Kehlani has condemned ICE for “kidnapping” immigrants from school and their jobs.

In an interview with Los Angeles radio show Big Boy’s Neighborhood earlier this week, Kehlani was quick to criticize ICE as they discussed today’s tumultuous political climate alongside host Big Boy.

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“They’re kidnapping [people] out of schools, and jobs, and homes, and churches,” Kehlani said. Big Boy added, “They’re kidnapping you now from going to do the right thing for your paperwork,” before Kehlani chimed back in to note how ICE is “kidnapping American citizens as well, it’s insane. Checking for Spanish-adjacent last names.”

Kehlani has remained outspoken against human rights atrocities this past year, even as it’s negatively impacted their career. Back in 2024, Kehlani had multiple shows canceled and shared that several collaborators ended up “ghosting” them because of their support for Palestine.

“Because of my political stance, I couldn’t get any features, but I guess I’ll save that for an interview ‘cause everybody fronted on me,” she explained on X at the time. “Every single person was like, ‘Yeah,’ and then they just ghosted me.”

Kehlani has completely turned it around this year. “Folded” became their first top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and racked up two Grammy nominations for the track. She also got Toni Braxton, Brandy, JoJo, Mario, Ne-Yo and Tank on the “Folded” remixes for the Homage Pack, and also collaborated with Cardi B (“Safe” from Am I the Drama?), Mariah Carey (“Sugar Sweet” with Shenseea from Here I Am), Leon Thomas (“Dirt on My Shoes” from Mutt Deluxe: Heel) and kwn (“Worst Behaviour” from With All Due Respect) this year.

Check out a clip from the interview below.

At the end of an exhaustive press tour leading up to the premiere of Wicked: For Good, Ariana Grande has revealed that she has COVID-19.

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In a post on Instagram Stories posted Thursday (Nov. 20) — just one day before the Wicked sequel is set to hit theaters worldwide — the singer-actress shared a photo of herself on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon earlier this week and wrote, “moments before Covid.”

Grande also reportedly had to pull out of a scheduled appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show — which Erivo will now tackle alone — as well as a few other Q&A events related to Wicked: For Good due to the virus. It’s not the first time she’s come down with COVID since working on Wicked, with both the R.E.M. Beauty founder and Erivo testing positive at different points during filming.

The Pinocchio actress, too, has been feeling under the weather in the final stretch of the Wicked promo cycle. Just days before Grande’s announcement, Erivo shared that she had lost her voice and would not be able to take interviews on the red carpet at For Good‘s premiere in New York City. She was back off vocal rest by Thursday morning, however, sounding raspy but in good spirits while guesting on Today.

With Grande down for the count, her appearance on The Tonight Show now marks the last press engagement she completed before the universal premiere of Wicked‘s second part. While on the talk show, she sang a medley of classic duets — including “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper and “Apt.” by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars — and spoke about her upcoming stint in late December hosting Saturday Night Live for the third time.

“I’m so excited,” she told Fallon, noting that she “almost passed out” when she found out that Cher would be her musical guest on the episode. “I had no idea what to do. What an honor.”


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Nas and DJ Premier will drop off their new collaborative album next month.

Premier announced the project during a show on Wednesday (Nov. 19) in Bristol, England alongside The Alchemist. While he didn’t reveal the official title for the new LP, he confirmed the collection of collabs will drop Dec. 12.

“How many people are ready for that Nas-Premier album?” Premier calls out to a roaring crowd. “December 12th, get ready motherf—kers.” Premier then dove into their “Represent” song from Illmatic.

Nas and Preemo’s latest collab will be the final piece of Mass Appeal’s Legend Has It… rollout, which included releases from Slick Rick, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Mobb Deep, Big L, and most recently De La Soul’s Cabin In The Sky that drops Friday (Nov. 21).

The announcement comes after Nas and Premier dropped off “Define My Name” last April, which they confirmed at the time was part of an album rollout.

“I can’t wait for people to finally hear it,” Nas told Rolling Stone in October. I don’t know about anybody else, but for me and him, it was personally a long time coming for us to do it.”

He added by talking about the creative “ideas” he and Premier had been hashing out throughout 2024. “I’m going to say at least two of those ideas happened on this album,” Nas added. “We didn’t get a chance to do ’em when we were talking about ’em, but we finally got a chance to put those recordings together this year.”

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.

The best Black Friday deals this year aren’t just limited to earbuds, clothes, shoes, beauty and home gadgets — you can also score some great streaming deals. From free trials to discounted subscriptions, a number of streaming services are offering up some of their best deals of the year, making it easier — and cheaper — than ever to sign up.

What Are the Best Black Friday Streaming Deals?

We’ve rounded up the Best Black Friday streaming deals for 2025, which span popular on-demand streamers as well as live TV streaming sites for those who cut the cord from cable. As with any limited deal, you don’t want to wait because these Black Friday promos will expire soon.

