Categoría: Billboard

Earlier in September, Ed Sheeran wrapped his gargantuan four-year stadium tour. The +-=÷x Tour (The Mathematics Tour) launched in 2022 after the release of the previous year’s = (Equals) and continued through the releases of 2023’s – (Subtract) and Autumn Variations. Over three album eras and 188 shows across four continents, Sheeran grossed $875.7 million and sold 8.8 million tickets according to figures reported to Billboard Boxscore. That makes it the highest grossing tour of his career and thus, one of the biggest tours of all time. Related Sheeran has only been a global touring figure for less than 15 years, but mounting his most successful tour yet was no easy feat. His previous trek, The ÷ Tour (The Divide Tour), ran from 2017 to 2019 and set records in its final stretch as the highest grossing and bestselling tour in history. More shows in a shorter timeframe, The Divide Tour grossed $776.4 million and sold 8.9 million tickets, breaking U2’s longstanding records in both metrics for the U2 360° Tour ($736.4 million and 7.3 million tickets in 2009-11). On the other side of the pandemic, Sheeran was surpassed as the biggest earner, first by Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour ($939.1 million) and then by Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour ($2.1 billion) and Coldplay’s ongoing Music of the Spheres World Tour ($1.5 billion through Aug. 31). In terms of attendance, both Coldplay and Swift surpassed 10 million tickets, with the former now up to 12.8 million and counting. The Mathematics Tour finishes fourth all-time in gross (behind Swift, Coldplay and John) and attendance (Coldplay, Swift, The Divide Tour). Like his prior tour, this one took Sheeran around the world and back with five legs in the U.K. and Europe, two in Asia, 25 shows in North America and 15 in Oceania. Europe and the U.K. were the obvious standouts for the British singer, accounting for 59% of the tour’s total gross and 63% of its attendance. Combined, the five legs grossed $517.1 million and sold 5.5 million tickets over 117 shows. Next was North America with $170.7 million and 1.6 million tickets. Asia’s 31 shows earned $102.4 million and sold 753,000 tickets. The one leg of dates in Oceania added $85.5 million and 810,000 tickets. The expanse of The Mathematics Tour includes various warm-up shows in the weeks leading up to its stadium launch, plus a Subtract promo breakout in 2023, putting Sheeran in relatively intimate arenas in the U.K. and Ireland to specifically promote his then-new record. It does not, however, include The Subtract Tour in North America, which hit U.S. theaters in the same cities of some of his Mathematics stadium shows. Also outside of the proper tour, there was an isolated date at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on May 22, 2024, to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of x (Multiply). From Dublin’s Whelans (357 capacity) to four nights at London’s Wembley Stadium (420,000 tickets), Sheeran adapted his live show to maximize his tour’s reach. But that’s not all! Sheeran released Play last week (Sept. 12) and is already plotting a tour to follow. He announced the Loop Tour, which will commence before the year is even over. Five arena shows are set in December across Paris, Munich and Dublin, plus two in England. Then, it’ll be 17 stadium dates in Australia and New Zealand in the early months of 2026. While no dates have been officially announced, he teased a leg of U.S. concerts next year during a live performance on TikTok. Dating back to Sheeran’s first reported concert at QPAC Concert Hall in Brisbane, Australia (July 31, 2012 – $101K; 1,488 tickets), he has grossed over $1.7 billion from 18.9 million tickets sold. He is one of the 10 highest grossing and bestselling acts in Boxscore history. Source link

Kid Cudi is setting the record straight regarding claims rapper Consequence made that the Ohio native sabotaged a potential Drake and Ye (formerly Kanye West) album in the works. Explore See latest videos, charts and news Cudi hopped on Instagram on Thursday (Sept. 18) to clear the air while vehemently denying he had anything to do with a Drake-Ye album falling through or that he played a role in West’s 2016 hospitalization. “The other day rapper Consequence made some allegations that were extremely false. The things he said were pretty f—king disturbing,” he began in the video posted to his Stories. “Let me be clear: I had nothing to do with Kanye not doing that collab album with Drake. And I damn sure had nothing to do with him being hospitalized and going to the psych ward.” Cudi continued: “Kanye gon’ do whatever Kanye wanna do. What I look like being like, ‘Yo, I don’t want you to do this album.’ And him being like, ‘OK.’ Yeah, right, in what universe?” Kid Cudi said he sent a cease-and-desist letter to Consequence’s team and threatened to up his litigation to hurt his pockets. “We sent a cease-and-desist, told him to take it down and retract his statement … I need to get a retracted statement tomorrow,” he added. “Saying that is extremely false and if not, you’ll be hearing from my lawyer, period. I’ma hit you in them pockets. That little bit of change you got gonna be mine. Keep f—ing with me, s—t is not a game.” Billboard has reached out to Consequence for comment. Consequence eventually deleted the post and tweet subliminally aiming at Cudi: “And the reason we didn’t get this Game Changing project… Is because a Kid… Needed to see Ghosts smh.” However, Cons appears to be doubling down on his stance as he took to IG, reposting Cudi’s video and mocking him. “Shortly I’ll kick off the ‘Apology’ Tour on X This will be as G.O.O.D. as it gets Receipts don’t Lie and neither do I,” he captioned his post. Ye and Drake were reportedly working on a collaborative album in 2017, which was rumored to be titled Calabasas Is the New Abu Dhabi as billboards popped up in Los Angeles. The project didn’t come to fruition, and the two clashed in 2018 while Drake feuded with Pusha T.   Source link

Cardi B isn’t on great terms with estranged husband Offset, but in her words: “It is what it is.” In the second part of her interview with Gayle King on CBS Mornings posted Thursday (Sept. 18), the Bronx native was straightforward about where she stands with her ex, revealing that they don’t currently have a co-parenting relationship for their three kids as she thinks the Migos rapper is harboring animosity. “I just wish he was a better person, but it is what it is,” Cardi told King. “Be a better person for your kids.” The topic of Offset came up while the “WAP” artist was discussing how frustrating she finds it that some people continue to associate her with her former partner. As she pointed out, she’s moved on; Cardi has been in a relationship with Stefon Diggs since the spring, and she announced Wednesday that they’re expecting a baby together. “I filed for divorce a year ago,” she told King of her estranged husband. “That should be very clear. I don’t deal with that, I don’t mess with that, I don’t have no contact with that.” When pressed about whether ‘Set is in her life in a co-parenting capacity, Cardi said, “Not right now.” “I think he has some type of hate in his heart right now,” she continued. “If we all move on, there shouldn’t be no animosity. Your life, my life, separate. We should be able to raise kids. We should be able to ask each other questions. We should be able to be like, ‘Hey, look what one of the kids just did,’ ‘Look at this,’ ‘Look at the report card.’ We should be able to celebrate, but it’s not about the kids. One thing I’m learning is it’s not about the kids.” Cardi and Offset share three children: daughters Kulture and Blossom, as well as son Wave. They were married for about seven years before Cardi filed for divorce in July 2024. She’d previously filed in 2020, but the pair got back together weeks after the fact. But despite what may be happening behind the scenes, Offset recently told TMZ that he plans on supporting Cardi’s new album, Am I the Drama?, when it arrives Friday (Sept. 19). “I just want all peace, man, for us to win, everybody gotta win,” he told a photographer for the outlet. “We got kids to take care of, we got to catch the dubs.” See Cardi’s conversation with King below. Earlier this month, a jury found Cardi B not liable, after a security guard accused her of assault. The award-winning rapper’s testimony went viral. In a candid conversation, she told Gayle King about testifying: “I said what I said for real, like, just don’t lie.” Cardi B also… pic.twitter.com/8bfU0ybmTz — CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) September 18, 2025 Source link

