Belinda Falls During L’Oreal Paris Fashion Week Show; Recovers Gracefully With Anitta’s Help

Mexican pop star and actress Belinda was fiercely walking the L’Oreal Paris Fashion Week show on Monday (Sept. 23), when she suffered a fall. But the “Cáctus” singer gracefully recovered thanks to Anitta, who helped her get up from the floor. The Brazilian star, who had stepped out on the runway just before Belinda, even helped Belinda fix her knee-high socks.

Immediately after the incident, Belinda took to social media where she shared the moment on the runway and captioned it with some inspiring words: “It doesn’t matter how many times you fall, what matters is how many times you get up. Thank you, Anitta.”

She also reposted several Instagram stories from fans or colleagues who cheered her on. One commented “one queen helping another queen,” in a nod to Anitta’s friendly gesture. “You were spectacular, my love,” Anitta wrote on social media.

Dressed in red from head-to-toe, Belinda and Anitta were among a group of celebrities who strutted the L’Oreal Walk Your Worth Womenswear Spring-Summer 2025 show at the Place de l’Opéra in Paris to a roaring crowd. Other stars who walked the runway for the show included: Camila Cabello, Heid Klum, Jane Fonda, Eva Longoria and Viola Davis.

Belinda posted a second video from the runway reflecting on the significance of the opportunity. “The most iconic moment of my life although I never imagined it would be like this,” she posted.

Belinda is set speak at the 35th anniversary Billboard Latin Music Week, which will feature exclusive panels, conversations and performances by Latin music’s biggest stars. Tickets are available now here.

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Collective of Artists and Leaders, a Boutique Management Firm, Launches With President Julia Khan

A new management company comprised of independent managers has been established with industry veteran Julia Khan appointed as president. Operating out of offices in Los Angeles and London, the Khan-led team at Collective of Artists and Leaders (C•O•A•L) MGMT includes Creative Management Firm’s Yvette Medina; FM Group’s Alex Frankel, Chris Maher and Dani Chavez; HowRU? Entertainment’s Ben Eisenberg, Justin Miller and Corey Kastner; Leader Management’s Max Leader; and November Yellow’s Jaha Johnson. In addition, Human Re Sources CEO J. Erving will serve as board chair of music.

According to the release announcing (C•O•A•L) MGMT’s launch, the boutique firm will focus on supporting and nurturing “managers and their client roster of recording artists, music producers and writers.” While working collaboratively as a team, each participating manager will maintain their own brand. 

(C•O•A•L) MGMT is also supported by the venture-backed global agency YMU, with partners being offered “financial support, accounting services, business development, guidance to grow artist rosters and revenue, consulting services from experienced leadership, a creative community of experts, and global access to other divisions within the YMU group.”

Los Angeles-based Khan was named president by YMU Group CEO Mary Bekhait. Of her new post, Khan commented, “I am honored to spearhead C•O•A•L and partner with amazing managers who are committed to true artistic talent and go above beyond for their clients. It’s a privilege to support the team and their incredible rosters, and I am grateful to Mary Bekhait and YMU for backing us.”

Bekhait added, “YMU is delighted to partner with Julia, J., and the wider C•O•A•L team on this exciting new venture — the combination of culture-defining clients, experienced managers and YMU’s wider infrastructure is a compelling blend. We can’t wait to get started.”

Board chair Erving said, “I’ve been in this business for over 20 years, so to be consulting for my peers to push the boundaries of music management is truly an honor. Working as both an artist manager and distributor, the art of artist management is even more important now—in the age of independence—than ever before. Artists need value-add via their managers and this team holds the experience and collective power to blow it out the park. Big thanks to Julia, Mary, and YMU for having me.”

C.O.A.L. Management, J. Erving
J. Erving

Prior to this, Khan consulted and co-managed Usher for eight years, working with management partners Roc Nation, SB Projects and Lafitte Mgmt. During that time, the Grammy-winning artist launched his successful Las Vegas residency. Khan’s industry background also includes consulting multiple Universal Music Group labels, Lighthouse Mgmt. and LVRN Records as well as a stint as head of marketing at Jive/LaFace Records. While there, she worked on projects for Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown and P!nk. Khan is presently working with Australian-Tamil singer/songwriter DHEE, who recently released her debut solo single “Roots.”

