Music News

Taylor Swift Reveals New Song "Lover" After Receiving the Icon Award at 2019 Teen Choice Awards. Taylor Swift is feeling nothing but love from teenagers Sunday night. During Sunday night's 2019 Teen Choice Awards, the music superstar was in attendance to accept the first-ever Icon Award, which was presented to her by her gal pal and soccer player, Alex Morgan. "Wow, okay," the "Me" singer began her speech, as she accepted the famous surfboard, which was decorated with cats that made her feel really "proud." But before focusing on her win, the 29-year-old singer took a moment to highlight Morgan and her team's incredible fight for equality. "While they were winning the world cup, they were also taking a historic stand in terms of gender equality [and] gender pay. Please, please, please support her and her teammates because this is not over yet. It's not resolved," she said. "It's happening everywhere, and they are heroes and icons for standing up." During her speech, she explained she's "having a proud moment" over the award. "I just want to talk to the fans for a second. You make me so happy, you make me laugh every day online. I love meeting you," she shared. "I love loving you. You are just the most amazing, generous people. Thank you for giving me the life that I have. Every single minute of every day, I know that you are the reason I have the life I have, and that I get to do what I love doing." She continued, "If anyone is a teen out there, I think one thing I wish I would have known when I was a teen is that mistakes are inevitable. I just want you to know that if you are out there and you are being really hard on yourself right now for something that has happened, it's normal. That is what is going to happen to you in life. No one gets through unscathed. We are all going to have a few scratches on us." Before leaving the stage, Swift dropped a major bomb. Her new song "Lover" comes out Aug. 16. Not to be confused with her seven-studio album's upcoming title, which is of the same name. "I also just wanted to tell you, there's so much that I'm excited about coming up in the next 12 days until my album comes out," she said. "The album comes out on Aug. 23rd, but I wanted to tell you guys tonight that on the 16th, on Friday, I have a new song called "Lover" that is coming out, and I'm so excited. I love you." And if you love seeing Taylor at award shows, you are in luck. The 29-year-old will take the stage and perform at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards later this month in New York City. Until then, it's all about the Teen Choice Awards and a special award for an extra special artist. "As one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with more than 50 million albums sold, Taylor Swift is a pop culture icon whose accolades and achievements go beyond topping music charts and selling out stadiums worldwide," Fox said in a statement. "Taylor is also one of today's biggest social influencers, using her voice and platform to inspire and create positive change." (Eonline)

Miley Cyrus Is Back in the Recording Studio After Announcing Split from Husband Liam Hemsworth. Miley Cyrus shared a selfie from a recording studio on Twitter and Instagram Story. Could new music from Miley Cyrus be on the way after her split from husband Liam Hemsworth? On Monday, days after PEOPLE exclusively confirmed her breakup, the singer, 26, shared a selfie from a recording studio on Twitter and Instagram Story that showed her wearing headphones and posing in front of a microphone. Cyrus, whose most recent single "On a Roll" was released in June, left the photo without a caption but the new image comes after hours after she seemingly broke her silence about the separation on social media Sunday. Speaking out about how "change is inevitable," the star shared an empowering message during her Italy trip with her sister Brandi and Kaitlynn Carter, whom the "Mother's Daughter" hitmaker was spotted kissing over the weekend. "Don't fight evolution, because you will never win. Like the mountain I am standing on top of, which was once under water, connected with Africa, change is inevitable," Cyrus captioned two photos of herself with the picturesque mountain ranges of northeastern Italy in the background. "The Dolomites were not created over-night, it was over millions of years that this magnificent beauty was formed. My dad always told me 'Nature never hurries but it is always on time'... it fills my heart with peace and hope KNOWING that is true. I was taught to respect the planet and its process and I am committed to doing the same with my own," she concluded. Eight months after tying the knot, Cyrus and Hemsworth, 29, announced their breakup in a statement exclusively to PEOPLE on Saturday. "Liam and Miley have agreed to separate at this time," a rep for Cyrus said. "Ever-evolving, changing as partners and individuals, they have decided this is what's best while they both focus on themselves and careers. They still remain dedicated parents to all of their animals they share while lovingly taking this time apart. Please respect their process and privacy." Cyrus and Hemsworth, who met in 2009 on the set of The Last Song, had a rocky, on-again, off-again relationship for years before he proposed in 2012. The two ended their engagement and broke up a year later, before reconciling in 2015. Then in December 2018, they wed during an intimate ceremony at their home in Franklin, Tennessee. Hours before their announcement, Cyrus shared multiple photos of herself in Italy without her 3.5-carat cushion-cut diamond engagement ring and wedding band. During her Italian getaway, Cyrus is "just having fun" with the newly single Carter, according to a source who told PEOPLE that the pair has mutual friends in common. Earlier this month, Carter announced her split from husband and The Hills star Brody Jenner, whom she wed in 2018. "Brody Jenner and Kaitlynn Carter have decided to amicably separate," the pair's reps, Scott Newman and Lindsay Maguire, told PEOPLE. "They love and respect one another, and know that this is the best decision for their relationship moving forward," the reps added. At the time, an insider said Jenner and Carter were not legally married as they never made their union official. (People)

