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BILLBOARD COUNTRY UPDATE APRIL 13, 2020 | PAGE 4 OF 19 ON THE CHARTS JIM ASKER [email protected] Bulletin SamHunt’s Southside Rules Top Country YOURAlbu DAILYms; BrettENTERTAINMENT Young ‘Catc NEWSh UPDATE’-es Fifth AirplayMARCH 9, 2021 Page 1 of 25 Leader; Travis Denning Makes History INSIDE Network Acquires Sam Hunt’s second studio full-length, and first in over five years, Southside sales (up 21%) in the tracking week. On Country Airplay, it hops 18-15 (11.9 mil- (MCA Nashville/ Nashville), debuts at No. 1 on Billboard’s lion audience impressions, up 16%). Top Country• Verzuz Founders chart dated April 18. In its first week (endingVerzuz: April 9), it Exclusive earnedSwizz 46,000 Beatz equivalent & units, including 16,000 in album sales, ac- TRY TO ‘CATCH’ UP WITH YOUNG Brett Youngachieves his fifth consecutive cordingTimbaland to Nielsen Talk Music/MRC Data. andBY total GAIL Country MITCHELL Airplay No. 1 as “Catch” (Big Machine Label Group) ascends SouthsideTriller Partnership: marks Hunt’s second No. 1 on the 2-1, increasing 13% to 36.6 million impressions. chart‘This and fourthPuts a top Light 10. It followsVerzuz, freshman the LPpopular livestream music platform creat- in music todayYoung’s than Verzuz,” first of six said chart Bobby entries, Sarnevesht “Sleep With,- MontevalloBack on, which Creatives’ arrived at theed summit by Swizz in No Beatz- and , has been acquired executive chairmanout You,” andreached co-owner No. 2 in of December Triller, in 2016. an- He vember 2014 and reigned for nineby weeks. Triller To Network, date, parent company of the Triller app. nouncing thefollowed acquisition. with the “Both multiweek Triller No. and 1s “In Verzuz Case You Montevallo• ASCAP has Revenue earned 3.9 million units, with 1.4 Didn’t Know” (two weeks, June 2017), “Like I Loved millionJumped in album 4% sales.During Under the terms of the agreement, the Grammy share the ‘artistYou” first,(three, Januarymusic first’ 2018), vision. “Mercy” We(two, view August this MontevalloPandemic has Year spent to 267 weeksAward-winning on the list, tying producers and entrepreneurs will acquisition 2018)as more and of“Here a partnership Tonight” (two, than April an 2019).acquisi- Luke Bryan$1.3’s BillionCrash My Party as thealso sixth-longest- join the Triller Verzuz management team to help tion, as Swizz,“Catch” Timbaland completes and thehis longest other 43journey artists to No.who 1, running titles in the chart’s 56-year history. having taken 46 weeks to reach the apex. It out- • NFTs oversee music and other company strategies. are all becoming shareholders and partners in Triller On the all-genre , Southside ar- paces the 30-week climb of “Here Tonight.” Generate $2M in Financial details of the transaction weren’t dis- Verzuz from this day forward become our voice.” rives at No. 5, awarding Hunt his second top 10 On Hot Country Songs, “Catch” pushes 7-5 for Sales & Benefit Crew HUNT YOUNG after the No. 3-peaking Montevalloclosed.. However, as a result, Timbaland and Swizz Sarneveshta new and high. fellow Triller Network co-control- Nation Fund Hunt first released the EPX2C Beatz, which have debuted become large shareholders in Triller ling shareholder Ryan Kavanaugh jointly noted, “In and peaked• Potential at No. 5 on Top CountryNetwork Albums and in in turn August have 2014. allocated Following part of theirCOMBS ‘DOES’ ourIT AGAIN generation, Luke Combs Verzuz’ “Does has tomade Me” (Rivera bigger House/Columbia impact on MontevalloBreakthrough, Between Song: the Pines: equityAcoustic stake to the started 43 performers at its No. 7 highwho’ve in appearedNashville), on featuring music Eric than Church any ,other ascends company 11-8 on Country we know. Airplay, With up this 10% to NovemberHow TikTok 2015. Helped Verzuz to date. 24.7 million in audience.acquisition, The Trillersong is Combs’continues eighth its evolutionstraight career-opening to be at the Montevallo produced five singles, four of which hit the pinnacle of Country top 10, following a record run of seven consecutive out-of-the-gate, properly Fuel Aly & AJ’s Performers coming aboard as shareholders and center of culture and the center of music. Who better Airplay:Viral “Leave Return the Night On,” “Take Your Time,” “House Party” and “Make promoted No. 1 singles. You .” “Break Up in a Smallpartners Town” include peaked atJohn No. Legend,2. DMX, ,Church 2 adds histo help15th Country shape Triller’s Airplay top music 10. than the top art- Hunt• The co-penned Weeknd Tops all 12 songsChainz, on Southside Rick, Ross, including Too “Body$hort, Like Patti a LaBelle,Back Gucci ists in the world overseen by Timbaland and Swizz?” Road,”2021 which Juno was Award released in 2017.Mane, The , smash E-40, hit ruled Bounty Country Killer, Airplay D’Angelo, for THATLudac TOOK- QUITESwizz ‘A FEW’ Beatz MONTHS and Timbaland Travis Denning added, shatters “This the is record a for three weeksNominations and the airplay-, streaming-ris, RZA, and The sales-based Dream, , Hot Country , Songs Jagged the Edge, most weeks momentousit has taken to occasion penetrate notthe Countryonly for Airplay Verzuz top and 10 Triller as “After chart forWith a then-record 6 Nods 34 frames. It now ranks second only to and a Few” (Mercury Nashville) climbs 12-10 in its 57th week, up 4% to 21.4 mil - Florida Georgia Line’s “Meant toFred Be” Hammond,(50 weeks atop , the latter , list in 2017-18). Brandy,lion Monica, in radio reach.but the music business as a whole. By putting Verzuz “Downtown’s• 2021 Grammy Dead,” which isGladys also on Knight, the new Boi-1da, set, reached Hit-Boy, Nos. 14 Ne-, and 15 Johnta The Austin, song surpassesin the twoTriller tracks Network that took ecosystem 50 weeks each and to expanding enter the top the 10: on HotAwards Country to Host Songs Live and CountryScott Airplay, Storch, respectively, T-Pain, Lil in Jon, June DJ 2018. Premier, “Kin- MannieEaston Corbin’sVerzuz “A Girl brandLike You,” to be which side reached by side No. with 10 the in J anuarypowerful 2018 be- folks”Pre-Show led Country Event Airplay on on Feb.Fresh, 29, becoming Erykah Badu, Hunt’s Jill seventh Scott, No. Beenie 1. It hit Man, foreBounty peaking at No.Triller 6 that app, February, we will and be Aaron able Watsonto continue’s “Outta to grow Style,” and which No. 3 on Hot Country Songs. Killer, 112, , and D’Angelo.achieved its No.evolve 10 high the in December music business 2017. as a whole, as we have been 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 “There is no more disruptive and innovative brand (continued) 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 BEST ACTRESS GOLDEN GLOBES WINNER THE VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY NEW SINGLE “TIGRESS & TWEED” FROM THE MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK: THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY OUT NOW ! BRAND NEW ALBUM COMING SOON!

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doing. To have partners in Triller who share paigns with Pepsi, McDonald’s and L’Oréal, already. That was a sign for us of being a our vision, specifically to celebrate and among other brands. It’s also home to Tril- perfect fit — and very disruptive.” elevate the amazing artists who continue lerTV and Triller . From their respective bases in San Diego to shape culture around the world and give and Miami, and Timbaland the consumer more direct access, is game — now also members of the Triller Verzuz changing.” Verzuz Founders management team — speak further about The pair continued, “We couldn’t be hap- transitioning for the future, keeping Ins- pier to be elevating Verzuz and Triller and Swizz Beatz & tagram and in the mix, the debate to recognize, in a very real way, all of the between Triller and Universal Music Group artists who have helped make Verzuz the Timbaland Talk and the centrifugal force that keeps power- global phenomenon it is today. Our dream, ing the Verzuz platform: creatives. the artists’ dream, today is realized, which Triller Partnership: The ultimate payoff, says Swizz Beatz, is is no small feat. Triller Verzuz is a company “hearing everybody being so floored about that’s by the artists, for the artists and with ‘This Puts a Light having shares in the company and feeling the people.” like they belong. That’s the real currency. Global firm PJT Partners advised Verzuz Back on Creatives’ It’s going to take the creative to save the on the transaction. creative.” Pairing popular artists from the worlds of BY GAIL MITCHELL What initially attracted you to Triller? R&B, hip-hop, and gospel, Ver- Swizz Beatz: The whole time that Tim zuz was launched in March 2020 in the or Verzuz co-creators Swizz and I were building this platform, we didn’t wake of COVID-19. Since then, the plat- Beatz and Timbaland, the plat- really have any plans from a monetization form has boosted sales and streams for its form’s surprise acquisition by or even a business side. We never even built featured artists in addition to accumulating Triller Network — including shares out the technology for it. It was more about more than 5 billion impressions. Verzuz has Ffor all 43 Verzuz performers to date — is wanting to do this from a celebration, edu- also expanded into sports with its recent in keeping with the disruptive DNA that cational side; to give people some life, love NFL collaboration, NFL Pro Bowl Verzuz. birthed the global livestream phenomenon and happiness during these hard times with Future plans include more sport verticals last March. COVID-19. Then as the platform started as well as ventures into comedy and live “I don’t there’s another company growing it turned into a business with events. in the world that would let us bring in 43 sponsors coming in and offers from people In addition to its Triller app, whose artists-friends to participate in ownership wanting to buy ownership in the company create-and-share video technology has been of a company that’s valued at over a billion once we cracked the million number. But utilized by athletes, celebrities and artists plus dollars,” Swizz Beatz tells Billboard. we turned down everything because it just such as , and Roddy “They came very strong and also with many didn’t feel right for what we were building. Ricch, Triller Network has created cam- creatives that are owners in the company We had a great partnership with Apple

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—shout-out to Larry Jackson and the when our service was bad; took risks and whole team. We have noth- came out of their houses during COVID-19 ASCAP Revenue ing but great things to say about them. And to do something for free, for their fans and and Twitter have always been love of the arts. Jumped 4% great supporters. But after listening to all Moving forward, will Verzuz only be the deals there were coming to us, we said, available on Triller? During Pandemic you know what? We’d like a partner that we Swizz Beatz: We should be smart and can grow with. But that partner would have just put it only on Triller. But we have strong Year to $1.3 Billion to totally be about the creatives. They had core audiences on Instagram and Twitter to accept everybody, not just me and Tim, as well. So for right now we want to leave BY ED CHRISTMAN because we noticed there are a lot of com- everything in place. panies and businesses that aren’t used to According to sources, Triller and f ASCAP is being impacted by the having many creatives as owners, as leaders Universal Music Group still don’t have a pandemic-fueled economic downturn, with voices. They’re cool with having one deal in place. What is your perspective you can’t tell it by overall revenue col- or two people from the culture but not 43. on that? lections for 2020 as the performance Me and Tim were coming with our family. Swizz Beatz: Triller has been in existence Irights organization posted a 4.16% gain to Triller was the only company that accepted way before Verzuz and as far as the rules $1.327 billion, versus the $1.274 billion col- that. with the labels, I’m sure Triller is aware lected in 2019. Timbaland: It was about making a differ- and handling it. Now that Triller Verzuz is That’s better than the 3.83% gain the PRO ence and sharing that gift. As Swizz said, we owned by the artists, everybody should be produced in 2019 over 2018, when revenue started doing this out of love, giving it back encouraged to do the right thing because it’s collections were $1.227 billion. and connecting to the world. And we just all about the artists now. However, we also Breaking out collections, domestic rev- wanted to share that gift. It just feels good respect the other businesses as well. enue grew 2.54% to $969 million, up from to give back to our creative community with How else do you plan to build out the $945 million in 2019, while foreign revenue a blessing in this type of structure. Think Triller Verzuz universe? increased 8.81% to $358 million from $329 about it. Creatives build so many platforms, Timbaland: We’re just getting started. million in 2019. but you never see those creatives as part of We have so much more to do. We expanded ASCAP pointed out that from 2015 the IPO. into Verzuz sports with the NFL Pro Bowl through 2020, the organization had pro- Swizz Beatz: This is what we were sup- in January and want to move into comedy. duced a 6% compound growth rate with posed to do — even though everyone felt We just want to be disruptive. We’ve broken revenue increasing from $1.014 billion in like they’d already gotten paid from streams a barrier because I feel like creatives have 2015, noting that 2020 marked the sixth year and sponsorships. We never took any of lost their place in the world. And this puts a of ASCAP’s strategic plan begun in 2015 to the money from those things. People were light back on them. So Verzuz is going to be transform its business and grow revenues. saying, why are you guys giving away so very versatile. This marks the eighth straight year in a much. But we’d say we’re not giving away Swizz Beatz: Also just to add to that, row that ASCAP has produced an increase anything, we’re sharing because we didn’t we’re thinking global and not just domestic. in collections, with the streak beginning in build Verzuz by ourselves. It would have We’re hitting Africa, Asia and India when 2013 when revenue grew to $945.4 million taken us four years to raise capital for Ver- the time is right. There are creatives all over from $941.7 million in 2012. But 2012 had zuz, so why dilute our shares? In doing so, the world and Verzuz is the hub for creativ- been down from the $982.8 million in 2011. there wouldn’t have been enough to bring ity. Of course, we’re going to keep it organic. “2020 challenged all of us unlike any everybody here. That’s why we had to be We’re not going to make this announcement other year in modern history,” ASCAP very smart and calculated on how we tran- and try to get all fancy real quick. But we CEO Elizabeth Matthews said in a state- sitioned [for the future] by merging into a never built this to be in a box; actuallycre- ment. “It also defined ASCAP’s dedication company that had already raised the capital ating this meant stepping outside of the to our members. That meant strengthening and had valuation. box. So Tim and I have to keep pushing the our commitment to our mission to serve our Will this sharing extend to future envelope and inspiring others. The sky’s not , composers and music publish- artist-performers beyond the initial 43? the limit, it’s just the view. ers by taking every step necessary to secure Swizz Beatz: That’s a good point. We their livelihoods and careers. Inspired want to keep it organic and decide as we go by our members each and every day, the along. Going forward, people will be truly ASCAP team proved that innovation, ef- incentivized in a great way. But these 43 ficiency and progress really can be escalated artists are special because they played a in a crisis.” big part in the process. They believed in us ASCAP provided some color behind 2021 TOP MUSIC LAWYERS

