Music

Dua Lipa Announces 2022 Tour Dates With Megan Thee Stallion And Caroline Polachek

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It was way back in 2019 that Dua Lipa first announced plans to tour in support of her album Future Nostalgia, but naturally, she hasn’t been able to yet. Now, though, it’s finally happening: Lipa shared new dates for her tour, which kicks off in North America in February. She’ll be joined by Megan Thee Stallion, Caroline Polachek, and Lolo Zouaï.

Lipa excitedly shared the news on social media today, writing, “it’s finally happening!!!! We kick off the FUTURE NOSTALGIA TOUR in the US. I’m so excited to see you guys there and i’m bringing the ultimate girl gang with me @theestallion @carolineplz @lolozouai.”

Find the full list of tour dates below.

02/09/2022 — Miami, FL @ FTX Arena # !
02/11/2022 — Orlando, FL @ Amway Center # !
02/12/2022 — Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena # !
02/14/2022 — Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena # !
02/16/2022 — Charlotte, NC @ Spectrum Center # !
02/18/2022 — Boston, MA @ TD Garden # !
02/19/2022 — Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center # !
02/22/2022 — Montreal, QC @ Centre Bell # !
02/23/2022 — Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena # !
02/25/2022 — Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena # !
02/26/2022 — Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center # !
03/01/2022 — New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden # !
03/02/2022 — Washington, DC @ Capital One Arena # !
03/04/2022 — Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center # !
03/05/2022 — Buffalo, NY @ KeyBank Center # !
03/08/2022 — Minneapolis, MN @ Target Center # !
03/09/2022 — Chicago, IL @ United Center # !
03/12/2022 — Houston, TX @ Toyota Center # !
03/13/2022 — Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center # !
03/15/2022 — Denver, CO @ Ball Arena * #
03/17/2022 — Tulsa, OK @ BOK Center * #
03/20/2022 — Phoenix, AZ @ Footprint Center * #
03/22/2022 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Forum # !
03/25/2022 — Las Vegas, NV @ T-Mobile Arena # !
03/27/2022 — San Jose, CA @ SAP Center # !
03/29/2022 — Portland, OR @ Moda Center # !
03/31/2022 — Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena # !
04/01/2022 — Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena # !

# with Caroline Polachek
! with Lolo Zouaï
* with Megan Thee Stallion

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

The Kid Laroi Follows The VMAs By Announcing A 2022 World Tour

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It was a big night for The Kid Laroi yesterday, as he joined Justin Bieber to open the VMAs. Well, he’s parlaying that into a significant morning, as he has announced the dates for his 2022 world tour, his first global trek. The shows kick off in North America in late January before heading to Europe in March and Australia in May.

He also reflected on his VMAs experience, tweeting, “Just opened the VMA’s. What the f*ck is life. I love you family. Thank you for everything. NONE of this sh*t would be possible without you. I’m forever in debt to you all. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to do what I love and support the people I love most around me. There’s no way I will ever be able to repay you.”

Check out the list of tour dates below.

01/29/2022 — Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Federal Theatre
02/01/2022 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Novo
02/03/2022 — San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
02/05/2022 — Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
02/07/2022 — Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex
02/08/2022 — Denver, CO @ The Mission Ballroom
02/10/2022 — Austin, TX @ Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater
02/11/2022 — Houston, TX @ Bayou Music Center
02/12/2022 — Dallas, TX @ The Bomb Factory
02/15/2022 — Kansas City, MO @ Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland
02/16/2022 — Minneapolis, MN @ Fillmore Minneapolis
02/17/2022 — Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles Ballroom
02/19/2022 — Chicago, IL @ Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
02/21/2022 — Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore Detroit
02/23/2022 — Toronto, ON @ HISTORY
02/24/2022 — Montreal, QC @ MTELUS
02/27/2022 — New York, NY @ Manhattan Center Hammerstein Ballroom
03/01/2022 — Boston, MA @ House of Blues Boston
03/02/2022 — Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore Philadelphia
03/04/2022 — Columbus, OH @ EXPRESS LIVE! Indoors
03/05/2022 — Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE Indoors
03/06/2022 — Washington, D.C. @ Echostage
03/08/2022 — Miami, FL @ The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater
03/09/2022 — Orlando, FL @ House of Blues Orlando
03/10/2022 — Atlanta, GA @ Coca-Cola Roxy
03/28/2022 — Copenhagen @ VEGA Main Hall
03/31/2022 — Oslo @ Sentrum Scene
04/02/2022 — Stockholm @ Fryshuset
04/04/2022 — Berlin @ Columbiahalle
04/05/2022 — Offenbach @ Stadthalle
04/06/2022 — Munich @ Muffathalle
04/08/2022 — Milan @ Fabrique
04/10/2022 — Zurich @ X-Tra
04/11/2022 — Cologne @ E-Werk
04/13/2022 — Esch-Sur-Alzette @ Rockhal Mainhall
04/14/2022 — Paris @ Elysee Montmartre
04/16/2022 — Amsterdam @ Melkweg Max
04/17/2022 — Tilburg @ Poppodium 013
04/18/2022 — Brussels @ La Madeleine
04/20/2022 — Manchester @ Victoria Warehouse
04/22/2022 — London @ O2 Academy Brixton
04/23/2022 — Birmingham @ O2 Academy
04/27/2022 — Glasgow @ Academy
04/28/2022 — Dublin @ Olympia
05/26/2022 — Sydney @ Qudos Bank Arena
05/30/2022 — Perth @ RAC Arena
06/01/2022 — Adelaide @ Entertainment Centre
06/03/2022 — Melbourne @ Rod Laver Arena
06/06/2022 — Brisbane @ Riverstage
06/10/2022 — Wellington @ TSB Arena
06/11/2022 — Auckland @ Spark Arena

Brooklyn Native Busta Rhymes Ripped His VMA Performance Of Classics From Across His Career

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With the MTV VMAs returning to Brooklyn for its first live audience show in two years, it was only right to allow a native to christen the evening with a live performance worthy of the occasion. Fortunately, Brooklyn is home to one of the greatest live performers popular music has to offer in the form of Busta Rhymes, who blessed the VMAs audience with a medley of many of his classics.

The medley included his hyperspeed verse from Chris Brown’s “Look At Me Now,” his breakout single “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See,” his star-making verse from A Tribe Called Quest’s “Scenario,” his scene-stealing verse from M.O.P.’s “Ante Up” remix, and his inescapable 2006 hit “Touch It.” Busta was joined, as per usual, by his ever-present hype man Spliff Starr and a fleet of backup dancers. But he never really needed any extras; his magnetic personality and incandescent stage presence have never dulled, even after 30 years in the rap game (does he even breathe during that “Look At Me Now” verse??).

Busta wasn’t the only legend to receive some stage time. Rock staples Foo Fighters received the VMA Global Icon Award, celebrating with a medley of their hits including “Shame Shame,” “Learn To Fly,” and, of course, “Everlong.”

Watch Busta Rhymes’ medley of hits above.

Normani Pays Homage To Janet Jackson With A Gleaming Performance Of ‘Wild Side’ At The 2021 MTV VMAs

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After spending the better part of two years out of the musical spotlight, Normani made her grand return earlier this year with the release of “Wild Side,” he collaboration with Cardi B. The track’s release certainly marked a new era in Normani’s career, one that will hopefully lead to the release of her long-awaited debut album. While a timeline for that project’s release is unknown at the moment, the singer continues to promote the new track with a gleaming performance at the 2021 MTV VMAs.

Normani showed off her dance moves while donning a metallic outfit, all without losing a step with her vocals with the performance. To close the performance, the singer did her own version of Janet Jackson’s iconic 2002 Live In Hawaii performance of “Would You Mind” with help from Teyana Taylor.

Earlier this year, during an interview with Rolling Stone, Normani revealed that she is “about halfway through the album” and added that she hoped to have a lead single for it out by the summer, which she achieved with the release of “Wild Side.” She also spoke about trying to be more open and authentic with her music.

“I want to be able to feel like I was represented in the most authentic way possible because I know what it feels like coming from a girl group and being told who to be,” she said. “[It’s] just overwhelming now to have the opportunity to be all that I want to be.” Normani added, “I want every girl out there to feel like I’m going through the same thing.”

