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Bulletin YOUR DAILY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATE MAY 17, 2021 Page 1 of 27

INSIDE ’s ‘A Gangsta’s

• Pain’ Returns to No. 1 on Billboard Announces Hi-Fi Streaming at No 200 Chart Additional Cost BY KEITH CAULFIELD • Drops HD Tier to $9.99, Shaking Up It’s a quiet week in the top 10 on the al- A Gangsta’s Pain’s 61,000 units earned are nearly all Hi-Fi Streaming bums chart, as Moneybagg Yo’s A Gangsta’s Pain re- from streaming activity, as SEA units comprise 60,000 Market turns to No. 1 while no albums debut in the top 10 for of its total for the week. Further, the ’s 61,000 • Inside Track: UMG’s the first time in two months. units is the second-lowest total for a weekly No. 1 Executive Pay; Clive A Gangsta’s Pain rises 2-1 in its third week, after album in 2021. Only ’s Evermore has Davis Interviews Joni earning 61,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. in posted a smaller week at No. 1 this year, when it Mitchell the week ending May 12 (down 12%), according to returned to the top for a third nonconsecutive week • Coming MRC Data. The album debuted atop the chart dated on the chart dated Jan. 16 with 56,000 units (earned in Subtractions: Film May 8 with 110,000 units. the week ending Jan. 7). Composers Face The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular Zero albums debut in the top 10 on the new Bill- Delayed Pandemic albums of the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric board 200 — the first time that’s happened since the Impact consumption as measured in equivalent album units. March 13-dated chart. • Universal Music’s Units comprise album sales, track equivalent albums Morgan Wallen’s former No. 1 Dangerous: The Stock Could (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). Each Double Album rises 3-2 with 52,000 equivalent Be Worth $2B unit equals one album sale, or 10 individual tracks album units earned (down 3%), DJ Khaled’s Khaled • ‘Live Trumps sold from an album, or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 Khaled dips 1-3 in its second week with 46,000 units Everything’: ICM’s paid/subscription on-demand official audio and video (down 51%), and ’s former leader Jus- Robert Gibbs on streams generated by songs from an album. The new tice is steady at No. 4 with 38,000 units (down 10%). of Touring & May 22-dated chart (where A Gangsta’s Pain returns ’s Future Nostalgia is next, as it rises 7-5 Industry Diversity to No. 1) will be posted in full on Billboard’s website on with 36,000 equivalent album units earned. It’s the May 18. For all chart news, follow @billboard and @ only album in the top 10 that gains in units, and it billboardcharts on both and Instagram. (continued)

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On June 5th, Billboard will publish its 3rd annual CONTACTS Pride issue honoring culturally moving and Joe Maimone influential people who have contributed to the 201.301.5933 | [email protected] community’s history and its current landscape. Lee Ann Photoglo Year-round Billboard and celebrate 615.376.7931 | [email protected] the LGBTQIA+ community through the lens of music, amplifying the culture of the proud Cynthia Mellow LGBTQIA+ community across our editorial 615.352,0265 | [email protected] channels, including Billboard Pride. Marcia Olival 786.586.4901 | [email protected] Building on this platform, Billboard and Rolling Stone will be joining together for the entire month Ryan O’Donnell +447843437176 | [email protected] of June to celebrate love, acceptance, diversity and what it means to be queer in music. All month long, Billboard and Rolling Stone will be the go-to destination for music and entertainment Pride content. Leveraging our iconic voices within music and culture, Billboard and Rolling Stone will curate a mix of engaging video and social content featuring thought-provoking panels, heartfelt performances, and glam tutorials – all fostering a community of consumers and influencers in celebration of LGBTQIA+.

ISSUE DATE 6/5 | AD CLOSE 5/26 | MATERIALS DUE 5/27

BB House_Pride_06_042421.indd 1 4/21/21 10:00 AM Page 3 of 27

IN BRIEF

remains the lone album by a woman in rapidly developing high-fidelity space, available on iOS devices for TV and films top 10. (It’s also the only album in the top with Amazon Music HD already on the mar- since last year. The company says “thou- 10 that’s yet to be No. 1. It peaked at No. 3 in ket and Spotify preparing to release its own sands” of tracks will be available in spatial March.) high-fidelity audio tier later this year. audio at launch, with more being added ’s SoulFly is a non-mover at Apple Music won’t raise the price of its on a regular basis. ’s next album No. 6 with 32,000 equivalent album units service and instead will offer lossless audio JORDI, which arrives on June 11th has earned (down 10%), the - for the same price as its current offering been recorded in spatial audio, the group led Slime Language 2 project falls 5-7 with at $9.99 a month and $14.99 a month for tells Billboard. “As a band, we’ve always just over 31,000 units (down 22%), Pop family plans, matching Amazon’s shift to been interested in new technologies and Smoke’s Shoot for the Stars Aim for the remove its price increase for high-fidelity it’s exciting to imagine what the future will Moon is stationary at No. 8 with 31,000 units streaming, which has routinely cost between hold given that the advent of Spatial Audio (down 3%), ’s After Hours is $14.99 and $19.99 a month from services like mixing seems akin to the leap music made steady at No. 9 with 29,000 units (down 9%), Amazon, , Deezer, and Qobuz. when it shifted from Mono to Stereo,” Jesse and Luke Combs’ What You See Is What “Apple Music is making its biggest Carmichael tells Billboard. You Get rises 11-10 with 27,000 units (down advancement ever in sound quality,” Oli- “It’s an entirely new way of experiencing 2%). ver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of our music,” adds Adam Levine. Apple Music and Beats said in a statement. Apple says its Hi-Fi offering will be avail- “Listening to a song in Dolby Atmos is like able next month, and 75 million songs will Apple Music magic. The music comes from all around be available with lossless CD-quality audio you and sounds incredible. Now we are (from 16-bit / 44.1kHz to 24-bit / 48Hz) and Announces Hi-Fi bringing this truly innovative and immersive in Hi-Res Lossless (24-bit / up to 192 kHz, experience to our listeners with music from which will require a digital-to-analog con- Streaming at No their favorite artists like J Balvin, Gustavo verter). Unlike competing services that use Dudamel, , Maroon 5, Kacey FLAC files for their lossless playback, Apple Additional Cost Musgraves, The Weeknd, and so many more. will use its own proprietary codec, known Subscribers will also be able to listen to as Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC) BY MICAH SINGLETON their music in the highest audio quality with to stream its high-fidelity music. When it Lossless Audio. Apple Music as we know it launches in June, Apple Music subscribers pple Music is making high-fidel- is about to change forever.” will need to opt-in to lossless audio due to ity music streaming available to Apple Music is also launching spatial the “large file sizes and bandwidth needed,” its subscribers at no additional audio (with support from Dolby Atmos) for to stream high-fidelity music, Apple says. cost, the company announced music, which will allow artists to record The moves by Amazon and Apple Music MondayA (May 17). The move is the latest by music in 3D to give the listener a surround to bring the price of high-fidelity music a major streaming service to get involved in sound experience. Spatial audio has been down to $9.99 a month throws a giant

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DIGITAL NEWSLETTERS 2 0 2 1 INDIE L A B E L P O W E R P L AY E R S

On June 5th, Billboard will publish CONTACTS its fourth annual Indie Label Power Joe Maimone Players List. This special feature in 201.301.5933 | [email protected] advance of Indie Week (6/14-6/17) and Lee Ann Photoglo the 10th Anniversary Libera Awards will 615.376.7931 | [email protected] profile leading executives at top independent record labels, publishing Cynthia Mellow companies and distribution companies. 615.352,0265 | [email protected] Positioning themselves as the driving force Marcia Olival behind the success of independent music, 786.586.4901 | [email protected] these executives contribute to the independent music sector and to the Ryan O’Donnell +447843437176 | [email protected] world of music at large.

Take this opportunity to advertise and congratulate this year’s 2020 Indie Label Power Players.

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BILLBOARD COUNTRY UPDATE APRIL 13, 2020 | PAGE Page 4 5OF of 1927

ON THE CHARTS JIM ASKER [email protected] IN BRIEF SamHunt’s Southside Rules Top Country wrenchAlbu into theirms; streaming Brett competitors’ Y oungit did last ‘Catcweek, and companiesh’-es like FifthDeezer Music Airplay HD arrived in September 2019, forc- plans to raise average revenue per user and French streaming service Qobuz — who ing competitors like Deezer and Qobuz to (ARPU) throughLea higher-pricedder; Travissubscrip- loweredDenning their high-fidelity Makes streaming prices History lower the price of their high-fidelity plans tions for Hi-Fi tiers. This particularly to $14.99 a month from $19.99 shortly after to $14.99. (Tidal still selling its high-fidelity important for Spotify, which has barely Amazon Music HD became available in Sep- streaming tier for $19.99 a month). Now Samchanged Hunt its’s secondprices studiosince entering full-length, the and U.S. first in overtember five 2019years, Southside — will have sales to consider (up 21%) inlower the tracking- Amazon week. On is Country leading Airplay, the way it hopsonce 18-15 again, (11.9 effec mil- (MCAmarket Nashville/Universal in 2011 and has Musicfaced Group declining Nashville), debutsing at their No. 1 onprices Billboard once’s againlion to audience keep pace. impressions, tivelyup 16%). cutting the price of high-fidelity music TopARPU Country since Albums 2017 amid chart global dated Aprilexpansion 18. In its first week (ending April 9), it in half within two years. earned 46,000 equivalent album units, including 16,000 in album sales, ac- TRY TO ‘CATCH’ UP WITH YOUNG Brett Youngachieves his fifth consecutive cordingand the to growth Nielsen of Music/MRC family plans Data. and other and total No. 1“It’s as “Catch” something (Big Machine we’ve all Label we’ve Group) been ascends groupSouthside discounts. marks But Hunt’s now second it will No. be 1hard on the for Amazon Music wanting2-1, increasing to do for 13% a to long 36.6 time,” million says impressions. Amazon chartits competitors and fourth topto charge 10. It follows more freshmanfor the same LP MusicYoung’s vp Steve first Boom.of six chart “When entries, we launched,“Sleep With - Montevalloservice and, which reach arrived scale. at the summit in No - Drops HD Tier to weout already You,” reached broke the No. mold 2 in December by taking 2016. a He vemberSpotify 2014 announced and reigned its for high-fidelity nine weeks. To date,ser- servicefollowed that with had the been multiweek $19.99 No. — 1sand “In really Case You Montevallo has earned 3.9 million units, with 1.4 Didn’t Know” (two weeks, June 2017), “Like I Loved millionvice in inFebruary album sales. but has not yet disclosed $9.99, Shaking Up justYou” for (three, the audiophile January 2018), at that“Mercy” price (two, point August — pricing.Montevallo Spotify has spent said 267high-fidelity weeks on the audio list, tying was and2018) brought and “Here it down Tonight” to something (two, April 2019).that was Lukeone of Bryan the ’smost Crash requested My Party as features the sixth-longest- from its Hi-Fi Streaming much“Catch” more completes mass-market his longest at $14.99.” journey to No. 1, runninguser base, titles and in theacross chart’s the 56-year music history.industry the havingAmazon’s taken success 46 weeks with to reach its HD the service, apex. It out- On the all-genre Billboard 200, Southside ar- paces the 30-week climb of “Here Tonight.” expectation was that Spotify would charge which has grown 100% year-over-year, rives at No. 5, awarding Hunt his second top 10 Market On , “Catch” pushes 7-5 for HUNT YOUNG aftermore the than No. the 3-peaking $9.99 aMontevallo month it. does for its hasa new pushed high. Spotify to announce a Hi-Fi PremiumHunt first service, released a themove EPX2C that, whichcould debuted help BY MICAH SINGLETON tier as well, with rumors of an Apple Music andit solidify peaked its at profitability No. 5 on Top Countrylong-term. Albums But a in August 2014. Following COMBS ‘DOES’ IT AGAIN LukeHi-Fi Combs plan’ possibly“Does to Me”also (River priced House/Columbia at $9.99 a Montevalloprice increase, Between at this the point Pines: will Acoustic be challeng Mixtape- started at its No.mazon’s 7 high in high-fidelity Nashville), featuringstreaming Eric Churchmonth., ascends 11-8 on Country Airplay, up 10% to Novembering for a consumer 2015. base that can effectively service, Amazon24.7 millionMusic inHD, audience. is The Forsong years, is Combs’ the musiceighth straightindustry career-opening was focused Montevallo produced five singles, four of which hit the pinnacle of Country top 10, following a record run of seven consecutive out-of-the-gate, properly Airplay:get the “Leavesame product the Night for On,” no “Takeadditional Your Time,” cost, “House Party” andnow “Make available promoted to Amazon No. 1Music singles. on using high-fidelity audio streaming as Youfrom Miss both Me.” Amazon “Break andUp in Apple, a Small likely Town” making peaked at No. 2. Unlimited subscribersChurch adds at no his extra 15th Countrya means Airplay to raise top 10. the average revenue per Spotify’sHunt co-penned road to sustained all 12 songs profitability on Southside ,more including cost,A “Body the company Like a Back tells Billboard. Amazon user with higher-priced subscriptions. Road,”challenging. which was released in 2017. The smash hit ruledMusic Country HD Airplaypreviously for costTHAT $14.99 TOOK a month QUITE ‘A FEW’That MONTHS would Travis mean Denning bigger payoutsshatters the for record rights for threeFor weeks Apple, and the the move airplay-, to incorporate streaming- and sales-based($12.99 Hot Country for Prime Songs members) the most while weeks Amazon it has takenholders to penetrate and the Country streaming Airplay services. top 10 But as “After with chart for a then-record 34 frames. It now ranks second only to Bebe Rexha and a Few” (Mercury Nashville) climbs 12-10 in its 57th week, up 4% to 21.4 mil - Floridahigh-fidelity Georgia streaming Line’s “Meant while to Be”avoiding (50 weeks a atop theMusic latter Unlimited, list in 2017-18). its mostlion popular in radio reach.service Amazon, Spotify, and Apple all getting in on price“Downtown’s increase should Dead,” helpwhich it is garner also on some the new set, reachedoption, Nos.is $9.99 14 and a month 15 ($7.99The song for Prime surpasses two tracksthe high-fidelity that took 50 weekspush, eachthe labelsto enter have the topbe- 10: onnew Hot subscribers Country Songs who and want Country improved Airplay, audio respectively, members). in June 2018. “Kin- ’s “A Girl Likecome You,” more which amenable reached No. to lowering10 in January the 2018 price be - folks”quality led at Country no additional Airplay cost. on Feb. Tidal, 29, becoming now Hunt’s Theseventh move No. is 1. a It first hit infore the peakingmusic industry, at No. 6 that February,of high-fidelity and Aaron tiers Watson in the’s “Outta hopes Style,” of increas which- No.owned 3 on Hotby Square, Country and Songs. its $19.99 a month where high-fidelity streamingachieved options its No. 10 rou high- in Decembering the overall 2017. number of subscribers across 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 Hi-Fi service looks further out of touch than tinely cost $19.99 a month before Amazon the industry. 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 2021 GERARDO ORTIZ 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Gerardo Ortiz is one of Latin music’s most defining artists of CONTACTS the last decade, scoring a total of ten No. 1s on the Billboard Regional Mexican Airplay chart, over 22.3 Million followers on Marcia Olival social media, and an astounding ONE BILLION and counting 786.586.4901 | [email protected] views on . The two-time GRAMMY ® nominee and one- time Latin GRAMMY®, is one of the architects of the alternative Joe Maimone corrido movement and one of the most award-winning 201.301.5933 | [email protected] singers of Regional Mexican music in the past years. Lee Ann Photoglo 615.376.7931 | [email protected] In recent years, Ortiz has winning a number of awards including twenty seven Billboard Latin Music Awards, twelve Cynthia Mellow Premios Lo Nuestro, earning four Platinum records and five 615.352,0265 | [email protected] Gold records as certified by the RIAA, and selling out festivals, dance halls, and arenas across the and . Ryan O’Donnell +447843437176 | [email protected] He breaks schemes with each production, after his successful 9th studio album, "Más Caro Que Ayer" was released in February 2020 he placed at #1 on Apple Music’s "Mexican Music" chart. His first single titled popular charts followed by the hit single "Otra Borrachera", the band version that reached #1 on México's Monitor Latino “Popular” chart, and #1 on the Billboard’s "Regional Mexican Airplay" chart. Starting a new decade and commemorating his 10th career anniversary, Gerardo Ortiz celebrates with the debut of his production "Décimo Aniversario" (10th studio album.)

