Daily Music Headlines

Red Hot Chili Peppers sold their recorded catalog (13 albums) to Warner Music Group for $300M+ as part of a $650M deal with Bain Capital, underscoring continued high value of legacy catalogs.WNBA star Caitlin Clark joined Morgan Wallen’s Indianapolis concert walkout on May 10, continuing his celebrity intro tradition on the Still the Problem Tour.Noah Kahan’s “The Great Divide” holds No. 1 for a second week (163K units). Kacey Musgraves debuts at No. 3; Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and “Number Ones” return to the top 10 amid biopic buzz.Greta Van Fleet denied breakup rumors by teasing new song “Play Your Games,” easing fan concerns after cryptic online clues.Charli XCX released vinyl/Instagram-only B-side “I Keep On Thinking Bout You Every Single Day and Night,” a softer companion to “Rock Music,” with a Kyoto-shot video.Toronto’s Aga Khan Museum launches Hammered festival (May 16–17), celebrating hammered dulcimer traditions worldwide with performances and talks led by Amir Amiri.Bastl unveiled a kalimba-style synthesizer combining physical modeling and FM synthesis, with touch-sensitive tines, built-in effects, and a looper.Altadena Music Theatre hosts May 24 benefit concert featuring Stephen Schwartz, Katharine McPhee, and Joey McIntyre to rebuild after fire damage.Dua Lipa filed a $15M lawsuit against Samsung, alleging unauthorized use of her likeness on TV packaging and false endorsement.The Beatles will get their first official museum/fan experience in 2027 at London’s 3 Savile Row, site of their 1969 rooftop concert.Top 5 Singles:#5 Ella Langley – “Be Her”#4 Olivia Rodrigo – “Drop Dead”#3 Olivia Dean – “Man I Need”#2 Bruno Mars – “I Just Might”#1 Ella Langley – “Choosin Texas”Join the Daily Music Headlines Discord: http://tiny.cc/dmhdiscord

The 2026 American Music Awards added KATSEYE and SOMBR to this year’s performer lineup, joining Hootie & the Blowfish, Keith Urban, Maluma, Riley Green, Teddy Swims, and Twenty One Pilots when the show airs live on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25.variety.comMiley Cyrus will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, May 22, marking another major milestone in her career and tying neatly into her recent Something Beautiful era and “Walk of Fame” visual.billboard.comShakira teased “Dai Dai,” her upcoming collaboration with Burna Boy tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding to her long history with the tournament after “Waka Waka” and “La La La.”billboard.comYe testified in federal court during a copyright trial over early demo versions of his Donda songs “Hurricane” and “Moon,” saying his team followed the normal sample-clearance process and that people often try to take advantage of him financially because of his fame.music-news.comNo Doubt launched their Sphere residency in Las Vegas, with Gwen Stefani becoming the first woman to headline the venue as the band paired its biggest hits with immersive visuals built for the massive wraparound screen.music-news.comHayley Williams announced a fall 2026 tour across North and Latin America in support of her latest solo music, marking a return to headlining shows outside Paramore.variety.comParamount Pictures and Warner Music Group signed a multi-year first-look deal for theatrical films based on Warner Music artists and songwriters, though no specific biopic projects have been announced yet.variety.comNew Releases:“Una a la Vez” - J Balvin and Ryan Castromusic.apple.com“Rock Music” - Charli xcxmusic.apple.com“Boots” - Russell Dickerson feat. Fetty Wapmusic.apple.com“In the Stars” - The Rolling Stonesmusic.apple.com“Happy Now” - Lykke Limusic.apple.com

