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A 'Golden' year: 'KPop Demon Hunters' by the numbers

'Kpop Demon Hunters' (Courtesy Netflix)

The Netflix phenomenon KPop Demon Hunters celebrates the one-year anniversary of its release on Saturday, June 20. The animated film has gone on to dominate the streaming service's "most-watched" list, global pop culture and the Billboard charts in equal measure.

Here's a look at KPop Demon Hunters by the numbers, courtesy of Netflix:

- It's the first title ever to spend 52 straight weeks on Netflix's Global Top 10.

- It was the most-streamed movie of 2025, with 20.5 billion viewing minutes.

- KPop Demon Hunters' lyric videos drew 32 million views worldwide.

- The soundtrack spent two weeks at #1 on Billboard 200, and racked up more than 15 billion streams worldwide, making it the most-streamed soundtrack of the decade. 

- The HUNTR/X song "Golden" was #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks, becoming the first-ever #1 by a female K-pop act, and the longest-running #1 by a female group in this century. It was also the fastest song to reach a billion streams on Spotify.

- In addition to "Golden," the soundtrack also sent three other songs into the top 10 simultaneously: "Your Idol," "Soda Pop" and "How It's Done."

- At the Oscars earlier this year, KPop Demon Hunters won best animated feature, while "Golden" won best original song, making it the first K-pop song to win an Oscar. "Golden" also won the Golden Globe in the same category, and the Grammy in the category of best song written for visual media.

- Since the film's debut, Duolingo has seen a 22% jump in Korean language learners. 

On Saturday, the official Netflix TikTok account will host a nine-hour livestream featuring multiple versions of the film, plus appearances from fans, cast members and filmmakers, live commentary and more.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Zara Larsson has a 'Chicken Shop Date,' replaces herself atop 'Billboard' Pop Airplay chart

Zara Larsson performs on ABC's 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest,' Dec. 31, 2025 (Disney/Christopher Willard)

Zara Larsson's "Midnight Sun" is shining at #1.

The title track of her current album has just topped Billboard's Pop Airplay chart, and in doing so, Zara has replaced herself. The #1 Pop Airplay song last week was "Stateside," her collab with PinkPantheress. No other artist has ever had their first two number ones on that chart hit the top in consecutive weeks.

Plus, two other Zara songs are on the same chart: her Tyla collab "She Did It Again" and her resurgent song "Lush Life," which became a hit this year despite being released in 2016.

In other Zara news, she's is the latest guest on the YouTube comedy series Chicken Shop Date, hosted by U.K. comedian Amelia Dimoldenberg. During their chat, the two discuss Zara's spirit animal — a dolphin, of course — and Zara's childhood in Sweden, where she hung out in IKEA with her mom and even assembled her own IKEA furniture. "It's like, a part of being Swedish," Zara claims.

Zara also discusses the fact that one of the collective nicknames for her fans is "Zluts," which may not be appropriate anymore.

"It feels kinda weird ... especially now, I feel like I have a whole new generation of fans and they're, like, 9-year-olds," Zara laughs. "And I'm like, 'What's up, Zluts!'"

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Sixpence None the Richer bass player dies

Matt Slocum, Leigh Nash and Justin Cary of Sixpence None the Richer,  August 7, 2012 in New York City. ( Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

Justin Cary, longtime bass player for "Kiss Me" band Sixpence None the Richer, has died, according to frontwoman Leigh Nash. He was 50.

On Instagram Thursday, Nash posted a carousel of photos of Cary with the band and wrote, "‘We sure had a great time’ is an understatement. Thank you, Justin. We love you forever. Please keep his dear [wife] Linda close to your hearts. She is our family. There’s never been anybody like Justin."

Earlier in the week, Nash had encouraged fans to visit a GoFundMe page that had been set up for Cary's family because, she said, he'd recently suffered a stroke. "His wonderful wife Linda has kept us updated everyday and night too. She is lovely, delicate and unfathomably heartbroken," Nash wrote.