You can watch the singer’s performance in the video above.

Cardi B is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Conor McGregor Reportedly Threw A Punch At Machine Gun Kelly On The VMA Red Carpet

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The MTV VMAs are known for publicity-grabbing stunts and culture-shaking viral moments but rarely do those moments take place on the red carpet before the show even gets started. This year, the red carpet was apparently the site of an altercation between MMA fighter Conor McGregor and rapper-turned-indie-rocker Machine Gun Kelly. TMZ reports that the fighter and singer got into some type of verbal argument — which some sources say started when MGK declined to take a photo with McGregor, pushing him away and spilling his drink — and escalated with McGregor lunging toward Kelly, throwing a punch that failed to connect, and being led away by security.

After the men were separated, they were apparently able to compose themselves admirably, as both were seen during the broadcast appearing relatively unruffled. McGregor even presented the Best Hip-Hop Moon Man to Travis Scott, while MGK prepared to perform backstage.

However, despite the dramatic goings-on outside, the actual show kept the dramatics to the performances, which included Justin Bieber and The Kid Laroi’s medley of “Stay” and “Ghost,” Kacey Musgraves‘ performance of “Star Crossed,” Lil Nas X bringing his “Industry Baby” video to life, Doja Cat defying gravity for “Been Like This” and “You Right,” Camila Cabello dancing her way through “Don’t Get Yet,” and Chloe Bailey throwing her assets and making the audience say “Have Mercy.”

You can follow along with the VMA winners here.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Chloe Bailey Makes Her Solo Debut At The 2021 MTV VMAs With An Exuberant Performance Of ‘Have Mercy’

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Chloe Bailey has officially taken the first steps upward in her solo career. The singer delivered her first single as a solo act this past weekend with the release of “Have Mercy.” The track, which is produced by Murda Beatz, came after Chloe spent the last few weeks teasing its release and it also arrived with a captivating video that finds the singer showcasing her singing and dancing talents. Just days after fans got a hold of “Have Mercy,” Chloe brings the song to the 2021 MTV VMAs for an exuberant performance.

The singer’s appearance at this year’s MTV VMAs is her first as a solo act, but it makes for the second overall in her career. Last year, as a part of her Chloe X Halle duo, she performed “Ungodly Hour” from their sophomore album of the same title. It was one of the many performances the duo delivered in 2020 of songs from that album.

Prior to the release of “Have Mercy,” Chloe gave fans an update on her upcoming album. “It’s 90% done,” she said during an interview with Billboard, adding that it’s “definitely more pop.” She added, “I’m creating my own lane, as well as paying homage to the ones who have inspired me,” she continued. “It has been fun finding my voice.”

You can watch the performance in the video above.

Lil Nas X Shook It Loose For His Vibrant VMA Performance Of ‘Industry Baby’ With Jack Harlow

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Not only did Lil Nas X’s MTV VMA performance receive a huge introduction from Billy Porter, but he also brought a marching band out to play the triumphant brass section of his hit song “Industry Baby.” Recreating part of the music video, the stage reproduced the “Montero Prison,” where Nas performed alongside pink-jumpsuit-clad dancers, flouncing through his cheeky choreography before being joined by a latex-covered Jack Harlow. After Harlow’s bridge, Nas hit more choreo modeled after the video’s infamous shower scene (he wore a pink Speedo for modesty’s sake), finishing out with a flourish of his other mega-hit “Montero (Call Me By Your Name).”

The timing of Nas’ VMAs appearance couldn’t be better. His debut album, Montero, is due for release in just six days. His performance caps a months-long rollout that included the releases of the controversial videos for “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” and “Industry Baby,” a pregnancy announcement complete with a maternity shoot, and a slew of attention-grabbing performances on shows such as the BET Awards and Saturday Night Live.

Nas’ performance also accompanies five nominations, including Video Of The Year, Best Direction, Video For Good, Best Visual Effects, and Best Art Direction for “Montero (Call Me By Your Name).” The video, which drew the ire of conservative commentators and old-school hip-hop heads, featured a fantasy setting in which Nas descended from paradise to a hellish underworld via stripper pole, where he offered a lapdance to a devilish ruler before killing and supplanting him on the throne.

