In her latest Instagram post, Britney Spears is opening up to fans about the double-edged sword of her looming freedom.

Even though she’s still fighting to end the conservatorship that has controlled her personal life and finances for the past 13 years, she scored a big victory last month when her father was suspended as the conservator of her estate. In her new post, she says she’s already had a lot more freedom, but she’s worried she might mess it all up by making a “mistake.”

“For so many years I was always told if I succeeded at things, it could end … and it never did !!!” Spears writes. “I worked so hard but now that it’s here and getting closer and closer to ending I’m very happy but there’s a lot of things that scare me !!!”

One of those things that scares her is the overly aggressive paparazzi that lurk outside her home. “I don’t like that they try to scare me and jump out like they do … it’s like they want me to do something crazy!!!”

In the post — which features a photo of Spears’ fully decorated Christmas tree — the pop star also talks about being allowed to drive just four months ago for the first time since her conservatorship began, and how she can’t believe this was allowed to happen to someone in the United States.

“I haven’t done anything to be treated the way I have for the past 13 years !!!” she writes. “I’m disgusted with the system and wish I lived in another country !!! I’m celebrating Christmas way early this year … because why not ???!!! I believe any reason to find more joy in life is a good idea.”

In her final lines, she says she’s steering clear of the entertainment business (“which is all I’ve ever known my whole life”) for now, and that her family is lucky that she hasn’t agreed to do any interviews about her conservatorship yet. “Lord have mercy on my family’s souls if I ever do an interview !!!”

As for what’s next in Spears’ court battle, the next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 12, where a judge will determine if her conservatorship should end for good.

See Spears’ full post below:

First Stream Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums and videos recommended by the Billboard Latin editors. Check out this week’s picks below.

Randy, Romances De Una Nota 2021, Vol. 2 (Randy Nota Loca)

Randy of famed reggaeton duo Jowell y Randy has launched his solo project Romances de Una Nota 2021, Vol. 2, released four years after Vol. 1. On this 18-track set, it’s evident that Randy had creative liberty, focusing heavily on R&B above all. “No Exit,” “Las Nubes” featuring De La Ghetto, and focus track “Loquita” with Jay Wheeler are some of the best examples of the sultry R&B fusions found on this album. Randy also taps into chill EDM melodies as heard on “Remember” with The Martinez Brothers, his take on the 1991 Michael Jackson classic “Remember the Time.” Of course, it wouldn’t be a Randy album without some reggaeton, as heard in Zion-assisted “Baila Baila” and the pure perreo on “23” featuring Ape Drums. Other collaborations on this galactic album include Rauw Alejandro, Lenny Tavarez, Dalex and Justin Quiles, to name a few, and wraps up with a stripped-down romantic ballad called “Amor a Ciegas.”

Anitta feat. Saweetie, “Faking Love” (Warner Records)

Following the release of her uptempo bossanova “Girl From Rio,” Anitta reels in Saweetie for an all-English collaboration called “Faking Love.” “She is the badass boss bi—,” the Brazilian artist said on Instagram. Produced by Andres Torres, Mauricio Rengifo and Ryan Tedder, the song is an edgy, midtempo Brazilian funk track featuring Saweetie’s slick rap verses. “I’ve been faking love with you,” Anitta sings in the track that’s about a girl who shows no remorse after a breakup. The music video, helmed by director duo Bradley & Pablo, shows both artists in a cheeky and conceptual setting.

Camilo & Evaluna Montaner, “Indigo” (Sony Music Latin/Hecho a Mano Music)

Marking the couple’s third collaborative effort following “Por Primera Vez” and “Machu Picchu,” the song is not only about having good luck in their dream-come-true relationship, but also their clever pregnancy announcement. “What good luck of mine. I won without playing the lottery. With you, Christmas came early because the love of my life has arrived,” they sing. Stepping away from pop-urban and sultry fusions, “Indigo” — which is the name of their baby — is a sugary indie-alternative love song that gives us early 2000s vibes, à la Belanova or Julieta Venegas. In the music video, both Camilo and Evaluna announced the exciting news that they will become first-time parents. Scenes toward the end of the video document the moment Evaluna found out she was pregnant and the sweet reactions of their loved ones, including Latin pop icon Ricardo Montaner.

Gente de Zona & Maffio, “Háblame de Miami” (Sony Music Latin/Magnus Media)

Like true Miami natives, Gente de Zona and Maffio have joined forces for “Háblame de Miami,” a party-starting track that can easily become the 305’s newest anthem. Produced by the Dominican hitmaker, “Háblame” is an infectious mambo-merengue-and-Cubaton fusion with on-beat claps and, in true GdZ fashion, pura gozadera. “Talk to me about Miami/ Where the mamis are/ Today we’re going to drink until the morning/ Today I’m going to party,” the Cuban duo chants in the chorus. In the music video directed by Pedro Vazquez, we see the three artists enjoy the Magic City in all its glory.

Sael, “Ajá” (Black Koi Entertainment)

In less than three minutes, Argentine newcomer Sael easily demonstrates that he’s a well-rounded artist. The singer-songwriter and producer raps, sings and navigates different genres in “Ajá,” his new single under Sky Rompiendo’s label. Co-produced by Sael and Emma Beats, the track kicks off with a smooth hip-hop melody and transitions to a hard-hitting perreo. With his soulful vocals, Sael sings about unrequited love, which is also represented in the nostalgic music video directed by Lucas Emiliani.

Live Nation, the world’s largest entertainment company, and global development company Oak View Group are teaming up for a 20,000-capacity arena in São Paulo, Brazil.   

