Bulletin YOUR DAILY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATE AUGUST 17, 2021 Page 1 of 23

INSIDE Pershing Square’s SPAC

• Tencent Music Sued Following Failed Bid Reports Strong Quarter Before for UMG Stake Regulator Crackdown BY GLENN PEOPLES • U.K. Competition Regulator Urges Tougher Rules Pershing Square Tontine Holdings’ failed attempt ment was signed on June 20. for Viagogo to invest in Universal Music Group continues to be The Securities and Exchange Commission de- and StubHub a problem for the Pershing Square Holdings hedge fines a SPAC as “a shell company with no opera- fund. A lawsuit filed Tuesday (Aug. 17) alleges that tions” that raises funds through a conventional IPO • Longtime Warner Music Central Europe alleges PSTH is not a proper special purpose acquisi- and then places the proceeds in a trust “for a future CEO Bernd Dopp Is tion company (SPAC), but rather an investment firm, acquisition of a private operating company.” The pro- Stepping Down a legal distinction that determines how SPACs can cess is known as a reverse merger, in which the pri- use its funding and compensate its founders. vate company merges with a publicly traded SPAC. A • Bob Dylan Sued for Alleged Sexual The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for SPAC’s original investors – often hedge funds – buy Abuse of 12-Year-Old the Southern District of New York, seeks a declara- warrants that allow them to acquire additional stock Girl in 1965 tory judgment that PSTH is an investment company at a fixed price (they make a profit if the share price is and requests damages reflecting PSTH’s “breach of above a warrants’ strike price). In contrast, an invest- • Joi Brown Named Head of Strategic fiduciary obligations” under the Investment Com- ment company such as a mutual fund makes money by Partnerships at pany Act of 1940, a law that primarily regulates charging investors a pre-established fee. ICM Partners mutual funds that’s stiffer than the rules that govern Pershing Square called the lawsuit “totally without SPACs. Plaintiffs allege that PSTH dedicated most of merit” in a statement on Tuesday. “The complaint • Five Reasons Why The Weeknd’s its time to purchase the common stock of Universal bases its allegations, among other things, on the fact ‘Blinding Lights’ Set Music Group. The lawsuit cites a PSTH document that PSTH owns or has owned U.S. Treasurys and the All-Time Hot 100 released on July 8 that describes how the company money market funds that own U.S. Treasurys, as do all Longevity Record began its due diligence of UMG in October of 2020 – other SPACs while they are in the process of seeking three months after its IPO – and constantly engaged an initial business combination. PSTH has never held with the label group until the share purchase agree- (continued)

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IN BRIEF

investment securities that would require it SPAC that raised $4 billion through an to be registered under the Act, and does not IPO on July 22, 2020, announced on Tencent Music intend to do so in the future.” June 4 that it planned to acquire a 10% By identifying itself as a SPAC rather than stake in UMG before Vivendi lists the Reports Strong an investment company, PSTH has paid itself music company on the Euronext Am- in “complex securities of the Company that sterdam stock exchange on Sept. 21. But Quarter Before were never offered for purchase by the Com- PSTH scrapped those plans on July 19, in pany’s public investors,” not the “reasonable” part because the SEC determined PSTH Regulator and “transparent” fees as required by the ICA was an investment company. Ackman and and the Investment Advisor Act of 1940, the PSH — the hedge fund, not the SPAC — then Crackdown complaint claims. An investment company regrouped and bought a 7.1% stake in UMG would normally collect fees from the funds on Aug. 10. BY GLENN PEOPLES raised from investors. But according to the Vivendi plans to spin off UMG, which complaint, PSCM paid the defendants for it acquired in 2000, and take advantage of hile Chinese regulators their work by selling them two types of strong investor interest in music compa- were placing strict control securities “either for free or for prices far nies. It will retain a 10% stake in UMG and upon the country’s tech below the securities’ actual value,” resulting distribute 60% of common shares to Vivendi sector this spring, its local in an “unreasonable level” of compensation shareholders. A consortium of investors led musicW streaming giant Tencent Music Enter- in violation of the ICA and IAA. by Chinese tech company Tencent owns the tainment improved revenue and subscriber The lawsuit was brought by George remaining 20% of UMG. numbers substantially. In the period from Assad, a PSTH shareholder. The lawsuit lists April 1 to June 30, the parent company to as defendants PSTH’s four directors: Lisa steaming services QQ, Kuguo and Kuwo saw Gersh, Michael Ovitz, Jacqueline Re- music revenues climb 32.8% to 1.79 billion ses and Joseph Steinberg. RMB ($277 million) and subscribers jump But the lawsuit also claims that investors 40.6% to 66.2 million, compared to the prior never warmed to PSTH’s plans to invest in quarter, according to the company’s second- UMG after speculation about a high-profile quarter earnings report released Monday acquisition sent the share price to $34.10 on (Aug. 16). For a company with a 77% market Feb. 16. PSTH traded at $20.08 on Tuesday share in the country, it’s a testament to the morning, just barely above their $20 redemp- rapid pace of growth in China’s hot music tion value. (SPAC investors have the right to market. (That’s far greater gains on both redeem their shares before a reverse merger.) accounts, in percentage terms, than Spotify Of course, the deal that precipitated achieved in same time span — 17% and the lawsuit didn’t happen: PSTH, a 19.6%, respectively — for example.) TME’s

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ON THE CHARTS JIM ASKER [email protected] IN BRIEF SamHunt’s Southside Rules Top Country totalA revenue,lbu whichms; includes Brett social enter Y- oungJuly by the ‘Catc regulator pertainingh’-es to exclusiveFifth AirplayFinancial metrics (Q2 2021 vs. Q2 2020) tainment, grew 15.5% to 8.01 billion RMB music licensing arrangements. We are com- Revenue: 8.01 billion RMG ($1.24 billion), ($1.24 billion).Leader; Travis mittedDenning to fully complying Makes with all require History- up 15.5% Those encouraging numbers are from a ments in a timely manner … [and] promoting Online services revenue: 2.2 billion RMB different era, however. They’re from before the long-term, healthy development of the ($343 million), up 32.8% SamTME’s Hunt ensnarement’s second studio in the full-length, Chinese andgovern first- in overdigital five musicyears, Southside industry.” sales (up 21%) in the tracking week.Music On subscription Country Airplay, revenues: it hops 18-15 1.79 (11.9billion mil - (MCAment’s Nashville/Universal scrutiny of some Music foreign-listed Group Nashville), com- debuts Ironically,at No. 1 on Billboard the government’s’s lion audience claim impressions, about RMGup 16%). ($277 million), up 36.3% Toppanies Country — Tencent Albums Music chart dated trades April on 18.the In U.S. its first Tencentweek (ending Music’s April 9),market it power had the Gross margin: 32% earned 46,000 equivalent album units, including 16,000 in album sales, ac- TRY TO ‘CATCH’ UP WITH YOUNG Brett Youngachieves his fifth consecutive cordingNew York to Nielsen Stock ExchangeMusic/MRC — Data. and key areas unintended consequenceand of total hurting Country the Airplay No. 1Net as “Catch” profit: (Big $135 Machine million Label Group) ascends suchSouthside as technology, marks Hunt’s healthcare second and No. educa1 on the- company’s main competitor. Amid the 2-1,User increasing metrics 13% (Q2 to 36.62021 million vs. Q2 impressions. 2020) charttion. andIn April, fourth regulators top 10. It follows made freshmaninternational LP regulatory uncertainty and the resulting Subscribers:Young’s first 66.2 of six million, chart entries, up 40.6% “Sleep (up With - Montevalloheadlines ,by which handing arrived out at harshthe summit penalties in No to- weakening of the Hong Kong IPO market, 5.3out million You,” reachedfrom Q1) No. 2 in December 2016. He vembermajor tech 2014 companies,and reigned for such nine as weeks. an 18.2 To bildate,- Netease, the maker of China’s second-most followedMusic mobile with the monthly multiweek average No. 1s “In users: Case 623 You Montevallo has earned 3.9 million units, with 1.4 Didn’t Know” (two weeks, June 2017), “Like I Loved millionlion RMB in album ($2.8 sales. billion) antitrust fine levied popular streaming service, Netease Cloud million,You” (three, down January 4.3% 2018), “Mercy” (two, August againstMontevallo Chinese has spent e-commerce 267 weeks gianton the Alilist, Baba.tying Music, dropped its plans to spin off the 2018)Average and “Hererevenue Tonight” per music (two, Apriluser: 2019). 9.0 RMG, LukeThen Bryan in July,’s Crash the CyberspaceMy Party as the Administra sixth-longest-- music service and raise up to $1 billion, ac- down“Catch” 3.2% completes his longest journey to No. 1, runningtion of Chinatitles in opened the chart’s an 56-yearinvestigation history. into cording to reports. havingSocial taken mobile 46 monthlyweeks to reach average the apex.users: It 209 out - ride-hailingOn the all-genre app Didi, Billboard just 200,days Southsideafter its ar- It is unclear how the regulations will im- million,paces the down 30-week 13.3% climb of “Here Tonight.” rives at No. 5, awarding Hunt his second top 10 On Hot Country Songs, “Catch” pushes 7-5 for HUNT YOUNG afterinitial the public No. 3-peaking offering Montevallo raised $4.4. billion, and pact Tencent Music’s fast-growing business aStock new high. market orderedHunt first app released stores inthe China EPX2C to, which remove debuted Didi’s and the country’s streaming marketplace. Share price change in August: -15.6% andapp. peaked So far, atthe No. Chinese 5 on Top government Country Albums has in AugustThe 2014.company Following would onlyCOMBS state ‘DOES’the regula IT AGAIN- LukeChange Combs ’since “Does all-time to Me” (River high House/Columbiaon March 23: Montevallounleashed, atBetween least 50 the regulatory Pines: Acoustic actions Mixtape — startedtions at will its No. have 7 high “some in impact”Nashville), to business featuring Eric Church-83.8%, ascends 11-8 on Country Airplay, up 10% to November 2015. 24.7 million in audience. The song is Combs’ eighth straight career-opening mostly affecting tech companies — in recent operations. The earnings call on Wednesday Key events in Q3 2021 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:months, “Leave according the Night to The On,” Economist “Take Your. Time,” “House(Aug. Party” 16) at and 8 a.m. “Make EST willpromoted give Tencent No. 1 singles. China regulator orders Tencent Mu- YouIn Miss July, Me.” Chinese “Break regulators Up in a Smalldemand Town” peaked- at No.Music 2. an opportunity to expandChurch on adds Mon his -15th Countrysic to Airplay end exclusive top 10. licensing deals with edHunt that co-pennedTencent Music all 12 songsend its on exclusive Southside , includingday’s “Body statement Like a Backand provide details into the labels (July 26) Road,”licensing which agreements was released with in 2017.record The labels. smash It hit ruledregulator’s Country Airplay requests. for THAT TOOK QUITE ‘A FEW’ TencentMONTHS TravisMusic Denning spared fromshatters forced the record sales for three weeks and the airplay-, streaming- and sales-based Hot Country Songs the most weeks it has taken to penetrate the Country Airplay top 10 as “After could have been worse: The company was In the meantime, however, investors in China regulatory crackdown (July 9) 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 - Floridaspared Georgiaany massive Line’s fine, “Meant app to Be”store (50 ban weeks or atop theappear latter listwary. in 2017-18). Shares of Tencentlion in radio Music reach. fell forced“Downtown’s sales of anyDead,” of individual which is also streaming on the new set, reached9% on Monday Nos. 14 and after 15 droppingThe song6.3% surpasses the two tracks that took 50 weeks each to enter the top 10: onservice. Hot Country Still, TME’s Songs andstatement Country on Airplay, Monday respectively, previous in June week. 2018. “KinTencent- Easton Music’s Corbin stock’s price “A Girl Like You,” which reached No. 10 in January 2018 be- folks”was quick led Country to address Airplay regulators’ on Feb. 29, concerts becoming Hunt’shas seventh fallen 43.5%No. 1. It since hit Julyfore 26 peaking when at Chinese No. 6 that February, and Aaron Watson’s “Outta Style,” which No.about 3 on its Hot market Country dominance Songs. by saying it regulators ordered an endachieved to the its company’s No. 10 high in December 2017. 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 “sincerely accepts the decision issued in exclusive licensing agreements. 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 2 0 2 1 PHOTO FINISH RECORDS 15TH ANNIVERSARY

