Pulse Music

BRANDI CYRUS CALLS MILEY 'GENIUS': Brandi Cyrus thinks her little sister's new single, "Flowers" is "genius." Brandi told Wells Adams on Your Favorite Thing Podcast, "Miley's new song, al the tea . . . and the narratives that fans are making on TikTok. It's so good." She added that all the fan theories are making "Miley seem like an absolute genius. And it's just so good."

DUA LIPA OPENS UP ABOUT NEXT ALBUM: Dua Lipa recently opened up about her new album #DL3 at ESNS23. According to Pop Crave, the recipient of the European Music Conference's Excellence Award winner said, "It has a lyrical theme, more so than sonic. It's still pop so I'm not getting away from that. I still want to dance and have fun, and do another crazy tour. It's like a bit more mature in some ways."

Taylor Swift says it's a "dream come true" to have Paramore touring with her.

Taylor and Paramore's Hayley Williams have been friends for years and Swift says she's "constantly floored and inspired" by her talent.

She went on to say, "We came up alongside each other as Nashville teenagers writing our own music, so it feels insanely special to kick off the tour together nearly two decades later."

Williams commented back: " This is really huge. It's a big deal that we even got thought of, you know? So I'm stoked. We can't wait."

Other artists joining Taylor Swift on The Eras Tour include HAIM, Phoebe Bridgers, MUNA, and beabadoobee.

TL;DR:

• Taylor Swift says it's a "dream come true" to have Paramore touring with her.
• Taylor and Paramore's Hayley Williams have been friends for years.
• Other artists joining Taylor Swift on The Eras Tour include HAIM, Phoebe Bridgers, MUNA, and beabadoobee.

The Kid Laroi has released what seems to be part one of a two song series. He dropped "Can't Go Back To The Way It Was (Intro)" on Thursday (1-19). It's the first from his upcoming album called The First Time.

Along with it, he posted a stripped-down video that shows him in a raw and thoughtful state, contemplating his own memories before surprising fans at the end.

The Kid Laroi will release the next song, "Love Again" next Friday, January 27.
TL;DR:

• The Kid Laroi has released what seems to be part one of a two song series. He dropped "Can't Go Back To The Way It Was (Intro)"
• "Love Again" will be released next Friday, 1/27.

BTS member Jin has shared photos of himself in military uniform.

In his first message since enlisting, (translated from Korean) he gave fans a positive update and wrote, "I'm having a good time. I'm posting a photo with permission from the military. ARMY, always be happy and stay well." It was reposted by band member Jimin.

In one image, you see Jin standing at attention in the snow in his military camo, brown boots, and beret, hands firmly by his sides, as he stares forward with intent, while wearing a mask.

According to CNN, Jin has completed his five weeks of basic training, and has since been selected to serve as an assistant instructor at the Yeoncheon army base in northern Gyeonggi province.

30-year-old Jin recently became the first member of the septet to begin his mandatory stint in the South Korean army.

TL;DR:

• BTS member Jin has shared photos of himself in military uniform.
• Jin has completed his five weeks of basic training.
• He's now serving as an assistant instructor at the Yeoncheon army base in northern Gyeonggi province.

On the same day Fall Out Boy announced their upcoming eighth album, founding guitarist Joe Trohman announced that he was taking a break from the band.

He posted: "Without divulging all the details, I must disclose that my mental health has rapidly deteriorated over the past several years. So, to avoid fading away and never returning, I will be taking a break from work which regrettably includes stepping away from Fall Out Boy for a spell."

Following his announcement, a few hours later, he did perform on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Trohman has been with the band since its early 2000s formation in the suburbs of Chicago, alongside singer Patrick Stump, bassist Pete Wentz, and drummer Andy Hurley.

Trohman thanked his bandmates and family for "understanding and respecting his "his difficult, but necessary, decision."

TL;DR:

Members of NSYNC and Backstreet Boys raised more than $150,000 in a single night, to benefit a nonprofit honoring the late Aaron Carter.

This week's event was co-hosted by Lance Bass (NSYNC) and Carter's twin sister, Angel Conrad. Performers included Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean, as well as Nick Carter who is also brother to Aaron.

