Katy Perry is just three days away from living her hit single, “E.T.,” in real life, and the star took to Instagram to tease her upcoming space flight.

The “Lifetimes” singer will be on board Jeff Bezos’ space exploration company Blue Origin’s first all-women flight crew, which will be led by Lauren Sánchez — who is engaged to Bezos and is vice chair of the billionaire’s Earth Fund. The NS-31 expedition will mark Blue Origin’s 11th human space flight, and will also include passengers CBS Mornings‘ Gayle King, NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, bioastronautics research scientist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Amanda Nguyen and entrepreneur/film producer Kerianne Flynn.

In the brief animated video graphic shared to Perry’s Instagram, the expedition’s logo comes into frame, against a starry sky. The clip details that the NS-31 mission will launch on Monday (April 14) at 7 a.m. CT. “T-minus 3 days to launch for NS-31 @blueorigin,” Perry wrote in the caption, linking to the page where those at home can watch the take-off live.

See her post here.

At the time of the expeditions announcement, Perry wrote on Instagram, “If you had told me that I would be part of the first ever all-female crew in space, I would have believed you … Nothing was beyond my imagination as a child.”

“Although we didn’t grow up with much, I never stopped looking at the world with hopeful WONDER!” continued the former American Idol judge, who shares daughter Daisy with Orlando Bloom. “I work hard to live my life that way still, and I am motivated more than ever to be an example for my daughter that women should take up space (pun intended). That’s why this opportunity is so incredible — so that I can show all of the youngest & most vulnerable among us to reach for the stars, literally and figuratively.”

After her time in outer space, Perry is kicking off her Lifetimes Tour, in support of her new album 143, in Mexico City on April 23.

NIKI has given Chappell Roan a musical makeover, covering “Casual” for her recent appearance on Like a Version, the long-running segment from Australian radio station triple j.

Airing on Friday, April 10 (Australian time), the performance was recorded in mid-March during the Australian leg of the Indonesian-born singer’s Buzz World Tour. As is tradition, the two-song set launched with an original, which saw NIKI deliver a raucous rendition of her “ female rage” song “Colossal Loss,” which has become wildly popular with her fans despite not being released as a single.

For the cover portion of the set, NIKI turned her attention to Roan’s “Casual,” which had been initially released in late 2022 as a single, before appearing on her debut album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess the following year. As a result of the Grammy-nominated album’s global success in 2024, “Casual” peaked at No. 59 on the Hot 100 in August.

Stripping away the nostalgic synths in favor of a Gibson 12-string and slide guitar, NIKI’s reinvention of the track almost feels like something of a link between Roan’s original and the country-pop of her March single “The Giver.”

“It’s definitely a song that I wish I wrote,” NIKI explained in a post-performance interview. “I love the entire record, obviously, but ‘Casual’ was the one that really stayed with me on a personal level. It’s almost like I feel like I’ve known those melodies all my life, so it just felt very familiar and the production is just so moody.”

“For my version of casual, we decided to speed it up and make it more of like an early 2000s vibe, because we’ve been covering a lot of early 2000s bangers on tour,” she continued. “Just to kind of tie it into that universe of my Buzz tour, we sort of like Buzz-ified it, I guess.”

Having first launched in 2004, the Like a Version series has gone from being a near-impromptu acoustic affair to featuring larger studio productions. Numerous artists have taken part over the past two decades, with the likes of Billie Eilish, Childish Gambino, Arctic Monkeys, and more reinventing classic tracks in the process.

Just one week after bandmate Michael Clifford announced a solo career, 5 Seconds of Summer bassist Calum Hood has followed in kind, sharing his debut solo single ahead of a full-length record.

