On Thursday (March 27), Kesha finally unveiled the title of her upcoming sixth album, Period, which is set for release on July 4. A press release for the 11-song collection describes the record as an “unapologetic, unfiltered declaration of artistic freedom and fearless authenticity.” The album will include previously released singles, "Joyride" and "Delusional," along with the country-pop flavored new track, "Yippee-Ki-Yay," which features Tallahassee, Florida rapper T-Pain. Kesha co-wrote and co-produced the album, which “transcends pop norms to create a raw, daring, and intensely personal sonic journey, a defiant act of self-expression that refuses to adhere to expectations or play it safe.” Period is a follow-up to 2023’s Gag Order, and continues the new creative chapter in the singer’s career. In 2024, she released her first singles under her new independent label, Kesha Records, regaining full creative control of her music after settling a defamation suit with former producer Dr. Luke. (Billboard)

On April 14, Katy Perry will rocket into space as a passenger on Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft. This will mark the 31st overall mission for Jeff Bezos’ space tourism company, and the 11th suborbital flight with humans on board. The pop superstar will be joined by a diverse crew for the spaceflight, including broadcast journalist Gayle King, activist Amanda Nguyen, movie producer Kerianne Flynn, Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez, and former NASA aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe. Liftoff will take place at “Launch Site One” in West Texas, with the flight’s launch window opening at 8:30 a.m. CT. This historic journey will feature the first all-female space flight since Russian cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova took a solo space flight back in 1963. Perry is set to launch her Lifelines World Tour in Mexico City on April 23, and says she is excited to “show all of the youngest & most vulnerable among us to reach for the stars, literally and figuratively.” (Rolling Stone)

After a year-long delay, Joe Jonas revealed that his new solo album, Music for People Who Believe in Love, will be released on May 23. In an Instagram post announcing the release, Jonas is shown placing the vinyl version of the album on a record player, captioning his post, “Thank you for your patience 💙.” The album was originally supposed to be released on October 18 of 2024. Jonas described the project as a “celebration of gratitude, hope, and love,” filled with songs that capture the emotions of “being a father, being a friend to oneself and others, and the happiness I’ve found in doing what I love for a living.” This marks Jonas’ second solo album, following 2011's Fastlife, and he calls it “the most personal music I have ever put out.” The collection includes the previously released lead single, "Work It Out," and features contributions from Alexander 23, Justin Trainor, Tommy English, MUNA’s Josette Maskin, and Paris Carney. (Rolling Stone)

Will Smith was honored in his hometown of Philadelphia on Wednesday (March 26), as a portion of 59th Street was renamed "Will Smith Way" to pay tribute to the Oscar and Grammy-winning star. Smith, 56, expressed his gratitude in an Instagram post, sharing photos from the ceremony where he was joined by city officials and his mother, Caroline Bright. “Philly, I am yours. This is the honor of a lifetime. 💚” Smith captioned his post. Philadelphia’s mayor, Cherelle L. Parker, praised Smith in her own Instagram post. "From his roots of being born and raised in West Philadelphia, to his rise as a global superstar, he’s shown us all what it means to dream big and work hard," Parker wrote. On Friday (March 28), Smith released his first full-length album in 20 years, Based on a True Story, featuring collaborations with Teyana Taylor, Jack Ross, and his longtime musical partner, DJ Jazzy Jeff. This summer, Smith will also embark on his first-ever headlining tour in support of the album. (People)

Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime performance on February 9 apparently drew 125 complaints to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its political iconography, explicit language, and alleged racism. Viewers criticized the show as inappropriate for all ages and politically provocative, with some calling for more family-friendly, non-politically-centered entertainment. While complaints about obscene gestures and cursing are common for Super Bowl halftime shows – even though all performances are censored for profanity – Lamar's show also faced accusations of racism against white people because all the backup dancers were Black, with some viewers even upset that Uncle Sam was depicted by the actor Samuel L. Jackson. Despite the controversy, Lamar's performance garnered positive reviews and high ratings, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper is now gearing up for his highly-anticipated Grand National Tour starting in April, where he will be joined by SZA, his halftime show special guest and collaborator on his current No. 1 hit, “Luther.” (Consequence of Sound)