Photo Finish Records is an independent record label CONTACTS boasting a diverse roster including Alternative Rock, Indie Pop, Electro Pop, and Hip Hop that has amassed billions of Joe Maimone 201.301.5933 | [email protected] streams and over 40 million tracks sold. Lee Ann Photoglo The New York City-based label was created and founded 615.376.7931 | [email protected] by Matt Galle and 2021 will celebrate its fifteenth year of success. As the label grew and developed, Matt brought in Cynthia Mellow his business partner Mike Marquis to co-run the label with 615.352,0265 | [email protected] him. Marcia Olival 786.586.4901 | [email protected] Photo Finish has forged a well-deserved reputation for developing and breaking an eclectic roster of artists Ryan O’Donnell including 3OH!3, SHAED, The Maine, Marian Hill, Mister- +447843437176 | [email protected] Wives, ROZES, The Mowgli's, and new signings Ross Copperman, CAL, Elliot Lee, Lakeview, guardin, and joan.

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IN BRIEF

lated, problems in the sector are likely to market should “include a review of practices U.K. Competition grow as restrictions on attending live events by primary ticket sellers that disadvantage [in the U.K.] are lifted,” the CMA says in the fans such as restrictions on transferability or Regulator Urges 60-page report. the way tickets are allocated for sale.” Viagogo completed its $4 billion acquisi- Adam Webb, campaign manager at U.K. Tougher Rules tion of fellow resale ticketing site Stub- anti-scalping group FanFair Alliance, says Hub from former owner eBay in February the proposed changes “could have far-reach- for Viagogo 2020 — one month before the coronavirus ing future benefits for music fans.” But he pandemic brought the global live industry to urged the CMA to investigate “substantial and StubHub a standstill. evidence” he has sent to the watchdog dur- A badly timed deal got even worse 12 ing the pandemic detailing “a range of seri- BY RICHARD SMIRKE months later when the CMA ruled that the ous and current allegations about Viagogo,” merger “will lead to a substantial reduction including what Webb described as “system- ONDON – The U.K.’s uncapped in competition” in the U.K. secondary ticket- atic breaches of consumer protection law.” secondary ticketing market is fac- ing business, where the two firms collective- The CMA report says it explored the idea ing further intervention from regu- ly represent over 90% of the market (split of banning the uncapped secondary ticket- lators, including the possibility of roughly 60% and 30% between Viagogo and ing industry in the U.K. but decided against Ltougher rules for resale sites like Viagogo StubHub, respectively). it on the grounds that it would be “very dif- and StubHub. To address those competition concerns, ficult to enforce” and would likely lead to an The Competition and Markets Authority the CMA instructed Viagogo to sell Stub- increase in black market activity. (CMA), a U.K. government watchdog, is call- Hub’s U.K. and international ticketing ing for the government to amend existing business, which operates in Europe, South consumer laws and make it illegal for ticket America, and Asia. A sale, which the CMA Longtime Warner resellers to sell more tickets for an event must approve, has yet to happen. than primary vendors allow. The threat of tougher regulations for the Music Central The CMA also wants legislation that will U.K. secondary market will be unwelcome make platforms liable for incorrect infor- news for Viagogo CEO Eric Baker and his Europe CEO mation about ticket listings, as well as the investors. establishment of a new regulatory body Although the CMA has never publicly set Bernd Dopp Is overseeing the secondary ticketing sector. a deadline for when Viagogo must sell its The latter would make it easier for regula- international StubHub business, the regula- Stepping Down tors to act swiftly against illegal ticket resell- tor has the power to appoint an independent ers and issue sanctions where required, the trustee to handle the transaction — there- BY MARC SCHNEIDER CMA says in a report published Aug. 16. fore leaving Viagogo out of negotiations — if Among the proposed sanctions is the taking a buyer cannot be found. arner Music executive Ber- down of websites, withdrawing a busi- Another obstacle to any sale is the wildly nd Dopp announced on nesses’ right to operate, and the imposition different valuations for how much the Tuesday he is stepping of “substantial fines.” secondary ticket market is worth in the U.K. down after 37 years at the The CMA’s report comes six months after Viagogo and StubHub say it is worth up to company,W with the last 17 as chairman and it ordered Viagogo to offload its StubHub £2.5 billion ($3.3 billion) a year. The CMA CEO of Warner Music Central Europe. business outside of North America following valued it considerably lower at £350 million Taking over the Hamburg-based label an investigation into complaints of unfair ($467 million) in 2019 when around 1.9 mil- starting Oct. 1 will be co-presidents Doreen competition. The secondary ticket market lion tickets were sold across online second- Schimk, currently the managing director, has already been the subject of numerous ary platforms in the U.K. media & brands, and Fabian Drebes, man- investigations and court orders. “We continue to work with the CMA aging director, international. But under current legislation there are to meet the established conditions of our “Bernd is an incredible music man, who is “limits” to what the CMA and other enforc- merger with StubHub, including the divest- known for his passionate advocacy on behalf ers can do to stop illegal ticket sales online, ment of StubHub’s international business, of our artists,” said Max Lousada, CEO says George Lusty, senior director for Con- and hope to see resolution in the near term,” of recorded music for WMG and Simon sumer Protection at the CMA. He is calling a Viagogo spokesperson tells Billboard. Robson, president, international, recorded on the government to take tougher action. Reacting to the CMA report, a spokesper- music. “But, just as importantly, he’s also “Without reforms to the way that the son for StubHub said that any discussions created a welcoming, warm culture at War- uncapped secondary tickets market is regu- around new regulations for the secondary ner Music Central Europe that’s impressed WE’RE BACK, LIVE IN MIAMI

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everyone who’s experienced it.” deserves our biggest respect.” his apartment at the Hotel Chelsea, where The leadership shakeup in Germany The company said Dopp will stay involved Dylan famously wrote lyrics for his 1966 follows a similar changing of the guard last beyond October, acting as a senior consul- album Blonde on Blonde. She is suing Dylan year in France, where Alain Veille took tant. As for what prompted his departure, for assault and battery, false imprisonment over for Thierry Chassagne as president of Dopp remarked that it was simply “time for and intentional infliction of emotional Warner Music France. Like Dopp, Chas- a change of generation” at the label. distress and seeking compensatory, punitive sagne had been at the helm of his respective “It was an honor and a privilege to experi- and exemplary damages. WMG subsidiary since 2004. ence this incredible journey with Warner A spokesperson for Dylan sent the Dopp is a five-decade veteran of WMG Music,” he said. “Now I am proud to hand following statement to Billboard: “The and the company’s longest-serving CEO in over the responsibility for the company to 56-year-old claim is untrue and will be Europe. After working in retail, he joined Doreen Schimk and Fabian Drebes. They’re vigorously defended.” Warner Music in 1984 as a label manager be- both highly respected in the artist commu- Filed by attorneys Daniel Isaacs and Pe- fore working his way up to managing director nity, as well as in the local and international ter Gleason, the suit was made possible of WEA Records a decade later. When WEA music business. They’re truly among the by New York’s Child Victims Act, a law merged with Warner Classics and other most excellent music executives in Europe established in 2019 which suspended the entities to form Warner Music Germany in and I have absolute confidence in both to ordinary statute of limitations for child 2001, he was put in charge. In 2004, Warner lead the company into an even more suc- sexual abuse claims for a two-year period Music International created a new European cessful future. I wish them all the best, lots that ended on Saturday (Aug. 14) — just a structure, grouping the major’s operations in of success and a great deal of pleasure!” day after the Dylan complaint was filed. The Germany, Switzerland and Austria (GSA) into child sexual abuse lawsuit lodged last week what would eventually be known as Warner against Nicki Minaj’s husband, Kenneth Music Central Europe. Bob Dylan Sued Petty, was also a result of the law. As CEO from the very start, Dopp guided WMCE through the music industry’s oft- for Alleged Sexual bumpy transition into digital and, more Joi Brown Named recently, through a once-in-a-generation Abuse of 12-Year- pandemic. Through it all, he has delivered Head of Strategic hits in his territories with international art- Old Girl in 1965 ists, including Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars and Partnerships at Cardi B, and via domestic talent, ranging BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN from the popular German rap genre to the ICM Partners children’s music market. Other Warner acts n unnamed woman has ac- who benefited from his support over the cused Bob Dylan of sexually BY GAIL MITCHELL years include Neil Young, Prince, Madonna, abusing her in 1965 when she Linkin Park, Bruno Mars, Enya and more. was just 12 years old, according oi Brown has been named head Dopp is also the longest-serving board toA a lawsuit filed in New York State Supreme of strategic partnerships at ICM member of the BVMI, Germany’s IFPI, and is Court on Friday (Aug. 13). Partners. Most recently senior vp of a regular presence on Billboard’s Internation- Identified only by the initials “J.C.,” the marketing and brand partnerships at al Power Players lists, including this year’s. woman alleges that over a six-week period JAtlantic Records, Brown begins her new ap- With Schimk and Drebes’ appointments as in April and May 1965, Dylan abused her, pointment on Sept. 7. She will also continue co-presidents, Warner Music will become the provided her with drugs and alcohol and to operate Culture Creators, the mentorship first major in Germany to have a dual leader- threatened physical violence, “leaving her organization she founded in 2016 to foster ship structure. Both have been members of emotionally scarred and psychologically equal access and opportunities in the enter- Dopp’s senior management team since 2014 damaged to this day.” She says Dylan facili- tainment industry for people of color. and in their current roles since 2018. tated the abuse by establishing an “emo- In her newly created role, New York- “Working with Bernd Dopp has been tional connection” and grooming her using based Brown will work across all depart- about learning from excellence,” the two ex- his status as a hugely-famous musician. The ments at ICM Partners. In announcing ecs said in a joint statement. “He’s our most complaint includes few specifics of the al- Brown’s appointment, Mark Siegel, world- influential mentor. He continuously pushed leged abuse. wide head of concerts, Adam Schweitzer, us and himself forward with enthusiasm, The woman further claims that Dylan’s al- managing director of talent and branding, empathy, and experience. As a true leader leged abuse resulted in economic losses, in- and Lorrie Bartlett, co-head of talent at and music icon, he leaves behind a great and cluding medical costs related to his conduct ICM Partners issued a joint statement. valuable legacy in the music industry and — some of which she alleges occurred in (Brown will report to all three.) O N S A L E SEPT. 18, 2021

