Carl Carlton, the funk, soul, and R&B singer best known for his 1981 hit “She’s a Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked)” and his Top 10 1974 cover of “Everlasting Love,” has died at 73. The news of his death was confirmed by his son on social media on Sunday (December 14), where he wrote: “RIP Dad, Legend Carl Carlton singer of She's a Bad Mama Jama. Long hard fight in life and you will be missed 😢.” Born Carlton Hudgens in Detroit in 1952, Carlton’s career spanned decades with a series of chart success and memorable television appearances. His 1971 song, “I Can Feel It,” reached the Billboard Soul Singles chart, and his major success was his 1974 cover of Robert Knight’s “Everlasting Love,” which peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent 15 weeks on the chart.

Carlton is best remembered for his 1981 hit, “She’s a Bad Mama Jama,” which reached No. 2 on the soul chart and spent 21 weeks on the American charts, reaching a peak of No. 22 on the Hot 100, eventually being nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male. The recognizable track has been sampled by numerous contemporary artists and featured in popular films and TV shows, including Friends and Miss Congeniality 2. Carlton’s last release was 2010's gospel album, God Is Good, and despite suffering a stroke in 2019, he continued to contribute to music, with his passing being mourned by peers and fans alike who are honoring his lasting impact on soul and R&B music. (Rolling Stone)

50 Cent, who stars as Balrog in the upcoming Street Fighter reboot set for October 2026, teased on Instagram over the weekend that he plans to recruit Eminem to create new music for the film’s soundtrack. “I’m gonna get @eminem on deck to make some music for this movie Street Fighter 🔥🎥,” 50 wrote, before promising, “New Music on the way!” The news excited rap fans who are eager for a reunion between the longtime collaborators, known for their past hits like “Patiently Waiting” and “You Don’t Know,” while last working together on “Gunz N Smoke” from Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s 2024 joint album, Missionary. The star-studded movie is also set to feature Jason Momoa, Noah Centineo, Orville Peck, and WWE superstar Roman Reigns, with 50 Cent performing his own stunts after undergoing intense training sessions to prepare for his role as a former boxer turned security guard. (Billboard)

Fergie recently reunited with the Black Eyed Peas members Will.i.am, Apl.de.Ap, and Taboo to celebrate their landmark 50th birthdays together, with the "London Bridge" singer sharing the heartfelt moment in an Instagram post on Saturday (December 13). “Finally got to break bread and celebrate our milestone birthdays together,” Fergie wrote in the caption alongside a photo of the foursome. “What a special night with my brothers, filled with so much love 🫛🫛♥️♥️,” she added. Will.i.am commented on the post, "The best one yet!!! And I’m so happy…,” while Taboo added, "This is a beautiful way to start this holiday season w/ my familia," and Apl.de.Ap chimed in by writing, "Sharing milestone birthdays with the family that’s been through so much together." The group originally formed in 1995, and welcomed Fergie in 2002, with whom they released four platinum-selling, chart-topping albums, 2003's Elephunk, 2005's Monkey Business, 2009's The E.N.D., and 2010's The Beginning. (People)

Mariah Carey’s 1994 holiday classic, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” has set a record with its 20th total week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the longest reign in the chart’s 67-year history. Carey’s Christmas chart-topper surpasses the 19-week rule of Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” and is now tied with Dua Lipa’s “Levitating” for the longest-charting title by a female artist at 77 weeks. Last week, “All I Want For Christmas Is You” returned to the top spot for a record-extending seventh holiday season, with the track marking Carey’s 19th No. 1 on the Hot 100, the most by any solo artist. Carey also became the first artist to achieve No. 1 hits across four decades (1990s to 2020s), while closing in on the Beatles’ overall record of 20 chart-toppers. Holiday hits claim eight spots on this week’s Hot 100 Top 10, including all of the Top Five.

Brenda Lee’s 1958 classic, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” leads the way at No. 2 after jumping up a spot from the previous week, trading places with Wham!’s 1984 hit, “Last Christmas,” which sits at No. 3 a week after hitting a new No. 2 peak. Bobby Helms’ 1957 holiday standard, “Jingle Bell Rock,” remains at No. 4, followed by Ariana Grande’s 2014 single, “Santa Tell Me,” which jumps up three spots to reach its No. 5 best. Nat “King” Cole’s 1946 classic, “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You),” moves up one spot to reach a new high of No. 8, while Kelly Clarkson’s “Underneath the Tree” reenters the Top 10 by jumping up two spots match to its No. 9 peak, and Andy Williams’ 1963 hit, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” remains at No. 10.

