Gayety

Tag: Billboard

  • Mariah Carey Declares Herself the Ultimate Diva in New Harper’s Bazaar Interview

    Mariah Carey Declares Herself the Ultimate Diva in New Harper’s Bazaar Interview

    Mariah Carey has never shied away from her larger-than-life persona, and in her latest Harper’s Bazaar UK cover story, she leans into the legend with dazzling self-awareness and plenty of sparkle. When asked which female divas she admires, Carey didn’t hesitate: “I’m going to have to go with me!”

    Mariah Carey stuns in Harper’s Bazaar UK, calling herself the only diva she admires and insisting she doesn’t age or acknowledge time.
    Photo: Alexi Lubomirski/Harper’s Bazaar UK

    The Diva of All Divas

    After more than three decades in the spotlight, Carey has perfected the art of being a diva, not as a flaw, but as a lifestyle. From sky-high stilettos to silk robes and her love of being lit from the correct angle, Carey knows exactly who she is.

    “It’s part of my job,” she told Harper’s Bazaar when asked about her glam persona. “What’s the point of a disguise? Just get up, get dressed, go out. If I don’t want to be seen, I’ll stay home.”

    Mariah Carey stuns in Harper’s Bazaar UK, calling herself the only diva she admires and insisting she doesn’t age or acknowledge time.
    Photo: Alexi Lubomirski/Harper’s Bazaar UK

    She’s not just playing a part, she’s created the part. A five-time Grammy Award winner with 19 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles, Carey has helped define pop stardom, and she’s done it unapologetically on her own terms.

    Aging? Mariah Doesn’t Know Her

    Carey, 56, has long sidestepped the topic of aging with a wink and a high note. In fact, she insists it doesn’t apply to her.

    “I don’t allow it – it just doesn’t happen. I don’t know time,” she said in the interview. “I don’t know numbers. I do not acknowledge time – I have a new song that starts with that line…”

    Mariah Carey stuns in Harper’s Bazaar UK, calling herself the only diva she admires and insisting she doesn’t age or acknowledge time.
    Photo: Alexi Lubomirski/Harper’s Bazaar UK

    Carey teased that one of her upcoming songs delves into the topic of aging, or rather, her refusal to accept it. Dressed in a chic black mini and later a tailored suit for the Bazaar shoot, the icon looked as radiant as ever, giving further credibility to her anti-aging philosophy.

    Her timelessness isn’t just attitude, it’s maintenance. From avoiding cigarettes to only being photographed from her preferred angle, Carey has long preached the power of lighting, beauty sleep, and self-control.

    Mom First, Pop Star Forever

    Carey also shared insight into her life as a mother to 14-year-old twins Monroe and Moroccan, her children with ex-husband Nick Cannon. “How do I say this? They spend time with him, and they have a good time; they spend time with me, and they have a good time,” she said thoughtfully. “I want to make sure I’m always fair about the situation because it’s tough to grow up with divorced parents.”

    Mariah Carey stuns in Harper’s Bazaar UK, calling herself the only diva she admires and insisting she doesn’t age or acknowledge time.
    Photo: Alexi Lubomirski/Harper’s Bazaar UK

    As for her rumored relationship with musician Anderson .Paak, Carey played it coy, offering only, “I’m a romantic.”

    She did name-drop some of today’s top pop girls: Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, and Tate McRae, but only because they’re on her daughter’s playlist. “I like to keep up,” she said casually.

    Still Sparkling, Still Unmatched

    Whether she’s dodging the concept of time or declaring herself the one true diva, Mariah Carey continues to rewrite the rules of fame with a glitter pen. Her latest interview doesn’t just reinforce her place in the pantheon of pop, it proves she built the stage.

    After all, in a world full of divas, there’s only one Mariah.