Drake Announces Final Iceman LivestreamDrake will livestream “Iceman Episode 4” on May 14, one day before the release of his upcoming album Iceman. The livestream series has been a major part of the rollout, previewing new music and cinematic visuals tied to the album’s icy theme. billboard.comThe Chemical Brothers Get Apex Streaming BoostThe Chemical Brothers’ 2015 song “Go” has surged after being featured in the Netflix thriller Apex, with Billboard reporting a 429% jump in streams following the film’s release. billboard.comBTS Meets Mexico’s PresidentBTS met with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at the National Palace in Mexico City ahead of their sold-out concerts at Estadio GNP Seguros. Sheinbaum praised the group’s messages of friendship, peace, and love, calling their return to Mexico “a historic moment.” koreatimes.co.krMichael Biopic Passes $420 MillionThe Michael Jackson biopic Michael has grossed more than $420 million worldwide in under two weeks, making it one of the highest-grossing music biopics ever and putting it within reach of Bohemian Rhapsody’s record. digitalmusicnews.comAustin City Limits Reveals 2026 LineupAustin City Limits Music Festival announced its 2026 lineup, led by Charli XCX, Lorde, Twenty One Pilots, RÜFÜS DU SOL, The xx, Skrillex, and Kings of Leon. The 25th anniversary festival takes place Oct. 2-4 and Oct. 9-11 at Zilker Park. usatoday.comShakira’s Rio Concert Boosts Local EconomyShakira’s free Copacabana Beach concert in Rio de Janeiro drew roughly two million fans and generated an estimated $160 million for the local economy, according to city officials. music-news.com

Keityn took Songwriter of the Year for the third time at the 2026 ASCAP Latin Music Awards, while Romeo Santos earned Songwriter-Artist of the Year. Daddy Yankee extended his record as the most awarded Latin ASCAP songwriter with two more wins.Linda Perry will receive the international songwriter prize at the Ivor Novello Awards on May 21, honoring her work with 4 Non Blondes and hits for Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, and P!nk.The Rolling Stones previewed their new album “Foreign Tongues” at a Brooklyn event with Conan O’Brien. The July 10 release features collaborators including Paul McCartney and Robert Smith.Ella Langley holds the top three spots on Hot Country Songs with “Choosin’ Texas,” “Be Her,” and “I Can’t Love You Anymore” (with Morgan Wallen), becoming the second woman after Beyoncé to do so. Her album “Dandelion” logs a third week at No. 1.Tori Kelly announced her sixth album “God Must Really Love Me,” due June 12, inspired by motherhood and featuring collaborators including DIXSON and Nija Charles.Avery Anna won New Female Artist of the Year at the ACM Awards, marking her first major industry honor.Jello Biafra is recovering well after a hemorrhagic stroke in March, regaining most speech and cognition.A coalition of 81 French cultural organizations is pushing for passage of the Darcos bill, which would require AI firms to prove they didn’t use copyrighted material in training, shifting the burden of proof in IP disputes.Cyma Forma introduced RND, a €125 one-button digital synth that generates randomized musical ideas; shipping begins in June.Van Halen will be the subject of a limited-edition book by Alex Van Halen via Genesis Publications, covering the band’s early years through “1984.”Top riffs played in Guitar Center stores (per MusicRadar):“Master of Puppets” – Metallica“Sweet Child O’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses“Seven Nation Army” – The White Stripes“Smells Like Teen Spirit” – Nirvana“Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” – John MayerJoin the Daily Music Headlines Discord: http://tiny.cc/dmhdiscordFor Hammond Chamberlain, working behind the scenes, this is Brian Ibbott.Thanks again for listening.

Britney Spears pleads guilty to misdemeanor DUI, avoids jail; gets 12 months probation and DUI class after March arrest in Ventura County.Richie Sambora’s stolen 1976 Gibson Explorer resurfaces in a Paris vintage shop after 40+ years; will be played at Unbridled Eve Derby Gala.ABKCO settles lawsuit with Behr Paint over unlicensed use of The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It, Black” in an Instagram ad; terms undisclosed, licensing costs highlighted.Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion adds 25 artists to 2026 lineup including Old Crow Medicine Show and Sierra Ferrell; festival runs Sept. 11–13.Dolly Parton cancels Las Vegas shows due to ongoing health issues; treatment progressing but not ready to perform.Greta Van Fleet sparks breakup rumors with cryptic “Thanks for the wild ride” post; fans also speculate new music teaser.The Pussycat Dolls cancel North American reunion tour over low ticket sales; international dates continue, L.A. Pride appearance remains.AI startup Udio admits scraping YouTube audio for model training; Sony Music lawsuit ongoing despite some settlements.Gabriela Lena Frank wins Pulitzer Prize for “Picaflor: A Future Myth,” a 10-movement work inspired by Incan mythology and environmental themes.Miranda Lambert announces new single “Crisco” out May 15, blending country and disco with a nod to Loretta Lynn.Top 5 Albums:5. BTS – Arirang4. Kehlani – Kehlani3. Morgan Wallen – I’m the Problem2. Ella Langley – Dandelion1,Noah Kahan – The Great DivideJoin the Daily Music Headlines Discord: http://tiny.cc/dmhdiscordFor Hammond Chamberlain, working behind the scenes, this is Brian Ibbott. Thanks again for listening. 

