Sphere Entertainment Co. shares spiked 22.3% this week after the company’s fiscal fourth-quarter earnings on Wednesday (Aug. 14) showed that the Las Vegas venue brought in $151 million in the quarter and $489 million in its first three full quarters of operation. Total revenue of $273 million — a figure that includes MSG Networks — was in line with analyst estimates while earnings per share beat estimates. 

During Wednesday’s earnings call, CEO James Dolan said the company is learning how to get the most out of the $2.3 billion venue with not just concerts but corporate and sporting events and Sphere’s current cash cow, motion pictures. “Our plan for Sphere is to create widespread demand for our offerings and drive utilization far in excess of traditional venues,” Dolan said. 

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After hosting residencies by U2, Phish and Dead & Company, Sphere will begin a string of concerts by the Eagles from September to November and will host its first EDM events in December with Italian producer Anyma. Dolan didn’t provide specifics about additional residencies but said to expect an artist in “the country category” in 2025. 

LiveOne’s shares rose 16.3% this week after the Los Angeles-based music streamer announced its fiscal first-quarter earnings on Tuesday (Aug. 13). A 29% increase in paid members, to 653,000, helped revenue improve 19% to $33.1 million from $27.8 million in the year-ago period. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization jumped 31% to $2.9 million. 

The 20-company Billboard Global Music Index (BGMI) fell 0.7% to 1,780.54 despite most of the stocks gaining and the market enjoying one of its best weeks of 2024 thanks to a host of positive news. Driven by stronger-than-expected retail sales data on Thursday (Aug. 15) and encouraging inflation news earlier in the week, the tech-heavy Nasdaq rose 5.3% to 17,631.72 and the S&P 500 finished its best week of the year, gaining 3.9% to 5,524.25. 

The BGMI’s largest companies fell in the middle of the pack. Live Nation shares were up 3.2% to $95.18 and Universal Music Group rose 0.9% to 22.35 euros ($24.66). Among the losers were Warner Music Group, down 0.4% to $28.22, and Spotify, down 0.7% to $337.38.

Stock gains were seen globally. In the United Kingdom, the FTSE 100 rose 1.8% to 8,311.41. South Korea’s KOSPI composite index jumped 4.2% to 2,697.20. China’s Shanghai Composite Index edged up 0.6% to 2,879.43.  

Tencent Music Entertainment (TME) dropped 18.8% this week following its second-quarter earnings release on Tuesday (Aug. 13). TME revenues were 1.7% lower as gains in music were overshadowed by losses in social entertainment. Despite the sharp decline, TME shares are still up 16.9% year-to-date.

TME’s latest quarterly results weren’t unlike those that preceded it, with strong music subscription growth at music apps QQ Music, Kugou Music and Kuwo Music helping offset a decline at its karaoke business. While music average revenue per user grew 10% and TME finished the quarter with 117 million music subscribers, the company’s weak guidance on future subscriber growth likely caused its share price to fall. 

JYP Entertainment’s 11.3% decline following its second-quarter earnings results marked the second-worst performance for BGMI stocks. The K-pop company’s revenue dropped 37% due to an 82% decline in album sales. Other K-pop companies experienced lighter declines: HYBE fell 3.4%, SM Entertainment slipped 3.8% and YG Entertainment dropped 1.3%. Those losses deepened the K-pop companies’ already significant losses in 2024. Year to date, the four South Korean companies have lost an average of 34.8% while the KOSPI composite index has gained 1.6%.

On Thursday night, Bruno Mars was the first performer at the Intuit Dome arena in Inglewood, California — LA’s newest venue and the home of the Clippers.

The elusive musician is playing two nights, and the first was one for the books. He slid through all the hits and invited a very special guest onstage in front of all the fans and celebrities in attendance.

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Below, we’re breaking down our favorite moments from the night. 