She continued, "We love our brother so so much. Words don’t cover it. I know so many out there love him too. Saw his brilliance, second to NONE professionalism, class, humor (oh my lord the humor) wit, tough as an old boot as they say. Many more adjectives to describe him. Please pray for Justin and Linda. ... I’m putting a link to @gofundme in our bio if anyone feels led to help Linda navigate the waters ahead."

A update on the GoFundMe page states that Justin "passed peacefully" on Thursday morning.

Sixpence None the Richer formed in 1992; Cary joined in 1997, the same year they released their self-titled album. It featured "Kiss Me," which reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned the group a Grammy nomination. The group disbanded in 2004, but when they reunited, Cary was with them again, remaining a member until the present day. 

In 2024, BLACKPINK member LISA scored a solo hit with "Moonlit Floor," which interpolated "Kiss Me."

 

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Details for Peabo Bryson's Celebration of Life announced

Peabo Bryson performs onstage during the Thurgood Marshall College Fund 28th Annual Awards Gala at Washington Hilton on November 21, 2016, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Teresa Kroeger/Getty Images for Thurgood Marshall College Fund)

Peabo Bryson's family has announced arrangements for his Celebration of Life.

Peabo, known for his hit songs and duets, including "Beauty and the Beast," died June 2 surrounded by family and friends.

His family will hold a private ceremony on Father's Day to honor and reflect on his life, followed by a private homegoing service on Monday at 10 a.m. ET, according to an official statement.

The service will feature musical performances by Regina Belle, BeBe Winans and Ruben Studdard in tribute to the late star. Attendance is invitation only; however, fans may watch the service via livestream.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Mr. Robert "Peabo" Bryson Student Scholarship Endowment Fund at Morris Brown College or Antioch Urban Ministries, Inc.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo hit big UK chart milestones

Taylor Swift, 'I Knew It, I Knew You' from 'Toy Story 5' (Walt Disney Records)

Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo have taken over the music charts across the pond.

Olivia's new album, you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, has topped the U.K.'s album chart with first-week sales of just under 103,000 units. That's a lot more than either one of her previous albums sold in its first week: SOUR moved 51,000 units, while GUTS did 60,000. In fact, Olivia now has the biggest first-week sales for any album by a non-British artist in the U.K. so far this year.

Plus, at age 23, she's the youngest international artist to sell over 100,000 albums in an opening week since Britney Spears did it in 2024 with Greatest Hits: My Prerogative.

Olivia says in a statement to Official Charts, "Thank you so much for this Number 1 album award! It means so much to me. I wrote so many of these songs in the U.K., so it makes it extra special. Thank you all for listening, I appreciate it so much."

Meanwhile, Taylor's new Toy Story 5 song "I Knew It, I Knew You" is #1 for a second week on the U.K.'s Official Singles Chart. It sold 71,000 units in the past week, giving it the biggest sales week for any single so far this year. The previous record was held by Harry Styles, whose song "Aperture" sold 70,000 units in its first week.

But Olivia is right behind Taylor; three songs from her new album sit at #2, #3 and #5 on the Singles Chart: "stupid song," "the cure" and "drop dead," respectively.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Katy Perry crowd-surfs inside giant water bottle, declines exes' calls at first Out of Office tour show

Katy Perry attends the 2026 Tribeca Festival premiere of 'Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour' on June 8, 2026 in New York City. (Manny Carabel/WireImage)

Katy Perry has created an entirely new show, complete with new props, for her festival run this summer, which she's dubbed the Out of Office Tour.

During her performance of "I Kissed a Girl" in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, on Thursday — her first show of the tour — Katy climbed into a giant water bottle labeled "Katyade" and went crowd-surfing, to the delight of fans. She also gave her new single "Watch It Burn" its live debut, ahead of its release on June 25.

While singing "Never Really Over," she stood next to an enormous iPhone and didn't answer calls from, among others, the initials "JM," "RB" and "OB." Those seemingly stood for her ex-boyfriend John Mayer, her ex-husband Russell Brand and her ex-fiancé Orlando Bloom.

But when the caller displayed as "JPJT" — which stands for Justin Pierre James Trudeau, Katy's boyfriend, who she calls "the love of my life" — she hit "accept."

