Bulletin YOUR DAILY ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATE DECEMBER 16, 2020 Page 1 of 30

INSIDE Streaming Is Stalling: Can Music

• Bob Dylan’s Keep Up in the Attention Economy? ‘Incredibly Unusual’ Decisions That Let BY WILL PAGE Him Own All His Songs

• Joie Manda Exiting Music streaming services have continued to add of streams won’t impact the music industry’s aggre- Interscope Geffen U.S. subscribers this year, according to MIDiA Re- gate streaming revenue — if subscribers are added and A&M: Exclusive search, growing by 11 million paying users from Janu- consumption stays flat, rights holders just make more ary to September, to 117.9 million. But in a potentially per stream. But a move toward podcasts could cost • Sen. Amy Klobuchar: Save Our troubling sign for the recorded music business, the rights holders leverage in licensing negotiations. Stages Act Passage number of total streams has remained the same. Perhaps more important, with some 55,000 new ‘Is Looking Good’ For the past four months and counting, audio music tracks being uploaded onto streaming services every streams have averaged 17.5 billion a week. That’s up day — up from the 40,000 reported in April 2019 — • How Indie Venues Could Emerge slightly from the early March pre-pandemic peak, be- you have a dilemma: more songs (and more users) From the Pandemic fore the lockdown cut music listening down by 13% to competing for a fixed number of streams. Stronger Than Ever a year low of less than 15 billion streams, as consum- Has streaming volume really peaked in the U.S., ers stopped commuting and obsessed over the news. though, or is the current growth freeze just a blip? • Music Stocks Are Skyrocketing Past Streaming gradually rebounded, increasing 15% by the A number of factors seem temporary. Label sources Analyst Expectations end of June — but has plateaued since. point to the previous year, where cyclical trends in This could actually be good news for streaming ser- the release schedule led to finite periods of flatness. • Five Takeaways vices, which for the past two years have been pouring The presidential election also appears to have cut into From TikTok’s First- Ever Annual Music money into podcasts, which cost them less. Streaming music time, given the sharp dip in streaming during Report companies don’t have to share as much revenue on election week itself. Thanksgiving has also histori- podcasts — a growing number of which they own — as cally seen a 2% to 3% dip in music streaming. (The • BILLBOARD 200 they do on streams of music, most of which they don’t. U.K., by comparison, where neither occurred, saw CLICK HERE But for record labels, publishers, songwriters and streaming dip 5% when the pandemic hit but regained artists, this may be the calm before the storm. In the momentum in three weeks and has continued to edge short term, at least, the lack of growth in the number (continued) Interscope_Eilish_Die_18_121220.indd 1 12/2/20 8:45 AM Page 3 of 30

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upwards since.) Another obvious factor Tom Silverman, founder of Tommy Boy Will Page is a visiting fellow at the Lon- limiting music streaming time for now is the Records, views kids’ obsession with swiping don School of Economics who previously lack of commuting, with most offices still 30-second clips on TikTok as a new era of was the chief economist at both Spotify and closed. the sub-song, asking, “If a single used to be PRS for Music. His book, Tarzan Econom- Other forces are putting permanent pres- an ad or trailer for an album, is a sub-song a ics, will be published by Little Brown and sure on streaming volume, though. Gaming trailer or ad for a single?” Company in the United States in early is competing for attention with music. Mar- If young kids are hooked on Roblox, and 2021. He would like to thank Ally Glerum, ket research firm IDG Consulting reports older kids are TikToking, then their parents Product Manager at MRC Entertainment, as increasing average gameplay hours per user may increasingly be listening to podcasts. well as Podnews, MIDiA, IDG Consulting, across the board. Counter Strike Global Between 2014 and 2019, time spent with Sensor Tower and Chartmetric for provid- Offensive play increased 40% since the pan- music was down 5% and time spent with ing data and helpful suggestions. demic started and Defense of the Ancients is spoken word was up 20%, according to a re- A version of this article originally up 38%. Roblox, which appeals to kids 9 and port by NPR and Edison Research. The lack appeared in the Dec. 19, 2020 issue of up, hit 120 million global monthly active us- of authoritative data on podcast consump- Billboard. ers in June 2020, and IDG Consulting now tion, however, makes it difficult to gauge its puts that figure at about 160 million — a fifth impact on music streaming. Measurement of which are likely in the U.S. That’s a 33% is difficult: a download of a podcast on Bob Dylan’s increase in just the past five months. the Apple app does not constitute a listen, TikTok is also giving music stream- while Spotify claims that 22% of its users ‘Incredibly ing platforms a run for their money. The engaged with podcast content in the third company claimed 100 million U.S. daily quarter, up from 21% the prior quarter, but Unusual’ Decisions active users in September. For context the does not define what that means. U.S. online population under the age of 29 is When artists resume touring and releas- That Let Him Own only 110 million, meaning TikTok may have ing big albums to drive ticket sales, music already soaked up its addressable market. streaming could still return back to growth, All His Songs The app has been installed more than 66 but the new attention economy guards million times this year, according to app against such complacency. With these BY ED CHRISTMAN analytics company Sensor Tower, and 37% three “attention merchants” competing for of that activity happened between April consumers’ increasingly scarce time, it’s hen Bob Dylan sold his and June. The company estimates that 40% likely that music streaming will struggle to publishing catalog to of TikTok’s U.S. growth was accumulated grow even when things return to normal. Universal Music Group, in 2020. (From July to September, installs We know that songs are getting shorter, and both fans and industry dropped by 31%, possibly indicating a satu- without more songs being consumed, music executivesW were most curious about the ration point.) is already losing the battle for attention. price. Others had another question: How did “A MAD, MAD GENIUS” - CONSEQUENCE OF SOUND

“JACOB COLLIER... REPRESENTS A NEW WAY OF CONSIDERING “I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO BLOWN MUSICAL GENIUSES...PRINCE AWAY BY A PERFORMANCE WAS NOT THE LAST GREATEST IN MY LIFE.” - STEVE VAI LIVING PERFORMER." - VICE “HURTS MY BRAIN & HUGS MY SOUL ALL AT ONCE” "AN UNSTOPPABLE FORCE" - TORI KELLY - STEREOGUM

“I CAN HANDS DOWN “MAD GOOD, RIGHT?” SAY IT WAS THE BEST - ANNIE MAC, CONCERT I’VE EVER BBC RADIO 1 BEEN TO IN MY LIFE.” - LENNON STELLA “I HAVE NEVER IN MY LIFE SEEN "NOT ONLY DOES HE A TALENT LIKE HAVE A SEEMINGLY THIS. BEYOND ENDLESS SUPPLY OF CATEGORY” IDEAS. HE'S GOT THE - QUINCY JONES CHOPS TO EXECUTE THEM AND THE FEARLESSNESS TO ALBUM OF THE YEAR "SUCH A TRY ANYTHING." BRILLIANT MIND" - KCRW - NPR DJESSE VOL. 3 “A GENIUS” - “SPECTACULAR, DANIEL CAESAR GLORIOUS, MUSICAL WIZARDRY” “SERIOUSLY, BEST R&B PERFORMANCE - TED WHAT *CAN'T* JACOB COLLIER DO?” ALL I NEED - SEVENTEEN

BEST ARRANGEMENT, INSTRUMENTS AND VOCALS HE WON'T HOLD YOU

Interscope_Jacob Collier_18_121220.indd 1 12/2/20 8:47 AM Page 5 of 30

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Dylan manage to get ownership of so much usually amounts to 56 years for songs cre- With his new manager, Albert Grossman, of his song catalog, which was almost all his ated before then. Dylan filed a notice of Dylan made the Witmark deal a co-pub- by 1990? copyright termination for the songs on his lishing agreement under which Dylan and When Dylan started his career in the early first album on Feb. 17, 2010, according to the Grossman owned half the publishing and 1960s, standard music publishing contracts U.S. Copyright Office. The reversion became Witmark owned the other half, according gave the songwriter a 50% cut of royalties, effective on June 30, 2018 – 56 year after the to Hardy’s book. But instead of signing with and the publisher the other 50%. Songwrit- album was released. While Dylan got back Witmark under the standard contract that ers typically signed contracts that gave a those copyrights in the U.S., other countries covered two terms of copyright, Dylan had publisher two terms of copyright ownership, don’t provide for termination rights, so the foresight to make a deal for just one of 28 years each, for a total of 56 years. those songs were already owned by Univer- term of 28 years. That means he regained In 1962, Dylan signed his first publishing sal elsewhere. (Dylan also filed termination full ownership of the songs created under deal, with Leeds Music Publishing; then, notices for his copyrights on arrangements the contract beginning in 1990. later that year, he signed another deal with of a few songs he covered.) It was “incredibly astute and incredibly Witmark & Sons, according to Phil Hardy’s Dylan doesn’t seem to have filed any other unusual,” says an executive who deals in the book Nickels & Dimes: Music Publishing & termination notices with the Copyright buying and selling of publishing catalogs. Its Administration in the Modern Age. Told Office, which is unusual for a songwriter While this was very unusual, it wasn’t that he couldn’t sign with two publishers who was signed to a publishing deal in the unique to Dylan. A songwriters’ organiza- at the same time, Dylan was instructed by early 1960s. So how did he, according to tion of the time gave out prototype con- legendary executive Artie Mogull, then a top published reports, come to own the rest of tracts that called for assigning one term of executive at Witmark, to try to buy his way his catalog by 1990? And how did someone copyright. out of the Leeds deal. Dylan succeeded. But who started his career naïve enough to sign In 1965, Dylan and Grossman set up his early songs, including the two origi- two publishing deals within months of one Dylan’s first publishing company, Dwarf nals on his first album, were still owned by another, come to make such savvy decisions Music, which they owned together, accord- Leeds, which was subsequently acquired by later in his career? He seems to have ben- ing to a Nov. 20 1965 article in Billboard, MCA, an earlier incarnation of the Univer- efitted from both serious business acumen, and hired Mogull to run. In 1969, that deal sal Music Group. So that means Universal according to sources, as well as very good ended, with Dylan controlling the adminis- already owned the copyrights to Dylan’s advice. tration for the songs and Grossman main- songs on his first album. “Dylan has this enormous intellectual taining a stake in them. That year, Dylan set Dylan’s songwriting contract with Leeds curiosity about how the business was run, up a publishing company by himself, Big was apparently typical for its time. The often asking how things work,” says a Sky Music; it was succeeded by Ram’s Horn 1976 Copyright Act gives creators, includ- retired Sony Music executive who occasion- Music and later Special Rider Music, both of ing songwriters, the right to reclaim the ally dealt with Dylan in the 1970s and 1980s. which gave Dylan complete ownership of all copyright to their work – after 35 years for “It was the other side of the coin for his cre- the songs he has written since. songs created after 1978 and after what ative genius as a songwriter and an artist.” It took a lawsuit, and a subsequent settle-

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ment with Grossman’s estate, according endeavors. I thank each and every one of a company which empowered and high- to The Bob Dylan Copyright Files by Tim you for making my time here so exciting and lighted the achievements of our employees.” Dunn, for Dylan to regain full control and rewarding. And a very special thank you to “I am so proud that we achieved our ownership of the Dwarf Music and Big Sky John for his ongoing support and friend- standing as the number one label as a songs. ship.” team; and prouder yet again to be working Formerly Interscope’s head of urban mu- alongside all of you who helped to make this sic, Manda assumed the executive vp role vision a reality. Joie Manda in 2017. With Janick, he helped bring the “It’s bittersweet that we will be saying label to record-level market share, signing goodbye to Joie who has made many con- Exiting Interscope or working with top hip-hop and R&B acts tributions to IGA through championing our including DaBaby, Summer Walker, Mike artists, partners and employees. Geffen A&M: Will Made-It, Rae Sremmurd, Machine Gun “I’ve always said that IGA is more than a Kelly, 6lack, Dreezy and Playboi Carti, and company: we are family. I’m supportive of Exclusive was instrumental in the 2014 partnership and so happy for Joie as he embarks on this with J. Cole’s Dreamville Records. But he new chapter in his career.” BY BILLBOARD STAFF also supported the labels’ pop efforts like Billie Eilish, Selena Gomez and Blackpink. nterscope Geffen A&M Records (IGA) Manda previously served as president Sen. Amy executive vp Joie Manda is leaving of Def Jam Records, also a subsidiary of after eight years with the company, Universal Music Group. Prior to joining the Klobuchar: Save Billboard has learned. UMG family, Manda served as head of urban IManda and IGA CEO John Janick made music for Warner Bros. Records, where he Our Stages the announcement in staff memos obtained worked closely with Jill Scott, Common and by Billboard on Tuesday (Dec. 15). Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group, among Act Passage ‘Is “For the last eight years I have worked others. Before that, he was executive vp of alongside all of you and I’m immensely Asylum Records when it was resurrected in Looking Good’ proud of the legacy we have built together. 2004. To see IGA become the number one label Added Janick, who joined IGA in 2012 BY DAVE BROOKS this year driven by the success of our artists was named chairman/CEO in 2014: “When and partnerships is very gratifying,” said I began my tenure as Chairman of IGA, en. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn) is Manda. “I want you to know that I have my personal goals were very clear to me. I optimistic Congress will pass the shared with John that I have made the dif- wanted to build IGA into the most success- new COVID-19 relief package ficult decision to leave Interscope Geffen ful label in the world, one which artists and that includes Save Our Stages, a A&M at the end of the year to pursue new partners would be excited to call home, and S$10 billion relief bill she co-authored with N S A L O E JAN. 16, MARC ANTHONY 2021 30TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE

2 0 2 1

One of the most influential global artists of our time is celebrating the 30th anniversary of his outstanding career. After making his mark in the late 1980s on the Freestyle scene as a singer, producer and songwriter, he released his first Spanish language album Otra Nota (1993), invigorating traditional tropical music with the attitude and sonority of a new generation. From that moment on Marc Anthony became a true ambassador of Latin music and culture, catapulting it once again to voracious audiences worldwide.

Widely admired as one of the greatest vocalists of his generation, he has received countless gold and plati- num certifications from the Recording Industry Associa- tion of America (RIAA) and has been credited with over 30 Billboard chart hits and over 70 #1’s.

His pioneering career as a live performer has produced some of the most memorable moments on concert stages all over the world, numerous film and television projects, and a remarkable amount of recognitions.

Take this opportunity to congratulate Marc Anthony on 3 decades of musical success.