Mars and Lady Gaga had been teasing their brand-new collaboration “Die with a Smile” all day, so of course it was the perfect time to live-debut the country collab. He surprised the crowd with the icon toward the end of the show and started by thanking her for having him on the song. Their voices blended perfectly, and the song sounded so good it felt like we were already listening to a classic. 

Gaga wasn’t the only musician there: Intuit Dome was packed with celebrities. We talked to Meghan Trainor on the red carpet, who said her family’s favorite Bruno track is “24K Magic”. Inside the club suites, we ran into Halle Bailey and DDG and their adorable baby. The coolest celeb moment of the night was catching Jennifer Lopez with her hands up and whipping her hair to Mars’ “Marry You”. You better live, J.Lo! 

Mars is a once-in-a-lifetime performer, and his skills were on full display during the show. He effortlessly executed high-energy choreography along with his band on songs like “Finesse.” You wouldn’t even notice because he’d then slip into a smooth ballad like “Versace on the Floor” and not sound even a bit winded. His belt was so loud you could feel his emotion all the way up to the top of the Dome. The mic was definitely on.

The Intuit Dome itself was a star. The paper and cashless venue was a marvel in technology. Each floor had bars and shops that operated so smoothly there were rarely lines. The club level had lounges for guests to mingle and eat before the show. The best part? Each seat had a charging port, so no more dead phones at concerts.

Mars’ fans were a vibe. They quickly ate up the exclusive merchandise for the commemorative evening. Blink and you would think you’re at Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour, because so many fans were dressed as Mr. Mars. The most popular look was his 24K Magic album cover.

Mars is set for one more night at Intuit Dome on Friday night (Aug. 16), followed by comedian Sebastian Maniscalco on Saturday night, Latin star Marco Antonio Solis on Sunday night, and two nights of Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS Tour on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Courtney Kramer, the Republican challenger to Fani Willis in the race for Fulton County District Attorney in Georgia, is vowing to end the long-running YSL RICO trial involving Young Thug if she’s elected, according to a statement issued by her campaign on Friday (Aug. 16).

“With no apparent justice in sight, I have become highly concerned and disappointed in the lack of prosecutorial oversight in this case,” Kramer said in the statement. “As time goes on, the public has witnessed a trial that is undoubtedly over prosecuted by attorneys who have repeatedly been admonished for lack of trial prepartion: a complete and utter waste of the court’s time.”

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Kramer goes on to blast prosecutors in the case, noting that they were recently “condemned” by new judge Paige Reese Whitaker “for not following the ethical and legal duty to disclose exculpatory evidence that could prove fruitful for the defense, one of the most basic requirements in the courtroom.” She further contends that the case “was brought to bring fame” to Willis, “not to bring justice to the community,” and that it’s resulted in “endless amounts of taxpayer dollars” being spent “on a prosecution that is based almost entirely on witnesses with little to no credibility.”

“If I am elected as the next District Attorney of Fulton County, I promise to end this prosecution immediately,” said Kramer. “I challenge my opponent to do the same thing, the right thing, and end this prosection and release the accused in this case who are being held without bond.”

Representatives for Willis and Young Thug did not immediately respond to Billboard‘s requests for comment.

The YSL case was set into motion in May 2022 when Thug (real name Jeffery Williams) was indicted along with dozen of others over allegations that their YSL was not a record label called Young Stoner Life but a violent Atlanta street game called Young Slime Life. The group of defendants was charged under Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) law, with prosecutors claiming they operated a criminal enterprise that committed murders, carjackings, armed robberies, drug dealing and other crimes over the course of a decade.

Since his arrest, Thug remained in jail despite multiple calls for his release. On Aug. 8, Judge Whitaker denied requests by Thug’s attorneys to declare a mistrial over the explosive revelation of a secret “ex parte” meeting between the since-removed judge in the case, Ural Glanville, prosecutors and a key witness. Prior to that, she denied their renewed motion to release Thug on bond.

Notably, the trial, which began in January 2023 and resumed on Monday (Aug. 12), is now the longest in Georgia state history; with dozens of witnesses still set to testify, it’s estimated to run well into next year.