Others taking the stage included Brad Fischetti of LFO, Ryan Cabrera, Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees, and B. Howard.

Throughout the night, friends and loved ones shared fond memories of Aaron and the show ended with all the performers on stage singing John Lennon's "Imagine."

Aaron Carter, who struggled with mental health issues, died in November. All the proceeds raised went to On Our Sleeves, a national movement to break stigmas around children's mental health.

TL;DR:

During an interview on The Jason Lee Show on Revolt, Cardi B opened up about getting plastic surgery. When Jason asked why she's not out more after having her son Wave in 2021, she said, "I didn't wanna pop out after I had my son, because I told you I wanted to get my body done first. And it's, like, a lot of people thought that when I gave birth, I automatically went to do surgery. No, I literally waited like seven months to do surgery, because you have to."

When asked why she decided to get plastic surgery, she said, "I always wanted to do certain things. People be assuming that when you do surgery or something, you're insecure about yourself or you hate yourself. And that's just not the truth. … If I wanna correct something or do a little something, something, I don't give a f*ck. I'm gonna do it. I like being perfect. I like a certain type of body for myself."

Cardi also spoke about her 2020 nose job. Lee reminded her that when they were at Kris Jenner's house, Kim Kardashian gave her a list of recommended surgeons. Cardi confirmed she contacted a couple of those doctors, but didn't say whether or not she used their services.

Cardi added that she has no plans of getting any more plastic surgery.

CARDI BLAMES 'THE INTERNET' FOR WHY SHE DIDN'T SUBMIT 'WAP' FOR GRAMMY CONSIDERATION

Meanwhile, Cardi also revealed that she didn't submit "WAP" for Grammy consideration because she was worried about what the internet would say. She explained, "You know what?This is something that — it's like, I need to stop letting the internet control my life. Because I didn't want to submit ‘WAP' because I was afraid that if I win or if I… You know what's so crazy? The internet got me even afraid of winning. That is insane."

Sam Smith was spotted taking a stroll in New York City with designer Christian Cowan. The couple were arm-in-arm and one photo showed Smith giving Cowan a kiss on the forehead.

The two have been close since at least December, when they appeared in a photo together on a trip to the White House. They were there to celebrate President Biden officially signing the Respect for Marriage Act.

In a recent interview with British GQ, Smith talked about having three boyfriends.

The four-time Grammy winner, will release a new album on January 27.

TL;DR:

• Sam Smith was spotted taking a stroll in New York City with designer Christian Cowan.
• One photo showed Smith giving Cowan a kiss on the forehead.

Stephen A. Smith has apologized to Rihanna after making comments about her upcoming Super Bowl Halftime performance next month. During a Wednesday appearance on Sherri Shepherd's Fox daytime talk show, Smith was asked about Rihanna's performance.

He responded, "Ladies and gentlemen, she's a lot of things — she's spectacular, actually — and congratulations on new mama-hood. There's one thing she's not: She ain't Beyoncé."

He continued, "We know she's not Beyoncé." Sherri responded, "Beyoncé performed, but she's had her time. Now it's Rihanna."

Stephen later apologized on social media, saying that he "meant it as no disrespect." He called Rihanna "phenomenal" and "a sister" and said she's "gonna be great" during her performance.

He said, "I want Rihanna to know you're a superstar, you're sensational, you're spectacular. You're no joke, and you are a worthy person to be doing Super Bowl halftime show."

Fall Out Boy announced on Wednesday (1-18) that a new album will be out in March. And earlier this week, they revealed a new single and video for "Love From The Other Side." The band posted cover art which features a dog attempting to eat bubbles.

Through a press release, bass player Pete Wentz described the band and said they've been "an ongoing art project for 20 years."

In a social media post they reflected on the past year and their tour. In what seemed to be a description of the album title or possibly lyrics, they wrote: "I have a tendency to get a little sad whenever I think about anything…but I also feel pure joy when I think that I exist at the same time as whales." And added, "So much for stardust."

The name of the album is So Much For Stardust and will be out on March 24^th.

TL;DR:

Gene Simmons praised Abba for their "undeniable songwriting".