CONTACT Marcia Olival 786.586.4901 | [email protected]

Gene Smith 973.452.3528| [email protected]

ISSUE DATE 1/16

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Sen. John Corbyn (R-Texas), the lawmaker Monday congressional leaders agreed to That coalition includes 56 senators, in- tells Billboard. If the package passes both split the relief package into two bills. The cluding Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, chambers, it will be up to President Donald first bill would fund many of the popular Doug Jones (D-Ala), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Trump to sign it into law. bi-partisan aid packages — including the Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) “I think it’s looking good,” Klobuchar tells $10 billion Save Our Stages Act — and de- and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schum- Billboard in an interview Tuesday (Dec. liver $740 billion total in relief funding for er (D-NY). 15) following a Senate Commerce Com- programs like vaccine distribution and aid “I think the fact that Sen. Cornyn and I mittee hearing on the legislation. But don’t to small businesses. The second bill, costing have worked well together has been really expect an immediate return for live music, $148 billion, would deal with the local gov- important. We’ve done a lot of bills together she adds. “Even though we know that the ernment funding and liability issues. before,” Klobuchar says, noting that the bi- vaccine is coming out and there’s the light Klobuchar says she has continued to mon- partisan legislation was an example of how at the end of the tunnel, but there’s still not itor the $740 billion bipartisan spending senators “stuck with it and stuck together.” going to be any mosh pits in January and bill to ensure that Save Our Stages — a grant She adds, “The grass root efforts were February. Venues were the first to close and program for independent venues, clubs and also key. It was so clear during today’s they’re going to be the last to reopen.” agencies — is included. hearing [that] this is about First Avenue in Party leaders in both the House and the “We’ve been negotiating this bill through Minneapolis and The Cotillion in Wichita Senate met Tuesday to hammer out the final the weeks, and I’ve talked to 25 different and the Fargo Theater. It’s about protecting details for a second COVID-19 relief pack- senators to make sure that we kept the independent venues that [are] critical to our age, as well as reach a spending deal to avoid formula” in place for determining how communities.” a government shutdown that would cause much financial aid each venue receives, says government funding to lapse at the end of Klobuchar. Under the Save Our Stages allo- the week and cut off unemployment checks cation model, qualifying venues will receive to 10.7 million Americans who are currently an initial grant of up to $12 million for costs out of work. incurred from March through December as Two previous attempts at a congressional well as a supplemental grant equal to 50% deal for a second relief package collapsed of the initial grant that may be used for ex- over two contentious sticking points — penses incurred through June 30, 2021. Democratic insistence that relief funding “There were some real issues with that, also be allocated to state and local govern- and people don’t quite know what an ments, and a Republican push for liability incredible force we were to be reckoned protections for business owners if patrons with in terms of all the grassroots support,” or employees contract COVID-19 at res- Klobuchar tells Billboard. “We were able to taurants, theaters, offices and other public keep the coalition together through some spaces. stormy moments.” SPECIAL ISSUE O N S A L E JAN 3 0 2021

In the wake of an unprecedented year, CONTACT Billboard responds with its inaugural Joe Maimon e Change Agents issue. 201.301.5933 | [email protected]

The 2021 Billboard Change Agents issue Lee Ann Photoglo will take the place of our annual Power 615.376.7931 | [email protected] List and will be published ahead of the Grammy Awards. Cynthia Mellow 615.352.0265 | [email protected] This issue will recognize a select number of individuals for their advocacy—those Marcia Ol ival working to help music industry achieve 786.586.4901 | [email protected] equality, survive the pandemic, and address the urgent causes of this moment. Gene Smith 973.452.3528 | [email protected]

Debra Fink 323.525.2249 | debra.fi[email protected]

Ryan O’Donnell +447843437176 | [email protected]

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Reaction in Anaheim, Calif., licensed its How Indie name for limited-edition merchandise deals Music Stocks with bands like Stick to Your Guns and local Venues Could brands like Violent Gentlemen to cover its Are Skyrocketing monthly $7,000 rent. Emerge From Other venues are striking deals with third Past Analyst parties interested in buying the exclu- the Pandemic sive rights to branding, sponsorship and Expectations livestreaming, says Steve Sternschein, owner Stronger Than of Heard Presents in Austin and NIVA BY GLENN PEOPLES treasurer, who negotiated NIVA’s agree- Ever ment with YouTube to host the three-day usic stocks are rising again: Save Our Stages virtual festival in October. Spotify has tripled in value BY DAVE BROOKS Theoretically, NIVA could handle these since mid-March, iHeartMedia arrangements, leveraging its membership to is on the rebound, and even wners of independent music help smaller venues find partners and others MLive Nation is close to its 2020 peak. Some venues across the United States get better deals. equity analysts think it’s time to stop the have been waiting since July to While NIVA’s main focus is still lobbying music, though. see if long-delayed federal coro- for a federal relief bill, Sternschein is lead- As compared with an average of analyst Onavirus relief funding might include support ing an effort to explore whether a for-profit price targets, four out of seven key music for their struggling businesses. After Con- collective approach to licensing, livestream- stocks — Spotify, Live Nation, iHeart and gress’ attempts to pass a second round of ing and booking — modeled after indie- Tencent Music Entertainment — have more COVID-19 stimulus have repeatedly stalled, label rights management group Merlin, a downside than upside. (The graph below leaders at the National Independent Venue nonprofit that negotiates licensing deals on lists the closing price of a stock on Dec. 14 Association (NIVA) are exploring how to behalf of its members — would help NIVA and an average of its analyst price targets, leverage its 3,000 members for an advantage members secure more revenue. along with the distance between them — the once concerts resume. There are legal restrictions on what NIVA “upside” or “downside.”) In the case of Spo- NIVA has already taught some small can do collectively — member companies tify, which is up 26.2% since June to $325.83 promoters the value of collaboration with can’t collude to set prices or limit competi- on Dec. 14, investors have been buying based organized campaigns to raise awareness tion — but it can negotiate with brands like on any news that suggests the company has for the Save Our Stages Act, which would YouTube and share information internally. a competitive advantage or improved mar- establish a $10 billion federal grant program If they don’t work together, venues risk los- gins. But 30 analysts who cover the stock to support indie venues, promoters and ing ground to new competitors like Save- gave it a combined average target of $232.63. booking agencies. A May survey found nine Live, former WME co-head of music Marc Live Nation shares closed at $70.35 on out of 10 indie venues faced permanent clo- Geiger’s initiative to buy up controlling in- Dec. 14, almost where they traded on Feb. sure by year’s end without federal support, terests of distressed venues to create a new 24, when news of the coronavirus first seri- but so far, the worst hasn’t happened: Fewer dominant player in indie music, or compa- ously affected the U.S. stock market. Since a than 90 venues have shut down, according nies like Big Neon, which wants to bundle 2020 low of $21.70 on March 18, the stock is to Billboard figures. How others have man- venues’ advertising rights with proprietary up more than 224%, driven by the expecta- aged to stay afloat could set a framework for ticketing technology. tion that vaccinations will save the 2021 NIVA’s future initiatives. “We have an opportunity to direct the concert season. Analysts have an average While some owners have kept their evolution of our streaming and licensing price target of $66.10, though. businesses operating by cutting costs — rights in a way that prioritizes venues first,” Analysts don’t, however, think all music renegotiating leases, deferring mortgage says Sternschein. “We can create a network stocks are overvalued: Their average price payments or furloughing/laying off em- of independent venues rather than having targets for Warner Music Group, Madison ployees — others have tapped new revenue one person or company take control.” Square Garden Entertainment and Siri- streams. New York’s Bowery Electric cre- This article originally appeared in the usXM suggest significant upsides. ated a livestream series with the platform Dec. 19, 2020, issue of Billboard. This article originally appeared in the VEEPS where artists perform professionally Dec. 19, 2020, issue of Billboard. mixed and engineered sets from the venue, splitting profits evenly. (“Every band that has performed has walked out with money,” says talent buyer Stephanie Boriskin.) Chain Page 12 of 30

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(although it was a remix by BTS which 4. WhoHeem, “Lets Link” Five Takeaways topped the chart); Megan Thee Stallion’s 5. Ying Yang Twins, “Say I Yi Yi” “Savage Remix” featuring Beyoncé; Cardi 6. The Black Eyed Peas, “Where Is The From TikTok’s B’s “WAP” featuring Megan Thee Stallion; Love?” Doja Cat’s “Say So” featuring Nicki Minaj; 7. Sada Baby, “Whole Lotta Choppas” First-Ever Annual and Roddy Ricch’s “The Box.” 8. Popp Hunna, “Adderall (Corvette Cor- That’s not including three more TikTok- vette)” Music Report related Hot 100 No. 1s: The Weeknd’s 9. Pop Smoke, “Mood Swings” “Blinding Lights,” promoted by a TikTok 10. DJ Chose & Beatking, “THICK” BY TATIANA CIRISANO challenge, Drake’s “Toosie Slide,” which 3. ...But hip-hop leads the way. spread largely through a TikTok dance As that list of 10 fastest songs to reach 1 t’s been a tumultuous year for Tik- video, and 24kGoldn’s “Mood” featuring billion video views also reflects, hip-hop Tok, which has continued to battle Iann Dior, given that 24kGoldn first rose was “by a large margin” the most popular a potential ban on the app in the to notoriety for his TikTok-driven single genre on the app in 2020, the report notes, U.S., proposed a sale to Oracle and “Valentino.” driven by stars like Megan Thee Stallion IWalmart to fend off that threat,lost its CEO TikTok also claims that more than 70 and DaBaby. Looking at the report’s most- and faced emerging competitors like Triller artists who have “broken on the platform” viewed artists by catalog, seven of the top 10 and Instagram’s’ Reels. have since received major-label deals, name- are hip-hop acts. Yet amid the turmoil, 2020 has also been dropping Claire Rosinkranz, Dixie D’Amelio, The most-viewed artists by catalog: the platform’s biggest year for music yet. Powfu, Priscilla Block and Tai Verdes. That 1. Megan Thee Stallion This year — and perhaps aided by a surge list could also include Arizona Zervas, 2. Doja Cat in usership amid the coronavirus pandemic Jawsh 685, StaySolidRocky, Surf Mesa, 3. Pop Smoke — TikTok continued to churn out Billboard Stunna Girl, Ant Saunders and Sueco — not 4. DaBaby Hot 100 hits and collaborated on in-app to mention, of course, Lil Nas X. 5. Roddy Ricch events with artists like The Weeknd and 2. Almost anything goes on TikTok... 6. Melanie Martinez Miley Cyrus, all while reaching 100 million More than 176 different songs surpassed 7. Don Toliver monthly active U.S. users. 1 billion video views as TikTok sounds in 8. Dua Lipa To commemorate the year’s achieve- 2020. In other words, this year, users posted 9. 24kGoldn ments, TikTok on Wednesday (Dec. 16) enough videos soundtracked by each of 10. Lil Uzi Vert released its first-ever annual report,“Year 176 different songs to culminate in 1 billion Pop music came in second place genre- On TikTok: Music 2020,” with insights video views per song. wise, thanks to hits by BTS, Justin Bieber including the year’s top genres and songs on Those songs reached the same bench- and Dua Lipa. The report also notes that the platform. Below, review the report’s five mark through wildly different paths. As Latin music is one of the fastest-growing key takeaways. the report notes, “Toosie Slide” generated 1 genres on the platform, where trending 1. TikTok continues to shape the Billboard billion views in three days, while “WAP” did songs this year ranged from trap-infused charts. the same in two weeks. By contrast, Harry reggaeton (Ozuna’s “Caramelo”) to regional TikTok’s report confirmed what’s been Styles’ “Watermelon Sugar” and Surf Mesa’s Mexican music (Los Tucanes De Tijuana’s anecdotally clear all year: The app has a “ily (i love you baby)” each took the better “Espejeando”). strong influence over the music charts. A part of a year to reach 1 billion views. 4. TikTok is reviving decades-old hits as closer look shows that of the 20 total songs Among those 176 songs are many by art- much as it’s breaking new ones. which topped the Hot 100 this year, nearly ists who are otherwise virtually unknown, When Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 hit half can thank TikTok, at least in part, for such as Popp Hunna (“Adderall [Corvette “Dreams” re-entered the Hot 100 with its their rise. Corvette]”) and WhoHeem (“Lets Link”), best streaming and sales week ever in Octo- Close to 90 songs which trended on as well as catalog songs such as Ying Yang ber — thanks to an Ocean Spray-chugging TikTok in 2020 thanks to dance challenges, Twins’ “Say I Yi Yi” (2002) and The Black skateboarder’s viral TikTok video featuring video memes and other trends entered the Eyed Peas’ “Where Is The Love?” (2003) — the song — it was the latest evidence that Billboard Hot 100, 15 of which also topped a but more on that in takeaway number five. TikTok can be as transformative for old Billboard chart, according to the report. The 10 fastest songs to reach 1 billion songs as it can be for newly-released ones. Earlier this month, TikTok also pub- video views were: Other catalog songs revitalized on TikTok lished the top 10 most popular songs on 1. Drake, “Toosie Slide” this year include Run-D.M.C.’s “It’s Tricky,” the app in 2020, five of which topped the 2. Cardi B, “WAP” (feat. Megan Thee La Roux’s “Bulletproof” and Simple Plan’s Billboard Hot 100: Jawsh 685 & Jason Stallion) “I’m Just a Kid.” Derulo’s “Savage Love (Laxed - Siren Beat)” 3. Billie Eilish, “Therefore I Am” The music industry is taking notice. Page 13 of 30

