As City of Hope’s Spirit of Life Award honoree Tom Corson shared at Wednesday night’s (Oct. 15) annual gala, the fight to cure cancer is “really a close thing to our family’s hearts.” Both the wife and son of the co-chairman and COO of Warner Records are cancer survivors.
“I’m so glad that we can all be here tonight and share those things, because many of you have been through this war and beating cancer is so important to us,” he continued.
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It was a full-circle moment, as the first Spirit of Life Award recipient through the City of Hope’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry (MFEI) group in 1973 was Warner Records chairman Mo Ostin. Corson accepted his award in front of an audience of around 1,000 attendees at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood that included a number of past Spirit of Life honorees, among them Rob Light, Sylvia Rhone, Don Passman, Neil Portnow, Charles Goldstuck, John Sykes and last year’s honoree, AEG’s Jay Marciano.
The event is expected to raise more than $6 million that will go to City of Hope’s Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer and Survivorship Programs, as well as the Cherng Family Center for Integrative Oncology. Corson noted the aftercare given to his son and wife after their cancer treatment “has been a huge part of their recovery…the battle doesn’t end when the treatment ends,” said Corson, adding that his daughter is a doctor of Chinese medicine and holistic healer. “Rehabilitation is about more than gaining physical strength. It’s about everything, the mind, the body, the spirit. This is where integrative care becomes not just helpful, but it’s essential.”
A radiant Cher presented Corson his award, praising him as a “music man,” as opposed to a “suit” at a record label. She recalled phoning him over her excitement about “DJ Play a Christmas Song,” an original song for her 2023 holiday album, Christmas. “I was so excited. I wanted to tell him, and I’ve never called a record executive in my life to tell them anything,” she said. Corson, of course, loved the tune, and the song went on to become a top 40 Pop Airplay hit, making Cher the first solo female artist to have hits on the Billboard chart spanning seven decades.
Longtime Warner Records act Michael Bublé sang in Corson’s honor, giving a spirited, humor-filled performance. Like Cher, he praised Corson after joking about the often-fractious relationship between artists and labels. “I really do love Tom,” said Bublé, whose son also is a pediatric cancer survivor. “I would want this relationship for every artist.”
Bublé, backed by a 14-piece orchestra, sang a number of standards, including “You’re Nobody Until Somebody Loves You,” and “Feeling Good,” as well as two songs he said he had never performed onstage before: “Beyond the Sea,” which he said was Corson’s favorite song, and “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.” He charmed the audience, at one point joking that performing before the industry crowd wasn’t as scary as he was told it would be. “I’m crushing it,” he said. “I know it’s about Tom, but I’m killing it.”
Another highlight of the evening was a fundraiser where attendees raised a placard to donate sums from $100,000 down to $1,000. In the middle of the proceedings, Saban Entertainment founder and billionaire Haim Saban called over the emcee, Zack Krone, and after teasing him about not pressuring people enough to give, then donated $250,000.
Founded in 1913, City of Hope is one of the largest cancer and research treatment facilities in the U.S. The MFEI has raised more than $160 million for City of Hope in more than 50 years since its inception, noted Universal Music Publishing Group North America president Evan Lamberg and MFEI board chairman.
The real stars of the evening were the several doctors from City of Hope who spoke about the strides the Duarte, California-based facility is making, in part funded by the dollars raised by MFEI. City of Hope’s research and medical breakthroughs, which include developing insulin and the technology that led to discovering Herceptin, a leading breast cancer medication, help more than 200 million people around the world annually, said Robert Stone, City of Hope’s CEO. “We’re living through times that will be remembered as the beginning of the end for so many cancers,” he said.
In addition to those in attendance among the other past Spirit of Hope honorees are Lyor Cohen, Shelli and Irving Azoff, Edgar Bronfman Jr., Coran Capshaw, Eddy Cue, Clive Davis, Sir Lucian Grainge, Allen Grubman, Quincy Jones, Rob Light, Monte and Avery Lipman, Doug Morris, Bob Pittman and Jon Platt.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2025-10-16 21:21:422025-10-16 21:21:42Inside City of Hope’s Spirit of Life Gala as Cher & Michael Bublé Honor Warner Records’ Tom Corson
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Bags from major athleisure brands have become the new “it” accessories as they offer a spacious interior while showing off weather and rip-resistant materials that don’t sacrifice trendiness. Lululemon has been at the helm of creating viral styles, including a designer shoulder bag dupe and the coveted Everywhere Bag, but now Nike has a new phone crossbody that should be your next go-to travel necessity.
The athletic brand has released its premium phone crossbody bag that’s up to 38% off right now, dropping the cost to just $24.97. Traditional crossbody bags require you to take your phone out to check any notifications, but this sleek style comes with a “tech-touch window” that’s transparent and touchscreen-friendly, allowing you to instantly type on your phone without having to dig it out of your purse beforehand.