Behind every artist, and music produc- CONTACTS er is a trusted group of advisers who provide Joe Maimone guidance, advice and negotiate deals. Billboard’s 201.301.5933 | [email protected] 6th annual Top Music Lawyers list will recognize the biggest names and most prominent legal Lee Ann Photoglo in the world of music and 615.376.7931 | [email protected] entertainment law. They are the deal makers behind Cynthia Mellow the major contracts and lawsuits in the music 615.352,0265 | [email protected] industry. Marcia Olival 786.586.4901 | [email protected] This feature will also include a round-up of top law schools attended by the notable alumni on the Gene Smith Top Music Lawyer list. 973.452.3528 | [email protected]

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the revenue growth, reporting that audio challenging time period and we look to 2021 purchase an album on blockchain the same streaming revenue grew by 28% while with greater hope and strength as a com- day it drops on streaming platforms. audio/visual formats grew by 8% but its munity.” Since the sale kicked off on Friday at 12 transparency was void of the hard revenue ASCAP said it did the following in re- p.m. EST, it has generated upwards of $2 numbers for each category. Likewise, it did sponse to the downturn: million, a representative for Kings of Leon not provide breakout figures when adding Made a “major donation” to MusiCares, confirms, including more than $500,000 that general licensing revenues — from plac- earmarked for its songwriters in need; donated to Live Nation’s Crew Nation fund es like concert halls, bars, clubs, restaurants, Lobbied for governmental COVID-19 to support live music crews during the pan- stores and hotels — declined by 30% due to relief for music creators on the federal and demic. That’s after extended the businesses that were shut down or operat- state levels; auction portion of the sale by 24 hours to 8 ing at reduced capacity during the last three Launched Music Unites Us, a website to p.m. Monday, after some listings fell short. quarters of 2020. provide information on COVID-19 resources NFTs are unique digital collectibles Meanwhile, distribution to songwriters for music creators. bought and sold with blockchain technol- and publishers grew 2.45% to $1.213 billion Other efforts ASCAP was involved in ogy, presenting a new and potentially lucra- versus $1.184 billion in 2019, or $29 mil- during 2020 included rallying for racial and tive revenue opportunity for artists. As part lion more. Within that, domestic distribu- social justice through its “Fight For Change” of the sale, Kings of Leon auctioned off six tion grew 2.53% to $891 million from $869 resources page by raising money for “Color different “Golden Tickets,” each giving the million in 2019; while foreign distributions of Change” and the NAACP Legal Defense owner four front-row seats to one show of were up 2.22% to $322 million from $315 Fund. It also established an annual intern- every Kings of Leon headlining tour for life. million in the prior year ship program for students at HBCUs, among However, only four of those tickets appear ASCAP distributions growth has out- other endeavors. to have sold. Two of them sold for the re- paced collection increases in recent years. On the music front, ASCAP and BMI serve price — meaning the lowest price the For example, in 2019 overall revenue grew jointly unveiled SONGVIEW, a data plat- seller is willing to accept — of 50 Ethereum, 3.83% while distributions increased 6.76%; form that displays detailed and consistent which equals about $91,000. Of the other in 2018 revenue collections increased 7.26% copyright ownership data for more than 20 two Golden Ticket sales, one sold to the while distributions grew 10.13%; and in 2017 million songs in their combined repertories. highest bidder for roughly $95,700, while revenue grew 8.03% while distributions Finally, during 2020, ASCAP said it grew the highest-selling of the bunch, “Bandit #2 grew 9.69%. by 58,000 new members and is “now home Wave,” which also included audio, sold for Last year, marks the first time since 2014 to over 800,000 songwriters, composers and roughly $162,000. that ASCAP’s distribution growth was music publishers.” Of the two Golden Tickets that did not smaller than revenue collection increases. sell by the auction’s close, “Couch Distor- However, this slowdown likely marks a tion” reached a highest bid of around matter of timing, with licensee payments Kings of Leon $12,000, while “Bandit #1 Red” reached probably coming in late December, after the $89,000 — just shy of the reserve price. An- year’s final distribution was made in early NFTs Generate other 12 “Golden Tickets” put up for display December. purposes only have been vaulted, as planned Despite the slowdown in distributions $2M in Sales & from the start. this year, ASCAP payouts grew by a 7% Kings of Leon previously announced that compound annual growth rate, or better Benefit Crew Crew Nation would receive the proceeds than the 6% compound annual growth rate of both “Bandit Wave #2” and the album in collections, from 2015-2020. Nation Fund tokens, which are priced at $50 each and “I am so impressed by ASCAP and its include limited-edition vinyl a digital down- extraordinary efforts in 2020,” said ASCAP BY TATIANA CIRISANO load of the album. Subtracting the “Bandit chairman of the board and president Paul Wave #2” sale from the total channeled to Williams. “The team worked extremely hard ings of Leon made a splash last Crew Nation thus far, the band looks to have and under incredibly difficult circumstances week with the announcement sold roughly 6,760 copies of the album NFT, to make up for revenues lost due to the pan- of “NFT Yourself,” a collection bringing in around $338,000. demic and to deliver the financial security of non-fungible tokens the band The band brought in further sales and support that music creators need to Kput up for sale through blockchain technol- through audio-visual tokens like “Cherry survive the crisis of our lifetime. Their work ogy company YellowHeart alongside the Echo” and “Cherry .” All tokens sold will have an impact for years to come and release of the band’s new album When You through the collection include art designed as an ASCAP member, I am deeply grateful. See Yourself as an NFT. This also marked by the band’s longtime creative partner, Together, we have met the demands of this the first time that fans have been able to Night After Night. 2 0 2 1 PRIMARY WAVE 15TH ANNIVERSARY

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With offices in , Los Angeles, Austin, Nashville and Marcia Olival , Primary Wave Music has embraced an entrepreneurial 786.586.4901 | [email protected] spirit, offering and executing proactive one-of-a-kind ideas, Gene Smith unique services and marketing campaigns for our artists. Primary 973.452.3528 | [email protected] Wave has earned a stellar reputation for being forward thinking and re-introducing classic artists and their music into the modern Debra Fink marketplace as well as nurturing young talent to become legends 213.448.5157 | [email protected] themselves. This success is based upon their team of seasoned Ryan O’Donnell and creative executives collaboratively working together closely +447843437176 | [email protected] with our artists as partners. As a company, Primary Wave strives for excellence in the pursuit of iconic artists and catalogs that not only reflect great artistry, but moments of culture.

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The Golden Ticket auction was originally lege student filmed her mother and friends ing to Aly, “make your voice sound angelic.” scheduled to end on Sunday at 8 p.m. EST, poorly lip-syncing along, has gained over 11 AJ adds that much of the album was made but Kings of Leon ended up extending million likes since October. Meanwhile, the in one sitting within one week, with her and that deadline to give more fans a chance to song has been to 1.7 million other Aly sitting behind the glass directing and en- partake, acknowledging the steep learning uploads. The traction prompted the now- couraging the musicians along the way. curve around NFTs. all-grown-up pop-rock pair to rerecord and “When we were younger, it was a lot “Breaking new ground is never easy….if it release an explicit version (they changed easier to be derailed in terms of our taste were, it wouldn’t be groundbreaking,” the “stuff” to “shit,” among other swaps) of the or our opinion,” says Aly. “Now we’re a bit band wrote in a since-deleted statement on hit that has earned 10.7 million U.S. streams, more set in our ways, but that actually suits YellowHeart’s website. “Many fans are first- according to MRC Data. us and is helpful when it comes to decisions time NFT buyers and are experiencing a Even though the original “Potential about mixing [a song] or choosing an image. learning curve. WE HEAR YOU and are go- ” scored Aly & AJ their When you make your first record, you’re like ing to extend the NFT YOURSELF Collec- highest-charting hit on the Billboard Hot a puppy dog. But we needed that experience tion for an additional 24 hours, in hopes that 100, reaching No. 17 in 2007, they say that and those records to get to where we are more time allows more fans to participate in rerecording an expletive-filled version now.” this historic offering.” all these years later feels more gratifying. Born in Torrance, Calif., sisters Alyson, The collection arrived amid an NFT That’s not only because they did so indepen- 31, and Amanda “AJ” Michalka, 29, signed a frenzy in the , with artists dently — Aly & AJ signed a distribution deal recording contract with like deadmau5, Grimes, 3LAU, Ozuna and with AWAL in 2017 — but also because this in 2004 and released their debut album, Into all releasing collections over time around, they own the master recording. the Rush, the following year as the Disney- the past several weeks. Another bonus? The viral moment created owned label was also breaking acts like Fans can still purchase When You See the perfect setup for the pair to begin pro- the and . Yourself as an NFT on YellowHeart’s web- moting its long-awaited fourth album. Aly & AJ released two more albums through site through March 19 at 8 p.m. ET. All “As the TikTok thing was happening, the 2007 while simultaneously starring in limited-edition collectable NFTs that girls called me and said, ‘Hey, sit originals — Aly was a series are not sold at the end of the sale will be down and strategize? We think there might regular on Phil of the Future, and she and AJ “burned” — meaning deleted forever — and be an opportunity to release music sooner later co-starred in the film . They no more will be made. than we had initially thought,’” recalls their promoted their third album, , by manager, Primary Wave’s Jared Rosenberg, opening for in 2007-08 on her who came on board in February 2020. “We Hannah Montana arena tour. Potential were fortunate enough to have everything After Aly & AJ left Hollywood Records done so that as the trend kept living, we over a decade ago, when they were only just Breakthrough were able to be proactively reactive.” entering their twenties, they struggled to As a result, the new album’s lead single, find their place as a duo and were eager to Song: How TikTok the aching and stripped-down “Slow Danc- start over. In 2013, they released the jangly ing,” arrived a month ahead of schedule in indie-pop single “Hothouse” as 78violet, a Helped Fuel Aly & December. It previewed Aly & AJ’s A Touch rebranding meant to distance themselves of the Beat Gets You Up on Your Feet Gets from their Disney past. But four years later, AJ’s Viral Return You Out and Then Into the Sun, due May 7 they returned as Aly & AJ with the EP Ten and distributed by AWAL, which they say is Years, which spotlighted their synth-pop BY LYNDSEY HAVENS about seeing the light at the end of the tun- strengths, followed by the Sanctuary EP in nel — not just for the pandemic, but as adult 2019. he last time sister duo Aly & artists in charge of their own careers. The word “Sanctuary” has become the offi- AJ released a full-length, Insom- The upcoming album’s lengthy title is a cial title of Aly & AJ’s exclusive fan club, and niatic, it was 2007, and the only lyric plucked from the album’s twinkling AJ says it’s a word that “will be around in our platforms the then- and thumping “Don’t Need Nothing.” Aly catalog for years.” She describes their band’s TDisney stars had to navigate were Myspace says that song “gave us the greenlight that fans as “warriors” who have waited years for and the early days of YouTube. But 14 years we had started the process of writing for an a proper album. Rosenberg says, “The rela- later, at the end of 2020, that album’s lead album.” They knew the lyric would become tionship that that they developed with their single, “,” unex- the project’s title last June, just a couple fans is not too dissimilar from friendships pectedly went viral on TikTok, and ushered months after they started working at Hol- we all have like growing up where you could in a new era for the duo. lywood’s famed Sunset Sound, which they spend 10 years away, but then when you see The original TikTok clip, in which a col- chose largely for its chambers that, accord- them it’s as if you never left.” Page 10 of 25