Keep reading for a breakdown of the best streaming offers for Black Friday 2025.

Best Black Friday Streaming Deals 2025: Starz, Apple TV, DirecTV, BET+

Get BET+ for $1.50

$1.50 $5.99 75% off

GET DEAL HERE

The best Black Friday streaming deal this year is for a subscription to BET+, home to a number of hit TV series, reality shows and musical specials. For just $1.50/month, you get unlimited access to thousands of hours of content from top Black actors, creators and producers like Tyler Perry, Kevin Hart, Kemba, Eva Marcille and more. Top shows include Kingdom Business, All the Queen’s Men, Tyler Perry’s RuthlessLove and Hip-Hop and Basketball Wives, among others. This Black Friday deal saves you a whopping 75% off.


Best Black Friday Streaming Deals 2025: Starz, Apple TV, DirecTV, BET+

Get AMC+ for $1.75

$1.75 $6.99 75% off

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Catch up on thousands of movies and TV episodes with AMC+, home to Mad Men, Interview With the Vampire, The Walking Dead franchise and more. Right now, the streaming service is discounted to just $1.75/month with a new Black Friday offer for 2025. This is the lowest price we’ve ever seen for AMC+, and you can keep that price for your first two months of service.


Best Black Friday Streaming Deals 2025: Starz, Apple TV, DirecTV, BET+

Get MGM+ for $1.99

$1.99 $7.99 75% off

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MGM+ is home to shows like Robin Hood, FROM, the Emmy–winning crime drama Godfather of Harlem, and the Western adventure show, Billy the Kid, among others. Stream all of their shows and movies on-demand with a subscription MGM+, which is discounted to just $1.99/month for your first two months (via Prime Video).


Best Black Friday Streaming Deals 2025: Starz, Apple TV, DirecTV, BET+

Get Starz for $2.75

Starz is one of the most popular streaming services online, home to hit shows like Outlander, BMF, and the entire Power franchise, including Power Book II: Ghost, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, and Power Book IV: Force. Regularly $10.99/month, Amazon’s Black Friday streaming deal gets you access to Starz for just $2.75 — a 75% discount. You can lock in the rate for two months before prices go back up.


best crunchyroll deal

Get Crunchyroll for $2.99

$2.99 $11.99 75% off

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Anime fans will want to take advantage of Crunchyroll’s Black Friday deal, which gets you access for just $2.99/month (regularly $11.99). You’ll get full access to Crunchyroll’s library of shows and movies with the ability to download files to watch on the go. You’ll also get access to the Crunchyroll Game Vault and special offers and discounts in the Crunchyroll store that’s reserved just for subscribers. Not sure you want to commit? You can also get started with a seven-day free trial here.


apple tv streaming deal

Get Apple TV for $5.99

$5.99 $12.99 54% off

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Apple TV (formerly Apple TV+) recently raised its subscription price to $12.99/month, but you can sign up for the streamer for more than half-price right now through Amazon’s Prime channel deals. Even better: you can lock in the rate for six months, to watch Apple TV shows like The Morning Show, The Studio and Severance, in addition to live sports like Major League Baseball and MLS.


Other channels that you’ll find in the Black Friday Amazon streaming deal include Hallmark+, Acorn TV, Britbox, Vix, PBS Masterpiece and PBS Kids. You can also get streaming bundle subscription deals like BET+ and Starz together for just $3.99/month here (regularly $15.99).

Keep in mind, you’ll need to be an Amazon Prime member to score the Prime Video channels streaming deal. Not a Prime member? Use this link to get a 30-day free trial here. That’ll give you instant access to shop this Prime Channels deal along with all the 2025 Black Friday deals.

directv deal

Get DirecTV Free

There are also Black Friday deals for live TV streamers, like DirecTV, which lets you watch hundreds of live television channels over the internet without needing cable. Right now, DirecTV plans start at just $49.99/month for your first month. The deal includes 90+ live TV channels plus Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Unlimited, all included in the package price.

New DirecTV customers can also get four months of Spotify Premium streaming for free when you sign up for a new package. Not sure you want to commit? Test drive DirecTV with a five-day free trial here.


Best Black Friday Streaming Deals 2025: Starz, Apple TV, DirecTV, BET+

Get 50% Off Walmart+

$49 $98 50% off

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One of the best Black Friday streaming deals is also a shopping deal, with Walmart, offering its popular Walmart+ membership program for 50% off. Regularly $98 annually, you can get a Walmart+ subscription right now for just $49.

In addition to a host of shopping benefits, like free shipping, free returns, free grocery delivery and early access to sales, a Walmart+ membership also offers free streaming on either Paramount+ or Peacock. That’s right, Walmart+ members can choose a free subscription to either of the streamers to watch their content online entirely for free. See more details here.