Crafted with a nylon and PU leather material, this crossbody bag will let you use your phone instantly without having to carry extra bulk. Its exterior shows off a smooth leather-like texture that’s decorated with the brand’s iconic swoosh and has an adjustable strap that lets you change the length of the bag to your liking. You can also pick from four different shades including blue and white, green and white, red and white, tan and black.
Nike’s crossbody bag offers a compact size that’s ideal for just carrying your phone around, which is especially useful for any upcoming festivals and concerts you have. To keep your phone secure, there is a built-in snap closure that’ll keep your device from easily slipping out.
And if you’re looking for more crossbody styles to stock up on, Nike’s selection includes a variety of designs that we listed below.
What Are the Best Nike Crossbody Bags?
To help you stock up on the best Nike crossbody bags, ShopBillboard rounded up some of the bestselling styles and sales you can buy online. From the trendy Jacquemus “Le Swoosh” bag to the classic heritage carrier, there’s plenty of great options no matter your budget. Note: sale prices were accurate as the time of this writing.
Made of durable CORDURA ripstop fabric, this bag is resistant to abrasions, tears, scuffs and has a water-repellent finish to help keep your belongings safe and dry.
For bigger outings, the Heritage Crossbody bag has some of the most space offered with a four liter interior that’s large enough to hold a water bottle and more small belongings.
Nike Aura Crescent Crossbody Bag (4L)
The Nike Aura Crescent Bag is a fresh take on the beloved Aura Bag, embracing the rising popularity of the sleek crescent-shaped design with a more spacious build.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2025-10-16 21:10:232025-10-16 21:10:23The Best Nike Crossbody Bag Doubles As a Phone Case — And It’s On Sale
Amid his series of shocking claims about Britney Spears, Kevin Federline did not hold back when he was asked about his ex-wife’s ex-husband Sam Asghari.
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Two months after the dancer quipped to TMZ that Federline — who was previously married to the pop superstar for three years, long before Asghari’s 14-month marriage to Spears — is merely a “professional father,” the new author shared his reaction in an interview with Entertainment Tonight.
“I have a hard time even having any kind of respect for Sam, because what type of man gets involved in a situation like the one he got himself into with her?” Federline said bluntly. “When me and Britney were together, he was probably 10 or 12 years old, so he doesn’t understand where the roots of this thing are.”
“I was with her before all of this happened, right?” added Federline, who shares two boys with Spears. “I’m still looking at him as a man, and you’re judging me as a father, and you’ve never had kids.”
The remarks about Asghari come shortly after excerpts of Federline’s upcoming memoir, You Thought You Knew, were published. In the snippets of the book, the actor alleged that his ex-wife’s alleged mental issues have reached a point where he fears for Spears’ life.
“The truth is, this situation with Britney feels like it’s racing toward something irreversible,” he writes, according to pieces published by The New York Times. “It’s become impossible to pretend everything’s OK. From where I sit, the clock is ticking, and we’re getting close to the 11th hour.”
Shortly afterward, Spears’ rep indicated in a statement to Billboard that Federline’s book was his way of “profiting” off of the singer. Then, Spears said in a statement of her own, “The constant gaslighting from [my] ex-husband is extremely hurtful and exhausting.”
“I have always pleaded and screamed to have a life with my boys,” she continued in a Wednesday (Oct. 15) post on Instagram. “Relationships with teenage boys is complex. I have felt demoralized by this situation and have always asked and almost begged for them to be a part of my life.”
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2025-10-16 21:03:542025-10-16 21:03:54Kevin Federline Says He Doesn’t ‘Respect’ Sam Asghari Following ‘Professional Father’ Dig
Every October, the pulse of Amsterdam quickens with the arrival of major key players in the dance and electronic space for one of the biggest events on the industry calendar: Amsterdam Dance Event (Oct. 22-26).
The annual festival, first held in 1996, is one of Europe’s most integral music conferences with an array of live performances, DJ sets, panels, speeches, parties and business opportunities in the lively Dutch capital. The full programme is extensive, with major labels, distributors, and promoters rubbing shoulders with local creators on the underground scene.
Headline names throughout the extensive schedule include an intimate fireside conversation with U.K. rapper and DJ Skepta, a panel with Daft Punk creative director Cédric Hervet and performances from Dutch dance don Armin van Buuren alongside scene leaders Honey Dijon, Confidence Man, Jeff Mills and more.
ADE Director Jan-Willem van der Vans
Sarah Wijzenbeek
“The cool thing about ADE is that we have over 1200 events, and the bad thing is that we have 1200 events,” laughs Jan-Willem van de Ven, ADE’s director. Its vast schedule means that there are endless opportunities to connect and do business, or to party through the night with the scene’s top touring acts – but always a reason to come back the following year.
“ADE is both an experience and business meeting point,” he says. “You can discover well over a thousand events in the city, get marketing intelligence and find yourself in a space where creative communities are celebrated. For music pros, the priority is to come back every year because everybody is there; we want it to be the best moment of the year to do business.”