The two non-holiday tracks to crack this week’s Top 10 are HUNTR/X’s “Golden,” from KPop Demon Hunters, which falls a spot to No. 6, and Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia,” which drops one place to No. 7, after spending its first eight weeks at No. 1, tying “Anti-Hero” for her longest-leading career hit. (Billboard)

On Monday (December 15), Mariah Carey announced that she will be performing at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, taking place on February 6 at the San Siro Stadium. The Queen of Christmas shared the exciting news in a glamorous Instagram video where she greeted fans in Italian by proclaiming, “CI VEDIAMO A MILANO!​,” which translates to “SEE YOU IN MILAN!” The five-time Grammy-winner’s performance is expected to be a highlight of the event, which follows the memorable opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Games in Paris that featured Lady Gaga and Celine Dion. The announcement comes during Carey’s peak holiday season, as her iconic hit, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” is spending its 20th week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, setting a record for most total weeks at No. 1 in Billboard chart history. (Billboard)

Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” was the most-played song on TouchTunes jukeboxes for the second consecutive year in 2025, continuing its 2024 reign that coincided with its record-tying run as the longest-running No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart throughout that year. Released in April 2024, the track dominated each of TouchTunes’ quarterly Frontline Chart throughout 2025 and will move to the Catalog ranking in 2026, setting up a head-to-head with Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey,” the platform’s top song in 2023 and this year’s No. 2 hit. Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” is the top non-country song of the year, coming in at No. 3 , while Morgan Wallen’s “I’m the Problem” – the most-played new song of 2025 – landed sixth. Wallen also retained his status as TouchTunes’ most-played artist for the second year running, while also topping each installment of Billboard’s newly introduced quarterly TouchTunes Artists Chart, followed by Stapleton, Toby Keith, Shaboozey, and AC/DC. (Billboard)

At a star-studded private holiday party for Todd Boehly's Eldridge Industries held at Port Chester's Capitol Theatre on Thursday night (December 11), the house band for the festivities was the rock supergroup dubbed the Dirty Bats – featuring Slash, Duff McKagan, Chad Smith, and Andrew Watt. They were joined by surprise guests Bruno Mars, Eddie Vedder, Anthony Kiedis, Brandi Carlile, and Yungblud for a special night of classic rock covers and originals. Highlights included Yungblud opening with songs by the Rolling Stones and Black Sabbath, Carlile performing Led Zeppelin and Queen, Kiedis delivering Motörhead and Allman Brothers Band favorites, and Vedder showcasing Pearl Jam hits alongside covers of the Rolling Stones and Elvis Costello. Bruno Mars headlined with powerful renditions of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” The Police’s “Roxanne,” Jimi Hendrix’s “Fire,” Michael Jackson’s “Dirty Diana,” and notably his first full version of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” The evening concluded with all artists joining together for singalongs of Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” and Neil Young’s “Rockin’ In The Free World,” with Leonardo DiCaprio spotted among the A-list audience. (Stereogum)

On her 36th birthday on Saturday (December 13), Taylor Swift was warmly celebrated by her Eras Tour backup dancers Kameron Saunders and Jan Ravnik, who both shared heartfelt tributes on social media highlighting their years of professional collaboration and personal admiration for the pop superstar. "To my girl … my boss lady!" Saunders captioned an Instagram post featuring a photo of himself and Swift in rehearsals. "Each year my love for you grows deeper and deeper. You are such an astounding human being!! I’m honored to be in your orbit.” Ravnik’s post featured a carousel of photos from The Eras Tour, along with the caption, “I’m endlessly grateful for you and for the 3 years we’ve shared together. You’re one of a kind ! 👑 🫶🏼” Swift capped off a monumental 2025 by releasing her twelfth album, The Life of a Showgirl, which broke first week sales records, as well as premiering a docuseries and concert film about her Eras Tour, while regaining control of her music catalog, and announcing her engagement to Travis Kelce. (People)

Beyoncé’s 32-show Cowboy Carter Tour was the highest-grossing solo artist tour of 2025, after earning $407.6 million from 1.6 million tickets sold. The jaunt also set the record as the highest-grossing country tour ever, despite playing a total of only nine cities with mini-residencies at each stop. This achievement follows Bey’s historic 2023 Renaissance tour, which grossed $579 million over 56 shows, making her the first American artist with two tours that surpassed $400 million. The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn tour ranked second among solo artists, grossing $336.7 million over its 46 dates while becoming the biggest tour by a male artist in history. Coldplay’s Music Of The Spheres tour was the year’s top overall grossing trek at $464.9 million across 59 shows, making it the highest-grossing rock tour of all time. (NME)