  • Chappell Roan Brings ‘Visions of Damsels’ Pop-Up Shows to Pasadena This October

    Chappell Roan Brings ‘Visions of Damsels’ Pop-Up Shows to Pasadena This October

    The “Midwest Princess” returns to California for a two-night theatrical celebration of queerness and pop magic

    Pop sensation and queer icon Chappell Roan is heading back to California with two exclusive headline performances at Brookside at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The shows, set for Friday, October 10 and Saturday, October 11, 2025, are part of her limited-run “Visions of Damsels & Other Dangerous Things” pop-up tour, hitting just three cities this fall.

    A Love Letter to Her Favorite Cities

    In a statement to fans, Roan shared her excitement:

    “I am sooo excited to bring Visions of Damsels & Other Dangerous Things to New York, Kansas City, and Los Angeles!!! I love these three cities so much and wanted the chance to do something special for them this year.”

    Roan is prioritizing accessibility with these performances, using Fair AXS registration to help fans avoid inflated resale prices. Ticket registration is now open through Sunday, July 27 at 8:59 p.m. PT, with selected fans receiving purchase access between August 5–7.

    Each ticket sold also includes a $1 donation to organizations supporting trans youth, a cause close to Roan’s heart.

    “It is so important that I give back to the trans community as they have given me so much throughout my career,” she said.

     
     
     
     
     
    View this post on Instagram
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by ･ﾟ: *✧ Chappell Roan ✧*:･ﾟ (@chappellroan)

    A Year of Milestones and Bold Moves

    Roan’s announcement follows a landmark year. She won the GRAMMY for Best New Artist, her breakout hit “Pink Pony Club” topped pop radio on its five-year anniversary, and her latest single, the queer country ballad “The Giver,” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart.

    Her debut of “The Giver” on Saturday Night Live made waves, alongside a hotline teaser, a viral billboard campaign, and collectible vinyls portraying her in kitschy alter egos like a sultry plumber and brooding private eye. NPR named her SNL performance the #1 moment from the show’s 50th anniversary season.

    What to Expect From the Pasadena Shows

    If her Midwest Princess Tour is any indication, these pop-up shows will be less concert, more camp cabaret. With Roan’s drag-inspired fashion, theatrical sets, and community-centered energy, each performance is a full-blown party. Expect glitter, choreography, heartfelt ballads, and probably a few wigs on rotation.

    And yes, if you’re a Cash App Visa cardholder, you’re in luck: a 15% cashback offer is available at checkout, credited directly back to your balance. Details at cash.app/exclusives/chappellroan.

    Ticket Details and More

    To access tickets, fans must register in advance at axs.com/chappellroan2025. Registration does not guarantee a ticket, but it’s the only way in. For more about the Pasadena event specifically, head to chappellroanpasadena.com.

    In addition to the upcoming Pasadena shows, Chappell Roan will be bringing her larger-than-life pop spectacle to a few other cities this fall:

    • September 20–24 – Forest Hills, NY @ Forest Hills Stadium (four-night run)
    • October 3–4 – Kansas City, MO @ Museum and Memorial Park
    • October 10–11 – Pasadena, CA @ Brookside at the Rose Bowl
  • Frankie Grande Drops Felix Jaehn Remix of ‘Boys’ and Unveils Debut Album Tracklist

    Frankie Grande Drops Felix Jaehn Remix of ‘Boys’ and Unveils Debut Album Tracklist

    Frankie Grande is officially in his pop era, again, and he’s bringing the heat just in time for Pride month. The multi-hyphenate entertainer (seriously, is there anything he can’t do?) just released a high-energy remix of his latest single “Boys” courtesy of German hitmaker and DJ Felix Jaehn. The remix dropped via Casablanca Records and is already primed to become the dancefloor anthem of the summer.

    Let the remix play, and let the glitter fly.

    Turning Up the Heat with Felix Jaehn

    The original “Boys” had already made waves in queer music circles, with Billboard naming it one of the “Queer Jams of the Week.” But Felix Jaehn’s remix takes things even higher, think main stage at midnight energy with house-infused beats designed to get bodies moving.

