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.

Walmart’s Summer Deals event will be happening soon, which means you can expect to find some of the hottest summer savings. The retail giant is rolling out discounts during the savings event starting on July 8. If you want to shop the sale early, join Walmart+ and get early access to the Walmart Deals event before everyone else. To get you started, we’ve rounded up a list of everything you need to know — including how to subscribe for 50% off. See below for more details.

How to Join Walmart+

Don’t miss out! Walmart+ typically costs $98 for the annual membership, and $12.95 for the monthly membership after a 30-day free trial. The subscription is on sale for 50% off for a limited time.

Walmart offers different plans that will save you up to half off the membership plan. For example, subscribe to the Walmart+ annual plan to save you around $5/month and over $100 per year on your Walmart+ subscription. Click below to join Walmart+ for $49 (offer ends on July 18).

$49 $98 50% off

JOIN walmart+

What is Walmart+? The subscription unlocks instant access to loads of benefits including shopping certain sales earlier than everyone else, special pricing and product releases. Walmart+ members also get a ton of freebies.

If you’re interested in more discount options, there are a couple of ways to join Walmart+ for $49 or 50% off the regular price — no promo code necessary. For starters, Walmart offers a government assistance program that slices the subscription price in half.

Last July, the retail giant introduced Walmart+ Assist discounted subscription, for those on government assistance. The Walmart+ Assist discount is available to eligible new and existing Walmart+ members.

$49 $98 50% off

walmart+ assist

Existing members who qualify for the price cut will receive a prorated refund and the discounted price will begin immediately, per Walmart.

How else can you save on Walmart+? College students and grad students can subscribe to Walmart+ Student at a discounted rate.

If you’re not eligible for Walmart+ Assist or Walmart+ Student, don’t worry, you can still enjoy a free 30-day free trial with your subscription.

You can also give a Walmart+ membership as a birthday or graduation gift. A Walmart+ membership is perfect for shoppers who want access to special benefits such as free shipping and sweet deals.

How do you gift someone with a Walmart+ membership? Simply purchase a Walmart gift card, which can be used to cover the annual membership fee.

Walmart’s summer sale arrives less than a month after Walmart+ Week on June 17. The weeklong sale had member-only offers such as 20 cents off fuel at Exxon & Mobile stations, up to 20% back in Walmart Cash on flights, hotels, car rentals and activities booked through Walmart+ Travel, one free Express Delivery and a three-month free trial to Walmart+ home (free delivery into your garage or kitchen by a “trusted, trained & familiar” Walmart Associates from your local store).

What can you get for free with Walmart+? For starters, you’ll get free shipping with no order minimum, so you won’t have to worry about adding things to your cart that you might not even need just to get free shipping.

The membership also includes free grocery delivery, contact-free checkout with mobile-scan and go, travel deals, free subscriptions to Paramount+ and ad-free streaming with Pluto TV.

But wait, there’s more. Walmart+ members get free flat tire repair and other auto care and lots more. Some of the limited offers available to Walmart+ members include up to five months free Apple Music, up to four months free Apple Fitness+ three months of free YouTube Premium, two free months of Xbox Game Pass (in car), free Calm Premium for up to four months and 30% off Angi (formerly Angie’s List).

What’s on Sale? Limited Deals to Shop

What’s currently on sale during Walmart? The retail giant is offering a huge selection of member-only deals to help you shop for summer on a budget.

Walmart shoppers can find savings on must-have toys, apparel, electronics, furniture, apparel and other can’t miss deals. See more deals below.

Mainstays 26-Inch Round Iron Outdoor Burning Fire Pit $30.57 ($37.88)

Mainstays Arlington 5-Piece Outdoor Wicker Set$159 ($347)

The Pioneer Woman Goldie 3-Piece Cast Aluminum Garden Bistro Set$174 ($198)

FDW Memory Foam 8-inch Twin Mattress$139.99 ($319.99)

Iceglad Golf Shirts for Men Short Sleeve Dry Fit Print$15.99 ($38.99)

Gotrax Rival Adult Electric Scooter$198 ($298)

Coleman XPand 16-Can Soft Cooler$19.88 ($32.99)

Apple AirPods with Charing Case (2nd Generation)$89.99 ($129)

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.