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.

2025 was a big year for viral products.

From the ever-popular Labubu to celeb-backed blushes and lip stains, products were constantly going viral on TikTok. With so much to sift through and so little time until the holidays, ShopBillboard is here to help.

To make your holiday shopping a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite viral products of 2025, all backed by musicians you know and love, including Harry Styles, Doja Cat, Beyonce, Lizzo, ENHYPEN and Rihanna. We’ve got all kinds of products on this list, including inventive tech, musician merch, hair tools, trendy makeup, athleisure and even an alarm clock.

If you don’t see anything to your liking, ShopBillboard also has guides for affordable gifts for $10 or under, gifts for gamers and gifts for music lovers.

20 Viral Gifts to Buy for the Holidays in 2025

Dyson Airwrap™ Origin

$399.99 $549.99 27% off

Buy Now On Amazon

A hair styling tool that uses air.


This viral multi-styler uses air, rather than heat, to style your hair, thus preventing damage. It’s has been used by Beyoncé, Lizzo, JISOO and other music artists and is designed for drying, smoothing, volumizing and more, whether you’re on stage or just getting ready for a night out. The styling tool is usually $500+, but the Dyson Airwrap Origin is currently on sale right now for just $399 at Amazon.

20 Viral Gifts to Buy for the Holidays in 2025

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

$159.99 $249.99 36% off

Buy Now On Amazon

Wireless bluetooth earbuds in a silver case.


These Samsung earbuds went viral, thanks in part to K-Pop boy group ENHYPEN. The group is a longtime Samsung ambassador, and their earbuds of choice are the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro in Silver. Right now, the buds are 36% off, so if you want the same sound quality as your favorite idols, you’ll want to take advantage of this sale while it lasts.

20 Viral Gifts to Buy for the Holidays in 2025

Bella – Fits-anywhere Kitchenware: 6-qt. Slim Air Fryer – Blossom

A pink air fryer.


Air Fryers went viral in 2024 and into 2025 on TikTok because it’s infinitely speedier than using your oven. The tech has been hailed as a healthier alternative to deep frying because it utilizes air, rather than oil, to fry things to a crisp. While air fryers can be really expensive, this Bella Air Fryer is just $69.99, and is just as good as the pricey ones. It’s also super slim, meaning it’ll fit nicely into your kitchen without sacrificing space.

20 Viral Gifts to Buy for the Holidays in 2025

Hatch Restore 3 Sunrise Alarm Clock, Sound Machine, Smart Light (Cocoa) – White Noise, Screen-Free Sleep Routine

$139.99 $169.99 18% off

Buy Now On Amazon

An alarm clock and sound machine.


Rihanna and Lizzo apparently use Hatch Restore’s Sunrise Alarm Clock, and it’s easy to see why. With both singers’ busy schedules, we’re sure this product offers them time to unwind and keep track of all life’s hectic moments. This viral alarm clock went viral on TikTok this year and acts as a sound machine, alarm clock and smart light that can all be controlled via Hatch Restore’s app. It’s a screen-free way to get the sleep you need and a warm wakeup too. The alarm clock is currently on sale for $139.99 on Amazon.

20 Viral Gifts to Buy for the Holidays in 2025

Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

$27.97 $44.99 38% off

Buy Now On Amazon

A TikTok viral portable speaker.


Anker’s Soundcore 2 speaker is another TikTok viral product thanks to its exceptional sound quality. The speaker is available on Amazon for $27.97, 38% off its original price. The portable style is waterproof and features 12W power with enhanced bass thanks to dual neodymium drivers, giving you the best sound possible, all in a portable package. The speaker also comes in four other colors if the black model isn’t your thing.

20 Viral Gifts to Buy for the Holidays in 2025

Four Apple Air Tags

A pack of four Apple Air Tags.


Air Tags have always been popular. They’re a great way to keep track of your belongings, whether that be suitcases, handbags and even pets. You can now get a pack of four Apple AirTags for just $64.99. That’s four for the price of one at Best Buy. If you didn’t know, AirTags emit a secure, anonymous Bluetooth signal that is detected by nearby Apple devices in the Find My network.

20 Viral Gifts to Buy for the Holidays in 2025

ALTSON 60 LED Portable Selfie Light

A clip-on LED portable light.


Snapping a selfie can be tough, especially if you don’t have good lighting to work with. TikTok experts will know that the best way to get the content you need is by utilizing a portable light like this one from Amazon. The Altson LED Portable Selfie Light retails for $12.10 and can be clipped onto any device to offer you light. Snap onto your phone for a great selfie light or put it on your laptop to light up your Zoom calls. The possibilities are endless.

20 Viral Gifts to Buy for the Holidays in 2025

Pop Mart The Monsters (Labubu) Big Into Energy Vinyl Plush Blind Box V3

$37.35 $41.94 11% off

Buy Now at walmart

A Labubu blind box.


