Bulletin YOUR DAILY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATE AUGUST 24, 2021 Page 1 of 15

INSIDE SiriusXM Wins Appeal in Turtles

• Spotify Expands Lawsuit Over Pre-1972 Royalties Its Podcast Subscriptions to All BY TATIANA CIRISANO U.S. Creators SiriusXM Radio does not need to pay in order to play the air, it does not have to pay public performance • Rolling Stones pre-1972 recordings under California law, an appeals royalties to the owner of the original sound recording. Drummer Charlie Watts Dies at 80 court ruled Monday (Aug. 23), marking the radio gi- On the other hand, digital and satellite radio providers ant’s latest victory in its ongoing dispute over music including Sirius must pay public performance royal- • Recording royalties with members of ‘60s rockers The Turtles. ties whenever they broadcast post-1972 recordings — Academy Names The Turtles, known for their hit “Happy Together,” but until Congress enacted the Music Modernization Songwriters & Composers Wing are represented in a series of lawsuits against Sirius as Act in 2018, they did not need to pony up royalties for Leadership Council Flo & Eddie Inc., the company founded by members playing pre-1972 recordings under federal law. What’s Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman, which owns the unclear is whether providers like Sirius must pay to • MSG Entertainment band’s recordings. play pre-1972 recordings under state law. Revenues Soar, Still Way Down From 2019 Yesterday’s unanimous ruling from a three-judge “This patchwork quilt of federal and state copyright panel at the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals saves laws,” U.S. Circuit Judge Kenneth Lee wrote in Mon- • R. Kelly Trial: New Sirius from $5 million it would have owed if Flo & Ed- day’s ruling, “led to a ball of confusion — and to this Witness Testifies die had won. longstanding litigation.” About ‘Punishments,’ STD Infection at 17 “We are gratified that this important issue has been Flo & Eddie first sued Sirius back in 2013, under finally and correctly resolved,” Sirius’ attorney, Daniel California law, on behalf of a class of copyright owners • Lil Uzi Vert & The Petrocelli of O’Melveny & Myers, said over email. Bill- whose music it argued Sirius played without permis- Kid Laroi to Perform board has reached out to Flo & Eddie’s attorney for sion or compensation. Flo & Eddie brought similar at 2021 Made in America Festival: comment. claims against Sirius in New York and Florida. Exclusive The ruling is the latest to come from a series of roy- When the parties settled in 2016, Sirius agreed to alties disputes between the parties, stemming from a pay the class at least $25 million in past royalties, plus • Music Publicist and complex web of state and federal laws governing radio $5 million for each Flo & Eddie win on appeal for the Photographer Norma Morris Dies at 82 providers and recent changes to those laws. three cases. In 2017, the 11th Circuit affirmed Sirius’ When an AM/FM radio station plays a song over (continued)

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IN BRIEF

Florida win and the 2nd Circuit reversed extra content, news or whatever else they Flo & Eddie’s New York win, meaning that Spotify Expands deem fit to share. Subscribers must opt in to Sirius has now won appeals in all three receive the extra emails. cases. Its Podcast Though the focus is on building exclusive In California, Flo & Eddie argued that content within Spotify, which has 165 mil- Sirius was required to pay royalties because Subscriptions to lion paid users and 365 million monthly us- state copyright law gives the creators of pre- ers, Anchor will also provide creators with 1972 recordings “exclusive ownership” of All U.S. Creators private RSS feeds that are compatible with their music. A judge initially sided with Flo other podcast distribution platforms. & Eddie, saying that the phrase covers pub- BY MARC SCHNEIDER “Our model is built to maximize creator lic performance rights. But Sirius appealed revenue and offer the widest possible reach the ruling, arguing that when the law was potify is ready to bring podcast so creators can grow their audiences and first used in 1872, “exclusive ownership” subscription options to all U.S.- develop deep connections with listeners,” referred not to public performance rights based creators using its Anchor the company said. but to the right to reproduce and sell copies platform. Starting today, stateside Spotify’s top competitor in the podcast- of an unpublished work. Spodcasters will be able to mark episodes of ing space, Apple, went global with its own The 9th Circuit agreed, writing that at the their pods as subscriber-only before pub- podcast subscription options in June. Like time the law was first used, “no state had lishing to Spotify and other platforms. Spotify/Anchor, Apple subscriptions provide recognized a right of public performance for The streaming leader announced the support for ad-free listening for exclusive music, and California protected only unpub- program in late April with a testing group of content, however, there are more fees lished works.” 12 creators that has since grown to over 100 involved. In line with other App Store pur- podcasts. When launched, Spotify offered chases, Apple will keep 30% of sub fees for three price tiers that creators could offer to the first year and 15% annually after that. listeners, but that has since been expanded Apple’s podcast division helped popular- to 20 options. Unchanged since the beta ize the format, but in recent years has given launch is Spotify’s plan to let creators keep up its lead to Spotify, which has grown all of their subscriber revenues (minus rapidly. Spotify’s acquisition of Anchor in transaction fees) until 2023, before a 5% fee February 2019 marked its third podcast- kicks in. ing company acquisition that year — after Going forward, Spotify also says it will Gimlet Media and Parcast — spending provide creators the ability to download a upwards of $400 million total on the trio. In list of their paid listeners’ email addresses November, Spotify added podcast advertis- — “so they can further engage with their ing and publishing company Megaphone to subscriber bases” with podcast updates, its arsenal, too.

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2021 NEW & R ENOVATED VENUES

On September 18th Billboard will provide CONTACT readers with an exclusive backstage Cynthia Mellow | 615.352.0265 pass into the newest and latest renovated [email protected] venues around the world. This special Joe Maimone | 212.493.4427 feature will assess the architecture, [email protected] production capabilities, sound, capacity Lee Ann Photoglo | 615.376.7931 level, fan amenities, and more that entice [email protected] talent to these highly anticipated venues. Ryan O’Donnell | +447843437176 Take this opportunity to advertise your venue [email protected] and reach key touring industry decision- makers as they plan tour schedules and map Marcia Olival | 786.586.4901 out must-play venues. [email protected]

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Editorial content subject to change BILLBOARD COUNTRY UPDATE APRIL 13, 2020 | PAGE Page 4 5OF of 1915

ON THE CHARTS JIM ASKER [email protected] IN BRIEF SamHunt’s Southside Rules Top Country