After a year largely spent out of the public eye, Harry Styles surprised a fan named Sydney with a heartfelt video message that went viral on social media after it was shared on Saturday (December 12). The former One Direction singer looked directly into the camera while expressing his support for the fan: “Hi, Sydney! I’m Harry. Hope you’re doing real well. Just wanted to say hi. Heard you’re going through a bit of a tough time, so I’m sending lots of love to you. Hope to see you soon, take care.” The British pop star, known for his Grammy-winning 2022 album, Harry’s House, and chart-topping hit “As It Was,” has been focusing on personal moments and surprise appearances as of late, including completing marathons in Tokyo and Berlin and attending events like the Vatican’s election of Pope Leo XIV. Amid speculation about a new romance with actress Zoë Kravitz, Styles’ thoughtful gesture highlights his ongoing connection with fans even during his lengthy hiatus. (Billboard)

During her Mayhem Ball Tour stop at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on Saturday night (December 13), Lady Gaga abruptly stopped her performance after dancer Michael Dameski slipped off the stage, made slick by a heavy rainstorm at the outdoor venue. In a fan-shot video of the incident, Gaga quickly paused the show to check on him, earning applause from the audience, before announcing, “If you could just give us five minutes, I just wanna get some proper grooves on the shoes of the dancers.” Dameski later confirmed on a series of Instagram Stories that he was uninjured after the fall, writing, “Hey everyone! I’m ok. Thank you for checking. Happy I was able to finish the last show of the year!” Gaga’s Sydney concerts marked the final 2025 dates for her Mayhem Ball Tour, which grossed $166.2 million while drawing over 700,000 fans during 35 shows, with the tour set to resume in Tokyo in January 2026. (Billboard)

Taylor Swift’s album The Life of a Showgirl secures its ninth nonconsecutive week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart dated December 20, earning 89,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. for the week ending December 11. Of Swift’s 15 No. 1 albums, only The Tortured Poets Department (17 weeks), 1989, and Fearless (each 11 weeks) have spent more time atop the chart. This week’s sales included 50,000 streaming equivalent albums (down 5% with 65.83 million streams), and 39,000 pure album sales (down 16%), with Showgirl climbing back to No. 1 on Top Album Sales while falling two spots to No. 4 on the Top Streaming Albums chart.

Half of the Top 10 on this week’s Billboard 200 are holiday albums, led by Michael Bublé’s Christmas, which climbs up two spots to reach No. 4, followed by Bing Crosby’s Ultimate Christmas ascending two slots to No. 5, Nat King Cole’s The Christmas Song jumps up five places to No. 6, Vince Guaraldi Trio’s A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack move up a spot to No. 8, and A Christmas Gift for You From Phil Spector vaults up four slots to No. 9. The non-holiday albums rounding out the Top 10 are Morgan Wallen’s I’m the Problem holding at No. 2, the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack remaining at No. 3, Olivia Dean’s The Art of Loving moves up a spot to No. 7, while Stray Kids’ former chart-topper DO IT falls six slots to No. 10 in its third week. (Billboard)

Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani remain "solid" in their marriage despite recent speculation about a possible divorce. A source tells People that there is "no truth to the split rumors," and that the couple is simply managing their demanding careers. Married since 2021 after six years of dating, the pair continue to prioritize family time amid busy schedules – with Shelton releasing his 13th album in May and preparing for a Las Vegas residency in January, while Stefani is promoting her new music and getting ready for No Doubt’s upcoming reunion shows in May. Shelton is a stepdad to Stefani’s three sons she shares with her ex-husband Gavin Rossdale, with the couple trying to strike a balance between work and family life. In May, Shelton said their relationship “still feels new for me,” as the couple celebrated ten years together. (People)

On Thursday (December 11), Guns N’ Roses officially announced the support acts for their Summer 2026 North American tour. Public Enemy will be opening the first eight dates of the tour from July 23 to August 16, while The Black Crowes will provide support for four shows between August 22 and September 2. Pierce the Veil will open select dates in September, while The Barbarians of California will join for two dates in August and September, and Ice Cube is set to perform in front of a hometown crowd at GNR’s high-profile show at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on September 5. The tour kicks off with earlier spring dates in Mexico and Florida before hitting U.S. and Canadian stadiums and amphitheaters throughout the summer, concluding on September 19 in Atlanta, with no support act yet announced for that final show. (Consequence of Sound)

At the 22nd show of Sam Smith’s intimate "To Be Free" 24-date residency at Warsaw in Brooklyn on Wednesday night (December 10), the Grammy and Oscar-winning artist surprised fans by bringing out special guests Brandi Carlile and Ed Sheeran. Carlile joined Smith for a moving performance of their 2018 charity single, "Party of One," while Sheeran took the stage for the live debut of their duet, "Who We Love," which was featured on Smith’s 2023 album, Gloria. The night culminated in a sing-along finale of Smith’s hit, "I’m Not the Only One," featuring both guests. Smith also previewed new material, including the upbeat love song "My Guy," hinting at more music to come in 2026. “I wanted to get back into rooms where I can see your faces,” Smith told the star-studded audience, which included Anna Wintour and Anne Hathaway. “It’s been such a beautiful experience, so thank you to the Warsaw,” Smith shared. (Billboard)