The city’s mayor, Ricardo Nunes, announced the collaboration — which will be in partnership with Brazilian-based event company GL Events — on Friday (Oct. 15).

The city of São Paulo, which has a population of 12 million, awarded the three entities a 30-year lease for the Anhembi campus, which spans 4 million square feet. Arena São Paulo, as it will be called, will anchor the Anhembi entertainment district and produce live events including concerts, sports games and family entertainment. The Anhembi district, where the Sambadrome is located, is already famed for hosting the city’s Carnival parade, among other events.

“Today is a historic day for our city because we are starting the implementation of the Arena São Paulo, a project led by the three best companies in the world in their industry,” Nunes said in a release. “We are going to build the best arena in Latin America.” 

The arena marks the beginning of a redevelopment project for the Anhembi district, according to the developers. The area currently features a convention center and the outdoor Arena Anhembi, which has hosted big-name acts including Elton John, Green Day, Maroon 5 and more. The new partnership will build the new indoor arena from the ground up, plus renovate the convention center, exhibition pavilions and outdoor events area. The stakeholders project that the complex will generate cash flows of approximately 5 billion Brazilian reais ($907 million) of economic benefit for the city and local businesses.  

Construction is expected to begin in 2022 with a grand opening slated for 2024.  

“This new venue will add to our portfolio of 200+ venues worldwide and we are proud to contribute to the growth of São Paulo as a live music hub and international touring destination,” Michael Rapino, Live Nation Entertainment CEO and president, said in a release. 

Olivier Ginon, founder and chairman of GL events, said he is “excited to partner with OVG and Live Nation Entertainment” for the new arena, which is being designed by architectural firm Gensler. Ginon believes Arena São Paulo will pair nicely with the company’s network of venues, including Rio de Janeiro’s Jeunesse Arena, which seats over 18,000 for concerts. 

Performance rights revenues in Brazil, which is Latin America’s largest concerts market, dropped 15.5% last year to $45.6 million.  

Congratulations are in order for Eve, who announced Friday (Oct. 15) that she’s expecting her first child with husband Maximillion Cooper.

“Can you believe it @mrgumball3000 we finally get to tell everyone!!!!!” she captioned two photos of the stylist MC showing off her baby bump, which both her and Cooper’s hands caressed in the second shot. “You all know how long we’v [sic] been waiting for this blessing!!! We get to meet our lil human February 2022.”

The 42-year-old rapper, who has been married to Cooper since 2014, is already a stepmother to his four children from a previous marriage: Lotus, 19, Jagger, 17, Cash, 15, and Mini, 13. Cooper shared the same set of images on his Instagram account, “Very excited to share this news… we have a lil human on the way!”

Swizz Beatz, who signed Eve to his Ruff Ryders label imprint Full Surface Records in the ’90s, commented, “Congrats Queen” before joking that he and wife Alicia Keys were “the God parents.” The megawatt producer is serving as the executive music producer of ABC’s new series Queens, starring Eve, Brandy, Naturi Naughton and Nadine Velazquez as a ’90s girl group called the Nasty Bitches trying to shine once more in the spotlight.

Naughton wrote underneath Eve’s post, “Yessss!!! I’m so glad it’s out! Congratulations girl!!! soo happy for you guys.” Trina also sent an arrangement of orange heart emojis after the two went head-to-head in a Verzuz battle back in June.

See Eve’s precious announcement below.

Miami city commissioners postponed the vote on a controversial ordinance that would make homeless encampments illegal, saying they wanted to talk with advocates to find a solution for the city’s … Click to Continue »
Nikolas Cruz plans to plead guilty Friday to the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High, WSVN-7 reported Thursday, a decision that would spare survivors and relatives of the dead … Click to Continue »
A new economic study projects that banning late-night alcohol sales in Miami Beach would cost bars across the city millions each year in sales — losses that would extend to … Click to Continue »
A church community stands divided in Brickell over a vote that could forever change the fate and landscape of its waterfront property. A First Miami Presbyterian Church member, Scott Shuffield, … Click to Continue »
Most abortions in Texas will be banned until at least early December, after a federal appeals court in New Orleans said Thursday it will keep a trial judge’s ruling blocking … Click to Continue »

When Adele dropped “Easy On Me” — the lead single from her upcoming fourth album 30 — she had one of her “best friends in the world” in her corner: Drake.

The superstar rapper took to his Instagram Story on Thursday (Oct. 14) to tell fans what they likely already knew: Adele had just released a new song, her first new music since 2015’s blockbuster 25 album.

“One of my best friends in the world just dropped a single,” Drake wrote with a smiley emoji, tagging Adele and finishing the message up with, “WOIIIIIII.”

Adele and Drake’s friendship has been well-documented over the past few years, with the British singer attending the rapper’s birthday party in 2019 and later sending him b-day wishes via InstagramHappy birthday to one of the kindest and funniest people I’ve met @champagnepapi.” She also told fans during her surprise Instagram Live session over this past weekend that Drake’s Certified Lover Boy is her favorite album of 2021. Maybe he’ll return the favor when 30 is released on Nov. 19.

Adele’s last three albums — 1921 and 25 — have all reached the top five on the Billboard 200, with the latter two hitting No. 1. Her last album, 25, spent a staggering 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and earned the album of the year Grammy, selling 3.38 million copies in its debut week — the biggest sales week for an album since MRC Data began tracking point-of-sale purchases in 1991.

See Drake’s Instagram Story post and listen to “Easy On Me” below: