Okay,I’ve read and understood the news article.Here’s a summary of the key points:
New Music Friday: The article is a roundup of new music releases and music industry news.
BET awards: The first performers for the 2025 BET Awards, hosted by Kevin Hart on June 9th, have been announced: Lil Wayne, Teyana Taylor, GloRilla, playboi carti, and Leon Thomas.
American Music Awards: Janet Jackson will receive the Icon Award at the 2025 American Music Awards, marking her first television performance since 2018.Other performers include Benson Boone, Blake Shelton, Gloria Estefan, Gwen Stefani, Lainey Wilson, and Renee Rapp. Jennifer Lopez will host the awards, airing May 26th on CBS and Paramount+.
Shakira’s Tour: Shakira’s “Women no longer cry World Tour” has begun in North America with sold-out shows. She holds the record for most stadium dates by a female artist in Mexico City (11 shows).
Live nation $30 Tickets: Live Nation is offering $30 tickets to over 1,000 shows at select amphitheaters across the U.S. and Canada. The sale begins May 21st and includes artists like The Offspring, Halsey, Nelly, Avril Lavigne, and many more.
FINNEAS Music Video: FINNEAS released the music video for “2001,” directed by Claudia Sulewski and starring Kate Hudson.It’s inspired by “2001: A Space Odyssey.”
Megan Thee Stallion Airbnb Experience: megan Thee Stallion is hosting an “otaku Hottie Quest” Airbnb Experience in Los Angeles on June 12th. She also teased a collaboration on her upcoming album and expressed interest in working with Doechii.
Rihanna’s New Song: Rihanna released “Friend Of Mine” from the SMURFS Movie soundtrack, where she voices Smurfette.
* New Music Releases: The article lists numerous new songs and albums from artists including jin, Morgan Wallen, Nick Carter, Latto, Jessie J, Kesha, Damiano David, and many others, with links to stream them on Apple Music and Spotify.
New Music Friday: BET Awards, Janet Jackson’s Icon Award, Shakira’s Tour, & More – An Expert Weighs In
Time.news: Welcome back to Time.news, music lovers! It’s been a whirlwind week in the music industry.From major award show announcements to tour kicks-offs and exciting new releases, we’re here to break it all down. Joining us today to unpack the latest headlines is renowned music industry analyst, Dr. Anya Sharma. Dr. Sharma, welcome!
Dr. anya Sharma: Thanks for having me! Always happy to chat about the ever-evolving landscape of music.
Time.news: Let’s dive right in. The BET Awards just announced its first wave of performers for the 2025 show, including Lil Wayne, teyana Taylor, GloRilla, Playboi Carti, and Leon Thomas. What are your thoughts on this initial lineup, and what does it say about the direction of the awards show this year?
Dr. Anya Sharma: That’s a dynamic mix of established icons and rising stars. Featuring Lil Wayne, a hip-hop legend, provides a through-line to the BET Awards’ legacy, while artists like GloRilla and Playboi Carti represent the exciting energy of contemporary hip-hop and trap. Picking artists like Leon thomas or Teyana Taylor widens the spectrum towards R&B and other popular music styles.
This suggests a intentional effort to appeal to a broad audience, balancing respect for the genre’s history with a celebration of its future. We can expect more announcements that continue this theme which will drive up conversations surrounding hip hop music and R&B music.
Time.news: Switching gears, Janet Jackson is set to receive the Icon Award at the American Music Awards and will perform live for the first time on television since 2018. this is huge! What’s the importance of this moment for her career and for the AMAs?
Dr. Anya Sharma: Absolutely huge! Janet Jackson is a true icon, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of her immense contributions to music and pop culture. Her absence from television performances in recent years has only heightened anticipation, so this is guaranteed to be a major draw for viewers. For the AMAs, securing janet Jackson’s performance and Icon Award strengthens their credibility and attracts a wider audience, possibly boosting ratings and social media engagement.
Time.news: Now, let’s talk tours. Shakira’s “Women no longer cry World Tour” is underway, and she’s already breaking records in Mexico City.What does this level of success say about her enduring appeal and her impact on Latin music globally?
Dr. Anya Sharma: Shakira is a powerhouse,and her success in Mexico City is a testament to her incredible staying power and the deep connection she has with her fans. Eleven stadium dates is unheard of for most artists. Her music transcends language barriers, and her ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her roots has solidified her position as a global superstar. This tour is likely to further cement her legacy and inspire a new generation of Latin artists, not only those performing reggaeton music, but all different genres.
Time.news: On a more accessible front, Live Nation is offering $30 tickets to over 1,000 shows this summer. What impact do you think initiatives like this have on the live music industry and fans’ concert-going habits?
Dr. anya Sharma: This is a smart move by Live Nation. With inflation affecting consumer spending, offering affordable tickets is crucial for attracting audiences, especially younger demographics.It makes live music more accessible and encourages people to experience the energy of a concert firsthand. for the industry, it can boost attendance at amphitheaters, support artists, and keep the live music scene vibrant, but might led to discussion about the average price and cost of concerts.
Time.news: Moving into the visual realm, FINNEAS released a music video for “2001” starring kate Hudson and inspired by “2001: A Space Odyssey.” How important are music videos in today’s music landscape, and what makes a truly memorable video?
Dr. Anya Sharma: Music videos are experiencing a resurgence with platforms like YouTube and TikTok playing a meaningful role in music finding. A truly memorable video needs a strong concept, compelling visuals, and often a narrative that complements the song’s message. FINNEAS’s choice to draw inspiration from a classic film like “2001: A Space Odyssey” is intriguing and adds depth to the visual experience. Kate Hudson’s appearance generates buzz, and the video becomes more than just a promotional tool; it becomes a piece of art in itself.
Time.news: Megan Thee stallion is offering an “Otaku Hottie Quest” Airbnb Experience and teasing new music. What are your thoughts on artists using unique experiences and collaborations to engage with their fans?
Dr. Anya Sharma: Artists are constantly seeking new ways to connect with their fanbase beyond conventional music releases.Megan Thee Stallion’s airbnb experience is a clever way to tap into her fans’ interests and create a memorable, immersive experience. Teasing collaborations also builds anticipation and broadens her appeal to different audiences. This kind of innovative engagement is essential in today’s competitive music market.
Time.news: rihanna released a new song, “Friend Of Mine,” for the SMURFS Movie soundtrack. And there’s all this new music dropping seemingly every minute! With so much content being released,what’s your advice to music fans on how to navigate the constant stream of new music releases and discover artists they truly love?
Dr. anya Sharma: It’s definitely overwhelming! My advice is to be intentional about your music discovery. Curated playlists on streaming services are a great starting point. Explore different genres and subgenres, and don’t be afraid to stray from your usual listening habits. Pay attention to what your friends are listening to.Most importantly, support the artists you love by buying their music, attending their shows, and spreading the word!
Time.news: Dr. Sharma, this has been incredibly insightful. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us today!
Dr. Anya Sharma: My pleasure! Thanks for having me. And happy listening, everyone!