The five independent management firms comprising the (C•O•A•L) MGMT team represent a diverse array of clients:

Creative Management Firm: Yvette Medina was named one of Billboard Magazine’s 2024 Top 40 Latin Women In Music for her work with clients such as Snow Tha Product, Eva Ruiz, Ecko, De La Cruz, and Latenightjiggy. She partnered with YMU as head of Latin in 2023 to continue expanding Latin music on a global level and oversees the company’s Latin music operations.

FM Group: Its roster of global artists includes Chet Faker, Passion Pit, RAC, and Thunder Jackson. President Alex Frankel most recently has managed and co-produced Paris Hilton’s latest album, Infinite Icon, featuring SIA, Megan Thee Stallion and Meghan Trainor.

HowRU? Entertainment: Current clients include Tiana Major9, Frex, BAYLI, Chase Wav, Brody Myles, Tarek Ali, Jay Century, Omar Grand and DJ CoCo.  Century and Wav won a Grammy last year for their work on Khalid’s “Silver Platter,” featured on the Barbie The Album soundtrack.

Leader Management: Client BBC Radio 1’s Benji B, who’s worked as musical director for Celine and the late Virgil Abloh at Louis Vuitton, now serves as musical director for Burberry, Jil Sander, Lacoste and Carvan. Other clients include drummer/composer and 2024 Ivor Novello album of the year winner Yussef Dayes, composer/DJ/producer Guy Gerber and rising Swiss-Nigerian DJ/producer Laolu.

November Yellow:  Both a management firm and record label, the company’s artist management roster includes Ari Lennox, Isaia Huron, Tiara Thomasand Camper. Lennox I, who is releasing new single, “Smoke,” on Oct. 18, recently announced a new brand partnership with KISS Colors & Care hair products.

C.O.A.L. Management
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Donna Kelce Really Wants to Catch One of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Concerts Before It’s Too Late: ‘It’s Spectacular’

Believe it or don’t, while her Super Bowl-winning son has jetted all over the world to see girlfriend Taylor Swift rock stadiums on her Eras Tour, Travis Kelce’s mom, Donna, has yet to see one of the three hour-plus extravaganzas. Speaking to People magazine, Donna Kelce said she is ready for it and hopes to catch an Eras show before the billion-dollar outing wraps up on Nov. 3 with the last of three shows at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis; the final-final dates are a run of three gigs at BC Place in Vancouver from Dec. 6-8.

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“I hope so, I hope so. I would like to,” Donna Kelce said when the magazine asked if she wants to attend one of the Eras shows this fall after spending time over the past year getting to know Taylor while hanging with the singer in skyboxes watching Travis’ run to a Super Bowl win earlier this year with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Back in November, mama Kelce told People that she had found time to watch Swift’s box-office-topping Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour concert film, which left her “just totally enthralled… I did see it and I did like it. It was awesome.”

Swift — who recently made headlines with her full-throated endorsement of Democratic presidential candidate current Vice President Kamala Harris — got a call-back from the veep last week when Harris said she was “very proud to have the support of Taylor Swift… She’s an incredible artist. I really respect the courage that she has had in her career to stand up for what she believes is right.”

Swift will be back on the road on Oct. 18 when she kicks off a three-night run at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami with support from Gracie Abrams.

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Snoop Dogg and Death Row Sign Publishing Deals With Reservoir Media

Snoop Dogg and the label that pays him have signed new deals with Reservoir Media, covering the legendary rapper and entrepreneur’s domestic publishing for his entire catalog and future works, as well as the publishing catalog of Death Row Records, which Snoop scooped up in 2022.