In the new trailer for Aidan Zamiri’s film, The Moment, Charli XCX grapples with the overwhelming commercialization and overexposure of her "Brat Summer" concept, originally a creative idea tied to her Grammy-winning 2024 album, Brat. The semi-fictionalized narrative explores her uncertainty about continuing the brand amid pressure from managers, labels, and executives who push for constant innovation and broader market appeal, including an Amazon-funded concert film and corporate promotions. As Charli questions what she truly wants amid these competing demands, the film highlights the challenges of maintaining artistic authenticity within pop stardom. The Moment is set to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2026, and will hit theaters on Jan. 30. The film, which is based on an original concept by Charli, also stars Rosanna Arquette, Hailey Benton Gates, Kate Berlant, and Isaac Powell, with special guest appearances by Rachel Sennott and Kylie Jenner, making her movie debut. (Rolling Stone)

During an interview on UK radio on Thursday (December 11), Timothée Chalamet addressed the viral conspiracy theory that he is secretly Liverpool rapper EsDeeKid. The Oscar-nominated actor initially responded, “I’ve got no comment,” to the playful prodding from the show’s hosts, before teasing, “All will be revealed in due time.” The rumor surfaced in November after fans pointed out similar eye features shared by Chalamet and the masked rapper, whose debut album, Rebel, recently surged to No. 131 on the Billboard 200 chart due to the buzz surrounding the Hollywood star’s possible involvement. Chalamet, a longtime hip-hop fan who once rapped as Lil’ Timmy, remained cryptic amid wild fan speculation as he promotes his upcoming film, Marty Supreme, which co-stars Tyler, The Creator and is set to be released on Christmas Day. (Billboard)

During her appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Wednesday (December 10), Taylor Swift was asked by the host to name her top five favorite songs from her catalog, a question he previously asked famous past guests like Dolly Parton, Bruce Springsteen, and Elton John. The 14-time Grammy winner struggled to come up with her choices, telling Colbert, “this is so much pressure, oh my god.” However, Swift confidently chose the 10-minute version of “All Too Well” as her number one, eliciting cheers from fans in the audience. Swift also mentioned being currently obsessed with tracks from her chart-topping new album, The Life of a Showgirl, while also saying she would include “Mirrorball” from Folklore “somewhere in this list.” The interview coincided with the promotion of her upcoming Disney+ docuseries, The End of an Era, and concert film, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour: The Final Show, both set to debut on Friday (December 12). (People)

The 2026 Sundance Film Festival will feature the premiere of Antiheroine, an “unfiltered and unapologetic” documentary about Courtney Love. The film is co-directed by Edward Lovelace and James Hall, and includes a tagline describing the project as, “Now sober and set to release new music for the first time in over a decade, Courtney is ready to reveal her story.” Love is also included in Broken English, an intimate film about the late Marianne Faithfull’s life and legacy that will make its U.S. debut at the festival, which also features appearances by Nick Cave, Warren Ellis, Jehnny Beth, Suki Waterhouse, and Beth Orton.

The festival’s lineup also includes two films featuring Charli XCX: The Moment, an A24 film which she conceived and stars in that explores the complexities of pop stardom, and I Want Your Sex, where she appears alongside Olivia Wilde. Other notable music films debuting at the festival include Tamra Davis’ The Best Summer, documenting a pivotal music era with footage of iconic bands like Beastie Boys, Foo Fighters, and Beck, and The Disciple, which offers a rare glimpse into the making of Wu-Tang Clan’s notorious album, Once Upon a Time in Shaolin. The festival runs from January 22-27. (Consequence of Sound)

Coldplay rules the 2025 year-end Billboard Boxscore charts with their record-setting Music of the Spheres World Tour, which grossed $464.9 million between October 2024 and September 2025. This marks the band’s second consecutive year at No. 1 and fourth straight year in the Top Five, with total earnings surpassing $1.5 billion and 13.1 million tickets sold – the most in concert tour history. The tour spanned four continents and included a record-breaking 10-night Wembley Stadium residency that grossed $131.4 million, setting the highest single-venue engagement for a headline artist.