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Not only are record labels strategically a virtual prom featuring performers tive leave on Jan. 16, 2020 — just 10 days promoting organic TikTok moments which like Diplo and Dillon Francis, while the before the 62nd Grammy Awards — and use old songs, but labels are working with platform tapped Bad Bunny, H.E.R., The eventually terminated, Dugan filed a dis- TikTok to ensure that legacy artists’ music is Jonas Brothers and Pharrell for a gradu- crimination complaint with the Equal Em- available on the platform in the first place. ation ceremony. In all likelihood, the app’s ployment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This year, TikTok worked with major la- collaborations with the music industry have According to Dugan’s EEOC complaint, she bels to add music by Prince, John Lennon only just begun. learned in May 2019 that “[Joel] Katz and and George Michael to its catalog, and each his law firm [Greenberg Traurig] are paid an of those launches included special hashtags exorbitant amount of money by the Acad- and/or challenges designed to spawn as Recording emy.” She accused the academy of being many videos as possible from the announce- “boys’ club network” — a place “where men ment. Academy Paid work together to the disadvantage of women Those efforts have led to some impres- and disenfranchised groups in order to line sive numbers. Since the June launch of $4.5M in Legal their own pockets and maintain a firm grip Prince’s music on TikTok, the #Prince4Ever of control on the Academy’s dealings.” hashtag has generated more than 2 billion Fees in 2019, “This is evident in many ways,” the com- views, while the official Prince account (@ plaint elaborated, “including, but not limited prince.4.ever) has more than 192,000 fol- Filings Show to, the Board’s willingness to acquiesce to lowers. When TikTok celebrated Lennon’s the payment of exorbitant legal fees to male would-be 80th birthday in October, it an- BY CLAUDIA ROSENBAUM partners of large law firms who are extreme- nounced the #GimmeSomeTruth challenge ly conflicted with respect to their work for to recognize the legendary songwriter’s 1971 he Recording Academy paid the Academy.” protest song, and the hashtag has spawned 4 $4,522,077 in legal expenditures Dugan is still engaged in arbitration billion views. Meanwhile, Michael’s official from August 2018 to July 2019, proceedings with the academy, according to account launched in October (@George- according to the nonprofit’s most sources. Sources say that Greenberg Traurig MichaelOfficial), which features archival Trecent 990 filing with the IRS — with 65.6% and Proskauer Rose continue to conduct footage from the singer-songwriter’s career, of that total going to two outside law firms legal work for the academy. now has 22,000 followers. accused by former chairman/CEO Deborah During the Billboard Roundtable, Mason 5. TikTok is increasingly collaborating Dugan of receiving “exorbitant” fees. said that the academy had considered hiring with the music industry on original content. The academy has been criticized for con- an in-house counsel “for probably the last Whereas TikTok was at odds with the tinuing to pay millions to outside law firms five or so years,” But he added that it was music industry a year and a half ago, the when it could hire in-house counsel. During not a decision he could make unilaterally. company — which now has music licensing an October roundtablediscussion with “The finance committee, the trustees — deals with the three major labels, Universal academy interim president/CEO Harvey these are decisions that would go beyond Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment Mason Jr. and chief diversity, equity and just the CEO or even the chair. It is some- and Sony Music Group — collaborated with inclusion officer Valeisha Butterfield Jones, thing that we are evaluating,” he said. artists and labels more than ever this year. omalilly projects founder Binta Niambi Dugan’s EEOC complaint claims that Most notably, in August, TikTok part- Brown and others, Brown told Billboard she was removed from office, not because nered with Wave to create “The Weeknd that she had been in talks to become the of complaints that she had bullied cowork- Experience,” a virtual in-app concert which academy’s in-house counsel before Dugan ers, but because she raised concerns about drew more than 2 million unique view- was fired. This would have translated into “egregious conflicts of interest, improper ers and 275,000 concurrents while raising “substantial savings” for the nonprofit, self-dealing by Board members and voting more than $350,000 for the Equal Justice Brown said in a separate interview. irregularities with respect to nominations Initiative. This year, TikTok also worked on The 990 filing covers fiscal year 2019 for for Grammy Awards, all made possible by behind-the-scenes content with Jennifer the academy, which ended July 31, 2019, the the ‘boys’ club’ mentality and approach to Lopez and Maluma for their collaboration day that Neil Portnow’s contract expired, governance at the Academy.” “Pa Ti/Lonely,” and launched series like and he stepped down as chairman/CEO. In addition to Katz and Greenberg Trau- “Watermarked,” where artists like Miley Dugan’s short-lived tenure as Portnow’s rig, Dugan’s EEOC complaint contends that Cyrus preview new music 30 minutes before successor began Aug.1, 2019, and her salary media reports have identified Proskauer its release, and “Sound Off In The Com- — as well as any changes in expenditures Rose (and former Proskauer Rose partner, ments,” a live interview series which has that occurred under her short-lived tenure Chuck Ortner) as another firm that has hosted the likes of Queen Naija and T-Pain. — are not indicated in this filing. billed millions of dollars to the Academy.” Over the summer, TikTok also hosted Five days after being put on administra- “Both Mr. Katz and Mr. Ortner are cur- Page 14 of 30

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rently Board members of the Academy’s a total of $1,724,551 in legal fees in 2018. dollar fines if those companies break the museum,” the report continues, claiming That included $313,137 for an in-house rules. that “during the first week of her employ- general counsel and additional legal fees of The proposed legislation includes sug- ment Ms. Dugan was asked to approve a $1,411,414. gested fines of up to 6 percent-10 percent of $250,000 retainer agreement to Mr. Ortner The Recording Academy’s fiscal 2019 annual worldwide revenue — a figure that for “consulting” services.” filing also indicates that its income from would amount to $28 billion for a company The academy’s most recent 990 shows the Grammys totaled $82,984,592 and like Apple or Amazon — or mandate the that 65.6%, of the legal fees the academy that it spent $22.4 million in salaries and break up of firms if they repeatedly violate paid in fiscal year 2019 went to those employee benefits in 2018 — including competition laws. two firms: Greenberg Traurig received Portnow’s $1,174,972 base salary. It also paid While no companies are mentioned in the $1,472,364 and Proskauer Rose received $17,822,438 to AEG Ehrlich Ventures, which draft bills, it is clear EU legislators have U.S. $1,035,240l, of a total $4,522,077 in legal produced the Grammys telecast, and distrib- tech in their sights. fees — of which, according to the Record- uted $8 million in grants. The news comes after the U.K. govern- ing Academy CFO Wayne Zahner, $700,000 Greenberg Traurig and Proskauer Rose ment unveiled proposals that could slap was an amortization from the CBS contract did not provide comment at time of publish- tech giants with fines of billions of pounds negotiation that was paid prior in 2017. ing. if they fail to remove and limit the spread of (Zahner says $5 million was paid to Green- UPDATE: This story was updated at 8:20 harmful online content. berg Traurig for the CBS deal, less than 1% EST on Dec. 15 to correct the total legal fees The EU’s DSA bill will apply only to firms of the contract value.) for the 2019 fiscal year as $4,522,077, not with a reach of 45 million users, or a tenth With the exception of 2016, those totals $7,029,681 million as previously published, of the EU’s population. The DMA would ap- are in line with the amounts paid to the two as well as note the $700,000 amortiza- ply a series of regulations on a new category firms over the last three years. According to tion from the CBS contract negotiation. of “gatekeeper” platforms, defined as a “core the last six 990 filings, Greenberg has been The original article counted what’s listed platform service” with a reach of 45 million paid $13,144,028 in legal fees and Proskauer as additional legal fees in addition to the users and a market capitalization of at least Rose $3,644,576 since 2013: payments to Greenberg Traurig and Pros- €65 billion ($79 billion). Amazon, Apple, 2017: The academy paid Greenberg Trau- kauer Rose, but their payments are actually Facebook, and Microsoft, along with Google rig $1,758,388 and Proskauer Rose $906,691 included in that total. parent company Alphabet easily satisfy both of a total $3,737,440 in legal fees. conditions. Only one European firm, Ger- 2016: Greenberg Traurig was paid man software maker SAP, currently meets $6,309,936. (The significant increase may European Union the value threshold. related to the academy’s negotiations to There have been unconfirmed reports extend CBS’ broadcast of the Grammys Unveils Bills that Swedish music streaming service through 2026, given Mason’s comment Spotify, and other big European tech firms, during the Roundtable that, “We’ve done Targeting Big Tech lobbied to adjust the conditions to ensure two contracts with CBS — deals that were they didn’t apply to them. in the hundreds of millions of dollars — and Companies The scope of both bills is extremely broad. the commissions from those deals are part The DSA covers regulation regarding illegal of the legal fees we paid over the last few BY SCOTT ROXBOROUGH goods, services, and content, and abuse of years.) Proskauer Rose received $873,611. platforms as well as online advertising, and Legal fees totaled $3,922,593 that year. he European Commission, the the transparency of recommendation algo- 2015: The academy paid Greenberg Trau- executive arm of the European rithms. The DMA would regulate competi- rig $1,167,029 and Proskauer Rose $829,034 Union, has unveiled two bills that tion online, prohibiting “gatekeeper” plat- of a total $2,169,229 in legal fees. aim to regulate, reshape, and rein forms from engaging in practices deemed 2014: The academy paid Greenberg Tin the power of big technology platforms, uncompetitive, such as blocking users from Traurig $1,107,705 of a total $1,925,119 in particularly the U.S. giants including Google, uninstalling pre-installed software or favor- legal fees (Proskauer Rose is not listed in the Facebook, Apple, and Amazon. ing their own products on their platforms filing). The twin bills—the Digital Services Act over third-party sellers. The law would also 2013: The academy paid Greenberg (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA) impose a greater obligation on large firms Traurig $1,328,606 of a total $1,824,446 in — focus on, respectively, illegal content and to share data with smaller companies and legal fees (Proskauer Rose is not listed in the anti-competitive behavior. If passed, they to ensure interoperability with their own filing). will give European officials new powers to software and hardware. By comparison, the Academy of Mo- oversee the workings of the world’s biggest Broadly speaking, the DSA would make tion Pictures’ most recent 990, indicates tech companies and to impose multimillion- stricter already existing laws on content Page 15 of 30

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regulation and illegal activities. The DMA more were filling arenas and ticket sales between 10,001-250,000 trackers) make up would arguably entirely transform the on- were continuing at a seemingly unstoppable 19.1% of the whole. line marketplace. pace. Now, in mid-December, we’re nine Bandsintown tracked livestreams of all Big tech is certain to lobby hard against months out from the last proper concerts kinds, not just music performances. And so, the legislation on several fronts. They could and tens of thousands of livestreams deep. the site’s top buzzing artist of 2020 (deter- argue the “gatekeeper” regulations unfairly To be exact, we’re 60,905 livestreams mined by ‘Notify Me’ reminders) is not actu- single out large companies, or that sharing deep, according to data from Bandsintown ally an up-and-coming band or rapper, but data would violate intellectual property from March 25 through Dec. 12. Throughout the Dalai Lama himself. The spiritual leader laws. 2020, the concert discovery site has tracked performed a series of livestreams around Both bills are a ways from becoming livestream listings from nearly 20,000 art- his 85th birthday that included material law. They first have to go to the European ists and allowed fans to rsvp and directly from his debut album Inner World, mixing Parliament, where politicians may propose click-through to watch their favorite artists’ lectures, mantras, chants, and new music. further amendments, then to the Council of broadcasts. His finale performance on July 8 had 3,626 Ministers. While some regulations may get There was a massive surge at first, grow- reminders. watered down, others could be strength- ing from an average of 139 streams per day The platform’s top rising act of the year is ened. One point of contention not addressed in late March, to 307 in April and 391 in May. the artist who performed more livestreams by either bill is taxation. Several big U.S. Following the initial boom, the volume of than anyone else: Melissa Etheridge. The tech companies have been sharply criticized livestreams cooled but has stabilized and rock singer-songwriter went live 180 times for allegedly paying too little tax on the bil- even rebounded in recent months. After between March 25 and Dec. 12, perform- lions in revenue they make in Europe. four months of steady decline, the daily ing, on average, two out of every three days Two years ago Europe successfully imple- average rose by 16% in October and is pacing for the last nine months. Etheridge peaked mented the online privacy law, the General up 5% in December, with over 2,200 streams with 32 streams in September, obviously Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which played through the 12th of the month. doubling-up on certain days. has become an international standard. But Even more promising than the once-novel But despite the overwhelming majority of attempts to apply new antitrust legislation approach to live performance readying livestream listings coming from buzzing and to tech giants faced a major setback earlier itself for stability and expansion in 2021, is rising acts, it was still the world’s arena and this year when the European Court of the rise in paid livestreams. While free and stadium acts who packed the biggest punch. Justice tossed out a €14 billion ($17 billion) donation-based concerts overwhelmed the Bandsintown’s top act of 2020 overall was fine on Apple for supposed anti-competitive marketplace in the early months of COVID Pearl Jam, with over 79,000 Notify Me behavior. lockdown, artists and fans alike have opened reminders. But contrary to Etheridge’s con- With the DSA and DMA, Europe hopes the door to monetizing livestreams. sistent approach, the Seattle rockers’ gold to regain its position as a world leader in In June, ticketed livestreams accounted medal is in large part due to two streams. online regulation. for less than two percent of the total number Their livestreams on April 18 and June 24 This article was originally published by of daily broadcasts. In November, following combined to more than 80% of the band’s The Hollywood Reporter. months of double-and-triple-digit percent- year-long engagement. age increases, they accounted for more than half. The Year in That rise has been steady, with the num- ber of paid streams growing each month. Livestreams 2020: This shift is not just due to artists charging for tickets as a way to earn a living – fans Bandsintown Data have naturally adjusted as well. A Bandsin- town survey showed that 80% of fans are Shows Promise for now ready to watch a live broadcast. What has been steady throughout the Growth in 2021 year, is the separation of major artists (those with 250,001 or more trackers or Bandsin- BY ERIC FRANKENBERG town) and buzzing acts (those with 10,000 or fewer trackers). Buzzing artists have per- hat a year it’s been! At the formed over 46,000 livestreams in 2020, or beginning of 2020, Elton 77% of the total streams tracked on Bandsin- John, Celine Dion, Post town. Major artists account for just 3.9% W Malone, and many, many of the pie, while rising artists (those with Page 16 of 30