How do you present two major career-achievement awards on a live awards show without having the show run seriously overtime – or feel cramped and overstuffed? It’s all but impossible, but CBS and Dick Clark Productions have come up with an elegant solution: the premiere of a spin-off show, Golden Eve, a new annual primetime special honoring the recipients of the Cecil B. DeMille Award and Carol Burnett Awards. The inaugural show will air coast-to-coast on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 8 p.m., ET/5 p.m., PT on CBS and stream on Paramount+. The special will air as a marquee event during what they’re calling “Golden Week,” a weeklong experience across Paramount platforms as well as celebratory kick-off events ahead of the 83rd annual Golden Globes, which is set to air live on Sunday, Jan. 11, with comedian Nikki Glaser set to host for the second year in a row. The Globes have grappled with how to do justice to these two awards on a show that is already packed with prizes for both film and television. In 2024, it shelved the awards for a year to make way for two additional categories during the telecast: Cinematic and Box Office Achievement and Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television. Last year, it presented the two career-capping awards at a separate, non-televised gala. In 2026, they’ll present Golden Eve, offering viewers an insider’s look at the honorees’ legacies, personal stories, and memorable Golden Globes moments. The special will feature curated career retrospectives, never-before-seen footage, and in-depth conversations with the honorees. “We are so excited to expand our partnership with CBS and bring the Golden Globes to an even wider audience across the Paramount portfolio,” Jay Penske, CEO of Dick Clark Productions, said in a statement. “With Golden Eve, we will celebrate the industry’s most talented and influential figures, recognizing the recipients of the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award and Carol Burnett Award. This is a chance to properly honor those who have so profoundly shaped our culture with more than a 2-minute awards moment. This event and special will occur during ‘Golden Week,’ a premier cross-platform initiative with CBS that transforms the Globes into a multi-day cultural event, making it a cornerstone of the awards season.” “The Golden Globes has always honored the achievements of remarkable talents,” said Helen Hoehne, president, Golden Globes. “With Golden Eve, we’ll give viewers a more intimate look at our honorees’ legacies and bring audiences closer to these icons.” Amy Reisenbach, president, CBS Entertainment, added: “With Golden Eve and Golden Week, we’ll celebrate the Golden Globes across CBS and Paramount, creating an immersive experience that brings viewers closer to one of Hollywood’s most iconic events.” First presented in 1952 to its legendary film director namesake, the Cecil B. DeMille Award has been bestowed on 69 honorees. The award has been around long enough that it has been presented, separately, to father and son (Kirk Douglas and Michael Douglas), father and daughter (Henry Fonda and Jane Fonda), and brother and sister (Warren Beatty and Shirley MacLaine). The last five recipients are Jeff Bridges (2019), Tom Hanks (2020), Jane Fonda (2021), Eddie Murphy (2023) and Viola Davis (2025). The Carol Burnett Award was first presented in 2019 to its namesake, the beloved TV legend. It is presented to an honoree who has made outstanding contributions to television on- or off-screen. The five recipients to date are Burnett (2019), Ellen DeGeneres (2020), Norman Lear (2021), Ryan Murphy (2023) and Ted Danson (2025). The Golden Globes, which likes to call itself “Hollywood’s Party of the Year,” is the world’s largest awards show that celebrates both film and television, and starting in 2026, podcasting. Dick Clark Productions will plan, host and produce the program. The Golden Globes are produced by Dick Clark Productions, which is owned by Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Eldridge Industries and Billboard parent company Penske Media. Source link

Billboard unveiled the full lineup for the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Week, returning to The Fillmore Miami Beach from Oct. 20 to 24.  Joining the star-studded roster of the event recognized as the most influential week in Latin music are Alejo, Aitana, Baltazar Lora, Bebeshito, Chaparro Chuacheneguer, Christian Alicea, Carlos Arroyo, Danny Ocean, Dimelo King, Gerardo Fernandez, Golden, Ivy Queen, Isabel Castro, Jheral, Juanito El Millonzuki, Karime Pindter, King Savagge, La Segura, Lenny Tavárez, Luck Ra, Lupita Infante, Machael, Yan Madmusick, Yon Madmusick, Mario Ruiz, Matt Louis, Michelle Maciel, Olga Tañón, Paola Ruiz, Rawayana, Santos Bravos, Silvestre Dangond, Silvia Zepeda, Soledad, Suzette Quintanilla, Tokischa, Yailin and Zizzy.  The announcement was made during a press conference hosted at The Fillmore Miami Beach on Thursday (Sept. 18), where Leila Cobo, chief content officer of Billboard Latin/Español; Miami Beach mayor Steven Meiner; and talents Bebeshito, Guaynaa and Paola Ruiz were in attendance.  Explore See latest videos, charts and news “We are super excited, we are 36 years old,” Cobo said at the invite-only conference. “We have been part of the history, and the future, of Latin music. Latin music is bigger than ever, it’s more global than ever. Around the world, it’s the genre that has grown the fastest. We are thrilled to be back with our biggest Latin Music Week ever — 32 panels, more than 100 guests, including the artists, executives and content creators most relevant. The Fillmore is not just a beautiful theater, but history has been made here. Every artist of note has performed here.” Meiner added: “The heart of Latin music right here [in Miami Beach]. In my humble opinion, it’s the greatest city of the nation, and we couldn’t be more proud to welcome you here at Billboard Latin Music Week. Miami Beach is growing in its reputation, nationally and internationally, as literally the place to be for residencies, events, and businesses. Billboard Latin Music Week is a part of it, but it’s a partnership, and we would not be the Miami Beach we are today if it wasn’t for Latin Music Week. I appreciate the title of honorary Latino. … I’m looking forward to another incredible week of Latin Music Week, and it’s an honor to be here.” The newly added talent join the previously announced acts, including Alofoke, Anuel AA, Carín León, DY, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Ela Taubert, Goyo, Grupo 5, Guaynaa, Humberto “Humby” Viana, Julio Reyes Copello, Kali Uchis, Kapo, Laura Pausini, Leo Royas of Escuela de Nada, Luis R. Conriquez, Molusco, Myke Towers, Netón Vega, Óscar Maydon, Ozuna, Pablo Alborán, Silvana Estrada, Venesti, Xavi and Yami Safdie.  “It’s a super nice thing for me to be part of the tropical and cumbia panel,” Cuban artist and former Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise Bebeshito expressed. “In this panel, I’ll talk about the urban genre called repartido, created in the neighborhoods of Cuba. This genre has a sandunga, and I want other countries to understand and get to know it at Latin Music Week.” Guaynaa expressed: “Thanks to Leila for always having the consideration and space. I’m very happy to be here. Billboard has brought together entrepreneurs, artists, and record labels, and it’s important for consumers who want to learn about the industry. On the cumbia and tropical panel, I’ll have the pleasure of being with Bebeshito, Olga Tañon, Grupo 5 and Luck Ra, and you’ll see many interesting points of view.” Meanwhile, content creator Paola Ruiz said of her LMW participation: “We’ll have a panel of content creators, where we’ll talk about the wonder of listening to our Latin music around the world. We look forward to seeing you at the panel, so you can see the magic creators create when showcasing our music and how far we’ve come on streaming platforms. Together, we’re making sure Latin music remains No. 1.” Spanning 30 years, Latin Music Week is the single most important and largest gathering of Latin artists and industry executives in the world. This year’s event will once again host panels, marquee conversations, roundtables, networking and activations, in addition to its celebrated Billboard En Vivo showcases. Latin Music Week also coincides with the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards, set to air Thursday, Oct. 23, on Telemundo and Peacock. Billboard Latin Music Week sponsors include HYBE, Netflix, New York State Lottery, State Farm® and Walmart. The full programming schedule and ticket sales are available at BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com. For $50 off, use code MIABEACH25, for a limited time. Discount does not apply to Insider + Award Show ticket types.   Source link

Chance the Rapper has always led with his heart, and his conscience. Which explains why the Chicago MC released a strongly worded statement on Wednesday (Sept. 17) in support of Jerry Greenfield — one half of the founding duo behind beloved ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s — after Greenfield announced his departure from the Burlington, Vt.