Lady Gaga confirms the release of her seventh studio album, set for February 2025, during the Joker premiere event.
September 25, 2024, Lady Gaga made a bold appearance at the Joker: Folie à Deux premiere in London, where she stars alongside Joaquin Phoenix in the highly anticipated sequel. Gaga hit the red carpet in a striking red dress with oversized balloon shoulders, accompanied by her fiancé Michael Polansky. Her look was topped off with Tiffany & Co. jewelry, including the iconic Jean Schlumberger "Bird on a Rock" brooch featuring a 20-carat spessartine, and her makeup featured teal eyeshadow with a crystal teardrop for added drama.
Following the premiere, Gaga hosted a private listening party for her new album, Harlequin, which drops on September 27, 2024. The 13-track album is released under her label Lil Monsters LLC in collaboration with Interscope Records as a special nod to her loyal fanbase, known as "Little Monsters." It features both reimagined Joker soundtracks and original compositions created specifically for the film. The album signals a significant shift in Gaga's artistic direction.
The Harlequin tracklist offers a range of moods and styles, combining classics like "Get Happy (2024)" and "That’s Life" with original tracks like "The Joker" and "Folie à Deux." The album also includes the exclusive track "Happy Mistake," which is only available on this release. With over 40 minutes of music, Harlequin delivers a dark, immersive listening experience that complements the themes of the film.
At the listening party, Gaga, in her usual cheeky style, introduced the album by saying, “This is for all your uncomfortable dinner parties, this is for all your crazy times.” True to her commitment to live in the moment, she urged guests to put away their phones, encouraging them to fully dive into the music and "have a f*ing good time," rather than worry about documenting the event.
Additionally, in an interview with AP Entertainment, Gaga dropped a major announcement: her highly anticipated seventh studio album (LG7) will be released in February 2025. Although details are still under wraps, Gaga has hinted that the album, rumored to feature a collaboration with renowned producer Cirkut (known for his work with The Weeknd and Katy Perry), will be a departure from her past work. Describing it as "completely different," she’s building anticipation for a bold new sound, with the first single expected to drop in October 2024.
With Harlequin set for release and Joker: Folie à Deux hitting theaters on October 4, 2024, Gaga is diving into new creative territory, merging her music and film work in a way that continues to push boundaries. Fans are eagerly awaiting both her new album and her portrayal of Harley Quinn.
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Lady Gaga ushers in her Harlequin era with the announcement of her LG7 album, fully moving on from Chromatica.
you feel like Lady Gaga's name has been all over your feed today, you're not mistaken. The pop icon packed a lot into one day, kicking off the start of a bold new era in her career.
It all began with the release of a teaser visualizer for Harlequin, her highly anticipated companion album to Joker: Folie à Deux. The teaser, produced in collaboration with the Louvre, saw the museum temporarily changing its profile picture to a Harley Quinn-inspired Mona Lisa. If you missed it, you can check it out here.
Later in the day, Lady Gaga, accompanied by her fiancé Michael Polansky, who is also credited as an executive producer on Harlequin, hit the red carpet at the Joker London premiere. Gaga turned heads in her dramatic style, but that wasn't the only spotlight moment. Following the premiere, she hosted an exclusive listening party for Harlequin, giving fans an immersive preview of the 13-track album, which features reimagined soundtracks and original songs for the film. She playfully described it as music “for all your uncomfortable dinner parties and crazy times.”
But perhaps the most exciting news for Little Monsters came when Gaga confirmed her seventh studio album is set to release in February 2025. While details are still under wraps, Gaga promised a single would arrive in the near future, signaling a new direction for her music.
Gaga signaled her transition into the Harley Quinn era by updating her social media profiles, removing all references to her Chromatica Ball tour and her beauty brand, Haus Labs. This marks the official end of her Chromatica phase, as she moves away from the bright, futuristic visuals and sounds. Now, Gaga is fully embracing the darker, chaotic world of Harley Quinn, reflecting the more immersive and theatrical direction expected in her upcoming projects, starting with the release of Harlequin and her seventh studio album in February.
