Demi Lovato‘s newborn niece, Xiomara, died following an emergency cesarean section, says the singer’s younger sister, Madison De La Garza. De La Garza posted a statement on Instagram on Saturday (Oct. 26), and Lovato shared her sister’s heartbreaking message.

“On the evening of September 27th, after an emergency c-section, Ryan and I held our little girl for the first and last time. Thank you, Xiomara, for making us parents to the most perfect angel in heaven. Mommy and Daddy love you sweet girl,” De La Garza, 22, wrote in her post. She and boyfriend Ryan Mitchell had announced the pregnancy on Sept. 7, as well as De La Garza’s October due date.

“I love you so much Xiomara. An angel in every sense of the word. I’ll be your auntie forever,” Lovato commented on her sister’s post on Saturday.

Dallas Lovato, their older sister, penned a touching poem: “Baby girl Xiomara, I miss you everyday. I’ll take good care of your mom, so you can fly away. Watch over us and guide us and give us little signs. One day we’ll come and see you, it just might take some time. Not a single day will pass without you in our hearts. I wish we got more time together before you had to depart. So have fun in your new world, the one we cannot see. Because every breath I take, I’ll be taking one for z.”

Dianna De La Garza, the siblings’ mother and baby Xiomara’s grandmother, wrote, “They say when you meet your Grandchild for the first time, you feel a love that you can’t explain in words. I felt that love and I will feel it til the day I die. I love you my sweet granddaughter Xiomara. Thank you for making me a REAL ‘Grandma D.’”

On Saturday, Lovato also shared her younger sister’s post in an Instagram Story on her own account, where she wrote, “RIP to my beautiful, perfect niece Xiomara. I’m so grateful I got to hold you. I’ll forever be your auntie.”

“I love you so much @maddelagarza,” she said.

De La Garza and Mitchell are both actors, with De La Garza best known for her role as young Juanita Solis on Desperate Housewives from 2008-2012. Mitchell’s credits include appearances on soap operas The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless in 2017.

They shared their first public photo as a couple on Instagram on June 13, with De La Garza captioning the personal snapshot “My whole world.”

On Sept. 7, when the couple announced they were expecting, De La Garza shared a sweet picture of herself with Mitchell, with her hand resting on her belly. The photo was one of several in a slideshow of images celebrating the pregnancy with family. She did not post again until Oct. 26.

Last month Lovato shed light on her experience with childhood fame when she released her documentary Child Star on Hulu. The pop star and actress co-directed the film with Nicola Marsh. Since then, she’s performed at the 2024 Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Gala, participated in Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day panel and gala, and sang one of Foreigner’s biggest hits, “Feels Like the First Time,” at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 2024 Induction Ceremony.

Olivia Rodrigo is celebrating the release of her new concert film.

During the premiere of Olivia Rodrigo: Guts World Tour in Los Angeles on Friday (Oct. 25), the 21-year-old pop star walked the red carpet in support of her forthcoming movie, which was filmed over two shows at L.A.’s Intuit Dome in August.

The singer-songwriter, who graces the new cover of Billboard, took a moment to reflect on the Guts World Tour film, reminisce about her recent Billboard photoshoot, and the discuss the support she’s received from friends like fellow musician Chappell Roan, who was in attendance at Friday’s premiere.

“I love all my friends who make music and it was so sweet that some of them came by to support me. It means the world,” Rodrigo told Billboard News‘ Tetris Kelly.

Other stars in attendance at the L.A. event included singer-songwriter Laufey, actress Xochitl Gomez, and alt-pop artist Remi Wolf.

Asked what type of advice she’s given to Roan, who’s been outspoken about her mental health issues, Rodrigo said: “She actually gives me so much advice on taking care of myself and being me in an industry that’s so overwhelming sometimes. I really appreciate her. If I give her any advice, I’m not so sure. But I get a lot from her.”

Rodrigo also reflected on the photoshoot for her recent Billboard cover. “It was incredible. We shot that whole cover right before a show. I was worried, ‘Like, I don’t have a lot of time,’ but I love the photos. It turned out great. Your team killed it, thank you,” the “Vampire” singer said.

Guts World Tour premieres through Netflix on Tuesday (Oct. 29). The film documents Rodrigo on her trek in support of her sophomore album, Guts, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 2023. Over the past year, the Guts World Tour has traveled through North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

“I’ve never actually gotten to watch the Guts World Tour,” Rodrigo said on the red carpet. “It’s a really fun experience and I just love everyone that’s involved with the show so much — all my band and all my dancers. I’m just such a fan of them, so I was just watching it admiring them the whole time.”

And what’s her favorite part of the new concert film? “I’m so excited for everyone to watch ‘All-American B—-,’” she said. “That was my favorite one to perform.”

Watch Billboard‘s interview with Rodrigo at the Guts World Tour L.A. premiere on Instagram below.