According to MundoAmerica.com, another part of the show featured Katy getting a fake phone call from her daughter during the song "All the Love."

Katy's costumes included a long white shirt sporting the words "I am not a robot" with a sequined American flag tie and Canadian flag cufflinks, and a two-piece top and skirt that was a near-replica of an outfit she wore in 2009.

Her setlist was also different from her 2025 Lifetimes Tour, which is coming to screens this summer as a live concert film. In addition to all her biggest hits — from "Roar" and "Firework" to "Teenage Dream" — the new setlist included "Harleys in Hawaii," "Thinking of You," "Never Really Over" and a cover of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs song "Heads Will Roll."

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Gracie Abrams gives a rock edge to Ariana Grande's 'we can't be friends'

Gracie Abrams, 'Daughter From Hell' (Interscope)

Gracie Abrams is the latest artist to record a cover song for BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge.

Gracie and her band performed Ariana Grande's "we can't be friends (wait for you love)." Her version is decidedly more rocking than Ariana's, with heavier guitars and drums. Gracie wrote on Instagram, "@arianagrande Your music moves me you move me you are everything."

Ariana hasn't responded to the shout-out yet. She's set to perform at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, on Friday night.

On Live Lounge, Gracie also performed "Hit the Wall," the first single from her upcoming album, Daughter From Hell. It's due July 17, just a few weeks ahead of the release of Ariana's new album, petal.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


'I hope it takes you back to that place': Taylor Swift debuted 20 years ago with 'Tim McGraw'

Taylor Swift shakes hands with Tim McGraw during the 42nd Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards, May 15, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

On June 19, 2006 — 20 years ago — a song named after a country superstar was released by a new artist. It was "Tim McGraw" by 16-year-old Taylor Swift, and the music industry would never be the same again.

Taylor started writing the song in math class, after pondering the impending end of her relationship with her boyfriend, who was a senior and would soon go off to college. She later finished it with songwriter Liz Rose. The head of her record company suggested that she rename it from "When You Think Tim McGraw" to simply "Tim McGraw," because he thought it would make Tim McGraw fans curious about her.

The song is about a girl who hopes her ex will remember her every time he thinks of her favorite song, which is by Tim McGraw. Thematically, it's somewhat of a blueprint for many of Taylor's future songs.

Tim McGraw revealed in 2025 that he was initially "a little apprehensive about" about the song, because he thought, "Have I gotten to that age now to where they’re singing songs about me? Does that mean I’ve jumped the shark a bit?" He eventually got on board with the song, though; the two became friends and have performed together many times.

"Tim McGraw" got good reviews; it hit the top 10 on the Billboard country chart and #40 on the Hot 100. It became the opening track on her self-titled debut album, which came out that October. It was a massive success, spawned four additional hit singles and set Taylor on the path to becoming the world-conquering superstar she is today.

And Taylor's new single, "I Knew It, I Knew You," is a full-circle moment, as it returns her to those country roots.

 

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Myles Smith is finally giving fans his mess, his heart and his life

Myles Smith, 'My Mess, My Heart, My Life.' (Atlantic)

Myles Smith has racked up billions of streams, won awards and circled the globe on tour, but now he's done something that usually takes place before all that happens: He's released his debut album.

While he's put out some EPs, My Mess, My Heart, My Life is Myles' first-ever full-length album. It features 15 songs, including his two megahits — "Stargazing" and "Nice to Meet You"; his Niall Horan collaboration, "Drive Safe"; and the previously released songs "Stay (If You Wanna Dance)," "Hold Me in the Dark" and "Gold."

“It’s been quite an unstructured career in that I’ve been lucky enough to have songs that have done really well and have toured the world two or three times pre-debut album,” Myles tells Music Week. “It’s a really weird period; I’m very conscious I’ve done nothing in order."

Myles wrote one song on the album, "Dublin Lights," with his good pal Ed Sheeran, who he's opening for this summer. “We’ve clicked because we connect as human beings, not as musicians," he tells Music Week

"For him, I think it’s probably nice having another person in his life who’s concerned about Ed the father, the husband or the friend, rather than Ed the global success.”

