BILLBOARD COUNTRY UPDATE APRIL 13, 2020 | PAGE 4 OF 19 ON THE CHARTS JIM ASKER [email protected] Bulletin SamHunt’s Southside Rules Top Country YOURAlbu DAILYms; ENTERTAINMENTBrett Young ‘Catc NEWSh UPDATE’-es Fifth AirplayFEBRUARY 8, 2021 Page 1 of 25 Leader; Travis Denning Makes History INSIDE Morgan Wallen’s ‘Dangerous’ Spends Sam Hunt’s second studio full-length, and first in over five years, Southside sales (up 21%) in the tracking week. On Country Airplay, it hops 18-15 (11.9 mil- (MCA Nashville/Universal Music GroupFourth Nashville), debuts at No. Week1 on Billboard’s lion at audience No. impressions, 1 upon 16%). Billboard Top Country• Olivia AlbumsRodrigo’s chart dated April 18. In its first week (ending April 9), it earned‘Drivers 46,000 License’ equivalent album units, including 16,000 in album sales, ac- TRY TO ‘CATCH’ UP WITH YOUNG Brett Youngachieves his fifth consecutive cordingLeads to Hot Nielsen 100 for Music/MRC 4th Data. 200 Albumsand total Country Airplay ChartNo. 1 as “Catch” (Big Machine Label Group) ascends SouthsideWeek, The marks Weeknd Hunt’s second No. 1 on the 2-1, increasing 13% to 36.6 million impressions. chart &and CJ fourth Hit Top top 10 10. It follows freshman LP BY KEITH CAULFIELD Young’s first of six chart entries, “Sleep With- Montevallo• Super ,Bowl which Synch arrived at the summit in No - out You,” reached No. 2 in December 2016. He vember 2014 and reigned for nine weeks. To date, followed with the multiweek No. 1s “In Case You Report: Sony/ATV Morgan Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album holds demand streams of the album’s songs), album sales Montevallo has earned 3.9 million units, with 1.4 Didn’t Know” (two weeks, June 2017), “Like I Loved Walking on Air at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart for a fourth comprise 25,000 (up 102%) and TEA units comprise millionAfter in Placingalbum sales. Most You” (three, January 2018), “Mercy” (two, August MontevalloAd Music has spent 267 weeksconsecutive on the list, tying week. The set earned 149,000 equivalent 6,000 (up 67%).2018) and “Here Tonight” (two, April 2019). Luke Bryan’s Crash My Party as thealbum sixth-longest- units in the U.S. in the week ending Feb. 4 (up The album’s“Catch” across-the-board completes his gains longest came journey during to No. 1, running• How titles The in the NFL chart’s 56-year14%), history. according to MRC Data. The album arrived atop the same trackinghaving takenweek 46in weekswhich to TMZ reach published the apex. It a out - OnPulled the all-genre Off a SafeBillboard 200, Southside ar- paces the 30-week climb of “Here Tonight.” the list three weeks ago, on the chart dated Jan. 23. video showing Wallen using a racial slur. As previous- rives atSuper No. 5, Bowl awarding LV Hunt his second top 10 On Hot Country Songs, “Catch” pushes 7-5 for HUNT YOUNG after theHalftime No. 3-peaking Show MontevalloThe. Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular ly reporteda, TMZ new high. posted a video on Feb. 2 of Wallen, in the Middle of Hunt first released the EPX2C albums, which debutedof the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric who was positioned to be the next global country a Pandemic and peaked at No. 5 on Top Countryconsumption Albums as in measured August 2014. in equivalent Following albumCOMBS units. ‘DOES’ star IT AGAIN, yelling Luke expletives, Combs’ “Does including to Me” (Riverthe N-word. House/Columbia He Montevallo• Universal, Between Music the Pines:Units Acoustic comprise Mixtape album started sales, at its trackNo. 7 highequivalent in Nashville), albums featuringsubsequently Eric Church issued, ascends an apology, 11-8 on Country while hisAirplay, record up 10% label, to November 2015. 24.7 million in audience. The song is Combs’ eighth straight career-opening Group Partners With (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). Each Big Loud Records, suspended his recording contract MontevalloTikTok for produced Artist 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:Collabs, “Leave Data the & MoreNight On,” “Takeunit equals Your Time,” one album “House sale, Party” or 10 and individual “Make trackspromoted No. 1 indefinitely.singles. The news broke with two full days left in You Miss Me.” “Break Up in a Smallsold Town” from anpeaked album, at No. or 2.3,750 ad-supported or 1,250Church adds thehis 15th chart’s Country tracking Airplay week top 10.(which ended on Feb. 4). Hunt• co-pennedSuper Bowl all 12 songspaid/subscription on Southside, including on-demand “Body Like official a Back audio and video On Feb. 6, Billboard reported that Wallen’s airplay Weekend Concerts Road,” which was released in 2017.streams The smashgenerated hit ruled by songs Country from Airplay an album. for TheTHAT new TOOK QUITEhad collapsed‘A FEW’ MONTHS to a nominal Travis Denningamount shattersthrough the Feb. record 5, for three weeksAre Scarceand the airplay-, streaming- and sales-based Hot Country Songs the most weeks it has taken to penetrate the Country Airplay top 10 as “After Feb. 13, 2021-dated chart (where Dangerous holds at after multiple radio groups dropped his music. Con- chart forBut a then-record Causing 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 - Headaches in Tampa Florida Georgia Line’s “Meant toNo. Be” 1) (50will weeks be posted atop the in latter full on list Billboardin 2017-18).’s websitelion in on radio reach.currently, his songs were removed from over 30 influ- “Downtown’s• BMG Announces Dead,” which Feb.is also 9. on For the all new chart set, news, reached follow Nos. 14@billboard and 15 andThe @ song surpassesential playliststwo tracks across that took Spotify, 50 weeks Apple each Music, to enter Amazon the top 10: on HotRestructuring, Country Songs Ups and Countrybillboardcharts Airplay, respectively, on both in Twitter June 2018. and “Kin Instagram.- Easton Corbin’sMusic “A Girl and Like Pandora You,” which (though reached his No. music 10 in remained January 2018 avail be-- folks”Thomas led Country Scherer Airplay on Feb.Of 29,Dangerous becoming ’Hunt’s 149,000 seventh equivalent No. 1. Italbum hit unitsfore peaking at No.able 6 thaton all February, services). and Also,Aaron though Watson Big’s “Outta Loud Style,”suspended which No. 3 onto HotRepertoire Country & Songs. earned in the tracking week ending Feb. 4, SEAachieved units its No.Wallen’s 10 high in recording December contract 2017. indefinitely, his music was LatestMarketing single President “Hard to Forget” jumps 17-9 on Hot Country Songs. It’s his “After” is Denning’s second Country Airplay entry. “David Ashley Parker comprise 118,000 (up 3%, equaling 159.76 million on- (continued) eighth top 10, having corralled 8.2 million U.S. streams (up 96%) and 5,000 in From Powder Springs” traveled to No. 32 in September 2018. ETHAN MICHAEL YOUNG: VIA MARTIN/NHLI GETTY HUNT: IMAGES. IMAGES MILLER/GETTY 20 21 25 YEARS OF SONGS Sony/ATV Music Publishing is the #1 global music publisher and CONTACTS home to the world’s best songwriters… from legends including Joe Maimone The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Carole King, Queen 201.301.5933 | [email protected] and The Rolling Stones, to contemporary superstars such as Ed Sheeran, Beyoncé, Pharrell Williams, Lady Gaga, among many Lee Ann Photoglo others. Headquartered in New York, the company also owns or 615.376.7931 | [email protected] administers history-making music catalogues including those from Jobete/Motown and Leiber & Stoller. Cynthia Mellow 615.352,0265 | [email protected] Sony/ATV Music Publishing can trace its roots back to the founding of Associated Television (ATV). ATV acquired Pye Records, which Marcia Olival was one of the major record companies in the U.K., and later 786.586.4901 | [email protected] created ATV Music Publishing. ATV then acquired Northern Songs in Gene Smith 1968, which represented songs written by John Lennon and Paul 973.452.3528 | [email protected] McCartney. In 1985, the ATV catalogue was acquired by Michael Jackson and merged with Sony Music Publishing ten years later to Debra Fink form Sony/ATV Music Publishing. 213.448.5157 | [email protected]

With its songwriter-first mission, Sony/ATV provides best-in-class Ryan O’Donnel administration services that help protect and sustain the careers of +447843437176 | [email protected] songwriters around the world…while continuing to innovate across every area of the business, including synchronization licensing, neighboring rights and production music.

In 2020, Sony/ATV marked a major milestone…25 years of supporting incredible songwriters in the creation of incredible songs. History is always being written. So, to honor this ongoing evolution and the journey ahead, please join Billboard in congratulating the company on 25 Years of Songs.

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not removed from any digital retailers (like Baby’s My Turn rises 9-8 (29,000; down (up 32%) in the week ending Feb. 7, as it iTunes), and remains available in brick-and- 3%) and Ariana Grande’s Positions dips 7-9 wins the Hot 100’s top Airplay Gainer award mortar retail stores. (28,000; down 9%). for a third consecutive frame. With Dangerous having spent its first Closing the Billboard 200’s top tier, Me- The track adds a fourth week at No. 1 on four weeks at No. 1, it’s the first country gan Thee Stallion’s No. 2-peaking Good the all-genre Streaming Songs chart, drops album to do so since January 2003. News bumps back into the top 10 (12-10) to No. 3 after three weeks atop Digital Song The last album to log its first four weeks with 26,000 equivalent album units earned Sales and charges 16-11 on Radio Songs. at No. 1 that also appeared on the Top (down 5%). Meanwhile, of the 48 singles ever to de- Country Albums chart was Shania but at No. 1 on the Hot 100, “License” is the Twain’s Up! It spent its first five (and total) 12th to hold at No. 1 in its first four weeks (a weeks at No. 1 (Dec. 7, 2002 through Jan. Olivia Rodrigo’s level that, thus, 25% of all such leaders have 4, 2003). The last album by a male artist reached). “License” is the first to do so since to spend its first four weeks at No. 1 that ‘Drivers License’ Ariana Grande’s (Tom Brady theme song) also appeared on Top Country Albums “7 Rings” spent its first five weeks at No. 1 in was Garth Brooks’ Double Live in late 1998 Leads Hot 100 February-March 2019. and early 1999, which spend its first five Among artists’ first Hot 100 No. 1s, “Li- (and total) weeks at No. 1 (Dec. 5, 1998 – Jan. for 4th Week, cense” is the fourth to spend its first four 2, 1999). weeks or more on the chart at the sum- The last country album to spend at The Weeknd & mit, and the first by a woman and no other least four total weeks at No. 1 was Taylor credited artists. It follows Baauer’s “Harlem Swift’s Red, with seven nonconsecutive CJ Hit Top 10 Shake” (five, 2013), Aerosmith’s “I Don’t weeks in the lead in late 2012 and early Want to Miss a Thing” (four, 1998) and Puff 2013. Red spent its first three weeks at No. BY GARY TRUST Daddy and Faith Evans’ “I’ll Be Missing 1 (Nov. 10-24, 2012), then stepped away You,” featuring 112, the first leader each for from the top slot for three weeks and then livia Rodrigo’s “Drivers Li- Evans and 112 (11, 1997). returned for four more weeks in a row (Dec. cense” rules the Billboard Hot 24kGoldn’s “Mood,” featuring Iann Dior, 22, 2012 – Jan. 12, 2013). The last country 100 chart for a fourth week, holds at No. 2 on the Hot 100, after eight album by a male artist to spend at least after launching at the top nonconsecutive weeks at No. 1 in October four total weeks at No. 1 was Alan Jack- Ospot three weeks ago. through mid-January. It tops the multi-met- son’s Drive, which notched four noncon- Plus, two songs hit the Hot 100’s top 10 ric Hot Rock & Alternative Songs and Hot secutive weeks in the lead (Feb. 2-16, and for the first time, as The Weeknd’s “Save Alternative Songs charts for a 23rd week March 2, 2002). Your Tears” jumps from No. 14 to No. 8, each and Hot Rap Songs for a 17th frame; Back on the new Billboard 200, Lil becoming his 12th top 10, and CJ’s debut hit all three charts use the same methodology Durk’s The Voice jumps 5-2, matching its “Whoopty” climbs 16-10. as the Hot 100. peak first reached four weeks ago, following The Hot 100 blends all-genre U.S. stream- The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” repeats its deluxe reissue on Jan. 29 with 14 ad- ing (official audio and official video), radio at No. 3 on the Hot 100. The song spent ditional tracks. The set, originally released airplay and sales data. All charts (dated Feb. four weeks at No. 1 last April-May (eventu- Dec. 24, earned 86,000 equivalent album 13) will update on Billboard.com tomorrow ally finishing as the Hot 100’s top hit of units (up 167%) in the week ending Feb. 4. (Feb. 9). For all chart news, you can follow all of 2020) and logs its 61st total week on All versions of the album, new and old, are @billboard and @billboardcharts on both the chart. It adds a record-extending 48th combined for tracking purposes. Twitter and Instagram. week in the top 10 and record-furthering The next eight albums on the chart are “License” was released Jan. 8 on Geffen/ 39th week in the top five. The track also all former No. 1s. Pop Smoke’s Shoot for Interscope Records and debuted atop the claims an 11th week at No. 1 on the multi- the Stars Aim for the Moon dips 2-3 (43,000 Jan. 23-dated Hot 100, marking Rodrigo’s metric Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and equivalent album units earned; down first No. 1. The single from the singer-song- a record-padding 45th frame atop Hot R&B 4%), The Weeknd’s After Hours is a non- writer and actress, 17, who broke through Songs. mover at No. 4 (34,000; down 1%) and Juice with roles on Disney Channel’s Bizaard- The Weeknd’s “Save Your Tears” concur- WRLD’s Legends Never Die rises 6-5 (just vark and Disney+’s High School Musical: The rently reaches the Hot 100’s top 10 for the over 30,000; down 3%). Musical: The Series, totaled 32.2 million U.S. first time, climbing 14-8 with 28 million Luke Combs’ What You See Is What You streams (down 24%) and 13,000 downloads airplay audience impressions (up 20%), 15 Get pushes 8-6 (30,000 equivalent album sold (down 26%) in the week ending Feb. 4, million streams (up 7%) and 6,000 sold (up units earned; down 2%), Taylor Swift’s Ev- according to MRC Data. It also drew 46.8 6%). The song becomes The Weeknd’s 12th ermore falls 3-7 (29,500; down 15%), Lil million radio airplay audience impressions Hot 100 top 10, with both of his current top 2 0 2 1 TOP BUSINESS MANAGERS

On February 20th, Billboard will showcase the CONTACTS most in demand business managers whose Joe Maimone financial expertise ensure their music industry 201.301.5933 | [email protected] clients invest (and spend) their money wisely. Lee Ann Photoglo Making money in the music industry is hard 615.376.7931 | [email protected] enough for artists and executives which is why Cynthia Mellow they turn to an elite few to help with financial 615.352,0265 | [email protected] profit and investment. Marcia Olival As a result of the rise of branding deals and 786.586.4901 | [email protected] streaming services, the task of managing artist Gene Smith income has become more complicated than 973.452.3528 | [email protected] ever making the role of music business manag- ers invaluable. Debra Fink 213.448.5157 | [email protected] Advertise in this issue and reach an elite group of Ryan O’Donnell influencers who guide their clients’ financial +447843437176 | [email protected] fortunes and know a thing or two about how to invest their own money.

