Welcome to Billboard Pro’s Trending Up newsletter, where we take a closer look at the songs, artists, curiosities and trends that have caught the music industry’s attention. Some have come out of nowhere, others have taken months to catch on, and all of them could become ubiquitous in the blink of a TikTok clip.

This week: A viral TV drama leads to growth for a number of its featured soundtrack artists on streaming, while Cameron Winter and his main band reap the benefits of year-end list season and more.

Steamy Gay Hockey Drama ‘Heated Rivalry’ Spurs Streaming Gains for Little Mix, Wet Leg & Feist 

Heated Rivalry — a steamy new Crave-produced gay hockey drama that’s airing in the States on Max and based on Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series — has quickly taken over the Internet with just its first three episodes. Led by actors Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, the Jacob Tierney-helmed show is also making a real-world impact, with the series trailer airing during the Tampa Bay v. Montreal NHL game on Tuesday night (Dec. 9). 

The first episode, which aired on Nov. 28, featured a needle-drop of Feist’s “Sealion” to close out the much-talked about locker room scene, leading to 6,600 official on-demand U.S. streams during the four-day period of Nov. 28-Dec. 1, according to Luminate. By the following week (Dec. 5-8), “Sealion” jumped 155% to 17,000 official streams. The second episode, which hit streaming alongside the first, opens with Wet Leg’s “Mangetout,” which rose 61% to over 226,000 official streams during the four-day period of Dec. 5-8. 

The third and most recent Heated Rivalry episode arrived on Dec. 5, and followed the story of a different, but equally compelling, couple. The episode opens with Wolf Parade’s “I’ll Believe In Anything,” which spiked 60% to over 23,000 official streams (Dec. 5-8), and closes with Baxter Dury’s “Lips,” which vaulted a whopping 14,351% to over 19,000 official streams (Dec. 5-8). The latter song earned just 137 official on-demand U.S. streams during the four-day period of Nov. 28-Dec. 1. 

Finally, Heated Rivalry has naturally invigorated the online “edit” community, with hundreds of heart-wrenching video montages flooding social media over the past two weeks. Though it has not appeared in the series, Little Mix’s “Secret Love Song, Pt. II” — which beautifully captures the show’s theme of nurturing love in the shadows — has emerged as the main Heated Rivalry edit song. During the four-day period of Nov. 28-Dec. 1, “Secret” logged 30,000 official on-demand U.S. streams. That figure rose nearly 40% to 42,5000 official streams by the period of Dec. 5-8. 

With three more episodes still to go in its first season, expect to hear a whole lot more about Heated Rivalry in the new year. — KYLE DENIS 

Getting Killed With Kindness: Geese (and Geese Frontman) Streams Boosted by Year-End Lists

Geese’s third album, Getting Killed, has represented a critical and commercial breakthrough for the Brooklyn indie band — with the pivot toward more outlandish, often caustic songwriting and elliptical structures earning the group rave reviews upon the September release and its biggest live crowds to date in the following months. Now, with year-end season providing a flurry of critics’ best-of lists, Getting Killed is scoring a new round of acclaim — top 10 showings on the New Yorker, Stereogum, Rolling Stone and Paste lists, among many others — and so is Heavy Metal, the lovably weird debut solo album from Geese frontman Cameron Winter, which came out last December but is being lumped in with lots of 2025 music lists. While Pitchfork named Getting Killed the No. 7 album of 2025, for instance, they ranked Heavy Metal the No. 3 album of the year — and Winter’s shambolic pop anthem “Love Takes Miles” as the best song of 2025.

The critical double-dipping for Winter has boosted streams for his own music and that of his ascendant band: Geese’s Getting Killed earned 1.66 million official on-demand U.S. streams from Dec. 3-6, a 41% bump from the previous four-day period before year-end lists starting rolling out, according to Luminate. Heavy Metal had fewer streams (964,000) from Dec. 3-6 but is experiencing an even larger percentage bump (up 74%), while “Love Takes Miles” has more than doubled its streams thanks in part to the Pitchfork co-sign. The song earned 106,000 streams from Nov. 28-30; in the three days after Pitchfork’s best songs of 2025 list was unveiled on Dec. 1, that number rose to 223,000 streams, a 110% increase. — JASON LIPSHUTZ

Sienna Spiro Eyes Global Breakthrough as Two Viral Tracks Continue Their Ascent 

British singer-songwriter Sienna Spiro first earned some traction with 2024’s “Maybe,” and, this year, she earned her first U.K. Official Singles top 10 hit with “Die on This Hill,” one of her two rising tracks that appear to signal a very major 2026. 