    This isn’t Jaehn’s first rodeo. Known for multiplatinum smashes like his remix of OMI’s “Cheerleader,” Jaehn brings a polished but playful vibe to the track that perfectly matches Grande’s glitter-pop aesthetic.

    ‘Hotel Rock Bottom’ Is Almost Here

    If the remix weren’t enough to send fans into a sequined spiral, Frankie also revealed the full tracklist for his debut album Hotel Rock Bottom, set to arrive on June 27. The album includes 15 tracks with titles that range from cheeky (“Sex Shop”) to introspective (“Cognitive Dissonance”) to full diva (“Glitter Jesus”).

    Here’s what to expect on Hotel Rock Bottom:

    1. Rhythm of Love

    2. Messy

    3. Sex Shop

    4. Hotter Than Hell

    5. Let Me Live

    6. Hotel Rock Bottom

    7. Cognitive Dissonance

    8. Boys

    9. I Feel Like I’m Billy Idol

    10. Glitter Jesus

    11. My Guy

    12. Revive

    13. Oasis

    14. Music or The Noise

    15. 2U

    Let’s be honest: with a title like Hotel Rock Bottom, we’re checking in for the drama, the bops, and the inevitable emotional breakdown followed by a dance break.

    Pride Tour Pit Stops

    Grande has also been making the rounds this Pride season. He took the stage at OUTLOUD Music Festival in West Hollywood and will be appearing at the Boston edition of OUTLOUD on June 21, sharing the spotlight with Kim Petras, Trixie Mattel, and other queer icons. Then, he’ll wrap up the month at Seattle’s Queer Pride celebration on June 29, performing alongside The Knocks and Dragonette.

    It’s a glitter-packed Pride season for Frankie, and Hotel Rock Bottom might just be the keycard to his next big pop chapter.

  • Sabrina Carpenter Puts Pop on a Leash With ‘Man’s Best Friend’

    Sabrina Carpenter Puts Pop on a Leash With ‘Man’s Best Friend’

    Sabrina Carpenter is putting her foot on the gas, and her stiletto on our necks. Less than a year after dominating charts and streaming playlists with her Grammy-winning Short n’ Sweet, the pop star is back with another full-length album titled Man’s Best Friend, arriving August 29.

    And if the title alone didn’t raise eyebrows, the cover art certainly did. Shared via Instagram on Wednesday (June 11), the provocative image shows Carpenter on all fours in stilettos, dressed in a black mini, with a man gripping a handful of her hair. The second slide zooms in on a powder-blue dog collar, engraved with the album title, cheeky, stylish, and unmistakably Sabrina.

    “i can’t wait for it to be yours x,” she wrote in her caption, immediately sending fans into an online frenzy.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Sabrina Carpenter (@sabrinacarpenter)

    From “Espresso” to Empowerment

    Man’s Best Friend follows the breakout success of Short n’ Sweet, which debuted in August 2024 and marked a turning point in Carpenter’s career. With top 10 singles like “Espresso” and “Taste,” and the runaway success of “Please Please Please,” her first Hot 100 No. 1,  the album launched her into superstardom. It also brought her two Grammys and her first Billboard 200 No. 1, where it spent four weeks at the top.

    While Short n’ Sweet dripped in caramel flirtiness and radio-friendly melodies, Man’s Best Friend appears to be edgier, possibly darker, definitely bolder.

    “Manchild” Ushers in a Sassier Sound

    Leading the pack is “Manchild,” the first single off the new record. A whip-smart, country-inflected bop with Carpenter’s signature mix of sweetness and sarcasm, the song calls out immature men in a way only she can, with a wink and a mic drop.

    Co-written with frequent collaborators Jack Antonoff and Amy Allen, the track debuted last week and is already clawing its way toward the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Spotify streams are soaring, and early forecasts suggest a top-tier chart entry.