BeginningAlbu Septms; 15, international Brett listeners Young and deceptively ‘Catc complexh rhythm’-es patterns, Fifth him Airplay by,” Wyman wrote in his memoir, Stone will be able to subscribe to a U.S.-based pod- providing — along with bassists Bill Wyman Alone. “He has never courted fame or cast’s exclusiveLea tier, however,der; an Travis expansion andDenning Darryl Jones — a solid Makes foundation that History sought pop stardom. Inside a band of pow- of the platform to creators outside the U.S. propelled the songs, both in the recording erful personalities he remains a true British is still being worked on. “Stay tuned,” the studio and especially onstage. eccentric.” Samcompany Hunt said.’s second studio full-length, and first in over “Rockfive years, swings Southside with a heavysales (up backbeat,” 21%) in the tracking week.Raised On in Country the northwest Airplay, it Londonhops 18-15 district (11.9 mil - (MCA Nashville/Universal Music Group Nashville), debutsWatts at No. once 1 on Billboardexplained’s tolion writer audience Chet impressions, Flippo. ofup Kingsbury, 16%). Watts played soccer and Top Country Albums chart dated April 18. In its first “It’sweek (endingsupposed April to 9), be it fun, and that’s why cricket as a youth but became enamored earned 46,000 equivalent album units, including 16,000 in album sales, ac- TRY TO ‘CATCH’ UP WITH YOUNG Brett Youngachieves his fifth consecutive cordingRolling to Nielsen Music/MRCStones Data. I like it. It’s dance music...Heavyand total Country back- Airplay No.with 1 as jazz “Catch” early, (Big buying Machine 78 Label RPM Group) releases ascends by Southside marks Hunt’s second No. 1 on the beat, that’s what it is.” And that sensibility Charlie2-1, increasing Parker, 13% Jelly to Roll36.6 millionMorton, impressions. Theloni- chartDrummer and fourth top 10. It followsCharlie freshman LP became a hallmark of the Stones’ enduring ous Young’sMonk and first others. of six chart Watts entries, started “Sleep out With- Montevallo, which arrived at the summit in No - sound. playingout You,” banjo, reached but inspiredNo. 2 in December by Gerry 2016.Mul- He vember 2014 and reigned for nine weeks. To date, “To me, Charlie IS the Rolling Stones,” ligan’sfollowed drummer with the Chico multiweek Hamilton, No. 1s “In he Case put You MontevalloWatts has earned Dies 3.9 million at units, 80 with 1.4 Didn’t Know” (two weeks, June 2017), “Like I Loved million in album sales. Keith Richards once told Billboard. “We can hisYou” banjo (three, head January on a 2018),stand “Mercy”and used (two, it as August a BY MontevalloGARY GRAFF has spent 267 weeks on the list, tying be as wild as we want, all over the place, but snare2018) drum. and “Here His Tonight”parents (two,bought April Watts 2019). his Luke Bryan’s Crash My Party as the sixth-longest- Charlie never falls out of place. He keeps it first“Catch” proper completes drum kit his in longest 1955, andjourney he tobegan No. 1, running titleshe in “engine the chart’s room” 56-year of the history.Rolling all locked in and moving forward.” playinghaving intaken the 46 Jo weeks Jones to All reach Stars the and apex. in Itclubs out- On the all-genre Billboard 200, Southside ar- paces the 30-week climb of “Here Tonight.” Stones has shut down. Wyman, meanwhile, saluted Watts as “an and coffee houses while studying at Harrow rives at No. 5, awarding Hunt his second top 10 On Hot Country Songs, “Catch” pushes 7-5 for HUNT YOUNG after the No. 3-peakingCo-founder Montevallo and virtuoso. drum- economist” in both his playing and his in- Arta new School high. and then working as a graphic Hunt firstmer released Charlie the Watts,EPX2C ,who which guitarist debuted strument. “I look at all these drummers that designer for Charles Daniels Studios. andTKeith peaked Richards at No. frequently 5 on Top Country referred Albums to with in Augusthave 2014. all these Following pieces on COMBS[their kits] ‘DOES’ to band IT AGAIN LukeWatts Combs had’ “Does taken to aMe” job (River in Denmark House/Columbia when Montevallothe “engine, Between room” sobriquet,the Pines: Acoustic has died Mixtape at startedaround at its on, No. and 7 high Charlie in has,Nashville), like, seven,” featuring the Eric ChurchAlexis, ascendsKorner 11-8asked on Countryhim to join Airplay, his bandup 10% to Novemberage 80, his 2015. rep confirmed Tuesday (Aug. bassist said with a laugh.24.7 “And million he gets in audience. as TheBlues song Incorporated, is Combs’ eighth in straight1961. The career-opening drum- Montevallo produced five singles, four of which hit the pinnacle of Country top 10, following a record run of seven consecutive out-of-the-gate, properly Airplay:24). Watts “Leave had the just Night exited On,” the “Take band’s Your Time,” “Housemuch Party” out of and what “Make he haspromoted as they doNo. — 1 singles.maybe mer returned to London, working days at Youupcoming Miss Me.” U.S. “Break tour Upto allowin a Small him Town” to recover peaked at No.more 2. — just ‘cause he’s suchChurch a great adds player.” his 15th Countryanother Airplay advertising top 10. company, and met Brian fromHunt an co-penned unspecified all 12medical songs on procedure. Southside, includingWatts “Body was Like also, a Back for the most part, the Jones, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ian Road,”A member which was of the released Rock in and 2017. Roll The Hall smash of hit ruledRolling Country Stone Airplay least for affected THAT byTOOK the group’sQUITE ‘A FEW’Stewart MONTHS as Travisthey entered Denning Korner’s shatters the orbit. record They for threeFame weeks and Modern and the airplay-, Drummer streaming- Hall of andFame, sales-based iconic Hot success. Country SongsIn his book STP:the most weeksA Journey it has takencourted to penetrate him the to joinCountry the AirplayRolling top Stones 10 as when“After chart for a then-record 34 frames. It now ranks second only to Bebe Rexha and a Few” (Mercury Nashville) climbs 12-10 in its 57th week, up 4% to 21.4 mil - Floridaand considered Georgia Line by many’s “Meant to be to Be”rock’s (50 greatestweeks atop theThrough latter list America in 2017-18). With lionthe inRolling radio reach. Stones, they formed the band during 1962, and drummer“Downtown’s of all Dead,” time, Watts which incorporatedis also on the new set, reachedRobert GreenfieldNos. 14 and 15 recounts The that song during surpasses the two tracksWatts that finally took 50agreed weeks in each January to enter of the1963. top 10: ona jazz Hot sensibilityCountry Songs into and the Country Stones’ Airplay, blend ofrespectively, Stones’ in June 1972 2018. North “Kin American- Easton tour, Corbin he ’sspent “A Girl Like You,”“I thought which itreached would No. be 10good in J anuaryfun, and 2018 I be- folks”rock, bluesled Country and R&B. Airplay Always on Feb. on 29, time becoming but of- Hunt’sa visit seventh to the No. Playboy 1. It hit Mansionfore peaking playing at No. bil 6- that February,liked [the and other Aaron band Watson members],”’s “Outta Style,” Watts which — No.ten 3playing on Hot Country around Songs.the beat, Watts’ style was liards rather than cavortingachieved with its women. No. 10 high in Decemberwho published 2017. a book about Charlie Parker, Latest single “Hard to Forget” jumps 17-9 on Hot Country Songs. It’s his “After” is Denning’s second Country Airplay entry. “David Ashley Parker a perfect complement to the band’s spacious “Being a Rolling Stone has almost passed Ode to a High Flying Bird, during December eighth top 10, having corralled 8.2 million U.S. streams (up 96%) and 5,000 in From Powder Springs” traveled to No. 32 in September 2018. ETHAN MICHAEL YOUNG: VIA MARTIN/NHLI GETTY HUNT: IMAGES. IMAGES MILLER/GETTY ON SALE OCTOBER 9 TOP LATIN POWER PLAYERS On October 9th, Billboard will profile the most influential people in Latin music, from record label executives, music publishers and management companies to radio and television stations and live entertainment

Join Billboard in congratulating this year’s Latin Power Players.

