Ricky Martin Denies ‘Disgusting’ Claim That He Had a Sexual or Romantic Relationship With His Nephew

Ricky Martin is denying any sort of romantic relationship with his nephew after new developments have arisen in the domestic abuse dispute that led to a restraining order against him earlier this month in Puerto Rico.

According to media reports, the accuser — who filed the order anonymously — was Martin’s 21-year-old nephew, who alleged he had dated the Puerto Rican artist for seven months. The report quotes the order as saying they broke up two months ago, but the petitioner says Martin did not accept the separation and has been seen loitering near the petitioner’s house at least three times.

“Ricky Martin has, of course, never been — and would never be — involved in any kind of sexual or romantic relationship with his nephew,” Marty Singer, Martin’s attorney, said in a statement to Billboard. “The idea is not only untrue, it is disgusting. We all hope that this man gets the help he so urgently needs. But, most of all, we look forward to this awful case being dismissed as soon as a judge gets to look at the facts.”

On July 2, Judge Raiza Cajigas Campbell of the Court of First Instance of San Juan, Puerto Rico, issued a restraining order against the artist, with authorities visiting the island’s north coastal town of Dorado, where the singer lives, to try to serve the order, police spokesman Axel Valencia told The Associated Press.

It was not immediately known who requested the restraining order. Valencia said he could not provide further details because the order was filed under Puerto Rico’s domestic violence law.

The next day, the “Tiburones” singer took to social media to deny the order’s allegations, saying it was “completely false” and that he would face the process “with the responsibility that characterizes me.” He added, “I appreciate the innumerable gestures of solidarity and I receive them with all my heart.”

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fromis_9 Talk Summer Single ‘Stay This Way,’ Respect Among Members & First Year With HYBE Labels

Nothing can snatch the good vibes away from fromis_9.

Two days before releasing their new EP from our Memento Box on June 27, a minor car accident involving five of the nine members of the K-pop girl group forced them to cancel a press conference ahead of the album drop. The collision temporarily halted promotional plans (their PR put out a statement saying that all passengers’ injuries were “not serious and they were all immediately taken to the emergency room for medical examination and treatment”) and fans were already more than ready to watch the ninesome’s latest move in their upward climb toward K-pop stardom.

In August 2021, fromis_9 officially moved labels to PLEDIS Entertainment, home to K-pop mega-sellers SEVENTEEN, under the HYBE Labels family that houses BTS and Tomorrow X Together’s BIGHIT Music and Zico’s KOZ Entertainment. It kick-started a year of significant growth for the group, including No. 1s on the charts and televised awards show wins.

While Korea’s pop scene grows more competitive by the year, fromis_9 hitting their stride more than four years after their 2017 start shows that playing the long game can pay off. The girl group stays true to consistently upbeat, feel-good pop releases (like “Love Bomb” and “We Go,” both of which were named one of Billboard’s best K-pop songs of their respective years), where listeners can’t miss the members’ joyful deliveries and tone on record. With its summer theme of wanting to seize the day and embrace spontaneity, new single “Stay This Way” and the from our Memento Box EP have already scored fromis_9 their best career sales and results in Korea so far with hopes the budding success travels overseas.

Ahead of new music coming this summer, members Lee Sae Rom, Roh Ji Sun, Song Ha Young, Lee Chae Young, Park Ji Won, Lee Na Gyung, Baek Ji Heon, Lee Seo Yeon, and Jang Gyu Ri took a moment to discuss their latest release and look back at their journey so far and why they’ve stayed close to each other despite any K-pop industry odds.

Hello fromis_9! Before anything, I want to check how everyone’s health is since you did have a car accident ahead of your album release. Can you tell us how you’re doing?

SONG HA YOUNG: Now we’re fine, thank you. I go to the hospital for regular checkups.

PARK JI WON: It is unfortunate that the accident happened just before our comeback. But I focused on recovering, so I was able to follow through with the promotion schedule as planned. I cannot be more grateful to have met our fans in better condition. With this in mind, it brings us much joy that our album is receiving great response!

Yes, from our Memento Box is becoming your biggest success yet. What do you think it is about this album that is connecting so well? Can you share more about picking “Stay This Way” as a single?

LEE SAE ROM: from our Memento Box encompasses the meaning of collecting precious memories of the summer days in a treasure chest. The lead single “Stay This Way” tells the story of an impromptu trip, breaking free from the dull and exhausting days. I think the album and “Stay This Way” are receiving a great response because of the funky, groovy mood that best suits the hot summer. It also depicts an uplifting ambiance giving out energy to our listeners.

BAEK JI HEON: The lead single “Stay This Way” speaks about fromis_9’s off-the-cuff trip. “Stay This Way” is a track that creates a refreshing mood “Stay This Way” is a track that creates a refreshing mood and radiates our energy on stage.