2025’s edition, van de Ven says, is where years of planning has coalesced and “everything connects” across the music and wider arts and culture program (including events to celebrate the city’s 750th anniversary). Years impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic – right around when Jan-Willem took on the role of director – gave him and the team time “refine” the event and make tweaks in the ensuing years.
A refreshed app aids attendees as they navigate the massive line-up. ADE Lab, which features masterclasses and studio sessions for aspiring musicians, has moved to the Westergas area, a key hub in the city’s creative community.
Part of the reason ADE thrives is due to the electronic scene is a “grown-up industry” with a strong record of breaking stars and making commercial gains; in 2022, the dance scene was valued at $11.3 billion by the IMS Business Report, and in 2026, ADE will host its 30th anniversary celebrations. “It’s more than something that pops up and goes away,” he adds. “You see so many more artists becoming pop stars, and I do think that will trickle down to the rest of the industry.”
Securing a fireside chat with Skepta is a coup years in the making and will see the British pioneer discussing the continuing success of his Mas Tiempo imprint. Also likely to be well-attended is a panel with Cédric Hervet, longtime Daft Punk collaborator, about the French duo’s foray into Fortnite, and how new opportunities keep EDM artists at the forefront of cultural relevance and innovation: “To see these new platforms such as Fortnite and Epic Games and tap into electronic music is also a way of showing that the industry has grown-up.”
He concludes, “the electronic music scene gathers here, and we wanted to capture that momentum to make sure we marked the occasion with worthy programming.” These are some of his personal highlights for 2025 edition.
Jeff Chang, Director of Product, Google DeepMind, gives a keynote speech on how musicians at Google DeepMind are building to enhance production and performance workflows.
Skepta in conversation with DJ Target about building his Mas Tiempo label, curating sound, and creating space for new voices in underground club culture.
Amsterdam’s trance-techno trailblazer KI/KI, boundary-pushing producer HAAi, and DJ-performer Bashkka reflect on what it means to carve out space and identity as women in electronic music today
This panel explores the political and cultural power of sound system culture – how it mobilises people, challenges authority, and creates new spaces of belonging.
De Nieuwe Kerk has been a stage for national milestones in the city: from royal inaugurations, state farewells, to historic unions. A place where Dutch history is both made and remembered. Now, for the first time in over six centuries, electronic music fills its sacred halls with Honey Dijon and the ZO! Gospel Choir, as they open a new chapter during ADE.
Job Jobse returns to Amsterdam Dance Event 2025 for an extended 4-hour set at the famous Hemkade warehouse, a venue deeply rooted in Dutch club culture.
Where club night meets concert hall, and ancient traditions echo through new directions. Dance with Carista, Eris Drew & Octo Octa, Vuur, and Young Marco between red velvet and golden glow.
Melkweg celebrates a special milestone during Amsterdam Dance Event: 20 Years of Dave Clarke Presents. Expect a multi-layered night filled with live acts, hybrid sets and a thought-provoking film programme.
A musical show at the Concertgebouw in which Surinamese traditional rhythms and electronic music merge and celebrates 50 years of Surinamese independence.
A performance continuing Jeff Mills and late afrobeat drummer Tony Allen’s Tomorrow Comes the Harvest project with keyboardist Jean-Phi Dary and tabla virtuoso Prabhu Edouard.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2025-10-16 21:03:532025-10-16 21:03:53Amsterdam Dance Event 2025: The Essential Events, According to Its Managing Director
There are 10 categories in the Latin, Global, Reggae & New Age, Ambient or Chant Field at the 2026 Grammys. Below, we assess the state of the race in four of those categories — best global music album, best global music performance, best African music performance and best reggae album.
Best Global Music Album
The Afrobeats “Big 3” are the leading contenders for best global music album this year. Davido (5ive), Burna Boy (No Sign of Weakness) and Wizkid (Morayo) should all make the final line-up of nominees. All three acts have been nominated here previously, and Burna won in 2021 with Twice as Tall. Although Wizkid’s last studio album, More Love, Less Ego, missed out on a nod, it’s safe to bet that Morayo will make the cut thanks to such hit singles as “Kese (Danse)” and the Brent Faiyaz-assisted “Piece of My Heart.” Another name that’s all but guaranteed to show up here on nominations morning on Nov. 7 is Anoushka Shankar (We Return to Light), who boasts seven nominations (but zero wins) in this category.
International jazz fusion ensemble Shakti, the 2024 victor in this category, is back in contention with Shakti: Mind Explosion — 50th Anniversary Tour Live. As are previous nominees Ibrahim Maalouf (Trumpets of Michel-Ange), Femi Kuti (Journey Through Life), and Seun Kuti & Egypt 80′ (Heavier Yet). Last year, Indian singer and flautist Varijashree Venugopal earned a best global music performance nod alongside Shankar and Jacob Collier, and she could turn that into a best global music album nod for her own Vari (The Live Sessions).
