Taylor Swift took home the VMAs’ most coveted prize of the night at the Sunday (Sept. 27) awards, winning video of the year for The Life of a Showgirl single “The Fate of Ophelia,” and shouted out the “ultimate showgirl,” Dolly Parton, in her speech.

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Beating out Ariana Grande, Madonna, Bruno Mars, GENER8ION and Sabrina Carpenter, Swift accepted the Moon Person from host Snoop Dogg and began her remarks by thanking her fans for voting. “I’m so proud of it,” she said of the self-directed visual, which dropped in October 2025. “I wanted it to seem like one continuous shot, so I learned a lot about hiding cuts in places.”

The 14-time Grammy winner continued on to shout out her collaborators on the project, namely cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto, whom Swift said “gave [her] the confidence” to start directing her own music videos.

“Lastly and most importantly, I want to thank and dedicate this award to one person without whom this wouldn’t be happening,” she said. “That person is the ultimate showgirl, Dolly Parton. Every single song that she wrote … her storytelling was so vivid and rich, listening to her songs, it was like watching the best music video you’ve ever seen in your life, every single time.”

Parton died at 80 years old the end of August following a cancer battle, sending shockwaves across culture. At the time, Swift released a statement praising “the melodies and lyrics [Dolly] wrote that thawed even the coldest hearts,” and at this year’s VMAs, the Eras headliner also acknowledged how the Queen of Country poured so much love and gratitude into her fans.

“I am lucky I got to be one of them, and I will always be one of them,” Swift added. “I love you all so very much, and I think that we were all very lucky to share this planet with Dolly Parton for a time. Thank you for this amazing moment. I love you all.”

Swift’s big win came after an already eventful night for the pop star, who also accepted the first-ever artist director award and premiered her new “Patient Zero” music video during the award show. She went into the night as the second-most nominated artist of 2026 with 11 nods, behind only Madonna, who had 13.

Plus, the singer’s victory extends her record for most video of the year wins in VMAs history. She previously won the category for “Bad Blood” (2015), “You Need to Calm Down” (2019), “All Too Well: The Short Film” (2022), “Anti-Hero” (2023) and “Fortnight” (2024). The video for “The Fate of Ophelia” — which spent 10 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, the singer’s longest running No. 1 hit on the chart — becomes her sixth to win.

Elsewhere in the program, Kacey Musgraves delivered an emotional tribute to Parton, harmonizing with an old video of the late icon singing “I Will Always Love You.” Madonna opened the show with a medley of Confessions II songs — joined by Sabrina Carpenter, Charli xcx and more celebrity guests — while RAYE, Sienna Spiro, LISA and others performed throughout the night as well.

Taylor Swift put a plot twist straight out of a thriller into her “Patient Zero” video, which is now available to watch on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music (but not YouTube).

Swift’s “Patient Zero” starts and ends at a grave, and she brings a bit of Hollywood to its music video with Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell starring alongside her. Swift directed the visual and premiered it while receiving an award for directing music videos at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday (Sept. 27).

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Swift and Johnson twin with their looks in “Patient Zero,” wearing the same clothes and hairstyles, swimming with the same strokes and finding themselves in peril with the same man. In one scene, Swift and Johnson are reflections of one another in a mirror.

“Patient Zero” shows a relationship portrayed by Johnson and Farrell both playing out and falling out.

A dramatic scene depicts Johnson blacking out after a single drink and the aftermath in the car ride home — which has her apologizing as Farrell gaslights her.

“How many drinks have you had tonight?” he says. “It’s like you love humiliating me in front of everyone.”

As it turns out, she has reason to feel confused by what’s happening to her and by her partner’s reaction. Swift looms throughout the video in an attempt to warn of what’s to come.

“The Patient Zero video is finally out in the world!” Swift wrote on social media following the premiere. “Getting to work with @chivexp was something out of a dream sequence, and I learned so much from getting to watch his genius in action. I want to thank @dakotajohnson and Colin for trusting me with their time, taste, and talent (Giggling with your friend because you’re twinning for an entire shoot was a new and truly delightful experience). And Colin’s turn as a villain is even more impressive when you get to be around him. He’s an absolute light and as kind as they come. @caradelevingne, thank you for agreeing to play the lusty other woman. That’s what friends are for?”