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return either late next year or in 2022. through Margin Walker Presents, the pro- Texas Promoter Willams says the company dug themselves moter asks that they contact Eventbrite at into debt assuming they would be back to eventbrite.com/support. For additional Margin Walker doing shows in the summer of 2020, but the info on a specific show, they can email the financial hole eventually became too big to venue directly. Permanently recover from. “Even if you’re an optimistic person, you Closes: ‘It’s Been have to be realistic too and recognize where Rita Houston, there’s challenges and right now there’s a Long Time just too big a gap between what we do for a Beloved DJ & living being doable and where we are right Coming’ now,” says Williams, who also predicts that Tastemaker at the shows could be light in attendance when BY TAYLOR MIMS they do return due to a lack of income for New York Radio many concertgoers. argin Walker Presents, Texas’ Larger promoters may follow in Margin Station WFUV, largest independent promoter, Walker’s footsteps in the coming months announced Monday that it even with a vaccine in circulation, Williams Dead at 59 would closing its doors per- predicts. He adds that smaller promoters Mmanently. Since its launch in 2016, Margin without venues, offices or a lot of overhead BY CHRIS EGGERTSEN Walker has booked and promoted over 3,500 are most likely to weather the storm. shows across Austin, Dallas, San Antonio Despite the difficulties facing the live ita Houston, longtime program and Houston. sector right now and in the near future, Wil- director and DJ at Fordham Like many in the live entertainment busi- liams says he isn’t going away permanently. University’s public radio station ness, Margin Walker was forced to cancel “I’ve just done it for so long. It’s what I WFUV, died on Tuesday (Dec. shows in mid-March due to the coronavirus know. I honestly don’t know if I could get a R15) after a six-year battle with cancer. She and attempted to stay afloat through various job anywhere else,” he says. was 59. measures, including show bonds, for the The live music industry’s focus right now “It is with great sadness that we at WFUV past nine months. But in a message posted should be on saving independent music share news that we have lost Rita Houston, Monday on the company’s website and venues, Williams says. Texas has already lost our much-loved program director and iconic socials, the promoter said it had reached the 14 music venues since the pandemic started, DJ to generations of listeners — listeners end of the line: “Even with strategic changes and the ones that remain are holding out who regarded her as their radio friend,” said in the business, painful staff cuts, and taking for significant financial relief from the Save WFUV general manager Chuck Singleton loans and grants, sadly, we at Margin Walker Our Stages Act that is currently working in a statement posted to the station’s Presents have not been immune, and it its way through Congress. That bill would website. “Rita left this world this morning, breaks our hearts to announce that this wild establish a $10 billion grant program for live December 15, 2020, in the loving company ride has come to an end, and we are closing venue operators, promoters, producers and of her wife and our colleague, Laura Fedele, the business, as of this week.” talent representatives. and her family.” “It’s been kind of a long time coming be- “I am most concerned about the venues,” Houston arrived at WFUV in 1994 from hind closed doors,” Margin Walker Presents Williams says. “I’m shocked how many have triple-a station WXPS (also known as X107) owner and founder Graham Williams tells made it this far, and without major govern- in her native Westchester, where she had Billboard. “We’ve been watching it happen ment help. While there is some stuff around hosted the program Starlight Express. “[She] over time and we’ve really adjusted and the corner that’s hopeful, even then it’s... a helped to break some of the artists that she re-strategized so many times, and then nine daunting task to imagine.” championed from the very beginning,” says months now with no shows and no income, Williams says that continued widespread Paul Cavalconte, former WXPS program we just finally said, ‘Okay, we know it’s far closures of music venues will be devastating director who hired Houston at the station in enough off that we can’t keep doing it.’” for everyone in the live music ecosystem, the late 1980s. “I think David Gray did his Williams explains that Margin Walker lost from venue owners to indie promoters who very first live appearance on radio anywhere steam after shows and tours continued to will have fewer rooms to fill. As someone on [Starlight Express].” be booked, rebooked and then canceled all who plans to re-enter the live game in In 2013, Houston coaxed Cavalconte to together. While he calls the team at Margin the coming years, he says, “My fingers are join her as an on-air personality at WFUV, Walkers passionate, he says it was unre- crossed.” where he currently hosts his own program alistic for them to keep going until shows For fans who have purchased tickets on Sundays. Page 17 of 30

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“She truly was a force of nature,” Caval- on the occasion of her 25th anniversary with the year for “Crowded Table,” written by conte adds. “Being with her was an event. It the station. group members Brandi Carlile and Natalie didn’t matter if we were out for drinks and Multiple prominent figures from the Hemby with top songwriter Lori McK- dinner, going to a show, being in the studio worlds of radio and music have been paying enna; and duo/group of the year. Maren with an artist who was visiting to perform... tribute to Houston in the wake of her death. Morris and Amanda Shires round out the she was the person who dominated the Among them is longtime concert promoter all-star quartet. room when she entered it. Being with her and former Clearwater Festival director Dave Cobb produced The Highwomen’s was its own moment. It’s very hard to imag- Steve Lurie, who wrote on Facebook, “There album. This is the fifth time in the past ine a future where that presence in those was no bigger tastemaker, no bigger music seven years that Cobb has produced the moments just won’t be there anymore.” fan than Rita. She introduced so many art- winner in this category. He also produced Houston started her 26-year stint at ists to our ears from around the globe. She John Prine’s final studio album The Tree of WFUV as a DJ in the midday slot before championed so many artists from those just Forgiveness, which won last year, and Jason launching her own Friday night program, starting out to stadium headliners.” Isbell and the 400 Unit’s The Nashville The Whole Wide World, in 2001. Boasting One of the artists Houston championed, Sound, which won two years ago. Before an eclectic mix of sounds, the series was Brandi Carlile, wrote a heartfelt Insta- that, he produced Isbell’s solo albums Some- influential in introducing unheralded art- gram tribute to the late program director thing More Than Free (the 2016 winner) ists from across the globe to New York City on Tuesday. “Rita was the very first person and Southeastern (2014). listeners. to play my music on the radio,” she wrote. Prine, who died in April 2020 at age 73, “[It] was like her way of harkening back “The only reason that matters is that it’s so won artist of the year for a record fourth to freeform radio and just playing whatever important for a young person to know that time. He previously won in 2005, 2017 and you felt like,” says Jack Walsh, the former someone they look up to believes in them. 2018. Prine was the first artist to be nomi- senior vp, performing arts at BRIC who For me, she was that person.” nated posthumously in this category, much worked with Houston on the WFUV-spon- Houston is survived by her wife (and less to win. Prine won a 2003 Americana sored Celebrate Brooklyn festival for over WFUV new media director) Laura Fedele; lifetime achievement award for songwriting. two decades. sister Deb; brothers Rich and Rob and their Black Pumas won emerging act of the As program director, Houston moved the families; and the family of her late brother year. The duo has multiple Grammy nomi- station in a bold and expansive new direc- Bill. nations this year, including album of the tion, incorporating a multitude of sounds Read more tributes to Houston below. year for the deluxe edition of their debut, and genres. “She really did move that station Black Pumas, and record of the year for forward...from it being sort of like a folky “Colors.” The duo was Grammy-nominated Americana station to something that had a The Highwomen, for best new artist a year ago. much broader palette,” Walsh adds. Fiddle player Brittany Haas won the In addition to being a tastemaker in the John Prine & More award for instrumentalist of the year. A city and beyond – among the artists she member of the quartet Hawktail, Haas has championed early on were Joan Osborne, Winners of the also collaborated with such artists as Steve Adele and Brandi Carlile – Houston is Martin, Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn. remembered as a genuinely enthusiastic 2020 Americana This is the third time in the past five years and independent-minded music fan deter- that a female musician has won instrumen- mined to chart a path outside the corporate Honors & Awards talist of the year. Molly Tuttle, a guitarist, confines of commercial radio. “There’s an won in 2018. Fiddle player Sara Watkins engagement factor that’s so much more per- BY PAUL GREIN won in 2016. sonal in public radio, and she wanted that,” “I could not be more proud of this slate of says Cavalconte. “She didn’t want to pull a he Highwomen were the big win- winners,” said Jed Hilly, executive direc- shift at a big Gotham station...I think that ners at the 19th annual Americana tor of the Americana Music Association, she saw that there was an opportunity to be Honors & Awards, which were an- in a statement. “Although we terribly miss something beyond that.” nounced on the Americana Music celebrating together at the Ryman as we That independent spirit was celebrated TAssociation’s social media channels Tuesday usually have in years past, we’re thrilled to in 2019 by New York City Mayor Bill de (Dec. 15) instead of at their usual celebra- still be able to recognize these distinguished Blasio, who praised Houston for “bringing tion at the historic Ryman Auditorium in members of our community.” joy to listeners throughout the five bor- Nashville. NPR Music’s World Café, SiriusXM oughs, providing a platform for new talent The Highwomen swept three of the six Outlaw Country, Gimme Country and that deserves to be heard, and enriching the membership-voted awards: album of the various radio stations will celebrate this cultural vitality of our city” in a letter sent year for their eponymous debut; song of year’s nominees and winners with special Page 18 of 30

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programming. festival does not take place, ticketholders As news of his death spread, Jayne’s fel- Here are the 2020 Americana Honors & will have the opportunity to transfer tickets low musicians remembered him on social Awards winners: to Lollapalooza Stockholm 2022 or request media. Album of the year: The Highwomen, The a refund.” “Rest In Peace, Sam. You didn’t know it Highwomen, produced by Dave Cobb Check out the full lineup below. but you were an elusive and formatively in- Artist of the year: John Prine This article has been updated. spiring hero to me and you touched so many Song of the year: “Crowded Table,” The of the lives of the people we love,” Robin Highwomen, written by Brandi Carlile, Pecknold of Seattle’s Fleet Foxes shared on Natalie Hemby and Lori McKenna Love As Laughter Instagram. Duo/group of the year: The Highwomen “There’s not a single bad word I can say Emerging act of the year: Black Pumas Frontman Sam about him,” The Moldy Peaches’ Kimya Instrumentalist of the year: Brittany Haas Dawson captioned an Instagram photo For more information, visit Americana- Jayne Found Dead of Jayne, whom she befriended while the Music.org. two were living in Olympia, Wash., in the After Friends early ‘90s. In her lengthy post, she went on to share some of their adventures together, Post Malone, Report Him before ending her post about how much she used to enjoy his hugs. “I am so sad I Kendrick Lamar, Missing won’t feel one of those hugs again but feel lucky that I had him in my life during those The Killers & BY ANNA CHAN different wild times. I will miss my friend forever.” More Set For am Jayne, the frontman of indie Jayne, who was born in Olympia, formed rock band Love As Laughter, has Love As Laughter in 1994 after his band Lollapalooza been found dead, the NYPD con- Lync broke up. Love As Laughter released firmed to Billboard on Wednesday several albums on Sub Pop. Stockholm 2021: S(Dec. 16). He was 46. A little after 2:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 15, law See Full Lineup enforcement responded to a 911 call about ‘The Voice’ an unconscious individual. “Upon arrival, BY GIL KAUFMAN police observed an unidentified, uncon- Crowns 2020 scious and unresponsive male laying in the hile the 2020 edition of back of the vehicle,” NYPD spokesperson Winner Lollapalooza Stockholm Sophia Mason told Billboard in a statement, didn’t happen due to the noting that the man has been identified as BY BILLBOARD STAFF coronavirus pandemic, the musician. “EMS pronounced the male organizersW have rescheduled much of the deceased at the scene.” he Voice has hit its final, high original artists for 2021. The medical examiner has not yet deter- note for 2020. And the winner is… Pearl Jam, Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone, mined a cause of death, and police say the [spoiler alert]...Carter Rubin. The Killers, Zara Larsson, Veronica Maggio, investigation is ongoing. Team Gwen’s cherubic teenage DaBaby, Kacey Musgraves, Anderson .Paak Jayne’s Love As Laughter bandmate Tsinger won hearts every step of the way, and & The Free Nationals, Doja Cat, Alesso, Zeke Howard also confirmed the news on Tuesday night he was declared winner. Lewis Capaldi, Playboy Carti, Jack Harlow on Instagram. “The search for Sam Jayne Really, even casual fans of NBC’s talent and many more will perform at the 2021 has concluded and our hearts are broken,” quest knew Rubin was a strong chance to fest, per a Wednesday (Dec. 16) announce- Howard wrote late Tuesday night. “Our dear take the grand prize ever since the Blind ment. Sam is no longer with us but his memory Auditions when, aged just 14, he blew away According to a statement, “fueled by re- and impact will endure.” viewers with his cover of “Before You Go” cent progress, organizers are optimistic that In the days leading up to the New York- by Lewis Capaldi. the festival will enjoy its return” on July 2-4, based musician’s death, friends had shared Just two chairs turned on that occasion, 2021 at the picturesque Gärdet park in the their concern for him on social media, say- Stefani and John Legend. heart of Stockholm, Sweden. ing they had not been able to find or contact Now, the 15-year-old Shoreham, New Tickets are on sale now here. The release him in days. Many also shared missing York native from has everyone turning. also promises that “if for any reason the persons posters in an effort to find Jayne. Along with the spoils of his Season 19 Page 19 of 30

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victory, Rubin scores a recording contract We’ve been friends for so many years. Rick Jarrard with Universal Music and $100,000 in prize We’re brothers. He calls me every day and No one else was recording in Spanish and money. every night and we end up having a Grand English. They were not. José was really the Marnier or something over the phone. A first Latin artist in my estimation to have little salud. I’m a great admirer of Latin mu- hits around the world, something that’s How ‘Feliz sic. Man, I love percussion. And that’s one of been an overlooked fact, in my mind. When the reasons I loved José and I always tried, we recorded “Feliz Navidad,” it felt like a hit Navidad’ Became even from the first album, I’d say, “Hey, José, single to me. But, of course, the odds were let’s toss a little Spanish in there.” really against it because all the standard a Christmas José Feliciano Christmas songs were out already, and it I never expected “Feliz Navidad” to be so was a long shot. But it felt like something Classic & iconic. I was feeling kind of lonesome for my incredible to me and I always had that hope. family in Puerto Rico, and Rick and I were José Feliciano Latin Music doing the Christmas album, and Rick said Rick and I went to the studio in California to me, “You know, José, you should write a and we recorded the track. At the time I Groundbreaker Christmas song.” And I looked at him a little had my Brazilian drummer, Paulino, and he bit bewildered and said, “Rick, I don’t know did the drums. I played the bass, the guitar, BY LEILA COBO that I can write a Christmas song that’s as and the Puerto Rican cuatro [a small guitar, good as the ones that are already out there. common in Puerto Rico], and I also played osé Feliciano’s classic “Feliz Navidad” Like songs by Mel Tormé and his cohort.” the guiro [a musical instrument made from turned 50 years old this year, a mile- Rick said, “No, man, just write the song.” a gourd, with a serrated surface scraped stone that was celebrated with the first And I wrote the first lyric of the song: “Feliz with a stick]. I did a duet with the bass and major reimagining of the song, a mer- navidad, Feliz navidad, prospero año y Feli- the cuatro. Listen to it and you’ll see what I Jchandise line, a children’s book and an up- cidad [Merry Christmas, merry Christmas, mean. The arrangement was really between coming Christmas special. This week, “Feliz and a happy and prosperous New Year].” me and me. Navidad” rose to No. 10 on the Billboard Hot Rick Jarrard Rick Jarrard 100 songs chart — its first top 10 appearance I said, “Man, I love that!” And he said, I loved José playing cuatro, and I always on the chart ever (last holiday season it went “Ricky, that is so simple, no one will ever suggest he do so if the song calls for it. We to No. 12 ), a breathtaking achievement for a like this song.” I said, “José, we are recording did not hire a cuatro player. Not when José 50-year-old track in its original version. that on our next session.” That’s one thing Feliciano is around. He performs it himself So important is “Feliz Navidad” to the his- about José: We’ve always worked together and he plays incredibly. We recorded at tory of Latin music overall that it’s the open- and respected each other immensely. And if RCA Studios in Hollywood in the middle ing chapter of my upcoming book Decod- I want to try something, he’ll try it. And if he of summer, so it’s a tough deal to get in the ing Despacito: An Oral History of Latin wants to try something, I’ll say, “Okay, let’s Christmas mood. José had just moved out Music, to be published by Vintage Books in do it.” And he was open to that and we put here from New York. English and Spanish on March 2, 2021. The that on the next session, and, lo and behold, I always cut José with a very basic track: book features 19 songs that have shaped the we got “Feliz Navidad.” very basic drums and maybe percussion and history of Latin music, their stories told by José Feliciano then we start overdubbing things with him. the artists, the songwriters, the producers, And then I said to myself, “Well let me I do that so he can be free to really perform the managers, the executives, the arrangers, make it bilingual, so the radio stations can’t and not be locked in by a big orchestra- and sometimes the wives and husbands who turn me off.” I created a monster. Because tion. José is one of those artists who has to brought them to life. this song has become the iconic Christmas be free. So we did it that way and then we Those 19 songs start with, yes, “Feliz song. Oh, most definitely. The only “Latin” added percussion and the cuatro, and then Navidad” — arguably the first-ever Spanish- Christmas record that you heard in English built it up from there, adding the vocals English hit. In honor of the song’s anni- was “Dónde Esta Santa Claus [Where Is and the harmony. We added the strings and versary, of its new chart achievement, and, Santa Claus]” [a 1958 novelty hit, performed the horns at a later date, and I just tried to of course, Christmas, here is a condensed by child star Augie Ríos, born in New York change the various sections of the songs us- excerpt of the “Feliz Navidad” story. to Puerto Rican parents]. I didn’t know if we ing the horns or strings. Players would get any kind of airplay on the song at José recorded the guitar and vocals to- José Feliciano: Artist, composer all. So I prepared myself and made it so the gether. Sometimes we do it separately — the Rick Jarrard: Producer radio stations wouldn’t have any excuses. guitar first and the vocals later. But record- Susan Feliciano: Wife, fan And now every Christmas they have to turn ing together is usually the best way to get a Rick Jarrard me on. great performance from José because that’s Page 20 of 30