While the Labubu was around for some time, it didn’t make it big until way later in April of 2024 when K-Pop star Lisa from the ever-popular girl group BLACKPINK was with one of the fluffy collectibles fixed to her Louis Vuitton bag. Since Lisa’s introduction, stars like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, Rosé, David Beckham, Lizzo, Madonna, BTS, Cher and Lady Gaga have all gotten in on the Labubu mania, affixing their blind box acquisitions to bags, keys and luggage. You can shop the viral sensation at Target and Walmart. The best part? This series is currently on sale.

20 Viral Gifts to Buy for the Holidays in 2025

K-Pop Demon Hunters Saja Boys Heartthrob Officially Licensed Sweatshirt

$35.67 $41.97 15% off

Buy Now On Amazon

A sweatshirt featuring all the members of the Saja Boys on the front.


Another favorite is the Heartthrob Sweatshirt, equipped with a colorful neon graphic of the Saja Boys members Jinu, Abby, Mystery, Romance and Baby. This unisex sweatshirt comes in four different colorways and sizes ranging from small to XX large. The unisex Heartthrob Hoodie boasts the same graphics and sizing options but in five colorways. Each piece of merch is made of majority cotton, keeping the wearer nice and comfortable while streaming their fave fictional K-pop acts.

20 Viral Gifts to Buy for the Holidays in 2025

Sacheu Peel Off Lip Liner STAY-N in Shade P-INKED

A peel-off lip liner in a pinkish-brown hue.


The Sacheu Peel Off Lip Liner STAY-N went ultra-viral among musicians, especially Doja Cat, and we’re kind of obsessed. The lippie is currently available at Ulta Beauty for $14 and comes in nine shades. The “Woman” singer isn’t the only one obsessing over Sacheu’s peel-off product. Billie Eilish is also a fan of the stain (she also uses the shade P-INKED), along with non-musicians like Sofia Richie Grainge and Alix Earle.

20 Viral Gifts to Buy for the Holidays in 2025

Gap High Rise Knit Horseshoe Jeans

$35 $89.95 61% off

Buy Now at gap

Barrel jeans in a dark wash.


Barrel jeans had a major moment in 2025. The unique silhouette has been seen on a ton of musicians this year, namely Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson and Dove Cameron, among others. The style rose in popularity because of its interesting fit with a high waist and exaggerated wide legs. The resulting fit is baggy and slouchy, a desired effect for many, especially those looking to break away from the chains of skinny jeans. Our barrel jeans pick? These Gap High Rise Knit Horseshoe Jeans. They’re currently 61% off and give you the desired effect of barrel jeans without spending a fortune.

20 Viral Gifts to Buy for the Holidays in 2025

Medicube Collagen Overnight Wrapping Peel Off Facial Mask Pack

$14.32 $18.90 24% off

Buy Now On Amazon

A collagen face mask that is peel off.


All of Medicube’s product line went extremely viral. The K-Beauty brand also boasts a big celeb following, namely K-Pop star Tzuyu from the girl group TWICE. That has got to explain her unreal skin. If you’re not a fan of K-Pop, that’s okay. A-listers like Hailey Bieber, Kylie Jenner have used the brand in the past, along with influencer Alix Earle, reality stars Khloé Kardashian and Kyle Richards and even the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle. Our favorite from the line is the Medicube’s Collagen Overnight Wrapping Peel-Off Facial Mask Pack, which is basically a one way ticket to glass skin. The mask is peel-off, creating a film on the skin that hydrates for up to eight hours after use.

20 Viral Gifts to Buy for the Holidays in 2025

Owala FreeSip Twist Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw

$23.99 $29.99 20% off

Buy Now On Amazon

A cherry red Owala water bottle.


Owala’s water bottles are already a viral moment. The brand is used by the likes of musicians like Hilary Duff and about a million folks on TikTok. The latest Owala craze however, is the brand’s Black Cherry colorway, a deep, rich red that resembles a juicy cherry. The colorway is available right now on Amazon in Owala’s FreeSip style. The best part? The popular style is on sale for $23.99, so you won’t have to spend a pretty penny to snag the on-trend bottle.

20 Viral Gifts to Buy for the Holidays in 2025

Sacheu Stainless Steel Non-Porous Gua Sha

A stainless steel gua sha.


Sacheu’s Stainless Steel Gua Sha retails for $32 at Ulta Beauty, and it’s an item we can foresee being used in your beauty routine for years to come. Justin Bieber uses a gua sha to keep himself looking good, and so does his wife, Hailey. In general, gua sha tools are used to massage the body in tandem with an oil or moisturizer, promoting blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. Lymphatic drainage is just a fancy way of saying you’re moving extra fluid from a swollen area into an area where the lymph nodes will work to drain said fluid. The emphasis on stainless steel is because it is non-porous, meaning it won’t harbor bacteria or moisture like plastic would.