She continued, “With the Patient Zero video, I got to explore the cinematic and literary genres I love so much. I wanted to incorporate elements of gothic ghost stories, true crime, psychological thrillers all in a setting I hadn’t really shot in much. The house was a metaphor for the coldness of a relationship that’s faded and atrophied. Thank you to @ethantobman for your insightful production design, and bringing that feeling to life. My editor @chancler has outdone himself. And lastly, thank you to the @vmas for giving us a World Premiere at the place where celebrating music videos became a thing. And so much love for you guys, always.”

“Patient Zero” is one of four new songs Swift unveiled this week in an unexpected release connected to her The Life of a Showgirl album. Besides “Patient Zero,” The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore features the bonus track “Cleveland!” as well as “Pink Clouding” and “Babylon.”

Swift was the recipient of the inaugural Artist Director Honors at the VMAs.

The accolade was created to recognize “groundbreaking music artists whose work behind the camera has expanded the possibilities of music video and advanced the art of visual storytelling,” and it “celebrates a sustained and influential body of work from artists who have pushed creative boundaries and developed a clear directorial voice,” according to the announcement of the honor.

She went into the awards Sunday night holding 30 Moon Persons, and walked out with two more: the Artist Director Honors and the video of the year award for “The Fate of Ophelia.”

The “Patient Zero” music video is currently available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music. It can also be seen in replays of the 2026 VMAs via MTV, CBS and Paramount+.


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RAYE went vintage with her stunning performance at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday (Sept. 27).

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The British singer-songwriter followed Madonna as the show’s second performer, and hit the stage dipped in white fur and surrounded by violins as she set things off with a brief performance of her song “I Will Overcome.”

She then revealed a red dress and got into a booming rendition of her hit single “Where Is My Husband!” backed by a live band. Her impressive performance included a nod to “Funky Town” and a brief interlude message from her grandmother telling her grandchild to have some patience.

“I know you’ve been promoting this song for a long time,” her nana said in the recording. “But be patient, my granddaughter, your husband is coming.”

One thing her grandmother doesn’t have to worry about is RAYE dating a rapper. Earlier this summer in June, during Billboard’s Indie Live event, the singer gave the crowd a bit of advice as she talked about plans concerning her third album. “I’m excited for that time, but that’s not yet,” she said. “I’m just not going to write a third album about, ‘This guy sucks.’ I’m done with that era. We’re going to look forward to a nice, positive chapter.”

She added, “Just do not date rappers. That’s what I’ll say to that. What a delusional person I was.”

“Where Is My Husband!” is RAYE’s highest charting single to date, making its debut on the Billboard Hot 100 on Oct. 11, 2025, at No. 90, climbing all the way to No. 11, where it peaked on April 11, 2026, and stayed on the chart for 30 weeks before falling off. Her sophomore album, This Music May Contain Hope, arrived in March and reached No. 11 on the Billboard 200.

Later in the show, she assisted in a tribute to George Michael’s greatest hits alongside sombr, Adam Lambert and Teddy Swims.

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On Saturday (Sept. 26), Saturday Night Live returns with the premiere episode of season 52. The sketch comedy show taps New York Knicks superstar and NBA Finals MVP, Jalen Brunson to host, while pop girl group KATSEYE serves as musical guest.

Brunson and KATSEYE are both making their SNL debuts. However, only four of the six members of KATSEYE — Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel and Yoonchae Jeung — are expected to perform during the show.

How to Watch ‘Saturday Night Live’ Live Online, at a Glance:

When Does ‘Saturday Night Live’ Start?

SNL premieres on Saturday (Sept. 26), with a start time of 11:30 p.m. ET/PT.

What TV Network Features ‘Saturday Night Live’?

In 2026, SNL broadcasts on TV on NBC. Meanwhile, the variety sketch show is available to livestream on Peacock.

Who’s Appearing on ‘Saturday Night Live’ Tonight?