Stay cool and stylish all summer long with these top 15 crop top picks. From classic basics to trendy flattering styles, these crop tops will elevate your look in seconds. Whether you’re into the sleek look or fun styles, there is something for everyone.

Putting an outfit together can take time, but when you have strong tops, it makes the process a lot easier. With these crop tops, you’ll be ready to embrace your summer in style while also making budget-friendly choices.

If you’re shopping on Amazon, consider taking advantage of all Amazon Prime has to offer and sign up for a 30-day free trial, which also comes with access to Prime VideoPrime Gaming and Amazon Music. And to help make sure you get your purchases quickly, becoming a Prime member means you get fast, free shipping in two days or less with Prime Delivery.

Want free shipping at Walmart? Join Walmart+ for free for the first 30 days. The membership includes free shipping and free delivery from your local store, free Paramount+ and so much more.

Best Crop Tops for the Summer: Shop Now

Meyeeka Square Neck Trendy Crop Top

$14.99 $18.99 21% off

Buy Now On Amazon


If you’re looking to get yourself a TikTok favorite and overall trendy piece, consider this Meyeeka Square Neck Crop Top. You can get it in all your favorite colors from beige to royal blue. TikTok users captioned this as a piece that highlights a flattering neckline.

Best Crop Tops for the Summer: Shop Now

KeesonKimi Trendy Round Neck Crop Top

$5.18 $10.18 49% off

Buy Now at walmart


If you don’t already own this KeesonKimi Trendy Round Neck Crop Top, you might want to get on it and add it to your cart. This crop top goes with anything and everything. Go get yours now and pair it with your favorite denim shorts this summer.

Best Crop Tops for the Summer: Shop Now

Free People Strong Core Corset Crop

$19.95 $58 66% off

Buy Now at free People


For those who are a fan of corset-looking tops, you might want to add this Free People Corset Crop that currently 66% off. Hurry though, it only available in sizes Medium and Large. According to the brand, it “holds-you-in” providing ultimate support. It’s designed for not only fashion purposes, but also working out. With its pull-on style, it makes easy for you to throw on and go.

Best Crop Tops for the Summer: Shop Now

No Boundaries Crop Top


Add this No Boundaries crop top to your summer collection. It’s easy to style and will be sure to keep your crop top style fresh with its linear color combo design. Hurry though, it’s only available in Black Combo and Black.

Best Crop Tops for the Summer: Shop Now

Allegra K Velvet Short Sleeve Crop Top

$24.99 $33.39 25% off

Buy Now at target


Change up your style with this Allegra K Velvet Short Sleeve Crop Top. Its one-of-a-kind star pattern and velvet material make it an easy option to pair it with anything you’d like. It comes in three different colors: Blue, Black and Brown — but the Brown is sold out for now. Go get yours in blue and black before they run out too.

Best Crop Tops for the Summer: Shop Now

Outfmvch Ruffle Short Sleeve Crop Top


Add distinctive crop top options to your wardrobe this summer with this cute Outfmvch Ruffle Short Sleeve Crop Top. With its unique back bow, you’ll be sure to turn heads. You can get it in all your favorite colors from army green to light blue.

Best Crop Tops for the Summer: Shop Now

Free People Belong Together Crop Top

$19 $38 50% off

Buy Now at Free People


If you want to add more color and style to your wardrobe, consider adding this Free People Belong Together crop top that is currently 50 percent off. This is one you will want to get in all five different colors: Ultra Violet, Washed Lime, Black, White, and Pink.

Best Crop Tops for the Summer: Shop Now

Allegra K Asymmetrical Spaghetti Strap Crop

$21.99 $29.39 25% off

Buy Now at target


Brighten your wardrobe with this Allegra K Asymmetrical Spaghetti Strap Crop. With its adjustable spaghetti straps and asymmetrical hem, you’ll be able to take it with you on vacation, to a birthday party and more. You can get it in yellow and blue.