BTS Announces They're Taking a Much-Need Break to Focus on "Rest" and "Relaxation." Sometimes you just need some R&R! For the mega-popular K-Pop group, BTS, it seems they're ready to take an "extended" break, and rightfully so! The South Korean boy band, which includes Jimin, V: The Series, Jin, Jungkook, Suga, J-Hope, and RM, has been non-stop since their debut in 2013. On Sunday, BTS' agency, Big Hit Entertainment, announced the band's news in a statement shared on Twitter. "Hello. This is Big Hit Entertainment. We would like to announce that for the first time since their debut, BTS will be going on an official and extended period of rest and relaxation," the statement read. "Today's LOTTE DUTY FREE FAMILY CONCERT performance will make the last scheduled event before members prepare to take their vacations." The statement continued, "This period of rest will be an opportunity for the members of BTS, who have relentlessly driven themselves towards their goal since their debut, to recharge and prepare to present themselves anew as musicians and creators. This will also provide them with a chance to enjoy the ordinary lives of young people in their 20s, albeit briefly." Additionally, the agency asked that fans respect the band's period of rest and relaxation. "Should you have a chance encounter with a member of BTS while they are on vacation, we ask that you show consideration for their need to rest and enjoy their private time off," the statement read. "BTS will return refreshed and recharged to return all the love you have an continue to show them. Thank you." In fact, fans of the K-Pop group were surprisingly thrilled to learn that their fave musicians were taking a much-needed break. "I'm so more than happy that yes finally bts are going to REST they needed this so badly, I'm happy from the bottom of my heart, may they live the way they want and have great memories, I love you bts rest well have a wonderful ME time," one fan commented underneath Big Hit Entertainment's Twitter post. Another shared, "i don't know about you but for me this is the best announcement ever, i really wholeheartedly hope that bts will truly enjoy their break and gain new energy for all the beautiful things that will happen in the future." Countless of others also expressed the same sentiments online, with many saying they would be waiting for their return. The news of BTS' break comes nearly four months after they dropped their Map of the Soul: Persona album, which featured epic collaborations with Halsey and Ed Sheeran. (Eonline)

A$AP Rocky's first live show since his arrest overseas proves he still has swagger, showmanship and bravado -- but he's also been humbled, and his fired-up fans gave Sweden an earful. Rocky performed Sunday at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA, where he was headlining the annual Real Street Festival -- which also featured Cardi B, Future, Migos, 2 Chainz, Big Sean and lots of other superstars. A$AP brought out some special guests himself -- A$AP Ferg, Tyler the Creator, and YG were just a few. In this footage from his set, A$AP shared some of his experiences in Sweden with the crowd and thanked them for continued support. You can tell the audience wasn't happy over his predicament ... they literally chanted "F*** Sweden" at one point in the show, and Rocky didn't try to stop them. He did clarify that he's got nothing against Swedish people, though -- sounds like some Swedes there were holding it down and demanding his release, just like folks here at home. Before he bowed out, Rocky asked the crowd to pray for him before a verdict is reached this coming Wednesday in his assault case -- which wrapped up about 10 days ago, giving Rocky a chance to finally fly home. He was ecstatic to be home, and has been keeping busy with some of his staunchest supporters in the days he's been back. He's got his fingers crossed for a big week, but A$AP's clearly nervous. He faces up to 6 months behind bars if the panel of judges find him guilty. (TMZ)

Janet Jackson left what may be her number 1 one fan SHOOK after he achieved viral fame with an epic reaction video to snagging tickets to her show. Yup, she took notice. Entrepreneur KB Strawder Jr. documented the sweet interaction from start to finish, which ended on a high note Sunday when his father got to meet the one and only Janet backstage after one of her Metamorphosis concerts this weekend at the Park MGM hotel and casino. It was the perfect time to catch her too -- Janet's residency ends on August 17, and she's only doing 3 more shows between now and then. In the clip, you see KB's dad talking to what looks like the media, and then Janet sneaks up behind him. As he shares some kind words about her and highlights his favorite parts of the show, Janet wraps her around him ... saying she's glad he enjoyed it. Safe to say ... this guy's soul might've jumped out of his body for a second based on his reaction here. They go in for a hug afterward, and talk for a bit longer too. The meet-n-greet comes a couple months after KB recorded his dad receiving the tickets as a Father's Day gift, which was quite a moment in and of itself. At the time, KB's Twitter video caught a bit of steam, and he later tagged Janet ... hoping to catch her attention. He wrote, "Thank you all so much for the love. My dad is excited that you all are excited for him. Follow me on Instagram @Real_KB and I'll make sure to post the entire trip on my IGTV Hopefully @JanetJackson will see this!" Welp, she heard him loud and clear ... and really seemed to make this dad's dream come true. Awesome story all around. (TMZ)