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

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“We have followed and admired Joi’s ing people of color to the table. I’m looking formats... career for many years and are excited on forward to building and growing together Two days before “Blinding Lights” came many levels to bring her into the ICM with ICM.” out in November 2019, The Weeknd re- Partners family,” they said. “In addition to leased a different song — and sent it straight being a tremendous marketing executive to the top of the Hot 100 chart. “Heartless” who will add great value to our clients in all Five Reasons Why was unveiled as the first taste of his fourth departments, with Culture Creators, she has full-length, and its quick ascension to No. become a magnet in the Black community to The Weeknd’s 1 confirmed The Weeknd’s pop star power connect aspiring executives with the leaders ahead of 2020’s After Hours. Although he of our industry. We fully support her efforts ‘Blinding Lights’ was three years removed from his previous and look forward to her leading that organi- album, 2016’s Starboy, at the time, smashes zation to new heights.” Set the All-Time like “Can’t Feel My Face,” “The Hills” and Brown brings 21 years of marketing expe- “Starboy” had turned him into a household rience at Atlantic, where she collaborated Hot 100 name, and his My Dear Melancholy EP with brands such as MasterCard, LVMH, and Black Panther soundtrack hit “Pray L’Oreal, CoverGirl, Puma, McDonald’s and Longevity Record for Me” with Kendrick Lamar in 2018 had Google Pixel on strategic campaigns involv- kept him active in pop culture prior to his ing TV, print, radio and online components, BY JASON LIPSHUTZ official comeback. Like any pop A-lister, The tour sponsorships, music licensing and Weeknd’s track record as a hitmaker set him video product placement. Atlantic artists he Weeknd makes history on up for success when he did return with a that she worked with include Bazzi, Cardi this week’s Billboard Hot 100: new project, with top 40 radio and stream- B, Charli XCX, Janelle Monae, Kehlani, K. not only does the pop superstar ing services ready for whatever he had Michelle, Lizzo, Missy Elliott, Rico Nasty, score a top 10 debut with his prepared next. Rita Ora and Wiz Khalifa. Tlatest single, “Take My Breath,” but he Of course, not every superstar is able to “I am so excited to join ICM Partners and also captures the chart record for most deliver a single that spends months on end on get the opportunity to work across all de- weeks spent by a single song on the tally, the Hot 100 chart based on name recognition. partments to connect our renowned clients as “Blinding Lights” notches its 88th And while “Heartless” wasn’t able to muster with strategically targeted brands,” Brown week on the chart. Originally making its a prolonged chart run, “Blinding Lights” was said in ICM’s release. “The marketing world debut on the Hot 100 dated Dec. 14, 2019, able to capitalize on the type of superstar is alive with possibilities, and I can’t wait to “Blinding Lights” has now broken out of a The Weeknd has become: a brand name in dig in and get working for ICM’s tremen- tie held with Imagine Dragons’ “Radioac- different styles. A mainstream artist who dous clients.” tive,” which spent 87 weeks on the chart nimbly straddles genre lines and outpaces Brown tells Billboard that her immediate from 2012 to 2014, to become the longest- the competition at both radio and stream- plans are to “build out a full team” over the running Hot 100 hit in the survey’s history. ing, The Weeknd doesn’t sound out of place next 12-18 months as she begins working “Blinding Lights” has long been a smash on an afternoon top 40 mix, on soulful R&B across ICM’s music, TV, film, sports and of mammoth proportions: prior to setting playlists, blasting at a hip-hop festival or from other departments. the Hot 100 longevity record, the single the speakers at a nightclub. He’s the rare art- Her plans also include nurturing a legacy from The Weeknd’s 2020 album After ist that can both make hedonistic anthems of young executive talents. Under Brown’s Hours set the records for longest stays in with Future and get the Kidz Bop treat- stewardship, Culture Creators has launched the Hot 100’s top five (43 weeks), top 10 (57 ment, and have each appearance feel logical. several platforms during the last five years weeks) and top 20 (79 weeks). Amazingly, So when “Blinding Lights” started to to promote and salute diversity and inclu- the song still resides in the lattermost cat- take off, the single did so on a multitude sion within the music industry and beyond. egory, clocking in at No. 18 in its record 88th of platforms, reaching disparate listener Those platforms include its annual flagship week on the chart. audiences that most artists wouldn’t be able event, the Innovators and Leaders Awards Yet it’s worth wondering: how did “Blind- to unite. As it sets the Hot 100 longevity brunch, as well as the 50 Empowered Wom- ing Lights”’ morph from another hit single record, “Blinding Lights” has also topped en campaign in partnership with Elle maga- for The Weeknd into an all-time chart a whopping 14 different Billboard charts, zine and the C2 Summit for HBCU students. stalwart, shattering various Hot 100 records ranging from Hot R&B Songs to On-Demand “There aren’t many opportunities where along the way? Here are the five main rea- Streaming Songs to Radio Songs (more on you get to roll into a corporate situation sons why “Blinding Lights” has been able to that one in a second) to Adult Contempo- with an entrepreneurial spirit,” says Brown. enter uncharted chart territory and snatch rary. Before a specific type of song is able “This opportunity marries my day job with the Hot 100 longevity crown: to conquer those charts, it takes a singular my passion for driving culture and bring- 1. The Weeknd is a superstar at multiple artist to possess enough influence at each Page 12 of 23

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format to help it get there. 100, the song made history on another Bill- Yet the pandemic also impacted the Hot 2. ...And he’s in his biggest era to date. board chart — it spent 19 weeks at No. 1 100 run of “Blinding Lights” in other ways. Even with multiple No. 1 singles, festival on the Radio Songs tally, surpassing the For one, fewer blockbuster albums were re- headlining slots and awards-show acco- 18-week mark set by Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris” leased over the course of its chart run, with lades all coming prior to After Hours, The 22 years earlier. The Weeknd had enjoyed projects delayed due to the shutdown, tours Weeknd’s latest run has dwarfed the success previous success at different formats, but postponed or cancelled and promo opportu- of his previous projects. After Hours de- the radio ubiquity of “Blinding Lights,” nities scrapped out of necessity. Of course, buted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart which topped out at 23 weeks at No. 1 on The Weeknd’s own plans were affected by in March 2020 with 444,000 equivalent Radio Songs, was literally unprecedented the pandemic — his After Hours arena tour, album units — the third-biggest bow of — the difference between a hit that lingers scheduled for last year, was postponed to last year, after Taylor Swift’s Folklore and in heavy rotation for multiple months and a 2022 — but by setting up “Blinding Lights” Juice WRLD’s Legends Never Die — and once-in-a-generation radio smash that gets prior to shutdown and growing the single kept providing The Weeknd with com- regular play for over a year and eventually into a smash, he was able to do with the mercial W’s for more than a year afterward. results in a Hot 100 record. song what other A-list artists could not “Blinding Lights” hit No. 1 on the Hot 100 “’Blinding Lights’ is one of those special, with their music over the past 17 months. the same week as the album’s chart debut, melodic, mass-appeal songs with multi-for- And with fewer major projects coming out, follow-up “In Your Eyes” followed into the mat and multi-generational appeal,” Jon Zell- there were fewer opportunities for “Blind- chart’s top 20, and fourth single “Save Your ner, president of programming operations at ing Lights” to get pushed down, or off, the Tears” reached the summit earlier this year iHeartMedia, told Billboard last year when Hot 100. after Ariana Grande hopped on the official the song set the Radio Songs record. Erik That lack of competition ultimately remix. Overall, After Hours was the eighth- Bradley, music director at Chicago’s WBBM- turned into a positive for both The Weeknd biggest album of 2020 on the Billboard 200 FM, added, “It just had a little more of a retro and music fans seeking comfort-food hits, year-end chart, and even as The Weeknd vibe to it, and it just felt like it was going to as another effect that the pandemic had on kicks off his next era — new single “Take My be one of the top couple songs for the entire popular music was pushing listeners toward Breath” debuts at No. 6 on this week’s Hot year. And that happened.” the familiar. Turnover at radio and on 100 — his 2020 album remains in the top 20 The “retro vibe” is worth noting in par- streaming platforms has slowed down dur- of the current Billboard 200 chart. ticular, since “Blinding Lights” arrived at ing shutdown, with the same songs spend- So how has the overall success of After radio at the end of a relatively downtempo ing longer than usual near the top of stream- Hours helped the “Blinding Lights” chart period at top 40 — Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy,” ing charts and radio program directors more run? By providing The Weeknd with major Halsey’s “Without Me” and Khalid’s “Talk” likely than ever to keep multiple songs by opportunities in which to showcase the were among the biggest songs of 2019 — the same artist in heavy rotation, provided smash. That included, most notably, the and helped kick off a trend of uptempo, those artists are mass-appeal superstars. Super Bowl halftime show — the most throwback-leaning pop hits, including Dua The general preference for the familiar coveted performance slot on the planet, Lipa’s “Don’t Start Now,” Lady Gaga and has helped other artists, too: Justin Bieber which “Blinding Lights” closed out in grand Ariana Grande’s “Rain on Me,“ Doja Cat’s has been able to promote a handful of fashion earlier this year. But The Weeknd “Say So” and BTS’s “Dynamite.” The bright, songs to top 40 radio at the same time, also performed the song to open the 2020 synth-heavy arrangement of “Blinding and Ariana Grande recently became the MTV Video Music Awards last August, dur- Lights” worked alongside the songs concur- first artist to have three singles in the ing his guest appearance on Saturday Night rently succeeding when it settled in for its top 10 of the Pop Airplay chart. For The Live in March 2020, and during his The Radio Songs run in 2020; had The Weeknd Weeknd, however, the longer shelf life of Weeknd Experience interactive livestream released it in 2018, for instance, perhaps it songs in radio rotation and on streaming event on TikTok last summer. These all gave wouldn’t have fit in with the rest of power charts has been particularly helpful as he’s The Weeknd the chance to don his red suit, rotation and become quite as dominant. rolled out other singles from After Hours. bandage his face up and perform “Blinding 4. The pandemic played a large part. “In Your Eyes” and “Save Your Tears” were Lights” for millions of viewers as his career Part of that uptempo revival at radio can able to enjoy their own runs as hits without remained red-hot. And in the case of the be chalked up to the coronavirus pandemic decreasing the appeal of “Blinding Lights”; Super Bowl, it yielded a real momentum — which shut down the U.S. in March 2020, listeners were fine regularly engaging with boost for the song, with a 41% increase in the same month The Weeknd released After two or three The Weeknd songs, and as streams immediately after the performance. Hours — and the mass desire to hear uplifting such, they were able to coexist on the Hot 3. The right sound for radio, at the right pop during a time of lockdown and uncer- 100 for longer than usual. time. tainty. “I don’t know that during a pandemic, 5. Don’t underestimate the Weeknd-Max One year before “Blinding Lights” set the you want to be so sad and ‘the world is end- Martin combo. record for most weeks logged on the Hot ing,’” Bradley told Billboard last year. The main reason why “Blinding Lights” Page 13 of 23