Best Crop Tops for the Summer: Shop Now

H&M Crop Tank Top


If you’re looking for a relaxed and stylish fit, consider this H&M Crop Tank Top. You can get it in a variety of solid colors from bright red to green, including many different striped alternatives to keep it fresh.

Best Crop Tops for the Summer: Shop Now

Macy’s Billy Bow Cut Out Crop Top

$48 $64 25% off

Buy Now at Macy’s


For those looking for a long-sleeve option, consider this Macy’s Billy Bow Cut Out Top. You can get it in cream and black. The cream is only available in size small, so hurry if that’s your size! The black and white top is available in extra small, small and medium.

Best Crop Tops for the Summer: Shop Now

Edikted Chandelier Beaded Fringe Triangle Hem Strapless Crop Top


If you are looking for a standout crop top alternative, you might want to consider this Edikted Chandelier Beaded Fringe Strapless Crop Top. The brand describes it as a “party-ready style,” offering a one of a kind design with its triangle hem at an affordable price.

Best Crop Tops for the Summer: Shop Now

Skims Cotton Rib Picot Super Cropped Henley


Take your crop top look one step further with this Skims Cotton Rib Picot Super Cropped Henley. You can style this long-sleeved crop with pants, shorts, or skirts. With its super cropped style, you’ll be sure to stay cool this summer.

Best Crop Tops for the Summer: Shop Now

Abercrombie & Fitch YPB Sculptlux Slash Tank

$33.75 $45 25% off

Buy Now at a&F


Whether you’re working out or running errands a slim-fitting crop tank is one you should add to your closet. This Abercrombie & Fitch YPB Sculptlux Slash Tank holds you in without needing to wear a bra.

Best Crop Tops for the Summer: Shop Now

Lulus Friendship Lime Green Tie-Front Crop Top


Add this Lulus lime green to your closet this summer. Its distinctive tie in the front and affordable price is a perfect way to make a fashion statement without breaking the bank.

Best Crop Tops for the Summer: Shop Now

Lulus Beige Linen Halter Crop Top


For those looking for a chic alternative at a great price, consider this Lulus Beige Linen Halter Crop Top. If you don’t already have a haltered crop top, you might want to start by adding this one. According to a Lulus customer, “It goes incredibly well with high-rise jeans or a skirt. It also is super comfy and fits great! Didn’t need to wear a bra either.”

For more product recommendations, check out this roundup of tops to add to your summer shopping list, Free People Onsie for those looking to add a comfortable piece, and top 6 must-have jean shorts for the summer.

SZA is a great example of why not all song lyrics should be taken literally.

While appearing on Amelia Dimoldenberg’s Chicken Shop Date, the R&B-pop superstar confessed that her smash hit “Kill Bill” — which became her first-ever solo No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 last year — was a little bit over the top, especially that part about murdering her ex-boyfriend.

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“Oh my God, after I said that, I was like, ‘That was so crazy and harsh,’” SZA admitted on the Friday (July 5) episode, laughing. “I was just randomly slightly enraged.”

The Grammy winner also walked back on the lyric “rather be in jail than alone.” “‘Cause I sung that, it has to be true?” she quipped sarcastically, clarifying that she definitely wouldn’t prefer prison time over solitude.

The standout track on SZA’s Billboard 200-topping SOS was just one of many topics she broached with Dimoldenberg. The pair also opened up about falling in love, something the “Snooze” artist revealed comes easily to her.

“It’s tragic,” she said. “I don’t even know if I’m meant to fall in love. ‘Cause who’s actually doing it and sustaining it? I think we’re just supposed to be in fleeting states of loving.”

“I can catch ’em, but I can not keep them,” she added of her dating life — but that’s where things started to take a slightly bizarre turn. “They get in there and then realize I’m f—in’ weird. [My] butt makes it seem like [I’m] normal. On the outside I wanna shake a– and do all the normal things, but I also wanna just swim in the swamp, and I wanna, like, collect methane gas with my man. That’s my type of sh–.”