Hood’s solo venture has officially launched with the release of “Don’t Forget You Love Me,” which is described as the emotional cornerstone of its accompanying album, ORDER chaos ORDER

Written and produced alongside English production team TMS and Jack LaFrantz, “Don’t Forget You Love Me” is a darker pop cut, boasting a sense of vulnerability and heartbreak that appears to underline the more melancholic approach that Hood has taken on the forthcoming album. The single also comes accompanied by a Andy DeLuca-directed and Sarah Eiseman-produced visual which places a pensieve Hood in myriad locations as rain begins to pour down.

ORDER chaos ORDER is scheduled to release via Capitol Records on June 13, with Hood explaining that the album sees him breaking new ground on his musical journey, yet maintaining a sense of sincerity as he approaches a far more raw and tender aesthetic.

“This album was made in a tumble dryer of knowing and not knowing,” Hood explains. “I started out with a vision—order—but quickly became overwhelmed by the process—chaos. Eventually, I learned to embrace both, and that balance became the heart of the record.”

“There are things I’ve never been able to sing about in the band—my upbringing, my family, the places life has taken me,” he adds. “This album is about laying those things to rest and allowing listeners to connect in their own way.”

5 Seconds of Summer first formed in Sydney, Australia in 2011 and released their self-titled debut album in 2014. All five of the band’s albums have peaked atop the Australia ARIA charts, while only 2020’s Calm and 2022’s 5SOS5 prevented the same feat on the Billboard 200, with the records reaching a very respectable peak of No. 2.

Members of the six-time ARIA Award-winning group began launching solo careers following the release of Calm, with drummer Ashton Irwin releasing his Superbloom album in 2020, with second album Blood on the Drums arriving in July 2024. 

Vocalist and rhythm guitarist Luke Hemmings would follow suit in 2021 with his debut album When Facing the Things We Turn Away From, following it up with the Boy EP in April 2024. Just last week, guitarist Clifford shared his own solo debut, with “COOL” set to appear on his forthcoming album, SIDEQUEST.

HYBE is continuing to work to protect its artists.

Korea’s Northern Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency (NGPPA) worked with the global entertainment company to arrest eight individuals who are suspected of creating and distributing deepfake videos of HYBE Music Group artists, Billboard can confirm. Deepfakes are false images, videos or audio that have been edited or generated using artificial intelligence.

Related

The investigation was launched as a result of a Memorandums of Understanding between HYBE and NGPPA, signed in February 2024, as a means to combat cybercrimes for their artists and maintain their safety. HYBE provided information to NGPPA, who were able to track down and identify the suspects. Additionally, fans helped the investigation by sending reports via the HYBE Artist Rights Violation Report Center tip line.

“HYBE will respond firmly to crimes that infringe on our artists’ portrait rights and reputations, based on a zero-tolerance and no-settlement policy,” Jason Jaesang Lee, CEO of HYBE, said in a press statement, adding, “We will continue to monitor and take legal action to eradicate such serious crimes.”

Ho-seung Kim, district chief of NGPPA, also assured that deepfake suspects will continue to be tracked down. “Deepfake crimes that exploit the vulnerabilities of celebrities—who often find it difficult to report such offenses themselves — are on the rise,” he said in his statement. “Deepfake is a serious type of crime that can destroy the daily lives of victims, and crimes targeting public figures are no exception.”

At press time, HYBE has not released names of suspects or which of its artists were affected.

Five-time Billboard Country Airplay chart-topping artist Jon Pardi releases his new studio album, Honkytonk Hollywood, on Friday (April 11), as he gears up to launch his headlining Honkytonk Hollywood Tour in the United States later this month. But in March, the “Friday Night Heartbreaker” singer took his high-octane, neo-traditional country sound Down Under, giving Australian fans shows that previewed some of the songs on the new project.

The “Head Over Boots” hitmaker took his rowdy swagger and down-home grit to headlining shows at Melbourne’s Margaret Court Arena (on March 19) and Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion (March 20), before playing a set during the Australian country music festival CMC Rocks on March 22. Newcomers Larry Fleet and Zach Top joined Pardi for his shows in Sydney and Melbourne.