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*Editorial content subject to change. Page 7 of 15

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of 1964 — once said. “I did not at all think it & Composers Wing. would be a lifetime job. How could I?” Recording “The Wing’s mission is to provide In addition to playing drums Watts also composers and songwriters a home base in lent his graphic skills to the band early on, Academy Names the industry that presents opportunities, helping to design covers for albums such advocates on their behalf, and celebrates as Between the Buttons and tour stages, Songwriters their important contributions to our music logos and posters. While an unassuming community,” said Susan Stewart, newly presence on stage, letting his playing do & Composers appointed as managing director of the Song- the talking, Watts certainly understood his writers & Composers Wing. value within the band; Most famously, Watts Wing Leadership Through educational offerings including responded to a late-night drunken phone panels, mixers, songwriting retreats, and call from Jagger, asking, “Where’s my drum- Council mentorship, the Wing provides oppor- mer?,” by shaving, putting on a suit and tie, tunities for recognition, networking and going to the singer’s hotel room, knocking BY PAUL GREIN collaboration. It also spotlights emerging on the door and punching him in the face, opportunities for song and scoring achieve- telling Jagger, “Don’t ever call me your he Recording Academy’s newly- ment within a variety of media globally, drummer again. You’re my f—-ing singer!” launched Songwriters & Com- and amplifies songwriters and composers’ Outside of the Stones, Watts released a posers Wing has announced a unique role in policy discussions that seek selection of albums, starting with Live at leadership council comprised of fair compensation for creators. Fulham Town Hall with his own Charlie T23 music creators spanning diverse back- For more information on the Songwrit- Watts Orchestra in 1986. He also formed a grounds and genres. ers & Composers Wing and to learn about quintet and a tentet and recorded a collab- The members of the leadership council becoming a member, go here. orative project with fellow drummer Jim are drawn from each of the Academy’s 12 Keltner in 2000. A 2010 concert collabora- chapters as well as The Latin Recording tion with the Danish Radio Big Band was Academy’s membership. The leadership MSG released in 2017. He also periodically played council includes six Grammy winners — Ed- with Stones touring musician Tim Ries at gar Barrera, Claudia Brant, Bryan-Michael Entertainment the saxophonist’s solo jazz shows and, while Cox, Brett James, Lori McKenna and Chris- in various towns, was known to frequent topher Tin. Revenues Soar, club and other players that he favored. The council also includes: Ivan Barias, Despite his quiet demeanor, Watts Mason Bates, Emily Bear, Erika Ender, Sue Still Way Down grappled with some health issues over the Ennis, J.J. Hairston, Sam Hollander, J. Ivy, years. He succumbed into alcohol and drug Savan Kotecha, Luciano Luna, Eduardo From 2019 abuse, including heroin, during the early Osorio, Tayla Parx, Bruce Robison, Georgia and mid-80s but quietly worked his way Stitt, Justin Tranter, Emily Warren and Jay BY GLENN PEOPLES through them. And in June of 2004 he was Weigel. diagnosed with throat cancer, which he suc- The Wing is patterned after the Acade- adison Square Garden Enter- cessfully battled into submission. “We were my’s long-established Producers & Engi- tainment’s earnings for the scared,” Richards said shortly after. “We’ve neers Wing, which has 6,000 members, quarter ended June 30 showed had other people come and go in the band... according to the Academy. the beginning of a long climb but if there’s no Charlie, there’s no Stones. I The Songwriters & Composers Wing Mout of the pandemic shutdown. wouldn’t want to go on if he’s not there.” has forged a partnership with The Latin Quarterly revenues for MSGE’s fiscal 2021 Outside of music, Watts was known for his Recording Academy and will work with the fourth quarter totaled $99.8 million, up from sartorial style, named one of the World’s Best organization to better serve songwriters and $9.0 million in the same period in 2020, Dressed Men by Britain’s Daily Telegraph in composers globally. according to the company’s earnings report 2006, while Vanity Fair chose him for its The leadership council will join previ- filed Monday (Aug. 23). Adjusted operating International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame. ously announced honorary chairs Lamont loss was $70.0 million, up from a $103.5 mil- He and his wife Shirley own an Arabian Dozier, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Ashley lion loss a year earlier. (Adjusting the 2020 horse stud farm, and he was once president Gorley, Carole King, Jimmy Jam, Tania operating loss removes a one-time impair- of the North Wales Sheepdog Society. León, Gustavo Santaolalla, Valerie Simpson, ment to Tao Hospitality of $105.8 million at Watts is survived by Shirley, his wife since Diane Warren, and Hans Zimmer. the pandemic’s onset.) 1964, as well as their daughter Serafina and Evan Bogart, a trustee of the Recording Investors welcomed the improvement his grandchild, Charlotte. Academy, serves as chair of the Songwriters that exceeded the consensus revenue Page 8 of 15

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of $71.5 million, according to FactSet him “daddy,” making her urinate in a cup (per MarketWatch). Shares of MSGE rose R. Kelly Trial: and directing her on what to wear. 8.7% to $67.87 on Monday morning, after Jane Doe #5 testified he and Kelly had hitting a 52-week low of $60.26 last Thurs- New Witness sex almost every day during the summer of day. 2015, and he made recordings of their sexual Full-year results show a broader effect of Testifies About encounters “almost immediately.” She de- the pandemic: for the 12 months ended June scribed one particular incident to the court 30, total revenues fell 76% from the fiscal ‘Punishments,’ that involved Kelly sexually humiliating her year prior, from $762.9 million to $180.4 in front of his stylist. She first realized she million. Despite the last quarter’s improve- STD Infection at 17 had contracted herpes from him in Connect- ment, the entertainment division’s revenues icut when she was 17; “I couldn’t physically dropped 86% from $585.2 million to $82.3 BY NEENA ROUHANI AND JOE LYNCH even walk,” she said of the pain. “I felt this million over the same period. man had purposely given me something he The entertainment division — which . Kelly’s sex trafficking trial – knew he had,” she said between tears. houses such venues as Madison Square Gar- which includes accusations of After making her delete her social media den and Radio City Music Hall — improved bribery, kidnapping and forced accounts, he allegedly presented her with its revenues to $31.1 million from $8.6 mil- labor – continued on Monday even more rules, which included, “Stop lion, showing the concert business improved R(Aug. 23) at the Eastern District of New defending myself” and “tell daddy [the de- but was far from the $174 million it grossed York courthouse in Brooklyn. fendant] one thing I appreciate about him.” in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2019 before Taking the witness stand on Monday was On Sept. 19, 2015, Kelly and Jane Doe #5 COVID-19. MSGE’s Tao Hospitality Group, a Jane Doe #5, who was involved with the received a letter of consent from her mother collection of restaurants and entertainment R&B hitmaker for five years. She first met allowing the 17-year-old to live with Kelly venues, had quarterly revenues of $69.7 Kelly in 2015 when she was 17 years old, and be home schooled with him in Chicago. million, up from $1.3 million in the prior attending one of his shows in Orlando with This came after the defendant allegedly year period. Tao’s April 27th acquisition of her parents. A member of his entourage slapped Jane Doe #5 with an open palm Hakkasan Group accounted for $27.6 million gave her a wristband so she could watch the when she revealed her age to him at a park of the group’s revenues. show from the pit and have access to the in Chicago. MSGE’s acquisition of MSG Networks, backstage meet and greet. “[He sang] a lot She testified that the defendant recorded a regional sports network that broadcasts of his songs to me and showed me a lot of them having sex at various tour stops he sports teams in MSG Sports’ portfolio (New attention,” she testified. Before she left, she had her flown out to, a potential violation York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York said someone from his entourage gave her a of the Mann Act, which makes it a felony Liberty), closed on July 9, 2021, and was piece of paper that read “Rob” and had a cell to transport “any woman or girl for the not counted in the company’s fiscal fourth phone number on it and told her not to tell purpose of prostitution or debauchery, or quarter financials. MSG Networks had total anyone about it. for any other immoral purpose” over state revenue of $166.1 million in the quarter, up An invite from Kelly to audition for him lines. In Oct. 2015, Jane Doe #5 believed 9% from the prior-year period. as a singer followed. She met up with him she was pregnant. “He wanted me to get an a few days after the show, initially telling abortion so I would keep my body tight,” she him she was 18 despite being 17. During the said. “He expressed to me that if I had been “audition,” Jane Doe # 5 says Kelly sexually any other age, he would’ve wanted to start pursued her, eventually coercing her into a family.” (While she did not turn out to be receiving oral sex, and promised to “take pregnant, Jane Doe #5 did, in fact, become care of [her] for life.” pregnant by the defendant in 2017 and had After this initial one-on-one, Kelly’s an abortion, orchestrated by his assistant, assistant, Cheryl Mack, allegedly booked under pressure from him.) a number of plane tickets for Jane Doe While living in a house with several other #5, despite knowing her age, to visit Kelly women also involved in sexual relationships throughout his tour stops. When they first with the defendant, she was introduced had sex, it was without protection and the to “chastisings”: “He would spank me [if I R&B singer did not disclose his STD. She didn’t follow rules].” In one instance, she soon began staying at his home in Atlanta, bought a clothing item that wasn’t to his where he continued laying down rules, size specifications and was left in a room for demanding she get permission from Kelly three-to-four days until she apologized. The or an assistant before leaving a room, calling door wasn’t locked but she said she feared Page 9 of 15

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repercussions, as she had seen him “drag [other live-in women] by their hair,” throw Lil Uzi Vert & Music Publicist shoes at them and hit them. She also testified he mentioned his mar- The Kid Laroi to and Photographer riage to Aaliyah multiple times. When one of his live-in girlfriends asked why he mar- Perform at 2021 Norma Morris ried the late singer when she was 15, Kelly responded that Aaliyah found out she was Made in America Dies at 82 pregnant by him, and as a minor, he had to marry her to accompany her to get an abor- Festival: Exclusive BY JESSICA NICHOLSON tion. Jane Doe #5 testified that Kelly had his BY CARL LAMARRE ongtime entertainment publicist, girlfriends write multiple letters to “exploit textbook author and photogra- us to protect him,” instructing them to his year’s Made in America pher Norma Ann Morris died write apologies for stealing from him and Festival just got a bit more fun. Aug. 20 at her home in Kingston write about being molested by their family A source close to the festi- LSprings, Tenn. Morris, who was 82, died members, all of which was untrue. One of val tells Billboard that Lil Uzi following long battles with Alzheimer’s and his live-in girlfriends, known as “Juice,” TVert and The Kid Laroi will be surprise Parkinson’s diseases. would check the signatures on the letters guests for the 10th annual event during Morris worked as an artist consultant and to make sure they matched the signatures Labor Day Weekend. publicist for artists including Maxine Brown on their government IDs, after which Kelly Jay-Z’s yearly festival, produced by Roc (of The Browns), Merle Haggard, Waylon would give the letters to his attorneys. Jane Nation, will take place at the iconic Ben- Jennings, Jim & Jesse McReynolds, Ralph Doe #5 was also involved in video “punish- jamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia Stanley, Steve Wariner and many oth- ments,” which included him directing her from Sept. 4 to 5. The star-studded lineup ers. Prior to her work as a publicist, Morris to describe a false incident of her father features headliners Justin Bieber and Lil served as a college textbook editor and molesting her, which she did on camera Baby, along with performances by Doja Cat, author, for books including the award- after he had her in tears from more than Megan Thee Stallion, Roddy Ricch, Bobby winning Introduction to Computers and a dozen open-handed spankings. He also Shmurda, Baby Keem, Lil Durk, A$AP Ferg, Information Systems, and How to Set Up a made her eat feces and pretend to enjoy it Moneybagg Yo, Freddie Gibbs, Tinashe, Business Office. As a photographer, Mor- as a “punishment”; initially displeased with Morray, 42 Dugg, EST Gee, and more. ris had works included in People, TV her on-camera enthusiasm, he asked her to “We are thrilled to announce Made in Guide, Writer’s Digest, Billboard, Bluegrass re-shoot it, which she refused. America 2021 on the legendary Benjamin Unlimited, Amusement Business and more. Jane Doe #5’s testimony follows several Franklin Parkway. This year will be like no Her family includes several music days of similar testimonies from other other, as Made In America celebrates 10 industry members, including her husband women. years of music history-making moments,” Ed Morris (a country music editor at Bill- Kelly was arrested more than two years Jay-Z said in a statement in May. “The art- board from 1990 until 1995), daughter Erin ago and has pleaded not guilty to the ists’ performances will be even bigger, and Morris Huttlinger (RCA Records and inde- charges. If convicted on all counts, he faces Cause Village will host a wider range of pendent publicity), and son Jason Morris 10 years to life in prison. amazing philanthropic organizations. We (a music publisher with Fame, HoriPro and Reporting by Neena Rouhani. look forward to sharing incredible memo- Eleven Eleven Music). ries with our festival attendees and the city Morris was born June 21, 1939 in Apple of Philadelphia.” Grove, OH. She is survived by her husband This year’s Made in America festival will of 61 years Ed Morris, daughters Erin (Pete) benefit its local charity partner, the Ameri- Huttlinger and Rachel (Jody) Serrato, son can Civil Liberties Union of Philadelphia. A Jason (Jewel) Morris and sister Frankie net portion of the proceeds will support The Foster, as well as six grandchildren and five Reform Alliance. great-grandchildren. Over the years, Made in America has seen Ed Morris detailed his wife’s final journey performances from Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Nicki in Stardust: An Alzheimer’s Love Story, which Minaj, Mariah Carey, Drake, Pearl Jam, Nine compiled several touching Facebook blogs Inch Nails, Janelle Monáe, Kendrick Lamar, that he shared about their experiences. Imagine Dragons, Kanye West, and more. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested that support be given to Nashville’s Alive Hospice. Page 10 of 15