As for whether she’d ever run for president, SZA declared “absolutely not.” “I want nothing to do with politics and I just want to be left alone,” she said.

Watch SZA’s full Chicken Shop Date above.

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.

National Bikini Day is perfect time to shop for new swimwear! In honor of the unofficial holiday, celebrated every year on July 5, we rounded up a collection of nine affordable bikinis to shop for summer.

The modern two-piece bikini was first introduced in July 1946 by French designers and competitors Jacques Heim and Louis Réard. Heim’s design was nicknamed the “atom” and marketed as the “world’s smallest bathing suit,” while Réard named his design after the coral island Bikini Atoll. Since then, the bikini has grown to become one of the most popular (if not the most popular) kind of swimwear.

From solids to patterns, keep reading for our roster of budget-friendly bikinis to rock poolside, or sport on the beach.

Best Bikinis for Summer 2024: Starting at $8.99

H&M Padded Bikini Top

$8.99

Buy Now


Grab your beach bag and sunglasses! This mix and match bikini top (and bottom) from H&M retail for $8.99 each and are available in black, yellow and red. The fully-lined bikini comes in sizes XL-XL.

Best Bikinis for Summer 2024: Starting at $8.99

Charo Women’s Scalloped Bikini

$15.99 $17.99 11% off

Buy Now at walmart


This nylon-spandex bikini from Walmart features adjustable straps and a scalloped trim, scooped-neck design. The bikini is available in sizes S-XL and comes in green, orange, black and red, though its sold out in select colors.

Best Bikinis for Summer 2024: Starting at $8.99

geluboao Womens Black Bikini Set High Waisted V Neck Swimsuit


Another simple but stylish bikini choice. This Amazon bikini comes in over 24 different colors and patterns including black, white, red, brown, pink, orange, purple, green, light green, lake green, blue, royal blue and light blue. Sizes range from XS-XL.

Best Bikinis for Summer 2024: Starting at $8.99

ASOS Curve Mia Bikini Top in Tomato Stripe

$17.50 $23 24% off

Buy Now at asos


This plus-size bikini is $17.50 for the top and $22.50 for the bottoms. The top and bottom are available in size plus sizes 14-26. Find more plus size bikinis from ASOS here.

Best Bikinis for Summer 2024: Starting at $8.99

Shade & Shore Women’s Shirred Bandeau Bikini Top

$16 $20 20% off

Buy Now at target


Target is perfect for finding affordable bikinis. This Shade & Shore bikini top is on sale for $16 and available seven colors including black shine, blue shine, green shine, silver shine, orange striped and pink striped. The bikini comes is sizes XS-3X and you can mix up the bottoms.

Best Bikinis for Summer 2024: Starting at $8.99

Pink Queen Women’s Removable Strap Bikini

$30.99

Buy Now


This Amazon bikini set includes a bandeau top (with removable padding) and high-waisted bottom. You can get it in dozens of different colors and patterns and in sizes ranging from S-XL

Best Bikinis for Summer 2024: Starting at $8.99

Out from Under Vivien Ruffle Triangle Bikini Top


This bikini top and (and bottom) retails for $39 each at Urban Outfitters. The triangle-cut top ties at the neck and back features ruffled trim throughout. The bikini is available in polkadot, seed packets, pink and digital fruit designs (sizes XS-XL).

Best Bikinis for Summer 2024: Starting at $8.99

SummerSalt the Triangle Bikini Top

$24.99 $50 50% off

Buy Now at summersalt


Save 50% off this SummerSalt bikini top while supplies last. The two-piece set comes in a range of colors including olive green, deep sea blue, sea urchin (black) as well as leopard print, polka dot, florals and striped designs. Shoppers can use code SP530 to save up to 30% off at SummerSalt.

For more summer essentials, check out the best slides and platform sandals, maxi dresses and jeans shorts to buy for summer.