Phish remembered Phil Lesh during the opening concert of the group’s fall tour.

Hours after Lesh’s death on Friday (Oct. 25), the jam band legends paid tribute to the late bassist with a cover of the Grateful Dead‘s “Box of Rain” at MVP Arena in Albany, N.Y.

The performance marked the first time Phish has covered “Box of Rain.” Guitarist Trey Anastasio previously played the 1970 track with Lesh during one of the Grateful Dead’s Fare Thee Well shows in 2015, according to Rolling Stone.

Watch Phish’s cover of the Grateful Dead’s “Box of Rain” here.

Lesh, a founding member and longtime bassist for the Grateful Dead, passed away Friday at the age of 84. As one of the co-founders and longest-tenured members of the group, he was an essential part of a group that became synonymous with touring and live performance in rock music.

No cause of death was given at the time of publication.

Prior to Phish’s concert, Anastasio shared a heartfelt remembrance to Lesh, whom he shared the stage with on various occasions.

“Phil was more than a revolutionary, groundbreaking bass player—he transformed how I thought about music as a teenager,” Anastasio wrote on Instagram. “I have countless memories of standing in awe, listening to his winding, eloquent bass lines blending seamlessly with Jerry and Bobby’s guitars, Brent Mydland’s keys, and the thunderous drums of Billy and Mickey. I’m so grateful for those beautiful memories.”

Grateful Dead will be honored as the 2025 MusiCares Persons of the Year. The 34th annual Persons of the Year benefit gala will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, two nights before the 67th annual Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena.

From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.

Selena’s Legacy Endures

At the top of the week, President Joe Biden presented the 2022 and 2023 National Medals of Honor and National Humanities Medals during a ceremony held Monday (Oct. 21) at the East Room in the White House  followed by a reception. The National Medals of Art honorees included the late Queen of Tex-Mex, Selena Quintanilla, in addition to Steven Spielberg, Alex Katz, Jo Carole Lauder, Mark Bradford, Spike Lee, Queen Latifah, and Bruce Cohen. 

“We are excited to announce that Selena will be honored with the prestigious National Medal of Arts by President Biden and Dr. Jill Biden at the White House this evening. This remarkable achievement celebrates Selena’s enduring impact on her music and legacy,” read the official announcement on Selena’s Instagram account. Her sister and Los Dinos member, Suzette Quintanilla, accepted the medal on her behalf. 

Erika Ender’s TalenPro Gala

TalenPro 2024’s Grand Finale took place this week, celebrating eight finalists on their artistic performance and social impact through the restoration and equipping of 12 inclusive educational centers across Panama. Erika Ender, creator of TalenPro and president of Fundación Puertas Abiertas, announced at the event that more than 8,000 Panamanians were benefited throughout the TalenPro 2024 process. 

This year’s jury included Carlos Ponce, Karina Banda, Johnny Lozada, and Andy Clay, among others. Each of the winners—in categories such as best song, best dance group, and best audiovisual, to name a few—received a full university scholarship, in accordance with IFARHU regulations. Other prizes included a new car to the tutor teacher of the year. Special tributes of the evening went out to Milly Quezada, Debi Nova, and boxer Roberto Dúran. 

According to a press statement, TalenPro (TALENt with PURPOse) is a Guinness World Records holder for “being the Largest Social/Global Development Project Competition. It is an annual student competition that promotes talent and purpose among the youth of Panama.” See Ender’s heartfelt post here.

Karol G Re-Opens a School

In other uplifting news, Karol G’s foundation, “Con Cora,” reopened the Colegio Arenys de Mar school in Medellin after two years of restoration and beautification efforts. In December 2022, the school suffered severe damage due to heavy rains that caused the collapse of the retention wall next to the Iguaná stream. With the help of the community, the foundation successfully  reconstructed the school’s infrastructure that includes a new retention wall, renovated classrooms, remodeled bathrooms, and a new playground. 

“I am proud to be part of this project and to contribute to positive change in a community so close to my heart,” expressed Karol G, in a statement. The Colombian artist was in attendance at the inaugural event. “A quality education is key for children to pursue their dreams. I hope each student remains curious, because education not only opens doors but also transforms lives,” she said. 

A Heartfelt Tribute to Liam Payne

Five artists from Ecuador have joined forces to pay tribute to the late Liam Payne, just days after his unexpected passing. In a collaboration post on Instagram, Johan Vera, Mar Rendon, Ñusta Picuasi, Ren Kai, and Johnta are beautifully harmonizing to One Direction’s “Story of My Life.” “Rest in Peace, Liam Payne,” notes the caption alongside a heart emoji. Payne died on Oct. 16 at age 31 after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is survived by his 7-year-old son, Bear, whom he shares with ex-partner Cheryl Cole.