Nick Cannon and model Amber Rose recently bonded over their lives in the public eye and their mutual support for the MAGA agenda. In a chat on Cannon’s Big Drive podcast on Friday (March 27), the pair went for a spin in a beach cruiser as Cannon asked Rose about her support for President Donald Trump — Rose spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention — and Cannon noted that he used to have former President Barack Obama’s BlackBerry number, but is now firmly on Team Trump.

Asking Rose if there might be a position for her in Trump’s administration, Cannon noted that the OnlyFans model “100%” has the president’s ear. After Rose, once best known for hosting her empowering Slut Walk protests, expressed her opinion that “left-wing liberal” feminism “took us back,” she shared her opinion that “it’s not illegal to be racist” and that she is a “former liberal, former Democrat.” Cannon backed her up and added that people “change their views and opinions” sometimes.

Earlier in the chat, he appeared to confirm that his views have also changed, after he asked Rose if she switched parties because “the bag has got so intense” and her earnings so heavy that she became part of the “elite.” Rose said no, opining, “Democrats don’t care about Black people and they don’t care about people of color,” as Cannon laughed at what Rose dubbed the “misconception” about the GOP.

“I agree with you 100%,” said multi-hyphenate Cannon, who is a recording artist, radio DJ who and host of The Masked Singer. “People don’t know that the Democrats is the party of the KKK. People don’t know that the Republicans are the party that freed the slaves.” According to Politifact, the racist Ku Klux Klan group attracted many ex-Confederate soldiers after the Civil War, as well as Southerners who opposed Reconstruction, most of whom were Democrats, but the claim that the Democratic Party started the Civil War to preserve slavery and founded the KKK is false. The Republican Party was founded in 1854 by anti-slavery activists and in 1863 Republican President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing all the slaves living in Confederate states.

Cannon noted that both he and Rose have “some conservative views,” but that she is just more outspoken than him.

Cannon also said that he actually doesn’t support either major party and that his political North Star is the late historian and civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois, whose famous quote about the American political system he paraphrased, “there’s no such thing as two parties. It’s just one evil party with two different names.”

Rose said she voted for Trump because he was “the better option,” describing how she agrees with a lot of the former reality TV star’s policies in his second administration, with Cannon enthusiastically adding, “motherf–ker cleanin’ house! He’s doing what he said he was gonna do!… I f–k with Trump!”

It’s not the first time Cannon has taken a controversial stance. Back in 2020, he was fired by ViacomCBS for statements on his Cannon’s Class podcast that were deemed racist and antisemitic during a conversation with former Public Enemy “Minister of Information” Professor Griff. In the interview, Griff doubled down on his past condemnation of Jewish people and Cannon repeated hateful tropes about alleged Jewish control of the media and banking, comments he later apologized for.

Watch Cannon and Rose discuss their support for MAGA below.

Becky G, Joy and Julieta Venegas will be honored at the fourth annual Billboard Latin Women in Music special, Billboard and Telemundo announced on Monday (March 30). The program will air live exclusively on Telemundo on April 24 at 9 p.m. ET.

Once again, the two-hour musical special will pay tribute to “Latin female artists who are driving meaningful change and championing inclusion across the music industry,” according to a press release. It will also stream on Peacock and the Telemundo app.

Among the first group of honorees announced, Becky G will receive the Global Impact award for her ability to connect with audiences worldwide. With more than a decade career, the Mexican-American singer has gone from being a breakout teen artist into an international star, with Billboard chart-toppers including “MAMIII” with Karol G — which spent 10 weeks at No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs in 2022 — and Latin Airplay No. 1s including “Mayores” with Bad Bunny, “Sin Pijama” with Natti Natasha, and more. And her influence extends beyond music, as she proudly represents her roots as an actress and entrepreneur.

“A passionate advocate for Latino representation, immigrant communities, women’s empowerment and mental health awareness, she leads with authenticity and purpose,” Billboard and Telemundo stated in their release. “Through every endeavor, she continues to elevate Latin culture on a global stage while inspiring the next generation.”

Meanwhile, Joy — the lead vocalist of the popular Latin pop duo Jesse & Joy — will be honored with the Spirit of Change award, which recognizes artists who use their platform to drive meaningful impact within music and beyond. For more than two decades, the singer and songwriter has consistently used her voice to advocate for immigrant rights, LGBTQ+ equality, women’s empowerment, the fight against gender-based violence, and animal welfare.

On the Billboard charts, she has achieved two top 10s on Latin Airplay as part of Jesse & Joy, including the No. 1 hit “¡Corre!”. Last year, her Broadway debut as a co-writer of the songs for the musical Real Women Have Curves earned her a Tony Award nomination for best original score. “Through her music, her activism and her unwavering commitment to inclusion and justice, Joy continues to inspire change, embodying the true spirit of an artist who understands the power of her influence to shape a better world,” reads the statement.

Rounding out the list of honorees in this initial announcement, Julieta Venegas will receive the Artistic Excellence award, recognizing an artist whose work is defined by exceptional craftsmanship, consistency, and a distinct creative identity. With over three decades in music, the Mexican singer-songwriter has defined the sound of Latin alternative pop through deeply personal songwriting, poetic lyricism, and her distinctive talent as a multi-instrumentalist, particularly on the accordion and piano.

On Billboard charts, she has achieved multiple entries on Top Latin Albums and Latin Pop Albums, including standout hits like Limón y Sal, which earned her her first top 10 on Top Latin Albums, as well as iconic tracks like “Me Voy” and “Andar Conmigo.” In 2023, her latest album Tu Historia won the Latin Grammy for best pop vocal album. She is currently leading Mexican radio with “Tengo Que Contarte” alongside Natalia Lafourcade.

“Beyond commercial success, she has expanded the role of the female singer-songwriter in Latin music, maintaining creative control as a composer, producer, and instrumentalist while redefining what sustained mainstream success can look like without compromising authenticity,” notes the press release. “Her timeless catalog has transcended trends, resonated across generations and borders, and left an enduring cultural imprint, embodying true artistic excellence.”

More honorees, as well as presenters and performers, will be announced.

Billboard Latin Women in Music is the only annual televised gala celebrating Latin women artists who are driving positive changes and fostering greater inclusion in the music industry. Now in its fourth successful year, it has established itself as a powerful platform where the most prominent artists in Latin music come together for an extraordinary night of music and camaraderie.

Last year, honorees included Anitta (Vanguard award), Belinda (Evolution award), Celia Cruz (Legend), Chiquis (Impact award), Ha*Ash (Unbreakable award), Natti Natasha (Unstoppable Artist), Olga Tañón (Lifetime Achievement) and Selena Gomez (Woman of the Year). Previous years’ honorees include Gloria Estefan, Thalia, Shakira and more.

Benson Boone is just two weeks out from wrapping his American Heart tour in England, so naturally on Sunday (March 29) he announced the dates for his upcoming summer 2026 Wanted Man summer tour. Boone announced the dates with a funny cake baking video in which he flexed his biceps to smash eggs and, weirdly, added watermelon, bananas and onions to the mix for a beautiful pastry featuring a picture of the singer in frosting along with some self-deprecating digs at his perceived public persona (“The One Hit Wonder” — The Whole Internet and “Backflips & Magic Included”).

The 34-date tour is slated to kick off on July 7 at PPG Paints Arena before moving on to Baltimore, Brooklyn, Newark, Boston, Albany, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Denver, Seattle, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix, Dallas, New Orleans, Jacksonville and Kansas City before wrapping up on Sept. 3 in Casper, Wyo. at the Ford Wyoming Center.

A presale will begin on Wednesday (April 1) at 11 a.m. local, with the official onsale kicking off on Friday April 3) at 11 a.m.; click here for ticket information. No support acts have been announced yet.

Boone wrapped up his 50-show American Heart tour in Birmingham, England on March 15 in support of his 2025 American Heart album, with the new tour taking its name from the album’s final track, “Young American Heart.”

Check out the dates for Benson Boone’s 2026 Wanted Man tour:

Beyond The Music will return in 2026 in a brand new venue, Billboard U.K. can exclusively reveal.

The third edition of the music conference and festival will take place at Salford’s MediaCity from Oct. 7-9 and bring together leading figures from across music, culture, tech, politics and beyond. 

The news arrives as Greater Manchester celebrates another bumper year for music, having played host to the 2026 BRIT Awards and the MOBO Awards at the city’s Co-op Live venue. The former had never been held outside for London before, and is also set to be the host of 2027’s 50th anniversary edition.

Beyond The Music will utilise the MediaCity campus, including dock10 Media City studios and various iconic Salford music venues. The programming will feature a number of keynote conversations, industry showcases, networking opportunities and cross-sector partnerships. 

The event will coincide with Salford’s centenary celebrations, honoring the 100th anniversary of the Royal Charter that granted Salford city status; the city forms part of the Greater Manchester metropolitan area.

Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, will host the All Content AI Summit with the aim of being together “leading practitioners and policymakers from every content industry together to align on a shared, rights and integrity-first position for AI.” The event will take place on Oct. 9 and comes as the U.K. government abandoned its plans for an ‘opt-out’ approach to licensing by AI firms; the move was celebrated by a number of the U.K. music industry.

Beyond the Music will utilize a variety of multi-purpose spaces across the campus, studios and the adjoining Quayside shopping centre, with a number of shows to be held at some of Salford’s existing venues. MediaCity is home to a number of broadcasters and media organizations including the BBC and ITV Studios.

Tickets for the event are on sale now, including the introduction of the Pay It Forward scheme, which aims to maximise accessibility for those who are hoping to advance their career within the music industry but may not be able to afford the full ticket price.

Speaking on the announcement, Burnham said, “Greater Manchester has always been at the forefront of cultural innovation, and Beyond The Music is a vital opportunity for the sector to come together and address the challenges and opportunities facing music and content creation. That’s why I’m proud to host the All Content AI Summit, which will provide a space to consider the ethical questions raised by new technologies and how we can protect creators’ rights.”

He added, “Greater Manchester has always been willing to take a stand on the issues that matter — standing up for the people behind the music, making sure they are recognised, rewarded, and able to build sustainable careers. That’s what we mean by balancing growth with responsible innovation. With its move to MediaCity and bigger than ever programme, Beyond The Music is helping to cement our city region’s place at the centre of the creative economy.”

Further lineup announcements will be made in the coming months.

The Juno Awards may have had trouble attracting a-list young stars at Saturday night’s industry gala, but plenty of legends showed up for the broadcast on Sunday night (March 29) at TD Coliseum in Hamilton. The gala presented the bulk of trophies, with only four plaques handed out on the broadcast, plus a hall of fame induction for Nelly Furtado and a special lifetime achievement award for Joni Mitchell.

Pre-Junos, the greatest excitement around this year’s broadcast came with news that Mitchell would attend in person to accept her lifetime achievement award, with noted Canadian artists led by Sarah McLachlan and Allison Russell on hand to pay tribute by performing such Mitchell classics as “Case Of You,” “Both Sides Now” and “Big Yellow Taxi.” The finale saw all the performers join in on the classic, including Nelly Furtado, Jully Black, The Beaches, Alessia Cara, Sofia Camara members of Arkells, Billy Talent and more. Then, Joni herself joined in for the final notes “and put up a parking lot” to major applause.

That segment closed out the two-hour show, living up to expectations. Mitchell was introduced by Prime Minister Mark Carney, and she was visibly touched by the honor. “I’m so glad to be back in Canada,” she said, praising Carney multiple times. “I live in the States, and we know what’s happening here.”

Rush Reunites

The broadcast kicked off with a bang, and a surprise one at that. With minimal intro, hard rock global superstars Rush made their first-ever Junos appearance, delivering a high-octane version of “Finding My Way,” the first song on their first album. It was the first Rush performance since 2015 and the 2020 death of drummer Neil Peart, ahead of their upcoming stadium tour.

In the media room after, singer Geddy Lee explained that “choosing a song was impossible, so we asked management to choose one.” They settled on the first song on their first album, from 1974. Guitarist/founding member Alex Lifeson joked that he hopes he survives the upcoming global Rush tour.

“It is 85 shows, more than we’ve done in a long time. It’ll be exhausting, but we’ll come out stronger.” Both Rush members praised their recently recruited new drummer, Anika Nilles, and, referencing late drummer/lyricist Peart, Lee noted “music is still a part of us. Music lives beyond tragedy.”

The Beaches, Daniel Caesar and Cameron Whitcomb Win Big Awards

After appearing at the podium at Saturday’s gala as winners in the rock album of the year category, Toronto rock quartet The Beaches returned to the winner’s circle for the prestigious group of the year category. This marks the third straight year they have won this award, a rare and highly impressive feat. On the broadcast, they chose to play a powerful ballad, backed by strings, and then hopped back on stage to accept their Juno. In a short acceptance speech, the group stressed “there is no better feeling than coming home.”

Two other winners from last night also got to shine by both performing on the broadcast and accepting another Juno. At the Awards Gala, young B.C. country singer-songwriter Cameron Whitcomb took home the trophy for country album of the year, for The Hard Way, and tonight he was victorious as breakthrough artist or group of the year. Whitcomb has earned that title in rapid fashion, and he is now back in the charts with a brand new single, “You And Me.”

In his acceptance speech he noted that “I still don’t know why I’m blessed with this opportunity, but I won’t squander it. I’ll stay sober.” To the press later, he added this advice: “Don’t drink, don’t do drugs, stay low-key.”

Daniel Caesar was the winner in the coveted songwriter of the year category last night, but was not in attendance to accept. He did show up to both perform and collect a special international achievement award, recognizing the strides he has made in global markets. His 2025 album, Son of Spergy, became his third top 10 album on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart. He has made multiple appearances on influential NPR performance series Tiny Desk, and appeared on the cover of Billboard and Billboard Canada last year.

Helping induct Caesar with the international achievement award was fellow R&B star Mustafa, who referenced “the infinite brotherhood we cultivated, he from Oshawa, me from Regent Park.” Mustafa noted “you hear a stillness in his songs, and he took that stillness to a global stage.” Accompanied by his own guitar and subtle backing vocals, Caesar delivered a typically soulful ballad.”

Caesar also collected the Juno for contemporary R&B recording of the year for Son of Spergy, one of just four trophies handed out during the broadcast. When he accepted this Juno, Caesar brought up his dad, the titular Spergy.

Joni Mitchell Speaks & Sings

When talking to the media at the conclusion of the gala, McLachlan was clearly excited about paying tribute to Joni Mitchell, a crucial inspiration, at tonight’s show. “I idolized her and I dissected her music,” said McLachlan. “Joni had asked me to create a medley around her songs for the tribute. She showed up at rehearsals today, and that was the first time she’d heard it.”

Another major surprise was a video tribute to Nelly Furtado by one of Canada’s biggest stars, Drake. The rapper praised the influence he took from her, imagining as a kid that he could have the same heights and Billboard hits that she did. He tipped his hat to her making strides as a woman in music, and said “the men in this industry do not make it easy.” He joked that her influence was so vast that he even broke his Junos boycott, staying away since he hosted the show in 2011 but was shut out of all his awards.

A cast of Juno Award-winning artists gathered to pay tribute to Furtado, who was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at the event. Those performing included Alessia Cara, Lido Pimienta, Jully Black, Kardinal Offishall, Shawn Desman and Tanya Tagaq, and they joined Furtado’s own band, led by musical director Herag Sanbalian, who curated the selection of her greatest hits.

In her acceptance speech, Furtado expressed her great pride in Canada. “I’m a product of the Canadian dream. I live and work here, I totally believe in Canada,” she stated. She also singled out the Canadian black music community: “They embraced me so much early in my career.”

Majid Jordan also presented the fan choice award to bbno$, winning for the second year in a row. He made memorable headlines last year for his comments about Elon Musk, but was not there to accept this time around.

Here are all the winners from the Juno Awards broadcast:

JUNO FAN CHOICE

WINNER: bbno$ (Independent*Broke/CMG)

Cameron Whitcomb Atlantic/Warner

James Barker Band Universal

Josh Ross Core Entertainment/Universal

Justin Bieber Island/Def Jam/Universal

Karan Aujla Warner

Shawn Mendes Island/Universal

Shubh Independent

Tate McRae RCA/Sony

The Weeknd XO/Republic/Universal

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR

WINNER: Cameron Whitcomb (Atlantic/Warner)

Goldie Boutilier Independent

Jade LeMac Warner

Jutes Position Music

MICO Wasted Years/Columbia/Sony

Noeline Hofmann La Honda/The Orchard

Sacha Sony

Saya Gray Dirty Hit/Virgin

Sofia Camara 21 Entertainment/Universal

yung kai BMG/Flood Division

GROUP OF THE YEAR

Arcade Fire Columbia/Sony

Mother Mother Warner

Peach Pit Columbia/Sony

WINNER: The Beaches (AWAL)

Three Days Grace RCA/Sony

CONTEMPORARY R&B RECORDING OF THE YEAR

Set Me Free Adria Kain ArtHaus/Circle of 5ths/APG

Mirage Avenoir LISTEN TO THE KIDS/Santa Anna/Sony

WINNER: Son Of Spergy Daniel Caesar Hollace/Republic/Universal

PAID IN MEMORIES Jessie Reyez FMLY/Island’Universal

Life 2 Majid Jordan OVO/Sony

THERAPIST SadBoi LVRN/The Orchard