MARIA SHERMAN Music Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

FILE - Taylor Swift performs at the Monumental stadium during her Eras Tour concert in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Nov. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko, File)

No, Taylor Swift did not turn down the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show

October 7, 2025

Taylor Swift did not turn down the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show. “The Life of a Showgirl” singer paid a visit to “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on Monday and dispelled a few rumors. She said did not turn down the NFL’s biggest stage because she wouldn’t be allowed to own the performance footage, as claimed in a popular internet rumor. She told Fallon that she did not receive an official offer. She also said that during the football season, she’s focused on her fiancé and star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce. Global superstar Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl on Feb. 8.

Rush announce reunion tour five years after the death of drummer Neil Peart

October 6, 2025

Five years after their influential drummer Neil Peart died of glioblastoma, the Canadian band Rush have announced a reunion tour Monday. Rush co-founders Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson revealed a 12-date, seven city tour is scheduled for summer 2026. It will kick off in June at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. That’s where the band played their final show in 2015. The reunion tour will end in Cleveland and they’ll also hit Mexico City; Fort Worth, Texas; Chicago; New York and Toronto. Taking Peart’s place is award-winning German composer and producer Anika Nilles. She has previously toured with Jeff Beck.

Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ breaks record, sells 2.7 million copies in U.S. on first day

October 6, 2025

It’s the life of a saleswoman. Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” sold 2.7 million copies in traditional album sales in its first day in the U.S. according to Luminate, an industry data and analytics company. That includes physical and digital formats. That’s impressive for several reasons. Swift has broken her record for most first week sales in one day. “The Life of a Showgirl” has also become the second-largest sales week for any album in the modern era, since Luminate began tracking sales in 1991. That was also accomplished in just one day. The album was released Friday.

FILE - Travis Kelce, left, and Taylor Swift pose after the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Jan. 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)

Decoding Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life a Showgirl’: A guide to her references

October 2, 2025

Taylor Swift’s new album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” is packed with Easter eggs for fans to decode. Her 12th studio album offers clever clues and references to her public life and discography. Some are opaque, sparking fan theories, while others are more explicit. Lyrics mention places like Portofino and Paris, and nod to her engagement to Travis Kelce. Songs reference her past, including her teenage years in Tennessee and friendships. The album’s physical variants, like “summertime spritz pink shimmer” vinyl, also tie into the lyrics.

Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ is almost here. Here’s what to know

October 1, 2025

Lights, camera, action. Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” arrives Friday. Are you ready for it? Swift announced her latest era back in August, when she began teasing the release. It will be available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. There are also a number of variants, including vinyl, CD and cassette offerings. There is even an iTunes digital download featuring a new cover image and a nearly three-minute exclusive video from Taylor herself detailing inspirations behind the album.

Bad Bunny performs during the final concert of his summer residency in his homeland at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico Jose Miguel Agrelot, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Alejandro Granadillo)

Bad Bunny brings Puerto Rico to the world, from his landmark residency to the Super Bowl

September 30, 2025

Bad Bunny captivated audiences with his residency in Puerto Rico, inspiring patriotism and drawing half a million people to the island this summer. Bad Bunny’s performances highlighted Puerto Rico’s natural beauty and cultural history, featuring his hits and folkloric styles. Now, the artist known for his political activism is set to perform at the 2026 Super Bowl, marking a significant moment for Latino culture. His performance will be in Spanish, further proving that connecting with a U.S. and international audience does not require singing in English. Audiences should expect that Puerto Rican culture and pride will be on display during the show, which could range from 12-15 minutes.

Dolly Parton postpones Las Vegas residency, cites ‘health challenges’

September 29, 2025

Dolly Parton has postponed her first Las Vegas residency in 32 years. In a statement shared to her social media accounts on Sunday night, Parton cited “health challenges” as the reason for the delay. She was scheduled to perform six shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for “Dolly: Live in Las Vegas” between Dec. 4 and Dec. 13. That overlapped with the National Finals Rodeo. Her dates have been moved to next year, to Sept. 2026. Tickets are valid for the new dates and refunds will be available. Earlier this month, Parton was unable to attend the announcement of the new Night Flight Expedition ride at her Dollywood theme park following kidney stones.

