Gracie Abrams lands her first No. 1 in Australia as The Secret Of Us (via Interscope/Universal) debuts at the summit.

The Californian singer and songwriter’s sophomore album thrashes the No. 30 best for her first LP, 2023’s Good Riddance.

Abrams is very much part of Taylor Swift’s #Squad. She has opened in various markets on Swift’s ongoing The Eras Tour, and the pop superstar collaborated with Abrams on The Secret Of Us track “Us,” which bows at No. 25 on the latest ARIA Singles Chart – the week’s top debut.

With her best-selling start, Abrams leads a trio of female solo artists on the ARIA Chart, published Friday, June 26, ahead of Billie Eilish (Hit Me Hard And Soft, down 2-1 via Interscope/Universal), Taylor Swift (The Tortured Poets Department, down 2-3 via Universal) and Charli XCX (Brat, up 5-4 via Atlantic/Warner), respectively. U.S. country star Morgan Waller completes the top five with One Thing At A Time (up 7-5 via Mercury/Universal).

There’s no doubt about it, Chappell Roan is having a moment. The rising pop star makes her first appearance in the top 10 with her 2023 debut album The Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess, lifting 14-7, while her standout track “Good Luck, Babe!” lifts 20-12 for a new peak position on the national singles tally.

Close behind, Brisbane, Australia-formed pop band Sheppard mark their return to the ARIA Chart with Zora (Empire Of Song/MGM), their fourth studio album. It’s new at No. 8. Now based in Nashville, Sheppard cracked the top 10 with 2014’s Bombs Away (No. 2), 2018’s Watching The Sky (No. 1) and 2021’s Kaleidoscope Eyes (No. 2).

Over on the ARIA Singles Chart, Sabrina Carpenter retains top spot for a second week with “Please Please Please” (Island/Universal). Meanwhile, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” (via Empire) improves 3-2 for a new peak position, and Carpenters’s former leader “Espresso” dips 2-3.

Further down the list, Tommy Richman bags a top 40 with “Devil Is a Lie” (via Conchord/Universal), the followup to his No. 1 hit “Million Dollar Baby.” “Devil Is a Lie” is new at No. 27.

Finally, Post Malone’s country era notches another top 40 as “Pour Me a Drink” (Universal) with Blake Shelton” opens at No. 33. It’s the followup to “I Had Some Help” with Morgan Wallen, currently up 6-4 in its seventh week on the tally.

Between a world-stopping Super Bowl performance, an upcoming arena tour, and a very special honor from ASCAP, Usher just keeps finding ways to make 2024 “Good Good.”

On Thursday (June 27) at The London West Hollywood in Beverly Hills, Billboard 200 and Hot 100 chart-topper Usher, decked out in an all-black ensemble and shades, received the Voice of the Culture Award in front of an adoring crowd of peers and press. Victoria Monét, who took home the best new artist Grammy at the top of the year, accepted the prestigious Vanguard Award in a stunning midriff-baring blue dress.

The Voice of the Culture Award is presented to ASCAP members who have had a major influence on music and culture, recognizing their success as creators and changemakers. Past recipients of the award include Timbaland, Swizz Beatz, D-Nice and T.I.

The Vanguard Award is presented in recognition of ASCAP members whose innovative work is helping to shape the future of music. Janelle Monáe, Kendrick Lamar, The Strokes, and Billie Eilish are past recipients.

The night kicked off with a red carpet on the hotel’s rooftop, which included appearances from Erica Campbell, T.I., Omarion, Ernest Isley, Alex Isley, Deputy, Nascent, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Johntá Austin, The Avila Brothers, and more. Several stars took a moment to speak with Billboard, including Campbell, who revealed her favorite gospel song from a songwriting standpoint. “What comes to my mind first is ‘Trust In God’ by The Winans,” she said. “The way the song is crafted, the emotions in the song, the lyrics — it’s hopeful but it’s God-centered. Even if it’s a gospel song, it still needs to be well-written and that song is a perfect example.”

Acclaimed father-daughter unit Ernie and Alex Isley also posed for pictures together, with Alex revealing her “holy grail” of R&B songwriting — which included her father, Mariah Carey, Dianne Warren, Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones — and Ernie reflected on working with Lamar on 2015’s To Pimp a Butterfly in light of his recent beef with Drake. “They’re both great,” he said. “It was fun working with [Kendrick,] and I imagine we’re gonna do some more stuff with him not too long from now.”

In that vein, T.I. also reflected on his own diss track legacy, reacting to his No. 15 (“What Up, What’s Haapnin’”) on Billboard’s 15 Most Scathing Hip-Hop Diss Songs of All Time list. “This is a spectator sport, that’s what the spectators said! As a contributor to the culture, I’m just happy to be on people’s minds,” he said, before naming Tupac’s “Hit ‘Em Up,” Nas’ “Ether,” Jay-Z’s “Takeover,” Dr. Dre’s “F–k Wit Dre Day” and Ice Cube’s “No Vaseline” as his picks for the best-written diss tracks in hip-hop history.