Streaming activity for “Hill” has risen 466% over the past seven weeks, mostly due to the TikTok virality of the song’s bridge. During the week of Oct. 10-16, “Hill” earned 547,000 official on-demand U.S. streams; that figure ballooned to a little over three million official streams by the week of Nov. 28-Dec. 4. On TikTok, the official “Hill” sound plays in over 200,000 posts. 

“You Stole the Show,” which arrived in July ahead of a September U.K. tour, laid the groundwork for “Hill,” reaching No. 54 in the U.K. The song’s chorus proved the big draw — soundtracking lyrical dance combinations and wedding clips alike — earning over 626,000 official streams during the week of Oct. 10-16. By the week of Nov. 28-Dec. 4, “Show” exploded 226% to just over two million official streams. On TikTok, the official “Show” sound plays in 21,000 clops, while an unofficial sound credited to Spiro’s account boasts an additional 34,200. 

At the top of next year (Feb. 28), Spiro will compete against Jacob Alon and Rose Gray for the 2026’s Brits Critics’ Choice Award. — K.D. 

Jelly Roll has been steadily piling up accolades over the past few years, and he just added a new honor. On Wednesday (Dec. 10) episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan played a video for the country star, one in which Grand Ole Opry member Craig Morgan surprised the musician by inviting him to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.

In the video, Morgan is sitting in the pews of the Grand Ole Opry, praising Jelly Roll’s music and impact. Near the end, he says, “And who would have ever dreamed back then that I’d be back at the Opry House today, to say Jelly Roll, you’re officially invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It’s an honor to say welcome to the family, brother.”

Before Morgan had even finished speaking on the video, Jelly Roll put his face into his hands, crying as the realization set in that he will soon become a Grand Ole Opry member. With tears in his eyes, he hugged Rogan before sitting back down at the microphone. “It don’t get no bigger in country music, bubba. It’s as big as it gets,” Jelly Roll said.

Wiping away tears, he added, “Dude, I used to buy tickets to go there.” He then recalled going to the Opry to see Morgan perform years ago.

“I Googled Craig Morgan … I heard ‘Almost Home’ in jail … it’s the most tear-jerking song about homelessness … I came home and the song meant so much. It was like, Craig Morgan Live — Grand Ole Opry House. I could barely afford tickets, I think I talked some girl into buying them for me,” he shared on the podcast. “I went and sat by myself. I had an ankle bracelet on. The show went off at 9 and I had to be home at 9, so I was like, ‘If he’s the last one, I’m screwed.’ He comes out and sings ‘Almost Home.’ I’m not bulls—ting, I’d maybe cried 10 times in my life at that point. I cried. I cried. I cried like I’m crying here now … I can’t believe they made me a member of the Opry. I want to make people feel the way he makes me feel. That’s what I want to do.”

“I never thought I’d be allowed to play the Grand Ole Opry, and to be a member of it,” he added. Jelly Roll also recalled seeing Luke Combs’ Opry invitation: “I’ll never forget watching Luke Combs when they asked him to be a member, and like, I think it’s the first time I’ve ever seen Luke emotional, know you?”

Jelly Roll, who has earned eight No. 1 Billboard Country Airplay chart hits, earned his first No. 1 Billboard 200 debut last year with his project Beautifully Broken.

Watch Jelly Roll’s full episode of The Joe Rogan Experience below:

If there’s anyone who knows a thing or two about handily dominating both Broadway and the silver screen, it’s Cynthia Erivo and Hugh Jackman.

The two Tony-winning, Oscar-nominated actors joined the latest installment of Variety and CNN’s Actors on Actors series for an in-depth conversation around their new films, Wicked: For Good and Song Sung Blue, and the comeback of the movie musical.

“I want the world to have movie musicals, and thankfully, they’re back,” Jackman gushed in the chat published on Wednesday (Dec. 10). “Any expectation I had, you just sailed [past]. It’s the Mount Everest of movie-making, musicals. I really think it’s the hardest thing to pull off.”

