Is the 2024 Song of the Summer race already over or just getting started?

On the new Billboard Pop Shop Podcast, Katie & Keith are talking about who will end this summer atop our Songs of the Summer chart. Post Malone‘s “I Had Some Help,” featuring Morgan Wallen, has ruled Songs of the Summer since the chart returned in late May, but does it have some current competition that could take the lead? Or maybe a song that hasn’t even been released yet?

We consulted our Billboard colleagues Gary Trust (managing director, charts and data operations) and Jason Lipshutz (executive director, music and founding Pop Shop Podcast co-host) for their insight. They offer up what the strongest contenders are and also do some wishful thinking about how the rest of the summer could play out.

To hear what they had to say and Katie & Keith’s full discussion, check out the brand-new episode below:

The Billboard Pop Shop Podcast is your one-stop shop for all things pop on Billboard‘s weekly charts. You can always count on a lively discussion about the latest pop news, fun chart stats and stories, new music, and guest interviews with music stars and folks from the world of pop. Casual pop fans and chart junkies can hear Billboard‘s executive digital director, West Coast, Katie Atkinson and Billboard’s managing director, charts and data operations, Keith Caulfield every week on the podcast, which can be streamed on Billboard.com or downloaded in Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast provider. (Click here to listen to the previous edition of the show on Billboard.com.)

Eminem has finally revealed the tracklist for his forthcoming album, The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce), set to release this Friday, July 12.

The album, which promises to be a deep dive into the psyche of Eminem’s notorious alter ego, Slim Shady, features 19 tracks that explore themes of rebirth, inner turmoil, and resolution.

The tracklist was unveiled by Apple Music on July 10, just two days prior to the album’s release. It comes following Eminem’s reveal of the album’s cover art, which features Slim Shady’s head emerging from a body bag in what seems to be a metaphor for the end of one era and the beginning of another.

The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce) tracklist reads as follows:

One standout track that’s bound to get longtime fans excited is “Guilty Conscience 2,” a sequel to the 1999 hit that featured Dr. Dre. With Dre having previously confirmed his involvement in Em’s latest project, expectations are high for this fresh take on a classic collab.

In the lead-up to the album, Eminem has dropped two singles that have sparked conversations and fueled anticipation. “Houdini,” released on May 31, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Global Charts and quickly became a topic of discussion for its intricate lyricism and controversial references.

The track samples the Steve Miller Band’s “Abracadabra” while addressing hot-button issues such as the 2020 Megan Thee Stallion shooting incident and cancel culture.

The second single, “Tobey,” featuring Big Sean and BabyTron, was released on July 8, after initially being slated for July 5. The track marked Em’s first collaboration with Babytron and his fourth with Big Sean, following their team-up in 2017 on I Decided’s “No Favors,” Detroit 2‘s “Friday Night Cypher” and ShadyXV‘s “Detroit Vs. Everybody.”

As the release date rapidly approaches, both fans and industry insiders are filled with anticipation, eager to delve into the journey through the mind of one of rap’s most iconic figures.

The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce) is out July 12.

When Reid Wilson, a 14-year-old singer from the heart of Alabama, stepped onto the America’s Got Talent stage, his nerves were palpable.

But as soon as he began belting out Lesley Gore’s 1963 hit “You Don’t Own Me,” those nerves vanished, replaced by a voice so powerful and a presence so magnetic that it left the judges and audience stunned.

“I am definitely nervous, but I am going to put my all into this and sing my heart out and try not to miss a note,” Wilson declared before his performance. And boy, did he deliver!

His soulful, gritty rendition of the classic tune showcased not only his incredible vocal range but also his ability to pour his heart into every note.

The judges were clearly taken aback by Wilson’s unexpected song choice and undeniable talent.

Simon Cowell couldn’t help but admit, “We weren’t expecting that.” Heidi Klum, visibly impressed, gushed, “I think you’re absolutely incredible. I loved when you took the mic off [the stand] and gave a little more stage presence. Well done.”

Simon added that his parents must have good musical taste, to which Reid quipped “no,” getting a laugh from the judges and the audience.

Sofia Vergara, who had initially been concerned about Wilson’s nerves, was thoroughly impressed: “You were so nervous at the beginning. I was, ‘He’s not going to be able to put his stuff together,’ but you did, and you did amazingly. It sounded spectacular from here.”