Coldplay also led the Top Rock Tours and Top Ticket Sales charts for the third consecutive year, completing another clean sweep of major year-end touring honors. Boxscore’s Top Tours year-end tally was rounded out by Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour at $407.6 million, Kendrick Lamar & SZA’s Grand National Tour at $358.7 million – the highest-grossing co-headline tour ever – followed by The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn Tour at $336.7 million – the highest-grossing and best-selling R&B tour ever – and Shakira’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour at $327.4 million. 2025 saw five separate tours surpass the $300 million milestone, a new all-time record. (Billboard)

Billie Eilish and Oscar-winning director James Cameron are teaming up to reinvent concert films with Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D), which is set to debut in theaters on March 20. The 3-minute trailer for the film premiered on Wednesday (December 10), with the clip showcasing the ambitious, visually stunning production of Eilish’s 106-show world tour supporting her Grammy-nominated third album, Hit Me Hard and Soft. The film highlights the show’s innovative stage designs and special effects, while capturing a series of intimate moments – including Eilish breaking down in tears while reading a heartfelt note from her brother and longtime collaborator Finneas, who notably did not join this tour for the first time. “It’s gonna be my first show ever without him,” an emotional Eilish shares in the clip. The 23-year-old Grammy and Oscar-winner expressed awe at working with Cameron, known for the groundbreaking Avatar films, as they push the boundaries of traditional concert documentaries to create a new immersive experience for fans. (Billboard)

During an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show on Tuesday (December 9), Christina Aguilera revealed that she is planning to release a deeply personal new album alongside a career-spanning documentary produced by Time Studios and Roc Nation. The documentary, which has been in the works for several years, explores her journey from teen stardom to motherhood and a new creative phase, with Aguilera revealing that opening up on camera has profoundly influenced her music. “It’s going to be a really personal project coming up because it’ll tie in with a very personal documentary that we’ve been filming for the last few years,” shared the 44-year-old Grammy winner. The documentary is directed by Ting Poo, who in 2022 said of the project, “Christina Aguilera is one of the most iconic artists of our time. I am truly honored to tell the story of the person behind the music.” (Rolling Stone)

On Wednesday (December 10), event organizers revealed that Diana Ross will help ring in 2026 by headlining “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.” The 81-year-old Supremes legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer will perform a medley of her hits including “I’m Coming Out” and “Upside Down” from Times Square as part of America’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration on ABC. Hosted by Seacrest and Rita Ora, the broadcast features 39 artists performing across multiple cities including New York, Las Vegas, Chicago, and Puerto Rico, with Chance the Rapper leading a Central Time Zone countdown for the very first time. Ross joins a star-studded lineup of performers including 50 Cent, Mariah Carey, Chappell Roan, Demi Lovato, Post Malone, and many others, promising a night of music and celebration to welcome the new year. (Variety)

Taylor Swift's The Life of a Showgirl has topped the 2025 year-end Billboard 200 Albums chart, marking her fifth time leading the final roundup and making her the only artist to achieve this feat more than three times. Remarkably, the album secured the top spot with just one week of eligible chart activity, debuting at No. 1 on October 18 (the final week of the 2025 chart year) with a record-breaking 4 million equivalent album units sold in the U.S. during its first week. Swift also led the 2024 year-end chart with The Tortured Poets Department, becoming the first artist since Elton John – with Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1974) and Greatest Hits (1975) – to have consecutive year-end No. 1 albums with different titles. Swift also previously claimed the year-end No. 1 with Reputation (2018), 1989 (2015) and Fearless (2009). Additionally, The Tortured Poets Department finished 2025 at No. 6 on the year-end tally, while Morgan Wallen also placed two albums in the Top 10, as I’m the Problem came in at No. 2 and One Thing at a Time reached No. 7. (Billboard)

Kendrick Lamar has been named Billboard’s Top Hot 100 Songwriter and R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of 2025, with the Pulitzer Prize-winning Compton rapper receiving both year-end honors for the very first time. This caps off a banner year for Lamar, fueled by his chart-topping GNX album and its record-breaking hit “Luther,” a collaboration with SZA that topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for a historic 31 weeks. The surprise GNX release debuted at No. 1 and maintained strong chart presence throughout the year, also aided by Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show performance. Alongside being the overall top artist and songwriter, Lamar earned additional Billboard year-end titles, being named Top Rap Artist, Top Rap Artist – Male, and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Artist – Male, while GNX ranked second for Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums behind SZA’s SOS, which reclaimed the top spot that it first reached in 2023. In addition to “Luther,” Lamar and SZA’s other hit collab, “30 for 30,” landed at No. 4 on the year-end Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, with Kendrick placing three additional tracks in the Top 10: “TV Off,” featuring Lefty Gunplay (No. 2), “Not Like Us” (No. 5), and “Squabble Up” (No. 7). (Billboard)