    The full 12-song tracklist hasn’t been shared yet, but fans can safely assume Man’s Best Friend will keep the same trio of Carpenter, Antonoff, and Allen at its creative core.

    Writing From the Retreat

    Hints about new music first surfaced in February, when Carpenter told Vogue she had been quietly working on new material. “I start every year just trying to go away and write,” she said. “Because I feel like I have a lot to say at the end of a year. I’m just kind of tucked away right now. It’s half writing and half relaxation, if that’s something I can even accomplish.”

    With Man’s Best Friend, it looks like the creative getaway was a success, even if the album’s visuals suggest she’s not taking things lying down. Or maybe she is, but only on her terms.

    Fans React: “She’s Not Playing Around”

    Unsurprisingly, Carpenter’s fanbase went wild over the announcement. “Let’s bfr she ate with the cover.’” one fan posted on X. Another quipped, “The way i’m kinda into this new era for Sabrina.”

    Memes, thirst tweets, and debates about the deeper meaning of the dog collar cover are already circulating. Some called the image “pop kink-coded,” while others are already predicting another Grammy sweep.

    One fan summed it up best: “SABRINA CARPENTER SUMMER HAS BECOME A YEARLY TRADITION.”

    What’s Next?

    Man’s Best Friend drops August 29 via Island Records. Pre-orders are available now on Carpenter’s website. With an arena tour already extending through Thanksgiving and “Manchild” climbing fast, Sabrina is showing no signs of slowing down.

    Call it a victory lap, but with some sugar and spice.

  • Charli XCX Celebrates 5 Years of How I’m Feeling Now With New ‘Party 4 U’ Music Video

    Charli XCX Celebrates 5 Years of How I’m Feeling Now With New ‘Party 4 U’ Music Video

     

    It’s been five years since Charli XCX dropped her boundary-pushing quarantine album How I’m Feeling Now, and the pop provocateur is throwing a proper celebration—with a brand-new music video for fan-favorite track “party 4 u,” dropping May 15.

    In a handwritten note posted to Instagram on Wednesday, the genre-blending star got reflective about her 2020 DIY-era record, which she wrote and produced in just five weeks during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Honestly just feels like yesterday,” she wrote. “So much has changed since then: me, my life, elements of my music and most definitely the world.”

    Excerpt from heartfelt handwritten letter from Charli XCX posted to Instagram Wednesday (May 14).
    Excerpt from heartfelt handwritten letter from Charli XCX posted to Instagram Wednesday (May 14). Photo: Instagram (@charli_xcx)

    Pandemic Pop, Reborn

    Though How I’m Feeling Now wasn’t a chart-topping release—it peaked at No. 111 on the Billboard 200—it has long held cult status among Charli’s fans. Created in full lockdown, with real-time input from fans via livestreams and social media, the album became a raw, glitchy, and emotional time capsule.

    “I felt like I rediscovered myself, my sanity and my connection with the world at a time when we were all so alone,” Charli wrote.

    “Party 4 U” Finds New Life

    Fast forward to 2025, and How I’m Feeling Now is having a moment—again. One track in particular, “party 4 u,” has recently gone viral on TikTok, sending it soaring onto the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time—five years after its release. On the chart dated May 17, 2025, it reached No. 55, giving the track its highest peak yet.

    Never one to let a moment pass quietly, Charli teased a brand-new music video for the song, sharing a cryptic close-up video of her eyes set to the track, captioned: “5 years later… the party 4 u video. tomorrow.”

    A Celebration Fit for the Angels

    The singer also posted a TikTok of herself sprinting down a deserted street clutching pink balloons—a visual easter egg pulled directly from the lyrics of “party 4 u.” In her handwritten note, she wrote, “I really can’t believe that 5 years later one of the Angel favorites is having its own special moment.”

    “So obviously I wanted to do something to celebrate,” she added. “This one’s for you Angels.”