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just set the Hot 100 longevity record? It’s tal Song Sales; and the Pop Airplay, Adult an excellent pop single: immediately catchy The Weeknd’s Pop Airplay and Adult Contemporary radio but eminently pulse-pounding, stuffed genre charts. with hooks that recall other classic singles ‘Blinding Lights’ 48: Record weeks spent at No. 1 on Hot and styles but which never sound overly R&B Songs, more than double the sum of derivative. And that highly professional pop By the Numbers: three runners-up (with 20 apiece). It has construction can be credited primarily to also logged the most weeks in the top 10 and The Weeknd, who has turned his soul- All the Stats on the tally overall (66 each). ful croon into a commanding mainstream 26: Record weeks notched atop Radio instrument over the past decade, and Max Behind Its Record- Songs. The mark had been held for over two Martin, the most important pop producer decades by Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris” (18 weeks) of the 21st century, who co-wrote and co- Breaking Run in 1998. produced the track. 35: Weeks spent atop Adult Contem- “Blinding Lights” is not the first time BY XANDER ZELLNER porary, the most among solo males in the The Weeknd and Martin have worked chart’s 60-year history. together: the producer helped the ris- he Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” is 5,410,644,400: Total cumulative audience ing singer fully breach stardom five years now, officially, the longest charting for “Blinding Lights” on U.S. radio. earlier with his first Hot 100 chart-topper, hit in the Billboard Hot 100’s his- 1,270,906,753: Total on-demand U.S. “Can’t Feel My Face,” and contributed to tory, as the song — originally streams for the song, audio and video his Beauty Behind The Madness and Star- Treleased in 2019 — tallies its 88th week on combined. boy albums. Yet After Hours — which the survey, dated Aug. 21, 2021. 811,500: Total U.S. downloads sold for features Martin as a co-producer on five It passes the 87-week Hot 100 run of the song. songs, including “In Your Eyes” and “Save Imagine Dragons’ “Radioactive” in 2012-14. 33: “Blinding Lights” has hit No. 1 on Your Tears” — is where the pair sound most As “Blinding Lights” adds perhaps its surveys in Billboard’s charts menu encom- in synch on the vision of a full project, with most notable chart record yet, here’s a look passing 33 countries. Its world domination Martin helping supply ‘80s-spiked synths at its most luminous stats (as of charts dated has extended to Australia, Austria, Belgium, and crisp melodies that perfectly comple- Aug. 21, with all data through Aug. 12, ac- Bolivia, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, ment The Weeknd’s vocal textures. cording to MRC Data). Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Ger- Martin has helmed dozens of hits over 88: Record number of weeks that “Blind- many, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, the past quarter-century, for artists ranging ing Lights” has spent on the Hot 100, from Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, from Britney Spears to *NSYNC to Taylor its debut on the chart dated Dec. 14, 2019. Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Swift to Ariana Grande, and his presence 43: Record number of weeks totaled in Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, Sweden, Swit- in sculpting and perfecting the longest- the Hot 100’s top five. It passed The Chain- zerland, the United Kingdom, the United running song in the history of the Hot 100 smokers’ “Closer,” featuring Halsey, and States and Venezuela. should not be discounted. Neither should Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” each with 27 LV: Super Bowl whose halftime show this The Weeknd’s: if the pop superstar has weeks in the tier, for the achievement. Feb. 7 spotlighted The Weeknd’s medley, in become Martin’s latest muse, then he is also 57: Record number of weeks spent in the which “Blinding Lights” served as the finale. maximizing (excuse the pun) the opportuni- Hot 100’s top 10, previously held by Post 1: Weeks that “Blinding Lights” has not ap- ty that collaborating with a super-producer Malone’s “Circles” (39). peared on the Hot 100 since debuting. It was affords. “Blinding Lights” had the pedigree 79: Record number of weeks spent in the not on the chart dated Jan. 2, 2021, due in to become an all-time hit, but The Weeknd Hot 100’s top 20, a mark also previously large part to an influx of holiday hits. It re- was the one who sealed the deal. belonging to “Circles” (60). turned the following week at No. 3, marking 84: Record number of weeks spent in the the highest re-entry in the chart’s history. Hot 100’s top 40, having passed “Radioac- 34: The total number of Hot 100 No. 1s tive” (63). since “Blinding Lights” debuted on Dec. 14, 13: The number of U.S.-specific Bill- 2019, in addition to the song itself, which board charts on which “Blinding Lights” has reigned for four weeks in April and May hit No. 1. It has led the all-genre Hot 100, 2020. In its debut frame, the top title was Streaming Songs, Radio Songs and Digital The Weeknd’s own “Heartless.” Since then, Song Sales surveys; Hot R&B/Hip-Hop the songs to ascend to No. 1 have been, Songs, R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming Songs and chronologically, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales; Hot R&B for Christmas Is You” and Post Malone’s Songs, R&B Streaming Songs and R&B Digi- “Circles,” also in 2019 … Page 14 of 23

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In 2020: Roddy Ricch’s “The Box”; Bonus … 1 billion times brighter than ing the successful awards show, which had Drake’s “Toosie Slide”; The Scotts, Travis the surface of the sun: The brightest more than half a million unique viewers, Scott and Kid Cudi’s “The Scotts”; Doja light ever recorded, created by a group of Billboard and Logitech recognized the need Cat’s “Say So,” featuring Nicki Minaj; Ariana physicists from the University of Nebraska- to spotlight creators’ impact on the music Grande and Justin Bieber’s “Stuck With U”; Lincoln “by focusing a laser beam extreme- industry throughout the year, and developed Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage,” featuring ly intensely.” (And perhaps still not a match the Song Breaker Chart. Beyoncé; Lady Gaga and Grande’s “Rain on for the continuing chart glow of “Blinding “We’re excited that this partnership Me”; DaBaby’s “Rockstar,” featuring Roddy Lights.”) with Billboard is taking what we started Ricch; 6ix9ine and Minaj’s “Trollz”; Taylor with the Song Breaker Awards a step fur- Swift’s “Cardigan”; Harry Styles’ “Water- ther,” said Meridith Rojas, Global Head of melon Sugar”; Cardi B’s “WAP,” featuring Logitech and Entertainment and Creator Marketing at Megan Thee Stallion; BTS’ “Dynamite”; Logitech For Creators. “The Song Breaker Scott’s “Franchise,” featuring Young Thug Billboard Debut Chart is the music industry recognizing and M.I.A.; Jawsh 685, Jason Derulo and creators as pop culture powerhouses, and BTS’ “Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)”; Song Breaker celebrating TikTokers who propel songs 24kGoldn’s “Mood,” featuring iann dior; into the music charts with dance challenges Grande’s “Positions”; BTS’ “Life Goes On”; Chart, the and creators who encourage their large and Swift’s “Willow” … audiences to join them in a trend.” And, in 2021, so far: Olivia Rodrigo’s First Ever “Every day we see new trends exploding “Drivers License”; Drake’s “What’s Next”; in popularity across social platforms and we Cardi B’s “Up”; Bieber’s “Peaches,” featur- Creator-Centered are beyond thrilled to highlight these break- ing Daniel Caesar and Giveon; Lil Nas X’s through creators who are redefining star- “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)”; Silk Music Chart dom in the music industry,” said Julian Hol- Sonic’s (Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak) guin, President of Billboard. “We couldn’t “Leave the Door Open”; Polo G’s “Rapstar”; BY BILLBOARD STAFF be more excited to partner and build upon another leader by The Weeknd: “Save Your what Logitech has created with their Song Tears,” with Grande; Rodrigo’s “Good 4 U”; illboard and Logitech For Breaker Awards to uplift and shine a light on BTS’ “Butter” and “Permission to Dance”; Creators, a brand extension of this new crop of talent who are disrupting and current leader “Stay” by The Kid LA- Logitech that helps all creators the traditional business model and influenc- ROI and Bieber. pursue their passions, today an- ing millions in the process.” 1,218: The number of songs that have Bnounced the Song Breaker Chart, a music Creators and trends on this month’s Song charted on the Hot 100 since “Blinding industry standard ranking of creators who Breaker Chart are: Lights” debuted. are driving music consumption through Usim E. Mang @usimmango - origina- 20: The number of other songs by The content creation. This new monthly chart is tor of the synchronized sway to “Alors on Weeknd that have hit the Hot 100 since the first of its kind to give credit to creators, Danse” by Stromae “Blinding Lights” entered the chart. recognizing their role in helping songs break Vanessa Clark @glitchgirlmaster - popu- 62: The number of songs sent onto the into the coveted Billboard charts through larized the “glitching” trend to “Get Ur Hot 100 by Lil Baby since “Blinding Lights” memes and dance challenges originated or Freak On” by Missy Elliot and “Kurxxed debuted, the most of any artist in that amplified on social media by the creators. Emeraldz” by Luci4 timeframe. The Billboard Song Breaker Chart is Bobby V Vivid @bobbyvvivid, - “Talk 3: The number of 2020 year-end charts inspired by Logitech’s Song Breaker Awards, To Me” meme to “Buy U A Drank (Shawty that “Blinding Lights” topped, wrapping at held earlier this year ahead of the GRAM- Snappin’)” by T-Pain feat. Yung Joc No. 1 for the year on the Hot 100, Hot R&B/ MYs to celebrate creators and their role in Zoi Lerma @zoifishh featuring Cassidy Hip-Hop Songs and Pop Airplay. curating our music playlists and pop culture. Condie @cassidycondiee - “Kiss Me More 3: Total Billboard Music Awards that In collaboration with TikTok, Logitech hon- (feat. SZA)” by Doja Cat “Blinding Lights” has won. It earned honors ored Originators such as Jalaiah Harmon (@ Walker Hayes @walkerhayesofficial - for top Hot 100 song, top R&B song and jalaiahharmon) creator of the “Renegade” “Fancy Like” top radio song at the 2021 festivities. The dance and Keara Wilson (@keke.janajah) Layla @layzchipz - “Twerkulator” by Weeknd also won the coveted top artist creator of the “Savage” dance, as well as Am- City Girls trophy, among 10 total wins for the year. plifiers — popular creators who are respon- Mila De’brito @debrito_bunch - “To the “Thank you to my fans, of course,” he said in sible for amplifying the challenges to their guy/girl...” meme to “Never Forget You” by his acceptance speech for top artist. “I do audiences — such as Larray (@larrayeeee) Noisettes not take this for granted.” and Michael Le (@justmaiko). Follow- Berta Alonso @bertualonso - #VHStape Page 15 of 23

