Month: June 2023

Just days after the Foo Fighters announced another stadium lap of Australia, the rock legends land at No. 1 with their new album, But Here We Are (via RCA/Sony).

The Foos’ 11th studio LP becomes their ninth leader on the ARIA Chart, following One By One (2002), In Your Honor (2005), Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace (2007), Greatest Hits (2009), Wasting Light (2011), Sonic Highways (2014), Concrete And Gold (2017), and their most recent LP, 2021’s Medicine At Midnight.

Earlier in the week, the Foos confirmed a major jaunt in November and December of this year, produced by Frontier Touring.

Coming in at No. 2 on the national albums survey is Stray Kids, new at No. 2 with 5-Star (ING). It’s the K-pop act’s third charted release in Australia following Noeasy, which peaked at No. 14 in 2021; and the EP Maxident, with a No. 4 peak in 2022. Stray Kids has an Aussie connection; band mates Bang Chan and Felix both hail from these parts.

Completing an all-new top three is Metro Boomin Presents Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse (Republic/Universal). Metro Boomin’s Spidey soundtrack, which features guest appearances from Swae Lee, Future, Nas, 21 Savage, Lil Wayne, ASAP Rocky, James Blake and 2 Chainz, is new at No. 3.

Further down the list, homegrown punk-rock trio DZ Deathrays bags a fifth top 50 appearance with R.I.F.F. (Orchard). It’s new at No. 8, for the award-winning act’s third stint in the top 10, following Bloody Lovely (No. 4 in 2018) and Positive Rising: Part 2 (No. 4 in 2021).

Over on the ARIA Singles Chart, Dave and Central Cee are the top sprinters as the British hip-hop artists team up for a fresh No. 1.

“Sprinter” (via Virgin Music Australia/Universal) races to the summit, becoming the first U.K. hip-hop single to debut at the top, and ending the eight-week reign of Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night” (Republic/Universal), down 1-2.

The first U.K. rap single to scale the Australian chart mountain was Russ Millions and Tion Wayne’s “Body,” completing a six-week climb in May 2021.

“Sprinter” is the first Australian chart leader for both acts. Dave’s previous best in Australia was No. 8 for 2022’s “Starlight,” and Central Cee’s top effort was 2022’s “Doja,” which reached No. 3. Based on midweek sales and streaming data published by the Official Charts Company, “Sprinter” is also on track for the U.K. No. 1.

Meanwhile, Dua Lipa’s shimmies into the Australian top 20 with “Dance The Night” (Atlantic/Warner), lifted from the soundtrack to the forthcoming Barbie movie. “Dance” rises 22-14 for the Brit’s 12th top 20 hit in Australia, ARIA reports. It’s some way from contesting her biggest career hit here, her collaboration with Elton John on “Cold Heart,” remixed by homegrown electronic trio PNAU, which logged 10 weeks at No. 1 in 2021 and 2022.

Finally, the Queen of Pop makes a long overdue appearance in the top tier. “Popular” (Universal) by the Weekend, Playboi Carti and Madonna debuts at No. 24 on the ARIA Singles Chart, published June 9. The last time Madonna appeared in the top 30 was in 2012, when “Give Me All Your Luvin’” with Nicki Minaj and M.I.A reached No. 25.

PinkPantheress is like the proverbial riddle wrapped up in an enigma, only considerably more interesting.

The singer, songwriter and producer rose to prominence by releasing song demos on TikTok, she keeps her real identify a mystery and mostly dodges the spotlight.

But her talent for creating music with her own stamp has the music world collectively salivating.

PinkPantheress dropped debut mixtape To Hell With It dropped in 2021, cracking the U.K. top 20.

Then, her promise was rewarded with the BBC Sound of 2022, an annual poll of music critics and industry figures that has previously be won by the likes of Adele, Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding and Haim.

Her viral-turned-radio hit “Boy’s a Liar, Pt. 2” with Ice Spice recently went to No. 1 on the Rhythmic Airplay Chart and impacted the Billboard Hot 100.

The Brit spreads her wings with “Angel,” the latest release from the forthcoming Barbie soundtrack.

It’s a sweet pop production with strings for hooks, an infectious beat and Autotuned vocals.

On it, she sings” Jonny my baby/ Did it always have to end this way/ Cos one day/ One day my baby just went away.”

Barbie The Album is due out July 21, and features the previously-released Karol G number “Watati” featuring Aldo Ranks, and Dua Lipa’s “Dance The Night,” new at No. 20 on the Official U.K. Singles Chart.