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vaccination proof or negative tests. AEG want to admit it. If I wasn’t a venue owner, Neumos in came out for vaccine requirements since maybe I wouldn’t either. It is something I we last spoke and Live Nation clarified its want people to embrace more because it is Seattle, in a half step. Their whole thing of ‘We’ll require not going away. We don’t want to admit it vaccinations if the artist requests it’...well, because it’s scary. We all just want to stick Pandemic: COVID no sh*t. Now they have said you need to our heads in the sand. be vaccinated or have a negative test and I Is ‘Not Going think that’s great. It needs to be uniform for this all to work. Tory Lanez Bail Away’ Does it seem like the industry is be- coming more uniform about vaccination Increased After BY TAYLOR MIMS requirements? The new thing that I am seeing is the PCR Violating Megan s co-owner of Seattle’s popular test being required in addition to vaccina- independent venue Neumos in tion to see a show. I think that is going to be Thee Stallion Capitol Hill, Steven Severin has the step that is too far. Because it is already been a staple in the Seattle music a problem. It is a problem in hip-hop and Protective Order industryA for more than 20 years. Roughly urban shows. Across the country, hip-hop 10 years ago, he helped create the Seattle shows are cancelling, and numbers aren’t at Rolling Loud Nightlife and Music Association to bring what they would normally be. Same for together the area’s live event insiders, and dance nights. There is a very good reason Miami for the past 16 years has helped run Neumos for the BIPOC community to not trust the with its sister club Barboza and the accom- government and vaccines, so the numbers BY DARLENE ADEROJU panying Runaway bar. are going to be down. For a lot of shows, As part of Billboard’s efforts to best cover there are going to be enough people who n Monday afternoon, Tory the coronavirus pandemic and its impacts will pass [rather than take a PCR test] and Lanez (né Daystar Peterson) on the music industry, we have been speak- the margins are already so small that I think appeared in court at the Clara ing with Severin regularly to chronicle his this is the step too far. Shortridge Foltz Criminal experience throughout the crisis. (Read Do you think this is because PCR tests OJustice Center in Los Angeles, where a the last installment here and see the full are harder to get? judge ordered him to pay $250,000 bail after series here.) Yeah. It’s not just going down to Wal- the rapper violated a protective order that How are things going out in Washing- greens and buying a rapid test. You’ve got requires him to stay at least 100 yards away ton? to go in. It’s an official test. It’s not simple. from Megan Thee Stallion. I saw the tracing from the Watershed A medical professional has to do it. I mean, The judge increased the sum from a pre- country festival in Washington and they I would skip stuff. I have to take time off vious amount of $190,000. came up with 200 cases that came from it. of work, go get tested and that’s harder for During the hearing, Lanez spoke briefly It was 25,000 people so that was 1% and someone with a 9-to-5 job. It takes 48 hours to greet judge Keith H. Borjon and again to they weren’t required to be vaccinated. That to get the results. You’ve got to be thinking swiftly apologize for his actions. crowd is also less likely to be vaccinated, so ahead and planning. I think people won’t The penalty comes nearly one month that’s not bad. The numbers are way lower want to bother with unless they are really after Lanez made a surprise appearance than I would have thought. There wasn’t excited to see the artist. at the Rolling Loud Miami festival on July a mask to be seen anywhere. I was pretty Are venues and promoters going to 25, in which he joined DaBaby onstage to impressed [with the low numbers]. It was have to grapple with the idea that a small perform — moments after Megan Thee Stal- the same for Lollapalooza. Those num- percentage of folks who attend their lion delivered her set. For Lanez, attending bers are low and those are just cases. Those shows will get COVID? Maybe there is a and performing at the event was in violation aren’t hospitalizations. I don’t think the specific percentage they are ok with? of the protective order he was issued in Oc- world should stop because people are going That is something that I need to ask more tober, which mandated that he stay at least to get COVID. I think the world should stop people. What is your level of okay-ness of 100 yards away from Megan at all times. if people are going to get hospitalized or get people getting COVID? I have been talking At one point in court, the judge revealed long COVID. That’s where my thinking is. for a few weeks now with people about the that he was going to issue Lanez a court- Have vaccination requirements contin- fact that people are going to get COVID. It’s ordered tracking device. But the rapper’s ued to rise near you? like the flu. It is not going away. People attorney, Shawn Holley, helped prevent the More and more people are requiring won’t engage me on it, because they don’t measure by giving a series of arguments. She Page 11 of 15

