Bad Bunny Wants $466,000 Legal Bill Reimbursed After Defeating ‘Un Verano Sin Ti’ Sample Lawsuit
Bad Bunny’s legal team is demanding that African publisher emPawa Africa reimburse $465,612 in attorney fees after a federal judge dismissed a copyright lawsuit alleging an unauthorized sample on the hit track “Enséñame a Bailar.” The suit claimed Bad Bunny used Nigerian songwriter Dera’s 2019 song “Empty My Pocket” without permission, but the artist maintains the sample was cleared through producer Lakizo. EmPawa’s counsel withdrew in late 2025, citing irreconcilable differences, and the case was tossed for lack of prosecution. The motion argues the claims were frivolous and seeks fee recovery from the publisher, not the songwriter.
Barry Manilow Announces First New Studio Album of Mostly New Material in Nearly 15 Years
Barry Manilow will release his 33rd studio album, *What a Time*, on June 5, marking his first collection of mostly new material in nearly 15 years. Produced primarily by Manilow and longtime collaborator Michael Lloyd, the record features guest appearances...
Harry Styles Spends Second Week Atop Billboard 200 With ‘Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.’
Harry Styles' third studio album "Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally." held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 for a second consecutive week (chart dated March 28). The album moved 99,000 equivalent album units in its second tracking week, a 77%...
Tokischa Shaves Her Head Live on Stage at New York’s Madison Square Garden
Dominican rapper Tokischa dramatically shaved her head during a live performance at Madison Square Garden on March 21. The stunt occurred while she opened for FKA Twigs on the second night of the Body High Tour, where she also debuted...
The Wailers and The Pogues Confirm Australian Tours Despite Bluesfest Collapse
The Wailers and The Pogues have confirmed they will still tour Australia despite the cancellation of Bluesfest 2026. The Wailers will play a series of East Coast shows celebrating the 50th anniversary of Bob Marley’s Rastaman Vibration, while a Melbourne...
Chance the Rapper Defeats Pat the Manager’s Claims in Chicago Contract Trial
A Chicago jury rejected former manager Pat Corcoran’s $3.8 million claim against Chance the Rapper, finding no enforceable oral "sunset" agreement. The jury also upheld Chance’s 2021 countersuit for fiduciary breach, but awarded only $35 in damages, far below the $1 million...
ACM Radio Awards 2026 Winners Revealed: See the Full List
The Academy of Country Music announced its 2026 Radio Award winners at the Country Radio Seminar in Nashville, highlighted by B‑Dub’s historic double victory as National Daily and Weekly On‑Air Personality of the Year. Veteran personalities such as Chris Carr...
Friday Dance Music Guide: The Week’s Best New Tracks From Zhu, Innellea & More
Billboard’s weekly dance roundup highlighted a bustling SXSW weekend where Dutch producer Mau P performed for thousands, even after a wind‑forced venue shift. Calvin Harris and Kasabian topped the WARM Global Radio Dance Chart with over 800 spins, while William Orbit...
Gone But Not Forgotten: Musicians We Lost in 2026
In early 2026 the music world mourned the loss of several iconic artists across genres. Nashville songwriter Jim McBride (78) died Jan 6, followed by Colombian singer‑songwriter Yeison Jiménez (34) in a plane crash on Jan 10. The week also saw the deaths of...
BTS, Niall Horan, Lizzo & More: Which Is Your Favorite New Music Release This Week? Vote!
BTS spearheads this week’s New Music Friday with the long‑awaited album *Arirang*, featuring 14 tracks produced by Diplo, Kevin Parker, Mike WiLL Made‑It and Ryan Tedder. The group will follow the release with a livestreamed comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square on...
March Madness on Sling TV: How to Watch UCLA Vs. UCF Online
The 2026 NCAA March Madness first round features a matchup between No. 7 UCLA Bruins and No. 10 UCF Knights on March 20 at 7:25 p.m. ET, broadcast on TBS. Viewers can stream the game via Sling TV, which offers Blue, Orange, and combined...
In Canada: Ontario Government Wants to Ban Resale Tickets That Exceed Face Value
Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a province‑wide ban on ticket resale above face value, aiming to curb scalpers and protect consumers. The IFPI Global Music Report shows Canada’s recorded music revenues rose 5.6% in 2025 to $957.9 million, driven largely by...