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10s from his latest LP, 2020’s After Hours. board U.S. and global charts that include T-shirt (watch the ad here) and Michelob’s (The set now sports three top 10s, as “Heart- streaming data.) spot with A Tribe Called Quest’s “Can I Kick less” hit No. 1 for a week in December 2019.) Again, for all chart news, you can follow It?” Warner Chappell scored eight, includ- Both “Lights” and “Tears” are likely to @billboard and @billboardcharts on both ing a version of the Kinks’ Dave Davies- show big gains on next week’s Hot 100 (dat- Twitter and Instagram and all charts (dated penned “Strangers,” performed by Black Pu- ed Feb. 20), reflecting the Feb. 5-11 sales and Feb. 13), including the Hot 100 in its entirety, mas and Lucius, for the upcoming YouTube streaming tracking week, after The Weeknd will refresh on Billboard.com tomorrow documentary “Life In a Day.” BMG, Kobalt included portions of each in his Super Bowl (Feb. 9). and Primary Wave placed three apiece. LV halftime performance (Feb. 7), with Synchs generate between $100,000 and “Lights” closing out the hit-packed set. $1 million, according to publishing sources, Grande’s “34+35” keeps at No. 4 on the Super Bowl Synch plus the same amount for record labels if the Hot 100 after reaching No. 2 two weeks songs are original master recordings. earlier, when it was sparked by the Jan. 15 Report: Sony/ The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant release of its remix featuring Doja Cat and impact on this year’s Super Bowl synchs. Megan Thee Stallion. (The latter two art- ATV Walking on Most noticeably, the biggest brands sat out ists are no longer credited on the song, as the biggest game: Coca-Cola, which an- Grande’s solo version has drawn the major- Air After Placing nounced layoffs in December due to lower ity of its activity in the latest two track- stadium and movie-theatre sales, said it ing weeks, although the pair will remain Most Ad Music would instead invest “in the right resources credited in their individual chart histories during these unprecedented times.” on the song.) BY STEVE KNOPPER That gave opportunity for newer brands, Dua Lipa’s “Levitating,” featuring DaBaby, such as take-out specialists DoorDash and holds at its No. 5 Hot 100 high; Chris Brown f any Super Bowl ad summed up Grubhub. and Young Thug’s “Go Crazy” is steady the past year for synch placements, “We’ve seen businesses that have thrived at No. 6, after hitting No. 5, as it notches a it was the ScottsMiracle-Gro spot during lockdown pick up spots during the fourth week atop Radio Songs (83 million in starring John Travolta and his game,” says Keith D’Arcy, Warner Chap- audience, essentially even week-over-week); Idaughter, Ella, recreating his iconic dance pell Music’s senior vp of sync and creative Grande’s “Positions” stays at No. 7, after steps from Grease in the backyard. It was services. One of those was Andra Day’s spending its first week on the Hot 100 at No. Scotts’ first-ever ad for the big game, largely “Rise Up,” performed by 19-year-old TikTok 1 in November; and, below The Weeknd’s because the company gained 20 million cus- discovery Christian Shelton, for a hopeful “Tears,” Justin Bieber’s “Holy,” featuring tomers during the pandemic, and it was an Indeed spot about job-seeking. Chance the Rapper, descends 8-9, after it homage to TikTok, on which the underlying Thematically, some advertisers re- debuted at its No. 3 peak in October. track, Surface’s “Sunday Best,” went viral sponded to the pandemic by emphasiz- Capping the Hot 100’s top 10, CJ’s last summer. ing “social justice, inclusivity and human “Whoopty” whooshes 16-10, with 23.2 mil- “A lot of brands were sitting out, but connection,” D’Arcy says, such as the Bruce lion in airplay audience (up 12%), 14.6 mil- they were replaced by interesting and new Springsteen spoken-word spot for Jeep lion streams (down 4%) and 7,000 sold (up brands,” says Tom Eaton, senior vp music (the Boss wrote an original score for that 132%, aided by a 69-cent sale price in the for advertising at Universal Music Publish- one). Others employed “not very specific iTunes Store). ing Group, which placed the synch. “It’s a cultural nostalgia,” as D’Arcy calls it, such The Staten Island, N.Y., rapper, who natural connection to make, to run an ad as DoorDash’s commercial starring Big Bird signed to Warner Records in January, reach- for a brand that supports being out in your and other beloved Sesame Street charac- es the Hot 100’s top 10 in his first visit to backyard.” ters and UberEats’ Wayne’s World spot in the chart. “There’s a lot of pressure on me, UMPG totaled seven synchs, or songs which Wayne, Garth and Cardi B. encourage especially with coming out of Staten Island,” licensed to TV ads, during Super Bowl LV; viewers to eat local. (Wilder Zoby, a Kobalt he recently told Billboard. “People have high advertisers reportedly paid $5.5 million for songwriter who collaborates with Run the expectations, since Wu-Tang [Clan] came 30 seconds to reach what analysts predicted Jewels, wrote the spoofy “On the Corner’’ out of there. It’s a blessing, too. I’m sticking would be more than 100 million viewers. for the spot.) with that and I’m running with it.” And while UMPG’s synchs were down from Some publishers reported the pandemic (Note: Streams from Audiomack and last year’s 12, Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s cut into their business for Super Bowl LV. Sonos Radio and Sonos Radio HD now numbers went up, from nine to 12, includ- “It’s a lighter Super Bowl year for us in contribute to the data that informs the Hot ing “Theme from The Greatest American terms of the number of pure placements,” 100, Billboard 200, Artist 100 and Billboard Hero (Believe It or Not)” for the Tide com- says Charlie Davis, vp of creative synch, ad- Global 200 charts, as well as all other Bill- mercial portraying Jason Alexander as a vertising, for BMG, which dropped from five 20 21 5TH ANNIVERSARY Raleigh Music Group was founded in 2016 by industry veteran As Raleigh’s reputation has grown, the company has partners Peter Raleigh and Steven Storch. The company is steadily built a contemporary roster of songwriters, artists headquartered in the heart of Times Square, NYC with offices in and producers and now publishes songs performed by or Los Angeles. In its first five years has experienced remarkable global featuring superstar artists including: Ariana Grande, Chris growth and expansion. Brown, Kid Rock, Madonna, John Legend, Lil Uzi Vert, A$AP Ferg, Cardi B, A Boogie, Snoop Dogg, Trey Songz, Lil Durk, The boutique music publishing company attributes its success to its Busta Rhymes and film and tv composers Randy Edelman “client first” approach to music publishing – delivering a high touch, and Rick Marotta. high service experience to a select roster of music publishing clients it represents. The company has benefitted from the support of Please join Billboard in congratulating Raleigh Music Susan Aberbach, an owner of the Elvis Presley catalog and an early group’s 5th Anniversary. stage investor. CONTACTS Raleigh’s client services are provided by A&R staff in NY and LA, a synch licensing team with strong relationships in the film/tv, Joe Maimone 201.301.5933 | [email protected] advertising and gaming industries, and a first-class copyright and royalty administration department. Lee Ann Photoglo 615.376.7931 | [email protected] The company’s best in class global sub-publishing partner network includes Budde, Café Concerto, Peer Music, Native Tongue, Supreme Cynthia Mellow Songs, Schubert, Cloud 9, GL Music, Clippers, Som Livre, Nichion, 615.352,0265 | [email protected] Geoff Paynter Music, Fujipacific, IDM, Pelikan and others. Marcia Olival Raleigh represents numerous iconic catalogs and songs including 786.586.4901 | [email protected] Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, “A Little Less Conversation”, and “All Shook Up”, George Gershwin’s “Summertime”, “Let’s Call the Gene Smith Whole Thing Off” and “They Can’t Take that Away from Me”, The 973.452.3528 | [email protected] Tokens, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”, Gregmark Music’s “Stormy Monday”, Anthony Newley’s “What Kind of Fool am I” and numerous Debra Fink other classics. The company also represents the classic catalogs of 213.448.5157 | [email protected] Bo Diddley, America, Anthony Newley, Willy (Mink) Deville, Lords of Ryan O’Donnell the Underground, Trax Records, and many others. +447843437176 | [email protected]

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in 2020 to three this year. “A lot of brands ined as an anthem for workers launching “There’s a lot of pressure on artists who want to put that money towards charitable all-night pandemic side hustles. The “5 to are involved in what is probably one of the causes and not do the big, flashy Super Bowl 9” spot earned criticism for changing the most high-profile events you can do,” Dave spot. song’s meaning from a working woman’s Meyers tells Billboard. Meyers, an execu- “In years past, we’ve done really well with empowerment anthem to an ode to working tive in charge of production for Diversified big automotive copyrights,” he adds. “Defi- all night due to pandemic-era layoff fears Production Services — the expert broad- nitely a lower count on the automotive side and lower wages. cast and live entertainment event veterans for the Super Bowl.” “It’s not so much that we’re encourag- behind such shows as the Global Citizens Advertisers, agencies, music supervisors ing working from 5 to 9, it’s just there are Festival, iHeartRadio Music Festival and the and publishers responded with more cre- a lot of people doing that, and we want to Roots Picnic — says one of the first things ativity. “2020 was pretty brutal,” says Julie support them,” Nozell says. DPS did when they were lining up vendors Hurwitz, Kobalt’s co-head of synch and Plus, slyly, the ad contains a side hustle of for lighting, video and staging was to lock in brand partnerships. “A team of creatives’ Parton’s own — a back-of-a-magazine refer- their COVID compliance source, Marsh Risk ability to come up with a message that is ence to the country star’s new fragrance, Consulting, who had six previous Super accessible, humorous and poignant, without which sold 10,000 bottles in its first hour Bowls worth of experience. banging you over the head and being tacky, last week, even before the big game. But that was just the first level of safety is very difficult in 30 seconds.” “The exposure in the Super Bowl is unbe- protocols DPS laid down before they even Agencies fell back on funny spots — lievable,” Nozell says. thought about flying in more than 1,072 staff, which required funny songs — to pull off performers and on-the-ground production the trick. Doritos went back and forth over crew to pull off the 14-minute extravaganza music for its Matthew McConaughey spot, How The NFL that made use of the three-quarters empty at one point considering a somber track stadium in a way no halftime performance before landing on Queen’s 1984 hit “I Want Pulled Off a Safe ever had. Billboard asked Meyers to break to Break Free.” “I went from having Doritos down the key factors that led to the success- to losing Doritos to having Doritos again,” Super Bowl LV ful production. says Brian Monaco, president and global Pre-Game chief marketing officer for Sony/ATV Music Halftime Show in Once the roster of all staff was complied, Publishing. “Brands were conflicted on how Marsh Risk worked with the credentialing they were going to message. I think humor the Middle of a crew to cross-reference all travel schedules won out.” to ensure that everyone was tested before The Cheetos spot, in which Ashton Pandemic they left their home city in order to identify Kutcher and Mila Kunis sing parody snip- anyone who was sick or a potential COVID pets of Shaggy’s 2000 hit “It Wasn’t Me,” BY GIL KAUFMAN carrier prior to touching down in Tampa. was not only humorous, it spread the wealth “We wanted to make sure nothing was among publishers since 14 writers are listed ompleting the 2020-2021 NFL brought to the worksite that would jeopar- on the track. The sample is “Smile Happy,” season in the midst of a pan- dize the show, so we did mass mailings to by ‘70s funk band War, whose catalog Pri- demic was already a herculean everyone,” he says of the nearly 1,100 home mary Wave represents. task. But putting on a traditional tests. Each recipient then took the test over “That’s one of the things that has been ex- CSuper Bowl halftime show inside Raymond a live Zoom chat with a nurse who walked citing for us as a company — getting a lot of James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida, as them through the procedure, with all local the classic recordings covered and reinter- COVID-19 continues to rage across the staff similarly tested. preted,” says Marty Silverstone, head of sync nation seemed like a bridge too far after a More testing and senior VP creative for the independent year when live performance and big public After the initial test, Meyers says his team publisher, which also placed an instrumen- spectacles almost entirely vanished. set up a testing cadence based on positions tal version of Ray Charles’ classic “What’d So, how did the league and halftime in the show, with everyone getting re-tested I Say” at the end of the T-Mobile spot co- producers DPS and executive produc- at a minimum of every 24 to 48 hours until starring Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton and ers Roc Nation and Jesse Collins pull off showtime. Once staffers were on site, they Adam Levine. what seemed like the impossible with The got an email blast every morning informing Perhaps this year’s most memorable spot Weeknd on Sunday night (Feb. 7)? them if they were on testing protocol that was Dolly Parton’s first-ever Super Bowl Planning. Tons and tons of planning, test- day, with an entertainment crew check-in synch (or so Danny Nozell, her manager ing, re-testing, mind-boggling logistics and tent set up in on the perimeter in the Ray- of more than 16 years, recalls): a modified a level of organization worthy of a general mond James parking lot. “Anyone setting version of her 1980 classic “9 to 5,” reimag- headed into war. foot in the entertainment compound was Page 8 of 25