“I think at the heart of it is that we love making music," Myles added. "I have no interest in fame; it’s not something I’ve ever been hungry for. It’s always about how music can be the most important and defining part of my career, and I think he sees that in me."

Myles joins Ed on his Loop stadium tour starting Saturday at Nashville's Nissan Stadium. He'll also be doing his own headlining shows in between those dates starting in early July.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Here's how Taylor Swift wants you to react to hearing her song in 'Toy Story 5'

Taylor Swift attends the 'Toy Story 5' Los Angeles World Premiere at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California on June 9, 2026. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for for TAS Rights Management)

Taylor Swift's new song "I Knew It, I Knew You" is featured over the end credits of Toy Story 5, in theaters Friday. The song was inspired by the journey of Jessie the cowgirl toy, and on the red carpet for the worldwide premiere Taylor shared what kind of emotions she hopes it will evoke in people once they hear it in the film.

"I think that it would be really awesome if they thought of somebody that they had amazing memories with that they haven't seen in a long time, or someone that they miss, knowing that that person could come back into their life," she said.

"Or just the feeling that sometimes people's paths diverge, and that doesn't mean that that's the last time that you get to feel those memories or know that person," she added. "Sometimes, when you look back on your childhood, those memories, that's special in itself."

Taylor said she loves being part of the movie because the Toy Story franchise is "such an incredible world of imagination and playfulness and mischief and humor and comedy and tragedy."

"It's raised so many kids just like me," she added. "I watched Toy Story when I was 5, and I've watched every single one of the films so many times."

In an Instagram post, Taylor shared video of herself in the studio on the day she wrote "I Knew It, I Knew You," explaining that she'd seen the movie that morning, and went home and wrote the song after getting the "songwriter zoomies." 

Noting that it was 6:57 p.m., Taylor said that the Disney and Pixar bosses were coming to hear the song in two hours. "We have not recorded it yet," she said. "And I think this is one of the most fun days of my life!"

Disney is the parent company of Pixar and ABC News.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Mariah Carey to return as guest star on 'The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder'

Poster for 'The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder' (Disney)

Mariah Carey is returning to The Proud Family, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

She is set to guest star in the fourth and final season of The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, premiering July 29 on Disney+. Mariah previously appeared on season 3 of the original series, voicing an animated version of herself. Her character's pet monkey, Francois, is accidentally switched with Oscar's monkey, Mr. Chips, during a visit at Trudy's veterinarian office. Francois is then subjected to life at Proud Snacks, while Mr. Chips enjoys a life of luxury.

Mariah is one of several guest stars joining the reboot for the fourth season, including Chlöe Bailey, Kym Whitley and J.B. Smoove. Recurring guest stars Anthony Anderson and Tiffany Haddish will reprise their roles as Ray Ray and Ms. Hill, respectively.

According to a press release, the new season will find "the Proud family at a life-changing turning point," with Penny's courage and identity put to the test as the family navigates challenging and chaotic circumstances.

Disney is the parent company of ABC News.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Watch Christina Aguilera, John Legend and more perform at opening of Obama Presidential Center

Christina Aguilera performs during the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center on June 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Christina Aguilera, John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, Bruce Springsteen, and U2’s Bono and The Edge were among the performers at the grand opening of President Barack Obama’s Obama Presidential Center Thursday in Chicago. If you didn't catch it live, the whole thing has been archived at Obama.org.

Christina performed a classic that was introduced as "one of President Obama's favorite songs," which she had never performed in public before: Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World." Wearing a sparkly cream gown, she performed a new arrangement of the 1967 hit.

Jennifer sang the national anthem at the ceremony, as well as a rendition of "The Impossible Dream," from the musical The Man of La Mancha. John sang a version of Donny Hathaway's "Someday We’ll All Be Free,” plus his Oscar-winning hit "Glory," for which he was joined by rapper Common and a choir.