There’s also the wild card of Machel Montano (One Degree Hotter). Historically, soca has not fared well in this category, but if there was ever a year to honor the King of Soca, 2025 is it. Not only did Montano play the first-ever soca set for NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series, but he also notched his historic 11th Road March victory for his soca smash “Pardy.” Other names to keep an eye out for include Anitta (Ensaios Da Anitta), Eric Bellinger (It’ll All Make Sense Later), and Jamie Lozano & The Familia (Songs By An Immigrant, Vol. 3).
Our Fearless Forecast
We’re predicting: 5ive (Davido); No Sign of Weakness (Burna Boy); Morayo (Wizkid); We Return to Light (Anoushka Shankar); Journey Through Life (Femi Kuti)
Best Global Music Performance
Honoring “international performers exhibiting ‘non-European, indigenous traditions,’” this category has only four years of history. In that time, Arooj Aftab earned yearly nods, but this year, the Pakistani-American singer does not have a song in contention. Largely considered the frontrunner — whether it ended up in global music performance or African music performance — Moliy, Silent Addy and Disco Neil‘s “Shake It to the Max” (with Shenseea & Skillibeng), does not appear on either ballot. With that in mind, expect some surprises in this category.
Behind Aftab, Angélique Kidjo and Burna Boy are tied with the most nominations in this category, boasting three each. Coincidentally, both acts have top contenders here, with “Jerusalema” and “4 Kampé II” (with Joé Dwèt Filé), respectively. Davido also scored a nod here in 2024 (“Feel”) and his international cross-genre “Awuke” duet with YG Marley could land a nomination as well. That would help the Marley family tree’s Grammy haul inch closer to 30, after Julian Marley’s 2024 best reggae album win brought the count to 28. Shankhar boats two prior nods here, so a “Daybreak” appearance in the final nominee lineup would be unsurprising. Look out for Femi Kuti (“Journey Through Life”), Silvana Estrada (“Dime”), Venugopal (“Ranjani – Live”) and Maalouf (“Timless) as well, considering all four have earned previous nods in this category.
There are also especially buzzy names in contention this year, including Bad Bunny (“EoO”), Rhiannon Giddens (“Swannanoa Tunnel / Steel-Driving Man”), Little Simz (“Lion,” with Obongjayar), Rauw Alejandro (“Carita Linda”), Peso Pluma (“Gervonta”), Natalia Lafourcade (“Cocos en la Playa”) and Julian Marley (“Light & Love,” with A!MS & Antaeus). Realistically, Bad Bunny has the strongest chance of landing a nod out of this crop of contenders. It’s hard to bet against a Super Bowl halftime show headliner, especially after he gave us one of the year’s defining albums (Debí Tirar Más Fotos) and performances (the No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí residency).
Of course, there’s also the breakthrough global soca hit “The Greatest Bend Over,” credited to Full Blown and Yung Bredda. If any soca song can rally Caribbean voters to make the final five, it’s probably this one — and it would be very well-deserved. Speaking of soca, Montano is contending in this category with three different songs: “Pardy,” “Fling It Up” (with Davido), and “Truth & Balance” (with DJ Mac & Ayetian). Unfortunately, the Trinbagonian superstar would probably have been better off focusing his efforts on one submission.
It’s beyond time for the Grammys to split this category into best reggae album and best dancehall album. For now, we’ll try to make sense of the race as it currently stands.
Last year’s biggest story was Vybz Kartel finally earning his first Grammy nomination. This year, Worl’ Boss is contending with Heart & Soul, which lacks both a standout hit single and the immediate glow of his release from prison. Then again, it’s not like Party With Me, which earned him a nod here last year, had a massive hit either, but it’s hard to deny the magnitude of Kartel’s name. Other notable dancehall albums submitted for consideration in this category include Prove Them Wrong (Valiant), International (Skillibeng), Pool Party (Konshens), Time Is Now (Likkle Addi), From Ding Dong to the World Ding (Ding Dong), Hate Being Famous (Squash), Pieces of Me (450) and Ups & Downs (DJ Mac). Of this crop of contenders, Valiant and Skillibeng probably have the best shots at Grammy recognition. The former landed a spot on Billboard staff’s mid-year Best Albums of 2025 list, and the latter boasts the backing of RCA Records and the recent glow of “Shake It to the Max.”