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held to this higher standard of testing proto- tors, producers and camera operators. to specify, were also easily two-to-three cols every 48 hours,” says Meyers of staff in- In addition, every vendor was told to times normal. volved in the pre-game and halftime enter- submit additional credentials in the event In addition, golf carts and Gators used tainment. Meyers says the longest he waited that someone fell ill; for instance, if the pyro to shuttle staff around the stadium were in line to get a test from BioReference Labs team had 10 people on it, there were another scaled back to just two-three people per trip — which handled all the NFL’s testing this 10 sitting at home who were already in the rather than the 4-5 or more. “If this was a season — was around two minutes. credential system and background checked normal year and I went to the NFL and said “You’d go in and get a test, or if you were by the NFL ready to fly in as replacements ‘I need 300 parking passes’ they would lose already tested, you’d bypass it and walk as soon as they completed their home tests. their minds,” Meyers says. “That’s an insane into the stadium,” he says, noting that the Those back-ups were on all the pre-event number, but because of the decreased capac- entertainment crew had a more rigid testing conference calls and email distro lists as ity in the stadium we had more freedom in protocol than concessions workers or some well so they could be ready to step up at a other areas.” other stadium staffers. Everyone also had moment’s notice. Budget to go through a daily health screening using Supplies A normal event like this would have a the PolicyPath app, which asked how they In total, Meyers’ team were issued more budget broken down in predictable ways, were feeling, whether they’d had contact than 25,000 KN95 masks and during re- Meyers says, such as 10% for lighting, 10% with anyone who might have COVID or hearsals all performers and staff had to wear for stage design, then appropriate amounts if they were running a temperature. Once face shields, with more than 1,000 distribut- for talent, hotel, transportation, etc. But the daily app check-in was completed, the ed. “When you were around talent, dancers COVID compliance has become a “new line staffer walked to the next tent and showed or choir members they were all wearing face item that dwarfs them all,” with the halftime their PolicyPath green light to get a health shields and masks as soon as they entered production spending as much on COVID screening wristband that allowed them to go the stadium perimeter,” says Meyers. The safety as they did for lighting and video through security with their updated creden- PPE expenses, which he declined to specify, combined to support a performance that tials and cross over the perimeter onto the but characterized as “a lot,” were all paid for notably had a dazzling array of both. “Those stadium grounds. by the NFL, which also distributed copi- are two fairly large numbers, so [the COVID After that, the staffer had to show their ous amounts of hand sanitizer and put up layout] is astronomical when you combine it pass upon entering each layer of creden- hundreds of posters reminding everyone with the loss of ticket sale revenues associ- tialed access, going through bar code scan- to practice safe COVID-19 protocols in the ated with these events.” ners that would help contract tracers track stadium and at hotels. “Safety was at the top Meyers says the successful mounting of down potential exposure to a sick staffer. of everyone’s mind and so if we got on the the ambitious halftime show — which made “It was to your advantage to be scanning in phone and heard that someone was at their use of large portions of the stadium that and out everywhere,” Meyers says, explain- hotel and a hotel employee was not wearing would not normally be available if it were ing that any positive test would result in a mask, the NFL would call the G.M. of the filled to 65,000-plus capacity for the game a flagged credential that would stop that chain and remind them of the protocols,” — is proof that it is possible, if costly, to do a person from advancing further into the says Meyers. show of that size safely during these uncer- stadium. Transportation tain times. “With testing, face masks, social Positivity rate and back-up staff The Super Bowl would employ 20-25 15- distancing protocols in catering, hotels and Meyers says the overall positivity num- seat Sprinter vans to shuttle performers and in the stadium we know how do to this,” he bers for the site were around 0.4%, with staff to-and-from the hotel and stadium, or says. But with tests running $200 each on the halftime entertainment team’s lower to make runs to buy guitar strings or other top of PPE and contact tracing, the finances than that, a figure he was “absolutely” essentials in the weeks leading up to game of pulling a safe primetime-worthy SB half- happy with; according to the CDC, the day. Unable to cram that many people into time show are obviously a major consider- overall percentage of respiratory speci- small spaces this year, Meyers’ team rented ation until the pandemic begins to wane. mens testing positive for COVID-19 last more than 300 cars and put staffers into “Until the testing numbers come down... week was around 9.7%. “With just our core two-person pods, with each pair coordi- I don’t think it will ever go away, you’re group we’ve done 7,400 tests over the time nating their schedules and call times. The always going to have a part of our health and we’ve been here,” says Meyers, who did not normal 50 x 10-foot office trailers for such safety now in your budget that’s never really give specific positive tests rates in a chat huge productions were also scaled down existed before,” he says. “But that number with Billboard that took place on Sunday from 20-capacity to a socially distanced five really needs to come down substantially and morning, just hours before the game. While or six per trailer. “The parking numbers ticket revenue needs to return to put the for- most of the staff underwent testing every 48 were astronomical,” Meyers says of the extra mula back in balance where it makes sense hours, around 80 “critical” team members spaces needed for so many vehicles. The financially to execute a show.” got tested every day, including talent, direc- trailer rental totals, which he also declined Page 9 of 25

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better understand how users and creators Universal Music are interacting with music on the platform, Super Bowl we spent a lot of time with Michael and his Group Partners team talking through that. We had great Weekend ideas for what we can do to take full advan- With TikTok for tage of the UMG and the Universal Publish- Concerts ing roster of artists, and then TikTok as a Artist Collabs, platform and how that’s going to evolve.” Are Scarce TikTok has emerged as a music hitmak- Data & More ing force over the past several years. Users’ But Causing clips and trends on the platform have helped BY TATIANA CIRISANO break new songs (like Roddy Ricch’s “The Headaches Box” and 24kGoldn’s “Mood”) as well as niversal Music Group (UMG) old ones (like Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams”). in Tampa and TikTok have entered a new TikTok claims that more than 70 artists who global agreement to compensate broke on TikTok have since signed major BY DAVE BROOKS artists and songwriters when label deals, including Jawsh 685, Powfu, Utheir music is used in clips on the video- Sueco, Priscilla Block and, last month, row Bar owner Tom DeGeorge is sharing app, as well as to collaborate on new “sea shanty” sensation Nathan Evans to not in the mood to talk to the initiatives involving digital marketing, A&R, the UMG-owned Polydor Records. Record people calling about renting his user data and more. labels and agencies now regularly include Tampa bar during the Super Bowl. The agreement includes new music TikTok influencer marketing in new release C“I have told every one of them no,” licensing deals with UMG and Universal rollouts, while executives in the space DeGeorge says. “One guy complained that Music Publishing Group, under which Tik- increasingly see user-generated content I hadn’t even listened to his offer and my Tok users can incorporate clips from UMG’s (UGC) as a valuable future revenue source response was ‘I know, and I don’t want to full catalog of music across its network of for the music industry. hear it.’” labels, songwriters and global territories for While TikTok clashed with the music With local ordinances banning dance the first time. industry over licensing as recently as 2019, floors, reducing capacity by 75% and requir- “We haven’t just renewed a TikTok the app now has a dedicated music team and ing patrons to wear face masks, DeGeorge license here,” UMG executive vp digital wide-ranging deals in place. TikTok struck says it’s nearly impossible to host a concert strategy Michael Nash emphasized in an a new music licensing agreement with Sony in Tampa Bay this year for the Super Bowl. interview with Billboard. Rather, the new Music Entertainment in November, and had And he’s OK with that. agreement “is fundamentally resetting the a short-term licensing deal in place with “It’s not safe to host concerts right now partnership” between both companies, Warner Music as of April. at full capacity and it won’t be until we get including soon-to-be announced artist “This alliance sets an industry-wide through COVID-19,” he tells Billboard. partnerships. example of And yet, about a half-dozen venues in “Obviously, TikTok has revolutionized social media companies acknowledging, town are moving forward with perfor- how fans are connecting with our artists on respecting and compensating the music mances and parties on Super Bowl week- their platform and in the social space, and creators whose songs are instrumental to end, including a Catholic Church hosting we think that we have the potential to col- their platforms,” UMPG chief operating of- a tailgating party featuring Flo Rida. Hotel laborate really de ficer Marc Cimino added in a press release. and club WTR Grill + Pool is hosting the eply with them to develop the kinds of “We appreciate TikTok’s partnership and biggest events, with a Thursday show by To- tools that are going to really move the nee- look forward to working together to provide rey Lanez, Friday show by Steve Aoki and dle for our artists and for the industry,” Nash support and opportunities to our songwrit- Saturday show with Migos and Diplo play- says. “It’s not about signing an agreement. ers.” ing with 50 Cent, followed by the Qvesoir It’s about all the things that we’re going to UMG’s new pact with TikTok comes nightclub in the town’s Ybor City dis- do after we execute the agreement, and it after the label group abruptly pulled its trict, which is hosting shows by Kodak was crafted around concepts for new col- catalog from TikTok competitor Triller last Black and Lil Baby, and then the Ritz, laboration that we’re really excited about.” week, claiming the app has withheld artist which is planning a big Super Bowl bash TikTok global head of music Ole Ober- payments and is refusing to negotiate new hosted by Gucci Mane. mann echoed that to Billboard: “Through- music licensing deals. The events — which include par- out the last year, as TikTok evolved quite ties hosted by Rick Ross, Boosie, City a bit as a product and we really started to Girls and Trick Daddy — fill in a gap left Page 10 of 25

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by the absence of OnLocation this year, the they know they won’t get the full Super out of Berlin. He was most recently execu- NFL’s hospitality and live entertainment Bowl experience,” he said. tive vp, repertoire & marketing, Los Angeles. partner that was purchased by Endeavor at DeGeorge hopes locals stay home and Before that, he served as executive vp front- the beginning of the year. OnLocation de- don’t show up in search of deals, waiting for line publishing, where he spearheaded the cided not to host any VIP events or concerts the price of some of the big tailgate parties integration of BMG’s creative teams globally this year due to COVID-19 and instead focus and concerts to drop, creating unsafe condi- and was key in developing the company’s on ticket sales, which have also been slow. tions for the events operating at a lower China operations. Tickets are still available for nearly all capacity. Since Scherer signed on to lead the Los concerts happening during Super Bowl “We really don’t know what is gonna hap- Angeles marketing & repertoire team in weekend — as are tickets for the big game, pen with some of these concerts or if people 2014, the company has seen success on despite a reduced capacity at host Raymond do come out, what enforcement of the ca- the recording side with releases from Run James Stadium to 22,000 (normally 65,000), pacity issues will look like,” he said. “We’re the Jewels, Jason Mraz, KSI and Curtis with 7,500 tickets going to vaccinated health all just nervously awaiting the weekend and Waters, among others. He also launched a care workers, that was supposed to mean a will be happy when it’s over.” long-term partnership with Dark Horse Re- quiet Super Bowl weekend. DeGeorge said cords and has led the charge on developing a he planned to operate the Crow Bar at 25% stable of rock-focused acts in Los Angeles. capacity and host a few local bands but said BMG Announces A number of other executive promotions he has serious doubts that venues hosting were also announced as part of the restruc- big shows within Tampa’s Ybor City enter- Restructuring, ture. Monti Olson and Dan Gill have been tainment district will follow the capacity promoted to executive vp roles and will be restrictions. Ups Thomas responsible for U.S. publishing and recorded “And that really disturbs the balance music in Los Angeles, respectively, reporting of the entire evening and puts the venues Scherer to to Scherer. that are trying to do the right thing at risk,” In his new role, Olson will lead BMG’s DeGeorge says. One problem, he explains, Repertoire Los Angeles, Nashville and New York cre- is that the city’s capacity restrictions aren’t ative teams, in addition to creative services being enforced by police and Alcohol and & Marketing for the company’s film and TV publishing Beverage Control. Since the state’s enter- clients. He joined BMG in 2018 as co-head tainment restrictions were loosened in President of U.S. A&R publishing, overseeing a roster October by Florida Govenor Ron DeSantis, that includes 21 Savage, Juice WRLD, images of packed venues and nightclubs BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN Diane Warren and Del Records. He came to have regularly trickled out of Ybor Center the company from Warner Records and has — which is home to about 100 clubs, venues, MG has announced a “stream- also served in roles at Global Entertainment restaurants and retail businesses — and lined restructuring” of its U.S. and Universal Music Publishing Group. ended up on social media sites and national repertoire operation as part of a Gill, meanwhile, will be responsible for news broadcasts. growth plan “designed to allow BMG’s frontline recordings repertoire and “It can feel like the Twilight Zone here in Bthe company to accelerate out of the pan- strategy in Los Angeles, including RBC Florida, where half the people in the state demic,” it was revealed Friday (Feb. 5). Records (KSI, Chief Keef, Waka Flocka take precautions against the coronavirus As part of the restructure, Thomas Flame, Big L, Gucci Mane) and metal/ and the other half just shrug it off,” De- Scherer has been promoted to president, hard rock label Rise Records (Dance Gavin George said. repertoire & marketing, Los Angeles and Dance, AFI, Pup, Sevendust). He joined Jesse Lawrence with TicketIQ, which New York, leading the company’s West the company in 2014 after its acquisition of sells and distributes sports tickets, said Coast and East Coast repertoire organiza- Vagrant Records, most recently serving as there would have likely been more concerts tions. Additionally, Jon Loba, who joined senior vp recorded music. and events happening at the Super Bowl this BMG in 2017 following its acquisition of Jason Hradil has been elevated to execu- year if the hometown team weren’t playing. country label and publishing house BBR tive vp, recorded music, New York, suc- The people who buy tickets to concerts — Music Group, has been confirmed as presi- ceeding John Loeffler, who will take on a the shows at WTR Grill + Pool start at $250 dent, recorded music, Nashville. Both will newly expanded role centered on VIP client — are often fans visiting from out of town report to BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch. relations, U.S.-wide business and strategic and not locals. Scherer, who has been with Bertelsmann partnerships. “And that has a domino effect because for nearly three decades, joined “the new Loeffler, a former TV and commercial the people who are deciding if they want to BMG” at its founding in 2008, becoming one producer, joined the company in 2009 as a travel for the game decide not to go because of the company’s original employees based consultant following its acquisition of Cher- Page 11 of 25