-founded company after 47 years due to a conflict with its parent company. Explore See latest videos, charts and news “Ben & Jerry’s is the only major company I know of that has repeatedly lobbied for Black American Reparations,” wrote Chance on X of the company’s support of a 2019 congressional bill calling for a commission to study and develop a proposal for the African-Americans Act. “Two older men with access who have no incentive other than justice, are now being punished and silenced for their unwavering support of Palestine. I’m not heartbroken, im galvanized. We continue to fight the good fight,” Chance added, ending his post with a power fist emoji. The show of support from Chance came after co-founder Ben Cohen posted his friend and business partner Greenfield’s lengthy leave-taking note, citing his “difficult decision” to step down from the company they built together from a single scoop shop in Burlington to a beloved global brand. “His legacy deserves to be true to our values, not silenced by @MagnumGlobal #FreeBenAndJerrys,” Cohen added. “It’s with a broken heart that I’ve decided I can no longer, in good conscience, and after 47 years, remain an employee of Ben & Jerry’s,” Greenfield wrote in the message, calling the move “one of the hardest and most painful decisions I’ve ever made.” Greenfield said he was stepping down because he believes the independence he and Cohen previously felt to advocate for the many social issues they have supported over the years had been dismissed by Unilever, the British parent company that bought the brand in 2000 and which had promised to allow Ben & Jerry’s to continue its tradition of engaging in its social justice endeavors. The move comes as Unilever is planning to spin off some of its ice cream brands, including Magnum and Ben & Jerry’s. Specifically, his resignation follows months of complaints from both men, and Ben & Jerry’s independent board, that Unilever was allegedly blocking their politically-charged posts and attempts to speak out on about Israel’s devastating war in Gaza. The New York Times reported that last year Ben & Jerry’s sued Unilever amid accusations that it was trying to prevent the company’s independent board from calling for a cease-fire in the Gaza war, a claim Unilever rejected. The paper also reported that in 2021, Ben & Jerry’s announced it would end sales in the Israeli-occupied territories, calling it “inconsistent” with the company’s values and that in May, Cohen was arrested after he interrupted a Senate committee hearing to protest Congress’s funding for Israel’s military as it wages it’s ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza. Greenfield said that over the past 20 years, Ben & Jerry’s has, “stood up and spoke out in support of peace, justice and human rights, not as abstract concepts, but in relation to real events happening in our world.” He said that ability to speak their minds was part of the unique merger deal struck with Unilever that “enshrined our social mission and values in the company’s governance structure in perpetuity. It’s profoundly disappointing to come to the conclusion that that independence, the very basis of our sale to Unilever, is gone.” He continued, saying that this apparent split has come at a time when “our country’s current administration is attacking civil rights, voting rights, the rights of immigrants, women, and the LGBTQ community. Standing up for the values of justice, equity, and our shared humanity has never been more important, and yet Ben & Jerry’s has been silenced, sidelined for fear of upsetting those in power.” Chance, who recently rocked a “F–k ICE” chain in an apparent comment on the Trump administration’s immigration raids in Los Angeles, teamed up with Ben & Jerry’s in 2023 for his own bespoke flavor, Mint Chocolate Chance, a mash-up of mint chocolate chip ice cream and brownie bits inspired by his mom, Lisa Bennett. See Chance and Greenfield’s statements below. Ben & Jerry’s is the only major company I know of that has repeatedly lobbied for Black American Reparations. Two older men with access who have no incentive other than justice, are now being punished and silenced for their unwavering support of Palestine. I’m not heartbroken, im… https://t.co/OX3PQmaWaq — Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) September 17, 2025 Source link

Lorde is no virgin to playing arena-sized shows — but it had been a long, long time since she did. After closing out her Melodrama World Tour in 2018, the New Zealander chose not to perform in big spaces for her following trek in 2021, which supported her Solar Power album. Instead, she traveled exclusively through theater-sized venues — save for her festival dates — but four years later, with the release of 2025’s Virgin, she knew it was time to confront her fears of planning arena shows. The songs demanded it. “I am in legitimate shock about your excitement for this tour,” Lorde wrote in an email to fans following the announcement of her 2025 Ultrasound Tour in May. “Deciding to book a bigger tour was something I agonised over (Melo arena tour…if you know……) but in the spirit of having the gd stones I decided that this music wants to be played in big rooms and that a lot of us should be there. To have that met with this is so beautiful. Thank you for your faith in