Bono and The Edge sang "City of Blinding Lights," while Bruce Springsteen performed "Land of Hope and Dreams." And Stevie Wonder closed the event with the songs "All I Do" and "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)," plus a version of "Higher Ground," for which he was joined by all the other performers.

The day’s other performers included Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder, The Roots and Nigerian singer Tems.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Alicia Keys combines Billy Joel with 'Empire State of Mind' at NY Knicks championship parade

Alicia Keys performs during the New York Knicks Championship ticker tape parade and victory rally celebrating winning the 2026 NBA Finals on June 18, 2026 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games to win their first NBA Championship in 53 years. (Angelina Katsanis/Getty Images)

The night the New York Knicks won the NBA Championship, Alicia Keys was onstage at the afterparty for the premiere of her new documentary and performed "Empire State of Mind" onstage. She gave an encore performance Thursday afternoon in New York City, at the end of the Knicks' victory parade in lower Manhattan.

"This is our time! This is our time! We are champi-ONS!" she yelled to the cheering crowd as she stood on the stage with Knicks players in front of City Hall.

"Me and my son Egypt, we thought that we would do it like this," she continued. Egypt stood at the piano and  began to play Billy Joel's "New York State of Mind" as Alicia sang the first verse of that classic tune. 

"I'm in a New York State of Mind," she finished, then yelled, "Let's gooooo! OK!" as the drum beat of "Empire State of Mind" started up. "We here right now! This is our time right now! We've been waiting over 50 years for this moment and we never gonna stop!"

Alicia then sat at the piano and completed the song, as the players danced and sang behind her, along with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Jay-Z, who appeared on the original song, didn't make an appearance.

"Congrats, New York City, I love you!" she said as she left the stage. On her Instagram Story, she posted video of herself hanging out backstage with Knicks Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Sabrina Carpenter gets 5-year restraining order against alleged stalker

Sabrina Carpenter attends the 68th GRAMMY Awards on Feb. 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

A judge has granted Sabrina Carpenter a restraining order against a man who has repeatedly shown up at her home and who, in May, allegedly attempted to force his way in.

The order bars William Applegate, 31, from contacting the singer, her sister Sarah Carpenter and her sister's significant other, George Smith, who both live with her, for five years. The order is set to expire June 17, 2031, according to documents obtained by ABC News.

According to the order, Applegate cannot "contact" Sabrina Carpenter, Sarah Carpenter or George Smith, and is prohibited from "disturbing their peace." In addition, he must stay 100 yards away from them, their home, their workplace and their vehicles. If he doesn't obey, he faces a possible fine of up to $1,000, a possible one-year jail sentence or both.

According to The Associated Press, Applegate appeared at the hearing on Wednesday in LA and said that he and Sabrina Carpenter were part of a classified military program that required them to "be together as soon as possible" for "national and global security." He also stated that he'd be "more than willing" to stay away from Sabrina Carpenter if she told him herself. She was not present.

As previously reported, the "Espresso" artist, 27, filed a civil harassment restraining order on May 29 against Applegate. In her declaration, she alleged that he went to her Los Angeles home on May 23 "unannounced and uninvited" and "physically grabbed the lever of my front door and forcefully pushed it down, actively trying to force his way inside my home without any invitation, permission, or consent whatsoever."

Detective Peter Doomanis, of the Los Angeles Police Department, wrote that Sabrina Carpenter was "in genuine fear for her personal safety" at the time of the incident. Applegate was released after his May 23 arrest, and returned to Sabrina Carpenter's home on May 24 and May 25, according to the singer's private security guards in court docs.

Hasan Brown, a private security guard for Sabrina Carpenter, wrote in a separate declaration that he had noticed Applegate's vehicle parked in the vicinity of her home on multiple prior occasions beginning sometime after April 19 through at least May 25, "with the vehicle progressively parking in closer proximity" to the singer's residence over time.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Olivia Rodrigo has already chosen her wedding song

Olivia Rodrigo performs on ABC's 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' (Disney/Randy Holmes)

Olivia Rodrigo seems pretty certain about her wedding for a girl who isn't engaged.