SNL is known for celebrity cameos during the show, so it’s likely there may be a number of famous actors, actresses and recording artists in attendance. Since Jalen Brunson is hosting, it’s expected that other players from the New York Knicks would also appear, like Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Jose Alvarado and more.

Other artists who have been known to appear at SNL in the past, include Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller, Alec Baldwin, Mariska Hargitay, Meryl Streep, Harry Styles and others.

Where to Watch ‘Saturday Night Live’ Online for Free

For cord-cutters, there are a few ways to watch SNL online, if you don’t have cable, especially if you want to watch for free. DirecTV has a five-day free trial, while other streaming services, like Fubo and Hulu + Live TV, also offer free trials, so you can watch for free.

How to Watch 'Saturday Night Live' Live Online, Season 52 (2026-2027)

EDITOR’S PICK

DirecTV

Comes with a five-day free trial.


A subscription to DirecTV gets you access to live TV, local and cable channels, including NBC, at $59.99 per month for the first three months of service ($89.99 per month afterward). The service even offers a five-day free trial to watch for free, if you sign up now.

How to Watch 'Saturday Night Live' Live Online, Season 52 (2026-2027)

600+ FREE CHANNELS

Sling TV

Sling Orange & Blue comes with 40+ broadcast and cable channels.


Sling TV offers the Blue plan, which comes with NBC. With more than 40 channels, the streaming plan goes for $54.99 per month. All plans come with a free cloud DVR and an extra 600 or so free channels too. Please note: Pricing and channel availability vary from market-to-market.

How to Watch 'Saturday Night Live' Live Online, Season 52 (2026-2027)

UNLIMITED DVR

FuboTV

Fubo is an affordable option offering a five-day free trial for new users who sign up.


Fubo starts at $63.99 for the first month ($88.99 per month afterward) with more than 230 channels, including local and cable, like NBC, that are streamable on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets and on web browsers. And with a five-day free trial, you can watch for free, if you act fast and sign up now.

How to Watch 'Saturday Night Live' Live Online, Season 52 (2026-2027)

NO HIDDEN FEES

Hulu + Live TV

Comes with Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited.


Broadcast and cable networks NBC is available to watch with Hulu + Live TV. Prices for the cable alternative start at $89.99 per month for more than 100 live channels, while each plan comes with Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited at no additional cost. Hulu + Live TV might be best for those who want all of these streaming services together in one package.

Peacock

THE LIVESTREAM HOME OF ‘SNL’

Peacock

Starts at $12.99 per month.


There are two different plans offered on Peacock: The Premium Plan for $12.99 per month or the Premium Plus Plan for $19.99 per month. If you’re looking to save, you can get 17% off when you do the annual plan for $129.99 per year or $199.99 per year, respectively. With the Premium Plan, it’s ad-supported and you’ll receive access to a wide range of movies, TV shows, originals, live sports from NBC Sports and live news from NBC News.

Peacock’s Premium Plus plan comes with everything in the Premium plan, no ads, your local NBC channel live and the ability to download and stream offline.

On Saturday (Sept. 26), SNL with host Jalen Brunson and musical guest KATSEYE broadcasts live on NBC. One of the best ways to watch is with DirecTV.

When you’ve been writing about why you should be listening to Olivia Rodrigo for more than five-and-a-half years and by three full-length, no-skip albums later, you’ve somehow just seen her live in person for the first time, it takes a moment to piece together what you want to say.

“I can’t believe we’re here,” Rodrigo voiced a few songs into opening night of her Unraveled Tour Friday (Sept. 25).

There were indisputable setlist highs and stunning visuals during the arena tour’s launch in Hartford, Connecticut. There were pink and white flowers everywhere, and somewhere there was a never-ending supply of more pink and white flowers in reach of stagehands replacing any that got shuffled away. Those flowers must be line item No. 1 on Olivia’s concert rider.

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And from those pink and white flowers, and the chirping of birds and crickets, emerged the star of the show on date one of two at Hartford’s PeoplesBank Arena — like, she got up from a field of wildflowers on the stage floor, where she set the show in motion with a whimsical “Drop Dead.” She bloomed in front of a sold-out arena in the middle of sleepy Connecticut on a Friday night, a room with an audience that leaned female but had enough men there to cover the goofy deep vocal part on “Expectations” and probably shed a tear or two to “Drivers License” like you will, too.

