Pop

Usher’s Teenage Son Stole Usher’s Phone To Finesse Meeting PinkPantheress, And Usher’s Retelling Of The Saga Is Hilarious

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Usher has access to anyone at any time, and his son knows it. Naviyd, 15, did what any teenager would do in his position: Steal your world-famous father’s phone and hit up PinkPantheress.

“So…a week or so ago my son, Naviyd, stole my phone so he could dm his favorite artist @pinkpantheress,” Usher shared on his Instagram Story on Wednesday night, April 24.

The next post is a screenshot of Naviyd’s DM from April 9, reading, “Hello this is Usher’s son Naviyd I’m you true biggest fan please follow me back @_naviyd_ I put him on to masterpieces.” PinkPantheress graciously replied, “hahahahahaa this is wild!”

Next, Usher recounted what happened from his perspective, writing, “Now I just so happened to check my DMs earlier this past week and saw a message exchange from someone with a Powerpuff girl as their profile pic…so I’m like the hell is this.” (PinkPantheress’ Instagram icon is the Powerpuff girl Buttercup.)

Usher continued, “I open it and I’m like oh this boy done DMd this girl from my damn phone..” The following post is another screenshot — this time, showing Usher messaging an apology to PinkPantheress: “I’m so sorry … my son is a super fan.” Again, PinkPantheress was extremely gracious and replied, “don’t apologise! happy to have this interaction. I’d love to host y’all at the next show.”

Usher explained on his subsequent Instagram Story posts that he initially pretended that Naviyd “wasn’t allowed to go” to PinkPantheress’ Capable Of Love Tour “because he did the MOST just to connect with her on my account,” but he let him go to reward Naviyd’s super-fandom, which led to PinkPantheress taking a photo with Naviyd backstage and FaceTiming with Usher.

“PARENTAL TAKEAWAY,” Usher wrote, in conclusion. “This was a great moment for Naviyd … this was him movin on something he was passionate about. Yes… he violated my trust in the process and for that I will never trust him around my phone, but I should have known better. Nonetheless, I appreciate the hustle and him makin’ it happen. From a text, to a concert, to the artist. He masterminded this whole thing and made it happen.”

See all of the posts below.

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When Will The 2024 MTV VMAs Be Held?

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The MTV Video Music Awards have built quite a legacy: This year’s show will mark the event’s 40th anniversary. Speaking of the 2024 VMAs, when is that going down?

When Will The 2024 MTV VMAs Be Held?

MTV announced today (April 24) that this year’s ceremony will take place on September 10 at New York’s UBS Arena.

In a statement (as Deadline reports), Bruce Gillmer — President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events, Paramount and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+ — said, “We’re excited to bring this year’s VMAs to UBS Arena, one of the country’s newest and most cutting-edge venues. Celebrating one of music’s biggest nights with the incredible, robust New York area fans is something we’ve been looking forward to since the moment last year’s show ended.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul also said, “We are excited to welcome back the MTV Video Music Awards to New York State. From its origins at Radio City Music Hall in 1984 to this September’s event at the UBS Arena, the VMAs continue to captivate millions, showcasing the very best in music video artistry. As we prepare to host this 40th anniversary event, let’s embrace the spirit of creativity and innovation that defines our state’s cultural landscape.”

A specific time for the broadcast has not yet been announced. As Deadline notes, though, the ceremony will air “across MTV’s linear and digital platforms in more than 150 countries and territories.”

Spotify Was Surprised That Laying Off 1,500 People Would ‘Disrupt’ Operations As Much As It Has

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In 2023, Spotify turned a ton of their employees into former employees via layoffs that impacted about 2,300 people. The biggest of those cuts was a round of layoffs that was announced in December, which left 1,500 folks without jobs. It turns out that getting rid of that many people had a significant impact on the company’s day-to-day, more so than they expected.

As Business Insider reports, per a transcript, Ek said in an earnings call on April 23, “Although there’s no question that it was the right strategic decision, it did disrupt our day-to-day operations more than we anticipate. It took us some time to find our footing, but more than four months into this transition, I think we’re back on track. I expect to continue improving on our execution throughout the year, getting us to an even better place than we’ve ever been.”

Per Business Insider’s report, Spotify reported a 2024 first-quarter profit of $210 million, compared to a loss of about $241 million in the same period of 2023.