Olivia's new album, you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, charts the course of a relationship from start to finish, but the fact that the relationship ended hasn't robbed her of her faith in love. She already has a scenario for her dream proposal and a wedding song.

Speaking to the BBC, Olivia says she'd like to be proposed to in New York City's Central Park. "I'd love it if someone paid for a placard on one of the benches that said, 'Will you marry me?'" she laughs. "Then you'd sit down and you're like, 'Oh my God!'"

"So spread the word ... hopefully my future husband will see this," she adds.

As for her wedding song, she says it's going to be "I Melt with You" by the U.K. band Modern English. The 1982 single was never a big hit on the Hot 100, but it was all over MTV back in the day and is now a part of pop culture.

"Imagine kissing and then walking back down the aisle to that? I love that song," she tells the BBC.

In fact, there's a song on her new album called "purple" in which she sings, "And I melt with you/ your red and my blue/ Now I see the world in purple, purple."

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Backstreet Boys' Howie Dorough is 'reimagining' his songs for new Spanish-language project

Howie Dorough (Abez Media)

Backstreet Boys' Howie Dorough just released his first Spanish-language single, "Coqui," and it's part of a larger project that's coming in the future.

According to a press release, Howie's upcoming release will feature new, original music, as well as "reimagined" Spanish versions of select songs from throughout his career. He was inspired to do this by the fans who've told him that they learned English by listening to the Backstreet Boys.

Howie, whose mother is from Puerto Rico, says in a statement, "Growing up, Puerto Rican music, traditions, and family were always a huge part of my life. As I’ve gotten older and become a father myself, I’ve felt an even stronger desire to connect with that heritage and share it with my children. This project has allowed me to reconnect with that side of myself in a really meaningful way.”

"Coqui" is named after Puerto Rico's famous tree frog, and Howie shot the video in San Juan.

Howie, who didn't grow up speaking Spanish fluently, has been working hard to improve his skills with the language. As for why he's chosen this moment to put out a Spanish project, he told Billboard, "Latin music is so big right now, and people are willing to hear music that’s not in their own language.”

"I don’t have major expectations," he notes, "this is a passion for me, it’s more of a journey. It’s a story that hopefully people will get to know, of a kid who once wanted to embrace his culture, his roots, and because of society and insecurities over the years, I’ve held myself back, but now is the time.”

 

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Role Model announces US tour

Role Model performs at Museum of Modern Art on June 03, 2025 in New York City. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for MoMA)

Role Model has announced a U.S. tour.

The headlining outing kicks off Sept. 9 in Bend, Oregon, and will wrap up Oct. 18 in Berkeley, California. 

Presales begin June 24 at 10 a.m. local time, and tickets go on sale to the general public on June 26 at 10 a.m. local time.

For the full list of dates and all ticket info, visit HeyRoleModel.com.

Role Model will be touring in support of his upcoming album, Chuck Timely & The Hourglass, which is due out Aug. 7. Lead single "High Hopes 3000" is out now.

Chuck Timely & The Hourglass follows 2024's Kansas Anymore. The deluxe version spawned Role Model's breakout hit, "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out."

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Lizzo, Frankie Grande gush over Ariana Grande's current tour: 'greatest singer of all time'

Ariana Grande performs at the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025. (Disney/Frank Micelotta)

It's not surprising that Frankie Grande would feel compelled to post about how much he loves his sister Ariana Grande's current tour. But someone with no skin in the game — Lizzo — took to Instagram to gush over Ari's recent show in Inglewood, California..

Posting video of the moment Ariana is lifted up in the air while singing "supernatural," Lizzo wrote, "I have too much too say. Ari— thank you. This is a woman who gives her alllllllllll and NO SHADE, she don’t have to. Thee vocalist thee Loubotin platform custommmmmm…. I cried, I laughed, I sang TF along."

"You coulda healed far far away from us… somewhere over the rainbow. But you chose to heal with us. On stage. Every night. So thank you. We love you. Brava," she concluded.