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challenge to “Marlboro Nights” by Lonely Billboard Song Breaker Chart here: www. ación” was stunning in a live setting. God billboard.com/charts/song-breaker “¡Se vale soñar!,” Sech shouted, alluding Noah Beck @noahbeck - “Dinero” by to the title of his debut album, Sueños, but Trinidad Cardona more importantly, reminding his fans that Lizzo @lizzo - “Into the Thick of It” by J Balvin, Sech, even the wildest dreams are possible. A few The Backyardigans years ago, after all, the singer was working Saucy Santana @saucysantana - “Walk” Becky G & Rauw construction in Rio Abajo, Panama. Cameron Walker @spicekingcam - Becky G: The California-born star — “Punk Monk” by Playboy Carti Alejandro Close looking as beautiful as ever in glistening Abby Gagnepain @abgag1111- “All Eyes silver eyeshadow and a white jean shorts on Me” by Bo Burnam Weekend 1 of and jacket combo — continued to rep her Jason Derulo @jasonderulo - “Jalebi biculturalism, stating how thrilled she is Baby” by Tesher Mexico’s Baja to be a part of both worlds as an American SEB @sebs_lovesongs - “Seaside Demo” and Mexicana. Her bilingual set was invigo- William White @whiteyy18 - “Into the Beach Fest: Recap rating to say the least. “No Drama” and clos- Night” by Benny Mardones ing numbers “Mayores” and “Sin Pijama” Josh Richards @joshrichards - “Drip BY ISABELA RAYGOZA elevated the vibe to boisterous proportions. Like a Faucet” by Yosh Hollywood Rauw Alejandro and Jhay Cortez: The Jeremiah @cityboyj - “Track Star” by he third day of Baja Beach Fest in two rising stars brought fresh hits. Rauw Mooski Rosarito, Mexico, capped a week- Alejandro boasted some of the slickest Alex Guzman @blesiv - “Bills Bills Bills” end of hitmakers, including Anuel, dance moves of the weekend and set the by Destiny’s Child Ozuna and Karol G. On Sunday, stage ablaze with dance banger “Todo De Aliscyn Hammond @ali.scyn - “Dick” by TJ Balvin closed out weekend one, follow- Ti.” And Cortez delivered more crowd Starboi3 feat. Doja Cat ing stellar performances from Sech, Becky pleasers with “Dákiti” and “No Me Conoce.” “I never thought of being on a chart, it’s G, Rauw Alejandro, Paloma Mami, Jhay “After being away from a festival stage for like a next-level type of popular,” said Van- Cortez, Justin Quiles and Sky Rompiendo so long, I feel blessed to be able to get back essa Clark @glitchgirlmaster. “Music among others. out there and reconnect with the people, brings the best out of us, especially weird Here are the highlights: my fans, and be able to share all this new dance moves. With the glitch, it was me J Balvin: Balvin returned to the Rosarito music,” Cortez told Billboard. doing random moves to songs with amazing festival for a second time, this time as the Baja Beach Fest returns next weekend. beats like Missy Elliott’s ‘Get Ur Freak On’ main headliner, and fans welcomed him and Luci4’s ‘Kurxxed Emeraldz.’ If you have with a huge, echoing roar the instant he a weird dance move that you want to pair set foot onstage and opened with — wait 50 Cent’s Branson with a song, make a TikTok about it, no need for it — “Mi Gente.” The Colombian icon, to be shy, be you. You never know, it might gleaming in bleached hair and tan-colored Cognac Sued by become a trend!” cargo attire, played a riveting hour of hits, The Billboard Song Breaker Chart will including “X,” “Con Altura” and “Que Remy Martin Over drop on the second Tuesday of each month, Calor.” Maverick male backup dancers in with the inaugural ranking releasing today. quirky outfits backed him up, a standout Bottle Design The chart ranks the top creators on social moment, considering that backup dancers at media platforms including TikTok and You- the fest were mostly sexily clad, voluptuous BY CARL LAMARRE Tube, who amplify music and music-based women. Bonus: Puerto Rican star Nio García trends that often result in their success on popped up to join Balvin for their recent top 0 Cent is in hot water after famous charts such as the Billboard Hot 100. From 10 “AM” remix. French distiller Remy Martin sued dance challenges that help songs go viral to Sech: In 2019, Sech was just another the G-Unit rapper last week. Filed funny videos that introduce new audiences breakout star with an inescapable hit, “Otro in a Manhattan federal court on to the classics, creators are changing the Trago.” Now, the Panamanian vocalist is 5Friday (Aug. 13), the lawsuit alleges that 50’s way we listen to music. Monthly rankings unquestionably one of the most sought-after Branson cognac brand infringes on Remy’s are created using a blend of engagement and performers in Latin music. At Baja Beach trademark and patented “jewel-shaped glass view data from these platforms provided by fest, he brought pal Jhay Cortez onstage cognac bottle design.” analytics partner Shareablee, plus streaming for an unexpected duet and displayed his According to Reuters, the complaint and sales data as provided by MRC Data. acrobatic-like percussion skills in a drum made against Branson goes far enough to Check out the latest Logitech and battle alongside Toni Drums. Bonus: “Rel- call their design a “blatant attempt” on Page 16 of 23

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Remy’s branding. The lawsuit also describes and “Regional No More– Mexican Music story, Em will guest star in the Black Mafia the bottle as having a “circular array of Goes Global” with Natanael Cano, Los Dos Family series on Starz, where he’ll have a raised flat and angled quadrilateral facets,” Carnales and Carin Leon, and moderated by cameo as WBR in an episode of the series which helped the company reach worldwide Rancho Humilde’s Jimmy Humilde. produced by 50. notoriety after 35 years. On the other hand, The star-studded 2021 Latin Music Week “I’m honored and appreciative of my the complaint states that Branson’s branding lineup — headlined by Daddy Yankee, Karol good friend Em for supporting my new of their bottle is “nearly indistinguishable” G and Nicky Jam — also includes participa- show BMF,” Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson said and is a “near-exact reproduction.” tion by Anitta, Elena Rose, Myke Towers, in a statement. “We couldn’t do a show In 2018, Sire Spirits launched Branson. Nicki Nicole, Rauw Alejandro, Esteman, based in Detroit without incorporating the The bottle has been available for purchase Raymix, Kany García, Tainy and Tini, with legend that is Eminem.” Rick Wershe Jr., since 2020. Upon hearing about the lawsuit, more to be announced in the coming weeks. better known as White Boy Rick, ran drugs 50 went on Instagram to share his thoughts. Under the slogan “The Beat of Latin Mu- and guns for a Detroit gang as a teenage FBI “They are afraid of me already,” he said. sic,” making its mark as the longest running informant. “Branson Cognac is the new wave. REMY is and biggest Latin music industry gathering He was the star of the 2017 documen- #2 Behind Henny and worried about Bran- in the world, this year’s event will con- tary White Boy, as well as the 2018 film son Smh. I’m just getting started.” tinue through the end of the week as Bill- starring Matthew McConaughey, Richie Check out 50’s IG post below. board launches its En Vivo concert series in Merritt, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Brian partnership with Samsung, Amazon Music Tyree Henry. Wershe was eventually given and Bacardí. a life sentence and arrested for cocaine Rauw Alejandro & The 2021 Latin Music Week will take possession before being paroled last June at place from Sept. 20 to 24 at the Faena Fo- age 50. Myke Towers Set rum in Miami, and coincides with the 2021 Eminem shot out of the gate with a Billboard Latin Music Awards broadcasting career-making acting performance in 8 for ‘Mano a Mano’ live via Telemundo on Sept. 23. See the list Mile and has been attached to a number of of finalists here. follow-up acting projects since. but other Panel at 2021 Latin To register and for more information, than a few cameos in the movie Funny visit BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com. People and the season seven finale of Entou- Music Week rage, he has not flexed his acting chops very much since his big-screen debut. BY GRISELDA FLORES Eminem Is Set to According to Starz, BMF was inspired by the real-life story of the Detroit-bred 1980s auw Alejandro and Myke Play White Boy crime family headed by brothers Demetrius Towers are confirmed for Bill- “Big Meech” Flenory and Terry “Southwest” board’s 2021 Latin Music Week, Rick in 50 Cent’s Flenory. The network describes the series as returning to Miami in September a drama about “love, kinship and capitalism Rwith a weeklong event that unites the top Starz Series ‘BMF’ in the pursuit of the American dream.” Latin hitmakers, influencers and industry Meech will be played by his real-life son, leaders, and features live performances and BY GIL KAUFMAN Demetrius “Lil Meech” Flenory Jr, with conversations with superstars. Da’Vinchi, Russell Hornsby and Michole Presented by Patron Tequila, the two early two decades after making Briana White rounding out a cast that will chart-topping Latin acts will come together his Oscar-winning debut in 8 also feature recurring guest stars Snoop for a mano a mano discussing new projects, Mile, Eminem is hopping back Dogg, La La Anthony and Serayah. The se- upcoming tours and the challenges and into the acting game. Longtime ries is set to premiere on Starz on Sept. 26. advantages for the new wave of reggaetón Nfriend 50 Cent helped break the news in a See 50 Cent’s announcement below: artists. tweet on Tuesday (Aug. 17), revealing that Recently announced panels include “My Slim Shady will take to the small screen for Cause, My Music: A Conversation on Social an iconic Motor City role. Justice” with Cuban artist/activist Yotuel “Oh yeah i’m bringing the big dogs out, I Romero, Puerto Rican star Kany García and couldn’t do a show based in Detroit without ChocQuibTown members (and husband and incorporating the legend @eminem,” Fiddy wife) Goyo and Tostao; “Making the Hit, wrote. “Got him to play white Boy Rick Live” masterclass with Lunay and his long- in BMF, this s—- is out of here.” time producers Chris Jedi and Gaby Music; According to The Wrap, which broke the Page 17 of 23