Among the confirmed artists on the film’s Mark Ronson-executive produced soundtrack are Charli XCX, Lizzo, Nicki Minaj, FIFTY FIFTY, Dominic Fike, GAYLE, Ava Max, Karol G, Khalid, The Kid LAROI and more.

Stream “Angel” and check out the tracklist for Barbie The Album below.

“Barbie The Album” tracklist:

Today (June 9), Janelle Monae swims back into the limelight with Age of Pleasure, her first album in five years. 

The predecessor to her 2018 acclaimed effort Dirty Computers is 14 tracks deep and includes features from Grace Jones, CKay, Amaarae, Doechii, and more. Her single, “Lipstick Lover,” remains a sticky summer jam that sparked conversation since its release last month. 

“That song, ‘Lipstick Lover,’ I’m like, ‘Why didn’t I write this song years ago?’ Because if you know me … Today, I don’t have on any red lipstick, but I’m always in red lipstick. And there have been so many instances where I’ve made out with somebody at a party, and it’s dark,” she said in her interview with Zane Lowe following the song’s release. “Nobody notices it. But when the lights come on, whoever I’ve made out with, lipstick all over their face. And then I’ve also been on the receiving end of a human … who’s so attractive. … Or I’ll get home, and I’m like, ‘Oh my God. I have lipstick all over my face.’ And I’ve also been the ‘Lipstick Lover’ where … you know exactly who I kissed.”

Monae also explained to Lowe how the songs from her new album came from honesty.

“All the songs were written from such an honest space,” she began. “And what I’m super excited about with The Age of Pleasure. The Age of Pleasure is that … Listen, I’ve had my age of depression. I’ve had my age of anxiety. I’ve had my age of struggle. And again, it’s not like life is pleasurable every single day, but I think I have actively just sought out … How do I create a space for myself? How do I redirect my mind on how I’m thinking about things? How do I realize that right now, in this present moment, moments that we’ll never get back, this is where you need to find your pleasure? This is your moment. Don’t let it get confused that five minutes later, we’re going to try to go into doing something different. And again, this is just my experience where I’m at; even though, despite what I may be going through, there’s going to be a moment where this bad moment, I won’t even be around to even discuss it. I won’t.”

Stream Age of Pleasure below.

Niall Horan is welcoming you to The Show. The crooner unveiled his much-anticipated third studio album on Friday (June 9).

“This album is a piece of work I’m so proud of and now it’s time to pass it over to you to go and make it your own,” Horan wrote on Instagram when announcing the album back in February. “Thank you so much for being there for me all this time and I can’t wait to share the next couple of years of this new era with you. I’ve missed you all so much. It’s good to be back.”

The 10-track album features previously released singles “Heaven” and “Meltdown,” as well as new tracks including “You Could Start a Cult,” “Must Be Love” and “Science.” The Show follows the former One Direction star’s sophomore album Heartbreak Weather in 2020.

In addition to his win as coach on season 23 of The Voice, Horan revealed that he’s heading out on tour in support of The Show in 2024. The Show Live On Tour will kick off in Belfast, Ireland, on Feb. 21, and will continue throughout the U.K. and Europe until March 27. Horan will then head over to Australia and New Zealand before heading to the U.S. on May 29, starting with a stop in Hollywood, Fla. Horan will make his way through gigs in Philadelphia, New York, Nashville, Toronto and more cities before concluding the tour in Phoenix on July 31.

Listen to The Show in full below.

BTS is celebrating 10 years since their debut with a gift to fans.

The superstar group unveiled their newest single, “Take Two,” on Friday (June 9), which is a nod to BTS’ “second chapter” and an “ode to their fans,” affectionately called ARMY, according to a statement from HYBE.

Before the song was even released, “Take Two” topped Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs chart, ruling the June 10-dated list despite not yet being available commercially. The song marks the group’s fourth No. 1 on Hot Trending Songs since its 2021 inception and BTS’ first since “Yet to Come” in June 2022. “Take Two” is also BTS’ second song of 2023 as a group, following “The Planet,” which appeared on multiple Billboard charts dated May 27, including Digital Song Sales, where it bowed at No. 6.

“Take Two” comes just a week before BTS 10th Anniversary FESTA is set to take place on June 17 in Seoul, South Korea. The event celebrating the date of the group’s debut (June 13, 2013) at Yeouido, Seoul, will be open to the public. Beyond their success as a group, it’s been an exciting few years for the BTS boys individually as well, as all seven members of have now scored solo hits on the Billboard Hot 100.

Listen to BTS’ “Take Two” below.