Noah Kahan’s The Great Divide debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 389K units, the biggest week for a rock album since 2014, plus 2026’s top streaming week and a modern-era vinyl record. Kehlani’s Kehlani opens at No. 4, while Thriller returns to No. 7 following the new biopic.ARIA announces 2026 Hall of Fame inductees: Gurrumul, Jenny Morris, Kate Ceberano, Spiderbait, The Living End, and Vika & Linda. Ceremony set for June 11 in Sydney during ARIA’s 40th anniversary.Charli XCX says she is not making a rock album despite teasing “Rock Music.” The upcoming project will explore her relationship with art.Jason Newsted is cancer-free after throat cancer treatment, crediting lifestyle changes. He’ll tour the U.S. with the Chophouse Band this summer.Offset and Quavo were seen in the studio, fueling Migos reunion rumors after tributes to Takeoff.Post Malone postponed his tour to finish a new album; Barry Manilow delayed his Vegas residency due to lung cancer treatment.Shakira drew an estimated 2 million fans at a free Copacabana Beach concert in Rio, with guests including Anitta and Caetano Veloso.Ghost won Best Hard Rock/Metal at the 2026 Swedish Grammis for Skeletá.Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Bring Your Love” topped Billboard’s new music poll with nearly 89% of the vote after their Coachella performance.Bluey: Up Here (The Orchestral Album) debuted at No. 3 on the Kid Albums chart (fourth chart entry), boosted by a Record Store Day vinyl. Vince Guaraldi also debuted at No. 4.Top Singles:5. Be Her - Ella Langley4. Man I need - Olivia Dean3. I Just Might - Bruno Mars2. Choosin Texas - Ella Langley1. Drop Dead - Olivia RodrigoThis episode was produced and edited by Hammond Chamberlain 

Olivia Rodrigo has announced her 65-date Unraveled Tour in support of her upcoming third album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, with dates beginning Sept. 25 in Hartford and running through North America, Europe, and the U.K. billboard.comFlavor Flav announced SHE Weekend, a four-day Las Vegas event from July 16-19 celebrating women’s sports and honoring U.S. female Olympians and Paralympians who medaled at the Milano Cortina Games. billboard.comBritney Spears has been formally charged with one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence after her March arrest in Ventura County, with prosecutors reportedly expected to offer a plea deal reducing it to a lesser “wet reckless” offense. music-news.comKeith Urban has announced Flow State, a yacht rock-inspired album featuring 10 covers, collaborations with John Mayer and Little Big Town, and one original song, “We Go Back,” with Michael McDonald. music-news.comJason Derulo testified in federal court over songwriting credits and royalties for “Savage Love (Laxed - Siren Beat),” denying producer and guitarist Matthew Spatola’s claim that he co-created key parts of the hit. billboard.comYouTube Music and YouTube Premium posted their largest quarterly increase in paid, non-trial subscribers since launching in 2018, according to Sundar Pichai’s comments during Alphabet’s Q1 2026 earnings call. digitalmusicnews.comNew Music Friday:“Bring Your Love” by Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter music.apple.com“Horses and Divorces” by Kacey Musgraves and Miranda Lambert music.apple.com“Cool Buzz” by Violet Grohl music.apple.com“Carry the Weight” by Halsey music.apple.com“Eurosummer (GirlsTrip)” by Zara Larsson and Shakira music.apple.com