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with freshman single “19 You + Me,” which back shows at MGM Grand Garden Arena, Dan + Shay Score reached No. 11 in April 2014. and both Marco Antonio Solis and Alejan- On Hot Country Songs, which blends dro Fernandez with two concerts each. 8th Country airplay, sales and streaming data, “Glad” “The Independence of Mexico is a cel- bumps 4-2 for a new high. In the week end- ebratory event, and Live Nation has been Airplay No. 1: ing Aug. 12, the track corralled 8.4 million the primary promoter recognizing this U.S. streams and sold 1,300 downloads. special holiday by bringing iconic Latin tal- ‘Fans and Country Plus, Dan + Shay’s newest single, “Steal ent to Las Vegas, which is a destination for My Love,” released on Good Things, received international and domestic Hispanic travel- Radio … We’re hourly plays on participating iHeartMedia ers every September,” Emily Simonitsch, stations Aug. 13, and arrives on Country SVP of concerts for Live Nation, tells Bill- Glad You Exist!’ Airplay at No. 35 (3.7 million impressions) board in a statement. following its first three days of availability. In regards to the COVID-19 and Delta BY JIM ASKER variant spikes, Simonitsch assures, “Live Nation continues to follow all venue and an + Shay, the duo of Dan Smy- Alejandro local government protocols and encourages ers and Shay Mooney, score guests to visit the websites for each venue their eighth leader on Bill- Fernandez, for the most updated guidelines.” board’s Country Airplay chart For more information, visit LiveNation. Das “Glad You Exist” ascends 3-1 on the list Christian Nodal & com or VisitLasVegas.com. See the full live dated Aug. 21. In the week ending Aug. 15, music schedule, below: the song gained by 4% to 29.9 million im- More to Perform MALUMA pressions, according to MRC Data. Sept. 4 — Michelob ULTRA Arena at “Glad,” which Dan + Shay During El Grito Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino wrote with Ryan Lewis, Tayla Parx and MARCO ANTONIO SOLIS Jordan Reynolds, is the pair’s eighth Coun- 2021 in Las Vegas Sept. 10 & 11 — The Colosseum at Caesars try Airplay No. 1, among nine top 10s. The Palace track is from Dan + Shay’s fourth full- BY JESSICA ROIZ GRUPO FIRME length, Good Things, released Aug. 13 and Sept. 10 to 12 — MGM Grand Garden due on Billboard’s Aug. 28-dated charts. s the live entertainment industry Arena at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino “This song is a message of gratitude to ev- reopens, so do the annual El Grito BANDA MS eryone in our lives, and we’re truly grateful festivities that take place in Las Sept. 11 — Michelob ULTRA Arena at to see it at the top of the chart,” Dan + Shay Vegas throughout September. Mandalay Bay shared in a statement to Billboard. “There AIn celebration of Mexico’s Independence PANCHO BARRAZA is nothing quite like the feeling of having a Day, the city will capture El Grito’s essence Sept. 11 — Zappos Theater at Planet Hol- No. 1 song, and we couldn’t think of a better with month-long cultural events, a star- lywood Resort & Casino time to celebrate it than the week of our studded lineup, and culinary hotspots, to LOS ANGELES AZULES album release. Thank you, fans and country name a few. Sept. 12 — Zappos Theater at Planet Hol- radio … we’re glad you exist!” “Only the ‘Entertainment Capital of the lywood Resort & Casino “Glad” follows the pair’s “I Should Prob- World’ can celebrate Mexican Indepen- CHRISTIAN NODAL with special ably Go to Bed,” which reached No. 2 on dence Day with some of the biggest names guest GERA MX Country Airplay in January. The act had last in Latin entertainment,” Fernando Hurtado, Sept. 14 — Zappos Theater at Planet Hol- led with “10,000 Hours,” with Justin Bieber, senior director of global sales at Las Vegas lywood Resort & Casino for two weeks in January and February 2020. Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) ALEJANDRO FERNANDEZ Dan + Shay first topped Country Airplay tells Billboard. “With nearly 40 flights from Sept. 15 & 16 — MGM Grand Garden with “Nothin’ Like You,” for a week in De- Mexico to Las Vegas per week, there’s no Arena at MGM Grand cember 2015, followed by “From the Ground better place to celebrate El Grito or any PITBULL Up” (one week, September 2016); “How Not other special occasion.” Sept. 18 — Zappos Theater at Planet Hol- To” (one week, July 2017); “Tequila” (two Live Nation is producing seven out of 12 lywood Resort & Casino weeks, July 2018); “Speechless” (four weeks, performances taking place in September, CAMILO December 2018-January 2019); and “All to including Christian Nodal kicking off his Sept. 18 — Tropicana Las Vegas Myself” (one, August 2019). Botella Tras Botella tour with special guest BRONCO The duo first charted on Country Airplay Gera MX, Grupo Firme with three back-to- Sept. 18 — Concerts on the Beach Series at Page 18 of 23

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Mandalay Bay Beach nia on Saturday after what was described as a the Encores! production of Runaways and ENRIQUE IGLESIAS & RICKY MAR- COVID case “within the Korn camp.” portraying the lead role of Audrey in the TIN If Davis is recovered in time the band is Pasadena Playhouse’s production of Little Sept. 25 — MGM Grand Garden Arena at slated to be back on the road on August 27 Shop of Horrors. MGM Grand at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Rodriguez will continue to be represented Tinley Park, Illinois. by 111 Media and the law firm of Del Shaw. See their statement below. This article was originally published Korn Singer by The Hollywood Reporter. Jonathan Davis ‘Pose’ Star The Players Tests Positive For Michaela Jaé (Mj) Behind Billie COVID-19, Six Rodriguez Signs Eilish’s ‘Happier Shows Moved, With UTA Than Ever’: See Two Canceled BY LESLEY GOLDBERG the Full Credits BY GIL KAUFMAN ose’s Michaela Jaé (Mj) Rodri- guez has signed with UTA. BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN orn have been forced to move The actress, who was with around some of the dates on Gersh, recently made history as his week, Billie Eilish’s Happier their summer tour after singer Pthe first transgender actress to be nominated Than Ever recurred at No. 1 on Jonathan Davis tested positive for an Emmy in any lead acting category for the Billboard 200, which previ- Kfor COVID-19. “We really appreciate your her role as house mother Blanca in the FX ously racked up the fifth-highest patience as we work out the next steps for drama from Steven Canals and Ryan Murphy. Tsales week of any album this year with our tour,” the band wrote in an Instagram UTA will rep Rodriguez in all areas as she 238,000 equivalent album units. post featuring the new dates. continues to grow her career in film, TV, The album’s title track also scored a No. “On Saturday, we received the unfortu- theater and music, among other mediums. 1 placement — on Hot Rock & Alternative nate news that Jonathan tested positive With Pose having wrapped its run earlier Songs — marking Eilish’s second No. 1 on for Covid, and needless to say, we had to this year after three seasons, Rodriguez will the tally after “My Future” peaked there postpone the show last minute. As a result next star opposite Maya Rudolph in Apple’s last August. That makes the singer just of his positive test, we also need to resched- comedy series Loot. Her previous TV credits the second woman after Taylor Swift to ule the next handful of shows. As always, included roles in Showtime’s Nurse Jack- score multiple leaders on the chart, which our primary goal is to ensure the safety of ie and Marvel’s Netflix drama Luke Cage. launched in 2009. everyone involved, so this is something that On the big screen, Rodriguez will next “Happier Than Ever” isn’t just a U.S. has to be done.” star in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s feature ad- phenomenon. Last week, the track en- The good news is that they reported that aptation of Jonathan Larson’s Tick, Tick … tered Billboard’s Global 200 and Global Davis “spirits are high” and that he’s cur- Boom! She previously earned praise for her Excl. U.S. charts at Nos. 6 and 8, respective- rently resting and recovering. As a result, six role in Saturday Church, which debuted at ly. Outside the U.S., “Happier” earned 36.6 dates were rescheduled for September and the Tribeca Film Festival. million streams in its opening week. October and a pair had to be cancelled out- UTA will also help support Rodriguez as Explore the team of musicians, producers right: an August 24 show at Darien Lake Am- she expands her burgeoning music career. and more behind the track with recording phitheater in Darien, New York and another Rodriguez recently released a music video credits provided by Jaxsta below. gig the next night at the St. Joseph’s Health to accompany her debut single, “Something Artists: Amphitheater in Syracuse, New York. to Say,” the equality anthem she wrote with Main Artist - Billie Eilish “We’re as disappointed as you are about Verdine White of Earth, Wind and Fire, Songwriters: the circumstances, but we’ll get through it Neal Pogue and John Paris. Composer Lyricist - Billie Eilish O’Connell though, and we can’t wait to see you once On stage, Rodriguez made her off- Composter Lyricist - Finneas O’Connell we’re back, firing on all cylinders once again,” Broadway debut in the New World Stages Vocal Arranger - FINNEAS they wrote. The news comes after Korn production of Larson’s beloved Rent, playing Producers: canceled their show in Scranton, Pennsylva- the role of Angel. Her stage credits include Producer - FINNEAS Page 19 of 23