The 2023 Heat Latin Music Awards (Premios Heat)—which recognizes renowned and up-and-coming artists who are making a buzz in the Caribbean and Latin American regions—aired live from Cap Cana in The Dominican Republic on Thursday (June 8), and featured many memorable moments.

Karol G, Feid, and Bad Bunny led the nominations with six each, followed by five-time nominee El Alfa. Romeo Santos and Bizarrap each scooped four nominations.

The big winner of the night was Karol G, who took home the coveted song of the year award for “Provenza.” 

But beyond awarding the best urban artist, the best new artist, the best music video, and the best collaboration, to name a few categories, Premios Heat captured star-studded performances, special awards and tributes, and memorable speeches.

Below, check out some of the best highlights from the eighth edition of the Heat Latin Music Awards:

1. Hottest Song of the Moment: On the Premios Heat carpet, Billboard asked artists to share the hottest song of the moment and the answers ranged from perreo to pop. Reggaeton veteran Maldy said the song he can’t stop listening to — and dedicates to his wife — is YNG LVCAS and Peso Pluma’s “La Bebe (Remix).” Mau y Ricky gave Billboard an exclusive and sang a snippet of their upcoming collaboration with Argentine newcomer La Joaqui. Also, LAGOS crooned us with Lasso’s “Ojos Marrones,” which he helped compose.

2. Jay Wheeler’s in Love: The Puerto Rican artist, who’s making the rounds with his single “Pacto,” arrived at the Premios Heat with his wife and Venezuelan singer Zhamira Zambrano. It was a special night for the newlyweds as they not only took center stage to perform their pop ballad “Dicelo” but Wheeler also nabbed the award for best artist north region. “Don’t be afraid to fall in love because it’s beautiful. I’m married and I’m very happy,” he said during his acceptance speech.

3. Mike Bahia’s Surprise Award: At the eighth edition of Premios Heat, Colombian artist Mike Bahía was surprised with a special award called Lo + Heat for being part of the Heat family since its inauguration in 2015. During his acceptance speech, Bahía expressed that life has been in charge of reminding him not to quit. “Today I realize why life reminds me how beautiful it is to walk with a team. It wouldn’t make sense if I didn’t have someone to share it with. Love and honor your family always,” he said.

4. The New Wave of Latin Acts: The Heat Latin Music Awards is known for not only supporting up-and-coming Latin artists but also offering a platform where their hard work is recognized. Keeping their mission firm, this year’s awards show included a segment where a wave of emerging acts took center stage. They were Mar Rendon, who performed a rock version of Nek’s “Laura No Esta;” Teo (Fanny Lu’s son), who performed a medley of two original songs; Kunno and Dayanara, who performed their collaboration “El Ganado;” Xofi, who performed an infectious bachata; and Elena Rose, who performed “Bayamón.”

5. A Grupo Niche Tribute: Premios Heat celebrated the 43-year trajectory of Grupo Niche for its impact on music with a star-studded tribute. Joining the Colombian salsa group on stage to sing some of their timeless hits were Eddy Herrera, Mike Bahía, Yahaira Plasencia, and Yeison Jimenez. “This award is and will always be for Jairo Varela, creator of this iconic band,” the ensemble said during its acceptance speech.

Karol G was the big winner at the 2023 Heat Latin Music Awards (Premios Heat) on Thursday (June 8), taking home the awards for best urban artist, best video for “Mientras Me Curo del Cora,” and song of the year for “Provenza.”

The Colombian star, Bad Bunny, and Feid had led nominations for the ceremony, tallying six each.

The fan-voted awards ceremony—held live from the beach in Cap Cana, Punta Cana, The Dominican Republic, and aired on the HTV and TNT networks—recognizes renowned and up-and-coming artists who are making a buzz in the Caribbean and Latin American regions.

“It’s an experience. It’s the musical platform where you can make a real connection—the beach gives us that feeling of closeness,” Premios Heat founder Diana Montes tells Billboard. “What was clear to me when we did the treatment of the awards is that I did not want to do them in the United States for various reasons beginning with we did not have the resources to compete with the larger awards show. Initially, we spoke with Cartagena de Indias but for some reason, we arrived in Cap Cana, and we’ve been hosting the awards here for nine years now. That’s the difference from a traditional award, here you see everyone working and networking but in a bathing suit and with a beer in hand.”