Join Billboard in congratulating Gerardo Ortiz on his remarkable career over the past 10 years.

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“The other services are coming around to $132 million — almost double the $62.2 and total benefit compensation, that works to the fact that this is really important.” million paid to the executive team in 2018. out to an average salary of $121,000 and Boom says. “And that momentum in the According to the UMG website, the an average benefits package — which also marketplace just changed the nature of executive team consists of UMG chairman/ includes social security and other employee the conversations about how this content CEO Lucian Grainge; executive vp Mi- costs — of $147,000. But, again, this is still should be made accessible to everybody and chele Anthony; chairman/CEO of Central skewed somewhat higher by salaries and how it should be licensed.” Europe and Deutsche Grammophon, Frank bonuses paid to label chairman like Repub- Boom continues, “The labels have been Briegmann; executive vp and general lic’s Monte Lipman and Interscope’s John extremely supportive of us in our efforts to counsel Jeffrey Harleston; executive vp Janick, which are generally not disclosed. trailblaze with HD audio. This is going to and chief people and inclusion officer Eric (The foreign currency translations used in create more growth in the marketplace. And Hutcherson; and Ireland this story are based on the annual average we’re putting the focus on the quality of the chairman/CEO David Joseph; executive exchange rates experienced by Vivendi and sound as opposed to just the revenue.” vp marketing Andrew Kronfeld; executive quoted in the company’s annual financial Amazon Music HD has more than 70 vp/CFO Boyd Muir; executive vp digital results for the year of 2020 — 1 euro to $1.13; million lossless CD-quality songs in HD strategy Michael Nash; executive vp/chief and 2018 — 1 euro to $1.187.) (16-bit / 44.1 kHz) and over 7 million “Ultra administrative officer Will Tanous; and UMG declined to comment. —Ed Christ- HD” songs (24-bit / 48kHz, 96 kHz, 192 Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) man kHz), which are effectively studio masters. chairman/CEO Jody Gerson. Joni Chats With Clive At Grammy Gala Subscribers to Amazon Music Unlimited The financial data drop, which Vivendi When part two of Clive Davis’ invitation- in the U.S., U.K., , , , likely released in preparation for UMG’s only virtual Pre-Grammy Gala takes place , and will be able to upgrade to expected to become publicly traded in on May 15, the festivities will include a pre- Amazon Music HD on both individual and late-September, does not specify how that recorded interview with Joni Mitchell that family plans for free (student plans are not $128.4 million was divvied up among the 11 was conducted by the master of ceremonies. included and will not have HD music avail- executives. A source in Davis’ camp says that during able). Current Amazon Music HD subscrib- Financial observers note that executive the conversation, Mitchell, 77, cites Édith ers will now be charged $5 less a month on team compensation expected to look even Piaf and her early exposure to Black artists their future billing cycles. richer once UMG goes public, as the com- as influences on her jazz-influenced style of pany will probably have its own management songwriting. While growing up in Alberta, incentive stock plan. But as things stand now, Canada, tells Davis, “There was a side- Inside Track: UMG’s executive team likely received higher show when the fair came to town called salaries due because they don’t have such a Harlem in Havana. We were all forbidden by UMG’s Executive management incentive stock plan. In order our parents as kids to be seen even standing to attract and maintain top talent, UMG has there watching because it was Black bur- Pay; Clive Davis to compete with the , lesque,” she recalls. “But they played a really which does have a management incentive sexy version of [Jimmy Forrest’s] ‘Night Interviews Joni stock plan that will someday deliver hun- Train’ and that piece of music really affected dreds of millions of dollars to its upper man- my writing,” she explains. Mitchell agement team. Also, the salary structure for When Davis asks for Mitchell’s reaction the executive management board probably to the multitude of artists who have been in- BY BILLBOARD STAFF reflects the value that the team has created fluenced by her work and covered her songs, down through the years through its manage- Mitchell, who has given few interviews dited by Dan Rys ment of UMG: In 2013 Softbank offered to since recovering from a 2015 aneurysm that UMG Executive Committee’s buy UMG from Vivendi for $8.5 billion; cur- affected her speech and ability to walk, says Big Payday rently, UMG is valued at about $40 billion. that she was told repeatedly over the course ’s 11-per- UMG’s total personnel costs in 2020, of her career, “Nobody is ever going to cover Eson executive committee was paid a total including the executive management team, your songs. They are too personal.” of $128.4 million in short-term employee were $1.42 billion of which $1.2 billion went Other artist conversations slated benefits — most likely salaries and bonuses to salaries – 17.6% of the companies $8.04 for the gala include Queen’s Brian – in 2020, according to financial informa- billion in revenue. May and Roger Taylor, , Paul tion released by the music group’s parent Last year, Universal carried on average Simon, H.E.R., DaBaby, Carlos San- company Vivendi. 8,800 employees, up from 8,400 in 2019 and tana, , Dave Grohl, Dionne When post-employee benefits and share- 7,900 in 2019. If the executive team’s com- Warwick, and . —Frank based payouts are added, that total jumps pensation is excluded from overall salaries DiGiacomo 2021 COUNTRY POWER PLAYERS

Billboard’s eighth annual Country Power Players CONTACTS issue will profile the people who have driven Joe Maimone another solid year for the industry, 201.301.5933 | [email protected] generating billions in sales, streaming and Lee Ann Photoglo publishing. This special feature will highlight the top 615.376.7931 | [email protected] executives, artists and changemakers who kept the music playing during an incredibly challenging Cynthia Mellow 615.352,0265 | [email protected] year, as well as coverage of the changing face of country music. Marcia Olival 786.586.4901 | [email protected]

Advertise in Billboard’s Country Power Players Ryan O’Donnell issue to congratulate this year’s honorees while +447843437176 | [email protected] reaching key decision-makers who are driving the music business.

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ema royalties are usually far more lucrative, Powell, “but I’ve talked to lots of people, and Coming though. “Apart from the fact that I love the we think [the performance royalties from films and the people working on them,” says streaming are] just a fraction of royalties we Subtractions: Film Powell, “there was definitely a consideration make from cinema.” [about] how well the Ice Age films would do Will that money return? Before the Composers Face abroad versus others I had been offered.” pandemic, there were reasons for optimism: Consider the music Powell wrote for Ice Global box-office revenue reached an all- Delayed Pandemic Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, which took in time high in 2019 of $42.5 billion, of which over $690 million in theaters outside the $31.1 billion was generated outside the Impact United States, according to Box Office Mojo. United States, according to Comscore. But Different countries handle payments in dif- lockdowns have been hard on companies BY KRISTIN ROBINSON ferent ways, but U.K. theaters allocate up to that own theaters: Cineworld, which has 1% of box-office revenue for music. Produc- locations in the United States, the United he pandemic isn’t just hurting per- tion companies give their cue sheets to the Kingdom and Ireland, stopped operating formers who make money touring U.K. PRO, PRS for Music, to determine what in October. And continental Europe lags — public performance royalties music plays during the film and for how behind the United States and the United have fallen as stores, clubs and long. If Powell’s score was, hypothetically, Kingdom in vaccinations, so theaters there, Tconcert venues close for various lengths of featured in 50% of Dawn of the Dinosaurs, which provide the lion’s share of cinema time. Among those affected most seriously: which grossed $56.8 million in U.K. theaters, royalties worldwide, are in deeper trouble film composers. PRS would collect 50% of 1% of box-office because they’re unlikely to be able to reopen In nearly every major country except revenue, or $284,000. Most film scores are at full capacity until late this year. the United States, composers and song- created under “work for hire” agreements — When the pandemic does end, however, writers whose work is used in movies are which means the production company owns many people may be eager to go to a movie paid a “cinema royalty,” a special public the publisher’s share of the copyright while theater — or, really, anywhere — and plenty performance fee for theatrical showings the composer retains the writer’s share — so of major movies have been delayed until that can, in some cases, add up to hundreds PRS would then send the writer’s share of then. “Massive tentpole releases were held of thousands of dollars. The fees — col- that money to either Powell or his PRO. So, back,” says PRS director of strategic partner- lected by performing rights organizations, in this case, minus the PRO administrative ships Gavin Larkins, who thinks that will which in turn pay creators and publishers fees, Powell (who is an ASCAP member) give consumers good to get off their — are pegged to box-office revenue in most would potentially make about $100,000 couches. territories. (They’re not collected in the from this film in the United Kingdom alone. In the long term, theaters aren’t going United States because of a 1948 antitrust For the past year, Europeans have only anywhere soon — but there may be fewer of ruling against ASCAP.) Last year, however, been watching movies at home, of course, them in Europe, which is the most impor- amid pandemic lockdowns, they declined and video streaming numbers have skyrock- tant source of these royalties. Although the- “between 50% and 90%” in Europe, accord- eted. And although streaming services still aters are likely to struggle in 2021 and 2022, ing to Robert Neri, executive vp/head of compensate composers — they pay PROs, according to veteran analyst Eric Wold of European business development at Down- which pay creators based on the popularity B. Riley Financial, he believes the business town Music Holdings. of the content their music appears in — will recover in 2023. “We remain optimis- Because PROs pay out cinema royalties on composer-conductor John Debney, who is tic,” says Wold, “that moviegoers will return an annual basis after the first quarter of each known for his music for Elf and the Spider- to theaters when permitted to catch the best year, the issue is only now starting to affect Man films, calls cinema royalties “the bread film slate in years.” film composers, and it could last a year or and butter” of a composer’s income in the Powell remains optimistic too. “Nobody more after theaters reopen. “Performance long term. has a crystal ball, but I think we will be fine,” royalties are a very slow-moving thing for Streaming services don’t pay as well, and he says. “Things will just transform.” us,” says John Powell, who composed the way music licensing deals are negotiat- This article originally appeared in the May music for the Ice Age and Bourne films, as ed, as well as the limited amount of informa- 15, 2020 issue of Billboard. well as Solo: A Star Wars Story. “You could tion available on the popularity of various have a hit today and not see any money from programming, means their accounting is less it for a year.” transparent. Some streaming services are Video streaming services, which grew in also pushing rights buyout deals in which popularity in 2020, also pay composers and they pay composers more upfront but no , generally by allocating a per- royalties later. centage of their subscription revenue. Cin- “I haven’t done the calculations,” says Page 10 of 27

