Loren Gray chats with Billboard‘s Evan Burke about her astrological placements — which revealed her quick rise to fame — communication style and more in the first episode of Billboard‘s “Reading the Stars”!
Evan Burke:
I already noticed you have your Aries sign tattooed …
Loren Gray:
I do.
Evan Burke:
Right there on your finger.
Loren Gray:
I do, it was a spur-of-the-moment thing.
Evan Burke:
Oh yeah, well that is a very Aries thing to do.
Obviously, you know your sun sign, which is Aries. Are there certain things about Aries that you really identify with?
Loren Gray:
Definitely: Impatient.
Evan Burke:
Yeah.
Loren Gray:
I feel like I have a lot of fighting energy. I love being in charge. Like, I like being the leader in most situations.
Evan Burke:
Those are all huge Aries qualities. Aries is kind of a baby of the Zodiac. It’s the very first sign. There are times when Aries will maybe jump the gun a little bit and they’ll get passionate about it and go for it without, like, really thinking about it.
Loren Gray:
Yeah, that’s one of my flaws.
Evan Burke:
It’s OK. We have a whole chart to work with, so you’re not just Aries. The sun is who you are at your core deep down inside. The moon is who you are emotionally and so how you interact with the world and your feelings. And you’re a Cancer Moon.
Loren Gray:
Yes.
Evan Burke:
Cancer Moons feel all the feelings.
Watch the full video above!
Amid the ongoing debate and controversy surrounding Jason Aldean’s “Try That in a Small Town,” the mayor of the “small town” the music video was filmed in has spoken out.
Mayor Chaz Molder of Columbia, Tenn., said that he respects Aldean’s “freedom of his own lyrics,” but also hopes the next music video filmed in his town will “seek a more positive message,” according to local news station FOX 17.
“Like many small towns across America, Columbia, Tennessee is focused on bringing people together,” he told the station. “I hadn’t listened to the song prior to today, but I’ve now seen the video.”
On Tuesday (July 18), the country singer responded to recent claims that “Try That in a Small Town” is pro-gun, pro-violence and a “modern lynching song.” The song challenges those who “pull a gun on the owner of a liquor store” or “cuss out a cop” to, as the title suggests, try those actions in a small town and “see how far ya make it down the road.” The song’s video features footage of an American flag burning, protesters having confrontations with police, looters breaking a display case and thieves robbing a convenience store.
“In the past 24 hours I have been accused of releasing a pro-lynching song (a song that has been out since May) and was subject to a comparison that I (direct quote) was not too pleased with the nationwide BLM protests,” Jason wrote in his statement. “These references are not only meritless, but dangerous. There is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it and there isn’t a single video clip that isn’t real news footage- and while I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music- this one goes too far.”
CMT has since pulled the video from its rotation after running it for three days, Billboard confirmed, while Aldean’s wife, Brittany Aldean, came to his defense. On the other hand, stars like Sheryl Crow and Margo Price have spoken out against Jason Aldean’s choice to perform and release the song.
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.
Clear some space off your bathroom shelf as the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is currently going on, which means slashed prices on some of the hottest beauty products. Whether you’re looking to revamp your skincare routine or want to refresh your makeup collection, there are tons of beauty exclusive deals you can take advantage of until the major shopping event ends on Aug. 7.
This includes brands like Supergoop!, Nars, Bobbi Brown, Drybar and many more. Deals can get close to 40% off meaning you can snag some luxe brands without breaking the bank.
Not sure where to start? We scoured the sale and rounded up the best beauty exclusive deals from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for you to score some major savings. Don’t wait too long though! The sale is only going on for a limited time and it’s not uncommon for products to go out of stock. Make sure you hop on these deals ASAP before your must-haves are sold out — or, even worse, they go back to being full priced.
Keep reading to shop our picks below.
Pamper your skin with an SPF set of three from Supergoop. Not only will you get the popular Unseen Sunscreen, but you’ll get a mini version of the formula as well as everyday lotion to keep your skin protected whether you’re swimming in the pool or walking to the office.
Consider this a one-size-fits all self tanner mousse made with ingredients that aim to tailor to your skin tone, resulting in a more sun-kissed appearance. Simply apply the formula to freshly exfoliated and moisturized skin then wait up to eight hours before showering for the best results.
Give your skin a boost of hydration with Kieh’s beloved body moisturizer. It’s not only 33% off, but comes with antioxidants and coco butter to help smooth and hydrate your skin.
Whether you’re going for glam or a natural look, Mac Cosmetic’s eye set is here to help you out. It features six shades to mix, match and build with as well as a lifting mascara to complete your look with.
Stock up on mascara by taking advantage of Nars’ duo deal, which provides two tubes of their Climax Mascara for just $32 total (a.k.a. $16 each!). The formula is buildable and aims to provide volume to your lashes without clumping. The black shade will also help deliver maximum pigment to really help your eyes pop.
Color treated hair? Your strands will thank you once it drinks up Olaplex’s strengthening shampoo. The ingredients look to repair most hair types using a paraben- and gluten-free formula that aims to maintain hair bonds and re-link broken strands.