me.” Fast forward to Wednesday (Sept. 17), the Ultrasound World Tour opened in the 15,000-cap Moody Center in Austin, absolutely filled up with the pop star’s diehard fans. This time around, Lorde’s audience showed up for her — and in return, she treated them to a thoughtful setlist spanning all four of her albums, from beloved hits off of 2013’s Pure Heroine such as “Royals,” “Team” and “Ribs” to Virgin fan favorites like “Shapeshifter” and “David.” On stage, the star was jubilant, soaking up the love in the room while performing songs in a T-shirt and her Calvin Kleins, at one point running on a treadmill while belting out “Supercut.” Lorde now has several more big shows ahead of her, with the Grammy winner scheduled to play dates across North America and Europe — with support from Blood Orange, the Japanese House, Nilufer Yanya, Chanel Beads, Empress Of, Jim-E Stack and Oklou — through the end of the year. In February of next year, she’ll take the tour across New Zealand and Australia before closing out Feb. 25 in Perth. Check out the setlist she’s taking on the road for her Ultrasound World Tour, as played at the Moody Center kickoff, below. “Hammer” “Royals” Album: Pure Heroine (2013) “Broken Glass” “Buzzcut Season” Album: Pure Heroine (2013) “Favourite Daughter” “Perfect Places” “Shapeshifter” “Current Affairs” “Supercut” “No Better” Album: Pure Heroine (2013) “GRWM” “The Louvre” “Oceanic Feeling” Album: Solar Power (2021) “Big Star” Album: Solar Power (2021) “Liability” “Clearblue” “Man of the Year” “If She Could See Me Now” “Team” Album: Pure Heroine (2013) “What Was That” “Green Light” “David” “Ribs” Album: Pure Heroine (2013) Source link

The first quarter of the 21st century has been a remarkable time for country music, with the genre continuing to broaden its widespread appeal. Superstars who began their musical journeys in the 1980s and ‘90s — such as George Strait, Reba McEntire and Kenny Chesney — continued to collect hits, while new movements, including the party-hearty Bro-country phenomenon, ushered in by the likes of Florida Georgia Line in the ‘10s, brought in newer fans. Then, as artists from Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen to Lainey Wilson and Jelly Roll reigned among the dominant artists into the ‘20s, yet more flocks of listeners turned to country. Producers played a key part in the waves of sounds that became summer anthems, songs we danced to and songs we cried to. They incorporated hip-hop beats and pop sounds traditionally not heard in country, while making sure that the music advanced but remained true to the storytelling that is the hallmark of the genre. Reflecting the biggest sonic architects in country from Y2K to today, check out the top 25 creators on The Top Producers of the 21st Century on the Hot Country Songs Chart below. The ranking follows the reveals of Billboard’s top country artists, albums and songs of the 21st century — as well as The Top Producers of the 21st Century on the Hot 100, covering all genres — with all coverage of Billboard’s 21st Century Charts here. Billboard’s Top Country Artists, Top Country Albums and Top Hot Country Songs of the 21st Century recaps reflect performance on weekly charts dated Jan. 1, 2000, through Dec. 28, 2024. The Top Country Artists category ranks the best-performing acts in that span based on activity on Top Country Albums and Hot Country Songs. (Titles released prior to mid-1999 are excluded, although such entries that appeared on Top Country Albums or Hot Country Songs in that span contribute to the calculation of the Top Country Artists chart.) The Top Producers of the 21st Century on the Hot Country Songs Chart reflects producers with the most No. 1s on weekly Hot Country Songs charts dated Jan. 1, 2000, through Dec. 28, 2024, with ties broken by most top 10s and most overall chart entries. Zac Brown Image Credit: Getty Images Beyond his role as lead singer, key songwriter and namesake for Zac Brown Band, Brown’s work in co-producing many of the band’s top hits lands him among the top 25 country producers of the first 25 years of the century. He’s produced eight Zac Brown Band Hot Country Songs No. 1s, among them the group’s breakthrough 2008 hit “Chicken Fried,” “Highway 20 Ride,” “Colder Weather” and “Keep Me in Mind,” melding instrumentations and harmonies that highlight the group’s eclectic, jam-band vibe. —Jessica Nicholson Nathan Chapman Image Credit: Getty Images Nathan Chapman soared into prominence alongside a nascent Taylor Swift as co-producer of her first five albums, giving just the right tone to her country-pop sound, occasionally with a sweet dose of fiddle or mandolin in the