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ry Lane Records and has since spearheaded taries, video games and beyond. More than relatively miniscule 55 and 25 plays on Feb. its relationships with artists including Huey ever, BMG is the most artist-friendly alter- 4 and 5, respectively. Lewis, Roger Waters, Bad Company, John native to the traditional music business.” Among stations that report to the all- Fogerty and Kenny Loggins. He also man- In its most recent earnings report, genre Billboard Hot 100 and Radio Songs aged BMG’s New York-based S-Curve Re- BMG posted a 4.8% increase in revenue to charts (including country outlets, as well cords and was the architect of the recently €282 million euros ($310.8 million) at the as pop- and adult-formatted stations, where launched OM Records, a partnership with mid-year point ended June 30, 2020, up Wallen receives some play), his music French soccer club Olympique de Marseille. from €269 million ($303.9 million) in the plummeted from an average of 2,100 to In his new position, Hradil will take on a year-earlier period. 2,200 plays daily from Jan. 30 through Feb. dual role; in addition to his new executive 2 to 617, 122 and 65 plays on Feb. 3, 4 and 5, vp title, he will continue as senior vp, inter- respectively. national marketing, a title he has held since Morgan Wallen’s Wallen’s current country radio single, “7 2019. Going forward, he will oversee BMG’s Summers,” has contributed to the bulk of frontline recordings repertoire and market- Airplay Continues his airplay decline, having tumbled from ing on the East Coast, along with the com- around 500 plays daily to 149 (down 70%) pany’s U.S. interests in global recordings. to Plummet, on Country Airplay reporters on Feb. 3. The He has been with BMG since 2011, when he song then drew a mere eight and five plays joined as its first U.S. recorded music em- Streams Steady, on Feb. 4 and 5, respectively. On the most ployee, helping develop the company’s entry recently published audience-based Country into the U.S. record business and managing Sales Surge Airplay chart, dated Feb. 6, the track rose all marketing, sales, promotion and distribu- from No. 16 to No. 15 for a new peak (up 8% tion for artist releases in North America. He BY GARY TRUST AND KEITH in audience reach in the tracking week end- previously held roles at Columbia/Epic and CAULFIELD ing Jan. 31). Sony BMG. Morgan Wallen’s U.S. daily airplay, all Lastly, Jecoure Lamothe has been upped organ Wallen’s U.S. airplay his songs combined, on Country Airplay to senior director, A&R and marketing at continues to evaporate, while chart reporters: BMG’s rap/hip-hop label RBC Records. In streams stay mostly steady and 1/30: 1,600 his new role, he will manage all day-to-day sales explode, in the wake of 1/31: 1,500 operations of the label and its artists, report- Mthe publication of a TMZ video showing the 2/1: 1,600 ing to Gill. He joined BMG in 2018 following chart-topping artist using a racial slur. 2/2: 1,500 its acquisition of RBC. As previously reported, TMZ posted 2/3: 389 “The US continues to be BMG’s richest a video Tuesday night (Feb. 2) of Wallen, 2/4: 55 repertoire source and largest revenue gen- who was positioned to be the next global 2/5: 25 erator. After a very strong 2020, we are de- country star, yelling expletives, includ- “7 Summers” U.S. daily airplay on termined to be in a position to accelerate out ing the N-word. He subsequently issued an Country Airplay chart reporters: of this pandemic rather than resting on our apology, while his record label, Big Loud 1/30: 539 laurels,” Masuch said in a statement. “This Records, suspended his recording contract 1/31: 544 new streamlined structure will allow us to indefinitely. 2/1: 490 raise the bar of excellence when it comes to Below is a look at Wallen’s U.S. airplay in 2/2: 490 servicing our artists. I would like to thank the seven days through Feb. 5, and his sales 2/3: 149 Thomas, Jon, Monti, Dan, and Jason for all and streams in the seven days through Feb. 2/4: 8 their contributions to the company and wish 4. 2/5: 5 them continued success in their new roles.” AIRPLAY STREAMS “BMG US just enjoyed its best year yet so Wallen’s airplay has collapsed to a nomi- Wallen’s streams have stayed relatively it’s an honor to take on responsibility for our nal amount since the TMZ video was post- steady, with slight daily gains, despite New York operation as well as LA.,” added ed. Looking at the last seven days of airplay the removal of his songs from over 30 Scherer. “I look forward to working along- (Jan. 30-Feb. 5), his song catalog was averag- influential playlists across Spotify, Apple side Jon Loba as we pursue our objective ing 1,500 to 1,600 plays daily on report- Music, Amazon Music and Pandora. On Feb. to provide a real partnership for our artists ers to Billboard’s Country Airplay chart 4, Wallen’s collected songs tallied 28.66 mil- and songwriters: inspire, help them build through Feb. 2, according to MRC Data. On lion on-demand streams (audio and video and own their creative works and offer them Feb. 3, as multiple radio groups dropped combined) according to initial reports to new opportunities to express their talents his music, his catalog fell by 74% in plays MRC Data – his best daily streaming total into books, podcasts, films and documen- that day. His totals have since cratered to a since Jan. 29. Page 12 of 25

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Isolating just his audio on-demand albums and songs combined. Total album 1996, the same year he released his break- streams – which include streams from the sales, and song sales, are broken out through album, Antichrist Superstar. The above-mentioned services like Apple Music separately. two met while Ciulla was working at Trent and Spotify – they grew daily from Feb. 2 1/29: 7,900 (albums: 2,200; songs: 5,700) Reznor’s Nothing Records in the early through Feb. 4. 1/30: 8,100 (albums: 2,200; songs: 5,900) 1990s, when Manson’s band was signed by Below is a look at Wallen’s daily stream- 1/31: 6,400 (albums: 1,700; songs: 4,700) the label. ing activity, for the seven-day period of Jan. 2/1: 5,700 (albums: 1,500; songs: 4,200) Though Manson and Ciulla’s professional 29 through Feb. 4. 2/2: 5,100 (albums: 1,200; songs: 3,900) relationship has weathered a number of Morgan Wallen’s U.S. daily on-demand 2/3: 23,600 (albums: 9,000; songs: 14,600) serious controversies over the past 25 years, song streams (audio and video), all his 2/4: 35,200 (albums: 12,800; songs: 22,400) the tide appears to have turned following songs combined. Audio and video are Dangerous album U.S. daily sales: Wood’s accusation that Manson “horrifi- broken out separately. 1/29: 1,900 cally abused” her for years after the two met 1/29: 31.29 million (audio: 29.14 million, 1/30: 1,900 when Wood was 18 and Manson was 36. The video: 2.15 million) 1/31: 1,500 pair announced their relationship in Jan. 1/30: 27.95 million (audio: 26.12 million, 2/1: 1,300 2007 and were briefly engaged in 2010. video: 1.83 million) 2/2: 1,100 “The name of my abuser is Brian War- 1/31: 23.20 million (audio: 21.64 million, 2/3: 7,200 ner, also known to the world as Marilyn video: 1.56 million) 2/4: 9,900 Manson,” Wood wrote on Instagram Mon- 2/1: 24.64 million (audio: 22.98 million, day. “He started grooming me when I was video: 1.66 million) a teenager and horrifically abused me for 2/2: 24.80 million (audio: 23.11 million, Marilyn Manson years. I was brainwashed and manipulated video: 1.69 million) into submission. I am done living in fear of 2/3: 25.52 million (audio: 23.58 million, Dropped by retaliation, slander or blackmail.” video: 1.94 million) She continued, “I am here to expose 2/4: 28.66 million (audio: 26.41 million, Longtime this dangerous man and call out the many video: 2.25 million) industries that have enabled him, before he SALES Manager Tony ruins any more lives. I stand with the many Wallen’s sales have increased dramatically victims who will no longer be silent.” since Feb. 3. According to preliminary sales Ciulla: Report Following Wood’s post on Monday, at reports to MRC Data, Wallen’s total sales – least four other women also came forward across all of his albums and songs – vaulted BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN with various allegations of sexual and physi- from 5,100 on Feb. 2 to 35,200 on Feb. 4. cal abuse by Manson. Though his label suspended his record- arilyn Manson has been Though she did not name Manson as her ing contract indefinitely, his music was not dropped by longtime man- abuser until this week, Wood had previ- removed from any digital retail services (like ager Tony Ciulla follow- ously hinted at the shock rocker’s alleged iTunes), and continues to remain available ing accusations of sexual and abuse in both a 2016 interview with Rolling in brick-and-mortar retail stores. Mphysical abuse against the rock star by his Stone (and a later Twitter post) as well as His current album, Dangerous: The Double former fiancée, actor Evan Rachel Wood, before a U.S. House Judiciary subcommittee Album, went from 1,100 sales on Feb. 2 to and several other women, according to a in Feb. 2018 in support of the Sexual Assault 9,900 sales on Feb. 4. Dangerous logged its new report in Rolling Stone. Manson has Survivors’ Bill of Rights Act. In 2019, Wood third total and consecutive week at No. 1 on denied the claims. again spoke out while testifying before Cali- the latest all-genre Billboard 200 and Top Manson was previously dropped by his fornia lawmakers in support of the Phoenix Country Albums charts, dated Feb. 6 (re- agency, CAA, and record label, Loma Vista Act, a bill she created to expand the statute flecting sales and streaming activity in the Recordings. He is also being edited out of an of limitations for domestic violence-related week ending Jan. 28). upcoming episode of the Starz series Ameri- crimes from three to five years. That bill was The Feb. 13-dated Billboard 200, reflect- can Gods, on which he has recurred this signed into law by California Gov. Gavin ing the sales and streaming tracking week season, while AMC’s Shudder service has Newsom in Oct. 2019 and went into effect in ending Feb. 4, is scheduled to be announced confirmed it will not be airing a segment of Jan. 2020. on Feb. 7. a forthcoming episode of its Creepshow TV Manson quickly responded to the Below is a look at Wallen’s daily sales, for series in which Manson appears. women’s accusations on Monday with his the seven-day period of Jan. 29 through Feb. Ciulla has not responded to Billboard’s own Instagram statement, which charac- 4. request for comment. terized their claims as “horrible distortions Morgan Wallen’s U.S. daily sales, all his Ciulla began managing Manson around of reality.” Page 13 of 25