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Production Team: summer hit of 1983, when it dominated the Stones and Usher, while The Beatles, Drake, Drum Programming - FINNEAS Hot 100 for eight frames, and the No. 7 title Lil Wayne, Katy Perry and (appropriately Programmer - FINNEAS on the Greatest of All Time Songs of the enough) Donna Summer each claim four. Engineers: Summer chart. Bee Gees, Justin Bieber, The Black Eyed Assistant Mixer - Casey Cuayo Billboard’s Greatest of All Time Songs of Peas, Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey, Destiny’s Assistant Mixer - Eli Heisler the Summer chart is based on titles’ per- Child, Madonna, Prince and Frankie Valli Engineer - FINNEAS formance on the Hot 100 during the annual each tally three titles on the Greatest of All Mastering Engineer - Dave Kutch tracking period of Memorial Day through Time Songs of the Summer recap. Mixer - Rob Kinelski Labor Day. The chart utilizes an inverse You can relive the biggest hits from Vocal Engineer - Billie Eilish point system for 1959 (the Hot 100’s first full the season of beaches, baseball and bar- Performers: summer, following its Aug. 4, 1958, incep- becues on the full Greatest of All Time Electric Guitar - FINNEAS tion) through 1991 (the final summer prior Songs of the Summer chart in the charts Nylon-String Guitar - FINNEAS to the advent of MRC Data information), menu of Billboard.com. Percussion - FINNEAS with weeks at No. 1 earning the greatest You can also check out the top 10 summer Synth Bass - FINNEAS value and weeks at No. 100 earning the least. songs every year throughout the Hot 100’s Synthesizer - FINNEAS From 1992 through 2020, the recap incor- history and Billboard’s weekly Songs of the Labels: porates point totals accumulated from radio Summer chart in its entirety. Distributor - Universal Music Group airplay, sales and, subsequently, streaming Label - Darkroom/Interscope Records data included in the Hot 100’s methodol- Explore the full “Happier Than Ever” ogy. Additionally, years were weighted to Chris Young’s credits on Jaxsta here. account for varying chart turnover rates throughout the Hot 100’s history. ‘Famous Friends’ Brandy and Monica’s “The Boy Is Mine” ‘I’ll Be Missing You’ is the No. 2 title on the Greatest of All Time Debuts at No. 3 Songs of the Summer chart, having led the Tops Billboard’s Hot 100 for 13 weeks in 1998, and Bobby on Top Country Lewis’ “Tossin’ and Turnin’,” a seven-week Greatest of All Hot 100 No. 1 in 1961, places at No. 3. Albums Chart Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines,” featur- Time Songs of the ing T.I. and Pharrell, ranks at No. 4 on the BY JIM ASKER Greatest of All Time Songs of the Summer Summer Chart survey, after it ruled the Hot 100 for 12 hris Young’s Famous weeks in 2013, and Luis Fonsi and Daddy Friends bounds in at No. 3 BY GARY TRUST Yankee’s “Despacito,” featuring Justin on Billboard’s Top Country Bieber, takes the No. 5 spot, following its 16- Albums chart dated Aug. 21. Re- ’ll Be Missing You,” by Puff week Hot 100 reign in 2017. Cleased Aug. 6, the set earned 24,000 equiva- Daddy and Faith Evans, Elsewhere in the Greatest of All Time lent album units, with 14,000 in album sales, featuring 112, is the No. 1 hit Songs of the Summer top 10: Lil Nas X’s “Old in its first week (ending Aug. 12), according on Billboard’s Greatest of All Town Road,” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, from to MRC Data. “ITime Songs of the Summer chart, as the 2019 (No. 6); Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Says Young, “This album was such a 500-position recap of more than six decades Together,” from 2005 (No. 8); Andy Gibb’s process … four years, 14 tracks, a global pan- of sizzling summer smashes makes its debut “I Just Want to Be Your Everything,” from demic … It’s just so amazing to be at the end in the charts menu of Billboard.com. 1977 (No. 9); and Prince and the Revolution’s of that process and see genuine excitement The all-star collaboration, an ode to the “When Doves Cry,” from 1984 (No. 10). from people once I got to reveal it to every- late Notorious B.I.G. (Evans’ husband), Scanning the entire 500-position Great- one. I’m so proud that Famous Friends is ruled the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 11 est of All Time Songs of the Summer chart, finally out.” weeks in 1997, wrapping as that summer’s Rihanna leads all acts with eight songs, with Famous Friends is the eighth full-length biggest song. “Umbrella,” featuring Jay-Z, her highest- (including holiday fare) for the 36-year- According to Evans, “Puff said he ranking, at No. 23. The song topped the Hot old from Murfreesboro, Tenn. Lead wanted to make the biggest tribute record 100 for seven weeks in 2007. single “Raised on Country” peaked at No. that’s ever been done.” With five hits each on the Greatest of All 5 on Country Airplay in August 2019; The single interpolates The Police’s Time Songs of the Summer chart are Elton “Drowning” reached No. 25 in April 2020; “Every Breath You Take” — itself the top John, Paul McCartney/Wings, The Rolling and the title track with Kane Brown led the Page 20 of 23

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list dated July 17, granting Young his 10th Than Ever,” at No. 13 (after debuting at No. No. 1 (and Brown his sixth). On Hot Coun- 11 a week ago), and “NDA,” at No. 77 (after Vince Gill, try Songs, the tracks hit Nos. 10, 18 and 2, debuting at its No. 39 high in July). respectively. With her 12th week at No. 1 on the Artist Chris Young, On the Aug. 21-dated Country Airplay 100, Eilish ties Ed Sheeran for the eighth- chart, “Friends” ranks at No. 5 with 27.2 most frames in charge, dating to the chart’s Bill Anderson & million in audience. On Hot Country Songs, 2014 inception, after Taylor Swift (48), it returns to the top five (7-5) with 6 million Drake (32), The Weeknd (22), BTS (19), More to Celebrate streams (up 6%) and 2,400 sold (up 10%). Ariana Grande (15), Post Malone and Justin Young achieves his eighth Top Country Bieber (14 each). Grand Ole Opry’s Albums top 10 in as many visits, follow- Elsewhere on the Artist 100, George Har- ing Losing Sleep, which became his second rison debuts at No. 10 as his former Bill- 5,000th Show No. 1 for a week upon its bow in November board 200 No. 1 All Things Must Pass re-en- 2017. All his entries have started at their ters at No. 7 following its 50th anniversary BY JESSICA NICHOLSON peaks, beginning with his self-titled first reissue Aug. 6. The album was newly mixed album (No. 3, October 2006). Next came The and rereleased in a variety of formats. n Oct. 30, the Grand Ole Man I Want to Be (No. 6, September The late legend joins his three fellow Opry will celebrate its his- 2009); Neon (No. 2, July 2011); A.M. (No. 2, Beatles in having charted on the Artist 100. toric 5,000th Saturday night October 2013); I’m Comin Over (No. 1 for Paul McCartney spent a week at No. 1 in broadcast with performances a week in December 2015); and It Must Be September 2018; Ringo Starr hit No. 86 in Ofrom Opry members Bill Anderson, Ter- Christmas (No. 4, December 2016). November 2019; and the late John Lennon ri Clark, the Gatlin Brothers, Vince Young will headline the Famous Friends reached No. 41 in October 2020. The Beatles Gill, Chris Janson, Jeannie Seely, Connie Tour, which is set to start Oct. 21 in Little themselves have reached a No. 3 best, in Smith and Chris Young, among others. Rock, Ark., and visit 13 cities. It features October 2019. The radio show that would become supporting acts Callista Clark and Matt Stell The Artist 100 measures artist activity known as the Grand Ole Opry began airing and Mitchell Tenpenny. across key metrics of music consumption, on WSM in 1925 and later added television blending album and track sales, radio air- broadcasts and digital streaming broadcasts. play, streaming and social media fan interac- The Opry has since become the world’s Billie Eilish Holds tion to provide a weekly multi-dimensional longest-running radio show, as performers ranking of artist popularity. have kept the music going, weathering the Atop Billboard For all chart news, you can follow @bill- Great Depression, World War II, two floods board and @billboardcharts on both Twitter in Nashville and, most recently, a global Artist 100 Chart, and Instagram. pandemic. In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic forced the shutdown of other live George Harrison music broadcasts, the Opry kept the music playing via 650 AM WSM, SiriusXM radio Debuts in Top 10 and a partnership with Circle Network, via Gray Television — a partnership that BY XANDER ZELLNER launched just prior to the pandemic, in January 2020. illie Eilish spends a 12th week Over the decades, it has helped make stars at No. 1 on the Billboard Artist of artists including Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, 100 chart (dated Aug. 21), hold- George Jones, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Par- ing atop the tally thanks to the ton, as well as more recent inductees such Bsecond-week success of her new LP Happier as Little Big Town, Luke Combs and newest Than Ever. member Carly Pearce. The set logs a second week at No. Leading up to the historic evening on 1 on the Billboard 200 chart with 85,000 Oct. 30, the Grand Ole Opry has opened a equivalent album units earned, according to limited-time exhibit that will be on display MRC Data. A week earlier, it debuted with at the Acuff House called Opry Moments: 238,000 units, the fifth-largest week of 2021. Celebrating 5,000 Saturday Night Broadcasts. Eilish also places a pair of songs from the The exhibit offers a look into the history of album on the Billboard Hot 100: “Happier WSM-AM radio and the initial broadcasts of Page 21 of 23