There were families of all kinds, with the kind of parent sitting behind you that teaches their children to pay attention to the opening act — a good decision to make here, where Wolf Alice did a fine job warming up the crowd. (Some of Liv’s favorites: “You’re a Germ” and “Bros. ” “If you haven’t listened to them, you should do a deep dive,” Rodrigo said during her set, after playing “Happy Birthday” to her mom on piano.)

The Unraveled Tour is a concert for all ages to enjoy — OK, yeah, there’s a “f—” or two — and because of Rodrigo’s influences, along with a stellar touring band, it’s got rock show vibes. There are beautiful, gut-wrenching piano-pop moments, like the inescapable “Drivers License,” but most of the you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love singer-songwriter’s slower-tempo tracks lean into rock ballad territory live on the Unraveled stage. And then there are anthems like “Expectations” and “All-American Bitch,” can’t-miss bits on a setlist that honestly has no misses.

With three albums’ worth of material to pull from, Rodrigo curated a 2026 setlist that hit all the marks.

As did she, on the first night of this big, sold-out tour, which by all accounts felt joyous and like it went off without a hitch. Besides her commitment to the floral motif, there was rain, snow and confetti falling from above, and a big screen to take in the details; Rodrigo really knows how to work the camera to make her performance and emotions feel up-close, even if you’re quite far from the stage.

Olivia Rodrigo performs during The Unraveled Tour with the first of two sold-out shows at PeoplesBank Arena on Sept. 25, 2026, in Hartford, Connecticut.

Olivia Rodrigo perfroms during “The Unraveled Tour” with the first of 2 sold-out shows at People’s Bank Arena on September 25, 2026, in Hartford, Connecticut.

Christopher Polk/Billboard

With all of GUTS and SOUR to choose from, and just a two-hour show time, some songs had to be left out. From Rodrigo’s latest album, “What’s Wrong With Me” was sadly missing from the set, but it’s a fair omission since Robert Smith’s not on tour with her. Scroll through the 23 songs that did make up the complete Unraveled Tour setlist here — it’s full of hits and fan favorites.

Rodrigo roamed around a big, curved main stage in Hartford that made for great views from all angles for most of the night, but took the small, in-the-round B-stage for what would be the top performance (“The Cure,” rain-soaked and cathartic). She unexpectedly showed up on an even smaller stage for a lovely “Stupid Song,” a performance where she was surrounded by fans like a chorus. Three stage choices allowed general-admission ticketholders a fair shot at getting close to Rodrigo.

See five of the best moments from the opening night of her Unraveled Tour in Hartford below. Honorable mention to look out for at your concert date: the stunning transformation of “Cigarette Smoke” from slow-burning album closer to angsty mid-show rock therapy.


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Chuck Varga, a founding member of the costumed heavy metal band GWAR, has died following a battle with cancer. He was 68.

Varga’s death was announced Friday (Sept. 25) in a social media post by GWAR bassist Casey Orr, who performs as Beefcake the Mighty.

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“He was one of a kind. As an artist, as a performer; as a scholar and a gentleman,” Orr wrote on Facebook, noting that Varga died peacefully alongside his wife, Bambi. “I’m better for having known him and the world is lesser for his leaving.”

Varga was best known for creating and portraying GWAR’s Sexecutioner character, beginning in 1985. He left the band in 1997 but continued to make occasional appearances with the group before retiring from performing in 2021, according to the band’s website.

In his tribute, Orr wrote that Varga is “most likely being welcomed into Valhalla right now” by the late GWAR members Dave Brockie, the band’s longtime frontman who performed as Oderus Urungus, and Cory Smoot, the guitarist who performed as Flattus Maximus.

“Raise your glass and tell his tales. Legends never die. Hail Varga! Hail Sexicutioner!” Orr concluded.

In June, GWAR launched a fundraiser to help Varga’s family cover the mounting costs of his medical care, including cancer treatments, hospice care, specialized medical equipment and additional nursing support.