But it was Howie Mandel who had the most profound reaction to Wilson’s performance.

Visibly moved, Mandel shared, “I was bowled over because I was surprised. You know what? That stage is where dreams come true. Do you believe in dreams?”

When Wilson answered affirmatively, Howie pressed the Golden Buzzer, sending a shower of glittering confetti raining down on Wilson and his proud mother, who had rushed onto the stage to embrace her son in a moment of pure joy.

Lesley Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me” was a bold choice for the young singer.

The song, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964, has been a feminist anthem for decades. Written by John Madara and David White, it showcased Gore’s powerful voice and became one of her signature hits.

Gore, already famous for her hit song “It’s My Party,” recorded “You Don’t Own Me” when she was only 17 years old. It was later featured on her album Lesley Gore Sings of Mixed-Up Hearts.

Backstage, Mandel couldn’t stop raving about Wilson’s raw talent.

“I did it because of the sound and who you are was nothing close to anything I was expecting. You are a big talent,” he told the young singer, who was still trying to wrap his head around this life-changing moment.

For Wilson, whose musical hero is none other than the legendary Aretha Franklin, this is the opportunity of a lifetime.

“I would love to be the next superstar,” he confessed. “I sing at family gatherings every now and then but nothing big.”

Now, armed with a Golden Buzzer and a ticket to the live shows, Wilson has the chance to make that dream a reality.

Watch Reid Wilson perform Leslie Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me” on America’s Got Talent below.

The 2024 BET Awards on June 30 drew more than 3 million viewers, according to Nielsen figures. The show, which was simulcast live across 10 Paramount networks, was up 10% in impressions compared to last year. It stands as the No. 1 awards show on cable of the first half of 2024.

A total of 4.3 million viewers watched BET Awards content on premiere night, delivering a viewership increase of 10%. (That figure combines a live red-carpet show, the main telecast and an encore airing of the main telecast.)

The 2024 BET Awards scored its highest viewership with audiences in the prized 18-49 demographic in five years. It was the No. 1 show on all of TV for the day; the No. 1 cable awards show of the first half of 2024 among all audiences (18-49); and the No. 1 most social program across all of TV with 82% growth year-over-year and 10.5 million social interactions.

BET calls the show “the most-watched culture and entertainment event on all of TV by Black audiences 18-49.” That careful wording is meant to exclude sports programming.

BET also calls the show “the most-watched Black event in America” and “the largest Black gathering for culture, entertainment, and empowerment in the country.”

The 2024 BET Awards included at least two notable firsts.

This year, the BET Awards put Black country artists at center stage for the first time. Tanner Adell performed her songs “Buckle Bunny” and “Cowboy” on the BET Amplified stage. The red-hot Shaboozey performed “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” joined by J-Kwon, whose 2004 smash “Tipsy” is interpolated in Shaboozey’s smash. “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” jumps to No. 1 on this week’s Billboard Hot 100 and holds at No. 1 on Hot Country Songs for the fourth nonconsecutive week.

In a statement, BET said “this groundbreaking inclusion of country music highlighted Black music’s rich history, diversity, and landscape” and that the show “celebrated the fullness of Black music.”

Also, Will Smith performed on the BET Awards stage for the first time, unveiling his new song “You Can Make It” alongside Kirk Franklin, Chandler Moore, and the Sunday Service Choir. Smith had co-hosted the show in 2005 with his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, but had not previously performed on the show. This was Smith’s first awards-show performance since he was barred from Academy Awards events for 10 years in 2022 following a headline-grabbing and image-damaging incident involving Chris Rock. This is a reminder that for many Black performers seeking to mount a comeback, the surest route is through Black audiences, who will often tend to be more sympathetic.

The importance of showing up to the polls in this chaotic election year was stressed throughout the show. The show included a segment in which third-time host Taraji P. Henson conversed with Vice President Kamala Harris about the importance of voting. In his acceptance speech for album of the year, Killer Mike stressed not only the importance of voting but also getting politically involved locally year-round.

Connie Orlando, EVP of specials, music programming & music strategy, served as the executive producer for the annual show, with Jamal Noisette, SVP of tentpoles & music community engagement, for BET. Jesse Collins Entertainment is the production company for the show, with Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay also serving as executive producers.