You can read Kramer’s full statement here.

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.

The 2024 U.S. Open is right around the corner! The tournament runs from Aug. 26-Sept. 8 at Flushing Meadows in Queens, N.Y. This year’s lineup features top players like Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, and Jasmine Paolini.

Last year, Coco Gauff defeated Aryna Sabalenka at the 2023 US Open women’s singles championship. According to the U.S Open, the matchups for the 2024 women’s singles tournament will be announced on Thursday, Aug. 22.

As you get ready for the games, why not refresh your wardrobe with the latest TikTok trend: skorts (a combination of skirts and shorts). Skorts are not just a trend, they’re a statement, and everywhere on the For You Page. Whether you’re hitting the gym or lounging at home, you can follow in the footsteps of style icons like Taylor Swift and Zendaya and embrace the perfect blend of chic skirts and comfy shorts.

This celebrity-approved style is great if you are seeking both style and comfort. Scroll down and check out this list of options you can add to your wardrobe to celebrate the start to the U.S Women’s Open games.

5 Must-Have Skorts to Kick Off the 2024 U.S Women's Open: Shop Now

Urban Outfitters Skort


This Out From Under Lived In skort is a perfect place to start your search if you’re looking for an effortless midrise skirt with hidden shorts. Its pull-on design and flexible waistband make it easy to put on and tailor to your preference. You can get this one in grey, white, black or violet, varying from sizes XS to XL. Hurry, the colors in grey and black now only have sizes XS to medium available.

5 Must-Have Skorts to Kick Off the 2024 U.S Women's Open: Shop Now

Lululemon Lightweight High-Rise Tennis Skirt


If you are looking for a more tennis-inspired look, consider this lightweight high-rise tennis skirt. This skirt is designed for tennis, but its versatile features can be worn for any occasion. With its built-in shorts and lightweight material, it’s a stylish and practical choice for various activities. Shop more Lululemon tennis skirts here.

5 Must-Have Skorts to Kick Off the 2024 U.S Women's Open: Shop Now

Popflex Wrap Skort


For those who have fallen in love with the pirouette lilac skort from Popflex after seeing Taylor Swift wearing it, consider this alternative option. This wrap skort is perfect for everyday wear and it includes pockets. Its squat proof and anti-cameltoe features make it a must-have in your closet.

5 Must-Have Skorts to Kick Off the 2024 U.S Women's Open: Shop Now

Tennis Skort

$23.99 $27.59 13% off

Buy Now On Amazon


Looking for a skort with a different design or pop of color? Don’t miss out on this tennis skort that is currently 13% off on Amazon. It comes in a variety of patterns and colors from neon green to unique designs. Its non-see-through shorts and two inner pockets are perfect for a day of tennis, golf, or pickleball. Bonus points for matching the tennis ball in this skort.

5 Must-Have Skorts to Kick Off the 2024 U.S Women's Open: Shop Now

Ruched Skirt with Pockets Inner Skorts

$9.99 $19.99 50% off

Buy Now At walmart


With summer right around the corner, this is a great alternative for all outdoor activities. This skort is designed to keep you cool and secured throughout your workout. It’s a must-have addition to your fitness attire. Go purchase it now: It’s currently 50% off.

For more product recommendations, check out other skort alternatives, denim crossover shorts, and must-have Free People Maxi dresses to add to summer shopping list.

Bruno Mars is the first person to perform at the Intuit Dome, and he did so with a bang. Keep watching for a look into the night and some special sightings!

Tetris Kelly:

Bruno & Gaga premiere their song, JLo dances the night away and we hang with Meghan Trainor.

Meghan Trainor: 

I’m probably going to cry.

Tetris Kelly:

We’re taking you to the brand new Intuit Dome in Billboard All Access. Bruno Mars kicked off the opening of the new Clippers arena at the Intuit Dome. We were at the ribbon cutting before the doors opened for the first time and everybody was excited for the king. What’s your favorite Bruno Mars song?