Born Calvin Broadus Jr. in the LBC, Snoop glided into fame in 1992 after featuring on Dr. Dre’s debut single, “Deep Cover,” before making several star-affirming turns on Dre’s game-changing album The Chronic (“Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang,” “Let Me Ride”). A year later, he released his own multi-platinum album, Doggystyle, via Death Row, featuring West Coast hip-hop classics like “Gin and Juice” and “What’s My Name?” He has released 19 solo albums, with his 20th, Missionary, currently in production with Dre. His lengthy list of hits over the years includes “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “Beautiful” plus collabs like “The Next Episode” with Dre, “California Gurls” with Katy Perry and “Young, Wild & Free” with Wiz Khalifa, to name a few.

In addition to 16 Grammy nominations and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Snoop has built a broad business portfolio, acted in dozens of films, including Soul Plane and this year’s The Garfield Movie, and is a prolific signer of product endorsement deals. Recently, his commentary and enthusiasm charmed NBC viewers at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and last night (Sept. 23) he made his debut as a coach on NBC’s The Voice.

After acquiring Death Row Records, the label that released his debut album along with early works by Dr. Dre and 2Pac, Snoop established a publishing arm for the label. The Reservoir deal includes hits like “Hail Mary” and “I Ain’t Mad At Cha” by 2Pac, ensuring that Death Row’s legacy continues under Snoop’s leadership.

Financial details of the arrangement were not disclosed.

Reservoir executives expressed excitement about working with Snoop and supporting his legacy. Golnar Khosrowshahi, Reservoir’s CEO, highlighted the significance of the partnership in preserving Death Row’s influence, adding “Snoop has come full circle with Death Row, showcasing his ongoing dedication to upholding its rich history – something Reservoir has proven as a core value and area of expertise across our business.” 

Donna Caseine, Reservoir’s executive vp and global creative director, lauded Snoop’s impact on hip-hop and popular culture over the past three decades: “Legendary artists only need one name. Snoop is part of that echelon. From music, to brands, television, and film, his acumen represents excellence,” she said. “For the last three decades he has been a pillar of hip-hop music and popular culture. He helped write Death Row Records into music’s history books.”

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‘Weird Al’ Yankovic Hitting the Road in 2025 For Bigger & Weirder Tour

“Weird Al” Yankovic is gearing up for a huge 2025 tour that will keep him on the road all summer long for the Bigger & Weirder tour. The parody singing icon announced the dates for the 65-city tour on Monday (Sept. 23), revealing that he’ll kick it off with a five-night run at the Venetian Theatre at the Venetian Resort (from June 13-June 21), followed by stops in Salt Lake City, Indianapolis, Toronto, Boston, Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Diego and Phoenix before winding down with a Sept. 20 gig at the Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville.

According to a release, after two world tours playing his original songs in intimate venues, Al will be back in amphitheaters with his full, multi-media production for the first time in six years, “playing his iconic hits as well as some fan favorites which have never been performed live. With his giant video wall, multiple costume changes, and an amazing eight-piece ensemble featuring Al’s original band, Weird Al ups the ante on his already legendary show with a new super-sized concert experience.”

In a statement, Al, 64, said, “This is kind of a ‘best of both worlds’ tour. We’ll be doing all the big crowd-pleasing parodies as well as some deep cuts for the hardcore fans – but with twice as many players on stage, everything is going to sound twice as good!” The “White & Nerdy” singer will bring along opening act sad clown crooner Puddles Pity Party for the tour whose public onsale will begin at 10 a.m. local time on Friday (Sept. 27).

Earlier this year, Yankovic celebrated the 10th anniversary of his 14th studio album, Mandatory Fun, his first-ever LP to top the Billboard 200 album chart. And in July, he dropped his first new song in a decade, “Polkamania!,” a polka medley, which blitzes through bits of songs by Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion and Lil Nas X, among many others.