ROH JI SUN: “Stay This Way” is a song that both our label and our members simultaneously agreed on for the lead single. So we started working on the album with great anticipation and excitement. “Stay This Way” is a one-of-a-kind song with such positive energy, which we tried to bring forth during the recording process.

Do you really enjoy being in the studio together? I hear so much joy in fromis_9’s music. Is there a way you make sure listeners feel the good vibes in your music?

LEE SAE ROM: I could say that I feel at ease when I’m in the recording studio nowadays, in contrast to being nervous in the early days. I monitor other members’ recording processes and try to get our tone in sync, even by running and jumping for energetic tracks.

SONG HA YOUNG: When the guide [demos] comes out, we all discuss how to keep our sounds in sync that would best suit the song’s mood. We cheer each other on with bright energy upon entering the recording studio too.

JANG GYU RI: We get together in the recording studio with a happy and healthy mindset to produce the best output. For example, we order in food and have long chats to keep our minds at ease.

PARK JI WON: I always sing with the aspiration to fully convey my emotions to the listeners — maybe that is why the songs seem to contain joyful and happy feelings. In the recording studio and preparing the album, I’m always thrilled during the experience and encouraged just by thinking about our fans who show unconditional support and love.

ROH JI SUN: I believe we have successfully crafted our unique style and color so far. Our songs are easily enjoyable because they naturally elicit pleasant feelings. As the years go by, the nervousness and tensions are lessened about recording.

LEE SEO YEON: We also try to get the recording done in less than an hour because we believe a song is best recorded when it captures the initial feelings.

LEE CHAE YOUNG: We always try our best to bring out the positive energy by encouraging each other before the recording or going on stage. I think our fans can directly feel and capture our emotions, so I try my best to be happy.

LEE NA GYUNG: We have full confidence in our songs because we try our best to show our best capabilities.

BAEK JI HEON: We always monitor and keep an eye on each other when recording. We share feedback and comments to produce a better version of our song. Since we have such good vibes together, this is reflected in our songs.

August will mark one year since you changed management to PLEDIS Entertainment under HYBE. Can you share the changes you’ve noticed or felt?

LEE SEO YEON: Since we joined PLEDIS Entertainment, we’ve been trying to show a better version of ourselves to our fans.

LEE CHAE YOUNG: We feel very confident now that we’re once again working together with [PLEDIS Entertainment founder] Han Sung Soo, who has been our producer since our debut. We’re also glad that we can introduce our colors variated through diverse genres and concepts.

You were introduced through a TV program in 2017, officially debuted in 2018, and in September 2021 earned your first No. 1 with “Talk & Talk.” I think sometimes people get worried if they don’t achieve immediate success. Any advice for those following their dreams?

SONG HA YOUNG: I’d say, “I hope you stand strong until you reach your goal.” What’s most important is not giving up and believing that your dream will come true some day. It’s okay to take a break at a certain point but just believe in yourself and your dream.

JANG GYU RI: I believe that I have a destined path. If things don’t work out as planned, I try to keep my head up and process the situation thinking that no matter the circumstance, this would have happened anyways. If you brood over the details, you might start doubting yourself.

What is the connection between fromis_9 members? Is there something that bonds you all or something you all agree on?

LEE CHAE YOUNG: The secret to our teamwork is the respect we have for each other. We’re de facto a family who understands each other’s difficulties and hears them out through a heartfelt conversation.

SONG HA YOUNG: With this album winning first place in five music shows, which made us feel that now is the time we can show our utmost collaborative effort to find our way up, one step at a time.

JANG GYU RI: Spending six years together, we know each other so well to the point where we know each other’s thoughts. So we respect our likes and differences to become a greater team.

PARK JI WON: As we spend more time together, we feel like we’re starting to mirror each other. For the past few years, we have been sharing multiple layers of emotion whether it be happiness or sadness. But our greatest boost is, of course, our [fans named] flovers.

ROH JI SUN: We have been fully understanding the meaning of being an “us” to fulfill our responsibilities and our goals despite our differences. We also expect to have more opportunities to meet our fans in various places. Flovers, don’t forget to watch out!
LEE SEO YEON: To be honest, we get closer whenever we decide on a restaurant or order off a menu.

LEE NA GYUNG: As you may have seen in our content, we express love and support for each other through playful jokes and sincere expressions. We can be wistful sometimes, but our cohesion is as strong as ever when it comes to music.

BAEK JI HEON: Spending such a long time together, we fully embrace each other’s differences and uniqueness in personality.

LEE SAE ROM: It’s been six years since we have been together. The time we shared together says a lot by itself and, of course, we are connected more than ever through conversations and thoughtful consideration for each other.