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shares result in a distribution of money to of the live-music business last March, ICM Universal Music’s their artists, non-recoupable.” Sony and expanded its international footprint by part- Warner both paid artists a portion of their nering with -based agency Primary Spotify Stock profits. Talent International (The 1975, Alt-J, Stor- Spotify isn’t the only streaming ser- mzy). Over the last year, nine new music Could Be Worth vice Universal has an ownership stake in, agents from Paradigm, WME and other though. The company’s filings also revealed companies also came on board. $2B that it owned nearly 12.25 million shares of Born and raised in Ann Arbor, Mich., Tencent Music Entertainment as of Dec. 31, Gibbs was enrolled in the music business BY ED CHRISTMAN or 0.74% of outstanding shares. program at the Art Institute of While UMG didn’t disclose what share when, in his words, he “stumbled upon the niversal Music Group still owned purchase price it paid for Tencent shares, agency world” during an internship with a 6.487 million shares of Spotify — on Dec. 31 those shares closed at $19.24. If boutique firm. He found his mentor in Den- or 3.37% of outstanding shares — UMG sold at that price, it would have real- nis Ashley at Creative Artists Agency, on Dec. 31, according to detailed ized $235.6 million. If UMG still holds those where he was hired as Ashley’s assistant Ufinancial results the company disclosed shares and sold at Friday’s 15.21 close price, in 2001 before becoming an agent. Gibbs Wednesday in anticipation to being publicly the company would realize $186.3 million. later joined Ashley as co-head of ICM’s traded by the end of September. West Coast urban music division in 2006. On Dec. 31, 2020, Spotify closed at $314.66 Both advanced to partner status in 2016. per share but has fallen since and on Friday ‘Live Trumps (Ashley, still a partner and concerts agent, (May 14) it closed at $223.59. Since UMG put reps , D’Angelo and Trey Songz, the average share purchase price of 6.58 eu- Everything’: ICM’s among others.) Then last August, Gibbs ros ($8.10) on April 13, 2018, the day Spotify joined ICM’s leadership team as head of shares began trading), if it sold the shares at Robert Gibbs contemporary music before ascending to his the Dec. 31 closing price, UMG would have current position. realized $2.04 billion, or a profit of $1.99 on Future of Throughout his career, Gibbs has focused billion after subtracting out the combined on R&B and hip-hop and still maintains share purchase price of $52.54 million. Touring & Industry relationships with artist clients in those If it still holds the shares, their current genres as well as their managers. They value is $1.45 billion — which would yield a Diversity include J. Cole (whom he has repped for profit of nearly $1.4 billion if sold at Friday’s 12 years); Cole’s manager and Dreamville share price. BY GAIL MITCHELL president Ibrahim Hamad; Dreamville UMG and the other major labels, Sony artist and her manager, Justin Music and Warner Music Group, each took t’s one thing to talk about Lamotte of Blackwax; PartyNextDoor and equity as part of their licensing deals that diversity,” says Robert Gibbs. manager Tyler Henry of Range Media; and, allowed Spotify to launch in the U.S. in 2011. “It’s another to actually put most recently, SoFaygo, who is co-managed As of Dec. 31, UMG maintained a larger eq- people in positions of power to by Barry Hefner of Since the 80s. Now as uity stake in Spotify than any of its competi- “Ihelp shape the future.” ICM’s head of music, he adds oversight of tors. sold half its 5.707% stake That’s the position Gibbs finds himself pop, rock, electronic and alternative, along- for $768 million following Spotify’s IPO in in now as head of music at ICM Partners. side Siegel. April 2018, leaving it 5.082 million shares a He’s also the highest-ranking Black music Gibbs is intent on paying his success 2.85% stake at — a percentage that executive in the agency business, follow- forward through his role as a board member would have been diluted since then. (Based ing the restructuring of ICM’s leadership of DiversifyICM. “I love this world,” he says on Warner Music, meanwhile, confirmed in team in February. Based in , of the agency business. “Hopefully, we can August 2018 that it sold its full 4% stake for Gibbs took over Mark Siegel’s role in an inspire other young men and women that $504 million. ICM shuffle that saw Siegel replacing Rob look like me to feel the same way.” In March 2018 UMG committed to giving Prinz as ICM’s head of worldwide concerts. After Billboard spoke with Gibbs, ICM its artist a share of its Spotify profit — prob- (Prinz returned to being a full-time agent was the subject of a May 5 story in the Los ably equivalent to whatever percentage and remains a partner.) Gibbs says the Angeles Times in which former employees royalty they are paying specific artists. Later blueprint mapped out under Prinz’s watch alleged a toxic work environment involving that year, Taylor Swift revealed her new was “a redefining moment for ICM’s music misconduct ranging from sexual harass- contract with the label included a condition department, despite the challenges” created ment to a culture of pervasive bullying. that ensured “any sale of [UMGs] Spotify by the pandemic. Just prior to the shutdown He would not comment, but ICM issued a Page 11 of 27

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statement from board members and depart- to be so many options for fans. We have to to bring in one-third of our interns this ment heads Lorrie Bartlett, Jennifer be very smart about ticket charges. summer from historically Black colleges and Joel and Janet Carol Norton. “Neither Hip-hop had explosive growth in universities around the country. Education we nor our company are perfect; no one streaming and touring before the pan- is where it starts. Going to school, I didn’t is,” the statement read, in part. “But in a demic. Do you see more hip-hop artists know much about what agencies did or their challenging, competitive and labor-intensive selling out arenas as live music returns? history. I stumbled upon the agency busi- industry that demands much of its par- Selling out arenas doesn’t always correlate ness when someone took me under their ticipants, we feel privileged to enjoy a safe with streams. Do I see more artists moving wing and mentored me. That gave me the and encouraging environment, fair and into that space? Yes. You’re probably talking opportunity to grow and succeed. abundant opportunities, and the respect and about a handful of hip-hop artists from the Endeavor, the parent company of rival support of all colleagues of all genders.” present generation that can headline are- agency WME, recently went public. What COVID-19 decimated the live industry. nas: , , J. Cole, Tra- does that mean for ICM and other agen- How was ICM able to remain resilient? vis Scott, Childish Gambino and Tyler, cies moving forward? When things shut down, we said, “How The Creator. And from the generation Agencies are getting into other businesses. do we get better?” So, we went out and before them, there are just four headlin- We’re diversifying our portfolio. While acquired agents like Simon Clark- ers: JAY-Z, , and Lil a primary goal remains building a global son and Paul Gongaware to build out Wayne. I’m not including R&B artists footprint musicwise, we’ve also entered and oversee our new electronic music like The Weeknd, or Beyoncé. the sports world, having just acquired the department. We also brought in Pete When you look at the careers of all those U.K.-based sports agency Stellar Group. I Nash from WME. He represents Kings artists, it has taken time to build up to that hope Endeavor is successful, because their of Leon and Pet Shop Boys. We began level. success is good for the entire sector. integrating more on the international front How is R&B holding its own in relation As the live industry reboots, what does with the March 2020 acquisition of Primary to hip-hop? the new landscape look like? Talent International. We pivoted to virtual It hasn’t gotten the credit it should have It will be a hybrid of different things until shows and brand and TV/film deals for art- over the years. R&B is stronger than ever, everything is back. Livestreams and virtual ists that wanted to dive into those. Now it and it’s only going to get bigger. With Chris meet-and-greets will continue. And as feels like full steam ahead. Brown — who continues to deliver No. 1 that market sector and virtual technology As festivals and shows ramp up, how records — Rihanna, The Weeknd and Queen continue to develop, there will be big events are the economics of the agency business Bey herself, the sky’s the limit. And beyond that people can tap into and feel like they’re and booking changing? the high-profile artists, people’s eyes are inside the venue. Over the past year, there When we started to negotiate artist fees for opening up. That’s why you’re seeing the have been some pretty good virtual shows, festivals, the conversation was, “Well, the success of H.E.R., SZA, Jhené Aiko, Ari but the majority have been underwhelming. artists are going to need to take a reduction, Lennox, and others who are Live trumps everything. because we don’t know what the capacity phenomenal songwriters. This article originally appeared in the May is or what other restrictions are in place.” Conversations have arisen recently 15, 2021 issue of Billboard. Then, over time, there was more science about the lack of diversity at ICM and and more people were being vaccinated. other agencies. Given how important Outside Lands was one of the first festivals the live business is to the , Guns N’ Roses, that went up, and they had massive numbers why haven’t agencies come under the on their launch day. After that you had Life same scrutiny in terms of systemic bias? Stevie Nicks and Is Beautiful, Bonnaroo and the Reading and It’s no secret that there aren’t a lot of mi- Leeds festivals in Europe — all with sales norities in our business. But current events numbers going up and up. Then promoters have opened everyone’s eyes to look around were saying, “Let’s not worry so much about and say, “This isn’t right.” It’s incumbent to Headline reducing artists’ guarantees. The demand is upon all of the agencies to step up, educate there and people are ready to go.” and truly mentor — to not only get people BottleRock People are paying a premium right now. of color in the door but to make sure we’re That is great for our business. However, there to walk them through the process. BY DAVE BROOKS agents, artists and managers can’t get lost in Saying that we are doing our job because this moment of pent-up demand. As we go we hired someone of color is not going to ottleRock Napa Valley, presented into 2022, there are going to be more shows fly. We must reach into our communities by JaM Cellars, has announced and festivals — along with movie theaters on a local and national level to find candi- the lineup for the Live Nation- and restaurants reopening. There are going dates. ICM has partnered with HBCU LA B owned festival’s 2021 return. Page 12 of 27

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Moving from Memorial Day weekend to sexual predators operating in music circles. Labor Day, this year’s lineup is stacked ’s Music Lynch, who recently won the singer/song- with headliners Guns N’ Roses, Stevie writer category for the second successive Nicks, Foo Fighters and features a deep Biz to Address year at the Q Music Awards and is recog- bench of musical talent including Miley nized of Australia’s most exciting Cyrus, , G-Ea- Abuse Within Its talents, detailed an incident at a zy and Run The Jewels. nightclub where she was assaulted by two The three-day music, wine, craft brew Ranks Following producers. and culinary festival will take place in the “They straight away just went for it. heart of the City of Napa at the Napa Valley Explosive Study Grabbing me, being very sexual towards Expo on Sept. 3-5. Three-day festival tickets me,” she told Wilkinson. The Brag Me- go on sale at 10:00 a.m. Pacific on Thursday, BY LARS BRANDLE dia’s TIO uncovered multiple allegations May 20 at BottleRockNapaValley.com. Bot- of sexual assault and harassment, some of tleRock will also feature the legendary Wil- exual abuse and the mistreatment which took place at the BIGSOUND sum- liams Sonoma Culinary Stage, showcasing a of women is widespread and has mit. unique mashup of cooking demonstrations gone on unchecked behind the cur- Among his long list of recommendations, with renowned chefs, celebrities, perform- tain of Australia’s music industry Crabtree writes that trade bodies should a ers and rock stars. Sfor too long, new research has found. collaborate on the development and publi- Single day lineups will be announced The #MeToo movement reached a flash- cation of a Mandatory Code of Conduct, and Monday, May 24 and single day tickets will point in recent days with the publication that women should be actively brought into go on sale Thursday, May 27. of Tunesmiths and Toxicity: Workplace the policy development space. “We’re thrilled to be bringing live music Harassment in the Contemporary Music Work is already underway to instigate back to the Napa Valley this fall, arguably Industries of Australia and , cultural change, explains ARIA and PPCA’s the most beautiful time of the year in wine a report by Dr. Jeff Crabtree of the Univer- recently-appointed CEO Annabelle Herd. country,” says co-founder Dave Graham of sity of Technology in , which found “I am determined and passionate about BottleRock Napa Valley. “We are happy to workplace bullying and sexual harassment making a real difference in this area,” she reward our loyal fans with a lineup that is extensive, and is typically perpetrated by explains in a statement, “and our organiza- once again features a wide variety of genres, patrons, peers and power figures. tions are more than happy to take the lead- combining legendary performers with up Crabtree’s study is “a tough read,” com- ing role in bringing the industry together for and coming bands and some of the most ments Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AM- this conversation and for action.” talked about artists in the world.” COS. “It’s beyond time to take a zero toler- According to an article published today All tickets from 2020 are valid for the ance position to attitudes and behaviors that (May 17) in TIO, industry bodies ARIA, September dates, along with their ticket are counter to a respectful and safe working APRA AMCOS and PPCA will lead a return options. environment for all in our industry.” meeting in Sydney next Monday (May 24), To pre-register or obtain 3-day tickets, In one of the most shocking figures laid featuring representatives from across the please visit bottlerocknapavalley.com. out, all but one of the survey’s 145 respon- industry. Ticket quantities are extremely limited, dents had experienced some form of harass- “There will be many people across the in- so festival organizers encourage fans to ment at some time, with the common forms dustry who are experienced and committed purchase them early. VIP packages are also found to include withholding information, who will become involved and this meeting available. being ignored, unmanageable workload, is not about excluding anyone, it is simply humiliation and sexual harassment. a small first step on what will be The report also states that 13.5% of female a long and challenging path,” writes Herd respondents were victims of inappropriate in her invitation email. “We expect one sexual innuendo at least once a week. outcome of this meeting will be a broader Crabtree’s explosive study was accompa- facilitated roundtable with a much wider nied by an exposé which aired on free-to-air range of participants.” Network Ten’s The Project, and an investi- gation published by The Brag Media’s The Industry Observer (TIO). Award-winning alternative pop artist Jaguar Jonze (real name Deena Lynch) sat down with The Project’s Lisa Wilkinson to discuss her own her own experiences with Page 13 of 27