    A Charli Year to Remember

    The fifth anniversary of How I’m Feeling Now comes at a busy time for the Essex-born artist. Fresh off back-to-back weekends at Coachella 2025—where she performed “party 4 u” and shared the stage with Lorde, Troye Sivan, and Billie Eilish for Brat remix collabs—Charli just wrapped four sold-out nights at Barclays Center in Brooklyn as part of her Brat Tour.

    She heads next to Europe, starting with a show in Poland on May 31.

     

  • Chappell Roan Becomes First Artist Since Beyoncé to Debut at #1 on the Country Charts

    Chappell Roan Becomes First Artist Since Beyoncé to Debut at #1 on the Country Charts

    Chappell Roan has achieved even more success with her new song, “The Giver,” debuting at #5 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and claiming the #1 spot on the Hot Country Songs chart. This milestone makes Roan the first artist since Beyoncé to achieve such a feat, with Beyoncé also debuting at #1 on the Hot Country Songs chart in 2023 with “Texas Hold ‘Em.”

    Chart-Topping Success

    Roan’s achievement marks her third top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, following the success of “Good Luck, Babe!” which peaked at #4 last year, and “Pink Pony Club,” which reached #7 earlier this month and is currently ranked #9. “The Giver” also makes its debut in the top 40, marking Roan’s first-ever appearance at such a high level on the Hot 100.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Billboard Charts (@billboardcharts)

    A Historic Debut

    With “The Giver” claiming the #1 spot on the Hot Country Songs chart, Roan becomes just the third woman ever to debut at #1 with her first-ever entry on the chart. The only other women to achieve this are pop icons Bebe Rexha, who hit #1 in 2017 with “Meant to Be” featuring Florida Georgia Line, and Beyoncé with her 2023 debut of “Texas Hold ‘Em.”

    Hot 100 Updates

    Meanwhile, on the Hot 100, Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s collaboration, “luther,” holds steady at #1 for its fifth consecutive week. In other chart news, Doechii’s “Anxiety,” which samples Gotye’s 2012 hit “Somebody That I Used to Know,” becomes her first top 10 hit on the Hot 100.

    Chappell Roan’s remarkable debut further cements her place in music history as she continues to break boundaries and blaze new trails across genres.

  • Laverne Cox Hosts ‘Billboard Women in Music’ as Doechii Receives ‘Woman of the Year’ Award

    Laverne Cox Hosts ‘Billboard Women in Music’ as Doechii Receives ‘Woman of the Year’ Award

    Billboard’s Women in Music event, held Saturday night, honored the influential women making waves in the music industry, from chart-topping artists to groundbreaking executives. Hosted by Laverne Cox, the star-studded evening featured electrifying performances, heartfelt speeches, and awards that celebrated the accomplishments of women who have redefined the music scene. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout moments from the event.

    Doechii Named Woman of the Year

    Doechii, an artist known for blending rap, R&B, and innovative sounds, was named 2025 Woman of the Year. Presented with the award by DJ Miss Milan and Jayda Love, Doechii’s acceptance speech was both empowering and reflective. “In 2025, lack of inclusion and sexism are, unfortunately, still an issue in this industry. That’s why I’m grateful for Billboard Women in Music,” she said. “While I may be front and center performing, I’m not alone. There are brilliant women behind me, both personally and professionally, who support me every step of the way.”

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Billboard Music Awards (@bbmas)

    Meghan Trainor Honored with the Hitmaker Award

    Meghan Trainor, celebrated for her pop anthems and songwriting prowess, received the Hitmaker Award from Madison Beer. Beer praised Trainor as not only a hitmaker but also a powerhouse songwriter who has penned tracks for some of the biggest names in the music industry. During her acceptance speech, Trainor opened up about the therapeutic power of music. “I write songs to combat insecurity,” she shared, underscoring the personal connection she has with her work.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by billboard (@billboard)

    Rulebreaker Award: Megan Moroney

    Megan Moroney, known for her bold blend of country and emo influences, took home the Rulebreaker Award, presented by Tanner Adell and Crown Royal. Moroney delivered a memorable performance of her hit song “Am I Okay” before accepting the honor. Her performance was a testament to her unique voice and vision in the ever-evolving music landscape.