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Since then, Manson’s ex-girlfriend Rose on both subscription and ad-supported Meanwhile, The Weeknd’s “Save Your McGowan and ex-wife Dita Von tiers of audio and video music services, as Tears” ascends to a new Global Excl. U.S. Teese have released statements in support well as download sales, the latter of which high, climbing 10-6 with 29.9 million of the women, with McGowan specifi- reflect purchases from full-service digital streams (up 8%) and 6,000 sold (up 19%) cally calling out the music industry for music retailers from around the world, with beyond the U.S. “protecting predators” in a video posted to sales from direct-to-consumer (D2C) sites The Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Twitter. excluded from the charts’ calculations. Global Excl. U.S. charts (dated Feb. 13) will ‘License’ Ties for Longest Global 200 update on Billboard.com tomorrow (Feb. 9). Reign For both charts, the top 100 titles are avail- Olivia Rodrigo’s Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License” holds able to all readers on Billboard.com, while atop the Billboard Global 200 with 89.9 the complete 200-title rankings are visible ‘Drivers License’ million streams (down 19%) and 21,000 sold on Billboard Pro, Billboard’s subscription- (down 21%) worldwide in the Jan. 29-Feb. 4 based service. For all chart news, you can Rules Both tracking week, the week’s top sums in both follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on metrics. both Twitter and Instagram. Billboard Global The single by the singer-songwriter and actress, initially known for her roles Charts For in Disney Channel’s Bizaardvark and Mario Kaminsky, Disney+’s High School Musical: The Musical: Fourth Week The Series, ties for the longest Global 200 Legendary command yet, matching Mariah Carey’s “All BY GARY TRUST I Want for Christmas Is You” (December- Argentine Industry January) and BTS’ “Dynamite” (October- livia Rodrigo boasts the biggest January). Executive, Dead song in the world (not just the The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” holds at suburbs) for a fourth week, as its No. 2 Global 200 high and BTS’ “Dyna- at 87 “Drivers License” holds at No. mite” repeats at No. 4. The Weeknd doubles O1 in its fourth frame on both the Billboard up in the top five, as “Save Your Tears” soars BY LEILA COBO Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. 9-4 for its first week in the bracket, with U.S. charts. 43.2 million streams (up 8%) and 11,000 sold ario Kaminsky, the legendary The song is the first to top both tallies (up 12%) worldwide. and enterprising Argentine simultaneously for four consecutive weeks, Capping the Global 200’s top five, Bad music executive who founded dating to the charts’ September 2020 Bunny and Jhay Cortez’s “Dákiti” drops 3-5, and led one of the country’s premieres. It’s the second to lead the lists after three weeks at No. 1. Mmost successful record labels, Microfón, concurrently for four weeks total, joining Further in the Global 200’s top 10, died Feb. 1 after a prolonged illness. He was BTS’ “Dynamite,” which did so nonconsecu- “Streets” by Doja Cat pounces to the region 87. tively between October and January. (16-8) with 37 million streams (up 19%) and Kaminsky, who was also a founding Plus, The Weeknd’s “Save Your Tears” 4,000 sold (up 72%) globally. member of Argentina’s record industry reaches the Global 200’s top five, surging ‘License’ Leads, The Weeknd Rises association, CAPIF (Argentine Chamber from No. 9 to No. 4, and Doja Cat’s “Streets” Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License” of Phonogram and Videogram Producers), hits the top 10 for the first time, bounding concurrently rules the Billboard Global founded Microfón in 1955. He helmed the 16-8. Excl. U.S. chart for a fourth week, with 58.8 company until it was sold to Sony in 1995, Billboard’s two global charts (the latest of million streams (down 15%) and 8,000 sold signing iconic Argentine acts like Aldo Mon- which are dated Feb. 13) rank songs based (down 12%) in territories outside the U.S. in ges and Los Chalchaleros. At its height, in on streaming and sales activity culled from the Jan. 29-Feb. 4 tracking week. the late 1970s, Microfón was putting out up more than 200 territories around the world, BTS’ “Dynamite” keeps at No. 2 on the to 25 albums per month. as compiled by MRC Data. The Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart after a record eight “[Record store chain] Centro Cultural Del Global 200 is inclusive of worldwide data weeks at No. 1; The Weeknd’s “Blinding Disco, which had over 60 stores, gave us a and the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart Lights” lifts 4-3, returning to its peak; Bad diploma that said: ‘364 days of the year, the comprises data from territories excluding Bunny and Jhay Cortez’s “Dákiti” dips top selling album belonged to Microfón,’” the U.S. 3-4, following its five-week reign; and recalled Kaminsky in his last, extensive Chart rankings are based on a weighted 24kGoldn’s “Mood,” featuring Iann Dior, interview, with Prensario, in 2019. formula incorporating official-only streams holds at No. 5 after peaking at No. 2. That year, Kaminsky was given the Trust- Page 14 of 25

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ees Award at the Latin Grammys for his music industry.” contributions to the industry. Wolf Alice’s Ellie “I wasn’t sure whether to bring any of this “Don Mario is an example of what’s up but Manson claims in his recent state- required today in the music industry,” said Rowsell Claims ment that his relationships were ‘entirely Latin Academy president/CEO Gabriel consensual’ - I don’t think he knows the Abaroa at the time. “The surname Ka- Marilyn Manson meaning of consent if he goes around up- minsky represents taking risks, knowing skirting young women at festivals. Thank the market, loving music and artists and Filmed Up Her you for your courage Evan,” said Rowsell. understanding the craft. An entire genera- Billboard made earlier attempts to reach tion of rockers and folk musicians developed Skirt Without Manson for comment through his now for- in Microfón, Mario Kaminsky’s musical mer management, but has not received any laboratory.” Consent at responses. Kaminsky initially founded Microfón as Wood named Manson, her ex-fiancée, as a label for popular Argentine music. But Music Festival an alleged abuser in an Instagram post. from the onset, Kaminsky was interested Wood claimed the shock rocker had “hor- in marketing and was a pioneer in packag- BY ASHLEY IASIMONE rifically abused” her for years, beginning ing his albums with the same standards as when she was a teenager. imported product. Eventually, he was also olf Alice singer Ellie Row- After she spoke out, other women also a pioneer in video production. Because the sell stood in solidarity with went public with claims of physical and majors had no offices in Argentina early Evan Rachel Wood after psychological abuse against Manson; Wood on, Kaminsky signed a licensing deal with Wood came forward with shared some of their statements in her Ins- Ariola to distribute and promote artists accusationsW of sexual and physical abuse tagram stories. like Raphael, Camilo Sesto, Alberto Cortez against Marilyn Manson on Feb. 1. On Manson denied the sexual abuse allega- and José Luis Perales. By the time he sold Saturday (Feb. 6), Rowsell recounted meet- tions in his own statement on Instagram. the company to Sony in 1995, his catalog ing Manson at a music festival and made her “Obviously, my art and my life have long exceeded 1,300 LPs. own allegations about misconduct by him. been magnets for controversy, but these Kaminsky also owned Ion recording stu- “Solidarity to Evan Rachel Wood and recent claims about me are horrible distor- dios, which he purchased in 1973 and which those calling out Marilyn Manson,” Row- tions of reality,” he wrote. “My intimate is still active. sell tweeted. “It’s sad to see people defend- relationships have always been entirely Kaminsky’s legacy lives beyond his ing him, just because he put his depravity consensual with like-minded partners. accomplishments, however. Two of his in plain sight doesn’t give him a free pass to Regardless of how - and why - others are children, Paula and Angel Kaminsky, are abuse women?!” now choosing to misinterpret the past, that also veteran industry executives. Currently, In her next message, the British singer de- is the truth.” both are working at Universal Music Latin scribed what allegedly happened during her Manson has since been dropped by America, the latter as executive vp, and the encounter with Manson, whose real name is Loma Vista Recordings — his record label former as managing director of GTS in the Brian Warner. — as well as CAA. Longtime manager Tony U.S. and as manager to Sebastian Yatra. “I met Marilyn backstage at a festival Cuilla has also reportedly cut ties with him. Daughter Sonia Kaminsky manages Ka- a few years ago. After his compliments After Wood spoke out about the al- minsky’s ventures in Argentina. towards my band became more and more leged abuse, indie rock musician Phoebe hyperbolic I became suspicious of his Bridgers recalled an experience going to behaviour. I was shocked to look down and Manson’s house when she was a teenager see he was filming up my skirt with a gopro,” and hearing him refer to a room as the she wrote. “r*pe room.” Bridgers also alleged that “the “There were no repercussions for his label knew, management knew, the band behaviour,” she continued, adding that a knew” in a second tweet, but did not specify member of his tour staff said, “’he does this names or details of what they were aware of. kind of thing all the time.’” “Distancing themselves now, pretending to “If he does this kind of thing all the time be shocked and horrified is f—-ing pathetic,” why on earth has he been headlining festi- she added. vals for so many years?” she asked. “When Read Rowsell’s story that she shared on will we stop enabling misogynists on the Twitter below. account of their success? Women must feel safe in the male dominated world that is the Page 15 of 25

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as the BMAC in June 2020, pledging to the right direction. And we applaud that step. Response to advance racial justice in the music industry #BMAC #BlackMusicMatters #Black- and in society at large for the sake of the LivesMatter Morgan Wallen Black Lives Matter mission. Read the BMAC’s entire letter below. Slur Applauded Each time we back up our words with ac- In Demand: tion, each time we actually walk the talk, and by Black Music each time we stand up and do the right thing, Dan Nigro Talks even when it’s hard or unpopular –especial- Action Coalition, ly when it’s hard or unpopular – that’s when Co-Writing we begin to shift our world to be a more just, But ‘There Is human, and equal place. And that’s what we Olivia Rodrigo’s saw from the country music community this Much More to week. ‘Drivers License’ Following Morgan Wallen hurling the N- Be Done’ word and being captured on video, decisions BY LYNDSEY HAVENS and actions from the country music commu- BY HERAN MAMO nity were swift and sweeping. The message an Nigro vividly recalls the was loud and it was clear: racism will no moment his obsession with he Black Music Action Coali- longer go without consequences. In a matter pop music started. While in tion issued a letter Friday (Feb. of hours, the major radio networks iHeartMe- sixth grade, he heard Nirvana’s 5) applauding the country music dia, Cumulus, Cox Media Group, Entercom D“Smells Like Teen Spirit” for the first time; industry for taking swift action and Sirius XM had all removed Wallen’s soon after, he and his friends made their Tagainst Morgan Wallen after his use of the music from their playlists. The cable net- own music video to the hit through an at- N-word was caught on camera. work, CMT acted quickly with the removal traction at Long Island’s Adventureland. A video of the country singer yelling the of his appearances and music videos, while “Even making a fake music video, I was racial slur and other expletives surfaced the Country Music Association also removed like, ‘Oh yeah, I want to be playing for online Tuesday night, along with a state- his content from their platform. Meanwhile, people,” says Nigro. But after fronting the ment to TMZ and a “promise to do better.” The Academy of Country Music halted any indie-rock act, As Tall As Lions, which dis- Wallen had been perceived as country’s Morgan Wallen involvement and eligibility assembled in 2010, he had another realiza- next global star, but the industry took for the upcoming 56th Academy of Country tion: “I’m actually not that good at this, and swift action following the video’s release, Music Awards cycle. The streaming platforms also don’t really enjoy it.” with iHeartMedia, Entercom and other also made their voices heard – Apple, Pan- Later that year, he visited a friend in Los major radio station groups pulling his dora, Spotify, Amazon Music all removing his Angeles to make music for an intended music; Big Loud suspending his record- music from their curated playlists. solo project, and ended up joining some ing contract “indefinitely”; and streaming The group effort from the country music pop songwriting sessions as well. “It was platforms removing his music from their community that we are witnessing is an ex- the first time in probably years that I had official playlists. Furthermore, the Academy ample of what can be done when we choose to fallen in love with making music again,” of Country Music barred him from “poten- oppose racism. Not just in raising money and Nigro recalls, adding he spent those early tial involvement and eligibility” at their 2021 creating funds, or in press releases and social days writing closely with his childhood best awards show and WME dropped him from media posts, but in true action — to make it friend, Justin Raisen, and eventual indie- their booking roster. clear that enough, is indeed, enough. pop superproducer Ariel Rechtshaid. “I In the new letter, the Black Music Action While we are heartened by this community just realized how much I enjoyed being in Coalition writes, “Following Morgan Wal- endeavor, we know that there are deep rooted a room where I could create music and not len hurling the N-word and being captured racist practices and beliefs within the country feel it was so intensely me. That’s where on video, decisions and actions from the music sphere, and the incident with Morgan everything changed.” country music community were swift and Wallen is only one small example. There is Soon enough, he was landing credits with sweeping. The message was loud and it much more to be done to continue to raise Kimbra and Sky Ferreira. Now, he’s worked was clear: racism will no longer go without anti-racist awareness, to demolish racism with big hitmakers like Carly Rae Jepsen, consequences.” wherever it is encountered, to achieve racial Lewis Capaldi and Finneas O’Connell, More than 30 pre-eminent artist manag- equality, and to support Black country music among many others. Nigro says over the last ers, attorneys, business managers, agents artists and Black country music executives. four years, specifically, he’s discovered his and other industry professionals united But what we saw this week was a step in biggest asset is “helping artists who have a Page 16 of 25

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lot to say navigate their sonic landscapes.” an intro and it always pisses me off. I have tality, “so we constantly were questioning As a result, has gotten in early with some of to constantly remind myself, even though I everything about it,” from whether or not pop’s biggest newcomers — including Olivia don’t abide by that rule, ‘Just make the song the drums come in too late (they don’t arrive Rodrigo, whose breakthrough single “Driv- [you want].’” until the bridge) to having Rodrigo resign ers License” he co-wrote and produced Claud, “Soft Spot” the vocals in full and head voice, “going — crafting hits in his 200 square-foot L.A. The same friend who turned Nigro on to back and forth to see what the right emotion garage ever since. Conan Gray, A&R Max Wang, also intro- should be.” Below, Billboard catches up with Nigro duced him to Claud, an emerging singer- Now, looking back, he says that while they below to discuss some of the biggest songs songwriter signed to Phoebe Bridgers’ label both love the song, “neither of us thought he’s worked on — including, of course, the Saddest Factory. Nigro says the first day they it was going to do what it did” — which biggest song in the world for the last four were scheduled to meet and write together, includes topping the Hot 100 for four weeks weeks. though, at the top of 2020, he was feeling and counting, and raking in 76.1 million Caroline Polacheck, “So Hot You’re quite introverted and nervous he wouldn’t streams in its first week, the best sum Hurting My Feelings” be of any help. “But they came in and said, since Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s While working together on Polacheck’s ‘I have this idea to write a song called “Soft “WAP.” Adds Nigro: “I don’t think our ex- third album, 2019’s Pang, Nigro recalls her Spot.”’ All of a sudden, it just flowed out pectations were even 1/20th of where it is.” walking in with the fully formed concept for and I remember feeling relieved that they A version of this article will appear in this track. “She literally came into the room had had the spark of inspiration, because I the Feb. 20, 2021 issue of Billboard. and said, ‘I want to write a song called, ‘So wasn’t feeling like I was going to be the one Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings,’ and we to come in with one.” were just like, ‘Let’s go.’” He says the project Nigro says he’s has gotten better over the Evan Rachel Wood was shaping up to be a moody, darkly col- years at voicing when a session feels right ored world, which helped inspire them to or wrong, saying “sometimes you rise to the Shares Additional create something a bit more fun: “I felt there occasion and end up pushing through the was this moment where we were like, ‘Can awkwardness, but I’ve learned that over the Details Relating to we not make something heavy?” He says the years that there are tons of times where you writing process (which included working fight through it just to, for a lack of a better Marilyn Manson with pop/rock behind-the-scenes regular word, be nice. I started to realize after a Teddy Geiger) for the entire song minus the while, ‘Don’t force the awkwardness.’ After Abuse Allegations bridge took just two hours. “It was just like, you’ve been sitting in a room for two or ‘Oh wow, we did something [fun] — and it three hours and you’re not getting some- BY TRILBY BERESFORD felt good.’” thing [it’s OK to admit], ‘Hey, I don’t know if Conan Gray, “Heather” we’re compatible.’” van Rachel Wood on Saturday Nigro has always gravitated towards “mu- Olivia Rodrigo, “drivers license” morning (Feb. 6) shared an ad- sic you listen to by yourself,” and says he’s Nigro says since working with Grey, his ditional detail about her alleged often trying to help create those moments in inbox is filled daily with new artists’ pitches abuse in relation to Marilyn Man- an artist’s song — which is exactly what in- — but Olivia Rodrigo immediately cap- Eson, whose real name is Brian Warner. formed the process of “Heather,” off Conan tured his attention. He quickly went on her The actress wrote in an Instagram Gray’s 2020 debut full-length Kid Krow. Instagram and found a clip of a song called Story that she had to file a police report last “The vision was to keep it as cinematic as “Happier,” saying, “I just got the chills and I year after becoming aware of a threat about possible and also to keep the vocal almost was like, ‘Oh my God, her voice is insane.’ I the release of underage photos of herself. uncomfortably in your face,” he says. “I was literally DM’d her that second and was like, “On Dec. 19, I had to file a police report like, ‘I want it to feel like you’re in the room ‘Hey, I think you’re amazing. We should after I was alerted to threats made by @ and hearing this person talking to you,’ in make music.’” leslee_lane and @lindsayusichofficial (Bri- terms of the verse.” The pair met soon after, but then pan- an’s wife) for conspiring to release photos Though “Heather” was a favorite within demic hit and halted their plans. Months of me when I was UNDERAGE, after being Conan’s team, the plan was never to work it later, after a series of safety procedures, given large amounts of drugs and alcohol, as a single. As a result, Nigro says “we just they were able to hunker down at Nigro’s after Brian performed on Halloween in Las did whatever we wanted to do,” includ- home studio to start working on new mate- Vegas to ‘ruin my career’ and ‘shut me up,’ ing tacking on a 25-second intro. “I always rial. Eventually, Rodrigo started bringing in wrote the Westworld star. laugh because it’s his biggest song — and half-baked ideas, one of which was “Drivers She included a copy of the police report, people always talk about Spotify analytics License.” He says he and Rodrigro share the with contact and personal information and how songs shouldn’t have this long of same “how do we make this better?” men- blacked out. The Hollywood Reporter has Page 17 of 25