Watch Lil Nas X’s VMA performance of “Industry Baby” with Jack Harlow above.

Jack Harlow is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Doja Cat Stuns With A Gravity-Defying VMA Performance Of ‘Been Like This’ And ‘You Right’

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In addition to her hosting duties for the 2021 MTV VMAs, Planet Her popstar Doja Cat also performed her song “Been Like This.” Suspended above the stage in the center of an LED halo, Doja defied gravity before dropping down to the Earth to perform “You Right” with elaborate choreography and string accompaniment from an orchestra surrounding her dance floor.

Doja’s hosting gig was announced after she was revealed as a performer, but it’s likely that she earned both with her appearance last year. In 2020, Doja performed her hits “Like That” and “Say So” with a sci-fi-inspired staging, albeit without fans in attendance. This year, she got to show her stuff in front of an adoring audience, and the energy reflected the improved environment. This year’s performance comes in the wake of the release of Doja’s third album, Planet Her, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, spending four weeks at that position led by the singles “Kiss Me More” featuring SZA and “You Right” featuring The Weeknd. A deluxe version of the album added Atlanta trap rapper Gunna and legendary female rapper Eve.

Not only did Doja Cat perform and host, but she was also nominated for five Moon Men, including Video Of The Year and Best Collaboration for “Kiss Me More,” Best Visual Effects for “You Right,” and Artist Of The Year. She’s co-nominated with Saweetie for Best Art Direction for their collaboration “Best Friend.”

Watch Doja Cat’s VMA performance of “Been Like This” above.

Saweetie Promises Her Collaboration With Cher Will ‘Unfold During The Holidays’

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The wait for Saweetie’s debut album may be drawing to a close soon. The burgeoning Bay Area rapper-mogul was at the Barclay Center in New York for the 2021 MTV VMAs, where she gave a red carpet interview hinting that her new music could be dropping over the holiday season. When she was asked about meeting Cher — an experience to which she attributes the most recent delay — she played coy but did offer up the potential timing for their collaboration’s release.

“Everything will unwind and unfold during the holidays,” she said, “So stay tuned.”

While waiting for the album to come out, Saweetie gave her fans no shortage of content and projects to consume. In August, she launched the second season of her Icy University web series, interviewing Chloe Bailey ahead of the sister act’s first solo release. Saweetie also collaborated with McDonald’s on her own meal, complete with “Saweetie N Sour” sauce. And though the album has been pushed back a few times — including so Saweetie could polish her performance skills — she did confirm earlier this summer that it’s finally finished, which means a solid release date could be coming soon.

Saweetie is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Justin Bieber Returns To The MTV VMAs To Perform ‘Stay’ With The Kid Laroi And ‘Ghost’

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The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber delivered one of the year’s biggest hit songs with their second overall collaboration, “Stay.” The track is one that appeared on a recent deluxe reissue of Laroi’s F*ck Love project, one that recently topped the Billboard album charts. As for “Stay,” the track itself as also found success on the charts as it spent four consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. With these achievements, it’s only right that the singers brought the song to the 2021 MTV VMAs stage and that’s exactly what they did on Sunday night.

Laroi and Bieber delivered what appeared to be a space-themed performance for their No. 1 song as they stood atop a larger makeshift boulder that stood in front of a bright backdrop filled with neon colors. In addition to “Stay,” Bieber would take control of the stage to perform “Ghost” from his sixth album Justice. The project spent two non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the albums chart and “Ghost” is looking to be the singer’s next popular cut from the album.

When Laroi’s “Stay” reached No. 1 on the singles chart, it became the first song by an Australian-born solo male artist to top the Hot 100 in 40 years, following Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl.” He’s also the first Australian-born artist to reach No. 1 with a song since Sia did it with her and Sean Paul’s “Cheap Thrills” back in 2016. As for Bieber, he recently announced his Our World documentary which will recount his “intense and exciting” return to music.

You can watch Bieber and Laroi’s performance in the video above.