Honored in 2025 with induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame for his 1981 debut album Never Too Much, Luther Vandross is in the running for another major accolade. As announced last week, the late singer-songwriter-producer is among the Class of 2026 nominees — also including Phil Collins, P!nk, Billy Idol and Lauryn Hill — for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

So how would eight-time Grammy Award winner Vandross feel about his nomination and possible induction? Bassist-producer Marcus Miller, a longtime collaborator of the studio singer-turned-star solo artist, tells Billboard with a laugh, “He’d probably start figuring out what he’s going to wear. But like I said in the documentary [2024’s Luther: Never Too Much], he made no bones about wanting a Grammy. And when he got one, he was very proud. Being recognized was important to him — and this will be the icing on the cake.”

In addition to the critically acclaimed documentary tracing Vandross’ life and musical legacy, the late artist’s enduring influence was further underscored by the 2024 release of “Luther” by Kendrick Lamar featuring SZA. The song — which samples Vandross’ 1982 hit duet with Cheryl Lynn, “If This World Were Mine” — reigned atop the Billboard Hot 100 for 13 consecutive weeks last year. This year, “Luther” scored two Grammy Awards: record of the year and best melodic rap performance.

In sharing the Luther Vandross Estate’s reaction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nod, estate manager David Gottlieb remarks, “This is the culmination of a long time coming. I’ve been with the estate since 2010, and it’s been on the to-do list. It’s also very easy to make Luther’s connection to rock and roll. David Bowie’s ‘Young Americans’ doesn’t happen without Luther in the room. The song is the first top 40 hit that Bowie had, and Luther’s voice is all over that song and its structure. His credentials for being a singer, songwriter, producer, composer, everything. Isn’t that rock and roll? He personifies all of it.”

Both Miller and Gottlieb note that Vandross’ creative inspiration and ultimate legacy stem from what Miller calls “his love for love. We used to call all the songs he wrote ‘the Luther Vandross Book of Love.’ He just really valued love. It was the inspiration for most of his songs.”

“Luther was always saying something about the universal topic of love,” adds Gottlieb. “It’s one that all of us as human beings feel, strive for and want. That’s why his legacy is timeless, something that’s constantly called back. Every generation is going to look at him the same way that generations look at Frank Sinatra or someone like that. It is never going to go away.”

By now you’ve probably seen the dirty bottoms of Benny Blanco‘s feet, whether you wanted to or not. In case you somehow missed them, though, here’s the deal: last week on the debut episode of Blanco’s new podcast with his BFF, Dave “Lil Dicky” Burd, Friends Keep Secrets, Blanco caused a ruckus when he hoisted his dirt-covered soles onto the couch at Burd’s home, where the podcast is taped.

Blanco and Burd then appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, during which the producer explained that there was dust and dirt on the set from moving equipment around, so, technically, it wasn’t his fault. Still, the internet did not like it one bit.

You know who did? Selena Gomez. The singer/actress dropped by the pod for its second show on Tuesday (March 3) to let the team go through her DMs, talk about mental health, the couple’s wedding last year and their future plans for kids. Oh, and at one point, Gomez leaned over and kissed Benny’s not-dirty-this-time feet.

Seriously.

While chatting with third host, Kristin Batalucco (Burd’s wife), about the pros and cons of “leashes” for toddlers, without any prompting Gomez leaned over and gently smooched Blanco’s toes, which once again were exposed and propped up on Burd and Batalucco’s coffee table. The sweet gesture elicited a smile from Blanco as he grinned over at Burd and asked, “you like that?”

Selena then gently tapped Benny on the leg and said, “don’t make it a moment.”

Too late.

“Oh no, I liked it,” Blanco smiled. “It made me feel good. I love you so much.”

Elsewhere in the pod, Gomez confirmed that BFF Taylor Swift’s Evermore track “Dorothea” was written about her. “There’s this song Taylor wrote about us, and it was called ‘Family,’” she added about the unreleased song inspired by her. “It was basically saying, ‘You have these amazing dreams, you want to be in movies — like, in every crowd I still see you.’ And then her part was, ‘You believe in my stupid dreams, like playing stadiums.’ Now when I listen to that song, both of those things have happened for us. And that’s really sweet, because back then, she was just, like, ‘I wrote this song about us. It was just our story, kind of.’ And it was the sweetest thing.”

Watch the toe-kissing moment below.

This summer’s Outside Lands Festival in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park will feature headliners Charli xcx, Rüfüs Du Sol, The Strokes, The xx, Baby Keem, Turnstile, Griztronics (Subtronics + Griz), DJO, Labrinth, Empire of the Sun and Dijon.