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said, “It was a unique circumstance, errors numbers that are similar to when you and in judgement were made, but this can easily Strictly Discs in I got vaccinated. So it just feels like a very be prevented from happening again.” She giant step back. went on to say, “If [Tory’s] intention was to Wisconsin, in a I think the last time we spoke, we were harass or intimidate [Megan Thee Stal- kind of in that few weeks of a sweet spot, lion], she would have known he was there Pandemic: ‘This where it felt like, “Oh, we turned a real cor- at the time. He would have seen her and she ner, maybe this is over.” So it’s been a transi- would have seen him ... He went there for is Something We tion to realize that that little honeymoon is a legitimate purpose as far as his artistry is in fact over and that we have to do more to concerned .. to perform a song, a part of a Can Manage as beat this virus. song.” Have you changed any of your in-store Prosecutor Kathy Ta however, did not a Biz’ policies as far as customers or employees agree with Holley. She argued that Lanez’s wearing masks? appearance at Rolling Loud was not situ- BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN We went as a group, about 10 days ago, to ational and that he went out of his way to all staff wearing masks at all times when the violate his orders. “I don’t think music n October 1988, Angie Roloff and her store was open. And then we recently had festivals are unique, I think if anything, they husband Ron opened Strictly Discs put the sign on the door that was essentially happen rather frequently,” she said. “This in Madison, Wisconsin, after Ron left from our county health board that recom- was not a situational circumstance. The a career in the biomedical research mends masks be worn inside despite vacci- share amount of effort it required [for Tory] Ifield to pursue his love of music full time. nation status. And then today (Aug. 17), our to get to this venue and do everything that Nearly 31 years later, the couple made the county reinstated a mask mandate that goes he did, I think that speaks volumes about his difficult decision to shutter in-store op- into effect Thursday (Aug. 19). And we put conduct. It wasn’t by chance and it wasn’t a erations due to COVID-19, roughly a week our very nice “Mask Required” signs back situational situation, it was by design.” before Gov. Tony Evers forced a mandatory on the door today. So we are now enforcing Though Lanez was not detained because shutdown of all non-essential businesses. that and giving masks out at the door for he could post bail, the judge warned that he After the Wisconsin Supreme Court over- folks that don’t have their own. would be remanded if he comes near Megan turned Evers’ stay-at-home order in May Have you had any pushback from cus- again. He also noted that Lanez is “really 2020 — ruling it “unlawful” and “unenforce- tomers? fortunate” to be in the position to be able to able” — the Roloffs and their employees Not today. Pretty much all the students post bail and avoid detainment. reopened the store and have kept it running who live in off-campus housing are moving “You’re facing years in prison, over 22 ever since. back in right now, and so we’ve had a lot years in prison,” Judge Borjon said. “They As part of Billboard’s efforts to best cover of young people in the store today. And so could have filed an additional charge based the coronavirus pandemic and its impacts we’ve given out a lot of masks because they on violating the protective order because on the music industry, we will be speak- came and were surprised that they were that’s a violation of law as well. You do not ing with Roloff regularly to chronicle her required to wear one, but they were all very want to be doing things like this sir. You experience throughout the crisis. (Read the amiable to do so. have the means and the where with all and a previous installment here and see the full Are you coming to terms with the fact lot of smart people around you to advise you series here.) that COVID-19 is probably going to be as to how you should be conducting your life I’m mindful that I’m doing this inter- with us in some form forever? so we don’t have to have hearings like this.” view with you while there’s a massive Yes, but I hope it’s with us in the same Lanez is due back in court on Sept. 2. surge happening in COVID infections way the flu is and that we get to a point According to the Los Angeles District across the U.S. How are you feeling this where it isn’t quite so scary. But yes, I’m also Attorney’s office, the rapper was charged week about the chaos being unleashed by coming to terms with the fact that this fall on Thursday (Oct. 8) with one felony count the Delta variant? and winter is probably going to look a lot each of assault with a semiautomatic firearm I think in a lot of ways it feels like we’re like last year. – personal use of a firearm – and carrying sort of back to square one. I know that that’s I was hoping to do a sort of compare- a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle. not the case, because we’ve learned a lot in and-contrast how you were feeling when He also faces a gun allegation and that he the last year and a half, and we have a lot this all first started with now, but obvi- personally inflicted great bodily injury. If more tools in the box to deal with what’s ously things have darkened a bit in the convicted, he faces a maximum state prison coming. And so to say that kind of mini- last few weeks with Delta. Still, could you sentence of 22 years and eight months. mizes, I think, all of our shared experience. compare sort of your mindset then to Lanez allegedly shot Megan Thee Stallion in But it certainly feels uncertain, and when how you’re feeling today? July 2020 after the pair had an argument. you look at the numbers, we’re looking at I feel like this is something, as a business, Page 12 of 15

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that we can manage. We’ve done it, we’ve all To what do you attribute the staffing stayed healthy, we’ve learned ways to pivot shortage? AmericanaFest to service customers even when they were I think a lot of people have transitioned not able to come into the store. So I think we away from things maybe that they were do- Requiring Proof can rely on that experience. And collectively ing pre-pandemic, and I think not everyone we can rely on one another just like we did has landed on what that’s going to be. We’re of Vaccination in the worst of it. So, that part of me feels lucky that we’re a passion business, and so like, “You know, we got this. We can do this.” we tend to attract people who are passionate or Negative We just have to get people vaccinated and about music and think of this less as a job turn where we’re at right now around. than maybe working at another retail sort of COVID Test for Amid all of the anxieties you’ve had to business. It’s a great question, because you endure as a business owner over the last do wonder. It’s like, “How can all of us be Attendance year and a half, what positives have come short-staffed when a lot of people are still from it that you can see for your busi- looking for work?” So I’m not sure what the BY JESSICA NICHOLSON ness? answer to that is. Our customers have stuck with us and Are there any songs or albums that mericanaFest has revealed been the real energy that that we’ve needed have gotten you through the past year updated health and safety to keep going. And that will continue to and a half? guidelines for this year’s festival, be the case. So that’s fantastic. Not every- Every time the most recent Waxahatchee which is slated for Sept. 22-25 at body turned to just ordering things online album [Saint Cloud] comes across the severalA venues in Nashville. and staying at home, so I think people still counter, I’m like, “That will always be my According to the new protocols, all fes- realize that supporting the businesses they COVID album.” Because it came out when it tival attendees are required to show proof love is important. And we thankfully have was just me at the store, but people still re- of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 benefited from that. ally, really wanted it. And that’s when I was test for entry to any of the festival’s events, I’m wondering too if the huge uptick like, “Oh, we need to bring some of the guys including concerts and panels. Proof of full in vinyl sales in particular has made you back, because it’s too busy for me. I fondly vaccination must show a final dose at least feel more secure about the future of your think of that, because that was maybe the 14 days prior to Sept. 22, while a negative business? time where it was like we’re still in demand, COVID-19 test must be within 72 hours to It definitely has. And the reach and the even if people can’t come into the store. So I enter any of the official AmericanaFest- appeal of the medium being so vast feels think that that’s probably the big one for me. produced events. Masks are encouraged good. Certainly, we’ve got some concerns And it’s a great album. for indoor events, regardless of vaccination about supply, but there’s always something Just on a personal level, how has the status. that people can take home. It might not be past year and a half changed you? “The safety of our community including the new release that’s been bumped back six I think it certainly made me more ner- attendees, artists, speakers, partners, volun- times, but they can find something else that vous, and maybe a little bit more intro- teers and staff for AmericanaFest 2021 and they will also love. verted. And I think those two things kind the Americana Honors & Awards is our top What challenges do you see on the of go hand-in-hand, where it’s just easier to priority,” the organizers of AmericanaFest horizon for your business and the music be like, “You know, I think I’m just gonna said in a statement. retail business as a whole? go home.” Or, “I think I need some quiet This year, 240 artists are slated to I think almost all small business at this time to collect myself and regroup.” And showcase during AmericanaFest, among point would answer this the same way, and so I think those are both things that have them Brandy Clark, Rodney Crowell, Lilly that’s staffing. I think finding good, qualified become magnified as traits for me in this Hiatt, Waylon Payne, Allison Russell and people is a challenge. I think almost every- process. more. one is running really lean right now, and The updated protocols come as several that takes a toll on everyone. And so that’s Nashville venues have decided to require certainly something that we’re looking to proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 add some folks to our team, so people maybe test for entry, including the 5 Spot, Exit/In, don’t have to work as much or as hard to City Winery Nashville, The Bluebird Café, do the same amount of work. I think that the Cannery Ballroom, Mercy Lounge and certainly helps with morale as well, when the High Watt. everyone’s not working an extra shift here, an extra shift there, an extra shift every week. Page 13 of 15