‘Descendants,’ ‘ZOMBIES’ & ‘Camp Rock’ Stars Join Forces for 2026 Worlds Collide Concert Tour: See Full List of Dates
Disney and AEG announced the 2026 Worlds Collide Concert Tour, a 48‑arena North American trek that runs from September 25, 2025 to December 13, 2025. The pop‑concert will feature music from the Descendants, ZOMBIES and, for the first time, Camp...
Norah Jones to Receive Ray Charles Architect of Sound Award & Perform at 2026 Grammy Hall of Fame Gala
Norah Jones will receive the Ray Charles Architect of Sound Award at the 2026 Grammy Hall of Fame Gala on May 8 in Beverly Hills. The honor, created to celebrate artists who embody Ray Charles’ spirit of originality and lasting impact, follows Jon Batiste’s...
Every No. 1 Hot Country Songs Hit That Landed a Grammy Nod for Record of the Year
Ella Langley's "Choosin’ Texas" dominates Billboard, three weeks at Hot 100 #1 and 16 weeks atop Hot Country Songs. The track could become one of the rare country No. 1 hits to earn a Grammy Record of the Year nomination, a distinction...
Indie Distribution Company Too Lost Raises Investment From TA Associates, Goldstate
Independent distribution platform Too Lost announced strategic investments from Goldstate Music Group and private equity firm TA Associates on March 16. The funding, supplemented by a senior credit facility from Pinnacle Financial Partners, will support global expansion, technology upgrades, artist...
6 Must-Hear New Country Songs From Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson & 1 Bonus Video
Billboard highlights a packed week of new country releases, featuring Luke Combs’ pre‑album single “I Ain’t No Cowboy,” Lainey Wilson’s high‑energy “I Can’t Sit Still,” and a surprise duet between Bailey Zimmerman and Christian crossover star Brandon Lake. Veteran Jo Dee Messina returns...
Gene Kelly, Prince, J.Lo, Pavarotti & All the Presenters of Best Original Song at the Oscars: Full List
The article chronicles every presenter of the Academy Award for Best Original Song from its inception in 1935 through the 2026 ceremony, highlighting notable patterns and milestones. Gene Kelly holds the record with four appearances, while Lionel Richie became the...
Jack Johnson’s ‘SURFILMUSIC’ Honors Friend Tamayo Perry, Who Died in Shark Attack
Jack Johnson’s new documentary SURFILMUSIC premiered at SXSW, dedicated to his late friend Tamayo Perry, the North Shore surfer and lifeguard who died in a 2024 shark attack. The film blends rare surf footage, personal archives, and interviews with Kelly Slater...
Alex Warren Returns to Australia and New Zealand for Seven-Date Arena Run
Alex Warren announced a seven‑date arena tour across Australia and New Zealand for August‑September 2026, marking his return less than a year after a sold‑out 2025 run. The itinerary hits major venues from Christchurch’s Wolfbrook Arena to Perth Arena, with general‑public tickets...
Junior H Talks Embracing Vulnerability, Disney Obsession at SXSW: ‘You Could Say I’m the Godfather of Sad Kids’
Junior H, the corridos tumbados star, discussed his chart‑topping fifth album *DEPR</3$$ED MFKZ* and the concept of his “$ad Boy” persona at Billboard House during SXSW. He highlighted how vulnerability and emotional honesty have resonated with fans, challenging the genre’s...
The All-American Rejects’ Tyson Ritter & Nick Wheeler Talk Backyard Tour, Independence & New Album at Billboard House @ SXSW
The All‑American Rejects announced their first album since 2012, "Sandbox," set for release on May 15, 2026. In a Billboard House interview at SXSW, Tyson Ritter and Nick Wheeler explained their shift from Interscope to an independent model after the...
The All-American Rejects on New Music, House Party Tour Success & Advice for New Artists | SXSW 2026
At SXSW 2026, All‑American Rejects frontman Tyson Ritter and guitarist Nick Wheeler revealed details about their upcoming album and highlighted the unexpected commercial success of their recent House Party tour. The duo discussed how the band has sustained relevance in...
Superstar Q&A With Don Toliver: ‘Octane,’ Travis Scott, Y2K Pop & More | SXSW 2026
Don Toliver sat down with Billboard at SXSW 2026 to discuss his fifth studio album, Octane, which debuted at No. 1 with 162,000 units sold. All 18 tracks from the record entered the Hot 100, underscoring his streaming power. He detailed his...