“Weird Al” Yankovic 2025 Bigger & Weirder tour dates:

June 13 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Venetian Theatre at The Venetian Resort *
June 14 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Venetian Theatre at The Venetian Resort *
June 18 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Venetian Theatre at The Venetian Resort *
June 20 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Venetian Theatre at The Venetian Resort *
June 21 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Venetian Theatre at The Venetian Resort *
June 23 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Maverik Center *
June 24 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre *
June 26 – Kansas City, MO @ Starlight Theatre *
June 27 – Des Moines, IA @ Des Moines Civic Center *
June 28 – Welch, MN @ Treasure Island Amphitheater at Treasure Island Resort & Casino *
June 29 – Highland Park, IL @ Ravinia Festival
July 1 – Traverse City, MI @ National Cherry Festival
July 2 – Clarkston, MI @ Pine Knob Music Theatre *
July 3 – Indianapolis, IN @ Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park *
July 5 – Beaver Dam, KY @ Beaver Dam Amphitheater *
July 6 – Kettering, OH @ Fraze Pavilion *
July 9 – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage *
July 11 – Buffalo, NY @ Darien Lake Amphitheater *
July 12 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden *
July 13 – Bethel, NY @ Bethel Woods Center for the Arts *
July 15 – Boston, MA @ Boch Center Wang Theatre *
July 17 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Broadview Stage at SPAC *
July 18 – Mashantucket, CT @ The Premier Theatre at Foxwoods Resort Casino *
July 19 – Philadelphia, PA @ TD Pavilion at the Mann *
July 20 – Vienna, VA @ Wolf Trap *
July 24 – Raleigh, NC @ Red Hat Amphitheater *
July 25 – Wilmington, NC @ Live Oak Bank Pavilion *
July 26 – Charlotte, NC @ Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre *
July 27 – Huntsville, AL @ Orion Amphitheater *
July 29 – New Orleans, LA @ Saenger Theatre *
July 31 – Austin, TX @ Bass Concert Hall *
August 1 – The Woodlands, TX @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion *
August 2 – Grand Prairie, TX @ Texas Trust CU Theatre *
August 3 – Rogers, AR @ Walmart AMP *
August 5 – Lincoln, NE @ Pinewood Bowl Theater *
August 7 – Casper, WY @ Ford Wyoming Center *
August 8 – Idaho Falls, ID @ Mountain America Center *
August 9 – Nampa, ID @ Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater *
August 10 – Bonner, MT @ KettleHouse Amphitheater *
August 12 – Airway Heights, WA @ BECU Live Amp at Northern Quest Resort & Casino *
August 13 – Troutdale, OR @ Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn – McMenamins Edgefield Amphitheater *
August 14 – Troutdale, OR @ Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn – McMenamins Edgefield Amphitheater *
August 15 – Auburn, WA @ White River Amphitheatre *
August 17 – Palmer, AK @ Alaska State Fair – ConocoPhillips Borealis Theatre
August 20 – Eugene, OR @ Cuthbert Amphitheater *
August 22 – Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre *
August 23 – Modesto, CA @ The Fruit Yard Amphitheater *
August 24 – Stateline, NV @ Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys *
August 26 – Redding, CA @ Redding Civic Auditorium Lawn *
August 27 – Rohnert Park, CA @ Green Music Center *
August 29 – San Diego, CA @ The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
August 30 – Inglewood, CA @ Kia Forum *
August 31 – Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Financial Theatre *
Sept. 2 – Grand Junction, CO @ Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park *
Sept. 4 – Colorado Springs, CO @ Ford Amphitheater *
Sept. 5 – Rio Rancho, NM @ Rio Rancho Events Center *
Sept. 6 – Concho, OK @ Lucky Star Amphitheater at Lucky Star Casino *
Sept. 7 – Tulsa, OK @ Tulsa Theater *
Sept. 9 – Maryland Heights, MO @ Saint Louis Music Park *
Sept. 12 – Madison, WI @ Breese Stevens Field *
Sept. 13 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center *
Sept. 14 – Columbus, OH @ Palace Theatre *
Sept. 16 – Newport, KY @ MegaCorp Pavilion *
Sept. 17 – Kalamazoo, MI @ Miller Auditorium *
Sept. 20 – Nashville, TN @ Ascend Amphitheater *

* with Puddles Pity Party

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Katy Perry Opens Her Heart Wider With ‘143: I Love You More’ Digital Album Featuring Bonus Tracks

If you haven’t gotten on Katy Perry‘s love train yet you’re in luck because now there’s more ways to say it with your heart. The singer announced an expanded version of her new 143 album on Monday night (Sept. 23), 143: I Love You More. The expanded digital take on the 11-track original features bonus tracks “I Woke Up,” “No More Tears For New Years” and “Gimme Gimme (Solo Version).”