Pardi’s shows are known for blending pulsating rock energy with plenty of fiddle and twang, while alternating hits like “She Ain’t In It” and “Dirt on My Boots” with Pardi’s accessible, good-time vibe, as he cracks jokes and offers up stories from his life. His new album, produced by Jay Joyce (Eric Church, Little Big Town), further fuses the feel of his live shows and albums, as Pardi welcomed his band to join him in the studio to lay down the tracks, adding an extra shot of tightly-woven musicianship that comes through piling up years of road-tested camaraderie.

Below, find a photo gallery that highlights Pardi’s vibrant, packed-audience live shows, as well as behind-the-scenes pics of Pardi with show openers Top and Fleet backstage.

In new promos for this weekend’s Saturday Night Live, Lizzo pays homage to another pop star with a rich history on the SNL stage: Britney Spears.

Saturday’s musical guest Lizzo wears a Britney T-shirt in the promos, throwing back to the pop princess’ teen-idol days. This weekend will mark Lizzo’s fourth time performing on SNL (she also hosted the show once in 2022), while Spears did double-duty as host and musical guest twice (in 2000 and 2002) and performed on the show in 2003. (Spears has also been impersonated on the show more than a dozen times, most recently by current cast member Chloe Fineman.)

Related

Lizzo stars in the new promos with host Jon Hamm (hosting for a fourth time this weekend) as well as cast members Bowen Yang and Marcello Hernandez. The quartet finds out just how much they have in common when they decide to say their favorite food in unison (“mozzarella sticks”) but things get really “weird-mazing” when they recite their shared favorite movie. “Angels in the Outfield, the heartwarming 1994 sports comedy starring Donald Glover and a young Joseph Gorden-Levitt!” they all say enthusiastically at once.

We also learn Hamm’s surprising real name and find out that this isn’t the first time this four-pack has spent time together. Watch the promos here:

Lizzo is going on the show to promote her upcoming fifth studio album Love in Real Life, which doesn’t yet have a release date and has been preceded by the title track and “Still Bad.” Last month, she announced on Instagram that the album is officially complete.

“ALBUM IS DONE YALL!” she wrote, alongside a photo of herself in the studio, struggling to smile, which she explained in the second half of the caption: “ASTROLOGY EXPERTS Do my mercury got micro braids? Cus I got an emergency root canal, announced SNL & finished my album all in one day today.”

SNL airs Saturday night at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT on NBC and then streams on Peacock.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Katy Perry fans are counting down to the superstar’s Lifetimes Tour this summer (and her trip to space?) Whether you’re a “Katy Kat” on the hunt for the perfect pair to wear to a show, or a casual fan looking for ways to stay well-heeled in the meantime, her shoe line, Katy Perry Collections, has you covered. 

Making its debut in 2017, the collection brings the global popstar’s creative visions and stand-out style to life in a line that ranges from casual sandals and colorful sneakers to playful stilettos and sophisticated pumps.

Now, Katy Perry Collections has launched its spring/summer 2025 offerings. With on-trend seasonal styles like slingbacks, sandals with toe charms and mesh flats, and some very Perry accents (think disco ball heels and bejeweled eyeball charms), these shoes are the ideal way to show off your fandom in fashion.

Here are ShopBillboard’s picks for ten of the best Katy Perry shoes to pick up online right now.

10 Best Katy Perry Collection Shoes, Sandals, Heels: Shop Online 2025

Women’s Confidant Eye Slip-On Mules

$68.60 $98 30% off

Buy Now AT MACY’S

These adorable mules give any outfit a winking wow factor. Available in on-trend colors like Sea Kelp with a green bejeweled eye (seen here) or a Saddle Brown with a ruby red eye, they’re as quirky as they are chic, not to mention comfortable–with a half-inch heel, they’re easy to walk (or dance) in.