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the way he does concerts — guitars and and technology. Google will also provide the country, including on NBC owned stations, vocals. He’s one of those guys who records first grantees with its latest technology to for seasons three and four. the song from top to bottom versus record- enhance their missions. “One ray of sunshine in this wildly un- ing line by line, like I’ve seen a lot of artists “I’m grateful to be able to provide grants predictable year is that we get to continue do. No, no, no. We do that song from top to through my Foundation, with Google’s to deliver to stations and fans a show that bottom, and he performs the song, and that’s support, to young leaders who are on the brings people together,” said NBCUniversal how you get that great soulful feeling from ground innovating change,” Mendes said in Syndication Studios executive vp Tracie José. a press release. “I am so inspired by their Wilson. “This wouldn’t be possible without José Feliciano work and want to continue to empower the heart and humor of the talented and Nobody told me from the record company young people daring to wonder in the ser- dedicated Kelly Clarkson and our produc- whether they liked it or not. They just put it vice of others.” tion team, led by the incomparable Alex out and I have to say, the song did the rest. The Shawn Mendes Foundation has Duda, both of whom are masters of story- Rick Jarrard already selected five initial Wonder Grant telling. It’s easy to see why Emmy voters, That phrase was not known in the English recipients, including 18-year-old college critics and viewers have become such loyal world until José did that song. And now, it’s senior, social activist and poet Fanta Ballo fans of the show.” become standard. You see everyone walking from Harlem, New York. Mendes featured a Clarkson’s show debuted in fall 2019 and around and saying, “Feliz Navidad.” And if video of Ballo reciting one of her poems on became the most watched new daytime talk you say “Feliz Navidad” to them, they un- his socials Tuesday (Dec. 15) upon the an- show in seven years. The current season — derstand. It’s become a part of their lives. nouncement of his foundation’s partnership which returned to studio production after Susan Feliciano with Google. filming remotely in the spring and summer We have three children who have grown The other four initial recipients will be — is putting up solid ratings as well, averag- up with it and it’s something that they wear announced on the foundation’s Instagram ing 1.31 million daily viewers and ranking in proudly. Johnny [Jonathan Feliciano is account in 2021. the top five syndicated talkers. Feliciano’s son as well as his drummer and The grant shares the title of Mendes’ “The Kelly Clarkson Show is one of the tour manager] has a T-shirt that says, Feliz fourth studio album Wonder, which most optimistic success stories in first-run Navidad: It’s not a song, it’s an attitude. launched straight to No. 1 on the Bill- syndication,” said Valari Staab, president —Leila Cobo is the VP/Latin Industry board 200 this week (dated Dec. 19). And NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations. Lead for Billboard. while he’s honoring the youth who con- “Kelly is a beloved performer and host with stantly use their voices, visions and abilities deep roots at NBC, and we are delighted to to change the world, the “Youth” singer have her continue to be a very important Shawn Mendes has made Billboard chart history with his and treasured part of our stations’ program- own voice: Mendes is the youngest male ming.” Foundation artist to top the Billboard 200 with four The show won three Daytime Emmys in full-length albums at exactly 22 years, four 2020, including one for Clarkson as best Announces months and two weeks old. entertainment talk show host. Alex Duda is the executive producer and showrunner. Wonder Grants to This article was originally published by ‘Kelly Clarkson The Hollywood Reporter. Empower Young Show’ Renewed Creatives Through 2023 BY HERAN MAMO BY RICK PORTER hawn Mendes and the Shawn Mendes Foundation have part- elly Clarkson’s daytime talk nered with Google to award the show is sticking around for a first set of Wonder Grants to young while. Schangemakers around the world. NBCUniversal Syndication Wonder Grants aim to support and KStudios has renewed The Kelly Clarkson empower young creatives launching their Show for two more years, which will take projects across various fields, including it through its fourth season 2022-23. The music, film, education, science, environment show has been cleared in 75 percent of the Page 21 of 30

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holiday season; that mark was also set on includes pages from the artist’s best photo Holiday Titles the Jan. 5, 2019, ranking and equaled a year shoots, concert moments, and beyond. later (Jan. 4, 2020). Shop here Make Up Nine of Meanwhile, with 29 concurrent holiday FOR THE BECKY G FAN songs on the Billboard Hot 100 (which Becky G teamed up with Dime Optics Streaming Songs’ ranks the most popular songs of the week to launch her first-ever sunglasses collec- by blending streaming, sales and airplay tion, which was inspired by her Mexican- Top 10 for the First data), the Dec. 19-dated charts has the most American roots and Latinx vibes. With a concurrently charting holiday titles in its mix of aviator styles and thick frames, the Time history. “No Drama” singer says oversized glasses are her go-tos, and that’s why her collection BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD represents a “true Becky sunglasses.” From Air Balvins Shop here or the first time in the history FOR THE CARLOS SANTANA FAN of Billboard’s Streaming Songs to a Bad Bunny Just in time for the holidays, Carlos chart, nine of the top 10 are holiday Santana unveiled his very own The Carlos titles. Coloring Book, Santana Coffee Company, which features FThe Dec. 19-dated tally findsMariah the Smooth Blend, Evil Ways Blend, and Oye Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” Here’s the Como Va Blend, to name a few. A portion perched atop the list for a second straight of every purchase will be donated to The week, followed by a slew of holiday-themed Ultimate Latin Milagro Foundation, which helps children songs — nine in all in the top 10, including in need around the world. the entirety of the top five. Music Gift Guide Shop here It’s the most holiday titles in the chart’s FOR THE CHIQUIS RIVERA FAN top 10 in its nearly eight-year history, top- BY JESSICA ROIZ For the Chiquis Rivera fan who wants ping the eight that made the top 10 toward to begin la dieta in 2021, why not gift them the Jan. 4, 2020, survey, whose tracking hristmas is officially just days with Chiquis’ very own “Chiquis Keto” rec- week contained Christmas 2019. Before away! ipe book? According to Amazon, the book then, the record had been seven, accrued on We know how tedious shopping includes “everything from recetas sabrosas the ranking dated Jan. 5, 2019 (Christmas for the holidays can be, and for to fun workouts and motivational personal 2018). Call of those last-minute shoppers, Billboard stories to inspire all Latin-food lovers.” Holiday song dominance comes early this has compiled a list of gift ideas for the Latin Shop here year; despite already setting the all-time top music lover in your life. FOR THE CNCO FAN 10 record for the chart, the latest list covers From Angela Aguila’s doll to Bad Bunny’s If you missed out on the CNCO clothing the tracking period of Dec. 4-10, with Dec. coloring book, J Balvin’s Air Jordan 1’s to line that launched via Forever 21 last year, 25 contained as part of the Streaming Songs Ozuna’s Funko Pop! and beyond, check out don’t worry! The clothing retailer still has tally dated Jan. 9, 2021, this year — three the list below. Happy shopping! some apparel picks available for the CN- chart refreshes away. FOR THE ANGELA AGUILAR FAN COwner in your life, including a couple of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” reigns Whether your daughter or niece really cute graphic tees. for a seventh total week on Streaming Songs loves Angela Aguilar, or your friend is a Shop here with 31.4 million U.S. streams, according to sucker for all-things Regional Mexican, FOR THE J BALVIN FAN Nielsen Music/MRC Data. It’s followed by this Angela Aguilar doll is the perfect gift. J Balvin, who made Nike history by Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christ- Celebrating the beauty and pride of Mexican becoming the first Latino artist to collabo- mas Tree” at 29.2 million streams. The only culture, the doll — inspired by “la princesa rate with the Jordan brand, sold out his Air non-seasonal song in Streaming Songs’ top de la música Mexicana” herself — is avail- Jordan I x J Balvin sneaker instantly on its 10? Bad Bunny and Jhay Cortez’s “Dakiti,” able for $35. Dec. 8 release day. But for those die-hard with 19.8 million streams, at No. 6. Shop here Balvin fans who are willing to pay a bit more The Dec. 19-dated Streaming Songs list FOR THE BAD BUNNY FAN for the shoes, check out retailers such as sees 29 holiday songs in all, one of which is While the Bad Bunny Crocs sold out Fight Club and Stadium Goods, who have a debut: Donny Hathaway’s “This Christ- instantly when they dropped in September, the kicks available. mas” at No. 44 (11 million streams). The you can opt for a Bunny-inspired coloring Shop here all-time record on the 50-position list, 31, book instead. Available for $8 on Amazon, FOR THE OZUNA FAN is likely to be beaten before the end of the this unofficial family-friendly coloring book Funko Pop! unveiled an Ozuna figurine Page 22 of 30

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dressed in all-white, rocking white sunglass- service so that they can get their daily dose engagements, ahead of Fox News’ Sean es, and featuring his distinct braids. Though of Latin music all day, every day? Hannity and with 12 million more than for- the collector’s item will not be available mer Idol judge Jennifer Lopez. Talkwalker, until April 1, 2021, fans can pre-order their described as the leading social engagement Ozuna Funko Pop! for $10.99. Katy Perry Helps and video performance measurement solu- Shop here tion, acquired Social Content Ratings from FOR THE ROSALIA FAN Drive ‘American Nielsen in July 2020. Rosalia’s flamenco, pop-urban and “Talent is becoming an increasingly electronic fusions, in combination with her Idol’ to Top of important component to program promo- unique, passionate and fierce personality, tion. Talkwalker Social Content Ratings’ inspired the newest lip color in the M.A.C. Year-End Social unique methodology allows for the compre- Viva Glam collection coined VG26, a matte, hensive measurement of TV talent’s social bright orangey-red shade. The collaboration Ranking efforts around programs, helping the media raises awareness and supports the future industry optimize their own social strategies and equal rights of women, girls, the LG- BY BILLBOARD STAFF and quantify the overall impact of talent at BTQ+ community, and those affected with scale,” says Talkwalker’s head of media Sean HIV/AIDS. ike the rest of us, American Idol Casey. Shop here was forced to go from home earlier In its third year on ABC after a 15-year FOR THE SELENA QUINTANILLA FAN this year due to the COVID-19 pan- run on Fox, Davis says one of the factors that The Quintanilla family continues to keep demic and according to year-end helped push the show to the top was the Selena’s legacy alive through their must- Lsocial rankings from Talkwalker Social close work his team did with the contes- have collection that includes “Como La Content Ratings, you were definitely there tants and judges to seed their socials and Flor”-inspired hoodies, T-shirts with rare for it. focus on exposing the singers on platforms Selena prints, and more. For the “Anything Data from the company released on like TikTok. “You can feel the energy from for Selenas” fan, why not gift him or her Wednesday (Dec. 16) shows that Idol came the TikTok crowd getting exposed to what with a limited edition Selena-inspired in at No. 3 for the year for all prime-time/ AI is, through the casting process to while Bumpboxx Flare6 Bluetooth boombox too? late night shows, just behind ESPN’s popu- we were on air,” he says. “You might come Shop here and here lar Michael Jordan series The Last Dance into Idol as a TikTok star with 100,000 or FOR THE SHAKIRA FAN and WWE Monday Night Raw. one million followers, but you’re now on Shakira fans are in for a real treat this Adam Davis, Idol’s supervising digital a platform where we can introduce you to year. The Colombian singer announced her producer tells Billboard that the numbers millions more who haven’t even download- latest fragrance called “Dance Midnight” reveal that Idol achieving its highest-ever ed the app.” and a limited edition clothing collection in ranking on the list — along with nabbing One of the other keys was something the celebration of the 25th anniversary of her the No. 1 spot for the most social prime time Idol team could never have planned for: Pies Descalzos album released in 1995. reality series of 2020 — is no surprise. “Idol the pandemic. When the show was forced Shop here and here really set itself up this year because of our to go remote for the live rounds in April FOR THE THALIA FAN fan base, which gravitated to everything the suddenly viewers at home got a rare chance Thalia has it all: a clothing line sold in Idol talent did this year and how we did it to see the singers (and the judges and host Macy’s, a fragrance collection, hair care from home,” says Davis. Ryan Seacrest) in their homes, surrounded products, and even a home collection avail- According to the Talkwalker’s Social by family and their stuff. able at Burlington. For those who not only Content Rating figures, Idol was the most “It allowed viewed to get to know contes- love the Mexican singer and actress but social TV series on broadcast networks last tant in a way they haven’t been presented are also suckers for a comfy blanket, check season, with 27 million total social interac- before,” says Davis of the intimate view that out the Thalia Sodi collection, which also tions across new episodes — more than helped juice Idol’s social numbers in 2020. included bathroom essentials, sheet sets, double the interactions generated by such “One of the most fun things was the im- and more. reality juggernauts as Keeping Up With mediate reaction on Twitter and looking at Find your nearest Burlington store here the Kardashians, eight million more than people’s comments when Julia Gargano was FOR THE OVERALL LATIN MUSIC The Voice and almost 19 million more than performing from her garage and the audi- LOVER RuPaul’s Drag Race. ence was trying to figure out if her garage And when all fails, why not gift your Judge Katy Perry also ranked high, looked like theirs. And when Louis Knight Latin music-loving family member or friend coming in as the No. 1 most engaging talent performed from his bedroom — he’s an with an iTunes gift card, a membership on for 2020 primetime series TV according emotional singer who wrote songs about his Spotify or Pandora, or any other streaming to Talkwalker, with more than 16 million friend who passed — his youthful fanbase Page 23 of 30

