USHER has to be on cloud nine right about now. The legendary R&B singer put on the performance of a lifetime at Super Bowl LVIII this past weekend in Las Vegas. He was not alone during the show, as Ludacris, Lil’ Jon, Alicia Keys, and more, assisted him. It made it all more special and this one will be remembered for a long time. USHER also put a ring on his longtime girlfriend, Jennifer Goicoechea, not too long after the big game. But, the wins just keep on coming for the multi-talent. Just yesterday, USHER had to catch a flight back to Atlanta, Georgia, to receive some pretty remarkable awards.
Atlanta is one of the many places that he has roots in, but this is where USHER got his career off the floor. So, it was only right that the city recognized him for the Phoenix Award. According to WSB-TV 2 Atlanta, it is a prestigious honor that recognizes an individual or group for their outstanding service to the city. USHER gave an impassioned speech to the crowd, giving props to the city for helping him find his way in life.
“Atlanta is a city of belief. Atlanta is a city that allowed me to be that Phoenix to rise. It is a city that has allowed me to have the tenacity to go out and share this culture that I found when I was here.” On top of that, the Black Entertainment and Music Walk of Fame unveiled his spot three years after he was a part of the inaugural class. Mayor Andre Dickens, who was in attendance, thanked USHER for representing Atlanta with pride at the Super Bowl. “The whole world got to see that Usher brought the world to the A.” The final cherry on top was that Fulton County decided to name February 14 “Usher Day.” The man is back everybody.
What are your thoughts on USHER getting his flowers from the city of Atlanta? Do you think he should have received the Phoenix Award sooner? Was his Super Bowl performance a top 10 Halftime Show of all time? Is COMING HOME one of his best albums ever, why or why not? What songs have you added to your rotation? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to tell us in the comments below. Additionally, keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding USHER. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the world of music.
Victoria Monet secured a win in the Best R&B Album category at the 2024 Grammy Awards on Sunday night with her project, Jaguar II. In doing so, she beat out Babyface (Girls Night Out), Summer Walker (Clear 2: Soft Life EP), Emily King (Special Occasion), and Coco Jones (What I Didn’t Tell You (Deluxe)).
Despite being active in the industry for over a decade, Jaguar II marked Monet’s debut studio album. She’s been nominated for three Grammys prior to 2024 for work she contributed to songs by Ariana Grande as well as Chloe and Halle Bailey.
Los Angeles, CA – February 04: (L-R) John Gaines, Victoria Monét and Hazel Monét arrives on the Red Carpet at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Among those to praise Monet on social media in response to the win was her frequent collaborator, Ariana Grande. ‘I am so deeply proud of you and happy for you there are no words,” Grande wrote on Instagram. “You have worked so hard and given so much of yourself to this industry for so, so long while quietly being in your absolute own league. We’ve talked about this happening since the day we met and over many tour bus sleepovers. It is the greatest joy to see the goodness you have poured into others, into your collaborators (I am so incredibly lucky to be one of them) over the years pouring right back into you. Happy does not begin to cover it. This is your motherf*ckin MOMENT!!!!!” Check out Monet’s response below.
Victoria Monet Reacts To Ariana Grande Praise On The Red Carpet
Elsewhere during the ceremony, Lil Durk, Killer Mike, J. Cole, and more artists took home awards. Be on the lookout for further updates on Victoria Monet as well as the rest of the 2024 Grammy Awards on HotNewHipHop.
The Grammy for Best Music Video was first awarded to Duran Duran in 1984. Since then, several artists across different genres have won the prestigious award. However, throughout its history, only seven artists have won in this category twice. At the 2024 Grammys, Kendrick Lamar’s impressive acting in his “Count Me Out” video has the chance of making him the first artist in history to win this award three times.
Additionally, there are three first-time nominees and one previous winner in this category. With all five nominations being excellent music videos, this is pretty much anybody’s game. The competition is stiff, but it’s been a good year for music videos, and each nominee certainly deserves recognition in this category.
“I’m Only Sleeping” – The Beatles
Music enthusiasts the world over know who The Beatles are. The legendary group needs no introduction, and neither are they foreigners to the Grammy stage. One of the most iconic bands of all time, The Beatles have released music since 1962. Even though they disbanded in 1970, their musical legacy remains very much alive. Their discography contains many live and studio albums, EPs, mash-up albums, and singles. They are veterans of their craft and are largely respected in the music industry.
Among their many awards and accolades, The Beatles have won seven Grammys out of 23 nominations. One of the seven was the Best Music Video award for “Free as a Bird” in 1997. “I’m Only Sleeping” was initially released as a part of the group’s 1966 album, Revolver. However, a music video was not shared until November 2022, 56 years later. Created and directed by Em Cooper, the music video is an oil-painted masterpiece. With each frame individually painted by Cooper, it took many months to complete. A win for “I’m Only Sleeping” in this category at the 2024 Grammys would secure the 24th statuette for The Beatles and the first for Em Cooper.