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contacted Wood’s representatives. details from Wood’s Instagram Story. ous studio productions served as source Further into Wood’s Instagram story, she This story first appeared on The Holly- material for hard-hitting live sets that also resurfaced a post from Friday in which the wood Reporter. incorporated the deep cuts, rarities and actress provides more details of what she global sounds that first defined their sonic experienced with Manson. “I was called a palette on Feel My Bicep. jew in a derogatory manner,” wrote Wood. Bicep Muscles Friends since childhood, McBriar (now “He would draw swastikas over my bedside 34) and Ferguson (33) are childhood friends table when he was mad at me. I heard the ‘n’ Its Way to the from Northern Ireland capital of Belfast. word over and over.” Growing up on an island instilled in them She continued, “Everyone around him Forefront of mixed emotions, they say, about “want- was expected to laugh and join in. If you did ing to leave, wanting to return.” It is these not or (god forbid) called him out, you were the Dance World feelings of isolation, melancholy and the singled out and abused more. I have never comfort of home that inform their recently been more scared in my life.” — And Beyond: released (and fully excellent) sophomore Earlier this week, Wood named Man- album, Isles, released via the venerable elec- son as her alleged abuser. She stated on Emerging Artist tronic label Ninja Tune on Jan. 22. Instagram, “I am done living in fear of While the album may be inspired by retaliation, slander or blackmail,” and wrote Spotlight island life, Isles also incorporates sounds that Manson groomed her as a teenager and from far beyond their home turf. Album “horrifically” abused her for years. Wood BY KATIE BAIN single “Sundial” samples “Jab Andhera Hota and Manson had a relationship when the Hai,” from the 1973 Bollywood film Raja actress was 18 and Manson was 36, and the elcome to Emerging Artists Rani. Since relocating to East London years pair were briefly engaged in 2010. Spotlight, the Billboard series back, the guys have become influenced by On Thursday, Wood shared a letter on where we highlight a musi- the city’s Indian culture and by Bollywood Instagram that New York State Senator cian or band who has recently film scores and the female sopranos therein. Kevin Parker wrote to the Acting Attorney Wmade their debut on the Emerging Artists For the guys, the “haunting melancholic General of the United States, requesting “a chart. Whether they are new to the industry, epicness” of these vocals resonate particu- full investigation into the accusations” that or have been around for a while but are just larly hard in their similarity to the Irish folk she set forth. starting to have a chart impact, the inten- music (like that of the country’s iconic band Four other women have also come out tion is to showcase where they are here and Clannad) they grew up listening to. with claims again Manson, including physi- now. This week’s pick is electronic duo Bicep, Meanwhile, album track “Apricots’ (Bill- cal and psychological abuse, some details of who debuted at No. 30 on the chart (dated board Dance’s No. 1 dance track of 2020) which Wood has shared in her Instagram Feb. 6) thanks to their sophomore LP, Isles. fuses a 1950’s performance by The Bulgar- stories. Manson was subsequently dropped While Bicep just made their Emerging ian State Radio & Television Female Vocal by CAA the day after his record label, Artists chart debut, the duo is already fully Choir with traditional Malawian singing Loma Vista Recordings, said it would no materialized in the dance world. The Bel- — to epic, haunting effect. The duo will longer promote his current album. He will fast-bred, London-based pair became scene likely play these tracks and more when also no longer be associated with the TV heroes more than a decade back, when the they perform an extended live show (with shows American Gods and Creepshow. then-early-twentysomethings established support acts to be announced) that will be Manson wrote in an Instagram post this themselves via their blog, Feel My Bicep. livestreamed from London’s Saatchi Gallery week, “Obviously, my art and my life have Launched as a place to aggregate deep on February 26 at 8:30 p.m. ET. Tickets are long been magnets for controversy, but cuts, club tracks and world music enjoyed $18.50. A summer tour will also take them these recent claims about me are horrible by the two crate-diggers (Matt McBriar through Europe, public health permitting. distortions of reality,” he wrote in a state- and Andy Ferguson), Feel My Bicep caught And that blog of theirs? Still in opera- ment shared on his Instagram. “My intimate on. Its success led to DJ gigs, a sprawling tion. relationships have always been entirely fanbase and a label contract, with a flurry of Learn more about Bicep below. consensual with like-minded partners. EPs and global gigs to follow. Hometown: Belfast, Northern Ireland Regardless of how — and why — others are Bicep’s self-titled debut album dropped in Recommended Bicep Track: “Apricots” now choosing to misrepresent the past, that 2017, via the venerable English indie imprint Outside of the music: “We’ve been is the truth.” Ninja Tune. Album track “Glue” became a focusing on a lot of creative outlets recently He continues to maintain the allegations calling card — and their highest streaming from home during lockdown. Cooking, read- are false. Spotify song to date, with nearly 59 million ing and gardening.” Feb 6, 11:33 a.m.: Updated with further plays — while the entire album and previ- What’s next: “We can’t wait to get back Page 18 of 25

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on the road when everything’s safe. In the ford Harris] and Tiny [real name: Tameka 100 chart-topping tracks: “Blinding Lights,” meantime, we have our Global Live Stream Harris] refuted the accusations in a state- “Heartless,” “Starboy,” “Can’t Feel My Face” II from London’s Saatchi gallery on Feb. 26, ment to Billboard. “Mr. and Mrs. Harris and “The Hills.” which will be a much tougher version of our want to be on record and more importantly See the NFL’s announcement below and album.” want the public to know they emphati- stream Super Bowl LV free on CBS.com. cally deny in the strongest way possible the egregiously appalling allegations being ‘T.I. & Tiny: made against them by Sabrina Peterson,” 2021 Critics the statement reads. “The Harrises have Friends & Family had difficulty with this woman for well over Choice Awards a decade. They are taking this matter very Hustle’ Production seriously, and if these allegations don’t end, Nominations: Suspended Amid they will take appropriate legal action.” See the Full List

Sexual Abuse Every 2021 Super BY ANNA CHAN

Allegations Bowl Performance he Critics Choice Association un- veiled its film nominations for the BY RANIA ANIFTOS Will Be on NFL 2021 awards on Monday (Feb. 8). Netflix film Mank earned the H1’s reality series, T.I. & Tiny: Live Visual Album Tmost nods with 12, including best score Friends & Family Hustle, has for Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The suspended production follow- BY HERAN MAMO two men of Nine Inch Nails are also nomi- ing a range of sexual abuse nated in the same category alongside Jon accusationsV against rapper T.I. and his wife, he NFL announced Friday (Feb. 5) Batiste for the trio’s work on Disney’s Soul. Tiny, Billboard can confirm. that fans can enjoy every perfor- Taye Diggs is set to host the 26th annual The show, which offers a glimpse into the mance from Sunday’s Super Bowl Critics Choice Awards for the third time. famous couple’s life, had been shooting its LV anytime with a new live visual Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, fourth season in Atlanta. Talbum released after the big game. while the show will air live, it will be a hy- “We are aware of the allegations, and Super Bowl LV Live will feature audio and brid in-person and virtual event, with some while they are not connected to our show, visuals of H.E.R.’s performance of “America presenters appearing from a Los Angeles we have reached out to T.I. and Tameka the Beautiful,” Jazmine Sullivan and Eric stage, and nominees appearing virtually Harris, as well as local and state officials,” an Church’s joint rendition of the national an- from around the world. MTV Entertainment spokesperson said in them, and The Weeknd’s 2021 Pepsi Super The ceremony airs Sunday, March 7, at a statement to Billboard. “Given the serious Bowl LV Halftime Show. Each performance 7:00 p.m. ET/PT on The CW. nature of the allegations, we have decided to will be available right after it finishes. Pre- See the full list of film nominees below. suspend production in order to gather more order for the album is available here. Best Picture information.” “Our team is constantly developing new Da 5 Bloods (Netflix) Last month, Sabrina Peterson accused and innovative ways for all fans to engage Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix) T.I. of putting a gun to her head and shared and feel personally connected to the Super Mank (Netflix) dozens of accusations from other women Bowl halftime show,” Brian Rolapp, NFL Minari (A24) against the couple. “you PUT A GUN TO chief media and business officer, says in a News of the World (Universal Pictures) MY HEAD IN FRONT OF CHILDREN & I statement. “The Live Visual Album allows Nomadland (Searchlight Pictures) NEVER CALLED THE POLICE ON YOU! fans to experience the greatness of the art- One Night in Miami (Amazon Studios) But for years you have painted me as the ists’ performance on Super Bowl Sunday Promising Young Woman (Focus Features) VILLAIN!” she wrote via Instagram on across multiple platforms anytime, which Sound of Metal (Amazon Studios) Jan. 25. further extends the excitement, conversa- The Trial of the Chicago 7 (Netflix) She also posted more than 30 accounts tion and life of the show.” Best Actor on her Instagram Stories from women who The Weeknd rolled out The High- Ben Affleck The– Way Back (Warner Bros.) claimed T.I. and Tiny force-fed them drugs lights album Friday ahead of his halftime Riz Ahmed – Sound of Metal (Amazon and then had sex with them. gig, featuring 18 songs across his catalog, Studios) A spokesperson for T.I. [real name: Clif- including all five of his Billboard Hot Chadwick Boseman – Ma Rainey’s Black Page 19 of 25