Meghan Trainor:

Actually my son Riley, who’s three right now

Daryl Sabara:

I was photobombing you guys the whole entire time. 

Tetris Kelly:

We love you, come in. 

Meghan Trainor:

We play “24K,” that’s his favorite. He needs to watch the music video, too. 

He opened the show with that hit. Fans filled the new spot as we watched him dance, watched his vocals soar, and when he sang “Marry You,” JLo couldn’t help but be on her feet. But the moment of the night came when Bruno had Lady Gaga join him to sing their new song. “Die With A Smile.” A legend. Thank you Bruno & Intuit Dome for an epic evening. 

She may not love the “London Boy” anymore, but Taylor Swift made sure to fittingly perform the song at Wembley Stadium.

As part of her surprise songs section of the show on Friday (Aug. 16), the superstar told the London crowd that she loves “the English” before delving into the fan-favorite Lover track, presumed to be about her British ex-boyfriend, Joe Alwyn. To the Swifties’ excitement, she switched up a lyric in the final chorus to sing: “I enjoy playing Wembley.”

She followed up the track with two more surprise songs: Speak Now‘s “Dear John” and Red‘s “Sad Beautiful Tragic.” Fans on Twitter also speculated that the song choices might be a dig at Alwyn, pointing out the lyrics like “I’m shining like fireworks over your sad empty town” and “What a sad beautiful tragic love affair.”

Alwyn and Swift broke up in April 2023 around the time the pop star launched her record-breaking The Eras Tour in North America. After a brief affair with The 1975’s Matty Healy, the “Fortnight” singer began dating Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce over the summer of that year, and the duo have been going strong ever since.

The New Heights host has been to more than a dozen Eras Tour concerts since he first came to one of her Kansas City shows last summer. Prior to Swift’s stops in Germany, he attended her concert in Amsterdam with Patrick and Brittany Mahomes, as well as made a surprise onstage cameo in London.

The athlete made his Eras Tour stage debut at the start of “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart.” The Kansas City Chiefs tight end carried an exhausted Swift to the couch on set in the over-the-top final act of her Tortured Poets extravaganza.

Alicia Keys‘ 2007 hit “No One” becomes her first solo diamond-certified record by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), she announced on Friday (Aug. 16).

“A song that is there for us when we need it most. Singing this song, together, all over the world is magical each and every time. Thank you for loving ‘No One’ the way you do! Keep singing at the top of your lungs!!! We’re diamond status babbyyyyy!!!!!” she wrote on Instagram while sharing a snippet of the music video.

The news arrives one month after Keys earned her first-ever diamond-certified record with her and Jay-Z‘s “Empire State of Mind,” which the duo performed in their NYC hometown for the first time since 2016 at the 2024 Tony Awards. “Still going Diamond in 2024,” commented her husband Swizz Beatz. “Congrats this is the 2nd one in the past month let’s goooooooooo.”

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“No One” was the lead single from Keys’ third studio album As I Am, and it spent five weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 1 on three more charts: Pop Airplay (five weeks), Mainstream Top 40 Recurrents and Rhythmic Airplay. “No One” won best R&B song and best female R&B vocal performance at the 2008 Grammy Awards.

Keys was recently featured on Billboard‘s 25 Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century: Honorable Mentions list: “It’s hard to imagine the first half of the 2000s without her Songs in A Minor and The Diary of Alicia Keys and their respective show-stopping singles; subsequent albums squeezed out singalongs for the heavy-hearted for well into the next decade, as she upped her always-welcome presence in film and TV.”

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.

Makeup trends come and go, but there are some beauty tools that will always be an essential — and that includes liquid eyeliners. The cat eye dates all the way back to ancient Egypt and can be seen on Cleopatra who outlined her eyes with the tiny flick. Since then, the makeup look has become a staple that is still seen across red carpets and makeup tutorials — meaning the trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Just like Taylor Swift says, a liquid eyeliner is a must if you plan on crafting a “cat eye sharp enough to kill a man.” Not only that, but the beauty product helps provide the finishing touches to all makeup looks whether you’re looking to do a bold blue eyeshadow look or something casual with all-day hold for the office.