Lady Gaga channels Harley Quinn in a bold Louvre-set teaser, drawing a Joker smile on the Mona Lisa to promote her upcoming Harlequin album.
ady Gaga has ignited widespread excitement with her latest promotional video, where she takes on the role of Harley Quinn to promote her upcoming album Harlequin, a companion to Joker: Folie à Deux. In a visually striking scene shot at the Louvre Museum, Gaga, wearing a red wig, is seen wandering through the museum’s empty galleries at night. She passes iconic works of art like Winged Victory of Samothrace, The Wedding at Cana, and Portrait d'homme, before stopping in front of the famed Mona Lisa.
In a dramatic moment, Gaga pulls out bright red lipstick and draws the Joker’s infamous grin on the protective glass covering the Mona Lisa. This scene mirrors Harley Quinn's chaotic spirit and symbolizes her deep connection to the Joker. The Louvre assured that the artwork was unharmed during filming, and additional protective measures were taken. The video also ties into the museum's upcoming exhibition Figures of the Fool, aligning with the rebellious themes explored in Joker: Folie à Deux.
As part of this collaboration, the Louvre took its marketing a step further by updating its social media profile picture to feature the Mona Lisa with the Joker-inspired red lipstick smile.
The album, set to release on September 27, 2024, includes 13 tracks such as "Good Morning," "Get Happy (2024)," and "Smile." The track "The Joker," which is previewed in the Louvre video, enhances the album's role as a companion to the film, merging Gaga's cinematic and musical worlds. Fans can also anticipate Lady Gaga’s appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on October 1, where she is expected to discuss the album and her role in Joker: Folie à Deux, which debuts in theaters on October 4.
Sabrina Carpenter’s viral hit "Nonsense" joins Spotify’s Billions Club as she kicks off her Short n' Sweet Tour, complete with surprise covers, comedic skits, and a potential farewell to her famous outro.
abrina Carpenter has officially joined one of music’s most elite clubs—Spotify’s Billions Club—with her viral hit "Nonsense." This achievement places her among an exclusive group of artists whose tracks have surpassed one billion streams on the platform. The Billions Club is a highly coveted marker of global success, signaling a song’s massive impact. With Spotify’s vast reach, joining this club signifies an artist’s transition from rising star to a major player in the pop music industry.
"Nonsense," originally released in 2022 on her album Emails I Can’t Send, became a fan favorite due to its cheeky, flirtatious lyrics and Carpenter's playful twist during live performances. The song gained immense traction on TikTok, where fans latched onto its catchy and often-modified outro, which Sabrina would famously change to reflect the city or occasion during her shows. This viral success helped "Nonsense" rack up streams across platforms, ultimately leading to its milestone achievement.
The announcement of "Nonsense" joining the Billions Club coincided with the launch of Sabrina Carpenter’s highly anticipated Short n' Sweet Tour, which kicked off in Columbus, Ohio, on September 23, 2024. The tour, supporting her sixth studio album of the same name, marks her first arena tour. Fans were treated to a setlist packed with hits like "Feather," "Fast Times," and "Because I Liked a Boy," alongside a fun interactive segment where Sabrina spun a bottle on stage to decide which surprise cover she would perform each night. For the opening night, the choice fell on ABBA's iconic "Mamma Mia."
The opening night also marked a significant shift in Carpenter’s live performances. During "Nonsense," instead of her usual improvised outro, she staged a humorous "technical glitch," where the screen behind her “cut out” and she disappeared from the stage, leading many to speculate that she may be retiring the beloved outro tradition.