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Ten Years and Sanctuary also served as cludes JP Saxe, who is Grammy-nominated learning experiences for Aly and AJ on navi- Tops this year for song of the year for “If the gating independent promotion in a digital World Was Ending,” which he co-wrote age, from Twitter banners to Instagram 2021 with . swipe-ups. “You have to follow up on a lot Several current Grammy-nominated of different platforms and keep those all Nominations With albums are nominated for Junos in equiva- consistent and cohesive and creative and lent categories. Bieber’s Changes, which authentic to the band,” says AJ. “It’s a chal- 6 Nods is Grammy-nominated for best pop vocal lenge.” album, is nominated here for pop album Even so, Aly says it’s a responsibility they BY PAUL GREIN of the year (as well as album of the year). are embracing, with AJ agreeing that having Kaytranada’s Bubba, Grammy-nominated for control is “empowering” and a feeling that he Weeknd was famously best dance/electronic album, is nominated informed the new album. “There’s a confi- snubbed in the nominations for here for dance recording of the year. dence to our music and our direction,” adds the 63rd annual Grammy Awards, , which won group of the AJ. “We’re very clear about what we want but the Canadian star received lots year last year, is back to defend its title. Its to put out, and [if we did it] any sooner, we Tof love in his homeland: He is the leading competition includes Arkells, three-time wouldn’t feel the same way.” nominee for the 50th Juno Awards, with winners in the category. Adds Rosenberg: “I think with anyone in six nods, including artist, album, single and Unlike the Grammys, the Junos have life as we grow, we either become a more songwriter of the year. one fan-voted award — Juno Fan Choice authentic version of ourselves or we become Jessie Reyez, JP Saxe and Justin Presented by Freedom Mobile. Bieber, who a version of ourselves that we think the Bieber were runners-up with five Juno won the award five times between 2011 and world wants to see. It’s really evident to me nominations. Artists with three nomina- 2016, and Shawn Mendes, who won in 2017- that [Aly and AJ] just keep becoming a more tions include Ali Gatie, Céline Dion, Curtis 18, are nominated again this year, along with authentic version of themselves — and that’s Waters and . The Junos an- three other past nominees – The Weeknd, exciting for them, especially considering the nounced that Dion’s three nods brings her Ali Gatie and . They are joined by five amount of time they’ve had in this business career total to a record 73. Dion is nomi- first-time nominees in the category — Curtis and the industries they grew up in.” nated for album of the year for Courage. Waters, JP Saxe, Lennon Stella, Les Cow- Such creative certainty allowed them to She won in the category for (1991) boys Fringants and Tate McRae. place more uptempo tracks, like the airy and (1995). This award measures fan intensity, as the and horn-heavy “Break Yourself,” alongside The nominations were announced by the voting rules make clear: “There are no limits more unexpected tunes like the ominous Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and to the number of times people can vote, so and twangy “Personal Cathedrals” (AJ says Sciences on Tuesday (March 9) in a virtual fans are encouraged to visit weekly, daily or she and Aly “felt very strongly” that this presentation streamed live via CBCMusic. by the hour...Voting is now open and Cana- album not lean entirely into synth-pop and ca/junos. dians are invited to vote for their favorite offer more sonic variety). It’s also why they The Weeknd swept the Juno Awards artist on TikTok, the official voting platform, decided to release the five-and-a-half-min- five years ago. He won album of the year and by visiting junofanchoice.ca for all vot- ute-long “Pretty Places” as the album’s third for Beauty Behind the Madness, single of the ing options.” single earlier in March. year for “Can’t Feel My Face” and also artist The 50th Juno Awards will be broadcast “How great that we don’t have to be in the and songwriter of the year. The Weeknd had on May 16 on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Ra- confines of pop rules,” says AJ. won artist of the year the previous year as dio One, CBC Music. The show will stream “I’m also like, ‘Who made the rules?’ ” well. If he wins that award again this year, globally on CBCmusic.ca/junos. Awards in adds Aly. “We can do whatever we want.” he’ll become the first three-time winner in 37 categories, and some special awards, will A version of this article will appear in the that category in Juno history. be presented two nights earlier at what the March 13, 2021 issue of Billboard. The Weeknd’s After Hours is also nomi- Junos call their “ opening night awards.” nated for contemporary R&B recording of The Junos will take place at several iconic the year. At the Grammys, it was slotted in musical landmarks from across the country, the category of best pop vocal album, rather including Budweiser Stage in . A full than best progressive R&B album, where list of other locations will be released ahead it might have had a better chance of being of the Juno awards broadcast, which will be nominated. presented to an at-home only audience for , who won the Juno last year the second year in a row. for songwriter of the year, is nominated will receive the 2021 again in that category. Her competition in- Humanitarian Award, presented by Music Page 11 of 25

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Canada. The band has helped to raise mil- Single of the year: sal Music Publishing Canada lions of dollars for various social and envi- “Drink About Me,” (Warner) Jack Richardson Producer Of The ronmental causes including Camp Trillium, “,” JP Saxe feat. Year: The Canadian Cancer Society, the Sunny- Julia Michaels (Arista/Sony) Akeel Henry brook Foundation and the Special Olympics. “Intentions,” feat. (Def Jordon Manswell The band, which featured the late Gord Jam/Universal) KAYTRANADA Downie, was inducted into the Canadian “Kissing Other People,” Lennon Stella (Co- Music Hall of Fame in 2005. lumbia/Sony) WondaGurl Jann Arden will be inducted into the “,” The Weeknd (The International album of the year: Canadian Music Hall of Fame. The honor Weeknd XO/Republic/Universal) Music To Be Murdered By, was announced a year ago, but the induc- Group of the year (presented by Siri- (Shady/Aftermath/Interscope/Universal) tion was delayed because of the pandemic. usXM Canada): Fine Line, Harry Styles (Columbia*Sony) Pegi Cecconi will receive the Walt Grealis Arkells (Arkells/Universal) What You See Ain’t Always What You Get, special achievement award for her role in Half Moon Run (Crystal Math/Universal) Luke Combs (Sony) the development of many artists, including Loud Luxury (Armada/Sony) Shoot For The Stars , Pop Rush. Gary Slaight will receive the 2021 The Glorious Sons (Black Box/Fontana Smoke (Victor/Victor/Republic/Universal) MusiCounts Inspired Minds Ambassador North) folklore, (Republic/Universal) Award, presented by the Canadian Schol- The Reklaws (Universal) Here is the complete list of nominations. arship Trust Foundation, to recognize his Breakthrough artist of the year philanthropic impact on music education in (presented by Factor, the government Canada. of Canada and Canada’s private radio 2021 Grammy Here are the nominees in selected top broadcasters): categories: Curtis Waters (BMG/Warner) Awards to Juno fan choice (presented by Free- JP Saxe (Arista/Sony) dom Mobile) (fan-voted): Powfu (Columbia/Sony) Host Live Pre- Ali Gatie (Warner) Ryland James (Universal) Curtis Waters (BMG/Warner) Tate McRae (RCA/Sony) Show Event on JP Saxe (Arista/Sony) Breakthrough group of the year Justin Bieber (Def Jam/Universal) (presented by Factor, the government Facebook Lennon Stella (Columbia/Sony) of Canada and Canada’s private radio Les Cowboys Fringants (Les disques de La broadcasters): BY GIL KAUFMAN Tribu/Propagande/Believe) 2Frères (Independent/Select) NAV (XO/UniversalDev) Crown Lands (Universal) acebook is partnering with the Shawn Mendes (Island/Universal) Manila Grey (1z Co/The Orchard) 2021 Grammy Awards for an Tate McRae (RCA/Sony) Pit (Columbia/Figure 8) exclusive streaming live pre-show The Weeknd (The Weeknd XO/Republic/ Young Bombs Universal event the Sunday night (March 14) Universal) Songwriter of the year (presented by Fthat will feature the first ever virtual Fan Artist of the year (presented by Siri- SOCAN): Zone where members will be featured in usxm Canada): hosted segments and have their questions Ali Gatie (Warner) Publisher – Epiphanies Publishing/Kobalt answered by some of their favorite Grammy- Céline Dion (Columbia/Sony) Songs Music Publishing nominated artists. Jessie Reyez (FMLY/Island/Universal) Alessia Cara The virtual Fan Zone will be active Justin Bieber (Def Jam/Universal) Publisher – Publishing Canada throughout the night, providing a place for The Weeknd (The Weeknd XO/Republic/ Jessie Reyez FB Group members to engage on in-show Universal) Publisher – BMG Rights Management performances and award winners. The live Album of the year (presented by Music Canada event will stream to the Grammy Awards Canada): JP Saxe Facebook page at 6:30 p.m. ET, before the You, Ali Gatie (Warner) Publisher – Canada 63rd annual awards show kicks off at 8 p.m. Courage, Céline Dion (Columbia/Sony) The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), (Ah- ET on CBS. Changes, Justin Bieber (Def Jam/Universal) mad Balshe), & Jason “DaHeala” Quennev- On Tuesday (March 9) the Recording Thanks for the Dance, (Sony) ille Academy also announced its official market- After Hours, The Weeknd (The Weeknd XO/ Publishers – Kobalt Songs Music Publishing, ing partners for this year’s event, which Republic/Universal) Warner Chappell Music Canada, & Univer- include Bulova, Facebook, IBM, JBL, Mas- Page 12 of 25