Lil Baby — whose “Forever,” “Freestyle,” “Heyy” and “Hurricane” were all cited as winning songs — received the first honor of the night, taking home songwriter of the year for a third non-consecutive year. He previously won in 2021 and 2022. In a speech that lasted under 30 seconds, the chart-topping rapper thanked his team and the ASCAP organization.

Monét offered a lengthier — and notably melodic — acceptance speech when she received her Vanguard Award. After recounting how she looked up the meaning of “vanguard” once her team notified her of the honor, Monét said, “Although I do view myself as a leader… my brilliant team stands right beside me, never behind me. We all have been on the very frontlines together on this road to success meticulously, converting every non-believer into a believer with hard work and consistency. We shoot, not eye level, but for the stars — and it truly takes a strong team to go from underdog to vanguard.”

The Vanguard Award is just the latest in a string of recent honors for Monét. She won three Grammys on Feb. 4 – best new artist, best R&B album for Jaguar II and best engineered album, non-classical, for that same LP. “On My Mama,” a Grammy nominee for record of the year, hit No. 33 on the Hot 100, marking her highest-ranking unaccompanied entry on the chart. On March 6, Monét received the rising star award at the Billboard Women in Music Awards. The “Alright” signer capped off her acceptance speech by promising her daughter (and fellow Grammy nominee) Hazel that she would continue to show up as her best self every day.

Parenthood also served as a key talking point for Usher, who delivered a rousing twelve-minute speech to accept his Voice of the Culture Award. After a pair of touching introductions from ASCAP president Paul Williams and Dupri — who’s currently cooking up new music with Ari Lennox and Young Dylan — Usher took the stage, doling out infinite thanks to the many friends, family members, team members, and mentors who have helped him navigate his groundbreaking 30-year career. “I have a lot of people that I want to thank, but I did want to say something that I felt would be meaningful, and that is the importance of collaboration,” he said. “No one man is an island. We have to work with each other. Sometimes, the vision that we have can be carried all the way across to its full potential if you’re able to share.”

In addition to shouting out his fellow honorees and paying tribute to key players such as L.A. Reid and Mark Pitts, Usher dedicated half of his speech to his two eldest sons, Usher “Cinco” V and Naviyd Ely. Shortly after the “Burn” singer revealed that one of his sons is “really adamant” about being an artist, he reflected on his own experience having an absentee father in the context of helping his son achieve his dreams.

“While we can stand on these stages and say, ‘Mom, I made it,’ it’s not often that we get the opportunity to say ‘Look, dad! I did it!” That s— was hard,” Usher said. “You don’t understand how hard it was to say because the reality is, I was saying it to a father who wasn’t there…. I’m very happy to say to you, continue to love on your kids. Continue to take the time to listen to them, encourage them, and make them a part — if you listen to them, they have very valuable things to say.”

With the Past Present Future Tour fast approaching (Aug. 14) and new music possibly on the horizon — “We got new s— that we makin’ too!” he quipped — Usher’s banner year is showing no signs of slowing down.

The ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards recognize the songwriters and publishers of the most-performed songs of the past year based on Luminate data for terrestrial and satellite radio and streaming services, as specified by ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards rules.

Jimin, a member of the global phenomenon BTS, has just released his highly anticipated pre-release single “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” featuring Loco.

The track offers fans an exciting preview of his upcoming second solo album, MUSE, set to drop on July 19.

Inspired by The Beatles‘ iconic Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” masterfully blends hip-hop beats with the lively, brassy sound of a marching band. Jimin collaborated once again with renowned producers Pdogg, GHSTLOOP, and EVAN, who previously worked on his debut solo album, FACE.

The impressive production team also includes Tommy Brown, known for his work with Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, and Mr. Franks.

The song’s title references the fictional flower “Smeraldo,” which symbolizes “the truth untold.”

The lyrics delve into themes of longing and unspoken love, connecting to the “Smeraldo” legend previously mentioned in BTS’ “The Truth Untold” featuring Steve Aoki from their LOVE YOURSELF 轉 ‘Tear’ album.

The accompanying music video, out now via HYBE LABELS’ YouTube channel, opens with a serene landscape before zooming in on Jimin, who performs as the lead vocalist with producers Pdogg, GHSTLOOP, and EVAN playing as the band’s musicians, and a special appearance by Loco. The video’s nostalgic, vintage feel is amplified by cinematic opening credits and a faded, grainy texture while showcasing Jimin’s smooth dance moves and versatile voice.

MUSE, Jimin’s highly anticipated second solo album seven will feature interconnected tracks, all revolving around the theme of love.

The album’s tracklist includes “Rebirth,” “Interlude: Showtime,” “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” featuring Loco, “Slow Dance” featuring Sofia Carson, “Be Mine,” “Who,” and “Closer Than This,” which was released in December.