Fans also enjoyed Carpenter’s comedic flair during a mock commercial break, featuring fake ads for sponsors like "The Sharpest Tool," with the tagline “trusted by Carpenters everywhere,” followed by "Oasis" ceiling fans, humorously advising to "maybe stay inside." These lighthearted skits perfectly complemented the excitement of her musical performances and reminded fans of Sabrina's ability to blend humor with artistry, making her live shows truly unique and engaging.
With her album Short n' Sweet gaining traction and her tour already off to a thrilling start, Sabrina Carpenter’s career continues its upward trajectory. The success of "Nonsense" and her inclusion in Spotify’s Billions Club further solidify her position as one of pop music’s brightest rising stars.
We'll be updating this list as new records are announced, so check back often! *Originally published on July 11, 2024.
his comprehensive calendar provides a snapshot of some of the most anticipated albums set for release in the coming months. Be sure to mark your calendars and stay tuned for updates as more albums are announced.
September 24:
September 27:
October 4:
October 11:
October 15:
October 18:
October 21:
October 25:
November 15:
Several artists have confirmed they are working on albums or have completed them, but there is no official release date yet:
July 12:
July 17:
July 19:
July 26:
August 2:
August 9:
August 16:
August 23:
August 30:
September 6:
September 13:
September 20:
Ava Max’s empowering anthem "Kings & Queens" joins Spotify's exclusive billion-stream club, standing alongside her hit "Sweet but Psycho."
va Max's "Kings & Queens" has become a significant milestone in her career, surpassing 1 billion streams on Spotify. This track, which was released as the lead single from her debut album Heaven & Hell (2020), represents her second song to reach this achievement, following "Sweet but Psycho," which now has over 1.7 billion streams.
"Kings & Queens" saw immediate success upon its release, debuting on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaking at No. 13 by November 2020. It also topped the Adult Top 40 and was certified Double Platinum by the RIAA in the United States for selling over 2 million units. Globally, the song received similar success, reaching No. 19 in the UK and topping airplay charts in countries like Poland and Israel. It was certified multi-platinum in numerous territories, including quadruple platinum in Canada and platinum in the UK and Australia.
The song’s performance on radio and digital platforms helped it maintain longevity on the charts, remaining a staple on Spotify playlists, further contributing to its eventual billion-stream milestone.
Beyond its commercial success, "Kings & Queens" became a modern anthem for empowerment, particularly resonating with feminist and LGBTQ+ movements. Billboard recognized the track as a key song during the 2020 Pride season, even calling it the "unofficial anthem" of the Pride parades that year, which were largely virtual due to the pandemic. The song was also listed in Billboard's “100 Best Songs of 2020” and its “30 Best Pop Songs of 2020,” noting its 1980s-inspired sound mixed with a contemporary pop flair. The track’s themes of empowerment were universally praised, especially for its strong and declarative lyrics promoting female strength.
The song played a pivotal role in Ava Max's recognition across the music industry. Although "Kings & Queens" did not directly win major awards, it helped Ava Max secure nominations and accolades at significant industry events. At the iHeartRadio Music Awards, she was nominated for Best Female Artist, and the track contributed to her winning accolades such as the Attitude Breakthrough Award and recognition at the LOS40 Music Awards. Moreover, her debut album, anchored by "Kings & Queens," received wide attention, including nominations for prestigious European music awards like the MTV Europe Music Awards.
The music video for "Kings & Queens", directed by Isaac Rentz, gained over 410 million views on YouTube since it's release in March 2020. The visually stunning video portrays Ava Max as a regal figure in a heavenly throne room, surrounded by dancers in an Amazonian queen aesthetic, inspired by Game of Thrones. The use of electric axes and opulent settings further underscored the themes of power and celebration of women’s leadership and independence. This video played a significant role in cementing the song’s image as an empowerment anthem.
"Kings & Queens" also made waves globally, especially in Europe and parts of Latin America, where its airplay was strong. Its placement in several commercials and television spots helped broaden its cultural footprint. The song's upbeat melody, combined with its message of equality, allowed it to transcend pop and become a statement of confidence and self-worth in various social contexts.