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Whitney Houston feat. Faith Evans & Kelly secures both Lizzo and Cardi B the highest No ‘Rumors’: Lizzo Price, “Heartbreak Hotel,” seven, 1999 starts of each’s career, surpassing the No. 40 Keyshia Cole feat. Missy Elliott & Lil Kim, bow of “Good as Hell” and the No. 33 arrival & Cardi B Debut at “Let It Go,” three, 2007 of “Please Me,” respectively. Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX, “Fancy,” 13, No. 1 on Hot R&B/ 2014 Iggy Azalea feat. Rita Ora, “Black Widow,” ‘Much’ to Hip-Hop Songs five, 2014 Doja Cat feat. Nicki Minaj, “Say So,” two, Celebrate: Justin Chart 2020 Megan Thee Stallion feat. Beyoncé, “Sav- Moore Notches BY TREVOR ANDERSON age,” two, 2020 Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion, “WAP,” Ninth No. 1 on he superstar combination of Liz- 10, 2020 zo and Cardi B stages an immedi- Lizzo & Cardi B, “Rumors,” one (to-date), Country Airplay ate takeover of Billboard’s Hot 2021 R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, as Thanks to “WAP” and “Rumors,” Cardi B Chart Ttheir collaboration “Rumors” debuts at No. is the third person to appear on the above 1 on the list dated Aug. 28. The track also list twice, after Iggy Azalea and Megan Thee BY JIM ASKER begins as the genre’s top-selling tune of the Stallion. week. Elsewhere, “Rumors” races to a No. 1 de- ustin Moore scores his ninth leader With the leading entrance, Lizzo posts but on the Hot Rap Songs chart and a No. 4 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart her third No. 1 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. launch on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. (dated Aug. 28) as “We Didn’t Have “Rumors” follows “Truth Hurts,” which “Rumors,” released Aug. 13, starts strong Much” ascends from No. 3 to No. 1 in reigned for 11 nonconsecutive weeks in 2019 in both the sales and streaming realms. On Jits 44th week. In the week ending Aug. 22, before it surrendered to her own “Good as the former, the collaboration kicks off at the nostalgic song, released on Valory Mu- Hell,” a four-week nonconsecutive champ. No. 1 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song sic, increased by 9% to 30.4 million audience Cardi B, meanwhile, obtains a lucky sev- Sales chart through 17,900 downloads in impressions, according to MRC Data. enth leader thanks to the No. 1 debut. Here’s the week ending Aug. 19, according to MRC Paul DiGiovanni, Randy Montana and Jer- a look at her collection: Data. (Including physical products, the song emy Stover co-wrote “Much,” the lead single “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves),” six sold 25,200 copies overall in its first frame.) from Moore’s sixth LP, Straight Outta the weeks at No. 1, beginning Sept. 16, 2017 In the streaming sector, “Rumors” debuts Country, which arrived at its No. 38 high on “Finesse,” with Bruno Mars, one, Jan. 20, in the runner-up slot on R&B/Hip-Hop Top Country Albums in May. 2018 Streaming Songs thanks to 20.9 million U.S. “It’s just humbling that country radio has “I Like It,” with Bad Bunny & J Balvin, July streams in the same period. continued to support my music throughout 7, 2018 Initial radio airplay numbers for “Ru- all these years,” Moore tells Billboard. “I “Please Me,” with Bruno Mars, one, March mors” are highly encouraging, with action in signed my record deal in 2007, and they’ve 16, 2019 multiple formats. The mainstream pop radio helped make our career so special, providing “WAP,” feat. Megan Thee Stallion, 10, Aug. format leads the reception, with “Rumors” us with hit after hit since then. It’s some- 22, 2020 advancing 26-19 on the Pop Airplay chart thing I certainly don’t take for granted. I’m “Up,” four, Feb. 20, 2021 after its first full week of tracking, which very grateful for the fans, along with my “Rumors,” with Lizzo, one (to date), Aug. 28, ended Aug. 22. The tune also closes in on team, which is a ton of folks, from the road 2021 the top 20 on Rhythmic Airplay, where it guys to management to my label. I’m damn In addition to Cardi B claiming her own surges 32-21, again, after its first full week proud to work alongside all of them.” seventh champ, the team of Lizzo and Cardi of availability to radio programmers. And Moore links his third consecutive Coun- B marks only the ninth instance of women while the aforementioned formats are its try Airplay No. 1, following “Why We Drink” solo acts combining forces for a No. 1 since current biggest advocates, the single also (August 2020) and “The Ones That Didn’t Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs became an all- registers on the Mainstream R&B/Hip- Make It Back Home” (September 2019). encompassing genre tally in 1958; notably, Hop Airplay chart at No. 34, retaining its Moore — from Poyen, Ark. — first hit almost half have reigned since May 2020. position from the prior week. Country Airplay with the No. 38-peaking The full list of such leaders: From its performance across all for- “Back That Thing Up” in December 2008. Brandy & Monica, “The Boy Is Mine,” 13 mats, “Rumors” debuts at No. 21 on the His second entry, “Small Town USA,” be- weeks at No. 1 in 1998 all-genre Radio Songs chart. The entrance came his first No. 1 in October 2009. Page 14 of 15