20 Viral Gifts to Buy for the Holidays in 2025

KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Officially Licensed T-Shirt

$16.99 $19.99 15% off

Buy Now On Amazon

A T-shirt featuring all of the HUNTR/X members on the front.


Just like the Saja Boys, HUNTR/X also made it big this year with the viral sensation that was, and is, KPop Demon Hunters. We’ve included this tee featuring all the HUNTR/X members, from Mira and Zoey to Rumi, accompanied by flashy graphics. The tee is currently just $16.99 on Amazon and comes in a slew of sizes for men, women and little ones.

20 Viral Gifts to Buy for the Holidays in 2025

Paris Hilton Handheld Milk Frother Set, 2-Pack, Includes Pink & Brushed Gold Frothers

Paris Hilton’s milk frother.


Paris Hilton launched a range of kitchen tools with Walmart. Her most viral product? A handled milk frother. The tool, even without the Hilton name attached to it, is extremely viral on TikTok. It easily froths any liquid up with the click of a button, great for making cream tops on your daily matcha or latte. You can get in on the viral trend by shopping for a two-pack of Hilton’s frothers for just $14.97. That’s roughly $7.48 per frother, a steal if you ask us.

20 Viral Gifts to Buy for the Holidays in 2025

Kelly & Katie Gem Mary Jane Flat

$49.99 $70 29% off

Buy Now at dsw

Mesh flats with polka dots.


Another trending item that we’ve seen just about everywhere this year was the mesh flat. The style usually consists of sheer mesh paneling, acting as a sort of peekaboo effect. Ballet flats in general have had a major moment this year, with adopters like Jennifer Lopez, the Olsen twins, Sofia Richie Grainge and Jennifer Lawrence styling the flats. If you want to follow in the footsteps of your faves, literally, you can shop these Kelly & Katie Gem Mary Jane Flats at DSW for just $49.99. The style is black with see-through paneling and white polka-dotted accents throughout.

20 Viral Gifts to Buy for the Holidays in 2025

Rhode Pocket Blush Buildable Hydrating Cream Blush

A stick blush by Hailey Bieber.


Rhode launched in Sephora this year, giving fans and followers of model Hailey Bieber even more opportunities to shop the star’s line. While the brand, in general, has been well-received by musicians like Ariana Grande and Tate McRae, the brand’s Pocket Blush is a particular stand-out. The product currently retails for $25 at Sephora and comes in 10 different shades, although the fan-fave is Toasted Teddy. The blush is a creamy and blendable stick formula with a medium to buildable coverage. 

20 Viral Gifts to Buy for the Holidays in 2025

Lululemon Align™ High-Rise Short 6″

High-waisted shorts.


Lululemon is always going viral for its athleisure products. Harry Styles, Kelsea Ballerini, Hilary Duff, Olivia Rodrigo and Addison Rae are all avid wearers of the brand’s athletic styles. While all of Lululemon’s products are pretty great, their viral hit has to be the Align High-Rise Short in the Berry Rumble colorway for $64. The high-waisted short has a six-inch inseam and are made of an ultra-stretchy material with minimal seams that let you get active without feeling discomfort. Sizing is available from 0 to 20. If the viral berry hue isn’t your thing, the Align shorts come in 12 other hues.

20 Viral Gifts to Buy for the Holidays in 2025

Summer Fridays Tinted Lip Butter Balm 

A tinted lip balm.


Summer Fridays’ Tinted Lip Butter Balm was crazy popular in 2025. You couldn’t scroll TikTok without seeing it in someone’s “monthly favorites” or a “get ready with me.” The tinted balm is available to shop on Amazon for just $24. It strikes the perfect balance between hydrating and pigmented, giving the lips a subtle tint and a juicy shine. If that didn’t sell you, the balm has a few famous fans including Kim Kardashian, Jessica Alba and even Jeremy Allen White.

This April, Maria Becerra underwent an emergency surgery for a second ectopic pregnancy that caused severe internal bleeding. For Becerra, it was “very difficult for me to do normal things,” like running, walking and even singing; however, it was this dark moment in her life that ultimately inspired her third studio album Quimera, out today (Nov. 20) under Warner Music Latina. 

Home to 17 songs produced by Xross, including the previously released singles “Corazón Vacío,” “Ramen Para Dos” with Paulo Londra, and “JOJO,” Quimera represents the “rollercoaster of emotions” that the Argentine experienced during her hospitalization and recuperation. 

Inspired by the mythical creature, chimera, it also inspired four alter egos, each with a set of songs that best characterize them: Shanina, Gladys, Jojo, and Maite. 