early days. Her debut, “Tim McGraw,” peaked at No. 6 on Hot Country Songs, before they reached the pinnacle in 2007 with her third single, the sweetly romantic “Our Song,” which spent six weeks on top. Their winning formula resulted in five more No. 1s, including such signature Swift songs as “Love Story” and “You Belong With Me.” Swift may be Chapman’s best-known collaborator, but he has also scaled the summit via The Band Perry’s “All Your Life” and Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert’s “We Were Us.” Plus, Chapman has worked with Sara Evans, Mickey Guyton, Lady A and, more recently, Brett Eldredge. —Melinda Newman Brett Beavers Image Credit: Courtesy of Brett Beavers Beginning in the early 2000s, Brett Beavers became a key producer for Dierks Bentley, solely producing his first three major-label albums and helping to shape Bentley’s sound on a bedrock of twangy country-rock and washes of bluegrass. Along the way, he produced nine of Bentley’s Hot Country Songs No. 1s, including rockers “What Was I Thinkin’” from 2003, and “5-1-5-0”; the sensual “Come a Little Closer”; and such rustic tracks as “Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go).” Other hits for Beavers include Sunny Sweeney’s barroom weeper “From a Table Away” and Dustin Lynch’s “Cowboys and Angels.” —J.N. George Strait Image Credit: Getty Images King George had already been claiming Hot Country Songs No. 1s for nearly 20 years by the start of the 21st century, but the hit train kept on rolling for the Texas troubadour, one of the most popular and successful artists in country — or any genre’s — history. All nine of George Strait’s leaders this century were produced with long-time collaborator Tony Brown. “The Best Day,” a nostalgic story about a father and son, spent three weeks at No.1, while other chestnuts such as divorce saga “Give It Away” and the heartfelt, appreciative “I Saw God Today” added to Strait’s chart-topping tally — a record 44 career Hot Country Songs No. 1s as a recording artist — and showed his evergreen ability to tackle diverse subject matter that resonates with fans. —M.N. Jeff Stevens Image Credit: Getty Images In the mid-2010s, Jeff Stevens became the producer synonymous with the rise of Luke Bryan’s chart dominance, contributing production to each of Bryan’s albums and shaping the sound of his hits, from crisp party-starters dipped in rock and hip-hop influences to more introspective ballads, all with Bryan’s twangy Southern vocals and storylines filled with small-town, country imagery. Prior to his work as a producer, Stevens was a recording artist and songwriter, known for penning such songs as John Anderson’s “I Fell in the Water.” Stevens produced 10 of Bryan’s Hot Country Songs chart-toppers over 2000-24, among them the somber “Drink a Beer” and Bryan’s longest-leading smash, the 12-week No. 1 “That’s My Kind of Night.” —J.N. Michael Knox Image Credit: Getty Images Michael Knox became an essential part of Jason Aldean’s chart successes beginning with the latter’s self-titled debut album, forming one of country

Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds — whose writing and production credits include music for the movies Waiting to Exhale, Boomerang and Soul Food — is adding another film project to his repertoire. The 13-time Grammy winner has written, recorded and produced the new song “Faithful,” featured on the five-song companion EP for the upcoming Netflix film Ruth & Boaz. Explore See latest videos, charts and news Singer-actress Serayah stars as title character Ruth Moably and performs “Faithful” onscreen. The song plays over the Ruth & Boaz end credits as well. Babyface also makes an appearance as himself in the film, produced by DeVon Franklin and Tyler Perry. Netflix will premiere the movie on Sept. 26 — the same day the EP, Ruth & Boaz (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film), becomes available. “Faithful” becomes available Sept. 19 on all DSPs. Directed by Alanna Brown, Ruth & Boaz is a faith-based story involving rising Atlanta hip-hop artist Ruth Moably, her decision to pivot away from the glamourous, fast-paced music scene after a personal tragedy and start afresh in rural Tennessee as the caretaker for her surrogate mother Naomi, her late boyfriend’s mother. Then vineyard owner Boaz comes into Serayah’s life. Naomi is portrayed by Phylicia Rashad; Boaz by Tyler Lepley. The cast also includes Grammy-winning songwriter-producer Jermaine Dupri. The film was written by Michael Elliot and Cory Tynan. It was friend and film producer Franklin who asked Babyface to participate in the project. Of writing “Faithful” specifically for