Jimin has wowed audiences across the globe with his distinctive vocals and impressive range, as demonstrated in solo tracks like “Lie,” “Serendipity,” and “Promise,” as well as collaborations such as “With you” from the Our Blues OST and “VIBE” with Taeyang.

His debut solo album, FACE, made history when he became the first South Korean solo artist to top the Billboard Hot 100.

BTS, consisting of RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, have enjoyed a meteoric rise since their debut in June 2013.

The group is celebrated worldwide for their self-produced music, packed performances, and deep connection with their fans, known as ARMY. They have achieved numerous accolades, including six No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 singles and multiple sold-out stadium shows worldwide.

“Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” featuring Loco is out now, while MUSE drops July 19.

Lil Baby was named songwriter of the year at the 2024 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards. The rapper accepted his award on Thursday (June 27) at an invitation-only event in Los Angeles.

Three songs that Lil Baby (credited as Dominque “Lil Baby” Jones) co-wrote were among ASCAP’s most performed songs of the year – “Forever” and “Heyy,” both from his third studio album It’s Only Me – and “Freestyle,” from his 2017 mixtape Too Hard.

It’s Only Me reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200, Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Top Rap Albums charts.

“Snooze,” performed by SZA, was named ASCAP’s R&B/hip-hop and rap song of the year. Co-written by Leon Thomas and published by Eclectic Collective Publishing and Sony Music Publishing, the song topped Billboard’s R&B Songs chart for 32 weeks. “Snooze” also reached No. 2 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts and won a Grammy for best R&B song.

Warner Chappell Music was named ASCAP Rhythm & Soul publisher of the year for songs including “Calm Down” (Rema & Selena Gomez), “Fukumean” (Gunna), “Good Good” (Usher), “Hotel Lobby” (Quavo & Takeoff), “Rich Baby Daddy” (Drake), “Spin Bout U” and “Rich Flex” (21 Savage & Drake), “What It Is” (Doechii featuring Kodak Black) and “Praise God” (Kanye West, Travis Scott & Baby Keem).

Additional 2024 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul award-winning songwriters include 21 Savage (“Good Good,” “Spin Bout U,” “Peaches & Eggplants,” “Rich Flex”), Lil Uzi Vert (“Just Wanna Rock”), Summer Walker (“Good Good,” “Karma”), Coco Jones (“ICU”), Smokie Norful (“I Still Have You”) and Tye Tribbett (“New”).

ASCAP gospel song of the year went to “Goodness of God” (CeCe Winans), co-written by Brian Mark Johnson and Jennifer Louise Johnson and published by Bethel Music Publishing. The song was a fixture on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart for 78 weeks, longer than any of Winans’ other hits, peaking at No. 2.

The ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards recognize the songwriters and publishers of the most-performed songs of the past year based on Luminate data for terrestrial and satellite radio and streaming services, as specified by ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards rules.

As previously announced, Usher received the ASCAP Voice of the Culture Award for his influence on music and culture. Jermaine Dupri, who received three Grammy nominations for his songwriting and production work with Usher, presented the award. (Usher also received most performed song awards for “Glu” and “Good Good.”)

Victoria Monét received the ASCAP Vanguard Award for her “innovative work that is helping to shape the future of music.” ASCAP chairman of the board and president Paul Williams and ASCAP SVP of membership Nicole George-Middleton presented the award. Monét also received a most-performed song award for “On My Mama,” which was a 2024 Grammy nominee for record of the year.

A full list of 2024 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Award winners is available at https://www.ascap.com/rsawards24.

It’s officially a Hot Girl Summer. Megan Thee Stallion unleashed her anticipated Megan album to streaming services on Friday (June 28).

Filled with 18 tracks, Meg sheds her skin for a rebirth of sorts on her third studio album. She calls on Victoria Monét, GloRilla and UGK for assists throughout the 18-track project. The effort is filled with three previously released singles in the No. 1 hit “Hiss,” “Boa” and “Cobra.”

“This is music I would like if I wasn’t Megan Thee Stallion. I don’t want to say I’m tapping into other genres. I’m just tapping into other sounds. But it’s still very much Megan Thee Stallion. It won’t feel like I went so left. It’ll feel true to me,” she told L’OFFICIEL of the project in May. “You’ll almost be like, ‘I wouldn’t have thought she would’ve rapped over that, but this sounds great.’”

It’s going to be a busy weekend for the Houston Hottie, who will be starting the party at the BET Awards, kicking off the show with an electric performance on Sunday (June 30).

BET is bringing the stars out with Will Smith, GloRilla, Ice Spice, Latto, Ms. Lauryn Hill with YG Marley, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey, Tyla and Victoria Monét also performing at the award show.

The “WAP” rapper has a couple of more rescheduled shows on the U.S. leg of her Hot Girl Summer Tour slated for Atlanta on July 2 and Charlotte, N.C., on July 3, before heading to Europe for a run of dates throughout July.

Stream Megan below.