bands within his genre and took a moment to speak on late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain. “When Kurt died, I cried because I lost my greatest opponent,” he told the radio host.
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The Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana had some overlap while Cobain was still alive — the Pumpkins’ debut studio album, Gish, arrived in 1991, a few months before Nirvana released their hit album Nevermind. In July 1993, the Pumpkins’ Siamese Dream arrived, with Nirvana’s In Utero following months later in September of the same year. The Smashing Pumpkins wouldn’t earn their first No. 1 album until Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, which came out in 1995, six months after Cobain died.
“I want to beat the best,” Corgan continued in the interview. “I don’t want to win the championship because it’s just me and a bunch of jabronis — to use a wrestling term. It’s like, Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest sports competitor I’ll ever see in my lifetime. I mean, you want to talk about an alpha. That guy wanted to win the valet tip, you know what I mean?”
Up next for The Pumpkins is their The World Is a Vampire Tour, which is slated to kick off July 28 with the first of two dates at The Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, followed by gigs in Albuquerque, N.M.; Dallas; West Palm Beach, Fla.; and Franklin, Tenn., before wrapping up Sept. 9 at the Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville, Ind.
Nearly five months after it staked out a first week at No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, SZA’s “Kill Bill” captures the ultimate prize: With a 20th week at the summit, it matches Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, for the longest run at No. 1 in the list’s history.
The singer achieves the history-equaling feat on the chart dated May 20. “Kill Bill” once again vanquishes its competition, despite drops in all three metrics – streaming, radio airplay and sales – that contribute to the list’s calculations. “Bill” posted 20.3 million official streams in the United States in the latest tracking week (May 5 – 11), according to Luminate, a 5% drop from the week prior, but enough to win a 19th week at No. 1 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming Songs chart. Radio airplay audience, too, sheds 5%, down to 78 million in total audience impressions, as “Bill” reverses 3-4 on the all-genre Radio Songs chart. Sales, meanwhile, backtrack to 1,000 copies sold in the most recent tracking period, a 12% slide that prompts a 6-7 dip on R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales.
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As “Kill Bill” ascends to share the gold medal, here’s an updated look at the champs with the most weeks at No. 1 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs since the list became an all-encompassing genre survey in 1958:
Most Weeks at No. 1 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: 20, “Kill Bill,” SZA, 2022-23 20, “Old Town Road,” Lil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus, 2019 18, “Industry Baby,” Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow, 2021-22 18, “One Dance,” Drake feat. WizKid & Kyla, 2016 16, “Blurred Lines,” Robin Thicke feat. T.I. + Pharrell, 2013 15, “Be Without You,” Mary J. Blige, 2006
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“Kill Bill” began its reign on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs on the chart dated Dec. 24, 2022, and, through its first 22 weeks on the list, has only been evicted from the top spot twice – one week each by The Weeknd and Ariana Grande’s “Die for You” and Drake’s “Search and Rescue.” The juggernaut has aligned with the similar domination for its parent album, SOS, which has spent 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, the most ever by any album by a woman.
Looking ahead, initial signs point to “Kill Bill” having a strong chance to achieve an unprecedented 21st leading week on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. The single has a healthy lead above the current runner-up, Metro Boomin, The Weeknd and 21 Savage’s “Creepin,” which, like “Bill” is receding from its peak. The new No. 3, though, Toosii’s “Favorite Song,” is making rapid gains, potentially setting up the new Hot 100 top 10 hit as the likeliest challenger to SZA’s reign.
After Taylor Swift finished out her trio of Philadelphia Eras Tour shows on Sunday night, one fan went viral for her dedication to the pop star’s lyricism.
At the Friday show, 62-year-old Maureen Gregory helped light up Philly’s Lincoln Financial Field with her trusty reading light as she followed along with Swift’s setlist by reading 81 pages of typed-out song lyrics.
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A fan-captured moment of Gregory singing along as Swift performed 2020’s “Willow” took TikTok by storm as the original poster wrote, “And she didn’t mess up one word.” The Chester County native’s nephew confirmed her identity with his own tweet, writing, “Lol my Aunt Maureen is going viral on TikTok rn because she printed out the lyrics to every song in the set list for the Taylor Swift concert. 81 pages! With a reading light! Iconic. #TSTheErasTour #Philly.”
After becoming the most well-known Swiftie at the Philly shows, Gregory agreed to an interview with her local CBS News affiliate. “I just love the lyrics,” she said, revealing that she assembled the packet of lyrics at Staples and informing the interviewer that Swift “kinda did them in order by the albums” at the show.
Next, Swift is scheduled to head to the outskirts of Boston for three shows at Gillette Stadium this Friday, Saturday and Sunday (May 19, 20 and 21) before heading to MetLife Stadium for three more shows outside New York City over Memorial Day weekend.
Check out Gregory’s nephew tweeting about his aunt’s epic 81 pages of Swift lyrics, as well as the original TikTok video of the moment, below.
Lol my Aunt Maureen is going viral on TikTok rn because she printed out the lyrics to every song in the set list for the Taylor Swift concert.
In November 2021, Britney Spears’ controversial conservatorship came to an end following a worldwide fan movement to change the way in which the pop superstar’s life and career were managed. Over the past year-and-a-half, Spears, who had been under the conservatorship for 13 years, settled into a new reality. The pop icon — whose debut single “…Baby One More Time” became the first of her five No. 1s on the Billboard Hot 100 and catapulted the teenager into international stardom — has been active on social media, posting videos and messages that have stoked fan and media speculation over the last 18 months. Since the end of her conservatorship, she also scored her biggest hit in years, crashed an unexpected Billboard chart for the first time and watched fans interact with and champion a catalog of music that stretches back a quarter century.
Details about the future of Spears’ recording career, including any new full-length to follow 2016’s Glory, are scarce. Yet millions of listeners remain engaged with her brand of pop on streaming platforms, radio stations and on social media sites like Instagram and TikTok. Looking at data on Luminate, we can observe how certain songs and albums have evolved on these platforms over time — Spears’ biggest catalog hit on streaming platforms today, for instance, was not her biggest hit at the time of its release.
Here are five fascinating facts about the current state of Britney Spear’s music consumption — which may give some clues into what’s next for Britney.
Looking for some motivation to help power you through the start of another work week? We feel you, and with some stellar new pop tunes, we’ve got you covered.
These 10 tracks from artists including Lauren Daigle, Daft Punk, Charlotte Cardin and more will get you energized to take on the week. Pop any of these gems into your personal playlists — or scroll to the end of the post for a custom playlist of our favorite 2023 cool pop songs.
Charlotte Cardin, “Looping”
Montreal singer-songwriter Charlotte Cardin makes the most of a sample of Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were,” and her own vocal loops, on a track that turns the phrases that haunt us through mental repetition into a literal refrain. Created with Mr. Hudson, Felix Joseph and Jason Brando, “Looping” fits into the soulful pop tradition that made a mark on top 40 radio near the beginning of the 2010s, but the songwriting makes Cardin’s obsessions sound thoroughly modern. – Jason Lipshutz
Victoria Anthony, “New Disaster”
The title track of Victoria Anthony’s just-released sophomore album captures a delightfully familiar teen-hang scenario: after breaking her best friend’s phone and realizing it’s time to head back to her house, the Vancouver native lingers a little too long with the wrong partner, knowing it’s a mistake but being okay with making it. “New Disaster” speeds ahead with a light pop-punk touch, as Anthony commits to her course of action with youthful energy and plenty of hooks. – J. Lipshutz
Becky Hill & Lewis Thompson, “Side Effects”