Elsewhere, Ek said, “Next year, our focus may return to top-of-the-funnel user growth, but in the near-term, monetization remains our top priority. Bottom-line, we are really good at pivoting our attention when it makes sense. When I say pivot, I really mean making tweaks that will get us to an even better outcome. And because of our ability to do this, I have no doubt that we will be able to recapture top-of-the-funnel growth over time as it becomes more of a focus area for the team.”

(Insider defines “top of the funnel” as referring to “the marketing activities carried out to create awareness about a brand or product.”)

How To Buy Tickets For Outside Lands Festival 2024

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Coachella is officially over, but all that means is that festival season has just begun. It’s still early in the year and there are plenty of major events yet to come. That includes San Francisco favorite Outside Lands, which hits Golden Gate Park from August 9 to 11. The lineup was announced today (April 23) and it features Tyler The Creator, The Killers, Post Malone (performing a “special country set”), Sturgill Simpson, and more.

If that sounds cool, here’s what to know about getting tickets.

How To Buy Tickets For Outside Lands Festival 2024

Tickets go on sale starting on April 24 at 10 a.m. PT. As for pricing, 3-Day GA tickets are $465 plus fees, 3-Day GA+ tickets go for $715 plus fees, and 3-Day VIP tickets cost $1,075 plus fees. If that sounds like a lot at once, payment plans are available, starting at $99 down for GA, $159 down for GA+, and $199 down for VIP.

Visit the Outside Lands website for more information. The site includes a handy chart that breaks down the perks that come with each tier of ticket, making it easier to choose the right option for you.

Aside from the aforementioned artists, the lineup also features The Postal Service, Grace Jones, Kaytranada, Jungle, Chappell Roan, Tyla, Slowdive, Idris Elba, The Last Dinner Party, Victoria Monét, and others.

Pitbull And T-Pain Will Take Over North America This Summer On Their ‘Party After Dark Tour’

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Pitbull, in case you’re somehow not aware, is Mr. Worldwide (or Mr. Armando Christian Pérez if you’re looking at his driver’s license). Well, in a few months, he’s going to be Mr. United States: Today (April 23), he announced the Party After Dark Tour, on which he’ll be joined by special guest T-Pain.

The trek runs from late August to early October and includes stops in New York, Virginia, California, and some other states. Lil Jon will be there for a couple of dates, too.

Tickets are set to go on sale starting on April 26 at 10 a.m. local time via Live Nation. VIP packages — including things like a backstage tour, VIP lounge, and photo opportunities — are also available and more information can be found here.

Check out the full list of tour dates below.

Pitbull And T-Pain 2024 Tour Dates: Party After Dark Tour

08/21 — Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live
08/23 — Virginia Beach, VA @ Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
08/24 — Hershey, PA @ Hersheypark Stadium
08/25 — Queens, NY @ Forest Hills Stadium
08/29 — Cuyahoga Falls, OH @ Blossom Music Center
08/30 — Tinley Park, IL @ Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
08/31 — Milwaukee, WI @ American Family Insurance Amphitheater
09/01 — Noblesville, IN @ Ruoff Music Center
09/04 — Clarkston, MI @ Pine Knob Music Theatre
09/06 — Buffalo, NY @ Darien Lake Amphitheater
09/07 — Syracuse, NY @ Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview
09/08 — Saratoga Springs, NY @ Broadview Stage at SPAC
09/12 — Wantagh, NY @ Northwell Health At Jones Beach Theater
09/13 — Hartford, CT @ Xfinity Theatre
09/14 — Bangor, ME @ Maine Savings Amphitheater
09/15 — Mansfield, MA @ Xfinity Center
09/18 — Burgettstown, PA @ The Pavilion at Star Lake
09/19 — Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center
09/21 — Ridgedale, MO @ Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
09/22 — St. Louis, MO @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
09/25 — Salt Lake City, UT @ Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
09/27 — Ridgefield, WA @ RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater*
09/28 — Auburn, WA @ White River Amphitheatre
10/03 — Chula Vista, CA @ North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre*
10/04 — Phoenix, AZ @ Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
10/05 — Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheater

* with Lil Jon

How Much Are Tickets For Outside Lands Festival 2024?

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Outside Lands Festival is returning to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park on August 9-11 with a star-studded lineup headlined by Tyler The Creator, The Killers, and Sturgill Simpson.