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Bottom (Netflix) Da 5 Bloods (Netflix) Best Production Design Tom Hanks – News of the World (Universal Judas and the Black Messiah (Warner Bros.) Cristina Casali, Charlotte Dirickx – The Per- Pictures) Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix) sonal History of David Copperfield (Search- Anthony Hopkins – The Father (Sony Pic- Minari (A24) light Pictures) tures Classics) One Night in Miami (Amazon Studios) David Crank, Elizabeth Keenan – News of Delroy Lindo – Da 5 Bloods (Netflix) The Trial of the Chicago 7 (Netflix) the World (Universal Pictures) Gary Oldman – Mank (Netflix) Best Director Nathan Crowley, Kathy Lucas – Tenet (War- Steven Yeun – Minari (A24) Lee Isaac Chung – Minari (A24) ner Bros.) Best Actress Emerald Fennell – Promising Young Wom- Donald Graham Burt, Jan Pascale Viola Davis – Ma Rainey’s Black Bot- an (Focus Features) – Mank (Netflix) tom (Netflix) David Fincher – Mank (Netflix) Kave Quinn, Stella Fox – Emma (Focus Andra Day – The United States vs. Billie Holi- Spike Lee – Da 5 Bloods (Netflix) Features) day (Hulu) Regina King – One Night in Miami (Amazon Mark Ricker, Karen O’Hara & Diana Stough- Sidney Flanigan – Never Rarely Sometimes Studios) ton – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix) Always (Focus Features) Aaron Sorkin – The Trial of the Chicago Best Editing Vanessa Kirby – Pieces of a Woman (Netflix) 7 (Netflix) Alan Baumgarten – The Trial of the Chicago Frances McDormand – Nomadland (Search- Chloé Zhao – Nomadland (Searchlight 7 (Netflix) light Pictures) Pictures) Kirk Baxter – Mank (Netflix) Carey Mulligan – Promising Young Wom- Best Original Screenplay Jennifer Lame – Tenet (Warner Bros.) an (Focus Features) Lee Isaac Chung – Minari (A24) Yorgos Lamprinos – The Father (Sony Pic- Zendaya – Malcolm & Marie (Netflix) Emerald Fennell – Promising Young Wom- tures Classics) Best Supporting Actor an (Focus Features) Mikkel E. G. Nielsen – Sound of Metal (Ama- Chadwick Boseman – Da 5 Bloods (Netflix) Jack Fincher – Mank (Netflix) zon Studios) Sacha Baron Cohen – The Trial of the Chi- Eliza Hittman – Never Rarely Sometimes Chloé Zhao – Nomadland (Searchlight cago 7 (Netflix) Always (Focus Features) Pictures) Daniel Kaluuya – Judas and the Black Mes- Darius Marder & Abraham Marder – Sound Best Costume Design siah (Warner Bros.) of Metal (Amazon Studios) Alexandra Byrne – Emma (Focus Features) Bill Murray – On the Rocks (A24/Apple Aaron Sorkin – The Trial of the Chicago Bina Daigeler – Mulan (Disney) TV+) 7 (Netflix) Suzie Harman & Robert Worley – The Per- Leslie Odom, Jr. – One Night in Miami (Am- Best Adapted Screenplay sonal History of David Copperfield (Search- azon Studios) Paul Greengrass & Luke Davies – News of light Pictures) Paul Raci – Sound of Metal (Amazon Stu- the World (Universal Pictures) Ann Roth – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Net- dios) Christopher Hampton and Florian Zeller flix) Best Supporting Actress – The Father (Sony Pictures Classics) Nancy Steiner – Promising Young Wom- Maria Bakalova – Borat Subsequent Movief- Kemp Powers – One Night in Miami (Ama- an (Focus Features) ilm (Amazon Studios) zon Studios) Trish Summerville – Mank (Netflix) Ellen Burstyn – Pieces of a Woman (Netflix) Jon Raymond & Kelly Reichardt – First Best Hair & Makeup Glenn Close – Hillbilly Elegy (Netflix) Cow (A24) Emma (Focus Features) Olivia Colman – The Father (Sony Pictures Ruben Santiago-Hudson – Ma Rainey’s Hillbilly Elegy (Netflix) Classics) Black Bottom (Netflix) Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix) Amanda Seyfried – Mank (Netflix) Chloé Zhao – Nomadland (Searchlight Mank (Netflix) Yuh-Jung Youn – Minari (A24) Pictures) Promising Young Woman (Focus Features) Best Young Actor/Actress Best Cinematography The United States vs. Billie Holiday (Hulu) Ryder Allen – Palmer (Apple TV+) Christopher Blauvelt – First Cow (A24) Best Visual Effects Ibrahima Gueye – The Life Ahead (Netflix) Erik Messerschmidt – Mank (Netflix) Greyhound (Apple TV+) Alan Kim – Minari (A24) Lachlan Milne – Minari (A24) The Invisible Man (Universal Pictures) Talia Ryder – Never Rarely Sometimes Al- Joshua James Richards – Nomad- Mank (Netflix) ways (Focus Features) land (Searchlight Pictures) The Midnight Sky (Netflix) Caoilinn Springall – The Midnight Sky (Net- Newton Thomas Sigel – Da 5 Bloods (Netf- Mulan (Disney) flix) lix) Tenet (Warner Bros.) Helena Zengel – News of the World (Univer- Hoyte Van Hoytema – Tenet (Warner Bros.) Wonder Woman 1984 (Warner Bros.) sal Pictures) Dariusz Wolski – News of the World (Univer- Best Comedy Best Acting Ensemble sal Pictures) Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (Amazon Stu- Page 20 of 25

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dios) on Tuesday (Feb. 9); the nominations will be The Forty-Year-Old Version (Netflix) Rita Wilson Ballad, revealed March 15.) The King of Staten Island (Universal Pic- “Hear My Voice” from The Trial of the tures) ‘Eurovision’ Spoof Chicago 7 (written by Celeste & Daniel On the Rocks (A24/Apple TV+) Pemberton), which was nominated for a Palm Springs (Hulu and NEON) Nominated For Globe, faltered here. The Prom (Netflix) For best score, Mosseri’s Minari joins the Best Foreign Language Film Critics Choice five Golden Globe nominees — Alexandre Another Round (Samuel Goldwyn Films) Desplat’s The Midnight Sky, Ludwig Görans- Collective (Magnolia Pictures) Awards After son’s Tenet, James Newton Howard’s News La Llorona (Shudder) of the World and two scores by Trent The Life Ahead (Netflix) Being Snubbed By Reznor & Atticus Ross – Mank and Soul. Minari (A24) The nod for Soul at both the Critics Two of Us (Magnolia Pictures) Golden Globes Choice Awards and the Globes also includ- Best Song ed Jon Batiste, whose jazz compositions “Everybody Cries” – The Outpost (Screen BY PAUL GREIN are featured in the film. The Oscars, too, Media Films) have announced that all three composers “Fight for You” – Judas and the Black Mes- wo songs and one score that were are vying for spot on the shortlist as a single siah (Warner Bros.) passed over in last week’s Golden entry. “Husavik (My Home Town)” – Eurovision Globe nominations made the cut Since the Critics Choice Awards launched Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (Netflix) in the nominations for the 26th in 1998, their best song winner has gone on “Io sì (Seen)” – The Life Ahead (Netflix) Tannual Critics Choice Awards, which were to win the Academy Award 11 times. That “Speak Now” – One Night in Miami (Ama- announced on Monday (Feb. 8). makes this award a slightly better predictor zon Studios) The songs are “Everybody Cries” of the eventual Oscar winner in this cat- “Tigress & Tweed” – The United States vs. from The Outpost and “Husavik (My Home egory than the Golden Globes over the same Billie Holiday (Hulu) Town)” from Eurovision Song Contest: The period. Ten Globe winners have gone on to Best Score Story of Fire Saga. The score is Emile Mos- win the Oscar. Alexandre Desplat – The Midnight Sky (Net- seri’s Minari. But in the best score category, it’s the oth- flix) Actress Rita Wilson co-wrote the ballad er way around, by an equally narrow margin. Ludwig Göransson – Tenet (Warner Bros.) “Everybody Cries.” Another well-known ac- Eleven Critics Choice Award winners for James Newton Howard – News of the tress, Mary Steenburgen, tied for the win best score have gone on to win the Oscar, World (Universal Pictures) at the Critics Choice Awards last year for compared to 12 Golden Globe winners for Emile Mosseri – Minari (A24) co-writing “Glasgow (No Place Like Home)” best score in the same period. Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross – Mank (Net- from Wild Rose. Steenburgen’s song did not See a complete list of the music nominees flix) go on to land an Oscar nomination. below. Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, and Jon Ba- “Husavik” is an engaging spoof of the Best song: tiste – Soul (Disney) overwrought ballad style favored by count- “Everybody Cries,” Rod Lurie, Larry less Eurovision and American Idol contes- Groupe & Rita Wilson, The Outpost (Screen tants. It was co-written by Savan Kotecha, Media Films) who was nominated in this category five “Fight for You,” D’Mile, H.E.R. & Tiara years ago for co-writing “Love Me Like You Thomas, Judas and the Black Messiah (War- Do” from 50 Shades of Grey. ner Bros.) These two songs join four songs that the “Husavik (My Home Town),” Savan Globes also nominated – “Fight for You” Kotecha, Rickard Göransson & fat max from Judas and the Black Messiah, “Io Sì Gsus, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of (Seen)” from The Life Ahead, “Speak Now” Fire Saga (Netflix) from One Night in Miami and “Tigress & “Io sì (Seen),” Niccolò Agliardi, Tweed” from The United States vs. Billie Laura Pausini & Diane Warren, The Life Holiday. These four songs, having been Ahead (Netflix) nominated at both of these shows, are “Speak Now,” Sam Ashworth & Leslie probably the front-runners to receive Oscar Odom Jr., One Night in Miami (Amazon nominations. (The Oscar shortlists in the Studios) song and score categories will be announced “Tigress & Tweed,” Andra Day & Ra- Page 21 of 25

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phael Saadiq, The United States vs. Billie (Honorable mention to Maroon 5 front- Holiday (Hulu) Ariana Grande man Adam Levine: “Stereo Hearts,” by Gym Best score: Class Heroes featuring Levine, directly fol- The Midnight Sky, Alexandre Desplat Replaces Herself lowed Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger,” fea- (Netflix) turing Christina Aguilera, to No. 1 in 2011.) Tenet, Ludwig Göransson (Warner Bros.) Atop Pop Airplay Meanwhile, with seven weeks at No. 1 on News of the World, James Newton How- Pop Airplay, Grande’s “Positions” posted the ard (Universal Pictures) Chart as ‘34+35’ longest reign for a song by a woman and no Minari, Emile Mosseri (A24) other credited artists in nearly eight years, Mank, Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross Dethrones since Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were (Netflix) Trouble.” totaled seven weeks on top in Soul, Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross & Jon ‘Positions’ February-March 2013. Batiste (Disney) “Positions” also marks Grande’s longest- The winners will be revealed live on BY GARY TRUST leading Pop Airplay No. 1, having bested the The CW on March 7 from 7-10 p.m. ET/PT. reign of “7 Rings” (six weeks, 2019). Taye Diggs is set to host the show for the riana Grande maintains the top All charts will update tomorrow (Feb. 9) third consecutive year. In response to the spot on Billboard’s Pop Air- on Billboard.com. COVID-19 pandemic, the show will be an play chart but switches out lead- in-person/virtual hybrid, with Diggs and ers, as “34+35” jumps 4-1 (on the some of the evening’s presenters filming surveyA dated Feb. 13), replacing “Positions,” Black History from a stage in Los Angeles, and nominees which dominated for seven weeks. appearing remotely from various locations Both songs are from Grande’s latest Month: Andra around the world. Bob Bain Productions LP, Positions, which was released on Re- and Berlin Entertainment will produce this public Records and debuted at No. 1 on the Day Encourages year’s show. Billboard 200 chart in November. The Critics Choice Association is the As Grande adds her eighth Pop Airplay Women to Be largest critics organization in the U.S. and No. 1, she becomes the first artist to have Canada, representing more than 400 televi- succeeded oneself at the summit as the ‘Strong & Bold’ sion, radio and online critics and entertain- only act credited on both tracks. (A remix ment reporters. It was established in 2019 of “34+35” with Doja Cat and Megan Thee With New Playlist with the formal merger of the Broadcast Stallion, released Jan. 15, has not received Film Critics Association and the Broadcast enough play for the rappers to be credited BY CARL LAMARRE Television Journalists Association. For more on the song on the Pop Airplay chart.) information, visit criticschoice.com. Prior to Grande, four acts supplanted his year for Black History themselves atop Pop Airplay, which ranks Month, Billboard looks to salute weekly plays, as tabulated by MRC Data, on Black women for their strength, a panel of over 160 mainstream top 40 radio resiliency, and courage. With stations. TBlack female artists always being innovative Halsey last swapped songs at No. 1 when and audacious with their art and platforms, “Eastside,” with Benny Blanco and Khalid, especially during last year’s fight for racial replaced her own “Without Me” in March equality, it was necessary to empower 2019. those with our stage this month. Every Grande was involved in the last such Monday and Wednesday for Black History switch before Halsey’s, as Grande’s “Prob- Month, Billboard will dish out new playl- lem,” featuring Iggy Azalea, took over for ists from Black women artists highlighting Azalea’s “Fancy,” featuring Charli XCX, in powerful messages. July 2014. On Monday (Feb. 8), singer and ac- Previously, OutKast’s “The Way You tress Andra Day will take the reins with her Move,” featuring Sleepy Brown, ended the mini collection. This month, the Grammy- Pop Airplay reign of the pair’s “Hey Ya!” nominated singer segues into the film world in 2004, while Mariah Carey’s “One Sweet after playing revolutionary jazz performer Day,” with Boyz II Men, replaced her own Billie Holiday. Starring in Lee Daniels’ “Fantasy” at No. 1 in 1995. upcoming movie The United States vs. Billie Page 22 of 25