Alex Warren has been named Billboard’s Top New Artist of 2025 after a breakout year highlighted by his No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit “Ordinary,” which spent 10 weeks atop the chart. The 25-year-old singer-songwriter’s Top 10-charting debut album, You’ll Be Alright, Kid, peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 back in August, and came in at No. 26 on the year-end albums list. During the 2025 chart year, Warren placed five songs on the Hot 100, including “Burning Down,” “Bloodline” (with Jelly Roll), “On My Mind” (with ROSÉ), and “Eternity,” with “Ordinary” finishing at No. 7 on the year-end Hot 100 Songs chart. Warren joins some prestigious company by being awarded Billboard’s Top New Artist, as recent winners include Chappell Roan (2024), Zach Bryan (2023), Latto (2022), Olivia Rodrigo (2021) and Roddy Ricch (2020). (Billboard)

Katseye has been named TikTok’s Global Artist of the Year in the platform’s annual Year in Music recap. The Grammy-nominated girl group was followed on the global list by Alan Arietta, Enhypen, Bad Bunny, and Stray Kids. Connie Francis’s 1962 hit, “Pretty Little Baby” topped the global and U.S. song charts due to a viral resurgence on the social media app, where it has garnered over 10 billion cumulative streams, leading to the track making its debut Billboard Hot 100 chart appearance 63 years after its original release. Jess Glynne’s “Hold My Hand” was the No. 2 song globally and in the U.S., with the track coming in at No. 1 in her native UK. Taylor Swift was the most-saved artist on TikTok, with Sombr’s “Back to Friends” becoming the most-saved song, and Tate McRae’s So Close to What the most-saved album. EJAE was named TikTok’s Songwriter of the Year, while Doechii’s “Anxiety” was recognized as the Music Trend of the Year. (Variety)

Sabrina Carpenter was a guest on Late Night With Seth Meyers on Monday night (December 8), and the pop superstar shared a story about the three-day music video shoot for her Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit, “Manchild.” During the 15-minute interview, the pop superstar described the filming as “so ambitious,” while revealing that she had 37 different outfits to wear in the video. The shoot also included a painful mishap where Carpenter fell on a cactus, causing her to cry and spend the rest of the day removing cactus spines from her skin. Carpenter and Meyers also teased an upcoming “Day Drinking” segment that they were filming together the next day, which is set to air next week. Carpenter, who recently concluded her worldwide Short N’ Sweet Tour, is nominated for six Grammy Awards at the upcoming 2026 ceremony, including Record, Album, and Song Of The Year, and Best Music Video for “Manchild.” (Uproxx)

On Monday (December 8), Olivia Rodrigo teamed up with Jacob Collier to deliver a stunning a cappella cover of Bing Crosby’s 1943 holiday classic, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” The festive performance was shared by Collier on Instagram on Monday (December 8), along with the caption, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas with my dear friend @oliviarodrigo 🎄,” with the “Drivers License” hitmaker delivering a quick intro to the clip, “Hi, Jacob! How’s this?,” before starting the song off on her own. The British musical prodigy then layered multiple clips of him singing backup vocals to create perfect harmonies with Rodrigo. The young Grammy-winning musicians’ performance impressed their  legions of fans on social media, including one of Rodrigo’s idols, Sheryl Crow, who enthusiastically commented on the clip, “Ok MIND BLOWN .”Crow’s comment continues the mutual admiration she shares with Rodrigo, following Sheryl presenting Olivia with Billboard’s Woman of the Year in 2022, and Rodrigo helping induct Crow into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023. (Billboard)

David Guetta has made history on Billboard’s Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart by earning his 20th No. 1 with his recent collaboration, "Gone Gone Gone" featuring Teddy Swims and Tones and I, making Guetta the artist with the most No. 1s in the chart’s 22-year history. The track, which was released in October 2025, jumps up six spots to reach No. 1 on this week’s chart on the strength of a 48% increase in plays among 24/7 dance reporters and pop stations’ mix show hours. This track also marks Guetta’s fourth No. 1 of 2025 alone, setting a new single-year record. Guetta first topped the tally in June 2007 with “The World Is Mine” featuring JD Davis, and he has dominated the chart over the course of the 2020s, as 12 of his songs have reached No. 1 this decade. In addition to Guetta’s milestone, the track represents the first Dance/Mix Show Airplay No. 1 for Teddy Swims and Tones and I. (Billboard)

Chappell Roan has been named a global ambassador for MAC Cosmetics, marking her first major beauty partnership with the brand after using MAC for high-profile moments like the MTV VMAs, Saturday Night Live, and the Grammys. The 27-year-old pop star praised MAC for embracing diversity and self-expression, describing their partnership as a “full circle” collaboration. “This brand has always made space for people like me,” Roan said in a statement. “I’ve built a special relationship with the MAC team over the years, and they’ve been amazing and thoughtful collaborators on this new journey.” Her debut campaign, shot by Inez & Vinoodh and styled with dramatic, androgynous makeup by artist Andrew Dahling, showcases her signature theatrical look. MAC’s global creative director Nicola Formichetti highlighted Roan’s authenticity and commitment to LGBTQIA+ advocacy as aligning perfectly with the brand’s values, underscoring her role as a powerful creative force for a new generation. (People)