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of guys and girls were like, ‘oooh! Louis’ director of the festival. bedroom!’ That was so fun, looking at the Questlove Music “But most important of all for us was just posters on his wall, seeing the families.” that it’s a stunning watch. It is joyful and After virtual auditions across the nation, Doc, Rita Moreno vibrant and colorful and socially engaging Idol is slated to return to the air on February and so beautifully crafted and put together.” 14, 2021. and Sparks Opening night will also see the premiere of Sian Heder’s film CODA, about the hear- Biopics Slated ing child of deaf parents co-starring Marlee Chance Matlin. “I think it’s going to be one of the big For First Virtual stories out of the festival this year,” Yutani the Rapper said. In addition to CODA, the U.S. Dramatic Sundance Film Competition section will feature films with Announces ‘Chi- Tiffany Haddish and Jerrod Carmichael (On Festival the Count of Three) and Ruth Negga and Town Christmas’ Tessa Thompson who co-star in Passing, BY ASSOCIATED PRESS about two light-skinned Black women who Virtual Concert choose to live on opposite sides of the color Questlove-directed documentary line in 1929 New York. Film about the other major music Based on a novella by Nella Larsen, Pass- event of the summer of 1969 and ing is the directorial debut of actor Rebecca BY RANIA ANIFTOS documentaries about the creators Hall. “The way that Rebecca has directed it ofA Sesame Street and the coronavirus pan- feels utterly contemporary,” Jackson said. hance the Rapper is bringing the demic in China are among the 72 feature “It really speaks to this current moment.” holiday fun to an otherwise not- films debuting at the 2021 Sundance Film Robin Wright is also making her directo- so-jolly year with his Chi-Town Festival. Organizers on Tuesday (Dec. 15) rial debut with Land, about a search for Christmas virtual concert film. unveiled a robust and diverse slate for the meaning in the American wilderness after CThe festive special, which pays tribute festival, which will be largely virtual due to an “unfathomable event” starring herself to Chance’s favorite childhood Christmas the pandemic. and Demián Bichir. There are high-profile movies and TV sitcoms, follows the release The festival will kick off on Jan. 28 with documentaries about The Joy Luck Club of his new joint album with Jeremih, Merry the premieres of Nanfu Wang’s documen- author Amy Tan and EGOT-winning actor Christmas Lil’ Mama: The Gift That Keeps tary about propaganda and COVID-19 in Rita Moreno. on Giving. China, In the Same Breath, and Ahmir Yutani said that the Sesame Street The one-hour virtual holiday concert film, “Questlove” Thompson’s Summer of Soul documentary, Street Gang: How We Got To written and directed by Chance with cin- (...Or, When The Revolution Could Not Sesame Street is likely to be a crowd favor- ematography by Keith Walker, will feature Be Televised) about the forgotten 1969 ite. Edgar Wright has also directed a docu- performances of the songs on the project. Harlem Cultural Festival, which celebrated mentary about the pop rock duo Sparks. The Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama: The Black music and culture and attracted over And there are others that might not have the Gift That Keeps on Giving features two new 300,000 people. flashy celebrity subjects but are gems worth original songs from Chance, “The Return” “We’re starting the festival with a bang for checking out. One, Jackson said, is Writing and “Who’s To Say.” sure,” said Kim Yutani, the festival’s director With Fire about India’s only newspaper run Chi-Town Christmas will be released on of programming. “We felt that was impor- by Dalit women, who are breaking traditions YouTube and Instagram on Friday (Dec. 18) tant to have something that just really just and norms to tell the truth about what is at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, and in VR on Oculus directly reflects what we have been through happening to women in the country. to give fans a unique virtual concert experi- this past year.” In the Same Breath, she said, Another is about the legal trailblazer ence. is a “search for the truth. And it is a bold Pauli Murray, who influenced Ruth Bader indictment of the response of leadership Ginsburg and Thurgood Marshall from RGB in China and the US.” Questlove’s film uses directors Julie Cohen and Betsy West. The never-before-seen footage that had been 2020 Sundance Film Festival was home to sitting in a basement for 50 years. “It’s an some of this year’s most acclaimed films, incredible debut from a first-time director, including Promising Young Woman, Minari, a vitally important historical document and Never Rarely Sometimes Always, Boys State, it’s a kind of reclaiming of history to reframe Crip Camp and Kajillionaire. It was also the present,” said Tabitha Jackson, the one of the only major festivals to happen Page 24 of 30

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before the pandemic hit. “We were so lucky of holiday classics that he produced, each er, respectively, for each attributed song that to be able to go when we did in January, of which rank in the top five on the latest appears on the Hot 100; plus, genre-based just before the pandemic hit. Other festivals Billboard Hot 100. songwriter and producer charts follow the weren’t that lucky and many other filmmak- Brenda Lee’s seasonal staple “Rockin’ same methodology based on correspond- ers weren’t as lucky in getting their work Around the Christmas Tree,” first released ing “Hot”-named genre charts. As with buzzed about, written about and seen,” in 1958, rises from No. 4 to No. 3 on the Hot Billboard’s yearly recaps, multiple writers or Jackson said. 100, while Bobby Helms’s “Jingle Bell Rock,” producers split points for each song equally “We deeply feel the responsibility this from 1957, giddy-ups 9-5. (and the dividing of points will lead to oc- year of doubling down on our commitment Bradley has sole production credit on casional ties on rankings). to emerging voices.”Sundance founder Rob- both singles, helping boost his placement on ert Redford said in a statement that under Hot 100 Producers (as he does not have to Jackson’s leadership, “We’ve forged a new share chart points with any other writers). Selena Returns collective vision: one that honors the spirit Bradley spent two consecutive weeks atop and tradition of these invigorating yearly Hot 100 Producers last holiday season (Dec. to Latin Pop gatherings in Utah, while making room 28-Jan. 4), powered by the same two songs. for imaginative new possibilities in a new He died in 1998 at age 82. Albums Chart online format.” The festival “going virtual” In addition to his work on holiday clas- also opens up the experience to curious sics, the Tennessee native and Country With ‘Selena: The audiences who may not have had the time Music Hall of Fame inductee is also consid- or money to make it out to Park City, which ered one of the architects of the “Nashville Series Soundtrack’ between lodging, food and passes can be an sound,” the style of country music that expensive endeavor. incorporates pop elements with soft strings BY PAMELA BUSTIOS “We all are so excited about the possibil- and smooth tempos. He helped establish ity of encountering people who’ve never the country subgenre through his produc- elena returns to the Latin Pop been to the festival,” Jackson said. “Sud- tion work on hits by Patsy Cline, including Albums chart (dated Dec. 19) with denly, people from around the country and “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces” and “Walkin’ After her latest soundtrack Selena: The around the world can be at Sundance for the Midnight,” as well as songs by Loretta Lynn, Series, Music From The Netflix’s first time, be part of that first audience who Conway Twitty and Kitty Wells. He started SOriginal Series. It’s the late Texas-born sing- can talk about this work which will in some his career working at legendary Nashville er-songwriter’s first entry and top 10 since ways define the conversation around cinema radio station WSM-AM and later rose to 2016 following the former No. 1 greatest hits in the 12 months afterwards.” Tickets for the become vice president of the Decca record compilation Lo Mejor De… (April 2016). 2021 edition go on sale on Jan. 7. label’s Nashville division. As Selena: The Series Soundtrack debuts Other talents land on this week’s Hot 100 at No. 8, Selena captures her sixth top 10, Producers chart thanks to holiday songs; dating back to the 44-week ruler Dreaming Late Holiday/ Lee Gillette places at No. 2 thanks to Dean of You (it debuted at No. 1 in Aug. 1995). Martin’s “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Selena: The Series Soundtrack opens with Country Music Snow” (No. 15 on the Hot 100) and Nat King 1,000 equivalent album units earned in the Cole’s “The Christmas Song (Merry Christ- week ending Dec. 10, according to Nielsen Pioneer Owen mas to You)” (No. 16), followed by Robert Music/MRC Data, most of which stem from Mersey at No. 3, via Andy Williams’ “It’s the streaming activity. The first nine episodes of Bradley Back at Most Wonderful Time of the Year” (No. 6) Selena: The Series premiered on Netflix on and “Happy Holiday/The Holiday Season” Dec. 4. No. 1 on Hot 100 (No. 29); Phil Spector at No. 5, thanks to The Latin Pop Albums chart ranks the The Ronettes’ “Sleigh Ride” (No. 20) and most popular Latin pop albums of the week Producers Chart “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” (No. in the U.S. based on multi-metric consump- 31); Rick Jarrard at No. 7, as Jose Feliciano’s tion as measured in equivalent album units. BY XANDER ZELLNER “Feliz Navidad” hits the Hot 100’s top 10 for Units comprise album sales, track equiva- the first time, at No. 10; and George Michael lent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent ate musician, producer and record at No. 8, as Wham!’s “Last Christmas” re- albums (SEA). executive Owen Bradley returns turns to its No. 11 Hot 100 high. Selena:The Series soundtrack, which was to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 The weekly Hot 100 Songwriters and released Dec. 4 via Netflix/Capitol Latin/ Producers chart (dated Dec. 19) for Hot 100 Producers charts are based on total UMLE, net 1,000 SEA which equates to La third total week on top, thanks to a pair points accrued by a songwriter and produc- 1.2 million on-demand U.S. streams for the Page 25 of 30

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album’s songs in its opening week. gia Coalition for the People’s Agenda and the Runoff” virtual show with Death Cab, With The Series arriving in the current CivicGeorgia, with fans encouraged to visit John Legend, Common and Indigo Girls and chart week, Selena also generates popularity GeorgiaComesAlive.com today (Dec. 16) to a last weekend’s reunion of the Hamilton with other efforts. Her last live set, Live, The donate to the cause; a donation of any size in cast to raise funds for Georgia Democrats. Last Concert: Houston, Texas 1995, an April advance will generate an email with a link to Check out the full list of acts on the bill 2001 one-week chart ruler, re-enters at No. the stream on the day of the show. below. 7 after previously hitting No. 10 last holiday “The stakes are incredibly high in the The Allman Betts Band season. Georgia runoffs. The fate of the music Andy Frasco and the UN Concurrently, Selena’s all-time favorite industry, struggling small businesses around Ben Folds Ones (2002), moves closer to Shakira’s El the country, and our democracy as a whole Big Freedia Dorado’s 63-week No. 1 record holder, hold- are at stake,” said Kunj Shah, the founder of Big Gigantic ing strong atop the list in its 61st week. Live For Live Music and the Comes Alive Big Head Todd Elsewhere, The Series’s 20-track set sees event series in a statement. “With ‘Georgia Billy Strings six of its songs debut or re-enter the Latin Comes Alive,’ we hope to once again channel Blind Boys of Alabama Digital Song Sales chart. Let’s take a look: the power of music to support the grassroots Bob Weir ft. Dave Schools, Jeff Chimenti, Rank, Title organizations getting people to the polls in Jay Lane No. 4, “Como La Flor” January and shine a national spotlight on Bobby Rush No. 8, “Baila Esta Cumbia” the importance of participation in democ- Dave Matthews No. 10, “Que Creías” (debut) racy.” Diplo No. 19, “Besitos” (debut) The lineup will include the one-off super- Dragon Smoke No. 21, “La Carcacha” group The Lame Ducks featuring Bob Weir Fruition No. 24, “Dame Un Beso” (debut) (Grateful Dead), Dave Schools (Widespread Futurebirds Panic), Jeff Chimenti (Dead & Company), G. Love and Jay Lane (Wolf Bros, Primus), as well Galactic Georgia Comes as the Blind Boys of Alabama and Preserva- Grace Potter tion Hall Jazz Band, Big Gigantic, Ben Folds, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades Alive Virtual Fest The Revivalists, Tank and the Bangas, Musiq Jackie Venson Soulchild, Bobby Rush, Warren Haynes and Judith Hill to Feature Diplo, Patterson Hood (Drive-By Truckers), and Lawrence many others. Los Lobos Dave Matthews, The virtual event powered by Nugs.net Midnight North and Plus1 will be hosted by SiriusXM’s Ari Mihali Big Freedia & Fink and starting today, fans can donate for Moon Taxi chances to win prizes including a guitar Mt. Joy More played and signed by Weir; to look at the Musiq Soulchild prizes and enter the Georgia Comes Alive Patterson Hood (Drive-By Truckers) BY GIL KAUFMAN Fandiem sweepstakes, click here. Portugal. The Man Local voters will decide which candidates Preservation Hall Jazz Band he Dec. 26 virtual “Georgia Comes will win the crucial pair of Senate seats — The Revivalists Alive” festival will feature Dave with Republicans maintaining their slim Roosevelt Collier Matthews, Big Freedia, Diplo, majority if they win one or both and Demo- Samantha Fish Bob Weir, Portugal. The Man and crats taking control if they win both contests Shah Tmany more playing to get out the vote for — but the results will have major national The Soul Rebels January’s crucial run-off election. implications as the U.S. faces a still surging The Suffers The one-day event will kick off at 3:00 COVID-19 pandemic and its disastrous eco- Tank and the Bangas p.m. ET to encourage voters to participate nomic consequences; for more information Taylor Goldsmith (DAWES) in the Jan. 5 runoff that will decide which on the implications of the Georgia runoff Warren Haynes party controls the U.S. Senate in advance of races, click here. the Jan. 20 inauguration of president-elect The show is the latest musical effort to Joe Biden. draw attention to the runoff, joining Death The partnership between Live For Live Cab For Cutie’s recently released The Geor- Music and HeadCount will support local gia E.P. featuring covers of songs by Peach grassroots organizations including Geor- State acts (R.E.M., TLC), the Dec. 3 “Rock Page 26 of 30

