Chris Willman

Chris Willman

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Variety’s chief music critic; broad coverage from country to pop/rock releases and trends.

Taylor Swift's Toy Story Track Hits No.1, 15th Chart‑Topper
SocialJun 15, 2026

Taylor Swift's Toy Story Track Hits No.1, 15th Chart‑Topper

Taylor Swift’s ‘Toy Story’ Song ‘I Knew It, I Knew You’ Bows at No. 1, Becoming Her 15th Hot 100 Topper https://t.co/RbXLeiDN0X via @variety

By Chris Willman
Olivia Rodrigo Swaps Pop‑Punk Angst for New‑Wave Romance
SocialJun 12, 2026

Olivia Rodrigo Swaps Pop‑Punk Angst for New‑Wave Romance

This Olivia Rodrigo album lives up to expectations. Read all about it here... Olivia Rodrigo Trades Pop-Punk for New Wave — and Angst for True Love (for Half an Album) — in the Excellent ‘You Seem Pretty Sad for a...

By Chris Willman
Ariana Grande's Oakland Opening Night Setlist Revealed
SocialJun 7, 2026

Ariana Grande's Oakland Opening Night Setlist Revealed

Ariana Grande Setlist: Every Song Played at ‘Eternal Sunshine’ Tour’s Opening Night in Oakland https://t.co/n5exeMn0HF via @variety

By Chris Willman
Stars Celebrate American Songbook in 250th Birthday Series
SocialJun 2, 2026

Stars Celebrate American Songbook in 250th Birthday Series

‘Songs of U.S.’ Video Series to Feature Grace Potter, Amy Grant, Mickey Guyton, Linda Perry and Other Artists Celebrating the American Songbook for Nation’s 250th Birthday (EXCLUSIVE) https://t.co/sDOziXEL3m via @variety

By Chris Willman
Taylor Swift Debuts Country Song for Toy Story 5
SocialJun 1, 2026

Taylor Swift Debuts Country Song for Toy Story 5

Taylor Swift Reveals Original Song for ‘Toy Story 5’: ‘I Knew It, I Knew You’ — a ‘Return to Country’ https://t.co/n5xWisegNj via @variety

By Chris Willman
Morris Day Declines Freedom 250 Festival Appearance
SocialMay 28, 2026

Morris Day Declines Freedom 250 Festival Appearance

Morris Day Denies He’s Playing Controversial ‘Freedom 250’ Festival in D.C., After Fans Balk at His Advertised Participation: ‘It’s a No for Me’ https://t.co/kSkozVQQjh via @variety

By Chris Willman
85th Birthday Tribute: 80 Iconic Dylan Covers Ranked
SocialMay 24, 2026

85th Birthday Tribute: 80 Iconic Dylan Covers Ranked

Bob Dylan turns 85 on Sunday. Five years ago, some of us got together to come up with a list of the 80 best cover versions of Dylan songs for @Variety, so this seems like a good time to resurrect...

By Chris Willman
McCartney's New Album Revives Classic Wings‑Era Magic
SocialMay 23, 2026

McCartney's New Album Revives Classic Wings‑Era Magic

Here's my review of the very satisfying McCartney album... Paul McCartney Explores His Ever-Present Past in ‘The Boys of Dungeon Lane,’ a Delightful Return to Wings-Era Form: Album Review https://t.co/g1bwdVhdjh via @variety

By Chris Willman
Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘The Cure’ Boosts Album Anticipation
SocialMay 22, 2026

Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘The Cure’ Boosts Album Anticipation

Why the new @oliviarodrigo song is heightening anticipation for the new album... Olivia Rodrigo Is Heartsick Again With ‘The Cure’ and, Well, That’s a Little More Like It: Single Review https://t.co/3skhNwCXJR via @variety

By Chris Willman
Hayley Williams Shines as Fierce, Fun Rock Star
SocialMay 15, 2026

Hayley Williams Shines as Fierce, Fun Rock Star

Hayley Williams Is the Fierce, Fun, Finely Tuned Rock Star We Need, as Her ‘Bachelorette Party’ Theater Tour Winds Down at the Wiltern: Concert Review https://t.co/5D2Sa4hSiC via @variety

By Chris Willman
Rita Wilson Launches ‘Sound of a Woman’ Inspired by Legends
SocialMay 11, 2026

Rita Wilson Launches ‘Sound of a Woman’ Inspired by Legends

Talked with @RitaWilson about her new album and many things musical. A lovely person with that quality of making you feel like you're besties. ... Rita Wilson on Her ‘Sound of a Woman’ Album, Growing Up a Music Lover in...

By Chris Willman
Adam Lambert Previews New Single, Album, 90s‑inspired Sound
SocialMay 8, 2026

Adam Lambert Previews New Single, Album, 90s‑inspired Sound

For my many Glambert friends: Talked with @adamlambert about his new music... Adam Lambert on New Single ‘Eat U Alive,’ Forthcoming Album ‘Adam,’ and Harking Back to the ’90s for ‘the Sweet Spot in Blending Electronic With Alternative Rock’ (EXCLUSIVE)...

By Chris Willman
Charli XCX’s ‘Rock Music’ Video Sparks Yes‑Answer Debate
SocialMay 8, 2026

Charli XCX’s ‘Rock Music’ Video Sparks Yes‑Answer Debate

Charli xcx Releases ‘Rock Music’ Video — Is It Rock, or Is It Not Rock? Fans Agree: The Answer Is Yes https://t.co/mZCdJ5ZkZb via @variety

By Chris Willman
Caught a Rare Glimpse of Billie and Cameron at Premiere
SocialMay 7, 2026

Caught a Rare Glimpse of Billie and Cameron at Premiere

One of the few moments I was able to catch a glimpse of Billie Eilish and James Cameron at their premiere last night, between all the fans holding their phones high in the air in the front rows. A couple...

By Chris Willman
Chris Willman | Pulse