As for Frankie, he said in his lengthy post, "I’ve said it before and I’ll say it forever: I believe my sister is the greatest singer of all time. There is simply no substitute for hearing those songs performed live. Her artistry, her musicianship, her storytelling, and a discography that is truly unmatched all came together in what I genuinely believe is the highest expression of her craft."

"Yes, I’m her brother," he noted. "But I also know I’m one of millions who recognize that we’re witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime artist at the absolute peak of her powers."

As for the Eternal Sunshine tour production, Frankie said, "It was cinematic, theatrical, intimate, spectacular, and vocally flawless all at once. Somehow it felt like a Broadway show, a film, and a concert existing in the same magical space."

The tour is set to continue through Sept. 1, wrapping up with 10 shows at London's O2 Arena.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Charli XCX explains 'the dancefloor is dead' line, reveals which artist she 'totally rides for'

Charli XCX for Rolling Stone's July/August 2026 issue (Gus Van Sant)

When Charli XCX released "Rock Music," the first song from her upcoming album. Music, Fashion, Film, many fans interpreted the lyric "I think the dance floor is dead" as a blanket statement about the entire genre. Even Madonna responded, writing, "If your dance floor feels dead/Maybe you’re playing the wrong music.” But in her new Rolling Stone cover story, she insists that's not what she meant.

"That lyric is very much about my relationship with Brat, and my personal experience with that album,” she says. “My husband runs a dance-music label. There’s been such a wealth of incredible dance/electronic-adjacent records that have been coming out recently. ... Dance music is in an incredible place.”

While Charli insists her new project is not a rock album, as has been rumored, she says it's also not like Brat.

“I knew when I was making it that I was never going to make that record again,” she says. “It’s not creatively rewarding for me to make the same thing twice.”

But she rejects the notion of genre as "a very old school notion, adding, "It’s just me [and my collaborators], doing our thing.”

Also in the interview, Charli praises some fellow artists who, like her, took several years to find their audience.

"There’s been a lot of artists who have been doing things for a long time, who are having their moment now," she tells the magazine. "Like Zara [Larsson]. I’m so f****** happy for her. And someone who I totally ride for is RAYE.”

Charli and RAYE have been friends for 10 years and have collaborated several times.

"There was a time in our lives when we were together a lot,” Charli says. “And her journey, becoming an independent artist and doing her thing, is really cool.”

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Olivia Rodrigo hit is among '25 Most American Songs of All Time,' says 'Esquire'

Olivia Rodrigo performs on ABC's 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' (Disney/Randy Holmes)

Olivia Rodrigo's debut hit is one of the "25 Most American Songs of All Time," according to Esquire magazine.

In celebration of America's 250th birthday, Esquire has put together a list of what it describes as "songs that are distinctly American, addressing protest and leisure, joy and pain, wisdom and silliness, nostalgia and experimentation."

Olivia's "Drivers License" made the cut, with Esquire writing that it "demonstrated the eternal power of two of American pop’s defining themes — cars and heartbreak." 

Furthermore, the mag says the song "transcended backgrounds and generations, creating a shared, uniquely national experience" and "stands as the ... pinnacle" of 21st century pop.

Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" is also on the list because it's, according to Esquire, "the all-time biggest-selling single by a female artist" and an "an era-defining record." The magazine also notes it "represented the culmination of America’s musical century, blending country-music storytelling, pop sonic architecture, and Black creative expression."

Other songs that made the cut include Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'," Aretha Franklin's "Respect," Bruce Springsteen's "The River," "Alright" by Kendrick Lamar, “Margaritaville" by Jimmy Buffett and tracks by Bob Dylan, The Ramones, Johnny Cash, KISS, The Chicks, Woody Guthrie, Bad Bunny, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry and The Beach Boys. 

In case you're wondering why "Party in the U.S.A." or "Born in the U.S.A." isn't on the list, it's because songs that mentioned "America" or "U.S.A" in the title or chorus were immediately eliminated, due to the 25-song limit.

As for why there are no songs by Prince or Michael Jackson, Esquire writes that the two men "possessed such otherworldly gifts that they seemed to stand for something beyond their native country."

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