As K-pop acts continue to set new records on charts like the Billboard Hot 100, the Billboard Global 200 and World Digital Song Sales, the artists are doing so with material that showcases them at their best and the unstoppable chart force that is K-pop.

ILLIT managed to set a new standard in the first half of 2024 when their “Magnetic” debut single broke into the Hot 100 — a first for a K-pop artist’s first-ever single. The feat spotlighted the increasingly strong material coming from the latest roster of rookie acts hitting the scene, including TWS, RIIZE and Gyubin.

On the Billboard Global 200, K-pop continues to make its presence known worldwide, as artists like ZICO and BIBI earn their first entries on the ranking. Meanwhile, Crush, (G)I-DLE, aespa and NewJeans earned additional entries on the chart, including aespa’s best ranking yet, with their super-charged “Supernova” nearing two months on the Global 200.

Plus, ZICO and Jennie of BLACKPINK hit No. 1 on the U.S.-based World Digital Song Sales, marking ZICO’s first time topping the chart and Jennie’s second after over five years. Meanwhile, Huh Yunjin of LE SSERAFIM also made her debut on the chart this year, showing the growing impact of her solo work that’s included top-notch collabs with the likes of BTS’ J-Hope, MAX, Groovyroom and Crush just in 2024 alone.

With so many major musical moments from the K-pop scene already this year, which songs stand out to rise among the best? Below, we offer our picks of the 20 best songs from the Korean pop industry released in 2024.

It looks like Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll had an excellent time celebrating America’s birthday this year. On Thursday (July 4), the podcaster shared a video on TikTok of her fun-filled Independence Day with the country star and their family, featuring swimming, grilling and, yes, lots of fireworks.

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Jelly kicks off the clip by greeting Bunnie’s followers. “Hi everybody,” he says, smiling and waving at the camera. “Happy Fourth of July!”

The video then cuts to clips of the couple enjoying poolside festivities with what appears to be their extended family — pet dogs included. The group swims and enjoys food made on the grill before sunset before watching a colorful firecracker display after nightfall.

In the dark, the Dumb Blonde host plants a kiss on her husband’s cheek before Jelly turns to kiss her on the lips. At the end of the video, Bunnie shows off a surprisingly convincing Jennifer Coolidge impression by quoting one of the actress’ iconic Legally Blonde 2 lines: “You look like the Fourth of July. It makes me want a hot dog real bad.”

“My heart is full,” Bunnie wrote in her caption, with Jelly adding in the comments, “Love this family.”

The Fourth of July festivities come at an exciting time for the couple, who recently started their IVF journey. Last month, Bunnie shared a video of Jelly talking about their goal to become parents together on the Bussin’ With the Boys podcast and wrote: “We had planned on doing this privately, but decided our IVF journey needed to be shared because we’ve always been so open.”

“And w/ all odds stacked against us, it’s already been hard and we have only just begun,” the mogul added at the time. “We have been meeting with IVF doctors & exploring all our options to add to our family.”

Watch Bunnie’s TikTok video below.

Chrissy Teigen’s family is getting festive!

The Cravings author took to her Instagram Stories on the Fourth of July to share an adorable video of her one-year-old daughter Esti rolling out dough to make cookies. “Good job,” Teigen is heard encouraging her daughter, before husband John Legend sweetly chimes in, “Smart girl!”

See Teigen’s Instagram Stories before they disappear here.

Last June, Legend and Teigen announced they welcomed their fourth child, a baby boy named Wren, via surrogate. With the process of IVF — which the couple also employed when becoming pregnant with Miles and his older sister Luna — Teigen became pregnant with baby girl Esti, whom the couple welcomed in January 2023.

Teigen revealed in an Instagram post that around the time she became pregnant, the couple met their surrogate, a woman named Alexandra who has since become a close friend. “Just minutes before midnight on June 19th, I got to witness the most beautiful woman, my friend, our surrogate, give birth amidst a bit of chaos, but with strength and pure joy and love,” Teigen wrote, thanking Alexandra for the “incredible gift.”