the film, Babyface tells Billboard that he “loved and was inspired by the film’s faith-based romance. So the song is just that. It’s about someone being faithful to their relationship with one person because she finally found a relationship she could trust. I loved how they used it in the movie; it turned out to be very impactful.” In her comments to Billboard about “Faithful,” Serayah — who starred on the Fox drama Empire that aired from 2015 to 2020 — notes that “lyrically and melody-wise I instantly fell in love with the record. It represents not only the unconditional love Boaz has for Ruth, but also the unconditional love God has for each and every one of us. Love has the power to come in and bring you back to who you are called to be if you let it. Babyface is an incredible writer [whose] genius makes it feel like a timeless record. I also enjoyed performing this record because I’ve never sung a country-influenced song. Now I want to explore it more.” The EP also includes the Babyface-produced cover of the gospel classic “Goodness of God,” which he performs with Serayah in the film. The three remaining tracks are “Prayer for Your Journey,” written by Franklin and music producer Brett Nolan with a spoken word performance by Franklin and vocals by K-CI; “Money Rules,” performed by Serayah and Nijah Brenea; and “Wildflowers,” sung by Serayah. Of shooting the studio scene in the film during which he and Serayah briefly sing together, Babyface describes it as “natural and organic — she has a beautiful voice.” Adds Serayah of meeting and then collaborating with Babyface in the studio scene, “I was self-conscious, I’m not going to lie! I was nervous about what he thought or felt about my voice. But also, [about] just living in such an organic moment that may or may not ever happen again. It was definitely a memory I will never forget. When you’re in the presence of a legend like Babyface, you just have to soak it all in.” Watch the trailer for Ruth & Boaz below: Source link

The year 1995 truly had it all for TLC. The trio of Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Rozanda “Chili” Thomas and Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes had become stars with their 1992 album Ooooooohhh… On the TLC Tip, but in late 1994, the release of sophomore set CrazySexyCool had taken them to the next level — a winning streak that would last through all of ’95 for the R&B group. But even in the midst of multiple era-defining No. 1 hits, VMAs-dominating music videos and unprecedented millions in album sales, the group had to fight through countless setbacks — medical, legal and (particularly) financial. Explore See latest videos, charts and news On this week’s Vintage Pop Stardom episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by NYU professor, longtime music industry exec and social media legend Naima Cochrane to remember a year that essentially serves as the midpoint for all of ’90s pop stardom. We recall just what made TLC so exceptionally sensational — even during an absolute golden age for R&B girl groups — and talk about all the factors that would make such a year of pop stardom near-impossible 30 years later. Along the way, we of course ask all the most important questions about the Greatest Pop Stars of 1995: What made CrazySexyCool such a great leap forward for an already A-list group? Did you really have to have one or multiple sets of silk pajamas to be fly in the mid-’90s? How differently would we talk about Left Eye’s toxic relationship with Andre Rison in 2025? Is “Waterfalls” a timeless classic or a dated message song? Was TLC secretly the model for HUNTR/X from KPop Demon Hunters (and every other girl group of the last 30 years)? And perhaps most importantly: What would it take for us to really get girl groups back in the mainstream in the 2020s? Check it out above — along with a YouTube playlist of some of the most important moments from TLC’s 1995, all of which are discussed in the podcast — and subscribe to the Greatest Pop Stars podcast on Apple Music or Spotify (or wherever you get your podcasts) for weekly discussions every Thursday about all things related to pop stardom! And as we say in every one of these GPS podcast posts — if you have the time and money to spare, please consider donating to any of these causes in the fight for trans rights: Transgender Law Center Trans Lifeline Destination Tomorrow Gender-Affirming Care Fundraising on GoFundMe Also, please consider giving your local congresspeople a call in support of trans rights, with contact information you can find on 5Calls.org. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox Sign Up Source link