Back to reggae, additional leading contenders in that style include Treasure Self Love (Lila Iké), Jamaica Love (Mojo Morgan) and Blxxd & Fyah (Keznamdi). All three acts are gunning for their first individual Grammy nod — Mojo has earned one win from two nominations as a part of Morgan Heritage — and it’s not unlikely that they all make the final five. Iké boasts a Protoje co-sign and years of goodwill thanks to the extended lifespan of her 2020 The ExPerience EP, Mojo is mounting a strong campaign and his album features several generation-bridging collaborations, and Keznamdi’s LP has lots of grassroots support. Bob Marley: One Love stars Hector Roots Lewis and Aston Barrett Jr. are also in contention this year. The former is competing alongside Johnny Cosmic with Cosmic Love, and the latter is gunning for a nod with the Israel Vibration-assisted Reggae Music Never Dies. Also keep an eye out for two reggae legends, King Jammy (King Jammy Unites the Nation with Dub) and Niney the Observer (Niney the Observer), both of whom could earn their first Grammy nods.
Notably, an AI-assisted album is also seeking a nomination. Adrian Donsome Hanson’s Dem Can’t Stop My Joy (Rastafari Forever), a collaboration with AI-generated band Forever Rootz Band, is looking to write the next chapter in the Grammys’ relationship with AI. In 2023, Ghostwriter’s “Heart on My Sleeve,” an AI-generated song inspired by Drake and The Weeknd, was deemed ineligible for Grammy consideration. At the most recent Grammys ceremony in February, The Beatles’ “Now and Then,” which used AI to “[clean] up some existing recordings,” won best rock performance.
“I do about 90% of the work myself – building the riddim, writing the lyrics, shaping the melodies, and even recording demo vocals,” Hanson explained to Jamaica Gleaner. “I also worked with Shan Blair to provide the female vocals [and] ad-libs. Then, I use AI for maybe 10% of the process – mostly to experiment with sound textures or to adjust how a vocal feels. So it’s not a fully AI-driven album; it’s human-led from start to finish, with AI only supporting my vision. I control the process, and that human direction is what gives the album its soul.”
Additional contending reggae albums include Spain Root (Royal Blu), Nirvana (Jahmiel), Find Me Here (Sherwin Gardner), No Place Like Home (Jesse Royal), Sherlock (Cham), and Island Waves, Vol. 2 (Loud City & ZJ Sparks).
Our Fearless Forecast
We’re counting on: Jamaica Love (Mojo Morgan); No Place Like Home (Jesse Royal); Treasure Self Love (Lila Iké); Heart & Soul (Vybz Kartel); Blxxd and Fyah (Keznamdi)
Best African Music Performance
There are only two years of data for this young Grammy category, and the only decipherable trend thus far is that women are the big winners; Tyla’s “Water” was the inaugural winner in 2024 and Tems‘ “Love Me Jeje” followed in 2025.
This year, Tyla is back in contention with “Push 2 Start,” and she’s likely the frontrunner to win. In fact, it’s possible the entire inaugural lineup of best African music performance nominees (Tyla, Asake, Burna Boy, Davido and Ayra Starr) repeats this year. “With You” (Davido & Omah Lay), “Love” (Burna Boy), “Why Love” (Asake) and “Gimme Dat” (Wizkid & Ayra Starr) are all leading contenders. Wizkid is also competing with his Brent Faiyaz-assisted “Piece of My Heart,” which could result in some unfortunate vote-splitting. In 2024, Rema’s historic “Calm Down” missed out on a Grammy nod because both the original song and its Selena Gomez-assisted remix were released outside of the eligibility period. This year, he could earn his first nod in this category with “Baby (Is It a Crime?)” Finally, Kidjo is one of the most successful artists in the Grammys’ global field, and she could reap her first bid in this category with “Police” (with Kizz Daniel & Johnny Drille).
For all of the seismic international Afrobeats that we’ve gotten over the years, those songs by non-African performers don’t do too well at the Grammys. Chris Brown (“Sensational”) is the only non-African performer to land a nod in this category, and Ciara could join him if her Diamond Platnumz-assisted “Low” earns enough votes.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2025-10-16 21:03:522025-10-16 21:03:52Bad Bunny, Vybz Kartel & Tyla: Our Predictions for the Star-Studded Global, Reggae & African Music Races at the 2026 Grammys
It’s always a fun surprise when an artist covers a song during their tour, but few can hold a candle to Dua Lipa, who has pulled off a whopping 56 surprise covers since the launch of her Radical Optimism Tour.
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“This was my idea. It came about purely because I had done a song for the American Country Music Awards with Chris Stapleton,” Lipa told Variety, referring to the pair’s rendition of the country star’s “Think I’m In Love With You” in 2024. “It was so much fun that I proposed it to the band and to the team: How fun would it be if every night we [did] a different song? And everyone was like, ‘Well, that’s quite ambitious!’”
To properly sort out which songs she and her band would tackle, Lipa made a playlist before each leg of the tour. Often, her and the band’s selections would correspond to whatever country they were playing in on a given night; Australia earned covers of AC/DC‘s “Highway to Hell” and INXS‘ “Never Tear Us Apart,” while New Zealand received renditions of Lorde‘s “Royals” and Crowded House‘s “Don’t Dream It’s Over.”