Friday Dance Music Guide: The Week’s Best New Tracks From Kenya Grace, Claude VonStroke & More
This week’s dance music roundup highlights several major live‑event announcements and a key label acquisition. French pioneer Jean‑Michel Jarre will open ADE 2026 with an immersive performance, while LP Giobbi makes history as the first woman to lead Okeechobee’s superjam....
Jorge Drexler Breaks Down 5 Essential Tracks From ‘Taracá’: ‘An Album of Mourning With a Clear Celebratory Nature’
Uruguayan singer‑songwriter Jorge Drexler released his new album Taracá on March 13, his first record made in Uruguay in two decades. The 11‑track project weaves candombe percussion with themes of grief and celebration, reflecting the loss of his father and a...
Paris Jackson on Where She Stands With Colman Domingo Amid ‘Michael’ Biopic Drama: ‘Things Get Twisted’
Paris Jackson clarified her stance with actor Colman Domingo after a public spat over the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic. Domingo, who portrays Joe Jackson, messaged her to explain that his earlier comment was taken out of context, and she expressed...
The Pussycat Dolls Plot Major Comeback Tour With U.K., Europe & North America Arena Dates
Pop group The Pussycat Dolls announced a 2026 arena tour spanning the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom, marking their first full‑scale tour since disbanding in 2010. The 53‑date run kicks off on June 5 in Palm Desert, California, and...
Natalie Waller Re-Elected Chair of ARIA Board
Natalie Waller has been re‑elected chair of the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) board, marking her second term since first breaking the glass ceiling in 2021. Sean Warner, president of Universal Music Australia & New Zealand, joins as deputy chair, bringing...
A Flock of Seagulls Fly to BMG
A Flock of Seagulls has signed a deal with BMG, granting the music company ownership of the band’s publishing catalog and the master recordings of their four classic 1980s albums. BMG now controls U.S. publishing rights and participates in global...
Selena Quintanilla’s Sister Sues Shein Over Knockoff Merch Bearing Late Singer’s Likeness
Suzette Quintanilla, sister of late singer Selena, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in California accusing Chinese fast‑fashion retailer Shein of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and publicity‑rights violations. The suit alleges Shein continued to sell unlicensed Selena t‑shirts and...
Here Are the Lyrics to Olivia Dean’s ‘Man I Need’
Olivia Dean’s single “Man I Need” surged from a modest debut at No. 82 to a No. 2 peak on the Billboard Hot 100, while also topping the Pop Airplay chart. The track marked her first entry on the Hot 100 and became a...
Here Are the Lyrics to Bruno Mars’ ‘Risk It All’
Bruno Mars returned with his fourth solo album, The Romantic, a decade after 24K Magic, instantly reclaiming chart dominance. The lead single “I Just Might” sits at No. 1 on the Hot 100, while the follow‑up “Risk It All” entered the Hot 100...
Chicago’s ARC Music Festival Announces 2026 Lineup & Expansion to Four Days
Chicago’s ARC Music Festival announced a four‑day expansion for Labor Day weekend, September 4‑7, 2026, adding a new Midway stage. The 2026 lineup features a mix of global techno producers and Chicago house legends such as Green Velvet, Honey Dijon,...
Bruno Mars Tops Hot 100 & Global 200 With Different Songs: How Rare Is That?
Bruno Mars’ new album *The Romantic* debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, while two separate tracks from the record simultaneously topped the Hot 100 and the Global 200. "I Just Might" reclaimed the Hot 100 crown for a third week, driven by...
Bad Bunny Wins Dismissal of Lawsuit Claiming Uncleared Sample on ‘Un Verano Sin Ti’ Track
Bad Bunny secured a federal court dismissal of a lawsuit alleging his track “Enséñame a Bailar” sampled Nigerian artist Dera’s 2019 song “Empty My Pocket.” Judge Otis Wright threw out the case with prejudice after the plaintiff failed to meet...
Ella Langley Joins Beyoncé & Taylor Swift to Become 3rd Woman to Hold Top 2 Spots on Hot Country Songs
Ella Langley dominates Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart dated March 14, with “Choosin’ Texas” logging a 15th week at No. 1 and “Be Her” climbing to No. 2. The lead single amassed 21.9 million U.S. streams, 44.1 million radio audience impressions and 6,000 sales, while...