Billy Ray Cyrus took to Instagram on Tuesday (March 25) to express his immense pride in his daughters Miley and Noah as they enter new phases in their music careers. The 63-year-old "Achy Breaky Heart" singer shared an emotional outpouring of admiration and support for his two girls, praising Miley's upcoming album, Something Beautiful, and commending Noah's recent release of "Don't Put It All on Me," celebrating both of his daughters’ artistic growth and achievements. “Flesh and blood … completely taking their art to a whole new level,” he captioned his post, which featured promotional photos from both Miley and Noah’s new projects. “Congratulations girls! Well done. I’m so damn proud of both of you. I’m actually crying as I write this. Have fun now and be happy ! 😊 Love Dad.” Last month, Noah celebrated the release of Billy Ray's recent single, "Lost," voicing public support for her dad after her brother, Trace Cyrus, suggested estrangement within their family. (People)

Tomorrowland and Insomniac are collaborating to put on a new EDM festival called UNITY, which will take place at the Sphere in Las Vegas from August 29-31. While the music lineup has not yet been revealed, the 3-day event promises that each night will end with an exclusive closing set from a “world-renowned artist” who will be announced later. While Insomniac is a familiar name in US electronic events, this marks Tomorrowland’s return to America after 10 years, having previously held TomorrowWorld in Atlanta from from 2013 to 2015. “Through the past decades, we both have strived to create festivals and experiences around the world that foster beautiful, unique communities of individuals,” said Tomorrowland and Insomniac in a joint statement. “Now, for the first time in history, our worlds become one. In UNITY, we join together to create a brand-new experience, and there’s no better stage on earth than Sphere.” Pre-sale starts on March 31st, with general public sales beginning on April 7th. (Consequence of Sound)

Sabrina Carpenter is rumored to be the next headline act for Fortnite Festival, after the current season featuring virtual popstar Hatsune Miku comes to an end next month. Fortnite has yet to officially reveal who their next headliner will be, but players have discovered a series of Sabrina Carpenter-inspired cosmetics within the game, including her mic and guitar in Canyon Crossing, and a Short n’ Sweet-inspired lipstick kiss, which suggests the imminent arrival of the chart-topping pop superstar. If Carpenter does headline the Fortnite Festival, she will join fellow music stars Billie Eilish, Metallica, Snoop Dogg, and Lady Gaga, whose songs were all previously featured in the popular video game. Carpenter will finish up the European leg of her Short n' Sweet Tour in Stockholm on April 4, and will return to the UK this summer for two headlining shows at London’s Hyde Park on July 5-6, with special guests Clairo, Beabadoobee, and Olivia Dean. (NME)

In a recent appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Chappell Roan reflected on her journey from indie pop darling to Grammy award-winning pop superstar. Roan expressed pride in maintaining her authenticity throughout her meteoric rise while also refusing to compromise her identity for success. “I did not kiss the ring,” Roan said of her success. “I did not jump through the hoops that I was told I had to to get a fu**ing Grammy. You either like me as I am, or don’t invite me to a party, or don’t invite me to an awards show.” Roan added, “I’m most proud of myself for doing what makes me feel like a good person, over how can I get the most money.” The singer went on to share that SZA is her dream collaborator, and disclosed that her current No. 1 hit on the Hot Country Songs chart, “The Giver,” won’t be the last new music she shares in 2025. “‘The Giver’ is not the only song, I will say that,” she teased about her future plans. Roan also revealed that she has been in a “serious” relationship for six months, and that she is “very in love.” (Rolling Stone)

Lady Gaga is bringing her Mayhem Ball Tour to North America this summer, marking her first arena tour in seven years. The Mayhem Ball dates will differ considerably from Gaga’s past stadium shows, as the pop superstar promises “a different kind of experience—something more intimate—closer, more connected—that lends itself to the live theatrical art I love to create.” Gaga’s North American tour will feature a series of multi-night stands in each city, starting on July 16 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, followed by dates in Seattle, New York, Miami, Toronto, and concluding in Chicago. Tickets will be available for artist presale on April 2, with general on-sale starting on April 3. “I wasn’t planning to tour this year after my shows in Singapore but the incredible response to the new album inspired me to keep things going,” Gaga shared. “This show is designed to be the kind of theatrical and electrifying experience that brings Mayhem to life exactly how I envision it. The Mayhem Ball Tour is officially coming your way. See you soon, monsters.” (Rolling Stone)