Legend told E! News that the Esti’s unique moniker was intially the brainchild of wife Chrissy Teigen, but it also has surprising roots in his family tree. “It turns out, my great-grandmother was named Esther,” he said. “It wasn’t intentionally after someone, but once Chrissy told me that idea, I was like, ‘Oh, my great-grandmother’s name was Esther.’”

The ominous 42 Dugg whistle is filling the air once again. The Detroit rapper returned Thursday (July 4) to deliver his 4eva Us Never Them debut album via 4PF/CMG and Interscope Records.

Filled with 22 tracks. Dugg enlists his school principal growing up in Detroit for a feature on the opener and then invites Sexyy Red, Meek Mill, Lil Baby, Jeezy, EST Gee, Rylo Rodriguez and Blac Youngsta to execute his vision.

“She made me do it,” Dugg told Way Up With Angela Yee of having his principal on the album. “I love her to death. She was writing me in jail, getting me through and helping me and telling me what to read and what songs I should be on. She went to jail after me. She got out, I went to jail. She holding it down.”

It’s been three years since his last solo project with 2021’s Free Dem Boyz and Dugg’s first since being released from jail in October after spending 17 months behind bars for weapon possession charges.

Dugg revealed on Instagram that “Fresh From the Feds,” “Wrong Right” and “Still Bout You” round out his top three tracks on the album. 42 dropped off another visual from the album with the gritty EST Gee-assisted “Since When” video arriving on Friday (July 5).

Lil Baby took part of his assist on “No Love” to show some love to Young Thug and revealed that he’s sent $1 million to cover some of Thugger’s legal fees, who remains on trial as part of the YSL RICO case. Thug has been behind bars and held without bond since May 2022.

“Don’t tell on your brother, don’t say nothing them lawyers comin trill/ Send an M to Slime for legal fees, I really f–k with twin,” he raps on the track.

42 Dugg’s Free Dem Boyz mixtape reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200 and he’ll look to top that with his debut album.

Stream 4eva Us Never Them below.

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.

Kendrick Lamar’s style is evolving nicely. The Compton native reteamed with London-based menswear designer Martine Rose for most of the looks in his highly anticipated “They Not Like Us” music video released on Wednesday (July 4).

Lamar sported several pieces from the brand, including a Martine Rose Shrunken Track Jacket and Martine Rose Field Jacket (the jacket is sold out at most retailers, but you can find select sizes here).

The 37-year-old rapper sported a Martine Rose “How’s It Hanging? T-shirt, cargo pants and biker jacket in addition to sequin shorts and biker boots from Loewe. He also wore a Prada suit, according to GQ.

Kendrick Lamar 'They Not Like Us' Video Fashion: Shop the Look

Martine Rose Shrunken Track Jacket


Lamar has been spotted in Martine Rose several times before. The menswear brand, founded in 2007 by British-Jamaican designer Martine Rose, has collaborated with major brands such as Nike and Clarks.

Last year, Martine Rose dropped a limited-edition collection with The Hillbillies — KDot and Baby Keem — to commemorate the duo’s Camp Flog Gnaw performance.

Rose and Lamar first linked up while the rapper was on tour. “The first time I worked with Kendrick was on his last tour in the U.K.,” she told British Vogue in 2023. “I was lucky enough to meet him backstage and I remember feeling like there was such an authentic connection there. I think we understand each other on a creative level.”

The visual for “They Not Like Us,” directed by Lamar and Dave Free, was filmed in Compton and featured cameos from producer DJ Mustard, NBA player Demar DeRozen and members of the TDE family including J-Rock, Ab-Soul, SchoolBoy Q and label heads Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith and Terrence “Punch” Henderson.

The music video has racked up 17 million views on YouTube in less than 24 hours, surpassed a million views within an hour of its release and is currently trending No. 1 on YouTube.

Shop pieces from the “They Not Like Us” music video below.