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Nicole Brown, Shary Shirazi, and Brittney Whitney Houston Morrissey will oversee the project for TriS- Dreams Really tar Pictures. Biopic Finds Its With the backing of Houston’s estate and Do Come True: Davis, the movie will use the singer’s cata- Star in Naomi log, including her vocals. Dionne Warwick Said Davis: “Naomi Ackie’s screen test was Ackie so powerful, it sent shivers up my spine. Al- Teams With though Whitney’s incomparable vocals are BY MIA GALUPPO used for all the songs, Naomi’s extraordinary Chance The acting range enables her to masterfully cap- fter a worldwide search, rising ture Whitney’s unique charm, star power, Rapper and The actress Naomi Ackie has been and, of course, her personal struggles. chosen to play iconic performer Naomi is the real deal and I can’t imagine a Weeknd For Whitney Houston in the biopic better choice for this iconic role.” IA Wanna Dance With Somebody. “All Whitney fans have an appetite for Charity Single The British actress, who had a pivotal perfection when it comes to Whitney and role in Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker, is in her legacy,” added Houston. “To transform BY GIL KAUFMAN negotiations for the feature from Sony and someone into a matchless icon is virtually its TriStar division, which has set the movie impossible but with careful consideration, fter their hilarious Twitter back- for a Thanksgiving 2022 release. Naomi Ackie was selected based on her and-forth last week, “Queen Anthony McCarten, the writer behind quality performances and her deep com- of Twitter” Dionne Warwick Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, penned mitment to emerging into the woman that and Chance the Rapper have the screenplay with Stella Meghie, who was we all loved. We look forward to taking this announcedA that they’ve teamed with The behind the Issa Rae romance The Photo- journey with her. Weeknd for the charity single “Nothing’s graph, set to direct. “This is by far the biggest role to date for Impossible.” “We spent the better part of the last year Ackie, who was introduced to worldwide Warwick announced the news on Tuesday in an exhaustive search for an actress who audiences in the last Star Wars feature, The (Dec. 15) in a short video in which she said could embody Whitney Houston,” said Rise of Skywalker. She can currently be she was so excited to announce the news Meghie. “Naomi Ackie impressed us at every seen in Steve McQueen’s Amazon anthology that she could hardly contain herself. stage of the process. I was moved by her film series Small Axe, with previous credits “The Weeknd has agreed to join Chance ability to capture the stage presence of a including indie stand-out Lady Macbeth and the Rapper and I on our song, ‘Nothing’s global icon while bringing humanity to her Netflix series The End of the F***ing World, Impossible,’” said Warwick in the brief clip, interior life.” the latter of which earned the actress a which she noted that she edited herself. Houston, who earned six Grammys over BAFTA nod. The video’s caption alluded to her sudden her expansive career, is one of the best- Ackie, who will next lead heist musical social media fame — which even elicited a known recording artists of all time, selling The Score, is repped by CAA, the U.K.’s Saturday Night Live spoof last weekend — more than 200 million records worldwide, Hamilton Hodell, Range Media, and Peikoff with the quip, “I’m still on a mission to end with hit songs that include “Saving All My Mahan. foolishness by 2021. It looks like @theweek- Love for You,” “How Will I Know” and “I This article was originally published by nd and @chancetherapper are joining me. Wanna Dance With Somebody.” She made The Hollywood Reporter. Who’s next?” her acting debut in the 1992 blockbuster hit TMZ reported that the song was written The Bodyguard, recording six songs for the and produced by Warwick’s son, Damon film’s soundtrack, including “I Will Always Elliott, and that it will benefit the non-profit Love You.” She died in 2012 at 48. charity organization Hunger Not Impos- Pat Houston will produce the movie on sible. behalf of the Whitney Houston estate, along The collab with Chance came after with music producer Clive Davis, McCarten Warwick teased Chance earlier this month via his Muse of Fire Productions and Larry about his name in the tweet, “If you are Mestel for Primary Wave Music, which is a very obviously a rapper why did you put it partner of the Whitney Houston estate. De- in your stage name? I cannot stop think- nis O’Sullivan and Jeff Kalligheri will pro- ing about this.” She’s done the same type duce and finance for Compelling Pictures. of gentle ribbing of The Weeknd, tweeting, Page 27 of 30

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“The Weeknd is next. Why? It’s not even 16, Muse 4 with 231,000 streams and 4,000 down- spelled correctly?” Concurrently, “Shame Shame” bullets at loads. Legendary songwriter Diane Warren was its No. 2 high on Adult Alternative Songs. The Netflix show does not boast the most elated by the news, responding, “Ok when On the all-rock-format, audience-based entries for November 2020, though – that am I doing a song with U @dionnewar- Rock Airplay chart, it reigns for a fifth distinction goes to ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, wick?” week, with 7.6 million audience impressions, which takes three of the 10 spots: John No word yet on when the collab will be according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. Legend and Gary Clark Jr.’s “Wild” (No. out, but you can check out Warwick’s video The song is the lead single from Medi- 3; 5.8 million streams, 3,000 downloads), below. cine at Midnight, Foo Fighters’ 10th studio Goldford’s “Walk with Me” (No. 5; 364,000 album, due Feb. 5, 2021. streams, 2,000 downloads) and Banners’ “Where the Shadow Ends” (No. 7; 278,000 Foo Fighters Score streams, 2,000 downloads). Lizzo’s ‘Good as See the full top 10 below, also featuring Ninth Mainstream entries from The Crown, Supernatural, Hell’ Crowns Top Dash & Lily and The Good Doctor. Rock Songs No. Rank, Song, Artist, Show (Network) TV Songs Chart 1. “Good as Hell,” Lizzo, Virgin River 1 With ‘Shame (Netflix) for November 2. “Edge of Seventeen,” Stevie Nicks, The Shame’ Crown (Netflix) 2020 Thanks to 3. “Wild,” John Legend & Gary Clark Jr., BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) ‘Virgin River’ 4. “Where It Stays,” Charlotte OC, Virgin oo Fighters’ “Shame Shame” rises River (Netflix) from No. 2 to No. 1 on Billboard’s BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD 5. “Walk with Me,” Goldford, Grey’s Mainstream Rock Songs airplay Anatomy (ABC) chart, as well as 11-10 on the Al- izzo’s “Good as Hell” reigns on 6. “Carry On Wayward Son,” Neoni, Su- Fternative Airplay tally, with both surveys Billboard’s Top TV Songs chart, pernatural (The CW) dated Dec. 19. powered by Tunefind, for No- 7. “Where the Shadow Ends,” Banners, The track marks the band’s ninth Main- vember 2020, after the former No. Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) stream Rock Songs leader and first since its L3 Billboard Hot 100 hit, which peaked in 8. “Stay,” Gracie Abrams, Dash & Lily four-week No. 1 “The Sky Is a Neighbor- November 2019, was featured in an episode (Netflix) hood” in December 2017. of Netflix’s Virgin River. 9. “Through Your Eyes,” Jordan Critz & Each of the Dave Grohl-led band’s nine Rankings for the Top TV Songs chart are Birdtalker, The Good Doctor (ABC) Mainstream Rock Songs No. 1s have ruled based on song and show data provided by 10. “Running on Empty,” Jackson Browne, since 2005; “Best of You” became the Tunefind and ranked using a formula blend- Supernatural (The CW) group’s first leader, following eight top 10s ing that data with sales and streaming infor- dating to 1995. mation tracked by Nielsen Music during the Meanwhile, the Alternative Airplay ascent corresponding period of November 2020. for “Shame Shame” gives Foo Fighters 25 “Good as Hell” appeared in the seventh top 10s, tying the band with Red Hot Chili episode of Virgin River’s second season, Peppers for the most in the list’s 32-year which premiered (along with the rest of the history. season) on Nov. 27. Most Top 10s, Alternative Airplay In November 2020, the song earned 11.6 25, Foo Fighters million U.S. on-demand streams and 7,000 25, Red Hot Chili Peppers downloads, according to Nielsen Music/ 24, Green Day MRC Data. In the tracking week ending 23, U2 Dec. 3, during which Virgin River pre- 19, Pearl Jam miered, the song rose 256% in digital sales. 18, Weezer Virgin River reaches the November 2020 17, Linkin Park edition of Top TV Songs one other time, as 17, The Offspring Charlotte OC’s “Where It Stays,” from the 17, The Smashing Pumpkins second season’s second episode, bows at No. Page 28 of 30

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person this year, but the money this show 500 downloads sold in the closing four St. Vincent, The raises is more important than ever, consid- hours of Dec. 10 (as the sales tracking week ering how disproportionately marginalized runs Friday through Thursday each week). Chicks & More to communities have been affected by the The Sergio George-produced tune was pandemic ... Play it loud and have a party at co-written by Yankee and Marc alongside Perform at Ally home cause this one is gonna be something hit maker Edgar ‘Edge’ Barrera. else.” “De Vuelta…” is Marc’s first collaborative Coalition Talent The Ally Coalition’s seventh annual Tal- title to enter Tropical Airplay in almost two ent Show will be streamed on Jack An- years: “Adicto,” with Prince Royce, crowned Show tonoff’s Twitch channel Monday, Dec. 21, the chart for seven consecutive weeks start- at 9 p.m. ET. To learn more about the event, ing Jan. 26, 2019. Since then, Marc’s only BY STEPHEN DAW click here. charted with solo efforts (until the Daddy Yankee collab), and, all four of those solo n a time where everyone is focused on tracks reached the top two on the chart: negatives, The Ally Coalition is ready Daddy Yankee & “Tu Vida en La Mía” (four weeks at No. 1), to highlight some positives in 2020 “Parecen Viernes” (six weeks), “Lo Que Te with the help of some of their favorite Marc Anthony’s Di” (six weeks) and “Un Amor Eterno” (No. Iartists. 2). The latter continues at No. 2 on the latest On Tuesday (Dec. 15), The Ally Coali- ‘De Vuelta Pa’ La chart for a third consecutive week. tion announced their seventh annual Talent “De Vuelta…” concurrently arrives at No. Show, a livestream event set to raise money Vuelta’ Debuts in 47 on the all-genre Latin Airplay chart. for various LGBTQ youth programs around the country. The show, which will be hosted Top 10 on Tropical on songwriter and organization co-founder Twenty One Pilots Jack Antonoff’sTwitch channel, will fea- Airplay Chart ture a lineup of stars from music and com- Bring ‘Christmas’ edy, delivering some of their best material to BY PAMELA BUSTIOS encourage fans to donate. to Alternative The event’s lineup of musical guests addy Yankee and Marc Antho- includes stars like St. Vincent, The Chicks, ny’s “De Vuelta Pa’ La Vuelta” Airplay Chart for a Rufus Wainwright, Lana Del Rey, Clairo, debuts at No. 7 on the Tropical Hayley Williams, Tierra Whack, Brittany Airplay chart (dated Dec. 19) Rare Holiday Entry Howard, Muna, Maggie Rogers, Shamir, Big Dafter just three full days of airplay. Red Machine, Bleachers, Sleater-Kinney, Blu The track was released on Thursday, Dec. BY KEVIN RUTHERFORD DeTiger, Claud, Andrew Dost, Spoon, Wal- 10 at 8:00 p.m. ET via El Cartel, and the lows and a few surprise guests. The event tracking week for the new chart ended on wenty One Pilots’ latest entry on will also feature comedians like Kalen Allen, Dec. 13. Billboard’s Alternative Airplay Mike Birbiglia, Aidy Bryant, Chris Laker, The salsa de callejón earns Daddy Yan- chart is a holiday-themed song, as The Lucas Bros., Jacqueline Novak, Reggie kee his 34th top 10, and 50th charting hit “Christmas Saves the Year” bows Watts and Roy Wood Jr. providing one-min- overall, and his first chart entry since 2018 Tat No. 40 on the list dated Dec. 19. ute standup sets, and Rachael Ray sharing a (“Azukita,” with Steve Aoki, Play-N-Skillz The debut marks a rarity on the chart: De- special one-minute recipe. and Elvis Crespo peaked at No. 4 in May spite airplay for classic alternative-leaning Along with getting to see some iconic per- 2018). seasonal titles each year on stations, few formances, fans will also get the opportunity With their first collaboration, Marc such songs have ever garnered enough spins to win a signed guitar from Jack Antonoff by Anthony continues to have the second-most in a given week to reach Alternative Airplay, either donating to The Ally Coalition, or by top 10s (now 51) standing just behind Victor while others precede the tally’s September taking actions from the organization to help Manuelle’s all-time record of 60. 1988 creation. end conversion therapy. Additionally, all “De Vuelta…” starts with 3 million in audi- “Christmas Saves the Year” is the first sea- fans who donate $10 or more will be entered ence impressions earned in the week ending sonal tune to chart on Alternative Airplay to win a pair of Bose headphones. Dec. 13, according to Nielsen Music/MRC since Dropkick Murphys’ “The Season’s “The TAC talent show is the night of the Data. Upon Us,” which appeared for two weeks year I look forward to most,” Antonoff said The song also makes its way onto Latin during the 2012-13 holiday season, peaking in a statement. “Obviously we can’t meet in Digital Song Sales, opening at No. 15 with at No. 28. (Interestingly enough, it’s also Page 29 of 30