This combination of photos show, from left, BigXthaPlug, Reneé Rapp and Ed Sheeran. (AP Photo)

Ed Sheeran, BigXthaPlug, Reneé Rapp, Jelly Roll and more to hit 2025 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball stage

September 26, 2025

iHeartRadio has unveiled its star-studded 2025 Jingle Ball lineup. It will include performances by Ed Sheeran, Monsta X, Alex Warren, BigXthaPlug, Jelly Roll, Jessie Murph, Laufey, mgk (formerly Machine Gun Kelly) and more. The 10-city tour will hit the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, Atlanta and Miami in December. The tour will kick off in at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 2. A presale for Capitol One cardholders will begin Sept. 30 at 10 a.m. local time and end Oct. 2. Tickets for the general public will go on sale Oct. 3.

FILE - Cardi B attends Game 4 in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics May 12, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

Cardi B replaces The Weeknd at the 2025 Global Citizen Festival

September 22, 2025

A few changes have been made to the 2025 Global Citizen Festival held in New York City’s Central Park on Saturday. Cardi B has been added to the lineup. The Weeknd, initially announced as a headliner, has had to drop out of the event due to personal reasons, organizers shared on Monday. The 2025 Global Citizen Festival will be hosted by actor Hugh Jackman and features Tyla, Ayra Starr and Mariah the Scientist. Tickets to the festival are free, but fans must earn them by taking actions through the Global Citizen app. The festival will also be available to stream Saturday on YouTube, Apple Music and the Apple TV app, iHeartRadio and many other platforms.

Sarah McLachlan talks Lilith Fair, her first new album in 11 years and yes, that ASPCA commercial

September 18, 2025

Sarah McLachlan thought her forthcoming album, “Better Broken,” would be her last. At least, for a while. The 11-track collection is her first new full-length in 11 years. It arrives ahead of a tour and a new documentary on the super influential, all-women music festival Lilith Fair that she founded in the ’90s. Speaking with The Associated Press, McLachlan says she believes music is a medicine and hopes her new work heals listeners in some small way. McLachlan says the legacy of Lilith Fair is that it helped dispel some sexist notions in the music industry. She also says she does not regret using her song “Angel” in a famous ASPCA commercial.

Cardi B appears at the MTV Video Music Awards in Newark, N.J. on Sept. 12, 2023,, left, and New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs appears at an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., on ept. 7, 2025. (AP Photo)

Cardi B is pregnant with her 4th child. It will be her 1st with Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs

September 17, 2025

Cardi B is expecting. The Grammy Award-winning rapper revealed the news Wednesday in an interview with Gayle King on “CBS Mornings.” This will be her fourth child and first with boyfriend Stefon Diggs, the New England Patriots’ wide receiver. Cardi B has two daughters and a son from her marriage with the Migos rapper Offset, ranging in ages from 1 to 7. Diggs also has a daughter from a previous relationship, named Nova. She was born in 2016. Last year, Cardi B announced that she filed for divorce from Offset.

FILE - Bad Bunny performs at the Latin Billboard Awards in Coral Gables, Fla., on Oct. 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier, File)

Bad Bunny leads the 2025 Latin Grammy nominations, dethroning Édgar Barrera’s 2-year run

September 17, 2025

Bad Bunny leads the 2025 Latin Grammy nominations this year with 12 nods. That means he has dethroned producer/ songwriter Édgar Barrera. Barrera previously topped the list in 2023 and 2024 with 13 and nine nominations, respectively. Don’t cry for him, though. Barrera is tied with Argentinian hip-hop duo CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso for the second most nominations. They have 10 each. The 26th Annual Latin Grammy Awards will take place Nov. 13 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The show will air live on TelevisaUnivision’s U.S. platforms beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern.