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tercard, Pandora, People and SiriusXM. lier, BTS were named as of 2020’s IFPI “We are fortunate to be putting on the The Weeknd’s Global Recording Artist of the Year Award. 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards alongside The K-pop superstars’ No. 1 hit “Dynamite” these extraordinary brands,” said Adam ‘Blinding Lights’ Is comes in at No. 10 on the IFPI Global Digital Roth, Senior Vice President of Partnerships Single list. & Business Development at the Recording IFPI’s Top Digital Top 10 Global Digital Singles 2020 Academy in a statement. “They are united 1. The Weeknd, “Blinding Lights” (2.72 in their belief that music is a healing force Song For 2020 billion) that can bring much-needed change to 2. , “Dance Monkey” (2.34 our world. Our partners stand with the BY LARS BRANDLE billion) Academy as we work year-round to build a 3. Roddy Ricch, “The Box” (1.67 billion) more diverse and inspiring world for music he Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” 4. Saint Jhn, “Roses” (1.64 billion) creators. We are thrilled to work with these was a lights-out streaming hit in 5. , “Don’t Start Now” (1.62 bil- industry-leading partners to excite and en- 2020. lion) gage passionate music fans everywhere.” Now it’s official: the Canadian 6. Future (feat. ), “Life Is Good” The official Grammys timepiece partner, TR&B artist’s ubiquitous song was the world’s (1.57 billion) Bulova, will celebrate all the Grammy- most-popular single of the year last year 7. Xiao Zhan, “Made To Love” (1.48 bil- nominated artists with an exclusive watch across all digital formats. lion) from their music-inspired Grammy Edition “Blinding Lights” wins IFPI Global 8. DaBaby (feat. Roddy Ricch), “Rockstar” watch collection, with first-time winners Digital Single Award for 2020, an honor (1.45 billion) taking home and exclusive edition “Grammy that includes single track downloads, and 9. , “Bad Guy” (1.36 billion) Automatic” watch, infused with musical streams on both paid subscriptions and ad- 10. BTS, “Dynamite” (1.28 billion) cues throughout and a “Circle of Fifths” dial supported services. design. Over the course of 2020, the After Other official partner tie-ins to the show Hours release amassed 2.72 billion subscrip- La Doña in San include cloud and AI partner IBM’s Gram- tion stream equivalents worldwide, accord- my Debates with Watson, an AI-curated ing to the IFPI, and hit No. 1 in more than 30 Francisco, in a music debate experience available to fans countries, including the United States. around the world; JBL’s “Tomorrow’s Along the way, it smashed the record for Pandemic: ‘I Feel Sounds” program supporting the next gen- the most weeks spent atop Billboard’s all- eration of musicians and artists; Mastercard, format airplay chart, it led the Less Fearful’ which is hosting a Virtual Fan Wall experi- ’s year-end Most Streamed Songs ence for select cardholders where they can Globally list, and became the first track in BY GRISELDA FLORES interact with some of this year’s nomi- recorded music history to log a full year in nees; Pandora’s Grammy Awards Radio, the Top 10 of the . merging Mexican-Ameri- which will run through March 31; People’s “Blinding Lights” was “undoubtedly can femmetón singer-songwriter livestream from the Grammy Awards; and one of the year’s biggest record breakers La Doña’s new album, Algo Nuevo, SiriusXM’s first-ever Grammy Channel fea- and most loved songs,” comments Frances dropped March 12 via Human Re turing music from nominees, and artist Moore, CEO of IFPI. “It caught the atten- ESources just as the coronavirus pandemic interviews. tion of music lovers all over the world. We intensified in the U.S. Concerts, festivals and The 63rd annual Grammy Awards, hosted would like to congratulate The Weeknd on other large gatherings across the country by The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah, will air his success, and it is an honor to award him were canceled, including her planned South live on Sunday (Mar. 14) at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. this title.” by Southwest debut, interrupting her early PT on CBS, Paramount+ and Grammy.com. Released in November 2019, “Blinding career momentum. Online viewers can also stream CBS with Lights” is one of two songs to surpass two As part of Billboard’s efforts to best cover free trials on fuboTV and Sling TV. Bill- billion subscription stream equivalents dur- the coronavirus pandemic and its impacts board may receive affiliate commission ing the year. on the music industry, we will be speaking through links on our site. The other, Tones And I’s “Dance Mon- with La Doña — whose real name is Ceci- key,” blasted past 2.34 billion in 2020 for No. lia Cassandra Peña-Govea — each week 2 on the IFPI’s Global Digital Singles tally. to chronicle her experience throughout The IFPI Global Digital Single Award the crisis. (Read the previous install- is the second award unveiled by the ment here and see the full series here.) international trade body in 2020. Ear- Your birthday was just a few days ago Page 13 of 25

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(on March 2), how did you celebrate? wouldn’t be the trailblazer there. Billboard has reached out to the Record- I had my family over for lunch in the What’s been on your mind as we ap- ing Academy for comment. backyard and then I had a nice dinner with proach the anniversary of the pandemic Zayn and Taylor Swift’s collaboration my partner. shutdown? “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” from the Saw you got the COVID-19 vaccine I’ve been trying to finish up tracks that I film Darker received a 2018 earlier this week. How’d it go? had started since I’m feeling reanimated. I Grammy nomination for best song writ- It was fine. It’s open for educators but it feel that growth and invitation to creativity ten for visual media, but had it won, the was a little bit of a hike to actually get an ap- again as new projects start coming in. I’m award would have technically been given to pointment. You just have to keep refreshing working with Lauren D’amato, a longtime credited songwriters Swift, Jack Antonoff and keep checking the website early in the collaborator, on a music video for my new and Sam Dew. He was passed over for a best day. I went to Walgreens to get the Pfizer single and everything she does is so perfect, new artist nod in 2017 because of his globe- shot and my arm was super sore and I felt artful and beautiful so I’m excited to be trotting successful run with , pretty fatigued that day and the next day but working with her again. And just pick up one of the best known pop groups of the last then I felt fine. Most of my family has been where I left off, that’s what I’m looking decade that has surprisingly never received vaccinated because they’re all educators. forward to. I feel more motivated and a little a single Grammy nomination. Has anything changed for you in the bit less fearful. At the end of the day, fear “This was actually pretty clear cut given past month? is what really affects your motivation and the international success of One Direction. I went to L.A. last week and did a couple creativity. That was such an overwhelming It’s been a few years since Zayn Malik came of photo shoots and it felt good to be more sentiment during this pandemic. Having a to prominence as a member of that group, active again. I got to see my friend Thalia little bit of relief from that fear means I’ll be making him ineligible for the best new artist who I’ve always worked with and hadn’t able to make more art. category this year,” Bill Freimuth, former seen this entire time, probably since we shot senior vice president of awards and current the cover for my 2020 EP Algo Nuevo. chief awards officer at the Recording Acad- Last time we spoke, you mentioned Zayn Fires Off emy, said at the time. that you love to release music on your The eligibility period for the 2021 Gram- birthday — can we expect something At the Recording mys began on Sept. 1, 2019, and ended on soon? Aug. 31, 2020. Zayn’s third studio effort, No- Yeah, I have my new single coming out Academy: ‘F—- body Is Listening, could not have received April 2! I wrote the new track that’s drop- any Grammy nominations since it was ping soon over the pandemic. I had just the Grammys’ released on Jan. 15, 2021. Not even its first been sitting on so many beats and songs and single, “Better,” would have qualified since it I hadn’t wanted to take any of them to the BY BILLBOARD STAFF came out on Sept. 25, 2020, one month after next level until I started writing this line on the Grammys eligibility period ended. the accordion. I sent it to my producer so ayn sounded off on the Recording Only one former 1D member is up for his he could listen to it and told him I wanted Academy on Tuesday (March 9), very first slew of Grammy nods this year, to do something with a bachata and five days before the 63rd annual and it’s Harry Styles. He’s nominated in this accordion line and he whipped it up Grammy Awards. three categories: best pop solo performance and I threw down so it all happened pretty ZThe 28-year-old singer took to Twitter for his first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit quickly. And I’m also going to be releasing to express his frustration over the voting “Watermelon Sugar,” best pop vocal album a vinyl, finally, for Algo Nuevo probably in process for Grammy Award nominations. for his sophomore album Fine Line, and best about a week. recently broke it music video for “Adore You.” Latin artists are announcing arena down for Billboard, explaining that in each The 63rd annual Grammy Awards will air tours in the Fall, does that make you feel of the categories that are reviewed, nomina- live on Sunday (Mar. 14) at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. optimistic? tion review committees are presented with PT on CBS, Paramount+ and Grammy.com. It feels like we’re going from zero to 100 an alphabetical list of the top vote-getters by Online viewers can also stream CBS with ... but for the Fall, I think it could happen rank-and-file voters. They then listen, dis- free trials on fuboTV and Sling TV. Bill- and it makes me hopeful to begin playing cuss and vote. Their votes alone determine board may receive affiliate commission again. But I think it will be more compli- the final nominations. through links on our site. cated to travel, at least for me. I would like “F—- the grammys and everyone associ- to see the artists with the most resources go ated. Unless you shake hands and send gifts, for it and try it out and see what happens. there’s no nomination considerations,” he And if is ok and everyone is chill tweeted. “Next year I’ll send you a basket of then I’ll get back on the road. But I probably confectionary.” Page 14 of 25

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year. Thank you so much for breaking my saying he preferred a nice cup of tea. His A Record 3 heart because you got me four Grammys!” stance reflected the prevailing view in the Lil X made his declaration when his industry at that time: It’s OK to be gay, and Openly LGBTQ breakthrough smash “Old Town Road” was maybe even to come across as gay, as long in the midst of what would be a record-set- as you never explicitly confirm it. Allow just Artists Are Vying ting run at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 — enough wiggle room for the audience to timing that would have been unthinkable in believe what it wants to believe. for Best New an earlier era. He came out on June 30, 2019, Times have changed, as country star T.J. the last day of Pride Month. Six months Osborne’s recent coming out, and this year’s Artist at 2021 later, he was nominated for six Grammys, strong showing by LGBTQ new artist nomi- including album and record of the year and nees, clearly shows. Grammys best new artist. The 63rd annual Grammy Awards will air Lil Nas X’s best new artist nod was one of live on Sunday (Mar. 14) at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. BY PAUL GREIN several times that a single LGBTQ artist was PT on CBS, Paramount+ and Grammy.com. nominated in the category. Others include Online viewers can also stream CBS with f the eight Grammy nomi- Bebe Rexha (2018; she has said that her free trials on fuboTV and Sling TV. Bill- nees for best new artist, sexuality is “fluid,” but has not defined her board may receive affiliate commission three — CHIKA, Kaytrana- sexuality publicly), (2016; through links on our site. da and Phoebe Bridgers — she has identified as queer) and Frankie Oopenly identify as LGBTQ. (A fourth nomi- Goes to Hollywood (1984), which included nee, , has made mixed comments the openly gay Holly Johnson and Paul The Weeknd Talks on the subject.) Rutherford. Having three openly LGBTQ nominees LGBTQ artists have doubtless been Unprecedented for best new artist in one year constitutes a nominated for best new artist — and in all record. Six years ago, two best new art- categories — throughout Grammy history, Year in Hot 100’s ist nominees — Brandy Clark and Sam but it is only in relatively recent times that Smith — were openly LGBTQ. Smith, who artists have been comfortable coming out at Top 10 With identifies as non-binary, won. the onset or the height of their careers. Eight years ago, the nominees includ- , who was one of the first ‘Blinding Lights’: ed and Alabama Shakes, major stars to come out, began the process fronted by Brittany Howard, who came out by saying he was bisexual in a 1976 Rolling ‘This Is Truly a not long after. Stone interview; but that was six years after The experiences of Ocean and Smith are he was nominated for best new artist. Amy Result of the Fans’ especially instructive. Both made their pub- Ray and Emily Saliers, who comprise the lic announcements just as their first albums folk rock duo Indigo Girls, came out in 1994, BY GARY TRUST were being released, as if to establish, right five years after they were nominated in the from the outset of their careers, who they category. Sophie B. Hawkins disclosed that he Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” are. she identified as omnisexual in an interview makes history as the first song Ocean published an open letter via Tum- in 2012, 20 years after she was nominated. ever to spend a year in the Bill- blr on Independence Day 2012, on the of , a 1981 best new artist board Hot 100’s top 10, as it logs the release of his first studio album, channel nominee, never came out in his lifetime. Tits 52nd week in the region on the chart ORANGE, in which he recounted unrequit- After Vandross’ death in 2005, such close dated March 13. ed feelings he had for another young man friends as Patti LaBelle have confirmed that The smash, which rebounds from No. when he was 19. In his blog post, he said, “I he was gay. 5 to No. 3, spent four weeks at No. 1 last don’t know what happens now, and that’s , the 1988 winner for best April-May, eventually finishing as the Hot alright. I don’t have any secrets I need kept new artist, has never publicly disclosed 100’s top hit of all of 2020. After debuting anymore... I feel like a free man.” her sexual orientation, though writer Alice at No. 11 on the chart dated Nov. 14, 2019, it Smith came out in May 2014, the month Walker has said that they were in a romantic reached the top 10 on Feb. 29, 2020, and has their debut album was relationship in the mid-. spent all but two frames in the top tier since released. Nine months later, when Smith Boy George of Culture Club, the 1983 (ranking at Nos. 11 and 18 for two weeks in won four Grammys, the singer said from the winners for best new artist, danced around December). stage, “I want to thank this the issue at the height of the group’s fame. The song was released, on XO/Repub- record is about, who I fell in love with last He once famously dodged the question by lic Records, from The Weeknd’s LP After Page 15 of 25