10 Best Katy Perry Collection Shoes, Sandals, Heels: Shop Online 2025

Oceanside Flower Slip-On Sandals

$76.30 $109 30% off

Buy Now AT MACY’S

Great for the incoming hot temps, these just under three-inch thong sandals are a twist on a timeless style. Available in black, red and gold, they’re accented with a metallic flower charm to add a little petal power to your summer wardrobe.


10 Best Katy Perry Collection Shoes, Sandals, Heels: Shop Online 2025

Rainbow Raffia Square Toe Sandals

$76.30 $109 30% off

Buy Now AT MACY’S

Boho is all the rage this season, and these open-toe, one-inch platforms with a four-inch heel are a stunning place to start. Rock them with a flowy dress or do as Katy would do, and pair them with short shorts for a cool girl warm weather vibe. They’re great for festival season looks too.


10 Best Katy Perry Collection Shoes, Sandals, Heels: Shop Online 2025

The Laterr Round Toe Dress Sandals

$83.30 $119 30% off

Buy Now AT MACY’S

Forget wearing your heart on your sleeve, try rocking them on your shoes. These 3.5-inch slip-on heels make a vampy statement without going too over the top.


10 Best Katy Perry Collection Shoes, Sandals, Heels: Shop Online 2025

x Hello Kitty Slide Sandal

$90.30 $129 30% off

Buy Now AT NORDSTROM

Calling all Katy Kats and Hello Kitty lovers! In honor of the 50th anniversary of Hello Kitty, the iconic character makes an appearance at the heel of these jewel-encrusted slide sandals. They’re a glittering way to pay homage to two dazzling divas. Choose from a black or red colorway.


10 Best Katy Perry Collection Shoes, Sandals, Heels: Shop Online 2025

Trendygurl Wedge Heart Pump

Take a walk on the wild side with these mesh wedge pumps. The mesh trend is huge for summer, and this daring pair blends a mesh upper with a solid heel and adds a playful balloon heart ornament for a touch of whimsy–because it wouldn’t be Katy Perry without a little fun. A bonus: the mesh material keeps your feet cool in the heat.


10 Best Katy Perry Collection Shoes, Sandals, Heels: Shop Online 2025

Evie High Square Toe Ballet Flats

$62.30 $89 30% off

Buy Now AT MACY’S

Delicate and dainty, these sweet slip-ons bring a touch of boho chic to the classic ballet flat thanks to embroidered daisy embellishments. Available in both black and white, they’re as appropriate for a festival as they are for lunch with the ladies.


10 Best Katy Perry Collection Shoes, Sandals, Heels: Shop Online 2025

Wanderering Slip-On Sandals

$68.60 $98 30% off

Buy Now AT MACY’S

Everyone needs a woven shoe for spring, and this gorgeous low-heel raffia offering is the perfect pair. Available in three colors, the black and the natural are timeless choices, but we’re loving this on-trend pastel Sky Blue for 2025.


10 Best Katy Perry Collection Shoes, Sandals, Heels: Shop Online 2025

Evie Mary Jane Flat

$53.40 $89.00 40% off

Buy Now On Amazon

A timeless pattern on a timeless style could sway boring, but not when it comes from the mind of Katy Perry. They’re gonna hear you roar in these chic leopard Mary Janes. 


10 Best Katy Perry Collection Shoes, Sandals, Heels: Shop Online 2025

Loma Two-Strap Sandal

Baby you’re a firework in these pastel pumps with a disco ball–yes you read that right–disco ball heel. Steal the show and glow from your shoes up in two on trend shades: blossom and sky blue. 


Rema is ready to get Coachella weekend one started with his new Afro-R&B single “Bout U,” which he released on Thursday (April 10).

Produced by Rema and London, the intoxicating track finds Rema infatuated by the one he dubs his favorite girl in the world, with a subtle nod to Megan Thee Stallion‘s 2020 hit “Body” (“4:30 in the morning, thinking about you/ And about your archy, body-ody-ody-ody,” he sings in the first verse). He’s determined to let nothing tarnish his dreamy love affair, encapsulated by the song’s sensual melody and striking electric guitar.