Of course, modern pop tours are equally marked by their surprise covers and surprise guests. From Chaka Khan to Chic’s Nile Rodgers, several indisputable legends joined Lipa onstage, making for quite the rotation of superstars in the already fast-paced setting of a global tour. “We started getting guests in, and we became a little bit spoiled for choice because people were down to join us,” Lipa noted.
“Some [covers] are done on the day — well, not quite on the day,” she continued. “Usually, when we’re in soundcheck, we do the song of the night and the next night’s song, even if we have a guest. But sometimes, time is of the essence, and the beauty of it — and the thing that’s so nerve-racking and insane — is the fact that we do have a very, very limited amount of time to learn all these songs.”
Launched in November 2024 in support of its namesake album, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, the Radical Optimism Tour found Lipa embracing the trek’s global nature by covering songs in different languages, which tested the limits of her ability to maximize her muscle memory.
“We picked [Czech singer Ewa Farna’s “Na Ostri Noze”] because [keyboardist] Georgie’s dad had lived in Prague and recommended [it],” she explained. “We had a little bit of a crazy time with that one because she’s got two versions of the song — one in Czech and one in Polish — and a couple of days before the show I had this awful sinking feeling: ‘What if we just learned this whole song in Polish?’ I was panicking about that, but we triple-checked that we were doing it in Czech.”
Lipa also shared that she chose certain covers based on her personal connection to the songs. At her first of four Madison Square Garden shows, she played Alicia Keys‘ “No One,” which she performed at a talent show when she was 11 years old. On her first night in Toronto, Lipa opted for Nelly Furtado‘s “I’m Like a Bird,” an example of the “Nelly that I fell in love with because the first CD I ever bought was Woah, Nelly!”
Although Lipa is known for her radio-ruling pop hits, she isn’t completely ruling out the possibility of compiling her rock, funk and R&B covers on a proper album. “I cannot reveal the answer!” she quipped.
The Radical Optimism Tour officially concludes on Dec. 5 at Mexico City’s Estadio GNP Seguros.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2025-10-16 20:49:122025-10-16 20:49:12Dua Lipa Explains How She Chose Which AC/DC & Ariana Grande Songs to Cover on Tour: ‘So Nerve-Racking’
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From Disney classics to Billboard chart-toppers, the most popular karaoke songs these days span ages, genres and singing styles.
Our Billboard survey ranked a popular Shania Twain hit as the best karaoke song of all time, followed closely by a Backstreet Boys classic and Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.”
Karaoke company Singing Machine, meantime, released its list of the most popular karaoke songs, based on tracks selected by its users. “Let It Go,” from Disney’s Frozen, tops the list, followed by Tones and I’s “Dance Monkey,” and Lil Nas X’s Billboard record-breaking hit, “Old Town Road.“
Singing Machine, whose Platinum Plus model is one of the best all-in-one karaoke machines we’ve used, is also the company behind the official Carpool Karaoke Mic, based on the popular Carpool Karaoke segment on The Late Late Show With James Corden.
While a karaoke microphone is great for solo singing or a casual session, you’ll want to pick up a karaoke machine to really turn the party up.
If you’re looking to host a karaoke night at home, a number of brands are making high-end karaoke machines that you can find online. Unlike a basic karaoke mic, the best karaoke machines include not only a microphone, but a stand, speaker and all the cables and accessories you need to replicate a full-scale karaoke setup too. Here are some of our favorite karaoke machines to shop now.
This JYX Karaoke Machine is one of the most popular units online, with more than 5,000 verified reviews on Amazon alone. It’s not just hype: this karaoke machine also delivers in terms of sound quality. It comes with two wireless mics, a built-in eight-inch subwoofer, a remote control and Bluetooth connectivity (no tangled cords or confusing plug-ins here). Get 60W of big, booming sound that’s loud enough to fill an entire room or small studio. The LED lighting effects add a nice touch and the built-in handle makes it easy to take this setup from space to space.
BESTSELLER
Singing Machine Platinum Plus WiFi Karaoke Machine
Singing Machine says it’s been the number-one karaoke brand in America for 40 years
One of the best all-in-one karaoke machines that we’ve tested, the Singing Machine Platinum Plus comes with two microphones, a large portable speaker and a built-in LED display that you can pair to YouTube, Spotify and more via WiFi. Use the 10-inch touchscreen to select your songs and settings and read the words right off the screen. Singing Machine’s auto-tune feature easily touches up your vocals, and lets you choose from dozens of voice effects to enhance your performance. You can even play a regular song and remove the lead vocal, so your voice shines through. There’s a built-in light show option as well.
Roughly the size of an air fryer, this Singing Machine karaoke system is portable enough to move and store with ease. This Amazon offer also includes three months of free access to the Singing Machine app for thousands of karaoke songs and effects.