Besides helping to shape your eyes just how you want them, liquid eyeliner has quickly become a multipurpose tool. In addition to highlighting your eyes, you can also use the makeup tool as a freckle pen to give yourself a more sun kissed appearance.

Before you start practicing your next night out look, you’ll need to make sure you have the best liquid eyeliner that’s not only waterproof, but won’t easily smudge (which is especially important for beginners) and has all-day staying power. ShopBillboard also chatted with celebrity makeup artist Michael Anthony who has put together looks for Ariana Grande, Doja Cat, Katy Perry and even Tyla to for tips on how to use the product.

Keep reading to learn more.

What Are the Best Liquid Eyeliners?

Rather than do the research yourself, we scoured the reviews to find the most top-rated and bestselling liquid eyeliners you can shop below.

wet n wild liquid eyeliner

EDITOR’S PICK

Wet n Wild Megalast Breakup-Proof Liquid Eyeliner

Consider this Wet n Wild liquid eyeliner the ultimate tool to have in your makeup arsenal. Not only is it under $10, but reviewers can’t stop raving over how “pigmented” the formula in addition to how easy it is to apply thanks to the thin brush. It’s also waterproof and can last up to 16 hours after application.


pink too faced liquid eyeliner

SMUDGE-PROOF PICK

Too Faced Better Than Sex Easy Glide Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

$19 $22.99 17% off

Buy Now on walmart

Anthony’s favorite liquid eyeliner is Too Face’s Better Than Sex as it features a handy brush tip that he says gives him a sharp line every time. He’s used the liquid eyeliner for live shows “and into the after party” without any smudging occurring. He also notes that using a good sealing agent or setting spray will help further prevent smudging, “but a really good waterproof liner is usually a stand alone type of product that you can rely on.”


brown tube of stila liquid eyeliner

WATERPROOF PICK

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner

$22.80 $24 5% off

Buy Now On Amazon

Stila’s liquid eyeliner is another fave for its long wear formula and precision tip. Application is practically seamless as it glides onto your eyelid with no smudging. Reviewers are also a fan of the product with more than 1,000 Amazon shoppers purchasing it in the past month. And as for how waterproof it is, one Amazon reviewer claimed it “stays put even through crying eyes or humid weather.”


black rare beauty liquid eyeliner

BEGINNER PICK

Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner

Selena Gomez has captured beauty lovers with her makeup brand and this liquid eyeliner has become an instant favorite. First time liquid eyeliner users will wan to pick up this formula as reviewers note the rounded handle gives you “more control” when you’re crafting your cat eye. Others also rave over the pigmentation saying it “lasts all night.” It’s also made with a vegan formula and bristles.


black tube of revlon liquid eyeliner

EVERYDAY PICK

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner

$4.49 $9.29 52% off

Buy Now On Amazon

The last thing you want is for your eyeliner to disappear after a couple of hours, which is where Revlon’s ColorStay Liquid Liner comes in. The formula can last up to 16 hours and comes with a thin felt tip that can go from thin precise lines to bold and thick looks with just a change in hand pressure. Amazon shoppers are labeling it a “holy grail” of an eyeliner saying it’s easy to apply and really does “last all day long.”


How to Use Liquid Eyeliner, According to a Celebrity Makeup Artist

Anthony has found that the best way to apply liquid eyeliner is to sketch the shape you’re going for with a brow pencil first. This will provide you with a map that you can easily follow when you go in with the liquid eyeliner. Though if you want to really lengthen the makeup look, then he has a different technique to achieve professional-grade quality.

“If you’re looking to try a longer cat eye liner, try starting with the very end of the eye and stamp the liner against the tail end of the eye on its side instead of trying to draw a line,” he explains. “This will deposit the product and then you can drag it out with a brush or the tip of the pen.”