A wondrous dance song like “Side Effects” isn’t the least bit surprising when considering Becky Hill’s track record: the UK house mainstay has been scoring hits for nearly a decade, and her voice is pristinely attuned to this type of kinetic energy. Working with British producer Lewis Thompson, Hill wields her power comfortably on “Side Effects”: belting with restraint on the pre-chorus, racing alongside the beat on the hook, and injecting every stray thought about an ex with roof-rattling emotion. – J. Lipshutz
Kamille feat. Nile Rodgers, “Muscle Memory”
Part of the fun of first listening to “Muscle Memory,” the new disco strut from British multi-hyphenate Kamille, is waiting for Nile Rodgers’ main guitar riff to arrive, as if the song waits a bit before reaching another gear of groovy euphoria. Once the legend steps in, “Muscle Memory” really takes off: with Kamille guiding the action and Rodgers supporting her direction, the track invites repeat listens so that you can experience that arrival all over again. – J. Lipshutz
Local Natives, “NYE”
Indie-rock staple Local Natives have returned with “NYE,” the lead single off Time Will Wait For No One and a new balancing act for the band, as its members deliver a characteristically breezy melody with more edge and urgency. Member Ryan Hahn recalled in a statement how the song was inspired by his own wedding, during which the band continued its tradition of performing at one another’s nuptials. Once Hahn’s bandmates started to play a song by The Strokes, “I thought we had to do a fast and wild song — and ‘NYE’ was born.” — Lyndsey Havens
Lauren Daigle, “Ego”
2023 is a major year for Lauren Daigle: fresh off a label deal with Atlantic Records, the Contemporary Christian Music star has now released the first half of her two-volume self-titled album, filled with songs that highlight her brand of personal pop and soulful roots. “Ego” is situated in the sweet spot of Daigle’s register, as she sings in a low and cautionary tone: “Have we lost who we are to the pressure / Trading souls for the sake of the pleasure / I’m done wrestling with my ego / Lord knows it all feels so hollow.” — L.H.
Beverlee, “I Am a Window”
“Don’t have to open all up baby, go slow,” sings Beverlee on new single “I Am a Window.” With its playful rhythms, plinky synths and a recurrent siren, this ode to finding balance in a relationship (which comes with a “lesbian reimagining of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” music video) is an irresistible slice of quirky queer pop, reminiscent of Tune-Yards, from the L.A.-based singer-songwriter. – Joe Lynch
Tucker Nichol, “Long Story Short”
Juxtaposing sensual R&B vibes with blunt lyrical kiss-offs (“to make a long story short, I can’t stand you”), “Long Story Short” finds up-and-comer Tucker Nichol expertly demonstrating that you can move on from a toxic relationship while still feeling yourself. – J. Lynch
Daft Punk feat. Julian Casablancas and The Voidz, “Infinity Repeating”
Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories turns 10 this month, and to celebrate, the defunct French duo released a deluxe edition of the album featuring several demos from the vault — including the Julian Casablancas and The Voidz collaboration, “Infinity Repeating.” While the original version of the album will cause fans to draw comparisons to “Instant Crush,” “Repeating” serves as its jazzier B-side: Casablancas languidly sings over hi-hat drum beats and trinkling synth keys as he reflects on the fickle nature of humans. – Starr Bowenbank
Albert Hammond Jr. feat. Matt Helders and Steve Stevens, “Thoughtful Distress”
Albert Hammond Jr. rolled out the first half of his fifth studio album, Melodies on Hiatus, last week, and of its nine tracks, “Thoughtful Distress,” serves as a delightful surprise. Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders and Billy Idol guitarist Steve Stevens teamed up with The Strokes member on the song, helping to flesh out its simmering yet groovy instrumental as Hammond Jr. plays tug of war with the object of his affection. – S.B.
Alexis Gale is celebrating Mother’s Day, despite the allegations made against her estranged husband, Jimmie Allen.
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Gale took to her Instagram Stories on Sunday (May 14) to share an ultrasound photo of the former couple’s upcoming third child, revealing the sex of the baby with the caption, “My baby boy [heart emoji].” See her post before it disappears here. Gale and Allen are also parents to two daughters: three-year-old Naomi and one-year-old Zara.