“The concept started in April, but I had just gone through a very difficult health situation, a huge loss,” she tells Billboard in an exclusive interview. “I was in a very hopeless, sad, and empty emotional state…when you don’t understand that something inside you isn’t working. You don’t understand that something you long for suddenly doesn’t happen. It was a harsh dose of reality. I went through many phases. When I was at my peak of recovery, that was the Jojo moment — unconsciously, everything was connected to my recovery and my emotional states.”

Below, Becerra opens up about her ultra-personal and very vulnerable project:

Maria Becerra

Maria Becerra

@javifotoman

In QUIMERA you have songs dating back to 2023: How long ago did this creative process begin?

The creative process, conceptually speaking, began in April of this year, with the idea of ​​creating this new album. The truth is that songs like “Corazón Vacío,” “Romántica,” and “Slow it Down” are songs that have been around for a long time, songs that fascinate me, but I really didn’t want to force them onto an album where they didn’t fit. I’ve had “Slow it Down” for six years; it’s one of the first songs I ever wrote.

Why is the name of your album inspired by a creature from Greek mythology?

The Chimera is a monster made up of different animals: a goat, the wings of a dragon, the head of a lion—each animal represents a personality and a strength that contributes to this monster. There are precisely four animals, which are the alter egos that, in a way, act as Maria’s shield and together form this beautiful monster that is the Chimera. Each animal corresponds to a different alter ego.

Gladys is more grounded, more connected to reality; she is the goat. Shanina is the dragon, with Japanese culture, colors, and fantasy. Jojo is the lion, with that fiery personality. The Chimera has another beautiful meaning, which is what gave rise to this album—it’s a somewhat impossible dream to achieve, a distant dream that can’t be fulfilled. It had a lot of meaning for me, not only in music but also in my personal life.

How do you identify with these four alter egos?

All the alter egos are based on my personality. They’re like stages I’ve gone through that have marked me the most. I was Shanina at one point—very toxic, very jealous, very emotionally dependent. I was also Jojo with my excessive partying, my detachment from love, my antisocial nature. I was Gladys too, and Maite, very much so; I think she’s the one who has remained most present in my life—there’s an emotional and dramatic place that’s present in my songs.

In this album, you experiment a lot with tropical genres, including salsa and cumbia. Coming from the urban scene, was this a challenge?

Not at all! I’ve always made bachata from the beginning. Besides, these are genres I feel very connected to because I’m a huge fan of them—salsa, cumbia, bachata, I’ve always loved everything Latin. It was always played a lot at home, I’ve always had those influences, and honestly, I feel like that’s what helped me easily immerse myself in those genres and keep them so fresh in my ears.

You close the album with five songs like “Maria Becerra.” What makes these special?

Maria is the love story I have with my partner. “Slow it Down” is about those typical first encounters, where you feel a strong sexual connection with the person, very passionate, which is what happened in our first encounters with my partner, J Rei. We first connected through chat, through our thoughts and ideologies; that’s where we fell in love. “Slow it Down” represents everything I felt at that moment. “Pierdo la Cabeza” is about being on the verge of falling in love and not knowing how to explain what you’re feeling. In “Tatu,” I’m completely in love; it’s a real relationship. “Romántica” is about a relationship that has developed with a lot of love. And I close with “Mi Amor,” which is about something solid: trying to start a family, our engagement. It’s a song with him to share our experience.

There are 17 songs that convey different emotions: What was your mindset when you created this project?

My state of mind was a rollercoaster. The idea started in April, but I had just gone through a very complicated health situation, a huge loss. I was in a very hopeless, very sad, very empty emotional state. You don’t understand that something inside you isn’t working, you don’t understand that something you long for suddenly doesn’t happen. It was a reality check. I went through many states, the entire beginning of the album: April, May, June… in the months I spent recovering mentally and physically, it was all very sad, dark, very numb, and I don’t know at what point in my mind I associated all that pain with Shanina. She was the first alter ego where I channeled some of my pain with that madness, that cynicism, that darkness, like my thoughts.

As my condition and mood evolved, the other alter egos emerged — at the moment I felt empowered, I started to look good, to regain weight. It was very difficult for me to do normal things; running, walking, singing was incredibly hard after being intubated, regaining lung capacity. When I was at my peak recovery, that was the Jojo moment, unconsciously, everything was connected to my recovery and my emotional states.

Did you ever think about giving up music during your recovery?

It was the opposite. The first intrusive thought, more due to the physical aspect, was that I wouldn’t be able to tour. I was going to have to take a really long break—mental, vocal, and physical rest. It wasn’t throwing in the towel, but it was recognizing that I needed to take a break. And recognizing that I had to be away for months, but in terms of [quitting] music, I never even considered it.