Tickets for the festival go on sale tomorrow, April 24 at 10 AM PT. 3-Day GA tickets are $465 plus fees, 3-Day GA+ tickets are $715 plus fees and 3-Day VIP tickets are $1,075 plus fees. Payment Plans are available for 3-Day GA, GA+ and VIP tickets. Put $99 down for GA, $159 down for GA+ or $199 down for VIP.

You can buy tickets at sfoutsidelands.com and see the full lineup below.

Outside Lands 2024 Lineup

*artists subject to change*

Tyler, The Creator
The Killers
Sturgill Simpson
Post Malone (Performing a Special Country Set)
The Postal Service
Grace Jones
Kaytranada
Jungle
Chris Lake
Gryffin
Snoh Aalegra
Young The Giant
ScHoolboy Q
Teddy Swims
Reneé Rapp
Victoria Monét
Knock2
Slowdive
Killer Mike
FLETCHER
TV Girl
Tyla
Chappell Roan
Channel Tres
Charley Crockett
Men I Trust
Ben Howard
Amyl and The Sniffers
Kevin Abstract
Paul Cauthen
The Japanese House
Romy
The Last Dinner Party
BADBADNOTGOOD
STRFKR
Real Estate
K.Flay
Corinne Bailey Rae
Snakehips
Amen Dunes
Roosevelt
Allen Stone
Mindchatter
Daði Freyr
Ryan Beatty
Leisure
Elyanna
Confidence Man
Kasablanca
Vandelux
Wisp
Medium Build
Rocco
underscores
Devault
Chance Peña
Mimi Webb
Daily Bread
BALTHVS
Shaboozey
billy woods
The Lemon Twigs
Trueno
Sons Of The East
CMAT
Cimafunk
Katie Pruitt
AG Club
Lady Wray
Odie Leigh
French Cassettes
Ogi
MiLES.
Valencia Grace
Dan Spencer
Lael Neale

SOMA

Angrybaby
Anish Kumar
AYYBO
The Blessed Madonna
BUNS
Chuck Gunn
DARIUS
Dusky
Honeyluv b2b Jaden Thompson
Idris Elba
Jackie Hollander
Joe Kay b2b Jared Jackson
Kaleena Zanders
Marsh
Seth Troxler
Shiba San b2b CID
SIDEPIECE
Sofia Kourtesis
TSHA
Uncle Waffles
Yulia Niko

Rihanna’s Iconic Instagram Profile Picture Is Gone After A Decade And Fans Are Mourning The Tragic Loss

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For years now, the most iconic part of Rihanna’s online identity has been her Instagram profile image. You know the one: It’s a simplistic and relatively crude illustration of an expressionless character with curly hair on its head. As Vulture notes, the image dates back to 2014, so it was there for Anti, it was there for the launch of Fenty Beauty, and it was there for the births of Rihanna and ASAP Rocky’s two children.

Now, we are at the dawn of a new era: Over this past weekend, Rihanna changed her Instagram profile image. Now, instead of the classic doodle that has graced her account for a decade, we have a photo of a Fenty product, being held by what looks like a stick-figure hand, perhaps belonging to the beloved illustration.

There is a degree of devastation among Rihanna’s fans over this change. One shared an “In Loving Memory” video that has racked up 2.8 million views, reading, “I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Please know that you have my heartfelt condolences. In this time of grief, may you find strength and solace in the embrace of family and friends who care deeply for you.”

Check out that and other reactions below.

Halsey, Vince Staples, Janelle Monáe, And More Join The Fantastic 2024 Flow Festival Helsinki Lineup

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If you plan on finding yourself in Finland this summer (or don’t yet but have been looking for some travel inspiration), Flow Festival Helsinki is set to go down from August 9 to 11. The lineup was already looking fantastic, but it just got even better today (April 23) with the third wave of acts announced.

The full list of artists unveiled today includes Halsey, Janelle Monáe, Vince Staples, Aurora,, Amaarae, Yves Tumor, Barry Can’t Swim, Evian Christ, Ron Trent Presents WARM, Gasellit, Malla, Lauri Haav, SMC, Turisti, Grande Mahogany, and Goldielocks.