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Official HIGE DANdism’s ‘Mixed Nuts’ Logs Third Week Atop Japan Hot 100

Official HIGE DANdism’s “Mixed Nuts” holds at No. 1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, dated July 13, logging its third week at the top of the tally.

On the chart tracking the week from July 4 to 10, the SPYxFAMILY opener is powered by streaming, downloads, and video views. The track continues its reign over streaming and downloads, with the former increasing slightly from 9,371,493 to 9,452,499 weekly streams to extend its record to 11 weeks at No. 1 for the
metric, while the latter decreasing slightly from 11,066 to 10,259 units but extending its record to 4 weeks, respectively. The single is at No. 4 for video, with
figures increasing from 1,614,634 to 1,641,850 views.

 

SEKAI NO OWARI’s “Habit” also stays at No. 2 on the Japan Hot 100 fueled by the same metrics, though it appears to be slightly losing steam. It continues to hold at No. 2 for streaming for the fifth week (from 9,157,791 to 8,541,187 streams), No. 1 for video for the seventh consecutive week (from 3,330,961 to 3,087,945 views), and is at No. 4 for downloads (from 7,934 to 6,525 units).

Kanjani Eight’s new single “Kassai” debuts at No. 3 this week, ruling physical sales with 153,672 CDs sold. The veteran Johnny’s group also topped look-ups and came in at No. 25 for Twitter mentions, performing well in the two physical metrics of the chart’s methodology but falling short of the two top songs this week in terms of total points. “Kassai” launched with around 50,000 less copies than the five-member boy band’s previous single “Hitori Ni Shinai Yo,” which sold 202,025 copies in its first week.

Meanwhile, wacci’s “Koi daro” shoots up 38-7 on the latest chart. This number was featured in the recent Fuji TV drama series Yangotonaki Ichizoku, which ended its run on June 30. A new video featuring a performance by actor/singer-songwriter Kohei Matsushita — who played one of the central characters on the popular show — was released on YouTube the same day and created a buzz. As a result, the song soared 73-8 for streaming with 6,520,503 views, up 250% from the previous week, and 22-3 for video with 2,004,941 views, up 270%.

The Billboard Japan Hot 100 combines physical and digital sales, audio streams, radio airplay, Twitter mentions, YouTube and GYAO! video views, Gracenote look-
ups and karaoke data.

See the full Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart, tallying the week from July 4 to 10, here.

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This Week: Nicki’s Fan Altercation & ‘Freaky’ Song Teaser, Lizzo’s New Album, BTS’ Disney+ Show & More | Billboard News

Nicki Minaj teases her latest song with a ‘Super Freaky’ sample and gets into an altercation with a fan, Lizzo talks about her song ‘Rumors’, creates an immersive experience and releases a new album ‘Special’, and BTS announce they have a slate of projects coming to Disney+ as J-Hope releases his first solo project.

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Monkeypox vaccines are now available in Miami-Dade. Here’s what you need to know

People in Miami-Dade County who have a high risk of contracting monkeypox can now schedule appointments to get the vaccine, Florida health officials announced Thursday. As of Wednesday, the Florida … Click to Continue »
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Gentrification wiping out Miami’s 130-year-old, historically Black West Coconut Grove

For 130 years, the historically Black section of Coconut Grove, founded by Bahamian immigrants, has been a foundation stone for Miami, a wellspring of culture and activism, and verdant, fertile … Click to Continue »
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NY cannabis regulators approve rules for retail marijuana sales, updates to medical program

ALBANY, N.Y. — State regulators approved rules Thursday governing New York’s soon-to-begin retail cannabis sales, ensuring the first batch of licenses will go to business owners with past pot convictions. … Click to Continue »
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Kamala Harris talks Florida’s 15-week abortion law on swing through Orlando and Tampa

Air Force Two touched down in Tampa on Thursday afternoon, marking the second stop on Vice President Kamala Harris’ first visit to Florida since April 2021. Tampa’s MacDill Air Force … Click to Continue »
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Halsey Shares Adorable Photos of ‘Fiercely Determined’ Son Ender in Celebration of His 1st Birthday

Halsey is celebrating the 1st birthday of their adorable son, Ender Ridley Aydin.

The 27-year-old pop star took to social media on Thursday (July 14) to share a heartfelt tribute to her baby boy, whom she shares with boyfriend Alev Aydin. The Instagram post included a reflective photo gallery documenting Ender’s first year of life with his loving mother alongside him.

“my little tiny baby is a big one year old today! time flies, and I want to land the plane. permanently. your baba and I love you so much,” the artist captioned the cute snapshots. “you are smart and fiercely determined and sweet and curious and funny. I am so lucky that you found me Ender Ridley!”