On the contrary, although I did have my dark moments creatively, very sad and dark songs would come out, and I couldn’t get out of that place. That moment alarmed me, and well, being the anxious person I am — I was very vulnerable — I had a creative block, but I never thought about giving up music. The important thing is to let grief flow. I listened to myself a lot, I was very patient with myself, and I went with the flow.

Maria Becerra


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Everything is ready for the 2025 edition of Billboard Italia Women in Music. After its debut in 2024, the event that honors the most influential women in the Italian music industry returns with a whole new format. The second edition will take place at UFO, Milan’s new cultural hub that houses Billboard Italy’s headquarters, which for the occasion will become the Women in Music House.

Billboard Italia Women in Music 2025 features a three-day program of special events on Nov. 25 (coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women), Nov. 26 and Nov. 28.

Giorgia is the Woman of the Year of this edition. Over the past few weeks, the other awards have been revealed, starting with the Global Icon Award presented to Laura Pausini, recognized for her international career and ability to unite generations through her voice. The award was presented to her in the Vatican in the presence of Leo XIV, during a meeting during which Billboard Italy presented the Pope with a symbolic Women in Music plaque in support of the value of women’s voice as a universal language of dialogue and solidarity.

Here’s the full list of the honorees:

  • Giorgia: Woman of the Year
  • Laura Pausini: Global Icon
  • Serena Brancale: Powerhouse
  • Deborah De Luca: DJ of the Year
  • Joan Thiele: Songwriter of the Year
  • Emma Nolde: Performer of the Year
  • Ele A: Breakthrough
  • Sarah Toscano: Rising Star
  • Paola Zukar: Manager of the Year

This year’s theme is “Intersections,” a concept that explores the power of music to create connections and generate new perspectives when it encounters other languages, from sports to social media. The honorees will participate in conversations with leading figures from other fields of contemporary culture, in talks open to the public that will become episodes of a “Women in Music” digital series to be published in the upcoming weeks on YouTube and social media.

Here’s the list of the talks:

  • Giorgia with a special guest
  • Serena Brancale meets actress Giulia Vecchio
  • Deborah De Luca meets journalist Giulia Innocenzi
  • Joan Thiele meets film director Carolina Cavalli
  • Emma Nolde meets athlete Erika Saraceni
  • Ele A incontra meets content creator Emma Galeotti
  • Sarah Toscano meets content creator Elisa Maino
  • Paola Zukar meets Giorgia Linardi, Spokesperson of Sea-Watch

But that’s not all. Over the three days, the Women in Music House will also host workshops, panels, showcases, and DJ sets. The full program is available on billboard.it.

Aperol, Amazon Music and AW LAB are Official Partners of Billboard Italia Women in Music 2025. Ticketmaster is the Ticketing Partner, and SAE Institute is the Educational Partner. The event is supported by SIAE – Società Italiana degli Autori ed Editori.

Fugees rapper Pras Michel was sentenced Thursday (Nov. 20) to 14 years in prison following his conviction on illegal foreign lobbying and conspiracy charges.

The rapper, who rose to fame alongside Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean, was found guilty in 2023 on federal accusations that he orchestrated a “foreign influence campaign” to get the U.S. to drop an investigation into fugitive Malaysian financier Jho Low.

At a hearing Thursday in D.C. federal court, Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly sentenced Michel to 14 years in prison, followed by three years’ probation. He was already ordered last month to forfeit a whopping $64 million allegedly linked to the scheme.

In an exclusive statement to Billboard, Pras spokeswoman Erica Dumas said: “Pras has spent his career breaking barriers and defying expectations. While today marks a difficult moment, it is not the end of his story or his legacy. He is profoundly grateful for the continued support of those who believe in him as he prepares for what lies ahead.”

Prosecutors had sought a “severe” sentence for a man who they said had “betrayed his country for money.” In court filings, they said that an average sentence for others convicted of a similar sized financial scheme had been more than two decades: “The Court’s sentence should reflect the seriousness of Michel’s offenses.”

Michel’s attorneys, on the other hand, had called for a far lighter sentence of only 36 months. They said the government was seeking a type of sentence “typically reserved for terrorists who murder innocents and the heads of the largest Mexican drug cartels.”

Composed of Hill, Jean and Michel, the Fugees rose to fame in the 1990s with hits like “Killing Me Softly,” “Ready or Not” and “Fu-Gee-La.” After splitting up in 1998, the three each had successful solo careers and mostly stayed separate until recent years, when they’ve attempted multiple reunion tours.

 In 2019, Michel was hit with sweeping federal criminal charges over accusations that he funneled money from Low, the mastermind of the billion-dollar 1MDB embezzlement scheme, to a lobbying campaign aimed at getting the first Trump administration to drop its investigation into the disgraced financier. He was also accused of secretly funneling Low’s money to Barack Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign, and of later trying to influence an extradition case on behalf of China.

In April 2023, following a trial that included testimony from actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Michel was convicted on 10 counts, including conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government.