This combination of images shows Justin Bieber, from left, Sabrina Carpenter, and Karol G. (AP Photo)

Coachella 2026: Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber and Karol G to headline

September 16, 2025

It’s that time of year again. The 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival lineup is here. Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber and Karol G will headline in April 2026. Also on the lineup: Addison Rae, David Byrne, Iggy Pop, The XX, The Strokes, Young Thug, Sexyy Redd, Teddy Swims, Moby, Kaskade, Major Lazer, FKA Twigs, PinkPantheress, BIG BANG and many more. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival returns to the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, for two weekends: April 10-12 and April 17-19. Presale tickets will be available at 11 a.m. Pacific/2 p.m. Eastern.

Calum Scott poses for photographers upon arrival at the launch event of the film 'Fantastic Four First Steps' on Thursday, July 10, 2025, in London, left, and Whitney Houston waves as she arrives for the "Women's World Awards" awarding ceremony in Hamburg, northern Germany, on Wednesday, June 9, 2004. (AP Photo)

A new Whitney Houston duet? How Calum Scott made ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ with the late star

September 11, 2025

A new Whitney Houston song has arrived 13 years after her death. On Thursday, English singer Calum Scott released a balladic reinterpretation of the timeless “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me).” It was only possible with the approval of a few parties. Whitney’s sister-in-law and the executor of her estate Pat Houston and copyright holder Primary Wave were all on board. Scott even got approval from the 1987 hit’s original songwriters, George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam. Unlike the up-tempo original, Scott and Houston’s new song is slow. It highlights the yearning in the song’s lyrics.

Music Review: Justin Bieber has more to say about love on ‘Swag ll’

September 5, 2025

If it wasn’t clocking to you before, it should be now. Justin Bieber is doing whatever he wants. Friday’s “Swag ll” follows the July release of “Swag.” In a review, The Associated Press music writer Maria Sherman says “Swag ll” is an obvious companion piece, not only in name but also in sound, theme and zeal. Collaborators repeat. There are songs about his wife and references to his religion. But Sherman says there is also a kind of lightness to “Swag ll.” That is likely because Bieber spends less time considering how he is depicted in the media on this release. Sift and find gold.

FILE - In this April 14, 2012 file photo, Thom Yorke, left, and Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead perform during the band's headlining set at the 2012 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)

Radiohead returns after 7 years, announce 20 new live dates

September 3, 2025

Move over, Oasis. Another British rock band is reuniting for a few live performances. Radiohead have announced 20 shows taking place in five cities across Europe. There will be four shows apiece in Madrid, Bologna, London, Copenhagen and Berlin this November and December. The band, which is made up of vocalist Thom Yorke, guitarist/keyboardist Jonny Greenwood, guitarist Ed O’Brien, bassist Colin Greenwood and drummer Phil Selway, last performed in 2018. Registration for tickets begins Friday at Radiohead.com and will close 60 hours later. The regular ticket sale will begin a week later, on Sept. 15.

The end is near: Megadeth to release final album and embark on farewell tour

August 14, 2025

Call it a symphony for dissolution. American thrash metal giants Megadeth have announced their forthcoming album will be their last. They will also embark on a farewell tour in 2026. They have yet to reveal the final album’s title, release date or the band’s remaining tour dates. Megadeth founder and frontman Dave Mustaine shared the news in a statement Thursday. It arrived after the band shared a teaser post on Wednesday that read “The end is near…” Megadeth was founded in 1983 after Mustaine was kicked out of Metallica, a band he co-founded. Megadeth released their debut album in 1985, “Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!”

FILE - Karol G performs at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Feb. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo, File)

Karol G to headline halftime show during YouTube’s first exclusive NFL broadcast, live from Brazil

August 14, 2025

Bringing football fans, Brazil and Karol G together for a one-night experience? That’s a winning formula. The Grammy award-winning musician will headline a halftime show during YouTube’s first exclusive NFL broadcast next month. It will stream live from Corinthians Arena in São Paulo, Brazil on Sept. 5. That’s the NFL week 1 matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and the reigning AFC-winning Kansas City Chiefs. The game is free to stream for fans across the globe through YouTube and YouTube TV. It begins at 5 p.m. Pacific / 8 p.m. Eastern / 9 p.m. BRT (local time). A pre-show kicks off an hour earlier.