The festival, which will take place from Aug. 7-9, will also host sets from GloRilla, Ethel Cain, Geese, Mariah the Scientist, Modest Mouse, Death Cab For Cutie, Clipse, Lucy Dacus, Wet Leg, Sierra Ferrell, Snow Strippers, Tinashe, DJ Trixie Mattel and The Story So Far, among many more.

Loyalty and Chase presales are open now through Thursday (March 5) at 11:45 a.m. PT, with a Ranger presale slated to open at 12 p.m. PT on Wednesday (March 4) and a general on-sale kicking off at 12 p.m. PT on Thursday; click here for ticketing information.

In a statement, Outside Lands co-founder and Another Planet Entertainment president of concerts and festivals said, “Every year, we strive to deliver a lineup that excites and surprises — letting fans see their favorites while discovering new music. The experience at Outside Lands is just as much about unexpected moments and fresh discoveries as it is about our incredible headliners.”

Among the other hip-hop, rock, pop, electronic and country acts on the bill are: Malcolm Todd, Lane 8, Boris Brejcha, The Temper Trap, It’s Murph, Hyperbeam, Jade, Sienna Spiro, Boyz Noize, Wunderhorse, Balu Brigada, Miss Monique, Dylan Brady, Marlon Funaki and Luke Alessi, among others.

In addition to the Lands End, Twin Peaks, Sutro, Panhandle, Soma Dolores, Duboce and Triangle stages, the fest will once again welcome the Taste of the Bay Area, Wine Lands, Beer Lands, Cocktail Magic and Grass Lands areas, as well as City Hall, where amorous concertgoers can get hitched.

Check out the poster for this year’s Outside Lands Festival below.

MELBOURNE, Australia — After 30 years with Mushroom Group, and upwards of four decades in the Australian music industry, Dean McLachlan is calling it a day.

The label veteran joined Mushroom Group in 1997 as promotions manager, initially working on Kylie Minogue’s Impossible Princess and Hunters & Collectors’ Juggernaut. 

Then, he served in various roles with Mushroom Music Publishing, Mushroom Pictures and Liberation Music, and in 2017 became general manager of Bloodlines, the label co-founded by the late Michael Gudinski and Warren Costello and now part of Mushroom Music.  He was promoted to managing director of Bloodlines in 2021.

With the creation of Mushroom Music in July 2024, McLachlan was appointed senior director, iconic artists and catalogue, working across the business’s recording and publishing divisions, with a remit to continue steering the songwriting and releases of Mushroom’s artists, writers and prestigious catalogues.

Mushroom Music was described at the time of formation as a “powerhouse operation” which gathered the roster of artists and writers from across the music specialist’s recording, publishing and neighbouring rights activities, from Vance Joy to Kylie Minogue, The Teskey Brothers, Jimmy Barnes, Childish Gambino, Kehlani, Julia Jacklin and many others.

Matt Gudinski, CEO of the Melbourne-based independent music colossus, lauds McLachlan for his integrity, passion, unwavering loyalty, and enduring contribution to the business and its artists.

“A few years ago,” remarks Gudinski in a statement, “when we launched a new annual staff award to recognise the person who best embodies the energy and spirit of Mushroom, there was only one possible first recipient – Dean.” McLachlan, he continues, “has helped shape the careers of so many remarkable artists in both the recording and publishing business – and having learned his craft under my father and Warren Costello, he is a student of two of the best in the industry.”

McLachlan now moves into a consulting role on an advisory capacity, for a three year period.

“It’s impossible to overstate the mark Dean’s made,” adds Mushroom Music co-CEO Linda Bosidis. “No one matches the passion, loyalty or the depth of relationships he’s built. A true music lover, he listens on repeat, buys the t-shirt, stands front row, drives to regional gigs no one else can find, with stamina to outlast half the crowd.” The outgoing exec “brings the vibe and his authenticity draws artists and industry icons, not just out of respect but genuine affection. Dean is one of the most steadfast, incomparable and generous people you’ll ever meet. Our industry is better for having him”

Early on, McLachlan cut his teeth in retail with a three-year stint with Katies Cards and Records, followed by a decade at EMI Records.

“I leave with lifelong friendships,” continues McLachlan in a statement, “some stretching back more than four decades – and an enormous sense of pride in being forever connected to Mushroom and our artists. These relationships and memories are, without question, the greatest achievements of my career.”