The Singtrix Karaoke Machine comes from the creators of Guitar Hero, and has been featured on Shark Tank, Ellen, Keeping Up With The Kardashians and more. One of the most powerful and complete karaoke machines we’ve used, the Singtrix bundle gets you a microphone, adjustable mic stand, device stand (say, to read lyrics off your phone or tablet) and a powerful speaker/subwoofer combo. The built-in touchpad gets you more than 350 effects, with everything from pitch correction and auto-tune, to pre-set genre effects (I.e. for rap, rock, country and even K-pop). This was the karaoke machine that got us through quarantine during the pandemic and it’s only become more popular now that we’re partying with friends again.
ALSO CONSIDER
Karaoke Machine – Singsation All-in-One Karaoke System & Party Machine
If you don’t have a ton of space in your room or apartment, the Singstation Karaoke Machine is a great choice with a small footprint. This set comes with an adjustable mic stand, device stand, microphone and a main speaker hub, that lets you add 16 different light effects while you’re singing. Connect to the speakers via Bluetooth and choose from 10 different voice effects to switch up your pitch, and eight sound effects to pump up the crowd (think air horn, DJ scratch and more).
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2025-10-16 20:49:112025-10-16 20:49:11From Portable Units to a Kardashian-Approved Set, These Are the 4 Best Karaoke Machines You Can Buy Online
Headlining the Super Bowl Halftime Show may be the ultimate stage and a North Star for many artists, but don’t expect to see Nas joining the illustrious group who have hit the Super Bowl stage in the past.
Nas sat down with Complex‘s Jordan Rose earlier this week, who asked him about a potential Super Bowl appearance from the Queensbridge rappper, but Nas said he has no interest in the idea.
“That’s some super rock star s—t. Nah, I don’t want to say I don’t want to do a Super Bowl, but I don’t want to do that,” he said. “Leave it to the professionals. Leave it to the pros. I’m a pro at what I do. That thing, I love it, but I wouldn’t do it.”
Nas continued, acknowledging the prestige of an event like the Super Bowl Halftime Show. “Yes, it’s the biggest stage, but I want to watch dope Halftime Shows and that’s what’s been happening lately. Salute to all of them.”
Hip-hop has been featured as part of the recent Super Bowl Halftime Shows since Jay-Z and Roc Nation stepped in to produce the shows in 2019. Roc Nation re-upped its deal with the NFL to continue producing the Super Bowl Halftime Shows in 2024.
During a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Nas championed Kendrick Lamar as hip-hop’s “North Star.”
“We all, as artists, love this art form and have our opinions on it. Kendrick is one of the brightest stars we’ve ever seen, and I don’t only mean superstar. I mean like the North Star,” he said. “I think he’s one of those. Out of all the artists in this business, there’s some that’s not here for the art. When we see those people that are not here for the art damaging it, you’re hurting the future of the art. So I think artists like Kendrick are going to speak out.”
On the music side, Nas has been hard at work on his upcoming album with DJ Premier, and the highly anticipated project is slated to arrive in December.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2025-10-16 20:49:112025-10-16 20:49:11Nas Has No Interest in Performing a Super Bowl Halftime Show: ‘That’s Some Super Rock Star S—t’
Jack Antonoff is frustrated with the concert industry, which he says has fallen victim to large corporations trying to “monopolize the whole f–king thing.”
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In a musicians-on-musicians conversation with Hayley Williams published by Rolling Stoneon Thursday (Oct. 16), the Bleachers frontman opened up about the way he’s seen live music change for the worse over the years. “I’ve seen it from every level,” he told the Paramore bandleader. “What f–ks me off is, why is drawing a few hundred people not an honest living?”
“You and your band can’t turn a profit, and then we have to watch the companies that own all these rooms and monopolize the whole f–king thing and post billions of earnings,” he continued. “Chill the f–k out, it’s working. Everyone wants to come. It’s not total anarchy.”
In response, Williams pointed out how major corporations co-opting the live music landscape has led to financial issues for smaller venues. “[It’s] killing me,” she told Antonoff. “My favorite street in Nashville has been just obliterated.”
“It’s so simple to me, and there’s one answer that’s never going to happen, which is [the corporations] have to make a little less money,” Antonoff replied. “I want everyone in that room [at a show] to feel like a f–king human being from beginning to end. I want it to be the best night ever. The last thing I want people to think about is how they’re treated. I remember growing up — a bad security guard? They’d be gone. It would never happen. There was such protection over the literal vibe.”
Antonoff is far from the only musician who has spoken out against unfair music industry standards, but he is one of the most vocal. In 2022, he called out venues for taxing artist merch, pointing out on X, “This is literally the only way you make money when you start out touring.”
At the Grammys the following year, he shared his feelings on dynamic ticket pricing. “If I can go online and buy a car and have it delivered to my house, why can’t I buy a f–king ticket at the price that the artist wants it to be?” he told reporters at the time. “And you know the reason why. And it’s not ’cause of artists.”