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Hours, which tallied its first four weeks atop “Hecho a la Antigua,” a play on words the Billboard 200 last April. On the latest that translates to “Made the Old Fashioned Maluma, Gerardo chart, the set ranks at No. 6. Way” (the word “Antigua” literally means The smash, which rebounds from No. “ancient”), will livestream at 9 p.m. April 10. Ortiz, & 5 to No. 3, spent four weeks at No. 1 last Tickets to the show go on sale on Wednes- April-May, eventually finishing as the Hot day, March 10. More to Perform 100’s top hit of all of 2020. After debuting Known for tours that feature stunning at No. 11 on the chart dated Nov. 14, 2019, it staging and visuals, Arjona is looking to at the 2021 Latin reached the top 10 on Feb. 29, 2020, and has push the envelope with “Hecho a la Anti- spent all but two frames in the top tier since gua.” Beyond the exquisite locale — Antigua AMAs (ranking at Nos. 11 and 18 for two weeks in is famously beautiful — the actual concert December). will stream from the circular patio of the BY JESSICA ROIZ The song was released, on XO/Repub- 18th century church and convent of Las lic Records, from The Weeknd’s LP After Capuchinas, with special care taken to work n the heels of announcing the Hours, which tallied its first four weeks atop with the natural acoustics of the monument. 2021 Latin American Music the Billboard 200 last April. On the latest More than 30 musicians will be flown in Awards nominees, Telemundo chart, the set ranks at No. 6. for the performance, and, most impressive unveiled the first wave of per- “After Hours was always meant to be a of all, the show’s lighting will be provided Oformers Tuesday (March 9). very personal project. It’s a story I had to entirely by more than 5,000 candles. Ac- Ana Bárbara, Banda MS de Sergio tell,” The Weeknd muses to Billboard. “The cording to Arjona’s team, there will be no Lizárraga, Camilo, Carlos Vives, Da- fact I’ve been able to tell it with the world artificial lighting used at all. vid Bisbal, Eslabon Armado, Gerardo listening is incredible. This Billboard chart Tickets will be priced at $15, and those Ortiz, Joss Favela, Karol G, Los Dos record is truly a result of the fans. I’m so who purchase their tickets the first week of Carnales, Maluma, Myke Towers, Nicky humbled and forever grateful to them.” on-sale will also be able to partake in a con- Jam and Piso 21 have all been con- “Blinding Lights,” which The Weeknd versation with Arjona following the concert. firmed. Billboard can also reveal that artists highlighted as the closer in his Super Bowl Arjona, who’s been releasing his music such as Banda MS, Maluma, Ortiz, and Karol LV halftime show Feb. 7, has totaled 4.2 independently on his own label, Metamor- will take the stage with exclusive television billion in cumulative radio audience, via its fosis, for the past few years (distributed by premieres. 1.4 million plays; 1.1 billion audio and video The Orchard) has also built a loyal online The sixth annual ceremony will include streams combined; and 726,000 downloads following and regularly releases music and a special star-studded tribute to the late sold in the U.S. through the week ending premium content exclusively to subscrib- Regional Mexican singer-songwriter Joan March 4, according to MRC Data. ing fans on his website. That strategy may “El Poeta del Pueblo” Sebastian. translate very successfully to strong ticket Following safety protocols to protect the sales for his first-ever livestream. health and safety of all involved, the 2021 Ricardo Arjona Arjona regularly fills arenas in the United awards show will honor some of the most States, but his top touring markets are influential Latin artists of today, as voted by to Livestream Argentina and Mexico, both places where fans in 25 categories including pop, urban, live shows have been shuttered since the tropical, regional Mexican and the newly From Guatemala, beginning of the pandemic. added favorite virtual concert. “Hecho a la Antigua” is being produced by This year’s top nominees include Karol G Illuminated by Fenix Entertainment Group in partnership and with nine noms each, followed with Metamorfosis. The concert will stream by with eight, Ozuna with 5,000 Candles: for a single time on hechoalaantigua.com. seven, and Anuel AA and Camilo with six each. Exclusive Winners for all categories will be deter- mined by fan voting via LatinAMAs.com/ BY LEILA COBO vota and on Twitter @LatinAMAS by using the #LatinAMAs. icardo Arjona, one of Latin The 2021 Latin AMAs, hosted by actress music’s top touring acts, will Jacqueline Bracamontes, will air at 7 p.m. livestream a single concert from ET on Thursday, April 15, from the BB&T the historic city of Antigua, in his Center in Sunrise, Florida, via Telemundo Rnative Guatemala. and will broadcast simultaneously on Page 16 of 25

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Universo and throughout the Americas on also have to know which Craig Campbell people to go down to The Stage and listen Telemundo Internacional. they’re addressing. It’s not exactly a new to him and never could get anyone to go problem, though their current working down.” relationship heightens the dynamic. In the Campbell the publicist has, however, been Craig Campbell mid-2000s, Campbell the new G. first found able to get press coverage for artists through out about Campbell the O.G. while trying out the years, and that’s the main reason the The Artist Hires for the USA Network show Nashville Star. Campbells are linked up now. Campbell Judge Tracy Gershon told the artist that a Entertainment currently represents Tenille Craig Campbell publicist was already working with the same Arts, Gretchen Wilson and Skip Ewing, and moniker. The two were destined to collide his past associations include Patty Love- The Publicist for as the new G. made a name for himself. less, Dixie Chicks and Billy Ray Cyrus. “As I started singing demos and mak- Campbell the artist knew what he was Indie Relaunch ing my rounds musically, that’s when the getting. confusion started, because I think people “With this particular decision, I didn’t BY TOM ROLAND were not distinguishing in their phones who have to ask anybody,” the new G. says. “I was who,” the artist says. “So I’d get calls for knew that he was great.” hen his phone pinged him, he’d get calls for me. It was a lot of fun Since the artist doesn’t need tour press several years ago, Camp- for a while.” during the pandemic, he has hired the O.G. bell Entertainment Group There was, for example, the time the new PR guy on an a la carte basis as he intro- founder Craig Camp- G. received press guidelines from a fellow duces new music into the marketplace. The bellW opened a text from a number he didn’t artist. music comes with a story: In addition to the recognize: “I’m coming home late from “John Rich called me one time. He said, full-circle return to family-man themes, the the studio. Will you pick up some milk and ‘Look, I will do an audio interview. I will Grindstone imprint overlaps with another bread on your way home?” not do a video interview,’ just right out of business Campbell the artist is establishing “Who is this?” he wrote back. the gate,” remembers Campbell the art- with Mindy — Grindstone Cowboy, a coffee “Mindy.” ist. “I said, ‘Who do you think this is?’ He shop in Eagleville, Tenn., that they hope will “Mindy who?” said, ‘Who is this?’ I said, ‘This is Craig the eventually become a chain. “YOUR WIFE!” singer.’ He said, ‘Oh, all right. I’ll call you The artist also hopes the Campbell/ That exchange was perhaps a prelude to later.’ And hung up.” Campbell business relationship grows. a new chapter in Campbell’s professional Sometimes the singer has inadvertently “I’d like to get to a point where I can put life. Mindy Campbell thought she was received inside information. him on retainer, like it should be, ‘cause I texting the artist Craig Campbell. Now the “Somebody called me about an artist who know [a publicist’s] value,” the artist says. two men with the same name are working had gotten arrested in the middle of the “I’m glad to have him on the team at the together in a potentially confusing manner: night,” he notes. “I still have the voicemail, moment.” Music journalists are receiving press re- basically saying, ‘We need to cut this off, you Part of being on the team in this case leases about Craig Campbell the artist from know. We need to nip this in the bud before means being as transparent as possible to the address of Craig Campbell the publicist. it gets too far down the road, blah, blah, avoid confusion with media, particularly re- Or, as the publicist likes to call himself, blah. Just wanted to give you the heads-up. porters who do not regularly cover country Campbell the O.G. When you wake up in the morning, you’re who may think they’re getting an email from “I’m the new G,” Campbell the artist an- probably going to hear about it.’” the artist Craig Campbell as releases show nounces. Along the way, the two Craig Campbells up in their inbox. The Campbell Entertain- The arrangement accompanies a new became friends, thanks in part to publish- ment executive signs his emails “Craig chapter in the artist’s career. Following a er Jimmy Metts, who lived next door to the Campbell,” “Publicist” or “CC O.G.” stint at Broken Bow, he has relaunched as an publicist. When the artist became a regular “I’ll have to be really careful when I do independent artist on his own Grindstone on Lower Broadway, Metts talked the publi- make those pitches and emphasize that I’m label. He released his first single, “What a cist into frequent visits to the club. his publicist,” the O.G. says. “And that I’m Girl Will Make You Do,” on Feb. 12, recall- “I would go down to The Stage down- not his dad.” ing the home-life theme of his 2010 debut, town with Jimmy and listen to Craig play,” This article first appeared in the weekly “Family Man.” the O.G. says. “He’d be on the piano or he’d Billboard Country Update newsletter. “When people hear this song, they will be on guitar, just all over the place, and Click here to subscribe for free. know me,” the artist says. “That had a lot to I thought he was just so cool. He was so do with picking this song.” entertaining. I was working at Sony [Music For listeners within the business, they Nashville] at the time, and I tried to get A&R Page 17 of 25

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shoulders to talk about this issue, but I real- It took my breath away. You know there’s Director ize it’s my responsibility. I’ve made it here, no even playing field, and are aware that it’s and now my job is to talk about it so other going to take a long time, but when you see Stacey Lee on people don’t have to.’ That right there is the a statistic like that — it’s just negligence. I constant battle… how do we tell the story in spent all of early 2019 on the phone with Dance Music’s a way that bluntly shares the issues, but also members from all sides of the industry; has the solutions, and evolves?” mainstream artists, underground artists, Continued Gender An outsider to the electronic scene, talent bookers. I was trying to wrap my head Lee’s film paints a moving picture of the around what was going on. It’s exceptionally Reckoning: culture. In addition to interviewing dozens complicated and — more the point — there’s of women throughout the electronic space, been so much rhetoric about the issue and ‘We Women she tabbed veteran Chicago-based producer not a lot of movement. Everyone’s sick of Kate Simko to create the film’s moody, talking about it, and there I was like, “OK, so All Shoulder evocative soundtrack. Tonight at 6:00 p.m. what’s up?” PT, Twitch’s Valerie Lee will moderate a Let me bring a camera in your face to This Imposter conversation with Stacey Lee and featured talk about it. producers Rezz, Tygapaw and Tokimonsta. Here’s me asking for the 100th time — and Syndrome’ Here, Stacey Lee discusses the project I 100% relate. There was a real sensitiv- with Billboard Dance. ity before I put my foot into that camp of BY KAT BEIN Tell me about your journey as a film- talking to artists, because the first thing that maker, and how you became interested in every single one of them said was “I don’t e’ve all heard that the electronic music and giving these women want to be a part of this. I don’t want to be music industry is sexist, a voice. pigeonholed.” I didn’t want to make a film but what does that actually I wasn’t a connoisseur of electronic mu- that was a bunch of women complaining. mean in practical terms? sic, but I’ve always been attracted to the cul- My solution was to talk about diversity by WhatW does it look like to be sidelined? How ture surrounding music, sports, things like showcasing diversity; of musical styles, of does it feel to speak and not be heard? that. In 2016, I was asked to do a documen- people, of roles within the musical industry. Underplayed, a documentary released tary on Discwoman, the collective. There are a lot of voices in this film. last September and launching today (March Through that experience, I was exposed to It was, to put it bluntly, a fucking night- 8) on , takes a close look at the the issues and themes. As a filmmaker and mare to edit. The complexity of the subject institutional divides of the electronic music director, I was trying to be taken seriously matter was really challenging, but the only scene. It runs deeper than gender, tackling as well. I found really beautiful parallels way I could do it was by having many voices, racial and identity inequalities with a deft, between what they’re experiencing: that because that is the truth. Everyone’s experi- humanistic approach and introducing foun- level of respect, getting paid for your work, ences are unique, but there are dational women from the early ‘60s through being taken seriously or even listened to for themes that ran throughout, whether you’re the present moment. your ideas. It was a really insightful process Alison Wonderland or Tygapaw. That’s The doc offers a front row seat to un- to see these industries – which are worlds when I realized there was a film to be made. comfortable truths, with headliners Alison apart – have very common themes. What was your overriding approach? Wonderland, Rezz, Nervo and Tokimonsta That [Discwoman project] just a short I wanted to be demonstrative. I wanted grappling with the self-doubt and gas-light- film. After that came the #MeToo move- the artists to not have to talk about being ing, while underground stars like Tygapaw, ment, and all these groundswells that pro- a woman, but actually show them doing Sherelle and Louisahhh fight for space in an pelled and elevated the female voice, which what they do best; creating music, being often unforgiving scene. (Katie Bain, direc- is amazing. I was approached again to make badasses, being female entrepreneurs. That tor of Billboard Dance, is also interviewed a feature documentary. To be honest, I was transcends the conversation about “I’m a for the documentary.) a bit like, “We’ve talked about the subject woman” and just becomes “here I am as a And yet, the tone remains triumphant, before, and I’m sure things got a bit better.” creative person.” inspiring and joyful about the journey that I started doing a deep dive into the [dance] I love the intimate portrait of Rezz, the remains. It’s this element of celebration and industry, looking at the statistics. I think An- bit about how she buzzes in the studio, community that Underplayed director Sta- nenburg just brought out this study, which how she can feel the world vibrating. cey Lee most wanted to honor in the film. showed that less than 3 percent of produc- These creatives are getting something “Tokimonsta explains it really well,” ers and technical roles were filled by women so deep out of their process, and that’s Lee tells Billboard. “She said in the film and 0.3 percent by women of color. what’s at stake. something like, ‘I realize it’s hard on my That statistic made me gasp. Before I bring a camera and shove it in Page 18 of 25