Last month, the former couple revealed that they are expecting their third baby together, but also that they are parting ways. “After much thought and reflection in recent months, Lex & I have made the decision to separate,” the country star wrote, with Gale posting a similar statement to her page. “Our number one priority is and always will be ensuring that our children are healthy, happy and loved, and we remain committed to co-parenting with love and respect for one another. In light of our growing family, we respectfully request privacy during this time.”
Shortly after, a woman on his management team filed a civil lawsuit in Tennessee federal court, in which the anonymous “Jane Doe” accused Allen of sexual assault. The accuser claimed that Allen “manipulated and used his power” over her job as a day-to-day manager in order to “sexually harass and abuse her” over a period of 18 months from 2020 to 2022.
“Plaintiff expressed in words and actions that Jimmie Allen’s conduct was unwelcome, including pushing him away, sitting where he could not reach her, telling him she was uncomfortable and no, and crying uncontrollably,” the woman’s lawyers wrote in the complaint. “However, Allen made clear that plaintiff’s job was dependent on her staying silent about his conduct.”
In a statement to Billboard, Allen admitted to a sexual relationship with his accuser but denied all allegations of assault. “It is deeply troubling and hurtful that someone I counted as one of my closest friends, colleagues and confidants would make allegations that have no truth to them whatsoever,” he said. “I acknowledge that we had a sexual relationship — one that lasted for nearly two years. During that time she never once accused me of any wrongdoing, and she spoke of our relationship and friendship as being something she wanted to continue indefinitely.”
Allen has since been suspended by his label BBR Music Group, management company The Familie and booking agency UTA following the allegations.
A teacher at Glendale is being fired after being caught on video using a racial slur during class last week.
SPS officials say the teacher, who is also the school’s cross country coach, used the derogatory term while teaching a math class last week.
He was placed on administrative leave after the video surfaced, and was subsequently fired on Monday.
The teacher’s use of the word was caught on video by a student in the class, Mary Walton, who was subsequently suspended by the district for violating the policy on use of electronic devices.
Walton says the coach used the racial slur six times, and only caught two of them on video.
An attorney from Missouri, Natalie Hull, was made aware of the students suspension and plans to issue a letter demanding her suspension be lifted.
The teacher/coach’s identity has yet to be released.
A full statement from Stephen Hall, the CCO for Springfield Public Schools, issued this statement to KOLR-10:
“The teacher who was initially placed on administrative leave following the situation at Glendale High School is no longer employed by Springfield Public Schools. Furthermore, much speculation has occurred regarding student discipline related to a video recording of the unacceptable classroom incident. Student discipline is confidential, per federal law, and Springfield Public Schools cannot disclose specifics related to actions taken. The student handbook is clear, however, on consequences for inappropriate use of electronic devices. Any consequences applied per the scope and sequence would also consider if minors are identifiable in the recording and what, if any, hardships are endured by other students due to a violation of privacy with the dissemination of the video in question. SPS is confident that the district appropriately and promptly handled all matters related to what occurred at Glendale. We want our schools to be safe and welcoming learning environments. When students have concerns, they should follow the appropriate steps for reporting.”
Showers and thunderstorms developing and moving across the Ozarks Monday afternoon and evening will bring both a severe and flash flood potential to the area.
The National Weather Service says scattered strong to severe storms are possible, although most storms should remain sub-severe across the area.
Forecasters say given the warm air aloft, thunderstorms with damaging winds to 60 mile per hour will be the most likely hazard, with hail confined to one inch or less.
The tornado threat is not zero, but the weather service says it’s very low overall.
There’s also a concern for flash flooding, with storms likely producing heavy rainfall rates of one to two inches per hour.
A corridor of one to three inches of rain is expected to occur near and along Interstate 44, with some localized amounts up to four inches.
A Flood Watch is in effect for all of southwest Missouri until 10 p.m. Monday.
The Storm Prediction Center says as of early Monday afternoon, the probability of issuing a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is only about 20%.