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the Boston-based rockers’ only Alternative No. 23, “O Holy Night” Airplay hit to date, and it ties into a holiday John Legend and No. 25, “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” for which they’re likely less known; usually, No. 28, “Have Yourself a Merry Little St. Patrick’s Day boosts the band’s sales and Toby Gad Tie at Christmas” streams each March.) No. 32, “O Come All Ye Faithful” Before Dropkick Murphys, though not No. 1 on Christian No. 34, “Mary, Did You Know?” explicitly themed around one of December No. 35, “Let There Be Peace” festivities, Vampire Weekend’s “Holiday” Songwriters Chart No. 38, “Sweet Baby Jesus” was promoted to alternative radio lead- No. 40, “Away in a Manger” ing up to Christmas 2010, when it was also BY XANDER ZELLNER The weekly Christian Songwriters and included in Tommy Hilfiger and Honda ads. Christian Producers charts are based on to- It charted on Alternative Airplay for five ohn Legend and Toby Gad share the tal points accrued by a songwriter and pro- weeks, peaking at No. 31. No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Christian ducer, respectively, for each attributed song Then there’s Adam Sandler’s “The Songwriters chart (dated Dec. 19), that appears on the Hot Christian Songs Chanukah Song,” which has logged five both rising 2-1 on the strength of Leg- chart; as with Billboard’s yearly recaps, mul- weeks on the survey (or 35 crazy nights). It Jend’s collaboration with Carrie Underwood, tiple writers or producers split points for debuted during the 1995-96 holiday season “Hallelujah.” each song equally (and the dividing of points and returned in 1997-98 and 1998-99, reach- The song rises 3-2 on the Hot Christian will lead to occasional ties on rankings). ing No. 25. Songs chart with 5.5 million U.S. streams, 1.4 Some of the alternative genre’s most million in radio airplay audience and 4,000 enduring holiday titles were released prior downloads sold, according to Nielsen Mu- to the Alternative Airplay chart’s existence, sic/MRC Data. It concurrently debuts at No. including The Waitresses’ “Christmas 96 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100. Wrapping,” U2’s version of “Christmas The track is from Underwood’s LP My (Baby Please Come Home)” and The Gift, which tallies its 11th week at No. 1 on Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York,” featuring the Top Christian Albums chart (53,000 Kirsty MacColl. Others such as Barenaked equivalent album units). Ladies and Sarah McLachlan’s “God Rest Legend and Gad each have longstanding Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings” and histories on Billboard’s charts. Legend has Blink-182’s “Won’t Be Home for Christmas” logged 21 career entries on the Hot 100, dat- either were not fully promoted as singles to ing to 2004, including one No. 1: 2014’s “All the format or were but did not chart. of Me.” He’s also earned six top 10 albums Released Dec. 8, “Christmas Saves the on the Billboard 200. Year” also sold enough downloads before Gad has earned 17 entries on the Hot 100 the Dec. 10 close of the sales tracking week as a songwriter or producer, dating to 2007. to debut at Nos. 5 and 6 on the Alternative Of those, four reached the top 10 and two hit Digital Song Sales and Rock Digital Song No. 1: Fergie’s “Big Girls Don’t Cry” in 2007 Sales charts, respectively, with 2,000 sold in and Legend’s “All of Me.” His other credits that span, according to Nielsen Music/MRC are on songs by Beyoncé, Selena Gomez, Data. Carly Rae Jepsen and Demi Lovato, among The song is likely to continue climbing others. Billboard charts next week (dated Dec. 26) Over on the Christian Producers chart, following its first full week of sales, streams Greg Wells tallies his fourth week at No. 1, and airplay tracking. thanks to 12 titles (all from My Gift) on Hot Christian Songs that he solely produced. Here’s a recap of the Underwood hits and their ranks: Rank, Artist Billing, Title No. 1, “Favorite Time of Year” No. 2, “Hallelujah,” with John Legend No. 3, “Silent Night” No. 10, “Little Drummer Boy,” feat. Isaiah Fisher (Underwood’s five-year-old son) Page 30 of 30 LAST THIS ARTIST CERTIFICATION Title PEAK WKS. ON LAST THIS ARTIST CERTIFICATION Title PEAK WKS. ON WEEK WEEK IMPRINT/DISTRIBUTING LABEL POS. CHART WEEK WEEK IMPRINT/DISTRIBUTING LABEL POS. CHART HOT Wonder Future Nostalgia SHOT 1 #1 SHAWN MENDES 1 1 49 51 DUA LIPA 4 36 DEBUT 1 WK ISLAND/REPUBLIC WARNER

BAD BUNNY El Ultimo Tour del Mundo FLEETWOOD MAC 8 Greatest Hits IN BRIEF 1 2 RIMAS 1 2 42 52 WARNER/RHINO 14 172

ARIANA GRANDE Positions LUKE COMBS 3 This One’s For You 4 3 REPUBLIC 1 6 48 53 RIVER HOUSE/COLUMBIA NASHVILLE/SMN 4 184

MICHAEL BUBLE Christmas KING VON Welcome To O’Block 6 4 143/REPRISE/WARNER 1 88 45 54 ONLY THE FAMILY/EMPIRE 5 6

CARRIE UNDERWOOD My Gift BURL IVES The Best Of Burl Ives: 20th Century Masters The Christmas Collection 9 5 CAPITOL NASHVILLE/UMGN 5 11 76 55 MCA/CHRONICLES/GEFFEN/UME 55 2

POP SMOKE Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon MORGAN WALLEN If I Know Me 5 6 VICTOR VICTOR WORLDWIDE/REPUBLIC 1 23 52 56 BIG LOUD 13 115

NAT KING COLE 6 The Christmas Song THE BEATLES 12 Abbey Road 12 7 CAPITOL/UME 7 54 67 57 APPLE/CAPITOL/UME 1 391 16 8 PENTATONIX The Best Of Pentatonix Christmas 7 16 60 58 LIL UZI VERT Eternal Atake 1 40 Mendes RCA GENERATION NOW/ATLANTIC/AG 7 9 MEGAN THEE STALLION Good News 2 3 69 59 BOBBY HELMS The Best Of Bobby Helms 27 7 1501 CERTIFIED/300/AG GEFFEN/UME Goes 15 10 MARIAH CAREY 6 Merry Christmas 3 97 53 60 YOUNGBOY NEVER BROKE AGAIN Top 1 13 COLUMBIA/LEGACY NEVER BROKE AGAIN/ARTIST PARTNER GROUP/ATLANTIC/AG Four For 8 11 TAYLOR SWIFT Folklore 1 20 63 61 TRAVIS SCOTT 3 ASTROWORLD 1 123 REPUBLIC CACTUS JACK/GRAND HUSTLE/EPIC Four 2 12 MILEY CYRUS Plastic Hearts 2 2 56 62 ELTON JOHN Diamonds 7 161 RCA ROCKET/ISLAND/UME Shawn Mendes keeps JUICE WRLD Legends Never Die SUMMER WALKER Over It 10 13 GRADE A/INTERSCOPE/IGA 1 22 61 63 LVRN/INTERSCOPE/IGA 2 62 up his perfect score atop

4 the Billboard 200 as 14 14 VINCE GUARALDI TRIO A Charlie Brown Christmas (Soundtrack) 13 86 55 64 BILLIE EILISH Dont Smile At Me 14 155 FANTASY/CONCORD DARKROOM/INTERSCOPE/IGA Wonder arrives at No. 1. LUKE COMBS What You See Is What You Get GEORGE MICHAEL & WHAM! Last Christmas (Soundtrack) 11 15 RIVER HOUSE/COLUMBIA NASHVILLE/SMN 1 57 79 65 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS/LEGACY 43 11 It’s his fourth leader, and

THE KID LAROI F*ck Love RODDY RICCH 2 Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial all four of his full-length 19 16 COLUMBIA 3 20 70 66 BIRD VISION/ATLANTIC/AG 1 53 BILLBOARD 200 BILLBOARD studio albums have LIL BABY 2 My Turn LIL DURK Just Cause Y’all Waited 2 18 17 QUALITY CONTROL/MOTOWN/CAPITOL 1 41 62 67 ALAMO/GEFFEN/IGA 2 31 debuted at the summit.

BTS BE ANDY WILLIAMS The Andy Williams Christmas Album The set earned 89,000 3 18 BIGHIT ENTERTAINMENT 1 3 81 68 COLUMBIA/LEGACY 40 11 equivalent album units in HARRY STYLES Fine Line BOB MARLEY AND THE WAILERS 15 Legend: The Best Of... 13 19 ERSKINE/COLUMBIA 1 52 64 69 TUFF GONG/ISLAND/UME 5 656 the United States during

VARIOUS ARTISTS A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector CHRIS STAPLETON 4 Traveller the week ending Dec. 10, 22 20 PHIL SPECTOR/EMI BLACKWOOD/LEGACY 12 13 71 70 MERCURY NASHVILLE/UMGN 1 274 according to Nielsen DOLLY PARTON A Holly Dolly Christmas LEWIS CAPALDI Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent 20 21 BUTTERFLY RECORDS/12TONE 16 10 57 71 VERTIGO/CAPITOL 20 82 Music/MRC Data.

GREATEST BING CROSBY The Best Of Bing Crosby: 20th Century Masters: The Christmas Collection TWICE Eyes Wide Open: The 2nd Full Album Mendes began his 54 22 GAINER MCA/GEFFEN/CHRONICLES/UME 14 44 NEW 72 JYP/REPUBLIC 72 1 chart career with The PENTATONIX We Need A Little Christmas POST MALONE 3 beerbongs & bentleys 32 23 RCA 23 4 73 73 REPUBLIC 1 137 Shawn Mendes EP,

POST MALONE Hollywood’s Bleeding INTERNET MONEY B4 The Storm which debuted and 26 24 REPUBLIC 1 66 66 74 INTERNET MONEY/TENTHOUSAND PROJECTS 10 15 DEC. peaked at No. 5 on the THE WEEKND After Hours YUNGBLUD Weird! 19 25 25 XO/REPUBLIC 1 38 NEW 75 LOCOMOTION/INTERSCOPE/IGA 75 1 Aug. 16, 2014-dated list. 2020 CHRIS STAPLETON Starting Over TAYLOR SWIFT 2 Lover He followed it up with his 21 26 MERCURY NASHVILLE/UMGN 3 4 58 76 REPUBLIC 1 68 debut full-length studio 24 BILLIE EILISH 3 When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? 1 89 82 JHENE AIKO Chilombo 2 40 24 27 DARKROOM/INTERSCOPE/IGA 77 2 FISH/ARTCLUB/ARTIUM/DEF JAM set, Handwritten (No. 1 FRANK SINATRA Ultimate Christmas HALSEY Manic on May 2, 2015), and 28 28 FRANK SINATRA ENTERPRISES/CAPITOL/UME 12 23 80 78 CAPITOL 2 47 his second full-length, 27 29 ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST 7 Hamilton: An American Musical 2 272 92 79 PENTATONIX A Pentatonix Christmas 1 38 HAMILTON UPTOWN/ATLANTIC/AG RCA Illuminate (No. 1, Oct. 15, FUTURE & LIL UZI VERT Pluto x Baby Pluto CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL 10 Chronicle The 20 Greatest Hits 2016). He then charted 17 30 FREEBANDZ/EPIC/GENERATION NOW/ATLANTIC/AG 2 4 85 80 FANTASY/CONCORD 18 501 two live albums outside 31 31 JUICE WRLD Goodbye & Good Riddance 4 134 84 81 MICHAEL JACKSON 33 Thriller 1 448 GRADE A/INTERSCOPE/IGA EPIC/LEGACY the top 40 before his PERRY COMO The Classic Christmas Album JUSTIN BIEBER 2 Under The Mistletoe self-titled third studio 35 32 RCA/LEGACY 18 17 103 82 SCHOOLBOY/RAYMOND BRAUN/DEF JAM 1 52 set bowed atop the list 33 THE WHITE STRIPES The White Stripes Greatest Hits 33 1 173 83 PACE SELENA Ones 83 10 NEW THIRD MAN/COLUMBIA SETTER CAPITOL LATIN/UMLE dated June 9, 2018. QUEEN 8 Greatest Hits EMINEM 7 Curtain Call: The Hits —KEITH CAULFIELD 30 34 HOLLYWOOD 8 416 77 84 SHADY/AFTERMATH/INTERSCOPE/IGA 1 506

GENE AUTRY Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer And Other Christmas Classics JOSE FELICIANO Feliz Navidad 39 35 COLUMBIA/LEGACY 21 16 97 85 RCA/BMG HERITAGE/LEGACY 54 9

ELVIS PRESLEY The Classic Christmas Album FUTURE High Off Life 43 36 RCA/LEGACY 36 40 93 86 FREEBANDZ/EPIC 1 30

DABABY BLAME IT ON BABY JOSH GROBAN 6 Noel 33 37 SOUTHCOAST/INTERSCOPE/IGA 1 34 109 87 143/REPRISE/WARNER 1 96

ANDY WILLIAMS Classic Christmas Album DRAKE 5 Scorpion 40 38 COLUMBIA/LEGACY 23 24 88 88 YOUNG MONEY/CASH MONEY/REPUBLIC 1 128

KELLY CLARKSON Wrapped In Red YOUNGBOY NEVER BROKE AGAIN Until I Return 46 39 19/RCA 3 48 72 89 NEVER BROKE AGAIN/ARTIST PARTNER GROUP/ATLANTIC/AG 10 4

BRENDA LEE Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree: The Decca Christmas Recordings SAM SMITH Love Goes 50 40 DECCA/MCA NASHVILLE/UME 17 10 78 90 CAPITOL 5 6

AC/DC Power Up MEGHAN TRAINOR A Very Trainor Christmas 29 41 COLUMBIA 1 4 111 91 HONEST OG/EPIC 91 3

DEAN MARTIN The Dean Martin Christmas Album POST MALONE 3 Stoney 51 42 THE DEAN MARTIN FAMILY TRUST/SONY COMMERCIAL MUSIC GROUP/LEGACY 38 17 91 92 REPUBLIC 4 209

BAD BUNNY YHLQMDLG KENDRICK LAMAR 3 good kid, m.A.A.d city 36 43 RIMAS 2 41 75 93 TOP DAWG/AFTERMATH/INTERSCOPE/IGA 2 424

POLO G The GOAT JOSH GROBAN Harmony 38 44 COLUMBIA 2 30 59 94 REPRISE/WARNER 17 3

MACHINE GUN KELLY Tickets To My Downfall GUNNA Wunna THE BILLBOARD 200 CHART RANKS THE MOST POPULAR ALBUMS OF THE WEEK, AS COMPILED BY NIELSEN MUSIC/MRC DATA, BASED ON MULTI-METRIC CONSUMPTION (BLENDING TRADITIONAL ALBUM SALES, TRACK EQUIVALENT ALBUMS, AND STREAMING EQUIVALENT ALBUMS). 34 45 EST19XX/BAD BOY/INTERSCOPE/IGA 1 11 89 95 YOUNG STONER LIFE/300/AG 1 29

JUICE WRLD Death Race For Love AC/DC 25 Back In Black 47 46 GRADE A/INTERSCOPE/IGA 1 92 101 96 COLUMBIA/LEGACY 4 441

ROD WAVE Pray 4 Love JOHN LEGEND A Legendary Christmas 44 47 ALAMO/IGA 2 36 119 97 COLUMBIA 22 17

21 SAVAGE & METRO BOOMIN Savage Mode II XXXTENTACION 3 ? 41 48 BOOMINATI/SLAUGHTER BOOMIN/REPUBLIC/EPIC 1 10 96 98 BAD VIBES FOREVER 1 143

YFN LUCCI Wish Me Well 3 ARIANA GRANDE 2 Thank U, Next NEW 49 THINK IT’S A GAME/WARNER 49 1 74 99 REPUBLIC 1 96

BING CROSBY Christmas Classics MARIAH CAREY Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special (Soundtrack) 23 50 CAPITOL/UME 19 32 NEW 100 LEGACY 100 1 SALES DATA COMPILEDBY

CLICK HERE FOR THE ENTIRE BILLBOARD 200 6 GO TO BILLBOARD.COM FOR COMPLETECHART. CHART DATA DATA FOR WEEK OF 12.19.2020

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