Paul Simon Surprises With Moving Bob Weir Duet During Hit-Laden Closing Set at Outside Lands. Paul Simon was nearly 20 songs deep into his Outside Lands set list on Sunday night (Aug. 11) when he announced that he had a surprise. In 1967, Simon recalled, he was in San Francisco and seeking out the Grateful Dead with the intent of inviting them to perform at the Monterrey Pop Festival. "I knocked on the door of the house, and Bob Weir opened the door," he said. "We've been friends ever since, but actually, this is our first duet." The Grateful Dead guitarist then sauntered out in a charcoal poncho and joined Simon for "The Boxer," which they sang and strummed together in the middle of a park that's just a short drive down the hill from their first meeting on that doorstep in Haight-Ashbury. A huge moment for San Francisco and popular music at large, the Simon/Weir duet was but one of several that made this an exceptional performance for Simon and a significant night for the festival, too. Simon no longer tours -- he wrapped his final tour in his native Queens, N.Y. back in September -- but he hopped on the Outside Lands bill, and offered to donate his profits from the festival to the San Francisco Parks Alliance and nonprofit greening organization Friends of the Urban Forest. The cheers for his charitable effort were just as enthusiastic as the ones that followed Simon's greatest hits, of which there were many. "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard," "That Was Your Mother (Zydeco)" and "Obvious Child" all were met with dancing, swaying and sing-alongs straight through. The Graceland one-two punch of "Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes" and "You Can Call Me Al" proceeded to move even the most bashful dancer to bounce along. The mood took a turn for the tear-jerking and sincere when Simon joined chamber ensemble yMusic for gorgeous arrangement of "Bridge Over Troubled Water," which they performed with little more than warm strings and Simon's voice as the sun dipped beneath the treeline."Still Crazy After All These Years," the Weir-featuring rendition of "The Boxer" and "American Tune" rounded out the set, and Simon held Weir's hand before the rest of the band joined them for a bow center stage. Just when the crowd started to thin out, Simon doubled back to his guitars and picked another acoustic one up. He started plucking out the opening notes of "The Sound of Silence," and Golden Gate Park grew still: those who had been moving towards the exits or calling out the names of friends quieted down and rooted their feet, and Simon sang, softly, as thousands of voices eerily joined in. At the end of a weekend where politics rarely came up and artists refrained from commenting on the disturbing events that have plagued recent headlines, "The Sound of Silence" felt starkly relevant. ("People talking without speaking / people hearing without listening" isn't a lyric, but a regular dynamic for many in this fractured age, and we could use more prophets writing on subway walls, too.) It was easy to forget the real world and its frightening churn up to that point, and Simon didn't break the spell. Instead, he offered a subtle, cathartic nod to the crowd -- a corrective, even -- with his final notes. Music festivals like Outside Lands offer a temporary escape. They end, but if you were listening closely, you can take what you need with you when you go. (Billboard)

Big Sean Hosting Events Aimed at Helping Detroit Youth. Big Sean's philanthropic foundation is hosting another weekend of events in Detroit aimed at helping youth in his hometown. The 2nd annual Detroit's On Now Weekend kicks off next Saturday (Aug. 17) with the unveiling of the Sean Anderson Production Studio in the Dauch Campus Boys and Girls Club. It's part of the rapper's effort to help Detroit children launch careers in the entertainment industry. Sean will host a discussion the following Sunday that focuses on mental health and the stigma around it in the black community. Scheduled guests include psychiatrist Jessica Clemons and sociologist and author Michael Eric Dyson. Other planned events include live performances, health screenings, apprenticeship opportunities and carnival rides, as well as free food, haircuts and braiding. The nonprofit Sean Anderson Foundation was organized in 2012. (Billboard)

Cardi B, French Montana, Yo Gotti, City Girls and Master P all sampled a beat in some of their most famous tracks but when it came time to pay the DJ who created it, they went radio silent ... so claims the DJ in a lawsuit. Kirk Edwards -- who goes by DJ JMK -- is suing the rappers claiming he produced a beat Master P famously rapped over in 2002. JMK says his track, "Choppa Style," has over 9 million streams on YouTube, and a small chunk of that track has been sampled in other notable tracks. According to docs, obtained by TMZ, Cardi B and City Girls sampled a portion of 'Choppa' last year for their mega hit, "Twerk." JMK also says Yo Gotti and French Montana did it on "Oh Yeah" in 2017. Specifically, JMK says he should have been paid for the samples, but never got his dough. JMK who said he made the instrumental in November 2000 and played it at clubs where he DJ'd says the rappers have all "misappropriated many of the recognizable and key protected elements" of his work. He's now suing for copyright infringement. We've reached out to Cardi, French, Gotti, City Girls and Master P ... so far no word back. (TMZ)

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