In an interview with Goldmine magazine, the KISS bassist talked about the iconic band's greatest hits and said, "If I'm riding in my car and ABBA music comes on, I turn it up and that's the sign of greatness."

Their 2015 song, "Dancing Queen" is in the Grammy Hall of Fame. With nearly 400 million albums sold worldwide, 17 #1 hits and over 16 million weekly global streams, Abba is one of the world's most successful music acts of all time.

Simmons also mentioned a few other artists whose songs stand out to him, including The Beach Boys, Bee Gees, The Killers, and The Four Seasons.

TL;DR:

• Gene Simmons praised Abba for their "undeniable songwriting".
• He said, "If I'm riding in my car and ABBA music comes on, I turn it up and that's the sign of greatness."

Dua Lipa will serve as one of the co-chairs for this years' Met Gala. She posted her excitement on Instagram on Wednesday (1-18). The lineup of co-chairs spans a wide range of pop culture and includes Penélope Cruz, Michaela Coel, and Roger Federer. The A-list fashion event happens every first Monday in May.

Consequence of Sound reported on Wednesday (1-18) that Phoebe Bridgers will be on two new albums coming out in the near future. Look for her to add her talents to music by The National, Arlo Parks, and Boy Genius. No other details were revealed.

The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that a Michael Jackson biopic is in the works and has named Antoine Fuqua as producer. He most recently directed Will Smith in Emancipation. Lionsgate says the movie will "address all aspects of Jackson's life," including allegations of child sex abuse as well as the incredible impact of his music. So far, no casting decisions have been made regarding who will portray Michael Jackson.

Foo Fighters and Green Day are set to headline Harley Davidson homecoming festival in July. The festival will take place July 13th-16th at multiple venues across Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Foo Fighters will perform on July 15th in Veterans Park to celebrate the Milwaukee motorcycle company's 120th anniversary. Green Day will play the park on July 14th. Social Distortion, Phantogram and KennyHoopla will open for Green Day on July 14th. On July 15, Cody Jinks, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts and White Reaper will open for Foo Fighters.

Machine Gun Kelly fired back at critics this week that have been condemning his fashion choices.

The 32-year-old, who is constantly in the news due to his extreme wardrobe, posted to naysayers: "You can't comment about my style if you have none." And then later wrote, "Keep your insecurities to yourself."

The Grammy nominee's posts come one day after his appearance at the Dolce & Gabbana Men's Fall/Winter show in Milan. There he wore a silver outfit complete with an embossed trench coat, matching trousers, and a crop top that showed off his midriff tattoos.

TL;DR:

• Machine Gun Kelly fired back at critics that condemned his fashion choices.
• He wrote: "You can't comment about my style if you have none."

Jennifer Lopez recently revealed to E! News that she was supposed to be a part of the iconic VMA moment where Madonna kissed Britney Spears.

The Marry Me star told the outlet, "I was filming a movie in Canada. We had met — me, her and Britney — to do it, at Madonna's home. I just couldn't get off the film, so we couldn't do it. Then they got Christina Aguilera, I think, to do it."

The kiss went down during a group performance of Madonna's "Hollywood" at MTV's 2003 Video Music Awards. Right before the song transitioned into a guest appearance from Missy Elliott, Madonna locked lips with Spears, then turned to her other side and did the same with Aguilera.

Madonna will embark on a career-spanning tour this July.

Madge made the announcement in a Truth or Dare style YouTube clip featuring Lil Wayne, Eric André, Jack Black, Judd Apatow, Diplo, Kate Berlant, Larry Owens, and Meg Stalter.

The worldwide Celebration Tour will kick off on July 15th in Vancouver and wrap its North American leg on October 7th in Las Vegas.

Taylor Swift's "Anti Hero" has become her longest-leading No. 1 on the Hot 100 with eight total weeks.

She celebrated Tuesday (January 17th) by sharing the Billboard headline to her Instagram Story with the text, "WHAT ON EARTH I LOVE YOU GUYS."

The "Lavender Haze" singer also confirmed that there's no feud between her and SZA by adding, "Been listening to SZA's Album nonstop, absolutely adore her music. So much love and respect for her!"