Kendrick Lamar 'They Not Like Us' Video Fashion: Shop the Look

Martine Rose How’s It Hanging? T-Shirt

$110 $221 50% off

Buy Now at farfetch


Kendrick Lamar 'They Not Like Us' Video Fashion: Shop the Look

Martine Rose Logo Patch Cargo Trousers

$260 $670 61% off

Buy Now at farfetch


Kendrick Lamar 'They Not Like Us' Video Fashion: Shop the Look

Loewe Campo Biker Boot


   

Two Canadian legends are three spots apart on the charts this week.

Celine Dion and Avril Lavigne both have new debuts on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart. Dion lands at No. 68 for the soundtrack to her new documentary, I Am: Celine Dion, chronicling her struggles with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). Lavigne comes in at No. 71 with Greatest Hits, her new compilation of fan favorites.

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Though neither is a blockbuster debut, both chart placements show that two of Canada’s biggest stars in the 2000s still have staying power. Dion’s soundtrack features many of her biggest hits, including “My Heart Will Go On” and “Pour que tu m’aimes encore,” as well as a score by Redi Hasa.

Lavigne isn’t quite as decorated as Dion, but the Napanee, Ontario pop-punk singer has been stepping into a new echelon of Canadian legends as of late, with recognition from Canada’s Walk of Fame as well as a recent appointment to the Order of Canada. Greatest Hits comes alongside a tour of the same name, which just saw Lavigne play at Glastonbury to one of the U.K. festival’s biggest crowds this year. – Rosie Long Decter

Anthem Music Publishing’s Gilles Godard Enters Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame

The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) has announced Gilles Godard as the 2024 Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame Stan Klees Builder inductee. Both Godard and recently named fellow Hall Of Fame Artist inductee k.d. lang will be honored and celebrated in an induction ceremony during Country Music Week 2024, taking place in Edmonton from September 11–14.

A native of Cornwall, Ontario, Godard boasts over five decades of music industry experience and currently serves as the president of Anthem Music Publishing Nashville. He began his career with Anthem (formerly known as ole) as a writer, working his way up through various key positions. Godard oversees Anthem’s extensive roster of country songwriters including Canadians Meghan Patrick, Chris Buck, Jimmy Thow and Patricia Conroy.

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An accomplished writer, publisher, artist and producer, Godard’s talents have earned him two CCMA Awards, two BMI Awards, four SOCAN Awards including an International Songwriter Achievement Award, a Felix Award and multiple JUNO Award nominations. Over 400 of his songs have been recorded, including by artists such as Terri Clark, Patty Loveless, Anne Murray, Ricky Skaggs, Tommy Hunter, Blackhawk, Tracy Byrd, The Road Hammers, Colleen Peterson and Ronnie Prophet. – Kerry Doole

Karan Aujla Becomes the First Punjabi Artist Featured In Apple Music’s Up Next Program

Karan Aujla is continuing to break new ground this year.

The Punjabi-Canadian musician became the first artist of Punjabi descent to win the Juno Fan Choice Award in March, and now he’s the first Punjabi musician to be featured as part of Apple Music’s global Up Next initiative.

The program highlights emerging stars, devoting Apple Music’s editorial resources to uplifting featured artists through original short films, interviews with Apple Music radio hosts and more. Aujla’s short film finds him venturing into his favourite spots in Vancouver, like barbershop Eddy’s, and reflecting on his musical ambitions.

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“I feel like my music helped a lot of people that don’t know my language,” he says in the film. “There don’t have to be barriers around it, like ‘Oh, this is this is a Punjabi song. I can’t listen to this.’ I don’t think that’s right. I listen to Spanish music all the time. I don’t know a word of Spanish.”

Aujla hopes that Punjabi music will have its own “Despacito,” moment, he says, referring to the Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee song’s international impact, as the Punjabi wave continues to rapidly grow in markets outside of India.

Aujla got his start as a lyricist in Vancouver working with Punjabi artists like Diljit Dosanjh, but has since made his own name as an artist, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart last year with Making Memories, his collaborative album with producer Ikky.

Aujla also has a new EP, Four Me, as he prepares to kick off his first Canadian tour this summer that will take him to three arenas around the country. – RLD