Chappell Roan makes a big splash in the country genre as her new single, "The Giver," debuts at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart this week. The track garnered impressive numbers with 22.3 million official U.S. streams, 2.2 million audience impressions, and 6,000 units sold in its debut week. Notably, this marks Roan's first No. 1 on the country charts, as well as her first time topping the Country Streaming Songs and Country Digital Song Sales charts. Additionally, "The Giver" lands at No. 5 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it the third Top 10 hit of the Best New Artist Grammy-winner’s career. Roan becomes just the third woman to debut her first Hot Country Songs entry at No. 1, after Beyoncé’s 2024 hit, “Texas Hold ‘Em,” and Bebe Rexha’s 2017 chart-topper with Florida Georgia Line, “Meant To Be,” which went on to reign for a record 50 weeks. (Billboard)

In a new interview with The Guardian, LISA from BLACKPINK revealed that a Hannah Montana song, “Ice Cream Freeze (Let’s Chill),” was the track that forever changed her life. LISA chose to perform the song by Miley Cyrus’ Disney alter-ego during her audition for BLACKPINK in Thailand, and ultimately got selected for the K-pop girl group. “There must have been 1,000 people, so I never thought I would get picked,” LISA recalls. “It’s a fun song and good to dance to, so I think it really suited my style.” She also mentioned knowing every word to Justin Bieber's “Baby,” but played it cool when she first encountered him. “I met him a few years ago, but just for a quick hi,” LISA says. “I didn’t tell him how much I loved him, because I’m too shy.” LISA's debut solo album, Alter Ego, debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 in February, while the singer is currently starring in the new season of the HBO hit series, White Lotus. (Billboard)

Martyn's Law, named in memory of a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena bomb attack at an Ariana Grande concert, is reportedly just weeks away from being passed by Parliament in the U.K. The legislation aims to enforce stricter anti-terror measures at live music venues, requiring staff to undergo more training and implementing enhanced security protocols. Figen Murray, the mother of Martyn Hett who was killed in the attack, has been a driving force behind the law. Once passed, the law will mandate anti-terror training for staff at venues with a capacity over 200, along with increased security measures like bag checks, body searches, and CCTV cameras. “Martyn’s legacy will forever be one of hope and love,” Murray told The Mirror. “This victory will be for him and all the millions of young people, like him, who attend venues to enjoy themselves” The attack, which killed 22 and injured over 1,000, occurred when a terrorist detonated a homemade bomb as fans were leaving the concert venue following Grande’s performance. (NME)

In an Instagram Stories post on Sunday (March 23) that has since gone viral, Cardi B shared her disbelief after discovering that her 6-year-old daughter, Kulture, drew on her $60,000 Hermès bag. The 32-year-old rapper expressed shock at the damage done to her pricey yellow crocodile skin Kelly bag, showing a heart drawn in black marker by her daughter. "We spent $60,000 on this purse," Cardi said. "Look what my daughter did to my purse. Look what my daughter did to my f---ing purse." The Grammy-winning hip-hop superstar then sighed deeply, perhaps reflecting on how Hermès bags can be brought back to the store and repaired for a cost. Based on a video tour of her closet back in October, Cardi has plenty of other luxury bags and purses to choose as a replacement for her damaged bag. In addition to Kulture, Cardi also has two other children with her estranged husband, the rapper Offset, from whom she filed for divorce in July 2024. (People)

Miley Cyrus’ upcoming album, Something Beautiful, will also be accompanied by a companion film that will be released in June. On Tuesday (March 25), the Grammy-winning pop superstar released a trailer for her forthcoming visual project, which will serve as a complement to the album. “A unique visual experience, fueled by fantasy, including 13 original songs from the upcoming album. A one-of-a-kind pop opera from the mind of… Miley Cyrus,” reads the text featured in the 90-second trailer. The film is co-directed by Cyrus along with her frequent collaborator, Jacob Bixenman (who worked on “Flowers” and three other videos from Endless Summer Vacation), and Brendan Walter, with Miley also serving as a producer on the movie. “If I break away any bodies between us, would you promise I’m enough?” Cyrus asks at the end of the clip. ” If I give you all my love?” Something Beautiful will be released on May 30, with the film premiere set to follow in June. (Rolling Stone)