“In Your Love” – Tyler Childers
Tyler Childers has been performing since he was a teen in 2010. After releasing his debut single and two EPs between 2011 and 2014, he subsequently broke through with his sophomore album. Purgatory was released in 2017, and since then, the neotraditional country musician has been on a steady rise. Besides a hiatus in 2021, Childers released an album every year from 2019 until 2023. His most recent offering, Rustin’ in the Rain, contains the Grammy-nominated “In Your Love.”
While Childers was previously nominated in the Best Country Solo Performance category back in 2018, he unfortunately did not win. This year, however, he bagged five nominations, with three for “In Your Love.” The stirring music video for the heartfelt song tells the bittersweet story of two star-crossed lovers. It has received praise for representing the LGBTQIA+ community and was brilliant enough to earn a Grammy nomination for Best Music Video. If Childers wins this award at the 2024 Grammys, he will be a first-time winner in the category.
“What Was I Made For?” – Billie Eilish
Released as a part of the soundtrack album for the blockbuster live-action Barbie movie, “What Was I Made For?” has become a sleeper hit. It comes as no surprise, as Eilish has built a reputation for releasing smash hits over the last few years. While she had never been nominated in the Best Music Video category until now, Eilish is no Grammy rookie. In 2020, Eilish famously swept up four of the biggest awards of the night in the general category.
Subsequently, she has won two more awards and is looking to take home some more at the 2024 Grammys. The music video for “What Was I Made For?” is a simple yet profound offering. It tells a beautiful tale that perfectly ties into the story of the movie it was made for. If Eilish snags this award at the ceremony next year, it would be her first win in this category.
“Rush” – Troye Sivan
Troye Sivan first gained popularity on YouTube, posting videos in 2007. The Australian singer has come a very long way since then. After coming out as gay in a YouTube video in 2013, he has come to be regarded as an icon in some circles in the queer community. Three albums and several tours into his career as a musical artist, Sivan has finally received his first Grammy nominations. “Rush,” the lead single from his third album, Something to Give Each Other, was released on July 13, 2023.
Concurrently, the music video dropped on YouTube and has amassed over 21 million views. The video, one of Sivan’s best yet, is an unabashed celebration of queerness and queer culture. A Best Music Video win for Sivan at the 2024 Grammys would be his first in the category and his first ever. He is also nominated in the Best Pop Dance Recording category, so he could potentially win two Grammys on that night.
Kendrick Lamar has been described as a generational talent, and we couldn’t agree more. The rapper has released classic after classic for years, and his discography is one of the most excellent in modern Hip Hop. His latest album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, was released in 2022 to widespread critical acclaim. “Count Me Out” appears on the second half of the album, and its music video was released on December 22, 2022.
Lamar has won several much-deserved Grammys throughout his career. Among them are two Best Music Video awards for “Bad Blood”(with Taylor Swift in 2016) and “Humble”(2018). A third win in the category for the rapper would be unprecedented, making him the most awarded artist in the category. The music video for “Count Me Out” is brilliant, so if it does win, it would be deserved. However, the same can be said for every other nominated music video. We’ll let the Recording Academy decide and find out on February 4, 2024.
The music industry in Canada is nowhere near as big as what America has grown. Still, they’ve still discovered an undeniably impressive roster of artists. Over the years, names like Drake, Justin Bieber, and Avril Lavigne have all made waves in their respective genres, reminding the rest of the world that the True North isn’t short on vocal talent. Americans have already tuned into the annual Grammy Awards. On Monday (March 13), their neighbours had the Junos, which celebrate the best of the best in Canadian music.
This year’s ceremony was hosted by Barbie actor Simu Liu in Edmonton, Alberta. Several recording artists came out to perform, including Nickleback, TOBi, and Jessie Reyez. The “Photograph” hitmakers earned an induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Elsewhere, The Weeknd came out on top in terms of trophies last night. He earned an impressive five awards, for Best Artist, Pop Album, Album, Songwriter, and Single.
2023 Juno Awards
Host Simu Liu speaks during the 2023 JUNO Awards at Rogers Place on March 13, 2023, in Edmonton, Canada. (Photo by Dale MacMillan/Getty Images)
Elsewhere at the annual award show, Lavigne was rudely interrupted while introducing another performer, AP Dhillon. While she was speaking to the audience, a topless streaker managed to sneak on stage, proudly parading around with nothing more than pasties covering her nipples. While the “Girlfriend” hitmaker initially didn’t see (or ignored) the intruder, when security failed to intervene after several seconds, she took matters into her own hands.