Jackman, who’s starring as one-half of Neil Diamond tribute band Lightning & Thunder in Song Sung Blue, is no stranger to the movie musical. He earned an Oscar nomination for best actor in a leading role with 2012’s Les Misérables and a Golden Globe nod for his portrayal of P.T. Barnum in 2017’s The Greatest Showman. Jackman’s movie musical dominance, which he achieved while maintaining his iconic Wolverine role, followed years of stage success, including a 1999 Laurence Olivier Award nod for his performance in Oklahoma! and a 2004 Tony win for his work in The Boy from Oz.

“This is all testament to Jon Chu. It’s very hard to pull off, because you have to convince people that it makes sense for each of these characters to burst into song,” Erivo concurred. “And it’s the moment between the speaking and the singing. It’s the silence. And every time, he would find a way for us to find that invisible thread so that there is no other choice but for these characters to start to sing.”

Erivo earned an Oscar nod for last year’s Wicked film, and she’s already earned a Golden Globe nomination for her performance as Elphaba in the sequel, For Good. A Tony winner thanks to The Color Purple, Erivo also portrayed the titular role in this summer’s Hollywood Bowl staging of Jesus Christ Superstar ahead of next year’s one-woman Dracula West End run.

The Wicked: For Good soundtrack debuted in the top 10 across seven Billboard charts dated Dec. 6, including No. 1 on Soundtracks and Vinyl Albums. Four of the set’s songs debut on the Billboard Hot 100, led by Erivo and Grande’s “For Good” duet at No. 43.

Throughout their conversation, Erivo and Jackman also discussed the first time she sang “For Good” with Grande, Jackman’s decision to return to his Wolverine role and what it takes to perform at the Oscars.

Watch their full Actors on Actors conversation below.

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There’s a chill in the air and Christmas carols are playing on the radio — all signs that the holiday season is officially here.

If you haven’t gotten your gifting squared away yet, now’s the time to start. Some folks on your list can be tricky to shop for, but that’s why we’re here. If you’re not into the nuances of all things BTS, then it can be almost impossible to shop for the die-hard ARMY in your life; however, we’ve made the process easy breezy.

Think of us as your guiding light in a sea of BTS-inspired merchandise, leading you toward the gift that’ll knock it out of the park every single time. We’re talking fan-made candles inspired by the beloved K-pop boy group, some scented, some purely decorative, all insanely cute. All of our favorite candles can be purchased on Etsy, and will ship just in time for your loved one to unwrap. Shop our favorite BTS-inspired candles below.

BT21 Candles

$15

Buy Now on etsy

Colorful BT21-inspired candles.

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BT21 is a pretty big deal among ARMY. The little characters were created in collaboration with LINE FRIENDS and BTS, meant to represent each member and their unique personalities. If you’re a solo stan looking to rep your bias hardcore, these BT21 candles are for you. The candle is endlessly customizable, given that you can choose the container it goes into and your preferred scent. Pricing varies based on the customization you make, with the base price being $15. These candles are decorative and would look amazing set on a desk or burned on a mantel near your other BTS merch.

BTS Inspired Soy Wax Candle – 6oz

$29.99

Buy Now on etsy

A BTS soy wax candle with ARMY-inspired wax charms.

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If you’re more of a general BTS stan looking to rep all seven members, this BTS Soy Wax Candle retailing for $29.99 is another decorative option that we just adore. The soy-based candle is 6 oz and adorned with small, meltable wax charms in the shape of BTS’ logo, a heart and the boy band’s iconic bomb-shaped light stick. The base is a mix of purple and black, mimicking BTS’ official colors, while the top is white. The candle is scented like fresh apples and flower petals, giving off a sweet floral scent that fills up any space.

Suga Daechwita Kitten Candle Glass Jar Set

$39.99

Buy Now on etsy

A set of Suga-inspired candles.

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If you or someone you know is a big Suga fan, then you need to get them the Daechwita Kitten Candle Set for $39.99. The set is centered around two adorable kitten toppers inspired by Suga’s love for cats, paired with his signature colors. With your purchase, you’ll receive a glass jar with a kitty topper and a standalone kitty candle to burn solo. The decorative candles are scented like amber, white musk, florals, warm vanilla, sandalwood and vetiver, creating a cozy and earthy profile. You can also buy the candle or the kitty topper candle separatly if you don’t want the bundle.

RM BTS Soy Wax Candle

$29.99

Buy Now on etsy

A Rap Monster-inspired scented candle.

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Another solo stan candle, this time for RM, otherwise known as Namjoon or Rap Monster. The group’s rapper has a green candle, retailing for $29.99 and features decorative aspects such as a label reading “Namjoon’s Brain” and a wax “I’m Lost” topper, all inspired by RM’s song “Lost” from his 2024 studio album Right Place, Wrong Person. The candle can be customized, and is scented like crisp fruit, floral notes and soft woods, giving off a cozy, sweet and woody vibe when burned.

Jung Kook BTS Bunny Candle

$39.99

Buy Now on etsy

A Jung Kook-inspired candle.

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Any Jung Kook stans out there? If your bias is the maknae, or the youngest, of the group, then you’ll adore this Jung kook-inspired bunny candle retailing for $39.99. The candle is inspired by Jung Kook’s 2023 studio album titled Golden, and features a vibrant green wax base adorned with luxurious gold flakes and topped with a charming bunny figurine. The candle is scented like peaches and cream, a sweet and fruity mix. You can also buy the candle or the bunny topper candle separately if you don’t want the bundle.

Shop More of Our Favorite Fan-Made BTS Candles Here

BTS Personalized Candle

$15.82 $31.98 51% off

Buy Now on etsy

A scented custom BTS candle.

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A Jung Kook-Inspired Candle

$13.74 $24.99 45% off

Buy Now on etsy

A custom scented BTS candle.

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BTS Chapter 2 Scented Soy Candle

$21.18 $32.59 35% off

Buy Now on etsy

A Jin-inspired scented candle.

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BTS Member Candles

$15

Buy Now on etsy

Tall candles with BTS members on the front.

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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.

At long last, Jeff Buckley‘s documentary It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley is available to stream.

The film dropped on Thursday (Dec. 4) and was directed by Amy Berg and co-produced by Brad Pitt. The film explores the life and career of Buckley, along with his untimely death due to an accidental drowning in the Wolf River in Memphis at the age of 30.

Fans will also be treated to voice messages and previously unseen footage of the star, along with interviews with Buckley’s mother Mary Guibert, friends, ex-girlfriends and fellow musicians such as Rebecca Moore, Joan Wasser, Ben Harper, Susan Silver, Michele Anthony, Aimee Mann and Chris Cornell.

Originally, Pitt wanted to create a biopic where he played Buckley — however the musician’s mother was sceptical regarding the move, so a documentary was made in its place. Below, we’re showing you where to watch the documentary online for free.

Where to Watch It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley

HBO Max

As mentioned, the documentary film was released on Dec. 4. You can stream the Buckley movie with a subscription to HBO Max which will run you $10.99 a month with ads or $18.49 a month without ads. The most cost-effective way you can watch the film, and a little hack for our readers, is by snagging a subscription to Philo.

HBO Max’s library is chock-full of music-themed titles including Flight of the Conchords, Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero, Billy Joel: And So It Goes, The Velvet Underground and so much more.

Philo + HBO Max

Philo is currently offering a major sale on its base package, Philo Core, for just $25 for the first month of service (regularly $33 per month). Once you take advantage of this deal on Philo Core, subscribers will have access to HBO Max’s Basic plan with ads for free.

Philo Core subscribers will also have access to Discovery+ apps and AMC+’s entire library. This means you’ll have access to a ton of streaming platform’s libraries, including other music-themed titles such as Bob Dylan: Don’t Look Back, Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck, Amy, Born to Be Blue, Live Aid: When Rock ‘n’ Roll Took on the World and Stardust.

Apple TV

You can also watch the Buckley documentary via Apple TV. A subscription to the platform will run you $12.99 a month. The streaming service is offering users a seven day free trial so you can test things out and watch the documentary at no cost to you. After the seven days, you’ll be paying the $12.99 mentioned earlier.

Some of our favorite music-related content that you can stream via Apple TV, beyond Buckley’s documentary, includes the drama-filled Love & Hip-Hop Miami, FX’s documentary on the Sex Pistols titled Pistol, films like School of Rock, Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men, George & Tammy, the musical hit Smash and the ever-popular K-pop-centric competition show where musicians reimagine their hits with K-pop idols and go head-to-head in song battles KPopped.