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move on.’” Spence, and Hunter Metts. BMG Is New Felman seems inspired by Industrial Me- Each of those contestants will have an origi- dia’s recent success of Idol Season 16 con- nal single released by BMG; the top four, ‘’ testant , the first bona fide meanwhile, were given the opportunity to star produced by the show in years. After perform theirs on Sunday’s finale. That was Recording no major labels expressed interest follow- a significant first for the long-running series, ing her third-place finish, Barrett signed a which partnered each of the semi-finalists & Publishing deal with 19 Recordings, which released her with super-producers Stewart, Ian single “I Hope” independently in collabora- Fitchuk and Ross Copperman to collabo- Partner: Behind tion with Red Light Management. When the rate on the tracks. (Another contestant, song began rising up the country charts, its Caleb Kennedy, also cut a single but left the Deal success sparked a major-label bidding war, the show last week after an old video of and Barrett ultimately signed with Warner him wearing what appeared to be a Ku Klux BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN Nashville. Klan hood surfaced.) The following season, contestant Ale- What seems clear is that the sort of MG is the new label and pub- jandro Aronda (a.k.a. Scarypoolparty) one-size-fits-all deals applied to previ- lishing partner for American also cultivated a devoted following after ous Idol contestants are a thing of the past. Idol, as revealed on the ABC performing a total of seven original songs “It’s really up to where the artist is at in series’ Season 19 penultimate on the show — an outlier in the cover- their career with how we roll that forward,” Bepisode Sunday (May 16). The deal — struck heavy Idol universe. Felman took note. says Felman on structuring individual deals. between BMG and the show’s producer, “I was watching [that] thinking, ‘Man, She adds, “What we don’t want to do is rush Industrial Media’s 19 Entertainment — per- this is insane, if we really pivot the way we anybody to the detriment of their career — tains to this season and next, the companies are structuring this and look at this as a but also while capitalizing on what they’ve tell Billboard. platform to launch artists’ careers ... we can got from American Idol, which is a fan Prior to the BMG deal, the show’s part- use artists who really know who they are to base.” ners were Hollywood Records and Disney come on the show, see what works for them, Music Publishing. develop some fans, develop a platform,’” 19 Recordings vp of music Elissa Fel- says Felman. “We still have to do the work, Warner Music UK man says the new agreement is part of a we still have a couple of years of develop- broader strategy to invest more time and ment, absolutely…but we have that platform Ups Joe Kentish energy in contestants who sign a label deal that can set them apart.” in the show’s aftermath. “Over the course of Felman stresses that a robust artist devel- to President, the last couple of years, I’ve really been piv- opment process is particularly important oting 19 Recordings, just behind the scenes... in the streaming and TikTok, where Replacing Phil as more of an artist development company,” competition for listeners’ ears and dollars she notes. is even fiercer than it was early in American Christie The agreement came about after Felman Idol’s run. “It was a very different landscape, floated the idea of forming a BMG publish- where radio still ruled and you really needed BY MARC SCHNEIDER ing partnership with that company’s execu- a major label to break and all that kind of tive vp and U.S. head of publishing, Monti stuff,” she says of Idol’s early days. “But since arner Music UK an- Olson, for Idol’s current season. In the then ... artists are breaking in different ways. nounced a change in course of their conversations, Olson pitched And so development has changed, A&R has leadership on Monday the idea of BMG’s label division also becom- changed.” (May 17), elevating head ing involved. Very quickly, says Felman, “we As opposed to earlier seasons of Idol, none ofW A&R Joe Kentish to president to re- realized that our creative vision aligned,” of the current crop of contestants — includ- place Phil Christie, who is departing after a and the deal was set in motion. ing the winner — are guaranteed (or obli- five-year run as head of the label. “[We want to] give the artists the opportu- gated) to sign with BMG. Rather, says Olson, In his new role — he officially starts on nity to grow,” says Olson of that vision. “Our any contestant who finished in the top 10 June 1 — Kentish will be charged with development ideas won’t be nine-month will be considered. “It’s just strictly going to overseeing the direction of the label and its plans; it’ll be 18-month plans.... We’re look- be up to the A&R process,” Felman adds. stable of artists, including Dua Lipa, whom ing at it more as artist development versus There is one guarantee, however — at he signed, along with Biffy Clyro, Muse, ‘let’s just capture lightning in a bottle right least for top-six finishers Casey Bishop, , Griff and Royal Blood, now, and if it doesn’t work, we’re gonna Chayce Beckham, , Willie among many others. Page 14 of 27

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Kentish joined Warner UK in 2014 as a move on, and I couldn’t be happier for Joe, updated as federal, state, and local regula- senior A&R manager before being upped who deserves every accolade. I’m looking tions evolve. As of the lineup announce- to head of A&R in 2016. His predecessor in forward to spending some time with my ment, masks will be required at the festival that role? Christie, who had only spent two family before thinking about the next step.” and attendees aged 12 and older will be years in that position before taking over as Harlow added that Christie’s “hands-on required to provide proof of a COVID vacci- president in April of 2016. (It marked the approach to artist development sometimes nation or a negative PCR test within the past first time in eight years that the label had a gets overlooked in the intensity of the day- 24 hours, each day of the festival. standalone leader.) to-day running of a big label, but his exper- tickets are on Before landing at Warner UK, Kentish tise and guidance are always felt.” sale now. Three-day passes are $195 and sin- worked in A&R at Mercury Records (later gle-day passes are $90. The Pitchfork PLUS Virgin/EMI), where his most notable sign- upgrade, including a range of exclusive ings included The Vamps, Just Jack and , amenities, is $385 for a three-day pass and Pixie Lot. Earlier in his career he co-found- $185 for a single-day pass. If the festival is ed Middle Row Records. St. Vincent & postponed or rescheduled due to COVID-19, Kentish is based in London and will ticket buyers can keep their passes for the report directly to Warner Music UK to new dates or request a refund. CEO Tony Harlow, who called him an Check out the full lineup below. “instinctively brilliant” executive in the Headline Pitchfork company announcement. “Not only is he an incredibly talented Festival 2021 Here Are All the A&R, but he’s someone with a compre- hensive understanding of what great artist BY TAYLOR MIMS Winners From the development takes,” Harlow said. “He can spot distinctive British talent in its infancy itchfork Music Festival is making 2021 MTV Movie and nurture it into a successful career that a return to resonates in the UK and on the global stage; with all female headliners. The & TV Awards his unique creative relationship with Dua is festival will take place from a testament to that.” PSept. 10 to 12 at Union Park with Erykah BY DENISE WARNER Dua Lipa’s sophomore album, Future Badu, St. Vincent, and Phoebe Bridgers as Nostalgia, recently won best pop album at headliners. andaVision was the big the and album of the year Additional acts include Big Thief, Animal winner at the 2021 MTV at the . Her latest single, “Levi- Collective, Angel Olsen, Kim Gordon, Flying Movie & TV Awards on tating,” is currently climbing the Billboard Lotus and Thundercat. Sunday (May 16). Hot 100 chart, at No. 4. “We are unbelievably excited to celebrate WThe Disney+ series earned four trophies, “[Kentish is] a genuine music man whose the return of live shows, our music com- including best show and best performance artist-first, hands-on approach has made munity, and, most importantly, the artists in a show. him a pleasure to work with,” commented and events crews who have made this year’s The ceremony, hosted by Leslie Jones Ben Mawson, Dua’s manager. “We wish festival possible,” said Pitchfork editor in (who also won best comedic performance him every success in this new role and have chief Puja Patel. “I know this will be a for her role in Coming to America 2), hon- complete confidence in his ability to help us cathartic weekend for all of us, and that ored performances and moments in movies continue our ambitious journey with Dua.” it lands right before the 25th anniversary and television. The label said Christie will be leaving of the publication makes it all the more Other winners included the late Chad- by the end of 2021 after five years in the special.” wick Boseman for best performance in role and seven years total at WMUK. Prior The festival will also welcome Ty Segall a movie (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) and to joining the label side of things, Christie & Freedom Band, Waxahatchee, Danny “Edge of Great” from Julie and the Phan- spent four years as senior A&R manager Brown, , Andy Shauf, Caroline Po- toms for best musical moment. at Warner/Chappell, where his signings lachek, Yaeji, Black Midi, Hop Along, Kelly The MTV Movie & TV award forbest included London Grammar, Ben Howard, Lee Owens and more for a combination of music documentary (nominees include Tom Odell and the Brit Award-winning rock big name and discovery musicians. features on BTS, Taylor Swift, Billie Eil- duo Royal Blood. To ensure the health and safety of guests, ish, , and ) “The label is unrecognizable from the one artists, and staff, the Pitchfork Music will be announced during night two of the I walked into in 2014,” Christie said. “Now Festival will adhere to the city of Chicago’s ceremony — the MTV Movie & TV Awards: the time has come for me to look ahead and COVID-19 protocol, and will keep attendees Unscripted, hosted by Nikki Glaser, on Page 15 of 27

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Monday (May 17). with coronavirus bubbles added to its heady the . To feel con- See the full list of winners from night one mix of music and melodrama. nected again.” below. National delegations traveling to the Thousands of fans will be able to make Best Movie Dutch port city of are abiding by the connection in person. Each event will To All the Boys: Always and Forever strict measures to reduce the risk of infec- be open to 3,500 people — only about 20% Best Show tions, while the thousands of fans allowed to of the capacity of the arena — who must WandaVision attend dress rehearsals, two semifinals and show a negative test result that is less than Best Performance in a Movie May 22′s grand final will have to undergo 24 hours old. The top 10 from each semifinal Chadwick Boseman, Ma Rainey’s Black testing to ensure they do not bring the virus joins France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the Bottom into the cavernous venue. Executive pro- United Kingdom — together with host coun- Best Performance in a Show ducer Sietse Bakker is glad it’s going ahead try the — in the final. Voting is Elizabeth Olsen, WandaVision at all. conducted in each participating country by a Best Hero “Organizing the Eurovision Song Contest panel of music industry experts and viewers. Anthony Mackie, The Falcon and the Winter is always challenging because you have less The pandemic forced the cancellation Soldier than a year to organize one of the biggest of last year’s event and this year prevented Best Kiss and most complex events in Europe, but Australian singer from flying to & Madelyn Cline, Outer Banks to do it in a pandemic is much, much more Rotterdam. The Netherlands is hosting the Best Comedic Performance complicated,” he told The Associated Press. event because the country won the last time Leslie Jones, Coming 2 America Despite the pandemic measures, the contest the contest was held, in 2019. Montaigne is Best Villain that aims to unite Europe in song is continu- still taking part, but by sending in a recorded Kathryn Hahn, WandaVision ing its 65-year tradition of upbeat fun. Fans live performance. She’s not the only one Breakthrough Performance near the Ahoy arena can get into the swing missing out. Regé-Jean Page, of the event early. Traffic at a pedes- The mother of Dutch entrant Jeangu Best Fight trian walkway outside the venue have been Macrooy also is unable to attend as she can’t Elizabeth Olsen vs. Kathryn Hahn, Wanda- transformed so that a green figure dances to travel from her home in Suriname. Swedish Vision Abba’s iconic 1974 winning song “Waterloo” singer ’s father wants to know if he Most Frightened Performance when it’s safe to cross. can vote for him from his home in Congo. Victoria Pedretti, The Haunting of Bly Manor The immensely popular event mixes high Ukraine had a scare when the lead singer of Best Duo camp — at rehearsals, ’s Andreas its band, Go_A, Kateryna Pavlenko, had to Anthony Mackie & Sebastian Stan, The Haukeland, known as , performed his skip a rehearsal in Rotterdam and get tested Falcon and the Winter Soldier song “Fallen Angel” in huge white wings after feeling unwell. The result was negative Best Musical Moment — with lyrics encouraging inclusion and and she was welcomed back. She and her “Edge of Great,” Julie and the Phantoms positivity while avoiding political messages. band are among 39 national entrants vying Belarus was booted out before the contest for a coveted victory that can be a spring- even started because organizers the Euro- board to a global career or a fleeting taste of Eurovision Song pean Broadcasting Union said the country’s . original song “puts the nonpolitical nature For many, the stage and global television Contest Roars of the Contest in question.” A replacement audience of millions is a chance to express song also was rejected. messages of inclusion and positivity. ’s Back With The theme for this year’s Eurovision Song performer, , sings a song whose lyr- Contest is “Open up.” It was actually chosen ics include the lines: “Every Russian Wom- Coronavirus before the pandemic derailed public life an. Needs to know. You’re strong enough to around the globe, but is now very apt as Eu- bounce against .” The singer, whose Bubbles rope begins to tentatively emerge from the family fled to Russia from Tajikistan, said coronavirus pandemic. “We decided to keep the message is for women all over the world BY ASSOCIATED PRESS the theme because, especially in these times, “because we need to be, we have to be brave. it’s important that we are open towards each We need to be happier. And I’m happy that ounding beats? Check. Uplift- other and that we feel the possibility to open I can inspire them on that stage because, ing lyrics? Check. Huge, backlit up to one another, to show our true feelings, you know, Eurovision stage is the one of the white wings? Check. After last emotions and thoughts,” Bakker said. The hugest stages in the world.” year’s Eurovision Song Contest 2019 Dutch winner, Duncan Laurence, says Maltese singer Destiny also has a mes- Pwas canceled amid the global COVID-19 on the event’s website that he sees music as sage of body positivity and is tipped to take pandemic, it is roaring back to life this year a way of forging links. “That’s why we need it to the final. The 18-year-old’s powerful Page 16 of 27