And, if you’re just starting out, don’t expect perfection right away.

“Something to remember is you’re going to want ‘play time’ meaning a bit of time before the liner sets so that you can adjust the shape and length,” he says.

You’ll also want to look out for liquid eyeliners with an easy applicator like a felt tip of brush end as that will help with precision.

“I think the flow of product is also important,” he notes. “If you’ve ever used a liner pen that gushes ink you’re probable familiar with how tricky that can be, so look for a liner that has controlled product delivery. I avoid liner pens that you need to click to get product out as they tend to get leaky and messy.”

For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best setting spray, at-home manicure sets and online makeup courses.

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.

Nicki Minaj‘s world tour is headed for a second act. The rap queen will launch the another installment of her highly-anticipated Pink Friday 2 Tour in September with Tyga and Bia as openers, Minaj announced on Friday (Aug. 16).

Part two of the tour launches in September. Although Minaj’s tour sold out the first time around, she added more dates to the North American leg, and a select number of resale tickets are available online.

Minaj launched the global jaunt March 1 in Oakland, Calif. The tour stopped in Las Vegas, Seattle, Denver, Phoenix, Chicago, Boston, New York and other cities before heading overseas for the European leg, which hit the U.K., France, Germany and The Netherlands.

Presale tickets for the first installment of the Pink Friday 2 World Tour went on sale in January for Citi cardmembers, while the first round of general onsale tickets became available on Dec. 15, 2023. Tickets for the newest tour dates went on sale in May.

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Citi cardmembers can purchase tour tickets through the Citi Entertainment program. If you’re a cardmember, you have the option of purchasing tickets at Citientertainment.com for certified preferred seats.

Fans can also check ticket sites such as StubHub, Vivid Seats Seat Geek , TicketNetwork, Viagogo and other sites for tour tickets as they become available (use code BILLBOARD150 to save $150 off $300 or more at TicketNetwork).

Pricing vary per city, but there are passes available for under $100 depending on the date of the show, at Ticketmaster, StubHub, Vivid Seats etc.

Keep in mind though, prices go up as demand increases and GA tickets can cost anywhere from around $65 to more than $500. VIP resale tickets are also available.

The Pink Friday 2 “Gag City Reloaded” Tour will cover 22 U.S. cities including Philadelphia, Miami, San Francisco, Las Vegas and three shows in New York (Madison Square Garden, UBS Arena and KeyBank Center). The tour kicks off in Philadelphia on Sept. 4.

YG is spinning the block a third time as he returns with his anticipated Just Re’d Up 3 album on Friday (Aug. 16) before summer expires.

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The Compton rapper delivers his first solo effort since 2022’s I Got Issues. Just Re’d Up 3 boasts a double-disc of 19 tracks featuring a few friends like Ty Dolla $ign, Saweetie, Lil Yachty, Mozzy, Larry June, Babyface Ray and frequent collaborator Mustard.

The first Just Re’d Up arrive to much acclaim in 2011 with the sequel following two years later. Now, over a decade since the second installment, YG heads back to the well for Just Re’d Up 3.

YG has had a busy summer which kicked off with him joining Kendrick Lamar and other West Coast dignitaries on stage for his “Not Like Us” Juneteenth Pop Out concert in Los Angeles at the Kia Forum in June.

He’s been on the road for the Just Re’d Up Tour, which concludes this weekend with a final show on Saturday (Aug. 17) in Hawaii. YG will head back out in November with a handful of dates in Boston, New York City, Houston, Denver and more.

This tour marks YG’s first headlining trek since 2019’s Stay Dangerous Tour, which he launched in support of his 2018 LP of the same name. 

The 34-year-old’s most recent solo album, I Got Issues, reached No. 18 on the Billboard 200. He also teamed up with Tyga for their Hit Me When U Leave the Klub: The Playlist joint effort in 2023.

Listen to the album below.