Below, check out the complete 2023 Heat Latin Music Awards winners list:

Best Male Artist
Bad Bunny
Christian Nodal
Romeo Santos
Alejandro Fernández
Prince Royce
Wisin
Ozuna
Feid — WINNER
Maluma

Best Female Artist
Shakira
Karol G
Tini
Rosalía
Farina
Greeicy — WINNER
Natti Natasha
Emilia Mernes
Kim Loaiza
Gloria Trevi

Best Group or Band
Grupo Firme
Wisin & Yandel
Piso 21
Zion & Lennox
Morat
Reik
Servando y Florentino
Grupo Niche — WINNER

Best Rock Artist
Morat — WINNER
Juanes
Maná
No Te Va Gustar
Fito Páez
Leiva
Los Caligaris
Leon Larregui

Best Pop Artist
Lasso
Sebastián Yatra — WINNER
Kany Garcia
Camilo
Axel
Carlos Rivera
Danny Ocean
Andrés Cepeda
Lali

Best Urban Artist
Bad Bunny
Karol G — WINNER
Feid
Arcángel
Eladio Carrión
Ryan Castro
Rauw Alejandro
Justin Quiles
El Alfa
Farruko

Best Tropical Artist
Carlos Vives
Romeo Santos — WINNER
Silvestre Dangond
Marc Anthony
Víctor Manuelle
Felipe Peláez
Américo
Eddy Herrera
Jandy Ventura

Best Artist South Region
Duki
LIT Killah
Trueno
Nicki Nicole
Emilia Mernes
Tiago PZK
Cris Mj
Bizarrap — WINNER
Wos

Best Artist Andean Region
Fanny Lu
Danny Ocean
Goyo
Mike Bahia — WINNER
Dekko
Manuel Turizo
Ryan Castro
Blessd
Farina
Andreína Bravo

Best Artist North Region
Farruko
Sech
Dalex
Kim Loaiza
Chris Andrew
Jay Wheeler — WINNER
El Alfa
Mora
Justin Quiles
Chris Lebron

Best New Artist
Polimá Westcoast
Lola Índigo
Quevedo
Edén Muñoz
Brray
Chris Lebron
LIT Killah — WINNER
Kim Loaiza

Musical Promise
TEO
Elena Rose
Young Miko
Paopao
Dayanara
Mario Bautista — WINNER
Ángel Dior
ADSO
Villano Antillano
Mar Rendón

Influencer of the Year
Domelipa — WINNER
Kunno
Yeri Mua
Mont Pantoja
La Segura
Brianda
Marko
Lele Pons
Kevlex

Best Popular Regional Artist
Christian Nodal — WINNER
Alejandro Fernández
Carin León
Paola Jara
Jessi Uribe
Grupo Firme
Grupo Frontera
Yeison Jiménez
Eden Muñoz

Best Dominican Urban Artist
El Alfa — WINNER
Angel Dior
Rochy RD
Chimbala
La Materialista
Bulova
La Insuperable
Flow 28
Rosaly Rubio

Best Video
“Mientras me Curo del Cora” – Karol G — WINNER
“For Sale” – Gilberto Santa Rosa, Carlos vives
“La Reina” – Maluma
“Le Pido a Dios” – Feid
“Mi Pecadito”- Mike Bahía, Greeicy
“Ambulancia” – Camilo, Camila Cabello
“Cairo” – Karol G, Ovy on The Drums
“Suegra” – Romeo Santos
“Tití Me Preguntó”- Bad Bunny

Best Collaboration
Karol G, Shakira – “TQG”
Rauw Alejandro, Baby Rasta – “Punto 40”
Arcangel, Bad Bunny – “La Jumpa” — WINNER
Romeo Santos, Chris Lebron – “SIRI”
Ozuna, Feid – “Hey Mor”
El Alfa, Zepekeño, El Pepo Show – “Arrebatao Remix”
Lasso, Sebastián Yatra – “Ojos Marrones”
Kany Garcia, Christian Nodal – “La Siguiente”
Mora, Feid – “La Inocente”

Best Content, Music Platform
Molusco TV
Dimeloking
Alofoke Media — WINNER
El Chombo
Rapetón

DJ of the Year
Dj Adoni — WINNER
Gordo
Tiësto
Diplo
Marshmello
Bizarrap
Dj Tornall
Víctor Cardena

Song of the Year
“La Bachata” – Manuel Turizo
“BZRP Music Sessions #53” – Bizarrap, Shakira
“Despechá” – Rosalía
“Feliz Cumpleaños Ferxxo” – Feid
“Los Cachos” – Piso 21, Manuel Turizo
“Tití Me Preguntó” – Bad Bunny
“Provenza” – Karol G — WINNER
“La Fórmula” – Maluma, Marc Anthony
“BZRP Music Sessions #52” – Bizarrap, Quevedo
“Bendecido” – El Alfa, Farina
“Me Porto Bonito” – Bad Bunny, Chencho Corleone