Donors who contributed to the fundraiser received access to exclusive merchandise created for the campaign, including a new T-shirt designed by Varga.

Born in 1958, Varga studied at Virginia Commonwealth University before co-founding Slave Pit Studios in Richmond, Virginia, where he helped develop the art-driven project that became GWAR. A multidisciplinary artist, Varga created and portrayed Sexecutioner while also contributing costumes, sets, props and comic art to the band’s elaborate world. He left GWAR in 1997 but continued to make occasional appearances before retiring from performing in 2021.

“Chuck Varga’s contributions to the GWAR and Slave Pit collective are enormous,” Bob Gorman (aka Bonesnapper) wrote in a statement posted on the donation page. “The influence of his illustrations, character designs, performances, and artistic vision can still be felt throughout GWAR today.”


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Ella Langley had a sharp response after a fan asked her out on a date in public.

The 27-year-old country star — whose “Choosin’ Texas” recently made history on the Billboard Hot 100 — didn’t mince words when responding to TikTok user Tiki after he attempted to court her outside her Knoxville, Tennessee, show on Thursday (Sept. 24).

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In a video that has since gone viral, Tiki can be heard shouting through a gate, “Ella, how many likes to take you on a date?” Langley, who was standing in a parking lot surrounded by a group of people, looks toward him with a straight face before replying, “Not enough in the world,” then turning away.

The sports-centric digital creator took the rejection in stride, crossing his arms and looking into the camera before replying, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

The exchange sparked a range of reactions in the comments, with some viewers criticizing Langley’s response. “This rubbed me the wrong way. And I like her,” one person wrote, while another questioned, “Literally what is her problem?” A third commenter took issue with the way Langley delivered the rejection, writing, “She could have laughed and said no in a whole different way.”

The singer-songwriter — who is reportedly dating fellow country singer Tucker Wetmore — later offered some context in the comments, writing, “It was meant to come off as dark humor. You said that and it got quiet and I got nervous,” according to TMZ. The comment now appears to have been deleted.

Earlier in the week, Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” smash notched a 23rd week atop the Billboard Hot 100, breaking the record for the most weeks at No. 1 on the U.S. chart.

The song debuted in the top 40 of the Hot 100 at No. 39 in November and surged to spend 23 non-consecutive weeks at No. 1, dethroning Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas” as the record-holder.

She celebrated with a heartfelt video posted to Instagram, thanking her fans.

“I’m genuinely trying to find the words to help explain what’s going on in my brain today,” Langley began. “Thank you so much for loving this song, for listening to it… I’m running out of hyperboles to describe how I feel.” She added, “Just thank you so much, it’s changing my life, it’s changing the lives of the writers of this song. It’s changing the lives of my family and it is truly growing an atmosphere for something I’m gonna be able to do the rest of my life.”


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K-pop supergroup Stray Kids recreated an ephemeral city built on music and energetic choreography called STRAYCITY on Friday (Sept. 25). The event took place at the GNP Seguros Stadium in Mexico City, where they wrap up this weekend the Latin American leg of their tour. The result was a grand celebration attended by approximately 60,000 fans (according to Ocesa), symbolizing the bonds of friendship between South Korea and Mexico.

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The return of the group — made up of Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin and I.N. — to the iconic stadium came 17 months after their debut in the Latin American country at the same venue. And they didn’t come alone: STRAYCITY, a concert designed in a festival style, also featured performances by the South Korean-Japanese band Nexz, as well as Mexican acts Renee and Andrés Obregón, who opened the show.

“We’re back in Mexico after a year. Did you miss us? ¡No manchen!” said Bang Chan, mixing Korean with Mexican slang, with the help of an interpreter.

“This is the venue we visited on the last tour, and over there it says ‘living is incredible,’” added Hyunjin, pointing to a slogan displayed on one of the stadium’s structures. “I even took a picture of it.”