KPop Demon Hunters has earned three Golden Globe nominations, including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for “Golden,” performed by HUNTR/X and co-written by EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, DO, 24, and Teddy. EJAE makes history by becoming the first Korean American nominated for a Golden Globe in the original song category, where “Golden” competes alongside fellow nominees “Dream as One” by Miley Cyrus from Avatar: Fire and Ash, “I Lied to You” by Miles Caton from Sinners, “No Place Like Home” by Cynthia Erivo from Wicked: For Good, “The Girl in the Bubble” by Ariana Grande from Wicked: For Good, and “Train Dreams” by Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner from Train Dreams. Demon Hunters’ Emmy nominations follow the project’s three recent Grammy nods, including Song of the Year for “Golden,”  with EJAE saying of the acclaim, “It feels incredible. The amount of love we’re getting from fans, and just being able to be recognized by literally everyone has been such an honor and a surreal feeling.” (Variety)

Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has climbed back to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for a record-tying 19th week, matching the longest chart-topping reigns held by Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” in 2024 and Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” in 2019. The 1994 Christmas classic extends its record as a chart-topper across seven holiday seasons, after first claiming No. 1 in 2019 and reaching the summit every year since. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is Carey’s 19th Hot 100 No. 1, the most for any solo artist and just one shy of the Beatles’ record of 20, and has made her the first artist to score No. 1 hits in four distinct decades spanning the 1990s to the 2020s. Carey also extends her all-time record of 98 overall weeks spent at No. 1 throughout her career, well ahead of Rihanna’s second-most total of 60.

Holiday hits dominate the top tier of the Hot 100 this week, occupying seven of the Top 10 spots, including the entire top four, led by Wham!’s 1984 single, “Last Christmas,” which vaults up four spots to reach a new high of No. 2. Brenda Lee’s 1958 holiday classic, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” surges up four places to No. 3, while Bobby Helms’ 1957 standard, “Jingle Bell Rock,” jumps up four slots to No. 4. Those holiday hits are joined by Ariana Grande’s “Santa Tell Me” rising five spots to No. 8, while Nat “King” Cole’s 1946 classic “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)” flies up nine places to No. 9, and Andy Williams’ 1963 anthem, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” vaults up seven spots to claim No. 10. The rest of the Hot 100 Top 10 is rounded out by HUNTR/X’s Emmy-nominated hit, “Golden,” from KPop Demon Hunters, which drops three spots to No. 5, while Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” falls five spots to No. 6 after spending its first eight weeks at No. 1 – tying “Anti-Hero” for her longest-leading career hit – and Alex Warren’s “Ordinary” slides four spots to No. 7. (Billboard)

Tyler, the Creator was honored with the Innovator of the Decade award at Variety’s Hitmakers event in Los Angeles on Saturday (December 6), where the Grammy-winning rapper reflected on 15 years of creating groundbreaking work that spans music, fashion, and acting. “For me, always looking forward — that’s where I sit comfortable at,” Tyler said in his acceptance speech. “But damn, it does feel good to hear the last 15 years you’ve been doing super-duper, awesome sh*t. I’m so grateful y’all have noticed things I’ve done.” Presented by André 3000, who praised Tyler’s mentorship and versatility, the award recognized his continuous push to redefine hip-hop since his 2009 debut with Odd Future. Celebrated for his integrated artistic vision – from albums and music videos to fashion and film roles like the upcoming Marty Supreme – Tyler recently released two Grammy-nominated albums, Chromakopia and Don’t Tap the Glass, cementing his status as a transformative force in contemporary music and culture. (Variety)

Dua Lipa closed her Radical Optimism Tour with an emotional tribute to the late Queen of Tejano music, Selena Quintanilla, performing her 7x-platinum 1994 hit, "Amor Prohibido," at Mexico City’s GNP Seguros Stadium on Friday night (December 5). Addressing the crowd of 65,000, Lipa expressed a deep bond with Selena through their shared dual nationality – hers Albanian-English, Selena’s Mexican-American – with the singer proclaiming, “I chose this song because I feel a very special connection with this artist and with her feeling of belonging to two places at the same time.” Over three sold-out shows in Mexico, Lipa also surprised fans with a cover of the beloved Latin classic, “Bésame Mucho” by Consuelo Velázquez, while also singing a duet with Fher Olvera from Maná on the band’s hit, “Oye Mi Amor,” highlighting the profound bond she built with fans and local artists throughout her 92-date world tour. (Billboard)