Skip the hair appointment and give yourself a salon-worthy blowout using the T3 Featherweight StyleMax Dryer. It not only features a sleek and modern design, but comes with four head attachments to customize your styling too.
For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best powder foundations, TikTok beauty alternatives and refillable lipsticks.
The 2023 Premios Juventud is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary on Thursday (July 20, live from the Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
With the theme of “Exprésate a tu Manera” (Express Yourself Authentically), this year’s fan-voted awards show is lead by nine-time nominees Bad Bunny, Becky G, Grupo Frontera, Maluma, Peso Pluma, Rauw Alejandro, Rosalía, Shakira and TINI. They are followed by Camilo, Karol G, Manuel Turizo and María Becerra who are each up for eight awards.
Additionally, Shakira and Camila Cabello will receive the special “Agent of Change” award, joining past honorees including Jesse & Joy, Maluma, Daddy Yankee, J Balvin, Kany Garcia, Jenni Rivera Foundation, Ricky Martin, Becky G, Pitbull, Juanpa Zurita, and Wisin y Yandel.
Co-hosted by Angela Aguilar, Marcus Ornellas, Alejandra Espinoza, and Dayanara Torres, Premios Juventud will begin airing at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 20, with the “Noche de Estrellas” red carpet special, followed by the awards ceremony at 8 p.m. ET. Both will air simultaneously on Univision and ViX.
Prior to the show, Billboard hung out at the rehearsals backstage, and got some highlights. Check them out below:
PJs Returns to Puerto Rico
On its 20th anniversary, Premios Juventud returns to Puerto Rico for a second consecutive year—2022 was the first year the awards ceremony ever left Miami. “Last year was great and we could identify the quality of service and resources,” Jose Morales, SVP of Talent & Consumer Engagement at Univision Communications Inc., said during a press conference of El Choli. “The team at this venue treated us at a high altitude that we had to return, also because of the diversity of scenarios that Puerto Rico offers.”
Angela Aguilar Debuts as Host
Angela Aguilar, a four-time nominee at the 2023 Premios Juventud, will not only perform a new song from her upcoming album but she will also be a host, marking her TV host debut. “I’ve had the opportunity to come as a singer but this is a new facet,” the Mexican singer said backstage, ahead of showing her admiration to her co-hosts. “More than advice, I learned from their examples. They’re confidence, elegance, enjoyment, and how they handle themselves with so much class.”
A Reggaeton Throwback
Most of the night’s performances are top secret but during rehearsals, a wave of reggaeton veterans stopped by to give interviews. Among some of the confirmed performers are Jowell y Randy, Angel y Khriz, R.K.M y Ken-Y, and Alexis y Fido—all which are emblematic duos. Other iconic urban acts include Wisin, Chencho Corleone, Zion y Lennox, and De La Ghetto, to name a few. “We can’t share much but the opening act is going to be super Puerto Rican,” Morales noted.
CNCO’s Last Rodeo
Backstage, the media got a first look at some of the 2023 performances, including a glimpse of CNCO’s show. A bittersweet moment, this will mark CNCO’s last Premios Juventud show as a group. In 2022, it was at this very stage that the Latin boy band announced they were disbanding after seven years. “We always thought that if we split, it had to be natural, and that’s how it happened,” Zabdiel De Jesus told Billboard. “We’ve lived many things together, and grew together in this industry, and we’re ready to try new things to expand our careers. We’re very excited.” CNCO is nominated for three awards at the 2023 awards including favorite group or duo of the year, pop track of the year with “La Equivocada,” and best pop album for XOXO.
20 Years of “The Reason”
On other nostalgic news, Hoobastank is also set to take center stage at the 2023 Premios Juventud. During rehearsals, the California-based band did interviews with Venezuelan tropical-pop star Jonathan Moly to talk about their joint performance. Both Moly and group will surprise viewers with a new salsa-fusion of the timeless single “The Reason,” which like Premios Juventud, is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Travis Scott is bringing something sweet to fans, as he took to Instagram on Wednesday (July 19) to tease a new collaboration with The Weeknd and Bad Bunny.
The star-studded team up is seemingly titled “Lollipop,” as the rapper shared the cover art featuring a single red lollipop and captioned the post with three lollipop emojis. “Flame Abe Benito,” Scott wrote, adding that the song will be available on Thursday night (July 20).
See his announcement here.
The “Pick Up the Phone” rapper is currently gearing up to launch Utopia, his first studio album in nearly five years, on July 28. The project serves as the follow-up to Astroworld, Scott’s third studio album, which debuted atop the Billboard 200 and spawned several Billboard Hot 100 hits such as “Sicko Mode” (No. 1), “Stargazing” (No. 8), and “Carousel” (No. 24).
Last week, the star announced a livestream event celebrating the album launch, which will take place on release day at Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
After reports that Egyptian government officials canceled the event due to The Egyptian Syndicate of Musical Professions allegedly having concerns about ensuring “the safety and protection of the audience,” Live Nation assured that the livestream event is still set to go as planned. “There have been no changes to Travis Scott’s show in Egypt; any reports to the contrary are false. We can’t wait to celebrate Utopia with you in Egypt,” the company shared in a statement to Billboard.