    GloRilla Takes Home the Powerhouse Award

    Rapper and singer GloRilla was honored with the Powerhouse Award, presented by country music artist Mickey Guyton. Guyton praised GloRilla for her dynamic voice, authenticity, and ability to blend femininity, toughness, and optimism in her music. GloRilla’s groundbreaking work in hip-hop has cemented her as a force to be reckoned with in the genre.

    Songwriter of the Year: Gracie Abrams

    Gracie Abrams received the Songwriter of the Year Award from Victoria Monét, who praised her for her prolific songwriting and emotional performances. Abrams gave an emotional acceptance speech, reflecting on the power of songwriting. “It’s sometimes wildly embarrassing… but it’s our most private diary entries and our loudest clarion calls,” she said. Abrams also thanked Taylor Swift for being a mentor and influence, noting that working with Swift had been a defining moment in her career.

    Tyla Wins Impact Award

    South African artist Tyla was presented with the Impact Award by Becky G, who highlighted her global influence in bringing South African culture to the world. Tyla’s performance of “Push to Start” left the crowd in awe, and in her acceptance speech, she reflected on the impact of her music on others. “You never know how something you say or do might ignite someone else,” she said. Tyla’s journey from South Africa to international stardom has made her a role model for women artists worldwide.

    Icon Award: Erykah Badu

    Erykah Badu was presented with the Icon Award by Summer Walker, who spoke about Badu’s mentorship and influence on her career. Walker shared that Badu had been a safe space for her, even serving as her doula during childbirth. Badu’s career spans decades, and her contributions to music and culture were celebrated by all in attendance.

    Additional Award Winners and Performances

    Other notable award recipients included:

    • Muni Long, who received the Rising Star Award presented by Julia Michaels and delivered a stunning performance of “Superpowers.”
    • Tina Knowles, who received the Mother of the Year Award from Billboard Editor-in-Chief Hannah Karp, reflected on the joys and challenges of motherhood, particularly her role in guiding her daughters Beyoncé and Solange.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by billboard (@billboard)

    • JENNIE, of K-pop group BLACKPINK, was recognized with the Global Force Award for her impact on music and culture, presented by Kali Uchis.
    • Ángela Aguilar, who performed “Cielito Lindo” before accepting the Breakthrough Award from Lauren Jauregui.
    • aespa, the K-pop girl group, took home the Group of the Year Award and delivered a high-energy performance of “Whiplash.”

    Celebrating International Excellence

    Zara Larsson presented the Global Women of the Year Award to Italian rapper ANNA and Canadian singer/songwriter Charlotte Cardin for their outstanding contributions to music on a global scale.

    Attendees and Performances

    The event was filled with high-profile guests, including Ari Lennox, Ashe, Ava Max, Bella Poarch, JoJo Siwa, Kandi Burruss, Keyshia Cole, Tinashe, and many others. Performances throughout the evening were nothing short of spectacular, with artists like Tyla, Muni Long, and Gracie Abrams delivering unforgettable moments.

    Streaming and Access

    For those who missed the live event, the Billboard Women in Music 2025 show is available for streaming on VIZIO’s WatchFree+ and the VIZIO mobile app. The show offers viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the inspiring women shaping the music industry, featuring in-depth interviews, artist performances, and more.

    The Billboard Woman of the Year Award has become one of the most prestigious honors in the music industry. Past recipients include SZA, Olivia Rodrigo, Cardi B, and Taylor Swift, all of whom have made an indelible mark on the global music scene. With Doechii now joining this elite group, it’s clear that women continue to lead the way in the ever-evolving world of music.