Halsey wasn’t the only one celebrating Ender’s big day. The baby’s father also shared a loving birthday tribute to his son, which included a snapshot of the toddler watching his mom’s “So Good” music video.

“PETIT PRINCE IS ONE TODAY!! Mama and I love you, Ender,” Aydin captioned the gallery on Instagram. “To the moon, kid, to the moon.”

Ender was born prior to the release of Halsey’s fourth album, If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in September 2021. After the baby’s birth, the musician posted a pair of black-and-white images of the newborn resting on their chest while the singer-songwriter gazed lovingly at Aydin.

Check out Halsey’s birthday tribute to their son here, and see Aydin’s post here.

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Here’s the Nomination Process for the Grammys’ New Songwriter of the Year Category

Perhaps the most talked-about new category for the upcoming 65th annual Grammy Awards is songwriter of the year, non-classical. The Recording Academy shed more light on the award and how the nominees will be determined in its “rules and guidelines” handbook, which it put online on Thursday (July 14).

Voting members of the Academy will first vote in the category. Their top 30 choices will be presented, in alphabetical order, to nominating committees comprised of songwriters that will be formed in each of the Academy’s three “regions” — East, South and West.

(The East region is comprised of the Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., chapters. The South region is comprised of the Atlanta, Florida, Memphis and Nashville chapters. The West region is comprised of the Los Angeles, Pacific Northwest, San Francisco and Texas chapters.)

The Recording Academy will hand-pick the members of these three regional nominating committees. The Academy says that the members will be “diverse” (which usually means balanced along racial and gender lines, with some attention also paid to LGBTQ status and age) and “highly relevant” (which is likely coded language for “currently active,” rather than someone whose main credits are years or decades in the past).

It’s often hard for the Academy to get “highly relevant” people to participate in committees like this because they’re so busy working, but the Academy says that the nominating committee will meet just once — so the time commitment would not be prohibitive.

Members of all three regional committees will listen to the submitted material, discuss it, and submit “in secret” a weighted ballot of their top five selections. The ballots from all three regional committees will be tallied to determine the final nominees.

Each songwriter may submit up to nine songs for consideration, so each committee may be charged with listening to up to 270 songs (30 times nine), a formidable task. (They most likely won’t listen to all the songs all the way through, but will cherry-pick and listen to the ones under discussion.)

The award will be the only category in a new songwriting field. It will not be in the “general field” (commonly called the Big Four), which includes song of the year.

Here are the rules governing the committees, taken directly from the “rules and guidelines” handbook, with minimal editing, mostly to conform to Billboard style on such matters as capitalization.

“Functioning in the same way as a craft committee, the regional songwriter of the year nominating committees will be comprised of diverse and ‘highly relevant’ songwriters across all genres and areas of the craft. The committees will be assembled by the Recording Academy. Suggestions for nominating committee candidates will come from the chapters and be vetted by the awards department in consultation with the CEO [Harvey Mason jr.] and Recording Academy chair [Tammy Hurt]. The final population of these committees will be done by the CEO and Recording Academy chair. The nominating committees will meet once. They will be given a list of the voters’ top 30 choices from the first-round voting in alphabetical order.

“The nominating committees will be provided the submitted material, both audio and lyrics, from the songwriters on this list, to listen to and review, and then discuss it amongst themselves. At the end of the nominating committee meeting each committee member will submit in secret a weighted ballot of their top five selections. These ballots will then be tallied to determine the final nominees.

“Nominating committees will be chaired by a voting member in conjunction with an Academy staff member. … The chair’s job will be to guide the committee through the process. Although the chair shall be impartial on the decisions taken by the committee, they will be a voting member of the committee.”

Here is general information about the new award, also taken directly from the “rules and guidelines” handbook. This was previously reported when the Academy first announced the new category, one of five being added this year, on June 9.

“This category recognizes the written excellence, profession and art of songwriting for non-performing and non-producing songwriters.

“This category is for songwriters whose body of work released for the first time during the current eligibility year represents artistic excellence in the area of songwriting.

“Songwriters must have written a minimum of five songs in which they are credited ‘solely’ as a songwriter or co-writer. Songs in which the songwriter was also credited as a primary or featured artist, producer or any other supporting role do not qualify to achieve a minimum song threshold for consideration.

“Songwriters may supplement their core five song submission with up to four more songs in which the songwriter has songwriting credits as well as additional credits such as primary or featured artist, producer or any other supporting role.

“The maximum number of songs cannot exceed nine entries, which is comparable to the number of submissions allowed for consideration in the producer of the year, non-classical category.

“Songs from albums released in a previous year are not eligible, even if released as a single or added to a new album released during the current eligibility year. Re-released, covered, remixed, reissued, and historical recordings of songs are not eligible.”

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