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anybody’s face, I need to know who they she’s doing the best she can. It’s deep-set. watching, and she’s trying to talk the whole are as humans. Initially with her team, it I think it’s harder in North America. In way through this rehearsal. She’s irritated, was, “you’ve got access to half a day, and Europe, the issue is more politicized. The trying to tell them something’s wrong, and that’s it.” I had to respect her, see her and Key Change initiative, which pushes for nothing’s happening. He’s not even look- figure out her boundaries. Once you have diversity in bookings, is embedded in the ing at her. He won’t talk to her. When we trust, you can feel it on camera. As I got to EU, working from the from an arrived to film the next rehearsal, we saw know her, you see these other sides open up, institutional point of view. North America is the woman there and it all clicked into place how she sees music. You understand where much more commercially driven. for us. the hypnotic Rezz comes from, because of You filmed this in 2019, before COVID That right there is probably the biggest the way she’s thinking about it. You start changed the world. These people haven’t commonality that exists for women work- to transcend reality, move with her into played a show in a long time, and it made ing in the creative field; not being listened her mind, almost like you can visualize the me very concerned for Tygapaw and She- to. As successful as Alison is — undeniably music. That was an important part, and each relle, who were just getting by as is. How talented, composed every single musical ele- artist is very different. are they in 2021? ment in that whole thing — if that happens Having made the film, I care deeply They’re all good. I get the sense a lot of to her, you can only imagine what it’s like [about them all]. It was important to trans- the mainstream artists, in the beginning, for an artist coming up. late who they were on screen in a real way, [saw it] as nice to have a break. Tokimonsta I would be remiss if I did not ask: Who because I don’t think you often see that with had a rough start because her album came are those incredible women dancing female artists. I want them to to be aspira- out just as COVID hit, but she’s such an throughout the film? tional. I want young girls to be like, “That innovative woman. All of them are female That’s Jore Marshall and Margo Libanga. could be me.” entrepreneurs. Tygapaw, every opportunity Dance music is a spiritual experience, and Everyone in the film has a moment of that ever happened for her, she’s created. I wanted something that [matched] the self doubt. Tokimonsta, she’s nominated When no one would book her, she created feeling of being in a club, moving and hav- for a Grammy after retraining her brain her own party. When no one would sign ing that experience [with everyone around to even understand music, and she’s her, she created her own label. She built her you]. It was also important because there’s sitting there wondering if they gave it to world. She’s so talented, and she’s climbed so much information in the film. I wanted her as a gimmick. infinite numbers of barriers over and over spiritual pauses where we could transition This imposter syndrome, we women all again. It’s tough for the artists like her finan- from one thing to the next without being hit shoulder [it] — like we accidentally got here. cially, but she’s also incredibly prolific. She in the face with some other challenge or is- You opened the film with Suzanne just released an album. She’s doing incred- sue or person. As a filmmaker, I don’t like to Ciani. She’s older, and I was embarrassed ibly well in the press. Once COVID is over, just show a bunch of talking heads. It’s im- to first learn about her here. Then you there’s just no stopping her. portant to spiritually and visually connect. show us Delia Derbyshire, who she is Sherelle, that woman is just absolute ba- Sounds like you’ve been indoctrinated even older, and Suzanne hadn’t heard of dass. She had a BBC Essential Mix. She was into dance music culture. her. We have the same experience. Was a guest host. She was actually a journalist I’m literally a mother of two. I just had that intentional? herself. She told me she once traveled with a baby four months ago, and I had one just Oh, 100 percent. The legacy story is so Nina Kraviz to the Great Wall of China. She before filming. I’m used to being up all night important. The very roots of this multi- was on the BBC news speaking on behalf of feeding a baby, and here I am at a rave. But billion-dollar industry are founded on the electronic artists. She’s an incredible advo- that’s being a woman. We can do all this shit. shoulders of these very avant-garde, wacky, cate, and she was on the cover of DJ Mag, I love the Nervo elements of mother- crazy scientist women who were doing this fastest breakthrough star of 2019. hood, too, where they’re like, “You have mad shit. I also wanna ask about that awkward the two red USBs? The baby is over That line about how festivals need to moment during Alison Wonderland’s re- there. You got the pump?” sell tickets and can’t afford to book less- hearsal where she’s being mansplained to I relate to that. I would be asking inter- er-known women, it’s poignant that it’s about her own ability to hear the moni- view questions and holding on to a baby. It’s delivered by a woman. It shows there’s tors. She ends up firing him and hiring a just part of it. Women always wear many not a cartoonish bunch of men saying, female engineer. What was it like to be in hats. “You can’t pass.” It’s very institutional, the room for that? Is there anything else about the film and I don’t think that woman is trying She’s got her own videographer. Before you’d like to mention? to hold up the patriarchy. She’s probably we starting working with her, she sent us I don’t want this film to be passive. I want got a million people in her ear screaming footage of the rehearsal so we could prepare this to be a jumping off point for interaction about a bottom line. to be in the space. I was combing through and conversation. I never got to have all Oh yeah, she’s a really lovely person, and it, and I was like, “hang on.” We started these women together to talk about it in one Page 19 of 25

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place. [They all saw it on their own], and no want to thank country radio and streaming ent for Girls,” on which she’s featured, also one ever came back and said, “you have to platforms for allowing me to connect with opened at No. 21 in June 2016 before peak- change this or do that.” all of their amazing fans. ing at No. 3 that September. It ruled Country The biggest most surprising thing was This first No. 1 has been a dream of mine for Airplay that October. how they resonated with each other. In the a really long time. I love connecting with King broke through with her blues-pop screening we did with Rezz in Toronto, she people and I’ve always wanted to be able to hit “Ex’s & Oh’s,” which reached No. 10 on was tweeting at Nervo and Tokimonsta and do it with country music and y’all have made the Billboard Hot 100 in 2015. The song Tygapaw. There are so few of them at the that possible. From the bottom of my heart, became her first of five top 10s on Adult top. There was this epiphany when they thank you all!” , where she earned her realized, “I’m not the only one this happens Moon’s simultaneous takeover atop Hot latest, “The Let Go,” which hit No. 4 in to...” I think they were all able to see each Country Songs and Country Airplay marks November. other, and see themselves in each other. the second within two months, since Luke “Drunk” concurrently starts at No. 1 on Combs’ “Better Together” hit the summit Rock Digital Song Sales, where it’s King’s of both charts dated Feb. 6. Among debut second leader (after “Ex’s & Oh’s”) and Niko Moon Tops singles, Moon achieves the first such twofer Lambert’s first. It opens at No. 8 on the since Nov. 15, 2014, when Sam Hunt’s “Leave multi-metric Hot Rock & Alternative Songs Hot Country the Night” topped both tallies. chart, where King earns her fourth top 10 Moon, from Tyler, Texas, initially and Lambert lands her first. Songs With ‘Good achieved success as a songwriter and pro- “Drunk” is additionally the first Rock ducer before being signed to RCA Nash- Digital Song Sales No. 1 by two women. On Time’: ‘This Has ville as a recording artist in 2019. He has Country Digital Song Sales, it’s the second, co-penned three Zac Brown Band Country with Lambert part of both: “Somethin’ Bad,” Been a Dream of Airplay No. 1s: “Keep Me in Mind” (2011), with , led for a week in “Homegrown” and “Loving You Easy” (both June 2014. Mine’ 2015). “Good Time” is the lead single and title BY JIM ASKER track from Moon’s four-song EP, his first to The Weeknd reach Top Country Albums, where this week iko Moon’s debut single as a it enters the top 20 (22-20; 7,000 equivalent Returns for 21st recording artist, “Good Time,” album units, up 7%). simultaneously ascends to No. 1 ‘ONES’ IS 10 Gabby Barrett notches Week at No. 1 on on Billboard’s airplay-, sales- and her second career-opening Country Airplay Nstreaming-based Hot Country Songs chart top 10 as “The Good Ones” rises 11-9 (13.4 Artist 100 Chart and Country Airplay, both surveys dated million impressions, up 8%).The song, March 13. which Barrett co-wrote, follows her launch BY BILLBOARD STAFF The track, released on RCA Nashville, crossover hit “I Hope,” which led Country jumps 3-1 on Hot Country Songs and 5-1 on Airplay for a week in April and reigned on he Weeknd rebounds to No. 1 on Country Airplay, crowning the latter list Hot Country Songs for 26 weeks through the Billboard Artist 100 chart with a 16% gain to 28.9 million audience last week. Her latest pushes 9-6 on the latter (dated March 13) for a 21st total impressions in the week ending March 7, chart, with 8.3 million streams (up 36%) and week on top, and for the first time according to MRC Data. 4,000 sold in the tracking week. Tsince May 2020, as he makes history on In the week ending March 4, “Good ‘DRUNK’ DIALS UP DEBUT Elle the Billboard Hot 100. Time” gained by 6% to 9.3 million U.S. King and Miranda Lambert’s “Drunk His “Blinding Lights” becomes the first streams. It lifts 4-1 on Country Streaming (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” enters Hot song ever to spend a year in the Hot 100’s Songs, awarding Moon his first No. 1 on the Country Songs at No. 21. The collaboration, top 10, as it logs its 52nd week in the region. ranking. The song also sold 4,000 down- released Feb. 26, sold 14,000 downloads Says The Weeknd, “This Billboard chart loads (up 8%) in that span. in its opening week and begins at No. 1 on record is truly a result of the fans. I’m so Moon co-wrote “Good Time” with his Country Digital Song Sales, becoming King’s humbled and forever grateful to them.” wife Anna Moon, Jordan Minton, Joshua first leader and Lambert’s third. “Drunk” The single ranks at No. 3 on the Hot 100 Murty and Mark Trussell. also collected 2.5 million streams in its first (after four weeks at No 1 last April-May), “I want to give a big, big thank-you to ev- frame. while his other concurrent top 10, “Save eryone who has believed in me and believed King matches her best debut on Hot Your Tears,” places at No. 6, after reaching in ‘Good Time’,” Moon tells Billboard. “I also Country Songs, as Dierks Bentley’s “Differ- No. 4 last month. Page 20 of 25