The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum inducted 12 new members during its ninth annual ceremony at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, honoring artists and industry figures including Dolly Parton, Keith Urban, Michael McDonald, Leland Sklar, and the late Nicky Hopkins. Parton received the Industry Icon Award, producer John Boylan received the Producer Award, and the night featured tribute performances and an all-star concert hosted by Sam Palladio. billboard.comKacey Musgraves says her long-rumored feud with Miranda Lambert stemmed from Lambert recording “Mama’s Broken Heart,” a song Musgraves co-wrote and had once hoped to release herself. Musgraves says the tension ultimately pushed her to write “Merry Go Round,” and the feud has now been put to rest with the pair collaborating on a new duet, “Horses and Divorces,” for Musgraves’ album Middle of Nowhere. billboard.comShakira says her massive free concert on Copacabana Beach is dedicated to women who have had to rebuild their lives after hardship, drawing from her own experience navigating personal upheaval while raising her children and maintaining her career. She said her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran era is not about revenge or victimhood, but about resilience, dignity, and the strength of women, especially Latina and Brazilian mothers leading households on their own. music-news.comAriana Grande has announced her new album Petal, her first full-length project since Eternal Sunshine. She described it as a deeply personal record centered on growth, healing, and emotional transformation, with the album set for release on July 31. music-news.comTupac Shakur’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit seeking unspecified damages related to his 1996 murder, as renewed attention on the case continues following criminal charges against Duane “Keffe D” Davis. The family argues that additional parties may bear responsibility and is pursuing further accountability as the criminal case unfolds. nme.comHYBE reported record first-quarter revenue of $477 million, up 39.5% year-over-year, driven largely by renewed BTS activity following the group’s military-service hiatus. The company also saw strong growth in concerts, merchandise, and fan-platform revenue through Weverse, helping offset softer recorded-music performance from some other artists. musicbusinessworldwide.comGuitar World rounded up the greatest bass solos of all time, highlighting everything from heavy showcases to softer standouts like Paul Simon’s “You Can Call Me Al” and Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child o’ Mine.” The list ends with Metallica’s Cliff Burton and “(Anesthesia) Pulling Teeth,” with Robert Trujillo calling Burton “a fearless innovator” whose playing “changed the role of the bass forever.” guitarworld.com

TOMORROW X TOGETHER launched UNICEF campaign “TOGETHER FOR TOMORROW” focused on youth mental health, featuring outreach messaging and building on prior UN engagement and a $1.4M pledge from BIGHIT MUSIC.Luke Combs became the first artist with two solo songs simultaneously at No. 1 on both Billboard and Mediabase country charts (“Sleepless in a Hotel Room,” “Days Like These”), extending his streak to 21 career-opening No. 1s.A 21-year-old Austrian man pleaded guilty to plotting a 2024 attack on Taylor Swift’s Vienna Eras Tour show; he faces up to 20 years. The plan was stopped with U.S. intelligence support.119 arrests were made at Stagecoach Festival in Indio, CA, for offenses including underage drinking and drugs; high winds briefly forced evacuation.Charley Crockett surprise-released new album “Clovis,” produced with Shooter Jennings and recorded at Norman Petty Studio. Now independent, he debuted it on Spotify with wider rollout planned.Metallica announced a deluxe reissue of 1997’s “Reload,” featuring ~1,700 minutes of audio, unreleased material, and memorabilia. Out June 26; limited box set priced at $274.98.A London court ruled against heirs of Jimi Hendrix’s bandmates Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell, upholding a 1966 agreement that forfeited royalty claims and affirming estate ownership.Documentary “Papertown” premieres May 22 at MountainFilm Festival, covering a North Carolina mill closure; includes original song by Dave Matthews with Sierra Ferrell and Sara Watkins.Gogol Bordello’s Eugene Hutz announced memoir “Lost Innocent World,” out Dec. 8, detailing his journey from Ukrainian refugee to punk frontman.Korn released “Reward the Scars,” their first new song in four years, tied to Diablo IV expansion “Lord of Hatred,” with an animated video.Pollstar Mediabase Adult Contemporary Airplay Chart:Taylor SwiftAlex WarrenTeddy SwimsBruno MarsOlivia DeanJoin the Daily Music Headlines Discord: http://tiny.cc/dmhdiscord