Thousands of Nachimbongs — Stray Kids’ official light sticks — illuminated the stands, creating a warm vibe. Fans who didn’t have one of those improvised by using their phone lights to join in. The STAYs — as Stray Kids’ fans are known — performed some of the choreographies along with the group, as the stadium roared to the rhythm of hits like “TOPLINE,” “S-Class,” “Bounce Back,” “MANIAC,” “DOMINO,” “Thunderous” and “DIVINE.” Each track was synchronized with the moves of the dancers accompanying the idols.

The setlist also included “Walkin on Water,” “God’s Menu,” “Chk Chk Boom” and a rock version of “LALALALA.” On the stage, three massive towers that emitted flames lit up in perfect coordination with the fans’ Nachimbongs, creating an immersive atmosphere that elevated every moment of the show.

Among the STAYs in attendance was a very special guest: South Korean president Lee Jae-myung, accompanied by first lady Kim Hye-kyung, who held her Nachimbong high and cheered with the fandom. The South Korean head of state concluded a successful official visit to Mexico this week with a stop that was pure K-pop, featuring one of his country’s most representative musical groups.

“Live footage from Stray Kids’ Mexico City performance commemorating the Korea-Mexico summit,” the South Korean president wrote on X on Friday, sharing a video of the performance. “You can truly feel the great power of K-pop, which showcases Korea, the nation of strong culture, to the world.”

President Lee and the first lady were joined by Claudia Curiel de Icaza, Mexico’s secretary of Culture, who attended with 10 children from vulnerable communities. These kids were gifted tickets to the show, as announced a day earlier by Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum.

“Looking at this atmosphere, it seems like no one wants to go home tonight,” Bang Chan told the crowd. “Do you guys not want to leave either? Let’s see how much longer we can go.” He then paused to give some recommendations on how fans should take care of each other and help anyone in need.

With 90 minutes of electrifying performances and a live showcase of their biggest hits, STRAYCITY became the largest concert Stray Kids has ever held in Mexico to date, according to organizers. Stray Kids will return to the GNP Seguros Stadium on Saturday (Sept. 26) for the second night of STRAYCITY, officially concluding their Latin American tour after stops in Colombia, Argentina and Brazil.


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Patti LaBelle, Common, Public Enemy and label executives Nicole Wyskoarko and Tina Davis were among the esteemed honorees feted at the Black Music Action Coalition’s sixth annual BMAC Gala. Rooted in themes of pride, perseverance and purpose, the fundraiser was presented by Live Nation and hosted by radio personality/entrepreneur Kenny Burns.

Joining BMAC co-founder and president/CEO Willie “Prophet” Stiggers in welcoming guests inside the Beverly Hilton ballroom in Beverly Hills were board members Ashaunna K. Ayars, Caron Veazey, Damien Smith, Naima Cochrane, Shawn Holiday and Shay M. Lawson.

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“Tonight is bigger than a gala, we’re gathering at a moment when too much is at stake for us to simply celebrate and go home,” said Stiggers in his opening remarks. “Black music has always been more than music. It has been how we told our story when others tried to write it for us, how we held onto our humanity when this country tried to deny it. We have turned pain into purpose, struggle into sounds and survival into something the entire world would eventually call culture.”    

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, CEO & President, BMAC attends the 2026 Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) Gala at The Beverly Hilton on September 24, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 24: Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, CEO & President, BMAC attends the 2026 Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) Gala at The Beverly Hilton on September 24, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

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The jam-packed evening featured the following award presentations:

The BMAC Sylvia Rhone Visionary Award to Interscope Geffen A&M president/head of urban A&R Nicole Wyskoarko, presented by pioneering music industry executive Rhone

BMAC Harry Belafonte Change Agent Award to Common, presented by his mother, Dr. Mahlia Hines

BMAC Icon Award to Patti LaBelle, presented by director Lee Daniels

BMAC Founders Award to Kevin Shivers, Lee Anderson, Mallory Smith and Marty Diamond of THE·TEAM, presented by Jamea Kollie, participant in the BMAC Music Accelerator Program at Tennessee State University

BMAC Social Impact Award to Public Enemy, presented by rapper Big Daddy Kane

BMAC Clarence Avant Trailblazer Award to EMPIRE president Tina Davis, presented by singer Montell Jordan

BMAC 365 Award to Arielle Vavasseur, Dylan Siegler, Kristin Jones, Markie Ruzzo, Sharlotte Ritchie and Susan Mazo of Universal Music Group’s Global Impact Team presented by Stiggers and FLO.