During an appearance at Miami’s LIV nightclub on Monday (March 24), Travis Scott announced the upcoming release of JACKBOYS 2, the label compilation album from the rapper’s Cactus Jack Records. Scott was there to take in Chase B’s DJ set, and hopped on the mic for an impromptu performance of ASTROWORLD‘s “NO BYSTANDERS,” along with some unreleased Sheck Wes tracks. “JACKBOYS 2 on the way, man. Let that motherf—–r ride, ya dig,” Scott announced from the stage. The original JACKBOYS album debuted in December 2019 and reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, with the seven-track collection featuring collaborations with artists like Pop Smoke, Lil Baby, Quavo, Offset, Young Thug, and Don Toliver. The specifics of the release date remain uncertain, but it may align with Scott's upcoming appearance at Coachella in April, where he will headline the third night. Scott recently secured his fifth career Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper with "4x4" in February. (Billboard)

Lizzo has landed her first leading role in a film, as the Grammy-winner is set to portray the iconic gospel rock pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe in a biopic by Amazon MGM Studios. Tharpe is known as the Godmother of Rock and Roll, and the Arkansas native influenced an array of legendary artists like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Chuck Berry. The film, simply titled Rosetta, is a project of Significant Productions, and produced by Lizzo, Nina Yang Bongiovi, Forest Whitaker, and Kevin Beisler. The biopic will focus on how Tharpe defied norms and paved her own way in both her professional and personal life, while highlighting her lasting musical legacy and cultural significance. Lizzo recently returned to music with a new single, “Still Bad,” and is set to appear as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live on April 12th. While this will be Lizzo’s first time as a movie lead, she previously appeared in Lorene Scafaria’s 2019 film, Hustlers, and lent her voice to the animated film UglyDolls. (Consequence of Sound)

Ed Sheeran, along with industry heavyweights like Harry Styles, Coldplay, and Elton John, are urging the U.K. government to allocate £250 million for music education in an open letter to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The letter – which Sheeran shared on his Instagram on Sunday –  outlines plans to fund music programs in schools, train teachers, establish an industry-informed curriculum, support grassroots music venues, and enhance music apprenticeships. “I launched the Ed Sheeran Foundation because I believe in the importance of music and that music education should be accessible to all,” Sheeran said in a statement. “When I was at school, music gave me purpose, it helped with my mental health, it bought me and many others joy, and it gave me my career.” Sheeran calls for government action to safeguard and nurture the creative industry for future generations, with support from other prominent figures in the music world including Annie Lennox, Paloma Faith, members of Mumford & Sons, Eric Clapton, James Bay, Robert Plant, and many more. (Rolling Stone)

Miley Cyrus took to Instagram on Monday (March 24) to announce the release date and share details of her upcoming album, Something Beautiful, which is scheduled to drop on May 30 via Columbia Records. In the post, Cyrus also showcased a striking cover shot by Glen Luchford featuring the pop superstar wearing a vintage Thierry Mugler piece, which is “a striking nod to the album’s bold aesthetic and visual storytelling.” The 13-track record is produced by Shawn Everett and Cyrus, who described the project as being influenced by Pink Floyd's The Wall, “but with a better wardrobe and more glamorous and filled with pop culture.” Something Beautiful will be Cyrus’ ninth studio album and her first in two years, following 2023’s Endless Summer Vacation, which was nominated for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards. (Rolling Stone)

Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” claims the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for a fifth consecutive week, extending both artists’ career-long reign at the top of the all-genre singles chart. The Top 10 features a series of strong debuts this week, as Playboi Carti premieres two songs in the Top 5, with “Evil J0rdan” reaching No. 2, and “Rather Lie,” with The Weeknd, claiming No. 4, with both tracks featured on the Atlanta rapper’s new album, MUSIC, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Chappell Roan’s “The Giver” launches at No. 5, becoming her first No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart, while her “Pink Pony Club” falls two spots to No. 9. Doechii’s “Anxiety” jumps three spots to No. 10, becoming the first Top 10 hit of the Tampa rapper’s career. Elsewhere in the Hot 100 Top 10, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile” drops a spot to No. 3, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” falls two slots to No. 6, Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather” jumps up two places to No. 7, and Lamar’s “Not Like Us” slides five places to No. 8. (Billboard)