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Holiday, Day embraces the challenges of on MRC Data’s monitored R&B/hip-hop portraying the revered artist, even though BRS Kash’s ‘Throat radio stations as it retains a No. 3 rank on she first didn’t want to audition for the role. the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Air- “When I’m in movies, I’m losing myself in Baby’ Shoots Into play chart. Yet, though it remains in place, it another person, and you have a responsibil- gains 4% in plays in the week ending Jan. 31. ity to that person,” she says in a new profile Top 10 on Hot While R&B/hip-hop radio is, unsurpris- with Bazaar. Despite her trepidation, Day ingly, the single’s biggest supporter, “Throat soared during her auditions and now can R&B/Hip-Hop Baby” has expanded to rhythmic radio. On add “movie actress” into her resume. the Rhythmic Airplay chart, the song rises For her new playlist, Day channels Be- Songs Chart 29-24 in its eighth chart week thanks to a yonce, Kehlani, and Holiday to swing home 25% surge in plays. her message of pushing through no matter BY TREVOR ANDERSON how tough your days are. Check her “Strong and Bold” playlist below. tlanta rapper BRS Kash collects Celeste Snags 1. “Find Your Way Back, “ Beyoncé his first top 10 on Billboard’s Hot “This song reminds me of where I came R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart as U.K. No. 1 With from and the strength of those roots.” “Throat Baby (Go Baby)” rallies 2. “Crzy,” Kehlani 19-10A on the list dated Feb. 6 after the release ‘Not Your Muse’ “This song is hella fun and reminds me to of a remix and its accompanying music never let anybody tell you you’re too much video with DaBaby and City Girls as guest BY LARS BRANDLE or [to] dim your light.” performers. 3. “Nina,” Rapsody The single, released via Team Litty/ eleste has carried the burden of “Black. Women. Period.” LVRN/Interscope, registered 12.6 million expectation ever since she won 4. “Pick Up Your Feelings,” Jazmine U.S. streams in the week ending Jan. 28, the BRITS Rising Star award and Sullivan according to MRC Data, a 101% gain — ef- BBC’s Sound of 2020 poll. “I really love this whole album ‘cause it’s fectively doubling — its 6.3 million total in CNow she can enjoy her very first No. 1. all the things Black women aren’t ‘supposed’ the previous frame. The streaming eruption The 26-year-old soul singer debuts atop of to say, or the emotions we’re not ‘allowed’ to prompts the track’s No. 10 start on the R&B/ the Official U.K. Albums chart with Not Your be honest about.” Hip-Hop Streaming Songs chart and at No. Muse (Polydor), her debut LP. 5. “To Zion,” Lauryn Hill 19 on the all-genre Streaming Songs rank- With her hot start, Celeste becomes the “This song and album is obviously legend- ing. first British female artist to top the tally ary, but she following what she believes “Throat Baby” likewise nets its first week with their debut album in more than five is right for her no matter what people are on a song sales list, as the promotional push years, since Jess Glynne’s I Cry When I saying.” generates a No. 24 debut on R&B/Hip-Hop Laugh in November 2015. 6. “Strange Fruit,” Billie Holiday Digital Song Sales, with 1,000 downloads Not Your Muse leads an all-new Top 4. “The Godmother of Civil Rights. She in the week ending Jan. 28. Celeste’s debut holds off Money Can’t Buy fought for us ‘til the end. Thank you, lady.” Already a radio hit, “Throat Baby” Happiness (Since 93), the second album from improves its standing on R&B/Hip-Hop London rapper Fredo. It’s new at No. 2 and Airplay, ascending 6-5. The track climbs to is the U.K.’s most-streamed album of the 15.1 million in format audience in the week week. ending Jan. 31, a 5% bump from the prior Also new is singer, songwriter and poet tracking week. Arlo Parks’ first LP Collapsed In Sun- Despite the gains in consumption metrics, beams (Transgressive), which starts at the original version of “Throat Baby” slight- No. 3, while Steven Wilson’s The Future ly outperforms the remix in weekly activity Bites (SW Records) opens at No. 4. on the chart, which combines sales, streams Harry Styles completes the Top 5 and airplay. Thus, DaBaby and City Girls do with Fine Line (Columbia), up 6-5. not receive billing on the chart, though the U.K. rapper Chip bags a Top 10 entry with situation could change in future weeks if the his new mixtape Snakes & Ladders, new at remix version provides the majority share of No 7, while post-punk outfit Goat Girl secure the pair. their second Top 40 album with On All Elsewhere, “Throat Baby” maintains Fours, new at 30. its status as the third-most played song Meanwhile, Olivia Rodrigo keeps her foot Page 23 of 25

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on the gas as “Drivers License” (Interscope) tralian solo artist to rule the national survey. Finally, Dutch EDM star Tiësto cracks enters a fourth week at No. 1 on the Official At 17 years, 5 months and 22 days, the the Top 10 for just the second time as “The Singles Chart. Sydney rapper snags the record from Delta Business” lifts 13-8. “The Business” is the DJ According to the Official Charts Company, Goodrem, who had ruled the chart in 2003 and producer’s first ever No. 1 in his home- the track claims 69,000 chart sales in the with Innocent Eyes, aged 18 years, 6 months land, and his equal highest charting single in most recent frame, including 8.3 million and 20 days. Australia following 2014’s “Red Lights.” streams. F*ck Love (Savage) debuted at No. 3 in Rodrigo’s hit finishes with more than August 2020 under its original title, F*ck double the chart sales of its closest competi- Love, and returned to that peak position in Olivia Rodrigo’s tion, Nathan Evans’ remix of “Wellerman” November after the release of the deluxe (Polydor) featuring 220 Kid and Billen Ted. edition, F*ck Love (Savage). ‘Drivers License’ “Wellerman” is up 3-2 and is the leader on “Huge congratulations to The Kid Laroi downloads over the week. on hitting the top of the ARIA Albums On Track For The highest new entry belongs to Fredo, Chart,” comments ARIA’s newly appointed whose “Money Talks” (Dave Neighbour- CEO, Annabelle Herd. “This is an incred- Another U.K. hood/Since 93) featuring Dave bows at No. ible feat for an artist of any age and, with 3. audiences around the world embracing his Chart Title Finally, following the death of Captain Sir music, it is obviously just the beginning.” Tom Moore’s at the age of 100, the fund- The mixtape climbs to the top for the first BY LARS BRANDLE raising hero’s cover of “You’ll Never Walk time in its 28th week on the chart. Alone” (Decca) strolls up the chart. Also, The Kid Laroi (real name Charlton livia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License” Moore’s version of the song, made famous Howard) becomes the second male indig- is motoring to a fifth week at No. by Gerry and the Pacemakers in 1963, was enous solo artist to top the chart after Geof- 1 in the U.K. recorded with Michael Ball and the NHS frey Gurrumul Yunupingu did so in April Based on the weekend’s sales Voices Of Care Choir last year, to raise 2018 with his posthumous release Djarimirri Oand streaming activity, “Drivers License” much-needed funds for the National Health (Child Of The Rainbow). has almost 10,000 chart sales and comfort- Service. The highest new entry on the current al- ably leads the First Look chart, the OCC It debuted at No. 1 last April, earning bums frame belongs to Arlo Parks, the Brit- reports. Moore a place in history as the oldest person ish singer, songwriter and poet whose Col- Rodrigo premiered the song live last week to land a No. 1 on the Official UK Singles lapsed In Sunbeams bows at No. 18. Parks’ on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fal- Chart. debut LP comes after she released two EPs lon. According to Official Charts Company in 2019 and took out the BBC Introducing Meanwhile, Dutch EDM star Tiesto could data, sales and streams of the song soared Artist of the Year in 2020. spin his way into the U.K. top five for the 1,864% week-on-week, after news broke Over on the ARIA Singles Chart, Olivia third time, as “The Business” lifts 11-5. of his death Tuesday (Feb. 2) following a Rodrigo makes it a month at No. 1 with Further down the list, West London rap- battle with COVID-19. “You’ll Never Walk “Drivers License”. pers Digga D & AJ Tracey could snag the Alone re-enters at No. 10 on this week’s Of- With Rodrigo logging a fourth straight week’s highest new entry with “Bringing ficial Download Chart. weeks at No. 1, and the Kid Laroi atop the it Back.” It’s at No. 16, and is currently the albums survey, it’s just the second time in most streamed new entry of the week. ARIA Charts history that artists under the Just one place behind is Cardi B’s new The Kid Laroi age of 18 have topped both charts. track “Up,” her first since the “WAP” domi- The last time? Back in April 2019, the- nated the chart in 2020. Sets Australian then 17-year-old Billie Eilish did it all by The Official U.K. Singles Chart is pub- herself. The Californian star topped the lished late Friday, local time. Chart Record Singles Chart with “Bad Guy” and the Albums Chart with When We All Fall Asleep, BY LARS BRANDLE Where Do We Go? Also flying on the chart this week he Kid Laroi is a now a fully- is Tones And I’s latest single “Fly Away,” up grown chart champion. 6-4 for a new peak position in its 12th week. With F*ck Love (Savage) hitting Two tracks from F*ck Love (Savage) im- No. 1 on the ARIA Albums Chart, pact the Top 10: “Without You” holding at Tthe Kid makes history as the youngest Aus- No. 3 and “So Done” unmoved at No. 9. Page 24 of 25

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Water Performing Art School. Collette (Mil- Milian’s credits include Love Don’t Cost Christina Milian ian) is the Queen of High Water and Sage a Thing, Ghosts of Girlfriends Pasdt, Bring It Odom’s partner in art, business and love. On: Fight to the Finish, Snowglobe, Grandfa- Replaces Naya Collette built and nurtured Sage’s visionary thered and Fox’s take on The Rocky Hor- academy from the ground up. Grinding her ror Picture Show. Next up, she stars in an Rivera in Starz’s way to the top with grit and resourceful- untitled Netflix feature from Alicia Keyes. ness, Collette earned a new role, manager The singer-songwriter has also earned two ‘Step Up’ TV Show of Sage Odom and his tour, all this while Grammy nominations during her career. hiding a dark secret. As this secret comes She’s repped by UTA, LINK Entertainment BY LESLEY GOLDBERG crashing down on Sage, High Water, and the and Goodman Genow. tour, Collette is tempted by an opportunity “I am so excited to join the Step Up fam- tarz’s Step Up TV series is moving to step out of her role as the woman behind ily,” said Milian. “I know I have massive forward following last year’s tragic the man, to become the powerful woman in shoes to fill. Naya was incredible. I hope passing of its leading lady Naya front of the man. to honor Naya, her family, friends and fans Rivera. “There is no replacing Naya. Let’s get that with a great performance.” SThe Lionsgate TV production, af- straight. Her spirit lives on in our memories This article originally appeared on The ter consulting with the family of its late and every part of what this show is and will Hollywood Reporter. star, has enlisted Christina Milian to be,” said Ne-Yo. “Christina has big shoes to replace Rivera in the scripted series. fill and she knows it, which speaks to her The Soundtrack and The Oath alum will poise and respect as a person and an artist. Hailey Bieber take over the part of Collette, previously I’m more than certain of her ability to bring played by Rivera in the first two seasons of an energy and light to this character that Ready to Hit the YouTube-turned-Starz update on the Naya’s fans as well as the rest of the world feature film of the same name. will love. We’ve welcomed Christina with the Slopes in “Naya’s death was a terrible loss to our absolute open arms and have rallied around world that we will, frankly, never stop her with love and support. I’m excited and Beyonce’s Wintry mourning,” Step Up series creator and can’t wait for the world to see this!” executive producer Holly Sorensen said in a Production on the new season began New ‘Icy Park’ statement Monday. “It was almost impos- filming this month in Atlanta. Starz will sible to consider there could be someone so marathon the first two seasons starting Campaign graceful and loving who could both help us March 5. Tricia Helfer joins the cast in honor our loss, while also bringing a deep season three alongside Petrice Jones, Faizon BY HERAN MAMO reservoir of talent to our show, in so many Love, Marcus Mitchell, Jade Chynoweth, areas. Christina is an exceptional human Carlito Olivero, Terrence Green, Eric Graise f you’re trying to hit the slopes and a dazzling performer and we are so and Kendra Oyesanya. Adam Shankman in Beyoncé’s new Ivy Park x Adidas happy she has joined our family.” and Jennifer Gibgot, who produced the collection, then just wait until her “Icy Sources say executives at Starz, Lions- original Step Up films, will return as exec Park” hits stores on Feb. 19. gate and producers on Step Up considered producers alongside original stars Chan- IThe superstar and fashion mogul made all their options when it came to ways ning Tatum and Jenna Dewan. Erik Feig, the announcement on her brand’s socials with which the series could move forward the Lionsgate executive who oversaw the Friday (Feb. 5) with a brand-new clip that following Rivera’s tragic death last sum- franchise, also exec produces alongside Bill features Queen Bey flashing her grills mer. The Glee favorite drowned in a tragic Brown. and blinding sunglasses. Ivy Park also accident in July after going boating with “Step Up has been an indelible part of shared a shot of Hailey Bieber wearing a her young son in Lake Piru. Considering mine and my partner, Jennifer Gibgot’s cropped version of the same skintight pink the highly serialized nature of Step Up, a life for 16 years and never did we think we geometric-patterned two-piece set as Be- decision was made — along with the cast, would feel so much loss as we have with yoncé. She also tapped “Icy” rapper Gucci producers and Naya’s family — to recast her Naya’s passing,” said Shankman. “But speak- Mane and Kaash Paige for her cool cam- role. ing as her friend, colleague and forever fan, paign. Created by Sorensen and inspired by the nothing makes us happier then being able to She first unveiled her third Ivy Park x film of the same name, Step Up moved from celebrate the continuation of this story with Adidas collection in January with a similarly YouTube to Starz in May. The series re- the extraordinary Christina Milian and the electrifying visual of snow-capped moun- volves around on Sage Odom (Ne-Yo) as the brilliant, boundary pushing team at Starz. tains. Her skiwear-meets-streetwear drop legendary founder of Atlanta’s famed High We promise not to disappoint.” highlights cozy textured pieces made from Page 25 of 25

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faux sheepskin and performance terry ma- terials, a new Ivy Park monogram and ski tag print, and a new “Your Park Is Your Wonderland” mantra. This wintry Ivy Park collection also features five shoe models, including newer versions of the Ivy Park Ultra Boost, Forum Lo, Forum Mid and Super Sleek sneakers and a brand-new Super Sleek Boot. Watch the latest “Icy Park” teaser clip below. Cardi B Is Kicking Her Reebok Sneakers ‘Up’ a Notch With New Neon Colors

BY HERAN MAMO

alenciaga Bardi” might be back with her latest single “Up,” but that’s not the only thing Cardi “BB dropped on Friday (Feb. 5). The rapper released three new neon ver- sions of her Club C Cardi and the Cardi Coated Club C Double sneakers from her Reebok collection, which you can find here. The two shoe models are now available in Hi Vis Green, Dynamic Pink and White colorways. Prices range from $80 to $100. And for the kids like Kulture, she also released an exclusive Classic Pink color for grade school and toddler shoe sizes. Cardi announced her Reebok drop was coming two weeks ago on her Instagram, writing, “My next @reebok drop is going to be sooo bute & fun !!!I cant wait !!!!!” Her first-ever Reebok x Cardi Footwear Col- lection dropped on Nov. 13. She was also named Style Influencer of the Year at the 34th annual FN Achievement Awards last year. Things are looking “Up” for Billboard’s 2020 Woman of the Year after she re- leased the follow-up to her Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping “WAP.”