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The latter seemingly features Perry only, with guest 21 Savage stripped off the song. “Good morning from Australia! I WOKE UP… with another surprise for you 143: I Love You More – a DELUXE digital download of 143 is available NOW for my [American] and [Australian] KatyCats but only for a limited time,” Perry wrote on X, where she also included a 20-second snippet of the peppy “I Woke Up.”

“I just open my eyes and sing every time/ I woke up, got another day/ I woke up, let’s celebrate/ Throw your hands up in the sky/ If you’re happy you’re alive,” Perry sings on the bouncy pop tune about appreciating the joy of living in which she gives thanks for the sun shining, puddle jumping and singing the blues away.

Perry performed at the second weekend of Rock in Rio in Brazil over the weekend, where she brought out 1980s pop icon Cyndi Lauper for a powerful duet on the latter’s 1985 Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping ballad “Time After Time.” The singer’s third visit to Rock in Rio came just days after she dropped the follow-up to 2020’s Smile, which Perry said in a statement was her effort to create “a bold, exuberant, celebratory dance-pop album with the symbolic 143 numerical expression of love as a throughline message”; 143 is text message code for “I love you.”

Check out Perry’s 143: I Love You More announcement below.

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London’s Historic Maida Vale Studios Set For Revamp By Hans Zimmer

The Maida Vale studios in west London is one of the capital’s most historic recording studios. Belonging to the BBC for nearly 80 years, the complex was home to the BBC Symphony Orchestra and hosted recording sessions by pop and rock royalty.

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Hans Zimmer

Hans Zimmer Buys the BBC’s Historic Maida Vale Studios 

The BBC announced its closure in 2020, but in 2023, a group led by famed composer Hans Zimmer bought the complex with hopes of restoring the studios to their former glory.

Initial plans for a revamp at the £10 million valued studios have now been shared by the group, which includes Zimmer (The Lion King, Interstellar), and his business manager Steven Kofsky, alongside film producers Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, as reported by the BBC.

On a dedicated website, MVS Partnership LLP have outlined their plans to improve the structure of the studios, as well as three new “state-of-the-art” studios for writing and composing.

As consultations for the work begin, the group have proposed a “retrofit-first approach with sustainable design to improve energy efficiency.” The group have cited carbon concerns with the demolition of the building, and are proposing to retain much of its existing fabric to “minimise” the impact.

The group is yet to submit a formal planning application to Westminster City Council. You can read the full consultation here.

From 1946, the complex was a regular fixture in BBC broadcasts, featuring on Radio 1, 2, 3 and in filmed television episodes on BBC One and more.

In 1967, it became the home of the Peel Sessions, hosted by BBC Radio DJ John Peel and hosted iconic performances by The Smiths, David Bowie, Dusty Springfield and Fleetwood Mac.

Upon news of the purchase in 2023, Zimmer said that the goal was to “make Maida Vale Studios a place that inspires, teaches, technologically serves the arts and humanity, and gives the next generation the same opportunities I was given: to create and to never give up.” The online consultation will run until October 11.

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Dickon Stainer Appointed Chairman and CEO of Universal Music U.K.

LONDON, U.K. — Long-serving executive Dickon Stainer has been appointed Chairman and CEO of Universal Music U.K., succeeding David Joseph, who announced he was stepping down from the role after almost 17 years in charge on Monday (Sept. 23).

Stainer’s appointment was announced in a memo from Lucian Grainge sent to staff on Tuesday. For the last 10 years, Stainer has served as president and CEO of Universal Music Group’s Global Classics and Jazz division, splitting his time between London and New York.

“Dickon has embraced an expansive musical worldview throughout his career, taking artists from a wide variety of genres and bringing them to audiences globally,” said Grainge in the memo, which has been viewed by Billboard, and accompanying press release.