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On Hot Country Songs, which blends The LP also includes Dan + Shay’s Justin airplay, sales and streaming data, “Much” Bieber collab “10,000 Hours,” which ruled Shawn Mendes, bumps 14-11 for a new high. In the week Hot Country Songs for 21 weeks (or a still- ending Aug. 19, it drew 4.3 million U.S. impressive 3,528 hours) beginning in Oc- Doja Cat & More streams, up by 20% (helped by more promi- tober 2019 and topped Country Airplay for nent Amazon Music placement), and sold two weeks starting in January 2020, and “I Added to 2021 900 downloads. Should Probably Go to Bed,” which reached Nos. 4 and 2 on the respective rankings this MTV VMAs January. Dan + Shay’s ‘CHASING’ LEADS TO TOP 10 Mar- Performance ried couple Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris ‘Good Things’ earn their first Hot Country Songs top 10 Lineup together as “Chasing After You” climbs 11-9. Debuts in Top 10 The track holds at No. 4 on Country Stream- BY MIA NAZARENO ing Songs, with 9 million streams; rebounds on Billboard 200 14-10 on Country Digital Song Sales (2,600, hawn Mendes, Doja up 10%); and rises 17-15 on Country Airplay Cat, Chlöe and Twenty One Pi- & Top Country (12.7 million, up 14%). lots have been added to the per- Morris earns her ninth total Hot Coun- formance lineup for the 2021 MTV Albums Charts try Songs top 10, while Hurd notches his SMusic Video Awards, the network an- first. In his lone prior appearance, “To a T” nounced on Tuesday (Aug. 24). BY JIM ASKER reached No. 23 in February 2020. The four acts will join Olivia Rodrigo, THAT TUNE ‘NAME’ Jameson Rodg- Lorde, Machine Gun Kelly, Lil Nas X, Foo an + Shay, the duo of Dan ers’ “Cold Beer Calling My Name,” featur- Fighters and Camila Cabello in a star- Smyers and Shay Mooney, bank ing Luke Combs, pushes 11-10 on Country studded lineup. This year’s VMAs are set to their fourth top five entry Airplay (18.9 million, up 5%). Rodgers hoists air live on Sept. 12 at the Barclays Center in on Billboard’s Top Country Al- his second top 10, after his rookie hit led for Brooklyn. Dbums chart, as Good Things launches at No. a week “Some Girls” last October. Chlöe — who is half of Chlöe x Halle 2 on the Aug. 28-dated list. Released Aug. Combs claims his 12th Country Airplay — will make her solo debut with the TV 13, the pair’s fourth full-length starts with top 10, as “Beer” follows “Forever After All,” premiere of “Have Mercy” off of her up- 33,000 equivalent album units in the week which became his record-extending 11th coming album. Her set is a follow-up ending Aug. 19, according to MRC Data. straight career-opening No. 1 single in June. to last year’s VMA pre-show perfor- All four of Dan + Shay’s entries have He’s looking to extend that hot streak as he’s mance by Chlöe x Halle, in which the sisters debuted at either No. 1 or No. 2 on Top climbing the chart with two “cold”-titled sang a sparkly rendition of “Ungodly Hour.” Country Albums. Good Things follows the songs: his own “Cold as You” rises 20-16 Following Doja Cat’s space-themed mash- duo’s self-titled album, which arrived at the (11.9 million, up 14%). up of “Say So” and “Like That” during the summit in July 2018; Obsessed, which bowed 2020 VMAs, the pop star will return to this and peaked at No. 2 in June 2016; and Where year’s show. The singer is nominated for five It All Began, which debuted at No. 1 in April awards, including artist of the year and vid- 2014. eo of the year for her SZA collab “Kiss Me On the all-genre Billboard 200, the set More.” opens at No. 6, marking the act’s fourth top After winning best collaboration with 10 and tying Dan + Shay and Where It All Cabello for “Señorita” in 2019, Mendes, who Began for its best rank. (Obsessed hit No. 8.) is up for best pop, will sing his latest hit The new set arrives with multiple hit “Summer of Love.” singles, as “Glad You Exist” led the Country With alt-rock on the rise, Twenty One Pi- Airplay chart dated Aug. 21, marking the lots is scheduled to perform their latest duo’s eighth No. 1; it spends a second week track “Saturday.” They are also nominated at its No. 2 high on the multi-metric Hot for best alternative. Country Songs chart. Newest single “Steal The 2021 VMAs is executive produced My Love” debuts at No. 26 on Hot Country by Bruce Gilmer and Jesse Ignjatovic, co- Songs and ranks at No. 42 on Country Air- founder of Den of Thieves. The event will be play with 1.9 million in radio-reach. broadcast live from the Barclays Center on Page 15 of 15

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Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on MTV. The Official U.K. Singles and Albums award, whileJay Joyce will receive the Fans can vote for their favorite artists Charts are published late Friday, local time. award for producer of the year for the fifth on vma.mtv.com until Sept. 3. time. “We look forward to having industry and 2021 ACM Honors fans join us as we recognize the significant Lorde Challenges accomplishments of our 55th and 56th Adds Keith Urban, studio recording awards, industry awards, Olivia Rodrigo For songwriter of the year and special awards Alan Jackson, winners with a night of unforgettable per- U.K. No. 1 Album formances,” said Damon Whiteside, CEO of Toby Keith & More the ACM. BY LARS BRANDLE The 14th annual ACM Honors will be Performers livestreamed for viewers on Circle net- orde has never had a No. 1 album work’s channels. Alternatively, tickets to in the U.K. The New Zealand sing- BY MIA NAZARENO the live show are available for purchase er and songwriter could change on Ticketmaster. that with Solar Power (EMI), pdates: On Monday (Aug. 23), Lwhich is running a tight second in the chart the Academy of Country Music race. revealed that Trace Adkins, According to the Official Charts Company, Ronnie Dunn, Alan Jackson, Lorde’s third album enters the midweek Uand Brittney Spencer will round out the chart at No. 2, and is the market-leader on final lineup of performers and presenters digital downloads. for Wednesday’s ACM Honors ceremony. The only thing standing in Lorde’s way On Aug. 5, the ACM announced additional is Olivia Rodrigo’s Sour (Geffen), which re- performers for the ceremony: Keith Urban, turns to the summit at the midweek stage, Toby Keith, Jessie Jo Dillon, Nicolle Galyon, powered by its release on vinyl. Jamey Johnson, Jordan Reynolds, Laura Sour leads on physical sales and streams, Veltz, and Sam Williams. Host Carly Pearce and is on track for a fifth non-consecutive is also slated to perform. Additionally, Chris week at No. 1. Janson will present the ACM Industry and Lorde’s previous albums Pure Hero- Studio Recording Awards, while special ine (2013) and Melodrama (2017) reached guests Trace Adkins and Sarah Trahern are No. 4 and 5, respectively, though the latter scheduled to appear. ruled the Billboard 200 chart following its Original story: Country star Carly release. Pearce is slated to host the 14th annual In a midweek Top 10 stacked with new Academy of Country Music Honors on Aug. releases, Jake Bugg’s Saturday Night (RCA) 25 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. bows at No. 3, and is poised to be his fifth “I am humbled and excited to be host- straight Top 10 album; Brentford MCs ing the 14th Annual Academy of Country Kurupt FM are on track for a Top 5 debut Music Honors ceremony for the first time,” with their first LP, The Greatest Hits (Part the “Next Girl” singer said in a statement. 1) (via Polydor) at No. 4; while Irish indie- Joining the two-time ACM Award win- folk act Villagers complete the Top 5 with ner onstage will be Lauren Alaina, Devin their sixth and latest studio album Fever Dawson, Sara Evans, Hardy, Chris Janson, Dreams (Domino Recordings), which is set Lady A, Ashley McBryde, Raelynn and Lee to be their first Top 10 album. Ann Womack, with more performers to be Elsewhere, new sets from Jane McDonald announced in the coming weeks. The event (Let The Light In at No. 6 via JMD) and Orla is dedicated to winners of the 55th and Gartland (Woman on the Internet at No. 8 56th ACM Awards. via New Friends) are chasing Top 10 spots, As previously reported, Hillary Lindsey — while LPs from Jim Bob, The Pretend- known for penning “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” ers’ Chrissie Hynde and Trippie Redd are among many other major country hits — will aiming for the Top 20. be honored with the songwriter of the year