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Wired headphones are back, not that they ever truly left. With so many wireless headphones and earbuds flooding the market, it’s not always easy to go against the grain.
We’ve seen a cultural shift slowly but surely moving towards the wired style, from buds and now headphones. It’s a mix of nostalgia and fashion that we crave out of this tech, a longing for simpler times where Bluetooth wasn’t the norm and Madonna was on the radio. Reminiscing aside, we have early wired headphone and earbud adopters to look to for facilitating this change. Tastemakers like Addison Rae, Harry Styles and Dua Lipa have made a strong case for the style on outings or in music videos, making wired tech “cool” again for lack of a better word.
For the rebellious, nostalgia-loving techies who would trade the convenience of Bluetooth for the comfort of being tethered to a preferred listening device, we’ve rounded up a list of the best wired headphones that you can buy online. The headphones below are great for personal listening sessions, but they’re also useful for listening to podcasts and watching movies, TV and music videos from your smart phone, laptop, notebook or tablet. Below, find a list of seven of the best wired headphones to buy right now.
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Open-Back Professional Headphone
This Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Open-Back model is one of the more expensive wired headphones on our list, but well worth the investment. Retailing for $399.00 on Amazon, these headsets come with an open-back design, hence the name, that gives you extremely wide, dimensional sound and ultra-precise localization. Basically, that means you’re getting un-muddied sound with faithful reproduction across a full spectrum. The open construction also reduces total harmonic distortion, or THD, and minimizes resonance, improving audio accuracy across the board. We’d recommend audiophiles snag this style. Those of us who are serious about the highest quality, without cutting any corners.
This entry is for our gamers. If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming experience, the Razer Kraken V4 X will surely get you there. The headphones are currently on sale $59.98, 25% off their original price. What makes these headphones so great for gaming? It all comes down to the sound. The tech comes equipped with 7.1 surround sound that gives users true-to-life acoustics that optimize the game’s sound design so you can practically hear everything as if you were right in the middle of your chosen game. Plus, you’ve got Triforce 40 MM Drivers, a Razor-patented three-part design that individually tunes high, mid, and low frequencies, giving users more dynamic and clearer sound.
The ARTIX CL750 released back in 2024 but just as fresh now. The tech currently retails for $34.95 and is one of the more visually pleasing picks on our list. Most wired headphones are black with hints of color throughout. The ARTIX CL750 is an exception to this unspoken rule, coming in five total vibrant hues from lavender to green. Beyond the visuals, these headphones deliver immersive, balanced audio with rich bass and are easy to use thanks to the 3.5mm jack, giving the tech broad compatibility. There’s also a built-in microphone for taking calls on-the-go.
Panasonic Clip Headphones Blue RP-HZ47-A (Japan Import)
This entry is an odd one, but just stick with us. This is for our readers who like headphones, but get uncomfortable wearing them on your head all day. May we present to you the Panasonic Clip Headphones Blue RP-HZ47-A for $13.50, a hybrid cross between headphones and earbuds that we’re sure you’ll love. The Japanese import is super cool to look at and comes in five colors total with an ultra-slim design that gives it a futuristic edge. These headphones sit over the ear, clipped securly in place. Beyond the look, these headphones are equipped with high-performance 30mm diameter driver units, which means the tech has a balanced sound ideal for everyday useage.
Exceptional sound at a great price. These Phillips SHP9600 Hi-Fi Wired Headphones serve up a blend of quality and comfort. Outfitted with finely tuned 50mm drivers, these open-back, over-ear headphones deliver powerful sound and exception bass making them perfect for immersing yourself in your favorite songs. The headphones include a detachable cable that measures three meters long.
These wireless headphones from Sony boast a sleek and, quite frankly, sexy design. No bulky or blocky detailing here, just smooth, shiny innovation. The INZONE H3 currently retails for $108, quite the splurge but well worth it thanks to its intuitive design. The tech delivers top-notch sound with full-spectrum clarity and comfortable, smooth nylon ear pads, great for endless hours of gaming. These headphones are also Discord certified thanks to the tech’s flip-to-mute mic, so you can hop on a call with friends to team up and mute on a dime when needed.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
You may have spotted Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) wearing Audio Technica headphones on And Just Like That. Equipped with a detachable cable and comfortable ear cushions, the Audio Technica’s M50X wired headphones offer fantastic sound clarity (throughout an extended frequency range) with deep, accurate bass response, and superb sound isolation.
JVC HAS180 Lightweight Powerful Bass Headphones – Black
If you’re looking for something ultra–cheap, you can get a decent pair of JVC wired headphones for just $15. These headphones are also good for kids since they’re so affordable. Looking for another budget-friendly alternative at the same price point? Test out these JLab Audio Studio Wired On-Ear Headphones ($15.99).
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2025-10-16 20:30:342025-10-16 20:30:34Are Wired Headphones Coming Back? Here’s How to Get the Trending Style for Yourself