On Friday (December 5), Lily Allen announced the dates and details of her biggest North American tour to date in 2026, performing her recently released album, West End Girl, in full each night. The nine-city tour, dubbed ‘Lily Allen Performs West End Girl,’ kicks off on April 3 in Chicago, and includes stops in Toronto, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and Los Angeles, before concluding on April 28 in San Francisco. Allen has additional UK and European dates scheduled before and after the North American run. Ticket presale begins Wednesday (December 10), followed by a general on-sale on Friday (Dec. 12). Released in October, West End Girl is Allen’s first album in seven years and documents her messy public divorce with Stranger Things actor David Harbour. Allen will also appear as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live on December 13 with host Josh O’Connor. (Consequence of Sound)

Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl returns to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart for the eighth nonconsecutive week, rising up two places from its previous ranking at No. 3, with 99,000 equivalent album units sold in the U.S. during the week ending December 4. The 12% increase was driven by Black Friday retail promotions and newly available signed CDs on Swift’s webstore. Of the total sales units, 53,000 were from streaming – while its 69.38 million on-demand streams  maintains its No. 2 spot on Top Streaming Albums chart –  and 46,000 were from album sales, up 121% from the previous tracking period.

Holiday music makes a significant impact on the Top 10 this week, as Michael Bublé’s former chart-topper, Christmas, climbs six places to reach No. 6, while Bing Crosby’s Ultimate Christmas rises nine spots to claim No. 7, and Vince Guaraldi Trio’s beloved soundtrack for A Charlie Brown Christmas returns to the  Top 10 for the first time in nearly three years, as it surges nine slots to reach No. 9. The upper tier of the Top 10 features a series of former No. 1s, as Morgan Wallen’s I’m the Problem rises two places to No. 2, while the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack jumps two spot to No. 3, and Stray Kids’ DO IT falls three places to No. 4 one week after debuting at No. 1. The Wicked: For Good soundtrack drops three spots to No. 5 in its second frame on the chart, while Olivia Dean’s The Art of Loving falls one slot to No. 8, and Tate McRae’s So Close To What falls four places to No. 10. (Billboard)

President Donald Trump presented the 2024 Kennedy Center honorees – including KISS, George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, Sylvester Stallone, and Michael Crawford – with their medals during a ceremony on Sunday (December 6) in the Oval Office, praising them as “perhaps the most accomplished and renowned class” ever assembled. He lauded each for their significant contributions to American arts and culture, calling Strait the “king of country,” Gaynor the “disco queen,” Stallone a “true, great movie star,” Crawford a “great star of Broadway,” and KISS as an “incredible rock band,” and “among the greatest artists, actors and performers of their generation. The greatest that we’ve seen.” The President complimented this year’s honorees as a group of “incredible people” who represent the “very best in American arts and culture,” while adding, “This is a group of icons whose work and accomplishments have inspired, uplifted and unified millions and millions of Americans.” (NME)

During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday (December 3), Gwen Stefani shared her excitement about No Doubt’s upcoming reunion for a residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas in 2026. The initial 12 shows in May quickly sold-out, so they added six additional "final" dates in June. “We’re excited,” she told Fallon. “We did Coachella (in 2024) and it was so unbelievably amazing. And we were talking for a while, and trying to find that thing that would be as good. And I think the Sphere is, like, the future. It’s kind of a cross between a concert and a movie.” Stefani aims to create a “really nostalgic” experience for fans, blending concert and cinematic elements as they carefully plan the setlist. Meanwhile, Stefani has embraced the holiday season with a new Christmas song, “Shake the Snow Globe,” featured in the holiday film, Oh. What. Fun., and an updated deluxe version of her festive 2017 album, You Make It Feel Like Christmas. (Billboard)

On Wednesday (December 3), Lily Allen launched a provocative new merch line featuring USB flash drives shaped like sex toys that contain songs from her first album in seven years, West End Girl. “Limited merch drop, live now 🍑🔌,” Allen cheekily captioned her post, alongside a photo of her suggestively holding the product, which underscores the album’s unflinching approach to personal and sexual themes. Priced at $33.99, the novelty drives reflect the album’s candid exploration of her recent divorce from actor David Harbour, including tracks like “Pu**y Palace” that reveal intimate details of betrayal and heartbreak. Allen was married to the Stranger Things star for four years before separating in February, with the singer describing the process of creating the album as “an act of desperation.” “I wasn’t even really thinking about it as a commercial endeavor,” Allen told CBS Mornings. “Since I’ve put it out, it’s felt completely and utterly liberating.” (Billboard)