Michel later sought a re-trial on the grounds that his ex-lawyer, David Kenner, botched his defense by using an unproven artificial intelligence (AI) tool to craft closing arguments. That motion was later denied, though Kenner eventually pleaded guilty to a criminal contempt charge over allegations that he leaked grand jury materials to reporters ahead of the trial.

Following Thursday’s sentencing, it’s unclear when exactly Michel will report to prison. His attorneys will now launch his appeal of both the sentence and the underlying convictions; such appeals can take months or years, and typically face an uphill climb to reverse a conviction.

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Owala is always at the scene of a viral moment. The brand’s bottles are a hot product, especially as we get into the holiday gifting season.

The brand is just one of many popular drinkware brands capitalizing off of viral marketing and TikTok fame from Stanley and Hydro Flask to Bink. Owala boasts a ton of fans on TikTok including a few famous musicians like Hilary Duff and even BLACKPINK’s Rose.

Owala’s most popular silhouettes are the FreeSip, an insulated bottle with a straw and a chug lid design that allows users to either sip through the straw or take a larger drink directly from the spout. While the design is a popular draw, the brand finds its most success through its offered colorways, of which there are a ton.

The most popular of the bunch as of late? Black Cherry colorway, a deep, rich red that resembles a juicy cherry just plucked from a bushel. The colorway, in their popular FreeSip Twist model, is available on Amazon and the best part? It’s currently on sale for just $23.99, so you won’t have to spend a pretty penny to snag the on-trend bottle.

Owala Water Bottles: How to Buy on Sale For Black Friday Now

Owala FreeSip Twist Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw

$23.99 $29.99 20% off

Buy Now On Amazon

A cherry red Owala FreeSip Twist water bottle.


If you don’t think the hype for this colorway is real, just look at TikTok. The search for “Black Cherry Owala” on the app has thousands of videos being posted every day. One user commented, “Okay, this convinced me…I think black cherry needs to be my first Owala,” while another raved, “I’ve never been a Stanley or Owala girly, I just drink water bottles lol but I HAD to buy this one. LOVE the color.”

While the color is cute, Owala bottles are also raved about for their durability and insulation properties that keep 24oz of cold drinks cool and hot drinks hot for hours at a time. The FreeSip is also leak-proof, so it can withstand a tumble without spilling a single drop. Great to take on the go or use at home, this bottle is definitely one you’ll be seeing on Christmas lists this year. If you’re not a fan of the Twist model, the brand’s Amazon storefront also carries the regular FreeSip model in Black Cherry as well for $29.94.

Owala Water Bottles: How to Buy on Sale For Black Friday Now

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw, BPA-Free Sports Water Bottle, Great for Travel, 24 Oz, Black Cherry

A FreeSip Owala in Black Cherry.


The FreeSip is in high-demand, especially as people go searching for it to gift to that special someone this holiday season. The price on the best-seller is usually $30 and sometimes even more if it’s an in-demand colorway. You’ll want to snag the bottle at this price while it lasts, because it’ll be gone if you wait too long. Just trust us.

Owala Water Bottles: How to Buy on Sale For Black Friday Now

‘Wicked’ FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw 32oz

A Wicked-themed Owala FreeSip bottle.


If you really want to get into the Owala mania, the brand just launched a Wicked: For Good collaboration in pink and green, naturally. Both themed bottles are available for preorder now on Owala’s Amazon storefront and retail for $39.99.

From the national anthem to the halftime show, the Super Bowl – held this year in San Francisco 49ers’ home stadium in California – always features several musical performances. Bad Bunny will take the field as this year’s headliner at the half, but no performers have been announced for the national anthem (vote here for who you think should sing “The Star Spangled Banner) or “America the Beautiful,” yet. 

Penned by poet Katharine Lee Bates and composer Samuel A. Ward, “America the Beautiful” has become a staple during the big game’s warm up. First sung by Charley Pride in 1972, then again by Vicki Carr in 1977, it started a steady run in the 2000s – first with Ray Charles in 2001, Mary J Blige, Marc Anthony and the Boston Pops Orchestra in 2002, then in 2005 with Alicia Keys. Since 2009 (Faith Hill), the song is traditionally played prior to “The Star Spangled Banner” before the players take the field. 

Artist like Queen Latifah, John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, Leslie Odom Jr., H.E.R., and Post Malone have all appeared over the years for their own “Beautiful” renditions. But who will it be in 2026? We have a few thoughts.

From sombr to Alex Warren, Mariah the Scientist, Addison Rae, Kehlani, Shaboozey, Teddy Swims and more, there are plenty of options for this prime placement during the pre-game festivities.

Super Bowl LX will occur on Feb. 8, 2026 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. Vote in the poll and read below for why each artist should get their chance at “America the Beautiful.”


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