Dr. Mahlia Hines and Common.

Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for BMAC

Upon receiving his award, Common reflected on the guidance he’d received from Belafonte over the years. “He showed me that having a rebellious heart to speak up, to stand up … and putting yourself in harm’s way to stand up for millions before you is God at work.”

Chuck D and Flavor Flav were greeted with a standing ovation while accepting Public Enemy’s award. Before the duo led the audience in a “Fight the Power” chant, Chuck D declared, “Action means do something, coalition means we’re all together. There’s no ‘I’ or ‘little you,’ We turn ‘me’ into ‘we,’ and that’s what it’s all about.”

In addition to her BMAC honor, the legendary LaBelle was treated to two surprises. The first was from the RIAA and BMAC: a plaque saluting her legendary career. The second was a musical tribute featuring several of her classic hits — including “The Best Is Yet to Come,” “You Are My Friend” and “Love, Need and Want You” — performed by Chanté Moore and Le’AndriaJohnson. Also performing for the audience were Big Daddy Kane and MAJOR.

Gala proceeds will benefit BMAC’s various initiatives, programs and grants. Those encompass the BMAC x America250 initiative, Music Maker grants, Music Accelerator programs, BMAC Live and BMAC Live R&B Tour Edition in collaboration with Live Nation and the BMAC Restore & Rebuild LA Program.

The evening before the gala on Wednesday (Sept. 23), BMAC and WME hosted the BMAC x America250 Voice of Tomorrow celebration honoring the next generation of Black artists.  In addition to a panel discussion, the event featured musical performances from BMAC Voices of Tomorrow artists DJ Stussy, The Reasn and RAHBI, along with Anzie Blue recording artist Pynk Beard.

Dolly Parton knew she had one more song to sing — and, according to Bono, she gave it her all.

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Two months before her death at 80, Parton stepped into the studio to record what would become her final vocal performance: “Torn,” a country-tinged duet with Bono that will close U2’s upcoming album Carnaval De Luz.

Bono spoke to Rolling Stone about the upcoming release, and vulnerably admitted that hearing the recording is almost too difficult.

“When she got ill, she got out of her bed to sing this song,” Bono said. “And you can hear that. And I can’t even listen to it now.”

Parton recorded her vocals for “Torn” in June, and she wasn’t simply lending her voice to a song that had already been finished. She helped shape it.

Bono had originally approached Parton about collaborating on another project, but she ultimately brought him a song of her own called “Torn.” Bono and Snow Patrol‘s Johnny McDaid then reworked the lyrics around a mother watching her family break apart, creating the version that would become Parton’s collaboration with U2.

Thankfully, Parton got to hear the finished result before her passing.

According to Rolling Stone, the singer approved the final mix before her death. Producer Garet “Jacknife” Lee recalled that Parton was proud of her vocal and “thrilled with it.” That makes “Torn” more than just a posthumous collaboration. It is a recording Parton herself signed off on — and one that now carries the weight of being the final vocal performance of a seven-decade career.

U2 announced Thursday (Sept. 24) that “Torn” will be the closing track on Carnaval De Luz, the band’s first studio album of new material in nine years. The 12-track set is due Nov. 13 via Island Records.

The album itself marks a significant time for U2 and their careers. Carnaval De Luz arrives during the band’s 50th anniversary year and follows two surprise six-track EPs, Days of Ash and Easter Lily, released earlier in 2026. According to U2, the three projects were recorded during the same creative period and are connected by a broader thematic arc.

“Torn,” though, now sits apart from the rest of the album because of what it represents. Bono shared that it serves as somewhat of a reminder of how intimate music-making can become when the person on the other side of the microphone is no longer here.

“It’s very moving to have had these intimacies with such a figure,” he told Rolling Stone. “The fact that they’re not there now, in any way you can call back, other than through her songs, is very sobering.”

Parton died on Aug. 25 at 80 from a brief battle with cancer.