The "Nobody Gets Me" singer also made an attempt to put the rumors of a rivalry to rest earlier this month when she tweeted, "Uhh I feel silly that I even have to say this but i see supporters arguing and I hate that . I don't have beef w ANYONE especially not Taylor lmao I genuinely loved her album and the writing! Everyone's jus tryna do their BEST as we all should . LOVE TO EVERYONE. Gn"

Aaron Carter's family believes he died of a drug overdose.

His on-again, off-again fiancée, Melanie Martin told TMZ that the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office ruled out drowning despite him being discovered in a bathtub full of water on November 5th 2022.

Additionally, Martin told the outlet that she read a text message between Carter and and "unidentified person telling Aaron he owed $800 for an unknown substance."

She and Carter's mother are waiting on a toxicology report to confirm their theory of an overdose.

Reports say that Janet Jackson is being sued by her business managers for "unpaid services." According to The Blast and RadarOnline, the music icon is accused of owing business managers up to $238,593.88. The lawsuit is filed against Janet Jackson and some of her businesses dating back to 2017. The lawsuit alleges that Janet Jackson was in a "business management services agreement" in August of 2017 with David Weise and Associates, a company that describes itself as "the largest business management firm in the country."

The company has accused Jackson of refusing to pay the full amount owed for the work they put in during her career.

Jimin is reportedly planning to make his solo debut in next month.

According to a report from Sports Donga on Monday (January 16th), the BTS singer is planning to drop his official solo record in February, and his label is in the midst of deciding the official release date for the album.

Following the report, Big Hit Music told My Daily, “details will be announced once the schedule is finalized.”

In addition to becoming a solo artist, Jimin has also become a global ambassador for Dior.  The fashion house told Women's Wear Daily Monday (January 16th), "The South Korean artist now embodies the spirit and singularity of Dior style, modernity with a timeless signature.” 

Sam Asghari is setting the record straight after TMZ reported Britney Spears had a bizarre meltdown at a Los Angeles restaurant Friday (January 13th) night.

The actor told a paparazzi that Spears did not have a manic episode, but was acting out because she was frustrated with camera-happy fans. While reports said he ran out on his wife, he claims he merely went outside to get the car.

In the video obtained by TMZ, Asghari told a photographer, "Fame comes with the territory. And I went to get the car to get the hell out of there, and people just thought I left, but that didn’t happen.  It is what it is, man.” 

Cardi B has opened up about how she and Offset found out about Takeoff's death back in November. During an interview on The Jason Lee Show, she said, "We was in bed.  We was supposed to go to La La's party in New York and my daughter threw up all over my costume...We just fell asleep and out of nowhere, Offset phone kept ringing, my phone kept ringing. Offset picked up the phone and he's just like 'No!' He screaming and screaming. And I'm like, 'What's going on?' He's like, 'Takeoff is dead.'"

She continued, "I smacked him, I was like, 'Don't say that.' He's just like screaming. Throwing things. Throwing up. Running all over. I was just so scared. I was just crying so much. It was terrible."

CARDI B OPENED UP ABOUT HOW OFFSET FOUGHT FOR THEIR FAMILY AFTER SHE FILED FOR DIVORCE

Cardi also opened up about what made her call off the divorce with Offset after filing in 2020. She said, “Me and Offset, we was not seeing eye-to-eye.  This was like, the same year I filed for divorce and everything. I’m gonna let him talk about this because the main thing that was really bothering me, I’ma let him say it. I want him to say it, because I feel like that’s really part of his story."

She continued, “The main thing that I wanted him to stop and everything, he stopped and he changed, and it showed me that he wanted to change for me."

Haim are back in the studio working on their fourth album.

A clip shared on TikTok Sunday (January 15th) shows Este and and Danielle pulling their sister Alana back into the studio amid the text, “When your sisters are making you get back in the studio but you were born to be an Oscar winning actress.”

Alanna starred in the 2021 film Licorice Pizza.

XXL is reporting Jay Z and Roc Nation are reportedly helping Rihanna organize her upcoming performance for the 2023 Super Bowl halftime show at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on February 12th.

Jay Z has served as the NFL’s live music entertainment strategist since 2019 and actually signed Rihanna to Def Jam in 2005.