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voice helped her win the Junior Eurovision as five more as half of the Grammy Award- to understand the sentimental and musical contest and reach the semifinals of Britain’s nominated duo . importance this project has, both for us and Got Talent in 2017. Amid the many over-the- Schajris’ sound — both on his own and our fans. Our solo careers have allowed Sin top performances, the relatively restrained with Sin Bandera — borrows from different Bandera to feed from our individual experi- song “Voilà” by French singer eras, traditions and genres, mapping out a ences.” has emerged as the bookmakers’ favorite. future that crosses borders and generations In October, Schajris will begin a 15-city Cyprus’ performer has in Latin music. Sin Bandera — which trans- North American tour, promoted by Sound already been in the spotlight after Orthodox lates to “Without a Flag” — formed just a Talent Group, in support of Mi Presente (My Christian faithful on the Mediterranean year after the release of Schajris’ solo debut. Present), a new album with 20 tracks. As he island protested that it promoted satanic Alongside Mexican singer- and celebrates the 20th anniversary of his solo worship. guitarist Leonel García, Schajris created a debut, the 46-year-old composer discusses Tsagrinou says her song, “El Diabolo,” unique form of Latin balladry, with touches his Elon Musk fandom and why leaving which she performs flanked by four dancers of jazz and R&B, that showcases his soulful behind the majors allowed him to bet on in skin-tight red costumes, was misinter- and plaintive tenor. himself. preted and is actually about an abusive Starting with De Viaje (2003), the duo You’ve found success both as a solo relationship between two lovers. She laughs placed three titles in the top 10 on Bill- artist and with Sin Bandera. How did that off the controversy that saw protesters hold board’s Top Latin Albums chart, including first happen? up wooden crosses and sing hymns outside the one-week champ Una Ultima Vez in I was getting ready to compose my second of Cyprus’ state broadcaster in March. 2016. The act also earned five top 10s on solo album, and Leo [García] said, “Do you Tsagrinou said dealing with the COVID-19 the Hot Latin Songs chart, led by the No. want to try a few songs? We sound good restrictions is tough ahead of the contest, 1 hit “ Tan Bien,” which ruled for together.” Many people thought I was crazy “but that’s not going to keep us back and eight weeks in 2003. Schajris also landed a to step into a duo. But I had gigs all over we’re going to feel the vibe that we want to solo top 10 on Latin Pop Albums with Uno , and every time I invited Leo to feel and the smile on our face.” Es Uno in 2009. come sing with me, we got the biggest ova- While the COVID-19 pandemic delayed tion of the night, playing songs no one knew. Schajris’ 20th-anniversary plans, it also Sin Bandera was different. At the beginning, opened him up to new creative ventures. people thought it was boring — the songs “It was an awakening,” he says. In 2020, were too long, too slow; they didn’t have a 2.0: The Latin he launched a multimedia platform on his huge chorus. It took a while, but when we website (noelschajris.fan) that provides exploded, we really exploded. Star on His 20th exclusive access to content, merchandise, Success is a lot of work, and it’s exhaust- tickets, streaming and album sales to over ing, and Leo needed a break. He hadn’t Anniversary & 500 monthly subscribers. released a solo album, and he needed to “The pandemic made me realize where explore his identity. And now, as I look back New Subscription I stood, and I said, ‘It’s time to move,’” he on my 20 years, celebrating so many things, says. “My goal was to be really close to fans; I see the growth of our solo careers and Sin Model to take everything from the kitchen directly Bandera, and both shine. It’s a beautiful time to them. To do that, I needed to have my to celebrate music. BY LEILA COBO own business.” What’s the biggest difference between Schajris still records and tours with Sin Noel Schajris and Sin Bandera records? he summer of 1997, Noel Scha- Bandera, which is managed and booked It’s a different musical exploration. Sin jris arrived in Mexico from Argen- by Westwood Entertainment and signed Bandera is ballads and R&B and a little bit tina with $600 in his pocket — the under the Sony banner. For the past two of hip-hop. It’s a third sonic energy that Leo proceeds from the sale of his years, he has been fully independent on his and I only generate when we get together. Tupright piano. He had left behind his sick own Dynamo Productions label, which is It’s impossible to explain. But it’s like yin mother and a fledgling music career for the distributed through Spain-based Altafonte; and yang. I’m a little bit the smile, Leo the promise of stardom as the singer of a Mexi- and he’s managed by Diana Rodríguez frown. Historically, I’m the melody guy. I’m can funk band. The group went nowhere, of Criteria Entertainment, whose clients like Elton John, and he’s Bernie Taupin. but Schajris signed as a solo artist with Sony include Moby and Draco Rosa. But increasingly, I’m becoming perhaps not Mexico and released his debut album, Cita “Noel has a spectacular vocal range, “a little Taupin” but maybe a “little ‘Pin.’” en las Nubes (Date in the Clouds), in 1999. It and his domain of the piano, as well as his (Laughs.) I’m learning and becoming more marked the start of a career that has lasted composing ability, grow every day,” says confident in my songwriting, which has to two decades and seven solo albums, as well García. “Through the years, we have come do with the liberty of having my own label Page 17 of 27

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and making my own decisions. belong to Sony. But if my catalog generates a Spotify and over 500,000 subscribers on What song makes you the proudest? huge amount per month, I may only get 10% YouTube. Are you leveraging those audi- “Entra en Mi Vida” [written with García] of that. But on my own platform, launched ences to grow the new platform? is perhaps the most important song I wrote, just six months ago, I get 100%. The beauty Yes, but it’s also about getting back to because it’s the song that changed our will be when we speak in a couple of years, reality. Whether you have 500, 600 or 1,000 careers. I’ll be able to say that I own my catalog and people who follow you, it’s an incredible What is your biggest songwriting as- I have over 10,000 subscribers, and we can achievement as an artist. And those 1,000 set? take a great vacation. subscribers on your platform are equal or When it comes to songwriting, I’m a little To go solo, you also had to build a new better to a million elsewhere. You can sell old school. I don’t understand those songs team. How did you approach that? millions of albums, like we did [with Sin that have 10 writers. A song is something Something I’ve learned in the past couple Bandera], but what you get after advances that’s very personal, very from the heart. I’d of years is that you need a manager who and returns is minimum. What I generate say [that] at the most, four people can is next to you, and if they want to be with with my platform, my product and my store co-write. Otherwise, it’s too much. It’s a you, a handshake is enough. If you want may be small for now, but it’s so much more process that needs to be treated with a lot of to do something, you’ll do it whether you gratifying because it brings me closer to my respect. have a signed paper or not. When you have fans and to my art. You have both an independent and that drive and that belief in a project, that’s Why does this business model make major-label career. That is very unusual all that matters. I have Diana Rodríguez; sense for you? in this business, no? Manuel Vera, my publicist, who was previ- As a soloist, I realized some people were Yes, and very original, because those of ously my manager; and Altafonte distributes interested in big money and not in develop- us who break with the majors usually do it me. Everything is great teamwork. All my ing concepts. There’s an audience, and I’m 100%. I wanted to do what was best for me. relationships right now are based on hand- going to connect with them and I’m going I wanted to explore my solo career through shakes. to generate real numbers, not those inflated my own platform, but with Sin Bandera, we Your new pride and joy is your website, numbers that make you think that any video are still with a major. I do have one foot in which operates as a multimedia platform that has less than 200 million views is a fail- conventional channels, and I’m not fighting that offers a subscription model. How ure. It’s crazy. Having any number of people against what works. Sony administers my does it work? see and appreciate what you do is an incred- publishing, and I’m very happy with that. Our team of engineers built it from ible thing. Noel Schajris, the guerito [little The catalog I’ve built is important; it’s my scratch. Ricardo Arjona had something blond guy] from Sin Bandera is a developing legacy. I’m simply looking at reality and similar, but in reality, we built a brand-new artist. The way I see it, I love music in any deciding how I can best manage my solo platform. In my case, my goal was to be very format or style, and I’m blessed to live from career, which is what I control 100%. close to the fans and take everything directly it. Thank God, I’ve done it for over 20 years. Were you worried about leaving a to them. That closeness and interaction has ‘Truly One of a Kind’ major-label deal? been essential. I offer vocal master classes. Noel Schajris’ solo career has allowed I thought about it for a long time. I didn’t We’re selling T-shirts. If you buy your CD, I him to stretch himself sonically by collabo- look for another label deal because they all sign it and mail it to you. It’s an experience rating with other artists and like-minded have the same structure and philosophy. I’d never had before. We’ve sent some 500 composers, from Maluma, Camila Cabel- What I slowly came to understand, and CDs and about 600 vinyl albums. There’s lo, , John Legend and Luis especially during the pandemic — which definitely a nostalgia for physical formats, Fonsi to Paul Williams, Luis Enrique and forced us to stay home — is that shows and I pay a lot of attention to the credits. . Following are some of their represent 70% to 80% of my income. And Have you invested a lot in this new reflections about his songwriting legacy. that’s when I realized how much my music venture? Claudia Brant: “We’ve written count- generates [for myself ], and it didn’t generate Yes. I can’t stop watching videos of Elon less songs, and he’s one of the most talented much. I was trying to grow those metrics, Musk where he talks about his investments. people I know, with unmatched musical but if you don’t own your masters and your Obviously, I’m not comparing myself to ability and talent for melodies.” music, you don’t get much. Elon Musk, but six months after launching, Camila Cabello: “His joy, enthusiasm How is your revenue now? the signs indicate that we’re going in the and passion for music are contagious. His Sin Bandera generates eight to 10 times right direction. In my opinion, this is where songs were always playing in my home, and more revenue. After all, I’ve been a record- the industry is headed. The market share his incredible lyrics and melodies have been ing artist for 20 years, but I’ve owned my for indies is growing. You can control your part of every memorable moment with my masters for only two. As you may imagine, content, connect with your fans and have a family.” there’s a major catalog of successful albums return on what your music generates. : “There are few singers who and songs that are still administered by and You have close to 800,000 followers on can draw so much emotion with just piano Page 18 of 27

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and voice. I’ve had the pleasure of writing a release. “Irving Plaza is filled with incred- , and singing many songs with Noel, and the ible music memories and these spectacular feeling he puts in each note is unique. Con- renovations will allow us to host even more and gratulations, my brother. To 20 more years amazing concerts.” of good music.” New additions include an upscale VIP Maluma: “My admiration for Noel as a Lounge with private bar and balcony level composer and recording artist is indescrib- boxes that offer unobstructed views of the Announce the able. It has been an honor to collaborate stage enabling fans the best seats in the with him and perform these songs on inter- house. The expanded lobby and bar area Return of Hella national stages. He is truly one of a kind.” provide a new space for multifunctional use, Alejandro Sanz: “Friendship can grow including artist merchandise, meet-and- Mega Tour based on notes, songs and experiences. I’ve greets, or for individually curated events. had the pleasure [of sharing] the stage and a For artists, two fully renovated balcony BY TAYLOR MIMS friendship with Noel. I want to congratulate level dressing rooms feature direct stage him and thank him for treating music with access and an adjacent green room with a he is back! Last the kind of sensibility that any musician can private bathroom and amenities. May, Green Day, Weezer and Fall reach.” The venue can adjust its configuration Out Boy announced that their This story originally appeared in the May from a 1,200 standing-room only experience joint stadium tour would be 15, 2021, issue of Billboard. to an intimate 400-seat theater to accom- Tpostponed due to the pandemic. Now, the modate a wide-variety of performances. Ir- three acts are set to hit the road together ving Plaza now boasts next-generation this summer beginning July 24 at Globe Life Irving Plaza Cisco Wifi 6 for faster and more reliable Field in Dallas. social connectivity for fans who want to Produced by Live Nation, the 21-city Sets Date for share their experience with their friends North American outing will bring the bands and followers during a performance. to some of the most renowned stadiums, in- Reopening After Artists scheduled to play the reno- cluding , , Citi vated venue include Middle Kids, Lotus, Field, , and more, before wrap- Multi-Million Kevin Gates, Ruston Kelly, The Lemon- ping Sept. 6 at T-Mobile Park in . The heads, Guided By Voices, Ben Folds and Interrupters will appear as special guests on Dollar Renovation more. Over the past 50 years, Irving Plaza the tour. has hosted big names including Sir Paul Two additional shows were added to the BY TAYLOR MIMS McCartney, The Foo Fighters, , Green stadium tour: Aug. 17 in Columbus, , at Day, Ariana Grande, The Ramones, Nine , and Sept. 1 in Mil- fter two years of renovations, Inch Nails, Childish Gambino, , waukee at Summerfest. Pre-sales for those ’s Irving Plaza is ready Eminem and Nas. shows begin Thursday at 10 a.m. local time to welcome fans back. On Aug. 17, Tickets for the newly announced shows with general on sale for all tickets begin- Live Nation will reopen the his- go on sale Thursday and Friday, with addi- ning Friday at 10 a.m. local time. Tickets for toricA venue with a performance from Ash- tional events going on sale at later dates. all shows, including the rescheduled dates, ley McBryde. along with more information is available Irving Plaza was named a NYC landmark now at hellamegatour.com. in 1978 and Live Nation spent millions of On Monday (May 17), Green Day re- dollars renovating the space to enhance the leased their newest song ”Pollyanna.” Fall experience for fans and artists. The promo- Out Boy will perform on the season finale tion giant has also revealed a slate of 40 of American Idol this Sunday (May 23), and shows between August 2021 and May 2022. last week, Weezer released their newest “We are excited to reveal our grand single “” featuring reopening series of shows and look forward AJR. to reopening our doors and bringing live In celebration of this announcement, music back to . It will be great all three bands will participate in Good to finally be able to reconnect music fans Morning America’s Summer Concert Series with their favorite artists, especially here on July 17. Weezer and Fall Out Boy will in this beautifully restored room,” said Live perform, with Green Day joining them for Nation regional president Geoff Gordon in an exclusive interview. Page 19 of 27

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Check out the full list of rescheduled Oscar-Winning the Loop - Philip Glass & Paul Leonard- dates below. Morgan Hella Mega Tour North American ‘’ Score Video game score of the year: The Last Dates: of Us Part II - Gustavo Santaolalla Saturday, July 24 - DALLAS, TX - Globe Among Top The Instagram reveal will include both Life Field acceptances and performances from Batiste, Tuesday, July 27 - , GA - Truist Honorees at 2021 Leonard-Morgan and Santaolalla and ac- Park ceptances from Price and Glass. Thursday, July 29 - , TX - Minute ASCAP Screen In other categories, David Vanacore was Maid Park the top winner for most performed themes Saturday, July 31 - JACKSONVILLE, FL - Music Awards and underscore for his work on shows TIAA Bank Field including Survivor and Biggest Loser; Bear Sunday, August 1 - MIAMI, FL - Hard Rock BY PAUL GREIN McCreary took top cable television series Stadium for HBO’s critically acclaimed The Walking Wednesday, August 4 - FLUSHING, NY - on Batiste and Trent Reznor will Dead; Matthew Hawkins, Maurice “m.O” have to find more room in their Jackson and Neil Martin won top network Thursday, August 5 - , MA - Fen- already-crowded trophy cases for television series for their main theme for way Park another award for their acclaimed CBS’s long-running NCIS; and Rupert Sunday, August 8 - WASHINGTON, DC - Jscore for the Disney/Pixar film, Soul, which Gregson-Williams received the top box of- ASCAP’s Composers’ Choice film score of fice film honor for The Eight Hundred. Tuesday, August 10 - , MI - Com- the year at the 2021 ASCAP Screen Music This year’s ASCAP Screen Music Awards erica Park Awards. (Atticus Ross, who also collabo- also includes winners in a new category, top Friday, August 13 - HERSHEY, PA - Her- rated on the score, is not an ASCAP writer.) streaming films, and an expanded number of sheypark Stadium The score had already won an Oscar, Golden awards presented for streaming series. Sunday, August 15 - CHICAGO, IL - Wrigley Globe and BAFTA Film Award, among oth- Some of the video acceptances are light- Field ers. hearted. David Schweitzer (a top box office Tuesday, August 17 - COLUMBUS, OH - The 2021 ASCAP Screen Music Awards film winner for Emma. with co-writer Isobel Historic Crew Stadium kick off Monday (May 17) at 12 p.m. ET on @ Waller-Bridge) introduces his family chick- Thursday, August 19 - , PA - ASCAP and @ASCAPScreen Instagram with ens. Lenny Pickett (a top-rated television PNC Park the reveal of this year’s ASCAP Composers’ series winner for Saturday Night Live with Friday, August 20 - PHILADELPHIA, PA - Choice Awards, which are chosen by the co-writer Howard Shore) shares a brief sax Citizen’s Bank Park ASCAP composer and songwriter commu- solo. Michelle Lewis (a top rated television Monday, August 23 - , MN - nity. The social media celebration continues series winner for The Loud House) sings a through Thursday, May 20. short song about her award. Wednesday, August 25 - , CO - Paul Williams, ASCAP president and Studio geeks may also be impressed by a Dick’s Sporting Goods Park chairman, will kick off the event with a tour of Studio Ferber in where Lionel Friday, August 27 - , CA - video introduction. Limiñana and co-writer David Menke com- ASCAP unveiled two new Composers’ posed the score for Last Days of American Sunday, August 29 - , CA - Choice categories this year — documentary Crime, which wins as top streaming film. score of the year and television theme of the Fans can follow the rollout under the Wednesday, September 1 - MILWAUKEE, year. Another category was renamed: TV hashtag #ASCAPAwards on ASCAP’s Face- WI - Summerfest composer of the year becomes television book, Twitter, and on Instagram @ASCAP Friday, September 3 - LOS ANGELES, CA - score of the year. and @ASCAPScreen. Dodger Stadium Here are this year’s Composers’ Choice A full list of 2021 ASCAP Screen Music Monday, September 6 - SEATTLE, WA - T- winners: Awards winners is available at www.ascap. Mobile Park Film score of the year: Soul - com/screenawards21. & Trent Reznor Documentary score of the year: David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet - Steven Price Television score of the year: Lovecraft Country - Raphael Saadiq Television theme of the year: Tales from Page 20 of 27

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‘American Idol’ sorry to all my fans and everyone who I have dubbed Asia Rising Together — is slated to let down.” air May 26 at 7 p.m. via ’s Facebook, Judges Luke Richie seconded Bryan’s emotion, and ap- YouTube, Twitter and SiriusXM channel. preciated Kennedy’s public remorse about In addition to musical performances, Bryan & Lionel his past choices. “A lot of times, we think the event will “highlight artist stories and about it, we grow up and we make mistakes identity” through a mixture of programming Richie Talk and we look at our life behind us many times while also highlighting AAPI business and and we say, ‘God, what was I thinking about organizations across multiple industries. Caleb Kennedy’s when I did that?’” Richie said. “This was “This is a really unique livestream one of those situations where we kind of centered around family and culture,” says Exit After His give him a big hug from the three of us. He Audrey Mika. “I filmed part of my set with definitely has a talent. The problem is, this is my mom and sister, and being able to share Controversial one of those unfortunate decisions that had our Japanese roots on this platform is really to be made and we move on. But this will be special to me. I hope this shows everyone Video remembered in his lifetime and he’ll know you can chase your dreams, stay true to what it’s all about.” yourself, and be proud of who you are in the BY GIL KAUFMAN Kennedy said he’d be taking time off process.” social media in the wake of the controversy Asia Rising Together will additionally put fter Sunday night’s (May 16) to “better” himself, acknowledging that he the focus on Asian-American organizations semi-final, American Idol judges had “disappointed a lot of people and made across the U.S., including the Asian Mental and people lose respect for me.” Spence, Kinstler Health Collective, The Vietnamese Ameri- discussed the controversy sur- and Beckham will battle for the season 19 can Community Center of the East Bay and roundingA a video that led to finalist Caleb title during a three-hour finale on ABC on MAMA Drive By Kitchen. Donations col- Kennedy’s exit from the show last week. Sunday (May 23). lected during the livestream will go to the Kennedy was slated to join semi-finalists nonprofit Asian Mental Health Collective. Grace Kinstler, Willie Spence, Chayce Beck- This is the second benefit concert for the ham and Casey Bishop on Sunday night’s Mxmtoon, Audrey AAPI-focused 88rising in the past year. In show featuring mentor Finneas, but he was May 2020, the company produced the Asia removed after a video surfaced of him sit- Mika & More Rising Forever livestream benefitting the ting next to a friend who was wearing what non-profit social justice organization Asian appeared to be a Ku Klux Klan hood. Slated for 88rising Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ). That “First and foremost, as judges, we love event drew a total of 8.5 million viewers. these kids,” Bryan told People magazine AAPI Heritage Asia Rising Together is directed by Sean after Sunday’s show. “We get emotionally Kusanagi, creative director at ’s For- involved in these kids. We want the best for Month Benefit eign Family Collective. It is being presented Caleb. As far as the nuances on how ABC in partnership with and sponsored gets viewed, either way, decisions got made Concert by Netflix and AT&T. and it’s our job as judges to show up and do “88rising is committed to using music our best job and comment on the kids who BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN and our platforms to elevate AAPI voices, are in front of us. But we wish nothing but to raise awareness for issues affecting our the best for Caleb. It does make for a very, 8rising is mounting a new benefit AAPI community, and to denounce anti- very challenging and upsetting week.” livestream timed to Asian Ameri- Asian hate,” said Sean Miyashiro, 88rising Idol and ABC didn’t initially comment can and Pacific Islander Heritage CEO and founder, in a statement. “We are on Kennedy’s ouster, though the 16-year- Month (AAPIHM), it was an- proud to bring this benefit concert along old Roebuck, S.C., high school student did 8nounced Monday (May 17). with our many other AAPI-focused initia- tweet about it last Wednesday. “Hey y’all, Featuring artists including Atarashii tives to the forefront so that everyone can this is gonna be a bit of a surprise, but I am Gakko!, Audrey Mika, Audrey Nuna, Bi- have a hand in making the world a more no longer gonna be on American Idol,” he zzy, , eaJ, Luna Li, - peaceful place.” wrote. “There was a video that surfaced on toon, NIKI, Seori, Tiger JK and Tasha the internet and it displayed actions that (Young Mi-Rae), along with a special in- were not meant to be taken in that way. I troduction from CL and guest appearances was younger and did not think about the Dumbfoundead, RZA, , Ocean actions, but that’s not an excuse. I wanna say Vuong and Warren Hue, the livestream — Page 21 of 27

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Life After Joel CNCO will remain faithful to the group’s Newnan,” Jackson said in a statement. “I’m name that they were blessed with after glad we came up with a way to bring this Pimentel: winning the Univision reality show La show to my hometown…and I’m happy to Banda and formed as a group in 2015. be helping the people who need it most.” Everything We What’s Joel going to do next? According Special guests will be named soon. to his own personal statement on Instagram, Proceeds from the show will benefit Know About he’s ready to “start building his own path the Coweta Community Foundation. and career,” dubbing it as a “new beginning.” Jackson recently released his first new CNCO’s New Era “I can’t wait to share my new project with album in six years, the 21-song Where Have y’all,” he wrote. You Gone, and performed a medley of his BY JESSICA ROIZ Is Joel working on new music? Yes. Bill- hits at last month’s ACM Awards. board can confirm that Pimentel is in the NCO is giving their last-ever studio working on his solo music and that he concert as a fivesome on Friday will likely continue to be managed by Walter night (May 14), marking the last Kolm, who also manages CNCO. time Joel Pimentel performs with Set to Perform Cthe group. The news was announced earlier this Alan Jackson to at 2021 Billboard week, on Sunday, when the Latin group an- nounced that “after five and a half unfor- Headline ‘Where Music Awards gettable and life-changing years together,” Pimentel decided to exit CNCO to grow and I Come From’ BY PAUL GREIN explore new artistic avenues. The news hit the CNCOwners fandom Tornado Benefit wenty one pilots will perform hard, with the majority of fans saying they their current single “” support Pimentel on his new venture but For Georgia at the 2021 Billboard Music find his exit hard to believe. Awards, set for May 23. The Fans have a lot of questions and concerns Hometown Tsong, from the duo’s upcoming sixth studio about Pimentel’s next move and the new album Scaled and Icy, was released April 7 era of CNCO. Read everything you need to BY GIL KAUFMAN and quickly became their eighth No. 1 hit know, below: on Billboard’s songs When is CNCO’s last day together? May lan Jackson will headline a chart. 14. In partnership with Ocesa, CNCO will June 26 benefit concert, “Where twenty one pilots, consisting of Tyler perform some of the biggest hits that made I Come From,” to raise funds Joseph and , are seven-time BBMA them a household name, in addition to for his hometown, which was winners. Their biggest night at the BBMAs songs from their new album Déjà Vu, which impactedA by spring tornadoes. The show to date came in 2017, when they won five debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Latin Pop in Newnan, Georgia at the Coweta County awards. Only Drake won more awards that Albums chart on Feb. 20. Fans can tune in Fairgrounds will find Jackson performing night (13). Beyoncé also won awards five at 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday. For U.S. tick- three decades of hits according to a release. that night. ets, click here. Tickets for the show go on sale on Friday The duo had a big crossover hit last year, Will CNCO bring a new member (May 21) at 10 a.m. ET here. The benefit “,” which reached No. onboard? No. CNCO will remain a quar- will help citizens of Newnan, which was hit 23 on the . The duo has tet with the remaining group members by a powerful EF-4 tornado on March 26, cracked the top five on that chart with three — Christopher Velez, Erick Brian Colon, destroying at least 70 homes and damaging previous hits: “,” “Ride” and Richard Camacho and Zabdiel de Jesus — many more in the city where Jackson and “Heathens.” who are excited about the group’s new era. his wife Denise were born, raise, met and twenty one pilots’ 2015 album, , “We want you all to know that while Joel is married. entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1. Its 2018 leaving and will be pursuing new opportuni- “After the tornadoes came through follow-up, Trench, debuted at No. 2 on that ties, we are and will always be brothers. We Newnan I knew that I wanted to do what I chart. Scaled and Icy is due May 21. support him in his next chapter, and will could to help my hometown. I started work- BTS, Duran Duran, The Weeknd and DJ always, most importantly, remain a family,” ing on an idea to do some kind of benefit in Khaled featuring H.E.R. and Migos are also the statement emphasized. Nashville to help those affected in Newnan, set to perform at the 2021 Billboard Music Will they change their band name? No. but then heard from a group of leaders in Awards. P!nk will both perform and receive Page 22 of 27