“He not only has deep experience in leveraging our worldwide organization on behalf of our artists, but a track record that includes global commercial and creative artist successes and countless awards in many countries,” said Grainge, who thanked outgoing CEO and chairman David Joseph for his “many contributions. He leaves with our gratitude.”

In his new role, Stainer will be responsible for leading the overall management and strategic direction of Universal Music U.K., including Island EMI Label Group, Polydor Label Group, Decca Records, the recently formed Audience and Media Division, as well as Abbey Road Studios.

In addition to his new responsibilities, Stainer will continue his long association with UMG’s Global Classics and Jazz division in the capacity of chairman, Grainge told staff. Announcements regarding new leadership roles and internal promotions in these businesses will be made shortly, said the UMG chief.

“It is an honour to be asked by Sir Lucian Grainge to lead Universal Music U.K. The depth of talent that we have at the company, coupled with our remarkable roster of artists, gives me tremendous confidence in what we can achieve together,” said Stainer in a statement.

He continued: “Having worked in both the international and domestic divisions of UMG, I know how central the U.K. is to the global music industry – a vital repertoire source that provides the world with great artists and great music. I can’t wait to get started.”

The reorganization at the top of Universal U.K. comes just a few months after the company announced it was merging its historic Island and EMI label divisions and forming two new frontline label groups: Island EMI Label Group, headed by Louis Bloom as president, and Polydor Label Group, led by Ben Mortimer.

The U.K. arm of Universal Music is additionally launching a new Audience and Media Division to support artists and labels, headed by Rebecca Allen.

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Blossoms Lead Midweek U.K. Chart With ‘Gary’

Blossoms are blooming on the midweek U.K. chart with Gary.

Hailing from Stockport, England, the indie-rock leads the Official Chart Update with Gary, their fifth full-length album.

If it holds its course, Gary will give the band a fourth leader following their self-titled debut from 2016, Foolish Loving Spaces (from 2020) and Ribbon Around The Bomb (2022), while 2018’s Cool Like You peaked at No. 4.

The strongest challenge comes from Chappell Roan and her former chart-leading debut album The Rise And Fall of a Midwest Princess. Based on midweek sales and streaming data published by the Official Charts Company, Midwest Princess is a little over 2,000 chart units behind Gary in second place.
Scottish singer and songwriter Tom Walker could complete the podium with I Am, his sophomore album.

It’s new at No. 3 on the chart blast. Previously, the Brit Award-winning artist led by chart in 2019 with his debut What A Time To Be Alive.

Also eyeing a top 10 debut is Katy Perry with her sixth LP 143. It’s set to start at No. 4 on the national tally, for what would be the U.S. pop star’s fifth top 10 title and highest-charting effort in the U.K. since Prism led the chart in 2013.

Meanwhile, the xx’s Jamie xx could nab a second solo top 10 with In Waves. The followup to In Colour, which peaked at No. 3, the British producer’s latest is set to start at No. 6. As a member of the xx alongside Romy and Oliver Sim, Jamie has snared two U.K. No. 1s with Coexist (in 2012) and I See You (2017).

Further down the midweek chart, West Yorkshire rock act Terrorvision could nab a career high with We Are Not Robots, set to bow at No. 7; Future could score a fifth U.K. top 10 with Mixtape Pluto, on track for a No. 9 bow; and post-punk Manchester outfit Ist Ist could land a first-ever top 10 appearance with Light A Bigger Fire, new at No. 10 on the chart blast.

Over on the midweek singles chart, Sabrina Carpenter looks likely to extend her reign with “Taste.” Carpenter’s latest hit is heading for a fifth week at No. 1, which would extend her record as the solo female artist with the most combined weeks at No. 1 in a calendar year. Currently, her three leaders have notched a combined 16 weeks at No. 1.

Chappell Roan could have something to say about it. The U.S. pop phenom is “closer than ever to her first UK No. 1 single,” the OCC reports, as “Good Luck, Babe!” sits at No. 2, fewer than 2,000 chart units from the leader.

All will be revealed when the Official U.K. Singles and Albums Charts are published late Friday, Feb. 27.

