A staffer at Interscope Capitol Labels Group testified in court on Wednesday (July 22) that D4vd made more than $7 million from his record deal before he was accused of murdering Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

Wednesday was the second day of a preliminary hearing for the 21-year-old “Romantic Homicide” singer (David Anthony Burke), who’s charged with stabbing and dismembering 14-year-old Rivas in April 2025 to cover up their illegal sexual relationship. The Los Angeles County District Attorney is presenting evidence for a judge to decide whether there’s sufficient basis to move the case forward toward trial.

Prosecutors say D4vd’s motive was his lucrative music career; the theory is that Rivas threatened to expose their relationship just days before the release of D4vd’s debut album Withered, and he killed her to prevent the teen from going public. To that end, the prosecution sought Wednesday to establish just how much money D4vd stood to lose if his career went south.

On Wednesday, a finance executive at Interscope Capitol, which signed D4vd to Interscope/Darkroom after “Romantic Homicide” went viral on TikTok in 2022, took the witness stand. According to CBS News, the executive said the label group paid D4vd more than $7.5 million over the course of his record deal. Interscope/Darkroom dropped D4vd in December 2025, soon after Rivas’ body was found in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to the singer.

The judge also heard Wednesday from D4vd’s former financial point person at his management firm Mogul Vision. According to Rolling Stone, this witness estimated that D4vd generated gross earnings between $10 million and $11.5 million during his career from recording, publishing and merch.

The preliminary hearing began Tuesday (July 21) and is set to run for several more days. Much of the testimony so far has been from investigating officers, who’ve presented evidence showing D4vd was the last driver behind the wheel of his Tesla and that he ordered three chain saws in the aftermath of Rivas’ death. Another witness said Rivas’ passport was found on the side of a highway in Santa Barbara, Calif., in January.

In September, officers discovered Rivas’ dismembered and decomposed body after the abandoned Tesla was brought to a Hollywood tow lot. D4vd was charged in April with first-degree murder, child sexual abuse and mutilating a body. Prosecutors allege D4vd and Rivas had a sexual relationship beginning when she was 13 and he was 18, and that he called an Uber to bring the teen to his house the night of the alleged murder.

D4vd has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and his attorneys have said they will “vigorously defend” him in court. “Let us be clear,” said the singer’s defense lawyers in a statement following his arrest, “the actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death.”

At the end of the preliminary hearing, a judge will decide whether prosecutors have met the “probable cause” burden to move the case forward. This is a lower standard than “beyond a reasonable doubt,” which would be required for a jury to actually convict D4vd if the charges do eventually go to trial.

Sarah Hardwig knew exactly what she was doing when she covered Lainey Wilson’s “Heart Like A Truck” on America’s Got Talent.

Hardwig has a heart like a Mack Truck, an 18-wheeler.

Raised in Naples, Florida, and now based in Nashville, TN, Hardwig was born blind, diagnosed at just 5 months of age with a genetic eye condition, Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis.

“Music has always played an important role in my life,” she explained at the top of her audition. “And I want to prove to the world that regardless of whether you have a disability or not, you can do absolutely anything that you set your mind to.”

The 23-year-old lives it and led by example with her performance, which aired Tuesday night, July 21. Several minutes later, Hardwig, overflowing with emotion and energy, admitted she felt “amazing.”

Everyone in the room felt the same thing.

“That was beautiful and heartwarming,” remarked Howie Mandel, “and you are the epitome of resilience to show up here and to sing your heart out and to move three or four thousand strangers in this room and hopefully millions of people at home, I love your message and I love your energy and this show is about inspiration and you’re inspiring.”

Spice Girl Mel B agreed. “Sarah, you’ve got a really good voice young lady. Your trills and the way you control your voice is on-point,” she remarked. Mel B also dished out some criticism. The hopeful has more to give, she noted, and her next song selection should be “even bigger.”

Forget that, chimed in Sofía Vergara. “Everything you did was amazing. I wouldn’t change a thing. Your voice, the song, I think we all fell in love with you and everybody else is going to fall in love with you.”

Simon Cowell, as he tends to do, spoke last. “I understood where Mel was going,” he suggested. “Our auditions are our first introduction. However, that was a really, really good audition. I really hope this boosts your confidence, because you really, really have a natural gift.”

Hardwig earned four “yeses” from the judges, a standing ovation 4,000-plus folks in the room, and progress in this 21st season of AGT.

This isn’t Hardwig’s first rodeo. In 2023, she won the Tennessee Songwriters Showcase, was tapped to participate in The Acoustic Guitar Project at the Country Music Hall of Fame, has won a Danny Award for musicians with disabilities, and last year made her debut at The Grand Ole Opry.

AGT airs Tuesday evening on NBC and next day on Peacock.

Watch Hardwig’s audition 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.

Macy’s is back with their popular “Black Friday in July” event, giving shoppers a chance to score major discounts months before the holiday shopping season officially begins. The annual summer sale has become a midyear tradition for the retailer, offering Black Friday-style savings across fashion, beauty, home and tech without waiting until Thanksgiving.

This year’s event runs through Sunday, July 26, with 40% to 60% off storewide, making it one of the biggest shopping weekends of the season. Whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe, upgrading your gadgets or getting ahead on gift shopping, there are plenty of budget-friendly finds to browse.

Better yet, every pick below comes in at under $100, spanning everything from noise-canceling headphones and Bluetooth speakers to retro-inspired sneakers, designer watches, trending crochet handbags and graphic band tees celebrating iconic artists like The Beatles, Journey, AC/DC and The Rolling Stones.

A clean blue-and-white colorway gives the Nike Court Vision Low timeless appeal, blending ’80s basketball DNA with modern everyday comfort. Available in men’s U.S. sizes 8-12, the sneaker features leather and synthetic panels, breathable perforations and a durable rubber cupsole for dependable traction.

Available in light pink, black and white/black in women’s sizes 5-11 (including half sizes), the lace-up sneaker features breathable mesh, subtle Calvin Klein branding and a lightweight rubber sole. The neutral color options make them easy to wear with everything from leggings to denim.

Designed with a 45mm stainless steel case, black dial and black leather strap with crisp white accents, it delivers a polished look that works for everyday wear or dressier occasions. It also includes a two-year limited warranty and arrives gift-boxed. Classic never goes out of style, and this Tommy Hilfiger watch proves why.

This Michael Kors Corey watch is a timeless look with modern features, such as its black sunray dial, gold-tone stainless steel case and black leather strap. The 38mm case offers a versatile size for everyday wear, while quartz movement ensures reliable timekeeping. Water resistant to 30 meters, it’s built to handle daily splashes and comes backed by a two-year international limited warranty for added peace of mind.

Band and music-inspired tees continue to dominate casual wardrobes, and this Cotton On Tupac shirt pays tribute to the legendary rapper with a Me Against the World graphic on a faded slate backdrop. Made from 100% cotton with a relaxed box fit and available in sizes 2XS-L, it delivers an intentionally oversized, vintage-inspired look.

Combine this summer’s crochet and fruit fads with The Sak’s Lanie crochet tote. This hand-crocheted bag is made from yarn and come with a roomy zippered interior and both top handles and an adjustable crossbody strap. Measuring 12 by 15 inches, it’s spacious enough for everyday essentials while maintaining an effortless warm-weather aesthetic.

Journey merchandise continues to resonate with longtime fans and younger generations alike, thanks in part to Don’t Stop Believin’ finding a wider audience through The Sopranos finale and later Glee. This Lucky Brand graphic tee features an oversized Journey 1981 print on a classic-fit silhouette with a comfortable crewneck. Available in men’s sizes M-2XL, the cotton-blend shirt is an easy everyday staple for rock fans.

Adaptive hybrid active noise cancellation reduces up to 45dB of background noise, while LDAC Hi-Res audio delivers more detailed wireless sound on compatible devices. The on-ear headphones come with up to 80 hours of battery life (55 with ANC enabled), memory foam ear cushions and three color options: black, pink and starlight off-white.

This Macy’s-exclusive band tee has a soft cotton-blend fabric and a classic crewneck silhouette. Available in women’s sizes 2XS-XL, the tee pairs effortlessly with denim, shorts or a slip skirt for an off-duty look.

Featuring a light green mineral-wash finish and strawberry artwork inspired by Strawberry Fields Forever, the soft cotton-blend shirt nods to one of The Beatles‘ most influential songs. Available in women’s sizes XS-XL.

The Gemstones Infinity Bluetooth mid speaker boasts up to 24 hours of battery life that keeps playlists going from day to night. An easily portable speaker, its built-in handle allows for carrying to the beach or park during summer events. The standout “infinity mirror” display features six customizable light shows, and the speaker can pair with up to 50 compatible Infinity speakers for synchronized sound and lighting.

Available in black or white, they feature adaptive bass enhancement, AI-powered noise reduction for clearer phone calls and are water and dust resistance. With up to 40 hours of total battery life, these clip-ons earbuds are well suited for high-intensity activities like running, gym sessions and sports.

The AC/DC artwork is made entirely from the band’s song titles and career-defining imagery. Printed in the U.S. on soft cotton and available in men’s sizes S-3XL, it’s an easy everyday pick for fans of classic hard rock.

The last Pink Floyd record to feature all four members of the classic lineup, The Wall album graphic is displayed on a classic black tee on lightweight, 100% cotton. Designed with a classic crew neck and regular fit, it’s available in sizes S–M and machine washable for easy care.