FILE - Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, right, appears with singer Taylor Swift after the Chiefs victory over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game in Kansas City, Mo., on Jan. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

How to watch Taylor Swift’s first appearance on the Kelces’ ‘New Heights’ podcast

August 12, 2025

Taylor Swift’s latest era is almost upon us. Part of the surprising rollout of “The Life of the Showgirl” involved the popular “New Heights” podcast and she’ll appear on it Wednesday. It is hosted by Swift’s boyfriend and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce alongside his brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce. Swift’s episode of the “New Heights” podcast will premiere at 7 p.m. Eastern. It will be available to stream in full on YouTube. Episodes typically run around one hour to two in duration. It is unclear how long Swift’s episode will be or how long she will be present.

A guide to Taylor Swift’s most elaborate album announcements

August 12, 2025

Taylor Swift has announced her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl.” She revealed the news on Tuesday, continuing her trend of elaborate album announcements. Swift often uses innovative marketing techniques to connect with fans. Her past album announcements have involved social media teasers and even surprise releases. For “Reputation,” she deleted all her social media posts before revealing the album. During the pandemic, she announced “Folklore” just a day before its release. “Evermore” was announced just months later. The release date for “The Life of a Showgirl” remains unknown.

From ‘Bodies’ to new albums, allow Offset and JID to reintroduce themselves

August 12, 2025

Atlanta rappers JID and Offset have new albums out this month. Before JID released “God Does Like Ugly” last week, and before Offset will release “Kiari” on Aug. 22, the pair teamed up for an unusual Hot 100 hit. Titled “Bodies,” the song combines Offset’s melodic flow with JID’s lyrical dexterity atop a sample of a Drowning Pool’s 2001 hit. JID told The Associated Press it is one of his favorite compositions. He also described his new album as intentional. Offset says “Kiari” is a very personal album. It features John Legend and arrives after Cardi B filed to divorce him.

FILE - Kelly Clarkson arrives with Brandon Blackstock for the ceremonial swearing-in of President Barack Obama at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington on Jan. 21, 2013. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband and former manager, dies at 48

August 7, 2025

Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband and talent manager Brandon Blackstock has died of cancer. His death was first reported by People. He was 48. A representative for the Blackstock family shared a statement to The Associated Press explaining that Blackstock battled cancer for more than three years. Blackstock was the father to four children, two from a previous marriage and two with Clarkson. He was previously Clarkson’s manager and also formerly represented Blake Shelton. Clarkson and Blackstock were married in October 2013. In 2020, she filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split.

FILE - Kendrick Lamar performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 59 football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans on Feb. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, file)

Lady Gaga leads 2025 MTV Video Music Awards nominations, followed by Bruno Mars and Kendrick Lamar

August 5, 2025

Lady Gaga tops the 2025 the MTV Video Music Award nominations, ending Taylor Swift’s two-year run in the top spot. Gaga is up for 12 awards including song, video, album and artist of the year. She is followed closely by Bruno Mars with 11 nominations. Kendrick Lamar has 10. Sabrina Carpenter and first-time nominee Blackpink’s ROSÉ are tied with eight. The three-hour VMAs will broadcast live on CBS on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. Eastern from the UBS Arena just outside New York City. It will also simulcast on MTV and be available to stream on Paramount+.

From a job at a meat processing plant to country music stardom, Bailey Zimmerman is figuring it out

August 4, 2025

Country singer Bailey Zimmerman is releasing his sophomore album, “Different Night Same Rodeo.” Coming out Friday, it follows his successful 2023 debut, “Religiously. The Album.” Zimmerman is a far cry from where he was before 2020, when he was working at his local meat processing plant and laying gas pipeline. Uploading videos to TikTok built him a loyal fan base and the rest is history. For his new album, Zimmerman told The Associated Press he focused on doing what he does best. He wrote songs about his life to connect with others. “Different Night Same Rodeo” also features Luke Combs, the Kid LAROI and Diplo.