During an interview on The Jennifer Hudson Show on Friday (March 21), SZA opened up about her desire to collaborate with Taylor Swift, while sharing what the pair talked about when they were photographed together at the Grammy Awards. “It’s so interesting to me. Every time she walks up to me or approaches me, I’m just like, ‘All right, this is happening, because that’s fully Taylor Swift,'” said SZA. “I think what I mentioned was that I would love to write with her and love to build some things together.” The chart-topping R&B superstar went on to praise Swift while teasing that a link-up might happen someday: “I love her storytelling. She was open to it. I think she’s awesome. She’s so bossed up.” SZA also looked back on her “30 seconds” joining Kendrick Lamar during the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime show. “It ended up being the perfect amount of time for me to face a fear and try something brand new.” (Rolling Stone)

On Sunday (March 23), the Jonas Brothers announced the dates and details of the Jonas20: Living the Dream Tour. The upcoming jaunt is in celebration of their 20th anniversary as a group, and will feature opening acts Marshmello, the All-American Rejects, and Boys Like Girls at select dates. In addition to featuring hits from the Jonas Brothers’ celebrated career, the tour will also include sets dedicated to the music of Nick Jonas & the Administration, Nick’s solo career, Joe Jonas’ solo work, and DNCE. “Our fans have been with us through every chapter, and this tour is our way of honoring them,” the Jonas Brothers said in a statement. “We can’t wait to make this our biggest, most unforgettable tour yet.” The trek kicks off on August 10 at East Rutherford, New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, followed by nine shows in baseball stadiums throughout North America – including iconic venues like Boston’s Fenway Park, Chicago’s Wrigley Field, and Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium – and a lengthy arena tour that extends into November. (Rolling Stone)

Sabrina Carpenter has secured her fifth consecutive No. 1 on Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart, as her current single, “Bed Chem,” claims the top spot on this week’s radio ranking. Carpenter’s current chart-topper follows her previous Pop Airplay No. 1 hits, "Taste," "Please Please Please," "Espresso," and "Feather.” With this accomplishment, Short n’ Sweet becomes the first album in nearly a decade to produce at least four Pop Airplay No. 1 hits, since Taylor Swift’s 1989 featured five chart-toppers back in 2014-15. Carpenter, who opened for Swift’s Eras Tour in 2023-24, also shares the longest consecutive streak of No. 1s since Swift's run in 2014-15. The record for the longest uninterrupted runs of No. 1s — six each — belong to Katy Perry with her series of chart-topping hits from 2010's Teenage Dream, and Lady Gaga, whose four No. 1s from The Fame were followed by two more in 2010, “Bad Romance” and “Telephone” (featuring Beyoncé). (Billboard)

Playboi Carti has scored his second career No. 1 on the Billboard 200, as his new album, MUSIC, debuts atop the chart this week. The set premieres with 298,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. marking the biggest week of 2025 for a rap album, while also notching the biggest streaming week for a rap record since 2023. Carti previously topped the chart with 2021’s Whole Lotta Red, while 2018’s Die Lit reached No. 3. Also debuting in the Top 10 this week’s is LE SSERAFIM’s mini-album, HOT, reaching No. 9, the K-pop sensation’s fourth top 10-charting project of their career. Elsewhere in the Billboard 200 Top 10, Lady Gaga’s prior chart-topper MAYHEM drops to No. 2, Kendrick Lamar’s GNX falls a spot to No. 3, PARTYNEXTDOOR and Drake’s $ome $exy $ongs 4 U drops a slot to No. 4, SZA’s SOS slides a spot to No. 5, Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet holds at No. 6, Tate McRae’s So Close To What falls two places to No. 7, Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos remains at No. 8, and Morgan Wallen’s One Thing at a Time falls a spot to No. 10. (Billboard)

In a new interview with Knox News, Dolly Parton revealed that she set some ground rules before collaborating with pop star Sabrina Carpenter on a remix of the song, "Please Please Please." “I told her, ‘Now, I don’t cuss,'” Parton recalled. “‘I don’t make fun of Jesus. I don’t talk bad about God, and I don’t say dirty words on camera, but known to if I get mad enough.'” Parton went on to praise Carpenter, saying of her new collaborator, "She was so sweet" even if she does “talk a little bad now and then.” Parton also shared an update on how she was holding up after the recent loss of her husband, Carl Dean. “I’m doing better than I thought I would,” she said. “I’ve been with him 60 years. So, I’m going to have to relearn some of the things that we’ve done. But I’ll keep him always close. I’m at peace that he’s at peace. But that don’t keep me from missing and loving him.” (Billboard)