Lil Durk Murder-for-Hire Case: Lawyer Brian Steel Files to Join Rapper’s Defense Team
Powerhouse attorney Brian Steel filed a pro hac vice application to join Lil Durk’s murder‑for‑hire defense, seeking to replace Jonathan M. Brayman. Steel, who is in good standing in Georgia and previously defended Young Thug in a high‑profile RICO trial,...
Bruno Mars’ ‘The Romantic’ Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Chart
Bruno Mars’ ninth studio album, The Romantic, entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1 with 186,000 equivalent album units, marking his first chart‑topper since 2013 and his first debut‑at‑No. 1. The week’s tally comprised 93,500 pure sales, 90,500 streaming‑equivalent units (93.95 million streams),...
Stray Kids’ Hyunjin Named Global Brand Ambassador For Iconic Denim Company
Hyunjin, a vocalist and dancer from K‑pop group Stray Kids, has been appointed as GUESS’s global brand ambassador. The partnership was unveiled on March 6 with a teaser that hid his face, followed by a full‑length Instagram campaign showcasing modern‑heritage denim...
Lucy Dickins Exiting WME After Transformative Run Leading Contemporary Music Division
Lucy Dickins is exiting WME after reshaping its contemporary music division in both the UK and US. During her tenure she revitalized the London office, led the Los Angeles team through the COVID‑19 disruption, and secured high‑profile signings such as...
Executive Turntable: Spotify, CD Baby Vets Bound for beatBread — Plus, BMI Hires Top People Person
BeatBread, the finance platform for independent musicians, announced three senior hires: Christine Barnum as head of financial operations, Michael Poole as chief financial officer, and Jameson Toole as a board advisor on AI and machine learning. Barnum arrives from CD...
CISAC Board Gatherings In Sydney For Talks on the ‘Significant Threat’ of AI
APRA AMCOS is hosting the CISAC board in Sydney, the first such gathering in 25 years, as part of its centennial celebrations. The meeting brings together heads of major collective‑management societies—including ASCAP, JASRAC, PRS for Music and SOCAN—to discuss the...
Billboard’s Music Industry Events Calendar
Billboard Pro has introduced a new music industry events calendar, aggregating major national and international conferences, festivals, earnings calls, and networking mixers. The calendar lists over 200 events spanning March through December 2026, from SXSW and Coachella to regional summits...
Concert Staging Giant TAIT Acquires Silent House Productions
TAIT, a global leader in concert staging and live‑event production, announced the acquisition of Silent House Productions, the Emmy‑award‑winning creative agency it has long partnered with. The deal brings Silent House’s production, touring and studio capabilities under TAIT’s umbrella, expanding...
10 Best Ways for Indie Artists to Promote Their Music Online
Billboard’s 2026 guide outlines a step‑by‑step playbook for indie musicians to amplify their online presence. It urges artists to concentrate on one or two core social platforms, build a dedicated website for direct fan interaction, and integrate streaming, email newsletters,...
Spotify Unveils First-of-Its-Kind Partnership to Support ‘Next Generation’ of Australian Artists and Fans
Spotify announced a three‑year partnership with The Push, a national youth music organization, committing A$200,000—the largest single donation in The Push’s history. The initiative builds on Spotify’s Turn Up Aus campaign, which generated an additional 223 million streams of Australian music...
Hilary Duff Enjoys First No. 1 In Australia With ‘Luck… Or Something’
Hilary Duff’s sixth studio album “Luck… Or Something” debuted at No. 1 on Australia’s ARIA Albums Chart, marking her first chart‑topping album in the market. The record also led vinyl sales for the week, underscoring a resurgence in physical formats. While...
Jay Park’s More Vision Label to Partner With Transparent Arts for International Business Expansion
South‑California entertainment firm Transparent Arts has signed a strategic partnership with Jay Park’s More Vision label to drive international expansion. The deal brings More Vision’s roster—including K‑pop star Chung Ha and breakout boy band LNGSHOT—under Transparent Arts’ global business platform, which...
Shaboozey Expands EMPIRE Relationship by Signing With Publishing Arm
EMPIRE announced a new publishing agreement with Grammy‑winning artist Shaboozey, extending the partnership that began with his 2021 label signing. The deal follows the massive success of “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which logged 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard...