THE BIG STORY: It ain’t over yet. A week after the U.S. Department of Justice reached an abrupt settlement in its blockbuster antitrust case against Live Nation, a coalition of more than two dozen states resumed a jury trial after refusing to sign onto the deal struck by the feds.

The DOJ settlement calls for Live Nation to change certain practices that have allegedly stifled competition in live music. But it does not require the company to divest Ticketmaster — the original stated aim of the case filed by the DOJ and more than 40 state attorneys general.

As a result, a group of 26 states was back in court on Monday (March 16) to take the lawsuit forward without the help of the feds. “Any resolution in this case must actually serve consumers, the marketplace and the law,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said. To handle the case without the DOJ, the states hired veteran antitrust lawyer Jeffrey Kessler, who has won landmark cases against the NFL and NCAA.

The states’ resolve to keep fighting was no doubt helped last week when a trove of embarrassing internal Live Nation messages was unsealed on the docket. The trove revealed two company execs bragging about how much they could charge fans, including a message that said they were “robbing them blind” and another that read, “These people are so stupid.”

The messages even drew blowback from Kid Rock, a strong supporter of the Trump administration that struck the deal with Live Nation: “THIS IS WHAT THE F**K I HAVE BEEN SCREAMING ABOUT FOR YEARS,” the rocker wrote on X. Being social media, his post was quickly met with responses like: “Wait until you find out who let them off the hook.”

Also on Monday, Senate Democrats released a report calling for Live Nation and Ticketmaster to be broken up and harshly criticizing the DOJ settlement. The report detailed alleged ways in which Ticketmaster has “abused its monopoly power,” including its push for dynamic pricing. Live Nation criticized the report, saying it “misrepresents how the live events industry works.”

As the case moves ahead, the jury is expected to hear testimony for several more weeks. Stick with Billboard for updates — we’re providing weekly trial recaps each Friday covering all the major action in the courtroom and why it matters.

You’re reading The Legal Beat, a weekly newsletter about music law from Billboard Pro, offering you a one-stop cheat sheet of big new cases, important rulings and all the fun stuff in between. To get the newsletter in your inbox every Tuesday, subscribe here.

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BTS is back after years out of the spotlight, and their return has everyone talking.

The boy group’s return to the music sphere comes with the release of their new album title Arirang, set to release on March 20. This marks the boy group’s 10th studio album and their first since 2022. The tracklist for the album was dropped earlier this month, featuring 14 songs including  “Body to Body,” “Hooligan,” “Aliens,” “FYA,” “2.0,” “No. 29,” “Into The Sun” and “Please,” among others.

While little is still known about this album, the title track is “SWIM” and is said to be “an upbeat alternative pop genre song,” according to The Chosun Daily. “It sings about the attitude of continuously swimming forward without stopping amid life’s waves.” In support of the release of their album, BTS is embarking on a world tour. If you’re still looking for your perfect seats, you can buy affordable tickets with help from ShopBillboard here.

Best BTS Merch to Shop, at a Glance:

If you didn’t know, each member took time off to fulfill the mandatory military service South Korea imposes on men in the country — a service that takes up to 18 to 21 months. Additionally, the last time the group went on tour in America was during their Permission to Dance on Stage residency, which wrapped up in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 16, 2022. The lengthy hiatus and lack of music have left fans craving more of their favorite BTS boys.

To celebrate the group’s comeback, we’ve created a comprehensive list of official and unofficial merch that ARMY’s can actually get behind, from clothing and collectibles to pieces that should help get you ready for the group’s 2026 world tour. We’ve even included a slew of affordable items for ARMY on a budget. Shop our picks below.

ARMY-Approved Clothing

Crossbody bags are often a stellar option to take with you to concerts. With BTS’ world tour approaching, you’ll want to prepare with a stadium-ready option that can carry all your essentials, including your lightstick. This crossbody is affixed with chibi figures of each BTS member. The straps are detachable and adjustable, letting users tailor the fit of their bag. The body of the bag is ample enough to hold a phone, keys and wallet easily. It is also compact enough that you won’t be stopped while heading through security to see BTS on tour.  

If you’re an ARMY, you likely already know what BT21 is; however, if you don’t, here’s a rundown. Way back when, BTS collaborated with LINE FRIENDS, a global character brand, to create characters inspired by all seven members. The characters have been featured in a variety of BTS-themed merchandise over the years, including this card holder from Hot Topic. The holder features slots for all your go-to cards and even some BTS photocards, if that’s your thing.

BTS’ album Love Yourself: Answer was a landmark release for the group. The 2018 album features hit tracks like “Euphoria,” “DNA,” “Fake Love,” and more that are still just as popular with ARMY as they were back when they were released. If you’re a lover of that album or BTS in general, then these socks should be a hit. The pair retails for $13.99 and features the album’s iconic floral motif throughout in rainbow pastel hues. You can never have too many socks, especially when they’re BTS-themed. These socks are also a subtle way of repping your faves without shoving it in people’s faces.

It’s sometimes hard to come by K-Pop merch that actually looks stylish, but this graphic tee is pretty fashionable if you ask us. Retailing for $21.76, the tee comes in black and features all the BTS members on the front, accompanied by colorful graphics. Sizing is available from medium to 3XL. Graphic tees are a closet staple for a reason. They’re extremely versatile and very comfortable. They’re a piece that you can just throw on with just about anything. A style like this layers well, but also looks good on its own.

Another closet staple is a basic baseball cap that can hide your head for those bad hair days, while making you look put together. This style hails from Etsy and comes in eight different colors, including BTS’ official color, purple. The hat is made of easy-to-wash cotton and features unique distressing that makes the cap look worn and “vintage.” The front is embroidered with BTS’ logo and their name. You can choose one of four designs if you want to change up the embroidery.

If you’re looking for an easy way to make an updo more fun, a clip like this one from Amazon might do the trick. The medium-sized clip is brown and orange and features Suga’s BT21 character SHOOKY on the front. The clip is made from recycled plastic and can be used to create half-up-half-down styles, or for those moments you want all your hair out of your face.

ARMY-Approved Collectibles

This poster is 22 1/4″ x 34″ and currently retails for $8.90. This can be used to cover up a bare spot on your wall, or it can be framed and put on a shelf. As a K-Pop fan, I used to put posters up on my walls until I had no blank space left, letting the whole world know who I repped without a doubt. Posters also make excellent gifts for collectors looking to capture the boy group in a specific moment in time.

A good collection, no matter the fixation, isn’t complete without a figurine. This figure from Funko Pop is in collaboration with Disney Pixar and the “Toy Story” franchise. The figure of Jimin stood on a box, dressed up as the character Rex, a dinosaur. The collaborative piece is extremely cute with wide eyes and a sweet little stance. Jimin’s name is affixed to the front of the box he stands on.

Another day, another BT21 piece, this time, in the form of a keyring. The keyring features each BTS member’s BT21 character with little sleep caps attached to the keyrings and accompanied by rainbows and either stars or clouds. The decorative pieces can obviously go on your keys, but they’d also look great attached to a bag as a pseudo charm. Each charm is made of metal and silicone, so they’ll last you a while even after lots of wear.

Stick with us on this because it’s kind of weird but fun. A while back, BTS’ Jin became the brand ambassador in South Korea for the brand Dongwon Tuna. With the announcement of his ambassadorship, the brand dropped collectors’ tuna cans that you can now get in a pack of 12 on Amazon for those die-hard collectors. Yes, this is real tuna with Jin’s face on it. The collaboration is not as far-fetched as you might think because the singer is also an ambassador for the ramen brand Ottogi. In March of last year, Jin also launched “Jin Ramen,” a Jin-branded pack or ramen that also seemed to sell well with ARMY.

“Dynamite” dominated the Billboard Hot 100 charts and stood at the number one spot for a whopping three weeks. In total, the song enjoyed 32 weeks on the charts, which is no small feat. With that in mind, it’s safe to say people enjoyed the track and its accompanying music video seeing the members dancing near a donut shop, standing out front of an ice cream parlor and boogie-ing as a group in front of a building reading “Disco.”

All of these iconic locations were taken straight from the music video and turned into a Lego set made for all ages. The set is extremely detailed, down to the frosted pink donut atop a building, and comes with mini figures of all the members, plus accessories. This is certainly a piece we can see ARMY proudly displaying alongside their other BTS merch.

This two-pack of license plate covers reads “BTS ARMY We Purple You Forever.” For $27.95, the plate covers go on top of your license plate, decorating the perimeter while showing love for BTS. It’s an easy way to add more BTS fun to your car.

ARMY-Approved Concert Essentials

If you’re a hardcore BTS stan you’ll know all about BT21 Line Friends. The cute little mascots were created through a collaboration between the South Korean boy band BTS and LINE FRIENDS, a global character brand. Whether you stan Suga or Jimin, you can show your loyalty by snagging yourself a sweet little headband affixed with each member’s BT21 character. The characters attached to the headband are 3D and plush.

If you’re getting ready for BTS’ upcoming concert, it’s likely you’re going to be doing your makeup. Why not add a little whimsy to your routine with this clear BT21 makeup pouch? ShopBillboard loves K-Pop merch that is both cute and functional. This pouch set comes with three for $39.90, a big clear pouch, a square-shaped teal pouch and a yellow circular pouch. The three piece allows you to organize your makeup and look cute doing so. This makeup pouch trio is also awesome for those looking to pack their makeup for a BTS concert they’re attending out of state or overseas.

If you are going to BTS’ Arirang tour, you’ll want to rep the band’s new album stylishly. This Etsy seller has Arirang-themed sweatshirts, hoodies and tees available to customize and buy. The sweatshirts are now 45% off and come embroidered with the member’s names on the front, accompanied by that distinctive Arirang graphic. The sweatshirt comes in sizes small through 3XL. We can see this piece styled with barrel jeans and your favorite sneakers for a simple and cute concert look.

Loungefly has a ton of BTS-themed items for sale, but our favorite has to be this mini backpack for $80 available on Amazon. The themed bag is small enough to take to any concert venue and comes in a stylish rainbow chrome finish. While it is super small, this backpack can hold your essentials from a wallet and keys to a lightstick or portable fan.

Affordable ARMY-Approved Merch Under $100

Hot Topic has a slew of BT21 merch available for collectors looking to add to their collection. One of the more practical pieces we’ve seen on our search is this set of seven makeup brushes inspired by the boy group’s BT21 characters. These brushes vary in size for specific uses, from applying blush to blending out eyeshadow. The tips of each brush feature a blue gradient, while the ends are adorned with a whimsical print of all of the group’s BT21 characters. You’re getting seven brushes for $29.90. That’s roughly $4.27 per brush, which is way less than the average pricing for makeup brushes from a place like Sephora.

This satin pillowcase from Kitsch is affixed with every BTS member’s specific BT21 character but solely focuses on Shooky, Suga’s character. The pillowcase zips up over a standard pillow and can be taken off to machine wash. According to Kitsch, satin pillowcases offer a cooling effect. They also prevent hair breakage and frizziness, and are more hygenic than your average pillow case that can harbor bacteria.

Bag charms are still all the rage in 2026, and the trend doesn’t seem to be dying out anytime soon. This fuzzy BT21 keychain doubles as a bag charm and is meant to represent Jungkook. The charm depicts a fuzzy pink bunny, otherwise known as Cooky. The feisty-looking rabbit is affixed to a silver closure that allows users to attach this bunny to their bags, lanyards and keys, of course, adding a touch of personality to any item it’s clasped to.

Built teamed up with BTS all the way back in 2021 to launch collaborative water bottles meant to represent each member and their individual style and personalities with unique prints. No matter which member you choose, the water bottles can hold 18oz of liquid of your choosing that will stay at your desired temperature thanks to the bottles’ double-walled insulation.

You know what your fridge is likely lacking? BTS merch. These magnets include all seven members of BTS, all suited up in their 2021 “Permission to Dance” live stage outfits. The magnets are currently available for $5.97, so you can buy all seven magnets without breaking the bank. Or you could be a proud solo stan and just grab one.