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the Grand Ole Opry and highlights special “I don’t think people even realize the Opry overseeing the induction. moments from 1,000 broadcasts through the invited me to play before I ever had a record Stuart shared his own story of being asked present day. The exhibit also includes pho- deal. I was still an Airbnb cleaner, and it was to become a member of the Opry. Before tos and artifacts from Opry members includ- so interesting to have this moment that I being inducted in 1992, Stuart first received ing Combs, Parton and Trisha Yearwood and had dreamt of my entire life but still didn’t the endorsement of two important people: early Opry stars including Acuff, DeFord feel like in real time my career was where it Acuff and Pearl. Bailey, Minnie Pearl and others. should be. I was still cleaning toilets,” Pearce Stuart recalled getting Acuff’s blessing, “It tells that magical story of WSM and said with a laugh. “I just remember imme- saying, “He said, ‘Well, I think it would be how that radio station and the Opry grew diately walking in here and feeling worthy. good for the Opry. You don’t wear holes in up together,” said Grand Ole Opry executive They made me feel a part of this place your britches…and you come out here and producer Dan Rogers. and stepping into that circle was the most do a good country song.’” Next month will also mark the return overwhelming moment that I’ve ever had… Pearce said she also feels a similar sense of Opry Country Classics, hosted by Larry You think about every single person who has of responsibility and honor as an Opry Gatlin. The show has been shuttered since ever meant anything to this genre has stood member. “It’s now my duty as one of the the beginning of the pandemic. there…and I was standing there.” members of this generation to make sure During a presentation at the Grand Ole “The Opry was like going to another that I carry myself in a way that makes Opry house on Aug. 17, Grand Ole Opry planet...it was something you dream of do- people understand what this place means… member Marty Stuart (who was inducted in ing,” Stuart recalled of his first Opry perfor- making sure it is preserved in the way it was 1992) joined Pearce to discuss their relation- mance. “I had come up here to ride the bus always intended to be, but it still has that ships with the prestigious institution. with Lester Flatt on Labor Day weekend in fire and family atmosphere, and it never will Artist, musician and music historian 1972. He let me play and it worked out and be broken.” Stuart, who was prominently featured in he offered me a job. A week later I was on the Ken Burns documentary Country Music, the stage with Lester and his band. Walk- said of the Opry’s enduring influence, “In a ing into the Ryman Auditorium, carrying The Killers’ world of constant change…I think we’ve all his guitar case, was like walking into the longed for something that we can hang on to Vatican with the Pope. It gave me instant ac- ‘Pressure Machine’ that gives us a source of comfort, a source of ceptance into the family of country music, it steadiness, something we can count on…that gave me instant credibility. I just remember Is Powering to circle has seen it all.” when the curtain came up…it was every- For Kentucky native Pearce, the Opry has thing I hoped it would be.” No. 1 In U.K. always held a special place in her life. “It Seely has been Pearce’s Nashville neigh- was a way of life…my grandparents loved bor for the past decade, and Pearce credits BY LARS BRANDLE the Opry and I think that’s where I got my Seely with first introducing her to the Opry first taste of understanding what this place environment. eventh heaven awaits The Kill- meant to country music. To me, it was a “Very quickly she found out there was a ers, as their latest album Pressure family that I so desperately wanted to be a singer that lived next to her that was ob- Machine (EMI) takes a substantial part of.” sessed with the Opry. So any time that any of lead in the U.K. chart race. Prior to earning a record deal and placing my favorite artists were playing, she would SThe Killers’ latest album is outselling the hits such as “I Hope You’re Happy Now” put me on her backstage list. I would stand… rest of the Top 5 combined, the OCC reports, atop Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, at the side of the stage, watching the show to lead the Official U.K. Chart Update. Pearce worked for Parton’s Dollywood happen, dreaming of what it would be like If it holds its position, it’ll continue the theme park. Earlier this year, that career one day to get to maybe play,” Pearce says. Las Vegas alternative rock outfit’s elite history came full-circle when Parton herself “It’s how I met one of my favorite people in streak which has seen all of their studio invited Pearce to become a member of the the world, it’s how I’ve just become friends albums reach No. 1 in the U.K., dating back Grand Ole Opry. with everyone here, and I feel like a little to 2005’s debut Hot Fuss. “Dolly understands what that moment sister to everybody because they’ve truly Also, notes the OCC, three of The Killers’ was for someone who now is sitting right watched me grow up here.” albums — Hot Fuss, Sam’s Town (2006) when she was 31, wanting to be a part of Stuart and Pearce both contributed and Day & Age (2008) — have notched over that family and just to pass the baton down,” memorabilia to the Opry Moments exhibit, one million U.K. chart sales, with the former Pearce said. “To be willing to do that, that’s including Pearce’s dress and boots she wore bagging more than two million. what this place does. It’s people like Jeannie for her Opry debut performance. On Aug. Hot Fuss single “Mr Brightside” is one of Seely, like Dolly, like Trisha Yearwood — 3, Pearce was officially inducted into the the most popular tracks in the U.K. this cen- they’ve done that for me. Grand Ole Opry, with Seely and Yearwood tury. In April of this year, the song logged Page 22 of 23

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a record-extending 260th non-consecutive three awards each. Posty scored with “Sun- week — a full five years — on the national Dua Lipa, flower,” “Wow” and “Circles”; Mendes with singles chart. “In My Blood,” “Señorita” and “If I Can’t Meanwhile, electronic outfit Jungle are Ariana Grande Have You.” swinging to a third successive Top 10 album, Grande, Drake, Lipa, Harry Styles, Jonas with Loving In Stereo (Caiola). It’s new at & More Receive Brothers, Khalid, Lewis Capaldi, Lizzo, No. 2 on the Official U.K. Chart Update, Roddy Ricch and The Weeknd each had two and is set to best the No. 7 peak of their Mer- iHeartRadio Titanium winners in 2020. cury Prize-nominated self-titled debut from 2014. Loving In Stereo is the best-selling Titanium Awards album on wax in the first half of the week. Lady Gaga’s English singer and songwriter Jade for Reaching Bird is flying to a second U.K. Top 10 Dog Walker Ryan with Different Kinds of Light (Glassnote). It’s 1 Billion the followup to her self-titled 2019 album, Fischer Launches which also peaked at No. 10. Audience Spins Another title new to the chart is When GoFundMe Facing Things We Turn Away From (Cen- BY PAUL GREIN tury Media), the debut solo album from 5 to ‘Support Seconds of Summer frontman Luke Hem- n Tuesday (Aug. 17), iHeart- mings. It’s new at No. 24 on the chart blast. Media presented iHeartRadio the Process As a member of 5SOS, Hemmings has two titanium awards to four smash U.K. No. 1 albums, with 2014’s Sounds Good hits that have reached 1 billion of Growing Feels Good and 2020’s CALM. Ototal audience spins across iHeartRadio sta- Finally, Whitney Houston’s career ret- tions: Ariana Grande’s “Positions,” Chris From Trauma’ rospective I Will Always Love You (Arista) Brown and Young Thug’s “Go Crazy,” Dua could return to the Top 40 for the first time Lipa’s “Levitating,” and 24Goldn featur- BY GIL KAUFMAN since 2012. It reenters the midweek chart ing Iann Dior’s “Mood.” at No. 37 following what would have been All four of these singles were released in ix month after he was shot dur- her 58th birthday and the release of a new 2020; all four reached the top three posi- ing a dognapping incident, Lady documentary. tions on the Billboard Hot 100. “Mood” Gaga’s dogwalker, Ryan Fischer, The U.K. singles chart race has a famil- logged eight non-consecutive weeks at No. has launched a GoFundMe to iar feel to it as Ed Sheeran’s “Bad Habits” 1 in 2020-21; “Positions” debuted at No. 1 in Shelp him purchase a new van for his healing (Asylum) once again leads The Kid Laroi November 2020; “Levitating” reached No. 2; cross-country trip. Fischer revealed that and Justin Bieber’s “Stay” (Columbia). and “Go Crazy” peaked at No. 3. the effort, which he launched on Monday “Bad Habits” is lifted by a new drill remix Lipa alone is being honored for “Levi- (Aug. 16), came together over the weekend featuring Tion Wayne and Central Cee, and tating,” according to iHeart, because the 1 when he said goodbye to the “quasi-reliable” is chasing an eighth straight week at No. 1. billion total audience spin figure includes 1991 Ford Falcon rental sedan that he drove The highest new entry on the chart both her solo version and the remix featur- across the U.S. for two months. blast belongs to London rapper Digga D, ing DaBaby. The remix alone doesn’t meet “At times I was scared. I was lonely. I felt whose hip-hop track “Wasted” (Ega Music) the criteria. abandoned and unsupported. I had long featuring Arrdee, opens at No. 6. These are the first titanium award recipi- bouts of depression and doubt and self-pity,” The Official U.K. Singles and Albums ents announced in 2021. wrote Fischer, who was walking Gaga’s Charts are published late Friday local time. The total audience spins calculation is three dogs in Los Angeles on Feb. 24 when based on Mediabase airplay and is multi- a gunman shot him in the chest and fled plied by the number of persons listening to the scene with two of the dogs. “But those the radio at the time of those plays, deliv- backroads that took me to desert campsites ering total audience impressions, which and Walmart parking lots and rest stops and iHeart regards as the broadcast equivalent friends and family to New York and back of the number of streams from a streaming began to help me see why I had chosen to music service. leave the security of the Hollywood Hills Post Malone and Shawn Mendes were the where I fought for my life and mobility.” top titanium award winners in 2020, taking He added that he needs to work on Page 23 of 23

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strengthening his emotional and mental health, and is trying to do just that. “Having that understanding helped me frame what I need from the rest of this sabbatical: get- ting a van and exploring this country while seeking out communities that support the process of growing from trauma,” he shared. Fischer’s GFM has a goal of raising $40,000 to buy a new van and pay for travel expenses to continue his journey of healing from the trauma of the attack. “With no vehicle, apartment, and having run out of savings and surviving on donations from generous loved ones, I am humbly asking for your help,” he wrote about being one-third of the way through his six-month journey to finding peace. “This is not an easy thing to ask, but I have started to realize sharing your vulnerability with others is exactly when radical change begins to occur for everyone involved.” In addition to the money for to cover his travel, Fischer requested input about re- treats for trauma around the country as well as queer spiritual leaders and healers he can reach out to, and any suggestions about how he can best share what he learns along the way. “love you, and thank you for all the ways you have supported me throughout; I truly can’t wait to see how the next step of this journey unfolds for us all,” he wrote. Five suspects were arrested in connec- tion with the shooting and the dognapping. The dogs were safely returned, but Fischer suffered a collapsed lung during his recov- ery, which required surgery and a partial removal. At press time, Fischer had raised more than $4,600 of his $40,000 goal from 66 donors, who ponied up anywhere from $10 to $1,000. Check out the trailer for Fischer’s Go- FundMe below.