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On the Billboard 200, The Weeknd’s com- 10 and extends his fourth-most collection born-and-bred artist Kylie Minogue (No. 7) pilation album revisits its No. of top 10s trailing and Luis also make the list. 2 peak, with 52,000 equivalent album units Miguel’s 39 and Bad Bunny’s 38. Yankee, Since the start of the millennium, the Top earned in the tracking week, according to likewise claims his 82nd entry on the chart 10 female artists have sold 72 million albums MRC Data. (The set includes both “Lights” and continues as the act with the third-most in the U.K. combined (including streaming and “Tears,” which were originally released entries, behind Bad Bunny’s all-time record equivalents), according to the OCC. from his 2020 album After Hours.) of 111 chart visits and Ozuna’s 94. doubles up as her 2011 al- The Weeknd has spent the third-most Meanwhile, his own “De Vuelta Pa’La bum 21 crowns the list of U.K.’s best-selling weeks at No. 1 on the Artist 100, dating to Vuelta,” with Marc Anthony, holds tight albums by women artists from 2000 until the list’s 2014 launch. Taylor Swift leads at No. 10 on Hot Latin Songs for a second now. A monster CD seller, 21 has shifted just with 46 weeks on top, followed by Drake, week, after its previous No. 6 debut and shy of six million combined copies in the with 31. peak (chart dated Dec. 26, 2020). U.K. The Artist 100 measures artist activity Yankee will premiere “#Problema” The “” singer’s other al- across key metrics of music consumption, on ABC as he will perform the song live bums 25 and 19 also appear, at No. 3 and No. blending album and track sales, radio air- Monday night (March 8) on Jimmy Kim- 9, respectively. play, streaming and social media fan interac- mel Live! followed by a live performance There’s no news yet on when the fol- tion to provide a weekly multi-dimensional Tuesday on Good Morning America. The lowup to 25 will materialize. Last August, ranking of artist popularity. tune’s first TV presentation could help boost when a fan asked the question on everyone’s For all chart news, you can follow @bill- the song’s sales and streams on next week’s lips — “Adele where’s the album?” — the board and @billboardcharts on both Twitter chart. Grammy-winning star gave the answer no- and Instagram. “#Problema” was produced by Dímelo one wanted to hear. “I honestly have no Flow, Slow Mike and BK and written idea,” she wrote on Instagram. by Yankee, Raphy Pina, Dímelo Flow, Slow Later, in October, the Brit gave a hint that Mike, Justin Quiles, IZZACK and BK. new music could be on the way in 2021. “I’m going back to my cave now to be the Nabs 36th Top (single) cat lady that I am! Peace out til next Adele Is the U.K.’s year,” reads a social post. 10 on Hot Latin The U.K.’s Official Top 10 women album Best-Selling artists – 2000 to 2021 Songs Chart With 1. Adele Female Artist of 2. P!Nk ‘#Problema’ 3. the 21st Century 4. BY PAMELA BUSTIOS 5. Dido BY LARS BRANDLE 6. addy Yankee’s “#Problema” 7. Kylie Minogue debuts at No. 9 on the Hot Latin ll hail the Queen. Adele, that is. 8. Beyonce Songs chart (dated March 13). The superstar singer is named 9. Yankee’s first solo release of the U.K.’s best-selling female 10. D2021 earns him his 36th top 10 on the list, artist of the 21st century, and The UK’s Official Top 10 albums by which blends airplay, streams and digital herA best-selling sophomore LP 21 is the top women artists – 2000 to 2021 sales. album. 1. 21, Adele “#Problema” bows at No. 9 mainly on the The Londoner is the U.K.’s best-selling fe- 2. , Amy Winehouse strength of streaming activity. The reg- male artist since the year 2000, according to 3. 25, Adele gaetón tune, released Feb. 26 via El Cartel/ a report published this week by the Official 4. Spirit, Republic, registered 4 million U.S. clicks Charts Company, ahead of Pink and Ma- 5. Fame, Lady Gaga in the week ending March 4, according to donna, respectively. 6. , Dido MRC Data; a No. 9 launch on Latin Stream- American artists dominate the list with 7. , Dido ing Songs. It concurrently starts at No. 1 five (Pink, Madonna, Beyonce, Britney 8. , on Latin Digital Song Sales with 2,000 Spears and Lady Gaga), while Brits 9. 19, Adele downloads sold, his eighth No. 1 there. account for three of the leading ladies 10. , Emeli Sande As “#Problema” arrives at No. 9 on Hot (Adele, Dido and Amy Winehouse). Bar- Latin Songs, Yankee collects his 36th top badian Rihanna (at No. 4) and Melbourne Page 21 of 25

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banter. , standout “Ice Melts” Billboard Japan The duo then covered another ballad, and Scorpion’s “Blue Tint.” “Yonaga Uta” by the rising band Kami wa “It’s one of those beats that are kind of and TikTok’s Saikoro wo Furanai, delivering a soulful, like a throwaway for me,” Mario tells Bill- emotional rendition of the poignant number board over the phone on his 32nd birthday. ‘Next ’ March that they explained was one of their favorite “Just to be on the safe side, I always send all songs. my beats. I sent it to [Drake] and he hit me Livestream While the brothers seemed a bit bummed back that night and was like, ‘Yo, don’t give that they weren’t performing before an ac- this to nobody else. I’m using this. Send me Features Brother tual live audience, they expressed relief after the stems right now.’” confirming that thousands of viewers were Just about a week later, a hiccup nearly Duo SuzukiSuzuki tuning into their stream. They then shared a derailed the “What’s Next” rollout when Se- compact version of an unreleased, still-in- attle Seahawks star D.K. Metcalf pre- BY BILLBOARD JAPAN progress original number, which depicted viewed the track on his Feb. 21 Instagram the emotions of a young person stepping out Story, and it leaked like puzzle pieces over rothers Tomu and Seina Suzuki, into adulthood. SuzukiSuzuki concluded the subsequent days. collectively known as the duo its livestream with a heartfelt performance A Drake call to Mario quelled his worries SuzukiSuzuki, performed on Bill- of “Byoushin,” a song that depicts the story about the track being shelved. The OVO board Japan and TikTok’s Next before the one described in their hit number head was cool, calm and collected in power- BFire program on March 5 as the featured “Kimi to Boku wasa.” ing through the leak to still release “What’s artist of the month. 47,639 viewers tuned in to watch the sib- Next” — which did undergo some produc- Next Fire is a weekly show on the TikTok ling duo’s live performance. A pre-recorded tion tweaks, thanks to frequent collaborator Live platform that highlights an up-and- interview by SuzukiSuzuki will stream Manish, and still received an accompanying coming J-pop act each month, based on on March 19. from 8:00 p.m. Japan time visual as planned. Billboard Japan’s newly launched Japan via Billboard Japan’s TikTok account. “What’s Next” survived as the Scary Heatseekers Songs chart. The hybrid This story was originally published on Bill- Hours 2 opener (and lone Drake solo effort program, hosted by Hina from J-girl group board Japan. on the three-track pack) when it hit stream- Faky and TikToker Shuichiro, streams per- ing services on March 5. The Certified Lover formances and in-depth interviews by the Boy appetizer quickly surged to No. 1 on featured act and explores new ways for fans How a the global Spotify chart, with 6.856 million to experience live music. streams and is likely to contend for the top The Suzuki brothers appeared onstage Supah Mario spot on the Billboard Hot 100 next Monday wearing dapper suits and kicked off the (March 15) — an achievement that would livestream set with “Kimi to Boku wasa” ‘Throwaway’ Beat mark a career first for the producer. (“You and I Will”), a sweet mid-tempo love Check out the rest of Billboard’s interview song that showcases the duo’s soothingly Survived a Leak with Mario below, as he shares how a 7:00 high-pitched vocals. The siblings chose a.m. conversation with Drake at the top of to perform without instruments for the & Led to Drake’s 2021 inspired him to keep grinding, delves show, standing side-by-side and exchang- deeper into the origins of “What’s Next,” ing glances with each other to deliver their ‘What’s Next’ and explains why the possibly of having a intricate harmonies. No. 1 record has his managers more excited The duo then covered two songs based BY BILLBOARD STAFF than him. on requests posted on Billboard Japan’s How did “What’s Next” come together TikTok account before the show. The first roducer Supah Mario sub- with Drake? was a rendition of singer-songwriter Kaze scribes to the theory of getting Every now and then, I’ll take a couple of Fujii’s profound ballad “Kaerou” (“Let’s Go as many shots up as possible in days and hammer out as many beats as I Home”), which the brothers arranged to hopes of landing a dagger. After can, instead of actually focusing on what I’m feature some clever part changes and lay- Ppeppering Drake with beat packs at the top really working on. He’s one of the people ered harmonies. After they finished singing, of 2021, an “ type that likes to have all of his ducks in a row be- 19-year-old Seina jokingly accused his older beat” caught the ear of the 6 God in Febru- fore he even starts recording. I checked all brother Tomu — who turned 21 a few days ary, and Mario felt good about his chances my beats out and sent it to him right away. after the livestream — of mistaking the lyr- of locking in a third Drizzy record — fol- I thought he was going to record and just ics, and the pair exchanged some brotherly lowing in the footsteps of their previous sit on it, and it was going to get shelved. He Page 22 of 25

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actually ended up doing something with it, the song that you noticed? the business. and he hit me back again later like, “Yo, this The original beat has way more going on All of these things I started acquiring, the is for sure going on my album.” I just had in it. There’s all kind of extra sounds that more I kept working, and Drake definitely to wait until everything was finalized, but I ended up getting taken out. Maneesh, who is played a huge part in catapulting me to new knew there was a possibility of it being on a regular collaborator with Drake, ended up levels. But I always give the initial credit to the album for sure. adding the chants on top of the beat, and a , because that’s who was the Do you remember when you send it little whistle you hear in the background. first person to f—k with my beats. From over to Drake exactly? “What’s Next” is projected to have a there, up until now, it’s just more maturity I know it was probably like a week or two good chance of going to No. 1 on the Hot — and I don’t get as excited about certain before it actually leaked, is when it was on 100 next week. Talk about what it would things. They don’t mean as much, because the way to coming out. mean to you to add this kind of accolade it’s always about the music for me. Right, I remember it leaked on D.K. to your résumé. Could we hear you behind any other Metcalf’s Instagram Story in mid-Febru- I was talking to my management about songs on ? ary. this the other night and they were freaking Possibly. As of now, I have no idea. I know Yeah, that’s the first place I saw it too. I out. It means a little bit more to them than I’ve sent more beats and I continue to send was like, “What the hell?” I thought, since it it does to me — because I don’t know the beats. When it comes to Certified Lover Boy, leaked, something was going to happen and significance of it, because I’ve never had that’s just something we’re going to have to he was gonna have to scrap it. But he called a No. 1 record. They were literally on my see, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I me and was like, “Nah, we getting ready to head like, “You’re not excited?!” They’re never stop sending him beats. drop this s—t, and I’m about to shoot the like, “This is huge, not everybody gets a No. video and everything.” He didn’t even care 1 record.” Then I started getting phone calls that it leaked, he was ready. from other people saying the same s—t. I’m to Can you expand on the text message waiting for it to sink in. I’m keeping my you posted with Drake to your Instagram fingers crossed, we gotta go No. 1. be Posthumously about solidifying yourself? How did you originally link up with One hundred percent, that’s my favorite Drake? Speak to the growth in your rela- Honored at APRA part of this whole thing. I used to have these tionship from “Ice Melts” to “Blue Tint” doubts if I was good enough to be in this in- and now with “What’s Next.” Awards dustry — and lo and behold it’s Drake giving The fact I didn’t know Drake back then me advice about my career. It’s crazy as hell, was significant, so [“Ice Melts”] means more BY LARS BRANDLE but he was nice enough to literally be on the to me than any other one. That was the most phone with me at 7:00 in the morning, just unexpected [thing] that ever happened to elen Reddy, the late singer, telling me not to quit, and [how] things were me. That’s literally my favorite artist, I’m a songwriter and activist whose actually going to come together for me. fan first. The significance of it was just so 1972 hit “I Am Woman” became He was giving me his thoughts as far as much more then. a feminist anthem, will be where he is in his career compared to mine. The time between “Ice Melts” and “Blue Hhonored with the Ted Albert Award for Out- He’s like, “We’re hard-working people, and Tint,” I had no idea I’d have the chance to standing Services to Australian Music. we value the work before .” It was work with [Drake] again. Once he kept re- Reddy cut her teeth in showbiz playing good to have somebody to relate to. I wanted sponding to what I was sending, I was like, on the Australian vaudeville circuit from a people to see that our favorite artist literally “Oh, there’s a real possibility here that I’ll young age, before immigrating to the United gave me career advice. still be continuing to work with him.” That’s States in the 1960s to make it as a solo star. When did you guys have this conversa- the beautiful part of it for me. The dude is The risk paid off when Reddy signed with tion? so down-to-earth, to earth to allow me to , and landed a trio of No. 1s This was probably in January. Nobody continue to work with him. on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. seen that s—t coming. It’s crazy, because I I’ve never been the type of person who Reddy won a Grammy Award for “I Am sent him several other beats that were con- works with a ton of different artists. It Woman, co-written with Ray Burton, and sidered for this project, and I wasn’t getting definitely opened up doors for me to work went on to reach the summit of the Hot 100 any response. He doesn’t always tell me if with newer artists. People started to learn with “Delta Dawn” in September 1973 and they’re being used unless he knows for sure. who I was more, which was cool. More “Angie Baby” in December 1974. Once I sent the “What’s Next” beat, that’s importantly, it gave me insight on where Upon the latter’s coronation, she tied when I knew we got one. music was headed and what kind of beats I the then-record for most No. 1s among What changes were made from the should be making — meeting certain people solo women, sharing the honor with Cher, original leak to the finished product of in and learning the ins and outs of Roberta Flack and Connie Francis. Page 23 of 25