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the Icon Award. was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pan- Festival will remain free of charge, RSVPs Also at the Nick Jonas-hosted show, demic and reinvented as a virtual two-day will be required, social distancing will be Drake will receive the Artist of the Decade event. implemented, and either proof of vaccina- Award and Trae will receive For the past 43 years, BRIC Celebrate tion or a negative COVID-19 test will need the Billboard Change Maker Award. Brooklyn! Festival has been the summer- to be shown to gain entry. The 2021 will long outdoor concert and performance More at visit bricartsmedia.org/live. broadcast live from the in series that celebrates talent from around Los Angeles on Sunday, May 23, at 8 p.m. ET the world and around the block, presenting / 5 p.m. PT on NBC. global music icons, jazz artists, indie bands, Dave Grohl, The Weeknd leads all finalists with nods dance troupes, large-scale film projects and in 16 categories, followed by DaBaby with public art installations. 11 nods, the late Pop Smoke (10) and Gabby The 2021 season of the free festival will Barrett (nine). kick off at 7:30pm on July 31 with R&B & More Rally to BBMA finalists and winners are based singer/songwriter Ari Lennox as the head- on key fan interactions with music, includ- liner, Brooklyn-based rapper and poet KA- Support Former ing audio and video streaming, album and MAUU and Jamaican-bred R&B artist Nes- digital song sales, radio airplay, and social ta as openers. The first benefit concert of Nirvana Publicist’s engagement, tracked by Billboard and its the season was also announced and will data partners, including MRC Data and Next feature British rock band , GoFundMe Big Sound. This year’s awards are based on who will be playing the park as part of their the chart period of March 21, 2020 through Dreamland Tour. The rest of the Festival BY JOE LYNCH April 3, 2021. lineup is still to be announced. Fan-voted categories include top social “BRIC was proud to bring hundreds of GoFundMe for Seattle music artist and top collaboration. Voting opened thousands of people the opportunity to fixture Susie Tennant is rallying on May 10 at 9 a.m. PT and closes May 21 connect with artists from across the world, some of the key players from the at 11:59 pm PT on Twitter and billboard. safely from their homes, during a pandem- ‘90s explosion to help com/bbmasvote. For more information, ic,” says Kristina Newman-Scott, BRIC’s theA former Geffen Records publicist and visit billboardmusicawards.com/vote. president. “But, there’s nothing like the en- her family as they face a litany of health Barry Adelman and Robert Deaton are the ergy of Brooklyn when it’s filled with friends issues and costs. Nirvana’s Dave Grohl executive producers of the BBMAs. and family, all gathered for good times and and Krist Novoselic, Records, Sub The 2021 Billboard Music Awards are great music. We are elated to be coming.” Pop co-founder Jonathan Poneman, Pearl produced by dick clark productions, which is Lia Camille Crockett, BRIC director of Jam’s Stone Gossard and , music owned by MRC; MRC and Penske Media are performing arts, added “During these past manager Susan Silver and many more have co-parent companies of Billboard. 18 months, we have been tested in ways we contributed to a GoFundMe account for could have never imagined, and BRIC is so her organized by former Sub Pop rep Steve proud of what we’ve accomplished; we came Manning. BRIC Celebrate together in the face of hardship, with music Tennant, a music promo veteran, worked and art, and proved that our community will at Geffen Records in the early ‘90s, helping Brooklyn! Returns always do what we do best – show up. Well, Nirvana and Weezer break into the main- we’re BACK!” stream. She organized a record release par- With Headliner Ari NYC Department of Cultural Affairs com- ty for at Seattle’s Re-bar, which missioner Gonzalo Casals said “We are so ended prematurely when , Lennox excited to see the return of BRIC Celebrate Grohl and Novoselic started a food fight that Brooklyn! Festival to the bandshell in Pros- caused the venue owners to kick them out. BY DAVE BROOKS pect Park,” adding, The resurgence of arts Two decades later, Novoselic participated in and culture are going to help make this the a 2011 Seattle all-stars fundraiser perfor- RIC, a Brooklyn-based arts and Summer of NYC, and we are overjoyed that mance of Nevermind when Tennant faced a media institution, announced the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival, will be a cancer diagnosis. 2021 BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! part of that revival.” Now, Tennant is struggling with “symp- Festival will return once again to BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival will toms of early onset Alzheimer’s and Bthe Prospect Park bandshell with live, in- take place at reduced capacity in accordance dementia,” according to a statement from person performances. with New York State’s COVID-19 compli- Susie and her family on the GoFundMe Last year’s season of the concert series ance policy and CDC guidelines. While the page, which seeks to raise funds to help the Page 23 of 27

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family deal with medical costs and pos- leading up to May 23, when the Billboard been closed to the public since the pan- sible in-home care. She recently underwent Music Awards will broadcast live from Los demic started in early 2020, was in talks surgeries “to remove an unburst aneurysm,” Angeles’ Microsoft Theater. to be sold by co-owners Chris and Telisha and is “healed and healthy” as her doctors BTS, DJ Khaled with H.E.R. and Migos, Cobb to -based real estate try to determine what exactly she’s facing. Duran Duran, The Weeknd and twenty company Grubb Properties. According to the family’s statement, “Susie’s one pilots have previously been announced In a tweet on Friday (May 14) the venue medical experts were able to eliminate as performers, as well as P!nk, who will per- thanked fans for buying the shirt, which causes, and are now pointing to something form and receive the Icon Award. It’s also raised $45,000, writing, “Wow, I’m astound- called Frontotemporal Degeneration Dis- been revealed that Drake is set to receive ed! Thank you all and Hayley for the inten- ease (FTD). FTD is new and rare with only the Artist of the Decade Award, and Trae tion, action and for delivering in such a huge about 60K confirmed cases in the United Tha Truth will be honored with the Change way! It means so much ... we’re working States. Susie’s symptoms at home, with Maker Award. towards reopening and were able to hire the her memory loss and physical degenera- The BBMAs celebrate music’s greatest entire full time team back. Everyone started tion, align nearly exactly with this disease’s achievements, with finalists determined yesterday and I shared this info at our first progression.” by performance on the . meeting in over a year. Your generosity was Additional details are on Tennant’s Go- Finalists and winners are based on key fan so moving for the entire team.” FundMe, which has already exceeded its interactions with music — album and digital The goal, owners said, is to keep the $100,000 goal. song sales, streaming, radio airplay and so- venue independent. “It must remain inde- cial engagement — tracked by Billboard and pendent to best serve Nashville’s creative its data partners, including MRC Data. This working class,” they added. After launch- AJR and Glass year’s awards are based on the chart period ing a GoFundMe to keep the doors to the of March 21, 2020, through April 3, 2021. 50-year-old club open — blowing past the Animals to Voting in fan-voted categories, includ- $200,000 goal by nearly $70,000 — the ing top social artist and top collaboration, Cobbs said that if the purchase is not suc- Perform at 2021 opened on May 10 at 9 a.m. PT and closes cessful, the funds will be donated to Music May 21 at 11:59 pm PT on Twitter and bill- Venues Alliance Nashville to #Keep615Live Billboard Music board.com/bbmasvote. Visit billboard- and the National Independent Venue As- musicawards.com/vote for more details. sociation. Awards Watch the Billboard Music Awards on Hotel developer AJ Capital has been fac- May 23 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on NBC. ing off with Nashville politicians and musi- BY ASHLEY IASIMONE The 2021 Billboard Music Awards are cians who have been protesting the compa- produced by dick clark productions, which is ny’s acquisition of the building housing the JR and Glass Animals have been owned by MRC; MRC and Penske Media are Exit/In. In their note, the Cobbs said that added to the lineup of perform- co-parent companies of Billboard. AJ Capital has publicly stated their intent ers at the 2021 Billboard Music to keep the venue open, “but have no track Awards. record owning and operating independent AAJR will perform “Bang!” and “Way Less music venues. They also have a poor track Sad” at their BBMAs debut, and Glass Ani- record of working with communities.” mals will bring “Heat Waves” to the awards Raise $45K For They said they are “deeply concerned” show stage. that AJ Capital will be “extremely detrimen- “Bang!” became AJR’s first top 10 hit on Nashville’s Exit/ tal” to the club’s future, announcing they’ve the Billboard Hot 100, and their last two partnered with a financial backer who is albums, OK Orchestra and Neotheater, both In Club With ‘Tiny willing to help them raise the same amount debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Rock the developer is paying for the site. Albums chart. Hot Topic B’ Shirt See the statement below. “Heat Waves” is Glass Animals’ first Hot 100 single, and the track also hit No. BY GIL KAUFMAN 1 on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay songs chart. Their album Dreamland made its ashville’s imperiled Exit/In club debut at No. 1 on the Top Rock Albums chart thanked Paramore for raising as well — and it charted in the top 10 of the nearly $50,000 to help save the Billboard 200. venue via sales of its “Tiny Hot Performers are being announced daily NTopic B**ch” shirt. The club, which has Page 24 of 27

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Jimmy Jam Billboard charts, including two No. 1s and six-part, unscripted series that debuted in 11 hits total on the Adult R&B Airplay chart May with director and Foo Fighters front- & Terry Lewis and five top 10s on the man Dave Grohl exploring chart, one of them being the No. 1 “Lovin’ Is between a rocker and a mother — have With Sounds of Really My Game.” rounded out the inaugural music slate on The BBMAs celebrate music’s greatest Paramount+. Blackness Feat. achievements, with finalists determined ViacomCBS launched the streaming by performance on the Billboard charts. service in March, when CBS All Access was to Finalists and winners are based on key fan rebranded as Paramount+, which is now interactions with music — album and digital available at the Paramount+ website, via Perform at 2021 song sales, streaming, radio airplay and so- the Paramount+ app for iOS and Android cial engagement — tracked by Billboard and and across a number of platforms. Billboard Music its data partners, including MRC Data. This See a preview of the new Behind the Mu- year’s awards are based on the chart period sic series below. Awards of March 21, 2020, through April 3, 2021. Fan-voted categories include top social BY ASHLEY IASIMONE artist and top collaboration. Voting opened Rag’n’Bone Man on May 10 at 9 a.m. PT and closes on May 21 or the 2021 Billboard Music at 11:59 p.m. PT on Twitter and billboard. Blasts to No. 1 In Awards, Jimmy Jam & Terry com/bbmasvote. For more details, vis- Lewis with it billboardmusicawards.com/vote. U.K. With ‘Life By and Ann Nesby will bring “Opti- Tune in to the Billboard Music Awards on Fmistic” to the show remotely, from ’s May 23 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on NBC. Misadventure’ Paisley Park in Minneapolis. The 2021 Billboard Music Awards are They join a growing list of previously produced by dick clark productions, which is BY LARS BRANDLE announced performers taking part in this owned by MRC; MRC and Penske Media are year’s BBMAs. co-parent companies of Billboard. ag’n’Bone Man is living BTS, DJ Khaled with H.E.R. and Migos, the life right now. Duran Duran, The Weeknd, Twenty One The British bluesman’s second Pilots, AJR and Glass Animals were already ‘Behind the Music’ studio set Life By Misadven- announced as performers. Plus, P!nk is set Rture (Columbia) bows at No. 1 on the Official to perform and receive the Icon Award. Premiere Date Set U.K. Albums Chart with 42,000 combined Drake will be honored with the Artist of sales, including 33,000 on physical formats, the Decade Award, and Trae Tha Truth will for Paramount+: the OCC reports. receive the Change Maker Award. That’s the biggest opening week for a Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who are Watch the Trailer British act in 2021, and the fastest-selling considered architects of the “Minneapolis album this year by a solo artist. Sound” alongside Prince, have been partners BY ASHLEY IASIMONE It’s the second leader in a row for the for more than 40 years and have produced multiple Brit Award-winning artist, follow- 16 No. 1s on the Billboard Hot 100 — more ehind the Music is officially re- ing his debut 2017 effort Human, which has than any other production team in history. turning this summer. shifted more than 1 million chart sales in They recently had a top 10 single as artists Billboard can exclusively this U.K. and returns to the Top 40 at No. 35. themselves, with “He Don’t Know Nothin’ reveal that Behind the Music will enjoys a lift follow- Bout It” with Babyface, on Billboard’s Adult Bpremiere on Paramount+ on July 29, and ing Rag’n’Bone Man’s appearance at the R&B Airplay chart. that Busta Rhymes and Fat Joe will be BRITs last Tuesday (May 11), to perform Sounds of Blackness, whose hit “Opti- among the music artists profiled in episodes “” (Best Laid mistic” celebrates its 30th anniversary this of the popular documentary series. Plans/Columbia) with Pink and the Lew- year, have had six top 40 charting albums on Previously announced artists that will isham & Greenwich NHS Choir. Proceeds Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart, 10 hits also appear throughout the season in- from the new cut go to NHS Charities. on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, two clude Jennifer Lopez, LL Cool J, Ricky Life leads an all-new Top 5 on the current No. 1s on the Dance Club Songs chart and Martin and Lewis. albums chart, ahead of Michael Ball’s We nine hits on the Adult R&B Airplay chart. MTV’s Unplugged series, Yo! MTV Are More Than One (Decca), Dodie’s Build A Ann Nesby has also seen success on the Raps and From Cradle to Stage — the new Problem (Doddleoddle), Squid’s Bright Green Page 25 of 27