The Weeknd makes history with 18 billion-stream hits, including the record-breaking "Blinding Lights," as he gears up for a new era with Hurry Up Tomorrow.
he Weeknd has once again made history, becoming the first artist in Spotify’s history to have 18 tracks each surpass the milestone of 1 billion streams.
The list a mix of chart-topping singles and fan favorites, span multiple albums and demonstrate The Weeknd's dominance across genres like R&B, pop, and electronic music:
The Weeknd’s catalog has consistently performed exceptionally well on streaming platforms. Among these hits, Blinding Lights stands out as The Weeknd's biggest success, amassing over 4 billion streams and becoming the longest-running song on Spotify's Top Songs Global chart with an impressive 1,760 days on the list. Its ‘80s-inspired synthpop vibe, combined with its massive radio and streaming success, helped the track dominate charts worldwide, spending an unprecedented 90 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. Other tracks like “Starboy” and “The Hills” have each crossed 2 billion streams, making them some of the most enduring hits in his discography.
While The Weeknd's catalog continues to break records, the artist is also gearing up for the next phase of his career with the upcoming album Hurry Up Tomorrow. His new single, “Dancing In The Flames,” dropped just weeks ago and already debuted at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100. The accompanying music video was shot entirely on the iPhone 16 Pro, part of Apple’s highly anticipated Glowtime event launch.
This latest release hints at a new artistic direction for The Weeknd as he continues to explore fresh sounds and innovative ways to engage with his audience. With the promise of more music and visual experiences on the way, 2024 looks set to be another landmark year for The Weeknd, whose influence continues to grow not just in the music world but also in technology and entertainment.
Nicki Nicole secures four Platinum certifications from the RIAA, highlighting her continued dominance in the Latin music scene.
icki Nicole, the rising star of Argentine urban music, has added several RIAA certifications to her name as of September 23, 2024. Her new certifications include the singles "Colocao," "Dispara ***" with Milo J, and "Qué Le Pasa Conmigo?" with Rels B—all of which have reached Platinum status. Additionally, her collaboration with Young Mico on the track "8 AM" has now been upgraded to 2x Platinum.
"Colocao"
Released in May 2020, "Colocao" quickly became a defining hit for Nicki Nicole, showcasing her versatility and blending elements of Latin trap and pop. The track's success was apparent across multiple charts, peaking at #6 on the Argentina Hot 100 and #48 in Spain. Its YouTube video, released during the pandemic, has garnered over 177 million views, reflecting its widespread popularity. On streaming platforms, "Colocao" has accumulated millions of plays, with Spotify listing over 29 million streams across various regions.
"Dispara ***" feat. Milo J
The track "Dispara ***," which also achieved Platinum status, is a collaboration between Nicki Nicole and Milo J, another prominent Argentine artist. Both artists have made a significant mark in the Latin urban scene, with Milo J known for his unique blend of rap and melodic hooks. The song's certification is a testament to its growing influence, particularly in Spanish-speaking markets.
"Qué Le Pasa Conmigo?" feat. Rels B
This collaboration with Spanish rapper Rels B also earned Platinum certification, further highlighting Nicki Nicole's ability to cross borders and appeal to diverse audiences. The song has performed well on both streaming platforms and regional charts, with its catchy melody and introspective lyrics resonating with fans across Latin America and Spain.
"8 AM" feat. Young Mico
"8 AM" has now been certified 2x Platinum, marking a significant achievement for Nicki Nicole and her collaborator Young Mico. The track's upbeat energy and reflective lyrics made it a standout hit, showcasing Nicki Nicole's growing influence in the Latin music world. Young Mico’s involvement has also propelled the song's reach, with both artists’ fanbases contributing to its streaming success.