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Across her career, Reddy notched 20 leader “Drivers License” is shunted 1-2 career entries on the Hot 100, and 25 million Kings of Leon on while Drake has two new arrivals from albums sold. She also chalked-up 24 entries his 2 EP, as “What’s Next” and on the Adult Contemporary airplay chart, Track For U.K. “Lemon Pepper Freestyle” start at No. 3 and with eight of those topping the tally. 4, respectively. Her place in history was confirmed in Chart Crown With The Official U.K. Singles and Albums 2006 when she was inducted into the ARIA Charts are published late Friday, local time. Hall of Fame, and the story of her journey ‘When You See was documented in the 2019 biopic I Am Woman. Yourself’ ‘Soul,’ Traci Donat will accept the award the Ted Albert Award on behalf of her mother, who, BY LARS BRANDLE ‘Nomadland’ she says, “devoted her life and career to equal rights for all people. And in honoring ings of Leon have the U.K. chart & More Land her you honor not just her music but also throne in their sights. what she stood for. We couldn’t be more The U.S. rockers’ new 2021 BAFTA deeply moved and grateful.” album When You See Your- The accolade will be presented at the Kself amasses an impressive at the midweek Nominations: 2021 APRA Music Awards, to be held April stage, and should roll on for a sixth U.K. No. 28 in Sydney. 1. See Full List The Ted Albert Award is one of the Aus- When You See Yourself tops the Official tralian music industry’s highest decorations, Chart Update with a lead of 10,000 com- BY ALEX RITMAN and is decided by the APRA board of writer bined units over its nearest rival, Gabri- and publisher directors. Previous recipients elle’s seventh and latest LP Do It Again, omadland and Rocks lead the include the late Michael Gudinski, Paul according to the OCC. pack of nominees for the BAFTA Kelly, Denis Handlin, The Seekers, Cold It’ll take something special in the home 2021 awards in the most diverse Chisel and Fifa Riccobono. straight for Kings of Leon to be denied. nominations list ever seen in Reddy, who passed away in 2019, aged Their eighth studio album is outperforming Nthe British Academy’s history, and com- 78, will be the first of two recipients on the the rest of the Top 5 combined. ing just a year after it was embroiled in the night, with the second Ted Albert Award All five of the Followills’ previous #BaftaSoWhite controversy, sparking a winner to be announced in April. studio albums hit No. 1 in the U.K.: Be- 7-month review and overhaul of the voting The Melbourne native was to posthu- cause of the Times (2007); Only By rules and regulations. mously receive the plaudit in 2020, but The Night (2008); Come Around Sun- Chloe Zhao’s awards season favourite set those plans were shelved when Covid-19 down (2010); Mechanical Bull (2013); in the American West and Sarah Gavron’s forced organizers to pull the plug on a and Walls (2016). coming-of-age drama about a group of live event and pivot to a shortened virtual Meanwhile, Japan are eyeing a career- inner city London schoolgirls both landed ceremony. best U.K. chart position with Quiet Life. The seven nominations each, with The Fa- Nominations for the 2021 APRAs will be deluxe reissue of the new wave outfit’s third ther, , Minari and Promising Young announced March 25. album from 1979 is at No. 3, well ahead of its Woman not far behind with six. The No. 53 peak. Dig and The Mauritanian earned five. Also jostling for Top 10 bows are Aus- Among several major highlights from a tralian Britpop revivalists’ DMA’s’ Live in hugely eclectic list of nominations — which Brixton collection (No. 4); Scottish rockers saw a record 50 different film nominated Mason Hill’s debut Against (No. (up from a previous high of 39) — was the 6); English singer-songwriter Jane Weav- directing category in which four female er’s Flock (No. 8); Scottish indie rockers filmmakers were nominated, smashing the Arab Strap’s comeback album As Days Get previous record (of just one) and ending an Dark (No. 9); and Swedish pop artist Zara almost decade-long all-male run. Larsson’s Poster Girl (No. 10). Elsewhere, the performance categories The U.K. singles chart crown is anything — a year after they were heavily criticised but a done deal, as Nathan Evans’ sea shanty for being entirely all-white — are the most “Wellerman” slots into top spot on the mid- diverse in the award’s history and also mix week survey. Olivia Rodrigo’s longtime established talent with rising stars. While Page 24 of 25

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two-time BAFTA film award winner and Rising Star Rocks, Sarah Gavron Anthony Hopkins receives his seventh nom- Bukky Bakray Original Screenplay ination, for The Father, newcomer Bukky Conrad Khan Another Round, Tobias Lindholm, Thomas Bakray, the 18-year-old lead star of Rocks, Kingsley Ben-Adir Vinterberg earns her very first (and from her first film Morfydd Clark Mank, Jack Fincher role). Bakray is among 21 of the 24 names in Sope Dirisu Promising Young Woman, Emerald Fennell the performance categories who are getting Outstanding British Film Rocks, Theresa Ikoko, Claire Wilson their first BAFTA nominations. Calm With Horses The Trial Of The Chicago 7, Aaron Sorkin This year, the awards themselves will The Dig Adapted Screenplay take place across the weekend of April 10, The Father The Dig, Moira Buffini 11 April, with two shows broadcast virtually His House The Father, Christopher Hampton, Florian from London’s Royal Albert Hall. The first Limbo Zeller show will celebrating the craft of film, with The Mauritanian The Mauritanian, Rory Haines, Sohrab the second covering the performance, talent Mogul Mowgli Noshirvani, M.B. Traven and other above the line categories. Promising Young Woman Nomadland, Chloé Zhao See the full list of nominees below. Rocks The White Tiger, Ramin Bahrani Best Film Saint Maud Original Score The Father Outstanding Debut By A British Mank, Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross The Mauritanian Writer, Director Or Producer Minari, Emile Mosseri Nomadland His House, Remi Weekes (Writer/Director) News Of The World, James Newton Howard Promising Young Woman Limbo, Ben Sharrock (Writer/Director), Promising Young Woman, Anthony Willis The Trial Of The Chicago 7 Irune Gurtubai (Producer) [Also Produced Soul, Jon Batiste, Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross Leading Actress By Angus Lamont] Casting Bukky Bakray, Rocks Moffie, Jack Sidey (Writer/Producer) [Also Calm With Horses, Shaheen Baig Radha Blank, The Forty-Year-Old Version Written By Oliver Hermanus And Produced Judas And The Black Messiah, Alexa L. Fogel Vanessa Kirby, Pieces Of A Woman By Eric Abraham] Minari, Julia Kim Frances Mcdormand, Nomadland Rocks, Theresa Ikoko, Claire Wilson (Writ- Promising Young Woman, Lindsay Graham Wunmi Mosaku, His House ers) Ahanonu, Mary Vernieu Alfre Woodard, Clemency Saint Maud, Rose Glass (Writer/Director), Rocks, Lucy Pardee Leading Actor Oliver Kassman (Producer) [Also Produced Cinematography Riz Ahmed, Sound Of Metal By Andrea Cornwell] Judas And The Black Messiah, Sean Bobbitt Chadwick Boseman, Ma Rainey’s Black Film Not In The English Language Mank, Erik Messerschmidt Bottom Another Round The Mauritanian, Alwin H. Küchler Adarsh Gourav, The White Tiger Dear Comrades! News Of The World, Dariusz Wolski Anthony Hopkins, The Father Les Misérables Nomadland, Joshua James Richards Mads Mikkelsen, Another Round Minari Editing , The Mauritanian Quo Vadis, Aida? The Father, Yorgos Lamprinos Supporting Actress Documentary Nomadland, Chloé Zhao Niamh Algar, Calm With Horses Collective Promising Young Woman, Frédéric Thoraval Kosar Ali, Rocks David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet Sound Of Metal, Mikkel E.G. Nielsen Maria Bakalova, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm The Dissident The Trial Of The Chicago 7, Alan Baumgar- Dominique Fishback, Judas And The Black My Octopus Teacher ten Messiah The Social Dilemma Production Design Ashley Madekwe, County Lines Animated Film The Dig, Maria Djurkovic, Tatiana Macdon- Yuh-Jung Youn, Minari Onward ald Supporting Actor Soul The Father, Peter Francis, Cathy Feather- Daniel Kaluuya, Judas And The Black Mes- Wolfwalkers stone siah Director Mank, Donald Graham Burt, Barry Keoghan, Calm With Horses Another Round, Thomas Vinterberg News Of The World, , Elizabeth Alan Kim, Minari Babyteeth, Shannon Murphy Keenan Leslie Odom Jr., One Night In Miami… Minari, Lee Isaac Chung Rebecca, , Clarke Peters, Da 5 Bloods Nomadland, Chloé Zhao Costume Design Paul Raci, Sound Of Metal Quo Vadis, Aida?, Jasmila Žbanić Ammonite, Michael O’connor Page 25 of 25

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The Dig, Alice Babidge ship Fund specifically for women of color Emma, Alexandra Byrne Megan Thee pursuing their degree around the time of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Ann Roth her single release of the same name featur- Mank, Trish Summerville Stallion ing Young Thug. Make Up & Hair The Grammy-nominated artist clari- The Dig, Jenny Shircore Announces $1M fied to one inquiring Twitter user that her Hillbilly Elegy, Patricia Dehaney, Eryn Women on Top fund differed from her Krueger Mekash, Matthew Mungle ‘Women on Don’t Stop Scholarship fund. She also an- Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Matiki Anoff, nounced that the YWCA Houston in her Larry M. Cherry, Sergio Lopez-Rivera, Mia Top’ Fund for hometown (that she recently agreed to help Neal rebuild following the Texas winter freeze) Mank, Kimberley Spiteri, Gigi Williams International was the first $25,000 recipient of the new Pinocchio, Mark Coulier fund. Sound Women’s Day “At Fashion Nova, women empower- Greyhound, Tbc ment and ongoing advocacy for diversity News Of The World, Michael Fentum, Wil- BY HERAN MAMO and inclusion have always been part of our liam Miller, , John guiding principles,” said Fashion Nova CEO/ Pritchett, Oliver Tarney egan Thee Stallion is helping founder Richard Saghian. “We believe the Nomadland, Sergio Diaz, Zach Seivers, M. put women on top with her world will be a better place when all women Wolf Snyder latest $1 million campaign are provided the opportunity to maximize Soul, Coya Elliott, Ren Klyce, David Parker with Fashion Nova that she an- their potential. This program was created Sound Of Metal, , Nicolas Mnounced on International Women’s Day. to give women greater advantage as they Becker, Phillip Bladh, Carlos Cortés, Mi- The rapper’s Women on Top philan- pursue their passions.” chelle Couttolenc thropic initiative works to empower women The Women on Top initiative is part of Special Visual Effects by supporting their education, businesses, Fashion Nova’s ongoing pledge to support Greyhound, Pete Bebb, Nathan Mcguinness, charities and organizations with donations, awareness campaigns committed to fighting Sebastian Von Overheidt scholarships and grants. Every day through- racial inequality. The Midnight Sky, Matt Kasmir, Chris Law- out the month of March, which is Women’s Watch Megan’s announcement of the rence, David Watkins History Month, Fashion Nova Cares will Women on Top initiative below. Mulan, Sean Faden, Steve Ingram, Anders the female recipients who were Langlands, Seth Maury pre-selected to receive $25,000 or more, The One And Only Ivan, Santiago Colomo for a total of $1 million. Those interested in Martinez, Nick Davis, Greg Fisher applying can head to Fashion Nova Cares’ Tenet, Scott Fisher, Andrew Jackson, An- official website and submit their email ad- drew Lockley dress, phone number, Instagram handle and British Short Animation personal story. The Fire Next Time, Renaldho Pelle, Yanling “I’m excited to collaborate with Fashion Wang, Kerry Jade Kolbe Nova Cares on the Women on Top initiative The Owl And The Pussycat, Mole Hill, Laura and be part of giving $1 million to support Duncalf women led businesses and organizations,” The Song Of A Lost Boy, Daniel Quirke, the “Hot Girl” artist said in an official state- Jamie Macdonald, Brid Arnstein ment. “These donations are life changing This article originally appeared on The and will help women of all ages get one step Hollywood Reporter. closer to making their dreams a reality.” Previously, Megan and her “WAP” col- laborator Cardi B teamed up with Cash App and Twitter following their song’s historic No. 1 debut on the Billboard Hot 100 in August to give away $1 million as a way to honor women during the viral conversation about female empowerment following the song’s release. In October, Megan also launched a Don’t Stop Scholar-