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Field (Warp) and Van Morrison’s Latest Johnny’s WEST The Billboard Hot 100 combines Record Project Volume 1 (BMG), respectively. physical and digital sales, audio streams, Also new to this week’s survey is Wee- Debuts at No. 1, radio airplay, Twitter mentions, YouTube zer’s rock-riff album Van Weezer (Atlantic) and GYAO! video views, Gracenote look-ups at No. 30. It’s the U.S. rockers’ first Top Kaze Fujii Reaches and karaoke data. 40 album in 13 years. Meanwhile, New The full Hot 100 chart, Order’s live album Education Entertainment New Heights at dated May 3 to 9, can be seen here. Recreation (Rhino) starts at No. 32 and the late ’s collection Amy At No. 2 on Japan The BBC (Island) re-enters the Top 40, at J. Cole Eyes Three No. 33. Hot 100 and Millions’ ground- Strong Starts on breaking track “Body” (Atlantic) continues BY BILLBOARD JAPAN to bounce as it enters a second week atop U.K. Singles Chart the Official U.K. Singles Chart. he top 10 roster of the Billboard “Body” is the first drill track to lead the Japan Hot 100 continues to shift BY LARS BRANDLE national singles chart and last Friday (May rapidly this month as three new 14) became the first British hip-hop track to songs break into the top 10 follow- . Cole could make a big dent this week lead Australia’s ARIA chart. Ting the four debuts from last week. on the U.K. singles chart, with three This week in the U.K., “Body” blasts away On the tally dated May 3 to 9, J-pop boy tracks set for high entries. with 81,000 chart sales for its biggest seven- band Johnny’s WEST leads with “Some- On the Official Chart Company’s day stretch. That sum includes 11.8 million thing New,” a wedding-themed track JFirst Look survey, which ranks the popular- streams, double the plays of its closest com- penned by hitmaker Aimyon. The group’s ity of singles after the first weekend’s sales petitor, ’s “Montero (Call Me By 16th single sold 211,396 copies in its first and streaming activity, Cole has the highest Your Name)” (Lil Nas X), holding at No. 2. week to rule physical sales, look-ups, and new entries with “9 5 . S O U T H” at No. 9, The 2021 Brit Awards power several Twitter mentions. “M Y . L I F E” featuring 21 Savage & Mor- winners and performers from the night, The septet’s previous single sold slightly ray at No. 10, and “A M A R I” at No. 11. including The Weeknd, whose “Save Your more than the current one (227,615 first- The trio of tunes are all lifted from the Tears” (/XO) is up 8-5, for week copies), but many brick-and-mortar North Carolinian hip-hop star’s latest al- a new peak; and Rag’n’Bone Man and Pink’s music stores in Japan have been closed due bum The Off-Season, which includes “I N T “Anywhere Away From Here,” up 31-9. to the third COVID-19 state of emergency, so E R L U D E, the lead single which hit No. 25 Following their BRITs-opening perfor- “Something New” can be said to have fared on last week’s U.K. chart. mance, scoops the week’s highest relatively well in spite of this setback. Cole has a modest career performance new entry with “Higher Power” (Parlo- Debuting at No. 2 is Kaze Fujii’s “Kirari,” on the U.K. singles chart so far, banking just phone). It’s new at No. 12, for the returning currently being featured in Honda commer- one Top 10, for 2019’s “Middle Child,” and a rockers’ 21st Top 20 hit and highest-chart- cials. The rising young singer-songwriter total of seven top 40s. ing single since 2017’s Chainsmokers col- scored his first top 10 with his previous At the top of the chart blast is Tion laboration “,” single called “Tabiji,” which debuted at No. Wayne & Russ Millions’ “Body,” which is on which reached No. 2. 10 in March. “Kirari” is off to a better start, track for a third week at No. 1 on the Official faring better in downloads (38,418 first-week U.K. Singles Chart. “Body” is the most- units, “Tabiji” started off with 24,337) and streamed track in the early part of the cycle. streaming (5,071,563 streams, about double There’s some movement in the runner-up that of 2,494,342 for “Tabiji”), indicating his position, which sees Doja Cat’s “Kiss Me steadily growing reach. More” featuring SZA lift 3-2, while Lil Nas Meanwhile, X’s “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” slips returns to the top 10 with its latest digital 2-3. single “Cry Baby,” which performed much And finally, is all set for better in first-week downloads (22,068 a Top 20 debut with “Good 4 U,” the third units) than the band’s previous single, single lifted from her forthcoming debut “Universe,” did when it peaked at No. 4 in album, Sour. It starts at No. 14 on the chart March. The “Pretender” hitmakers’ new blast. release is off to a good start at No. 10 on the The Official U.K. Singles Chart is pub- Japan Hot 100. lished late Friday, local time. Page 26 of 27

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Call Olivia Paul McCartney- with Leila Mattimore as co-EP. Emmy win- ner and Oscar nominee Zachary Heinzerling Rodrigo’s ‘Sour’ Rick Rubin (Cutie and the Boxer) directs. This story was originally published in The Heartbreak Docuseries Lands Hollywood Reporter. Hotline to Get an at Hulu Early Taste of Her BY RICK PORTER Announces ‘Stand New Album ulu has scored rights to a docuseries featuring in-depth by You’ Pride BY HERAN MAMO conversations between two music icons: Paul McCart- Special as Part livia Rodrigo is giving fans more Hney and Rick Rubin. of a taste of Sour, her upcom- The six-episode series, McCartney 3, 2, 1, of NBCUniversal ing debut album, through her is set to premiere July 16. McCartney and heartbreak hotline. Rubin will discuss all facets of McCartney’s Overall Deal OThe 18-year-old pop star aired a promo more than 60 years in the music business, for her album during a commercial break from his time with and Wings BY RICK PORTER on Saturday Night Live’s latest episode on to his long solo career (his most recent Saturday (May 15), where she made her de- album, McCartney III, was released in iley Cyrus has signed a wide- but as a musical guest and performed December. ranging overall deal with her Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit “Drivers McCartney and Rubin also teased the NBCUniversal. License” and new song “Good 4 U.” Styled docuseries in December with a video (watch The singer-songwriter, ac- like a nostalgic commercial with lyrical it below) showing the two at a mixing board Mtress and performer will develop and appear and aesthetic references to her previously discussing several songs, along with vintage in projects across the NBCU Television and released songs, her Sour promo asks view- footage of McCartney during the Beatles Streaming portfolio. The deal includes a de- ers, “Suffer from a broken heart? Do you era. velopment component and a commitment to eat strawberry ice cream at every meal? “Never before have fans had the opportu- three specials starring Cyrus. The first of the Do you want to scream real loud? The next nity to hear Paul McCartney share, in such three, Stand By You, will be a one-hour Pride time you’re heartbroken, don’t get sweet. expansive, celebratory , the experience concert special that will stream on Peacock. Get Sour by Olivia Rodrigo.” of creating his life’s work — more than 50 “Miley is the true definition of a multi- When fans call the Sour Heartbreak Hot- years of culture-defining music,” said Craig hyphenate superstar and her Pride spe- line at 323-622-SOUR (7687), they’ll hear a Erwich, president Hulu Originals and ABC cial, Stand By You, for Peacock is the perfect message from Rodrigo where she comforts Entertainment. “To be an observer as Paul way to kick off this incredible partnership,” the brokenhearted with a “free taste,” aka and Rick Rubin deconstruct how some of said Susan Rovner, chairman entertainment snippets of the 11 songs featured on her the biggest hits in music history came to be content at NBCU Television and Stream- upcoming album. She also lets her callers is truly enlightening. It is an honor that Paul ing. “The creative possibilities for Miley know know that they can call the number chose to return to Hulu to share this one-of- across our portfolio are literally endless for “more flavors” of Sour. a-kind series.” and we can’t wait to collaborate on amazing The album includes previously released McCartney 3, 2, 1 is the second documen- projects across genres with her, Tish Cyrus’ “Drivers License” and “Deja Vu,” which tary featuring McCartney to find a home at Hopetown Entertainment and Adam Leber made Rodrigo the first artist to send her first the Disney-owned streamer. Hulu also has for Rebel.” two proper singles straight onto the Hot 100 rights to the feature doc The Beatles: Eight On the development side, NBCU Tele- chart in the top 10, as well as “Good 4 U.” Days a Week — The Touring Years. vision and Streaming will have the first Sour will be released on May 21 via Endeavor Content is producing the series look at projects from Miley Cyrus’ as yet Geffen Records. See the SNL commercial alongside MPL Communications Inc., unnamed production company and Tish about Sour below, and call the Heartbreak Shangri-La, Film 45, Kennedy Marshall and Cyrus’ Hopetown Entertainment that covers Hotline at 323-622-SOUR (7687). Diamond Docs. McCartney Rubin, Scott both unscripted and scripted programming. Rodger, Peter Berg, Matthew Goldberg, Cyrus could potentially be involved as talent Brandon Carroll, Jeff Pollack, Frank Mar- or a producer on projects across broadcast, shall and Ryan Suffern executive produce, cable, streaming and syndication. Page 27 of 27

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“I have had an incredible long-lasting that helps children escape from poverty. relationship with NBC for years! Many Jackson’s floor-length metallic silver coat memorable moments in my career have with lambskin shearling lining, cuffs and been shared and supported by NBCU,” said collar, designed by Helen Storey, was bought Cyrus. “This feels like a natural progres- for $50,000. Her silver string bikini and a sion, and I am looking forward to creating pair of matching pants worn underneath the content that we love and hope everyone coat by Jackson sold for $25,600. who watches does too. We’re starting this On Friday, Jackson’s original jacket from journey together with a Pride special on her 1990 Rhythm Nation Tour along with Peacock to celebrate a month we both want a black “1814” cap and black satin gloves to highlight with this concert event.” with metal plaque decoration was sold for Cyrus released her seventh studio $81,250. album, , in November. It Other items such as Jackson’s silver-tone debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 al- hoop earring suspending a key worn at the bum chart and was her first No. 1 on the Top 1987 Soul Train Awards and her Rhythm Na- Rock Albums chart. Its lead single, “Mid- tion Tour sold for $43,750. night Sky,” peaked at No. 14 on the Bill- board Hot 100. She was the musical guest on NBC’s Saturday Night Live on May 7. This article was originally published by The Hollywood Reporter. ’s ‘Scream’ Video Ensemble Sells for $125K at Auction

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS

anet Jackson’s ensembles she wore in the “Scream” opposite of her brother are among the items up for bid in a three- Jday auction. Julien’s Auctions says her black cir- cular bubble textured fabric long-sleeve shirt, black patent leather pants and black patent leather over-the-ankle boots sold for $125,000 Saturday. The auction called “Iconic Treasures From the Legendary Ca- reer and Life of Janet Jackson” will be held until Sunday, the singer’s 55th birthday. Jackson partnered with Julien’s Auc- tions to sell more than 1,000 items from her career and personal treasures. The auction was held live in Beverly Hills, , and shown on Julien’s website. A portion of the proceeds will go toward Compassion International, an organization