“Bout U” is the second single the Nigerian star (real name Divine Ikubor) released this year, following his Sade-sampling “Baby (Is it a Crime)” in February. The single reached No. 3 on U.S. Afrobeats Songs and No. 4 on World Digital Song Sales.

Related

He’ll make his Coachella debut this Sunday, April 13 at the Mojave Tent. His performances during the first and second weekends of the festival are included in his Heis World Tour, which officially kicks off Friday, April 11 at the Edmonton Expo Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, includes stops at major international arenas such as London’s O2 Arena and Paris’ Accor Arena before wrapping on Aug. 3 at Poble Espanyol in Barcelona, Spain. The 23-date international trek is in support of his critically acclaimed sophomore album Heis, which peaked at No. 7 on World Albums and earned Rema his first Grammy nomination earlier this year for best global music album.

Rema is nominated for artiste of the year, song of the year (“Ozeba”), album of the year (Heis), music video of the year (“Charm”), producer of the year (“Hehehe”), Headies’ viewers’ choice (“Ozeba”), Afrobeats album of the year (Heis), best performer (live) (Ravage Uprising: Rema Live From The O2, London) and digital artiste of the year at the 2025 Headies Awards, which will take place at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, Nigeria on April 27.

Listen to “Bout U” below.

Alice Tan Ridley, who competed on America’s Got Talent in 2010 after decades of performing in New York City subway stations, died on March 25 at age 72, according to an obituary from her family.

Ridley — who was also the mother of Precious and American Horror Story actress Gabourey Sidibe — pursued her dreams of singing late in life, competing on season 5 of NBC’s America’s Got Talent in 2010 at age 58. She wowed the judges with her cover of Etta James’ “At Last” and with her story of performing on subway platforms for years. After Ridley’s initial audition, judge Sharon Osbourne marveled, “Alice, millions of people must’ve gone back and forth on that subway over the 20 years. How come nobody signed you?”

Related

Ridley made it to the semifinals of AGT season 5 (with singer/songwriter Michael Grimm winning and 10-year-old singer Jackie Evancho finishing in second), and she released her debut album, Never Lost My Way, in 2016 at age 63.

Born in Lumpkin, Georgia, in 1952, Ridley moved to New York as an adult and got her teaching license. In addition to her subway singing, she also performed at Harlem’s Cotton Club for their “Brunch and Gospel” on Sundays.

Ridley is survived by two children: one son, Ahmed Sidibe, and her Oscar-nominated daughter Gabourey Sidibe, who made her film debut in 2009 in the title role of Precious. She’s gone on to appear in five seasons of the American Horror Story anthology series, as well as the 2015-2020 Fox musical series Empire as Becky.

The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber’s “Stay” has hit another milestone, as the music video for the viral hit reached one billion YouTube views.

The milestone marks the Australian singer-rapper’s first entry to the Billion Views Club and the Canadian superstar’s 12th as a lead, featured artist or collaborator. In the clip, which was released in July 2021, the duo are frozen in time as LAROI navigates a broken heart.

Upon its release, “Stay” spent seven non-consecutive weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, and also topped the Pop Airplay and the Adult Pop Airplay charts. The diamond-certified anthem won Top Hot 100 Song as well as Top Collaboration honors at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards.

In the 2024 Prime Video documentary Kids Are Growing Up: A Story About A Kid Named LAROI, the duo opened up about becoming musical collaborators. “From the moment I met Justin, it was just all about positivity coming in here. No judgment zone, let’s all have fun,” Laroi says in the doc, before Bieber recalls: “He plays me this song, ‘Stay,’ and it was him on it by himself. He was like, ‘I don’t think I’m gonna use it for my album.’ I was like, ‘Well, if you don’t use it, give it to me. I’ll use it. This is a great song.’”

To celebrate the song’s new achievement, rewatch the “Stay” music video below.