Similar to the figure above, this figure depicts each member of BTS in a sweet little chibi style, but with a twist. These collectables were made in collaboration with Tamagotchi Nano, a miniature, portable version of the popular Tamagotchi virtual pet. Nestled in the lap of each figure, you’ll find a functioning Tamagotchi Nano loaded up with two mini games and little playable characters depicting the BTS members. Interactive and fun, we can envision this piece making a great gift for the gamer ARMY in your life.

Ella Langley extends her double-up atop Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart (dated March 21), as “Choosin’ Texas” and “Be Her” remain at Nos. 1 and 2, respectively. She becomes the first woman ever to hold the chart’s top two positions for multiple weeks, surpassing Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, who achieved the feat once each.

“Choosin’ Texas” logs a 16th week at No. 1, earning 22.7 million official U.S. streams, 44.7 million in radio airplay audience and 6,000 sold in the March 6–12 tracking week, according to Luminate. “Be Her,” at its No. 2 high, totaled 12 million streams, 4 million in airplay reach and 2,000 sold.

Langley first held the Hot Country Songs chart’s top two spots a week earlier, becoming just the third woman to hit that mark, after Beyoncé and Taylor Swift. Beyoncé did so in April 2024 when “Texas Hold ’Em” led and “II Most Wanted,” with Miley Cyrus, debuted at No. 2. Swift dominated in October 2012 during the rollout of her album Red, when “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” and the title track ranked Nos. 1 and 2, respectively.

Overall, few artists have managed to lock down both Nos. 1 and 2 simultaneously for multiple weeks, and they’ve done so across very different eras of the chart. Morgan Wallen’s record 25-week streak came last year, in today’s streaming-driven landscape, among an unprecedented 37 total weeks that he’s earned the honor since 2022, far surpassing earlier runs such as Dan + Shay’s eight-week stretch in 2018-19 and Luke Bryan’s six-week streak in 2014.

In earlier eras, the feat was far less common, with just two two-week runs — by Willie Nelson in 1982 and Buck Owens in 1964. That context makes Langley’s current stretch especially notable — not only as the longest by a woman, but as a standout in today’s more robust multimetric environment.

Kane Brown has renewed his partnership with longtime label home Sony Music Nashville (SMN), signing a new, multi-album, global deal with the label.

Brown has been with Sony Music Nashville for a decade. In that time, he has earned two RIAA Diamond-certified songs, “What Ifs” and “Heaven,” as well as 12 No. 1 Billboard Country Airplay hits, in addition to selling out shows in stadiums and arenas globally. He’s also been honored for his philanthropic work with The Boys & Girls Club, including receiving the Country Radio Seminar humanitarian award, and the champion of youth award from The Boys & Girls Club.

“I’m really excited about my partnership with Sony Music,” Brown said in a statement. “We’ve built something special together over the years, and I’ve got so much respect for Taylor [Lindsey, Sony Music Nashville Chair/CEO], Ken [Robold, SMN president/COO], Margaret [Tomlin, SMN vp of A&R] and the whole Sony Nashville team. It feels like we’re just getting started.”

“Kane has been an undeniable force who has pushed the boundaries in country music for the past 10 years,” added Lindsey in a statement. “His talent, great music and ability to connect with his fans is what sets him apart. We are so excited to be his partner as he enters this new era of creativity and look forward to being on this journey with him.”

Brown celebrated the new era of partnership with Sony with the recent release of his new song and music video, “Woman.”

Beyond music, Brown has also earned roles in film and television as an actor and executive producer, and is a founder of Verse2, a publishing venture in partnership with Sony Music Publishing. Later this year, Brown will also launch his new Nashville bar, Kane’s On Broadway.

Details have been revealed for the general voting categories and co-creation awards at MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026 (MAJ2026), the international music awards ceremony set to be held June 13 at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO.

MAJ2026 defines eligible works as songs and albums whose full-version official recordings were first made available via digital distribution on a public service or released physically between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2025 (with exceptions in some categories). The awards recognize outstanding works and artists shaping Japan’s current music scene, with winners determined by votes from music industry professionals.

The general voting categories and co-creation awards announced today are presented in partnership with Spotify Japan K.K., XING Inc., DAIICHIKOSHO Co., Ltd., MIXI, Inc., USEN Corporation (U-NEXT HD), and LINE MUSIC Corporation, encompassing seven public-participation categories in total. The awards honor the best songs enjoyed by everyday listeners through karaoke, Spotify, cable music broadcasting, and more.

Additional new categories have also been introduced, including the Best Vocaloid Culture Song, for which listeners can cast votes via dwango’s website, and the Student Creator Encouragement Award — STUDENT MUSIC CREATORS CHALLENGE — in association with Kyoto University of the Arts, open to student creators who submit their own works for consideration. These new categories are aimed not only at general listeners but at general creators as well. 

GENERAL VOTING CATEGORIES

Best of Listeners’ Choice: Domestic Song powered by Spotify

A co-created category with Spotify Japan K.K. in which Spotify users in Japan and worldwide vote to determine the best domestic song.

Selection process: The top 100 domestic songs from among the entries for Song of the Year are selected as eligible works, with the winner determined by a public vote from Spotify listeners in Japan and abroad.

First vote: Thursday, Mar. 19 – Wednesday, Apr. 8

Final vote: Thursday, Apr. 30 – Wednesday, May 20


Best of Listeners’ Choice: International Song powered by Spotify

A co-created category with Spotify Japan K.K. in which Spotify users in Japan and worldwide vote to determine the best international song.

Selection process: Eligible works consist of entries for MAJ’s Best Song Asia combined with the top 10 entries each from the Best International Pop Song in Japan, Best International Rock Song in Japan, Best International Hip-Hop/Rap Song in Japan, Best International R&B/Contemporary Song in Japan, Best International Alternative Song in Japan, and Best K-Pop Song in Japan categories, for a total of 81 tracks. The winner is determined by a public vote from Spotify listeners in Japan and abroad.

First vote: Thursday, Mar. 19 – Wednesday, Apr. 8

Final vote: Thursday, Apr. 30 – Wednesday, May 20

Best Global Hit From Japan

One of MAJ’s principal categories, honoring domestic songs that have achieved international success.

Selection process: Tracks from Japan are extracted from global listening data (streaming, downloads, and music videos) compiled by Luminate, and the top 100 songs on a global chart constructed by excluding Japan-based plays are selected as eligible works. International Spotify users then vote to determine five nominees.


First vote: Thursday, Mar. 19 – Wednesday, Apr. 8

CO-CREATION CATEGORIES

Special Award: Karaoke  

Karaoke of the Year: J-Pop powered by DAM & JOYSOUND


A co-created category with XING Inc. and DAIICHIKOSHO Co., Ltd., honoring the most-sung J-Pop song at karaoke.

Karaoke of the Year: Enka/Kayōkyoku powered by DAM & JOYSOUND

A co-created category with Xing Inc. and Daiichi Kosho Co., Ltd., honoring the most-sung enka/kayōkyoku song at karaoke.
 

Special Award: 

Oshi-Katsu Request Artist of the Year powered by USEN

A co-created category with USEN Corporation (U-NEXT HD), honoring the artist who received the most requests via USEN’s Oshi-Katsu Request service.

Special Award: Family Song  

Best Song Chosen by Families 2025 powered by Mitene FamilyAlbum [New]

A co-created category with MIXI, Inc. honoring a song to be cherished alongside family memories (rolling out from Apr. 2, 2026). This category celebrates songs played again and again with children, hummed along to on family outings and trips, and songs that were simply always there throughout the everyday moments of family life.

Special Award: Fandom powered by LINE MUSIC & Yahoo! Search [New]

A co-created category with LINE MUSIC Corporation, honoring the artist supported by the most passionate fandom.



MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026

Saturday, June 13, 2026 / TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO

Awards week: Friday, June 5 – Saturday, June 13, 2026