“Get the f*ck off,” the punk princess demanded before reaching out to swat at the anonymous woman’s chest. “Get the f*ck off, bitch,” Lavigne said again, adding an extra swear for more emphasis. As Page Six notes, the protestor’s back had a message reading “SAVE THE GREEN BELT,” making reference to the Ontario government’s recent decision to sell land to developers. While her message isn’t a bad one, her timing and delivery are nothing short of inappropriate, as many Twitter users are pointing out.
Avril Lavigne Takes Care of Business
A topless woman interrupted Avril Lavigne onstage at The JUNO Awards:
“This was so disrespectful and random at the same time,” one person posted after catching the now-viral clip. In a helpful explanation, another user weighed in with, “So for those that don’t live in Canada or Ontario, Doug Ford the premier wants to sell hectares of green belt (nature) land to developers. This woman was protesting against that. A great message – but she should have picked a different way and location to do it.” See more Twitter reactions to Avril Lavigne’s unexpected guest at the Juno Awards below, and check back later for more pop culture news.
So for those that don’t live in Canada or Ontario, Doug Ford the premier wants to sell hectares of green belt (nature) land to developers – this woman was protesting against that. A great message – but she should have picked a different way & location to do it, maybe one where… https://t.co/4USZLf10fN
Avril flickin a streaker’s tit live at the Juno’s is SENDING ME wow invite me next time I didn’t know the show was gonna POP OFFFFF@AvrilLavigne I love you more than ever pic.twitter.com/UkUyvE1g5j
Canadian security at the #junoawards was so impressive tonight. A topless idiot walks up on stage while Avril Lavigne is introducing an act and security dude meanders his way up eventually. Avril handled it like most Canadians would. All she needed was a beer. #Junos2023#Junospic.twitter.com/9HrknevMFq
— Mark (Bundy) Kennedy (@MarkKennedyQW) March 14, 2023
Another year, another award season, and this time, the Oscars are commanding attention. Today, the nominations for the 2023 Academy Awards were announced, and while some are celebrating, others are questioning why several notable features and actors didn’t receive nods.
It’s expected that with nominations such as these, someone, somewhere, will be disappointed. However, when it was shown that Jordan Peele’s Nope, The Woman King starring Viola Davis, and even Tom Cruise for his Top Gun portrayal were snubbed, fans demanded answers.
The 2023 Oscars gotta have some of the most disappointing snubs I’ve seen in a long time pic.twitter.com/PIYZRUsTO1
Top Gun was a frontrunner and earned a nod for Best Picture. However, it didn’t receive inclusion for Best Actor or Best Director. It was expected to be added to those categories, as well as those highlighting cinematography.
Peele’s features have swept the box office one after another, but Nope didn’t grab the Academy’s attention. Neither did The Woman King, as the praised film also didn’t earn any nominations. Additionally, Wakanda Forever‘s Angela Bassett received a look for Best Supporting Actress, and Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” is up for Best Original Song. Some believed the film’s director, Ryan Coogler, should have also been nominated.
Additionally, this year no women directors were selected, but neither was James Cameron for the latest Avatar film.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JULY 18: (L-R) Steven Yeun, Daniel Kaluuya, Jordan Peele, Keke Palmer, and Brandon Perea attend the world premiere of Universal Pictures’ “NOPE” at TCL Chinese Theatre on July 18, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic)
Further, Rihanna and Lady Gaga have been nominated for Best Original Song (“Lift Me Up” and “Hold My Hand,” respectively). Their fanbases are exciting, but Taylor Swift’s exclusion for her Where the Crawdads Sing track “Carolina” has caused a firestorm.
Other snubs include Margot Robbie, Elvis director Baz Luhrmann, and Till, the controversial film about the murder of Emmett Till.
Did your picks make the cut? Check out a few reactions below.
Despite all of the valid historical/cultural critiques of The Woman King and its reframing of a very complex history, for the blockbuster spectacle of a film that it was, the talent in it, and audiences and critics’ responses to it, the Oscar snub is kind of egregious https://t.co/WtKSt8GUSQ
Not surprised Elvis, Top Gun and Avatar all campaigned their way to get #BestPicture noms but still really exhausting and disappointing much more deserving films were shut out because of it…major #Oscars snub for @RRRMoviepic.twitter.com/hOgr74emlJ
My reaction to the Oscar noms: Not a ton of surprises, absolutely wild to not have a single woman nominated in the directing category when Sarah Polley and Charlotte Wells turned out two of the best films of the year and Viola Davis and Danielle Deadwyler are big snubs
(@sperofthemoment) 
(@MarkKennedyQW) 
but still really exhausting and disappointing much more deserving films were shut out because of it…major 
(@carorose93)