Anderson .Paak’s breakout hit from Malibu reaches a major milestone, celebrating its Platinum status after captivating fans for nearly a decade.
nderson .Paak's Come Down, released on January 10, 2016, as part of his critically acclaimed album Malibu, was certified Platinum by the RIAA. The single, known for its infectious funk groove and high-energy delivery, became a standout track in Paak’s discography, further establishing his unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, and funk. The certification recognizes over 1 million units sold or equivalent streams in the U.S., demonstrating the song’s enduring popularity over the years.
"Come Down" was produced by Hi-Tek, a producer known for his work blending hip-hop with soul and jazz elements. The track's success was bolstered by its prominent bassline and powerful, rhythmic vocals, making it a crowd favorite during live performances.
In its lyrics, Paak reflects on personal struggles while maintaining an air of celebration, turning adversity into energy that fuels the track’s danceable rhythm.
The music video, released later in 2016, has accumulated over 26 million views on YouTube, enhancing the song's visual appeal. Directed with a party-like atmosphere in mind, Paak takes inspiration from Ernie Barnes' iconic Sugar Shack painting, translating its vibrant depiction of African American life into the video's energetic setting.
"Come Down" also found broader success through its use in commercials and TV placements, such as a 2017 Google Pixel ad, which helped introduce the track to wider audiences. Paak’s live performances, including at the 2016 BET Awards and NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, played a significant role in the track’s popularity, making it a pivotal moment in his career.
Paak’s background is rooted in his eclectic upbringing and musical influences. Born Brandon Paak Anderson in Oxnard, California, he broke into the industry with a series of projects before gaining widespread recognition with Venice (2014) and Malibu (2016). His fusion of genres—soul, funk, hip-hop, and R&B—was influenced by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Prince, and Dr. Dre, the latter of whom mentored him after featuring Paak on his Compton album. Since then, Anderson .Paak has continued to evolve as a musician and performer, culminating in various collaborations, including his Grammy-winning project with Bruno Mars as part of Silk Sonic
Kylie Minogue reveals her Tension Tour 2025 with dates across Australia, Asia, and the UK, starting in February.
ylie Minogue has officially unveiled her Tension Tour 2025, which promises to be her biggest tour since 2011, covering key cities in Australia, Asia, and the UK, with more dates expected to be announced soon. This tour follows the release of her 17th studio album Tension II and is set to kick off in Australia on February 15, 2025, with UK performances in May. The Tension Tour coincides with the release of the album’s lead single "Lights Camera Action," dropping on September 27, 2024.
Fans attending the tour can expect not only her latest tracks from Tension II but also an array of hits from her iconic catalog. VIP packages will offer exclusive perks, including pre-show events, early entry for merchandise shopping, and commemorative items, giving fans a premium experience.
Australia:
Asia:
UK:
With additional dates for Europe, North America, and South America expected to be revealed in the coming weeks, this tour will be a global celebration of Kylie’s music career.
Tickets for the UK dates go on general sale on September 27, 2024, aligning with the release of her new single.
Lights, Camera, Action, Lovers—Tension II is coming October 18.
ylie Minogue has officially announced her 17th studio album, Tension II, set for release on October 18, 2024. Following the success of her 2023 album Tension, the upcoming album introduces nine new tracks, with the lead single, “Lights Camera Action,” arriving on September 27, 2024. Kylie excitedly shared on social media: “LOVERS …. TENSION II … The sequel with NINE new tracks will be yours on October 18th!”
Tension II Tracklist:
In addition to the album, Kylie has announced a 2025 world tour, kicking off in Australia before reaching the UK and beyond. Fans can pre-save “Lights Camera Action” and pre-order Tension II via her official website. Tickets for the Tension Tour will be available starting September 27, coinciding with the single's release.
Kylie’s global Tension Tour will include major stops across Asia, Europe, North and South America, with UK dates confirmed for May 2025. Fans will get a chance to experience both her new music and beloved hits, with performances that promise to continue the exhilarating energy of the Tension era.
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