They join a lineup that already featured folks like Fred Again.., Raye, Pulp, Idles, The Smile, PJ Harvey, Jessie Ware, Overmono, Blonde Redhead, Alvvays, Miriam Bryant, Kenya Grace, Artemas,
Kokoko!, Serpentwithfeet, and Helena Hauff.

The fest goes down at the historic Suvilahti power plant area in Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Tickets are available now via the Flow Festival website. Three-day passes start at 239€ (about $261), while a two-day pass goes for 199€ ($218) and a one-day pass is 129€ ($141) for Friday or Sunday, or 149€ ($163) for Saturday.

Flow Festival is fresh off a nomination for Best Festival Creative at the 2024 Uproxx Sound + Vision Awards, “a first-of-its-kind award honoring the creative direction that helps music connect with its audience, adding untold value and nuance to the art form.” So, it’s an event worth making the trip for.

It’s Officially Hozier Season As He Lands His First-Ever No. 1 Single On The New Hot 100 Chart

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Every week, Billboard unveils the top 10 songs on the latest Hot 100 chart. The most recent rankings, for the chart dated April 27, are out now, so let’s run down who had this week’s biggest hits.

10. SZA — “Saturn”

SZA finds herself re-entering the top 10 this week as “Saturn” gets a bump up from No. 15 all the way to No. 10.

9. Noah Kahan — “Stick Season”

Kahan just got a new personal best, as “Stick Season,” after spending last week at No. 10, climbs up to a new high of No. 9 this week.

8. Ariana Grande — “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)”

What Grande can be friends with is the top 10 as “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For You Love)” maintains its No. 8 spot from last week.

7. Sabrina Carpenter — “Espresso”

Congratulations are in order for Carpenter, who has her first top-10 single of her career with “Espresso.” Also of note is that “Feather,” which was Carpenter’s first top-40 hit, hits a new high on this week’s chart at No. 21.

6. Jack Harlow — “Lovin On Me”

“Lovin On Me” has become a top-10 mainstay in recent months and even after all this time, it’s still only just outside the top 5.

5. Beyoncé — “Texas Hold ‘Em”

After hanging out at No. 6 last week, “Texas Hold ‘Em” returns to the top 5 at it leads the Hot Country Songs chart for a 10th week.

4. Teddy Swims — “Lose Control”

Swims’ breakout hit is still doing well for the song as it maintains control at No. 4.

3. Benson Boone — “Beautiful Things”

The same is true for Boone, who hasn’t yet managed to get to No. 1 but it still doing great at No. 3 this week.

2. Future, Metro Boomin, and Kendrick Lamar — “Like That”

“Like That” was No. 1 for its first three weeks on the Hot 100, but the time has come for that streak to end, because there’s a new champion on the latest chart.

1. Hozier — “Too Sweet”

For a long while, it seemed that 2013’s “Take Me To Church” would make Hozier a one-hit wonder, as it was his only single to chart in the top 10 (in the top 35, even), peaking at No. 2. Now, though, it’s no longer the biggest chart success of his career, as “Too Sweet” just became his first No. 1 single. It’s also the first chart-topper by an Irish artist in decades, since Sinéad O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” in 1990.

When Do Tickets For Coachella 2025 Go On Sale?

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Yesterday (April 21) was the final day of Coachella 2024. You know what that means: Time to start thinking about Coachella 2025! I’m only half-joking: While most of this year’s attendees probably want a minute to unwind from the 2024 festivities, Coachella organizers are already gearing up for 2025. In fact, mere hours ago, the dates for next year’s festival were announced.

When Do Tickets For Coachella 2025 Go On Sale?

Next year’s festival starts with Weekend 1 on April 11 to 13, 2025, followed by Weekend 2 on April 18 to 20, 2025. As for tickets, the earliest opportunity to get those will be during the Advance Sale, which starts on May 3. There’s not much specific information available about the Advance Sale as of this post, but keep an eye on Coachella’s socials and their website for more info.

Beyond ticket sales, there are some other information drops to look forward to as well. None of those have been announced yet, but we can look to historical precedent to estimate when some things might start happening. For instance, this year’s Coachella lineup was announced in January, so it wouldn’t be surprising for the 2025 lineup to arrive that January, too. Meanwhile, assuming ticket pricing stays mostly the same between this year and next, the 2024 prices could be indicative of what to expect next year.