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Charli XCX & Troye Sivan Bring Out Surprise Guests Lorde & Addison Rae As Sweat Tour Drenches NYC

Anyone who skipped Charli XCX and Troye Sivan’s Monday (Sept. 23) night concert at Manhattan’s Madison Square Garden will likely spend the rest of this week brat-green with envy. Not only did surprise guest Addison Rae beam in to duet with the Sweat Tour co-headliners on her bubbling viral hit “Diet Pepsi,” but Lorde descended from the heavens to give the Internet-crashing “girl, so confusing” remix its live debut.

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While the New Zealand trailblazer previously attended Charli XCX’s Brooklyn Paramount concert in June, Monday night marked the first time that the two performed their therapeutic Hot 100 hit together. The historic moment was felt throughout MSG – quite literally, as a wave of sound from shrieking fans hit your eardrums the moment it became clear that Lorde herself had emerged from beneath the stage for the remix duet.

If the “girl, so confusing” studio recording sounds like an olive branch, earnestly offered but swaying unsteadily in the wind, the live performance at MSG made it feel like the duo’s relationship was truly taking roots. Charli, who previously dominated the stage like a wildcat on the prowl, politely held back while Lorde delivered her confessional verse. But by the time they hit the “you walk like a bitch” lyric, both singers were strutting in unison toward the back of the stage with the kind of confidence and verve usually reserved for models during Fashion Week.

Addison Rae, the TikTok star-turned-pop singer whose viral hit “Diet Pepsi” is quickly establishing her as a pop singer to watch, also enjoyed a huge roar of applause when she made her surprise entrance to sing the aforementioned fizzy single. Even better, Charli and Troye joined in to provide vocal support (Sivan’s voice was particularly well-suited to the sugary song). And those two weren’t the only surprise guests: During “Apple,” Charli turned the cameras upon the audience, where Kelley Heyer – the creator behind the viral “Apple” dance on TikTok – was front and center, ready to deliver her signature moves while flaunting a brat-branded skirt.

Those pinch-me moments were social-ready highlights, but even without special guests, the Sweat Tour should go down as a model for other pop stars to follow. Instead of having one co-headliner’s set followed by the other’s, Sivan and XCX traded the stage every three-to-four songs, offering up a seamless, unpredictable two hours of sensual, thumping dance-pop that felt more like a Bushwick gay bar or a U.K. rave than Midtown Manhattan. Not too surprising given the spots where Charli cut her chops, but still quite an achievement to take an arena famous for Billy Joel residencies and Knicks games and turn it into a queer party.

A lot of the credit for the Sweat Tour’s unrepentant, inspirational and liberating queerness goes to Sivan. From the moment he hit the stage, it was clear that the Aussie singer-songwriter has found the perfect negotiation between the sweetness of the voice, the vulnerability of his lyrics and the dancefloor-ready grooves that make for a proper party.

Opening the night with “Got Me Started” (from Billboard’s third-best album of 2023, Something to Give Each Other), Sivan set the tone when he dropped to his knees toward the end of the song, crooning the last few lyrics while one of his well-toned backup dancers dangled the microphone suggestively in front of his crotch. Shades of Madonna, certainly, and not the only time during the night that Sivan drew on past pop icons, from his *NSYNC-esque choreography on “My My My” to some Shania Twain-styled line dancing during the evening’s encore. But despite paying homage to pop icons before him, Sivan’s Sweat set stood on its own – no small feat given that Charli’s setlist was centered around the summer-defining brat album.

Toward the end of the night, Sivan and XCX duetted on both “1999” as well as their “talk talk” remix. While the latter is certainly an unstoppable banger (though it’s kind of funny to watch the two cosplay seducing each other while singing the sex-drenched lyrics), the former offered up the emotional core of the night. As a platform stage housing both raised above the MSG crowd, Troye and Charli traded vocals on the nostalgic banger and fed off each other’s energy in a loose, friendly fashion. Both have been low-key luminaries of the last decade in pop, and we’re lucky to have a co-headlining tour that finds both of them at singular (and sweaty) artistic peaks.

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