Jeannie Seely, soulful country singer behind hits like ‘Don’t Touch Me,’ dies at 85

August 1, 2025

Jeannie Seely, the soulful country music singer known for hits like “Don’t Touch Me,” has died at 85. Her publicist says she died Friday from complications of an intestinal infection. Known as “Miss Country Soul,” Seely was a trailblazer for women in country music, celebrated for her spirited nonconformity and hits in the ‘60s and ’70s. She was hospitalized in May after multiple surgeries and a bout of pneumonia. Seely never stopped working in country music. Since 2018, she’s hosted the weekly “Sunday’s with Seely” on Willie Nelson’s SiriusXM channel. She appeared nearly 5,400 times at Grand Ole Opry, which will dedicate its Saturday show to her.

FILE - Singer Ozzy Osbourne performs during halftime of an NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Buffalo Bills in Inglewood, Calif., Sept. 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)

10 songs to memorialize Ozzy Osbourne, the great Black Sabbath frontman

July 23, 2025

The larger-than-life frontman of the pioneering heavy metal band Black Sabbath Ozzy Osbourne has died. He was 76. The English icon’s idiosyncratic, throaty voice launched generations of metalheads, both through his work at the reins of Black Sabbath and in his solo career. Now is an ideal time to listen to The Associated Press’ playlist celebrating his life and legacy. It includes Black Sabbath classics like “Iron Man” and “War Pigs” as well as unexpected selections like his 1991 solo power ballad “Mama, I’m Coming Home” and a 2019 collaboration with Post Malone and the rapper Travis Scott.

This combination of photos shows Miley Cyrus performing at the Rock in Rio music festival in Lisbon on May 29, 2010, left, Bruno Mars performing at the Z100 Jingle Ball concert in New York on Dec. 10, 2010, center, and Rihanna performing at the American Music Awards on Nov. 21, 2010. (AP Photo)

‘Recession pop’ and new Christian music surge in the US as streaming growth slows

July 16, 2025

More music is being streamed than ever before, but the rate of growth has slowed. That’s according to Luminate’s 2025 Midyear Report, which was released Wednesday. Global streams reached 2.5 trillion in the first half of 2025, up from nearly 2.3 trillion last year. However, growth rates have dropped compared to 2024. In the U.S., streaming now accounts for 92% of all music consumption. Notably, Christian music and “recession pop” are seeing a resurgence. Christian music’s growth is driven by younger, streaming-savvy fans, while nostalgic pop hits from the time of the Great Recession are gaining popularity, including tracks from Bruno Mars, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga and Rihanna.

Justin Bieber releases ‘Swag,’ his long-awaited seventh album

July 10, 2025

Justin Bieber has released “Swag,” his long-awaited seventh studio album. The 21-track release arrived Friday, hours after Bieber teased it was coming through a series of billboards and social media posts. The album’s tracklist includes songs named “All I Can Take,” “Walking Away,” “Dadz Love” and “Forgiveness.” Def Jam Recordings says the album was inspired by Bieber’s “devotion as a husband and father” and that’s led to a “a deeper perspective and more reflective sound, resulting in some of his most personal music yet.” In August, Bieber and his wife Hailey announced the birth of their first child, Jack Blues Bieber.

Jennifer Hudson performs at the pre-Grammy gala in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Feb. 4, 2023, left, and Whitney Houston performs at the pre-Grammy gala in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Feb. 13, 2011. (AP Photo)

Jennifer Hudson will headline the Whitney Houston estate’s fourth annual Legacy of Love Gala

July 10, 2025

No one could replace the inimitable talent that was Whitney Houston. But EGOT-winner Jennifer Hudson can master her hits. Hudson will headline the fourth annual Whitney Houston Legacy of Love on Aug. 9, presented by The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation and Primary Wave Music. The event, held at the St. Regis Hotel in Atlanta on what would have been Houston’s 62nd birthday, doubles as a celebration of 40 years since the launch of her career. Houston’s self-titled debut album was released in 1985.The Whitney Houston Legacy of Love on Aug. 9, which will benefit the late singer’s foundation aimed at helping young people.

FILE - Rick Springfield performs at Live Aid, a famine relief concert at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia Pa., Jon uly 13, 1985. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta, File)

Judas Priest, Rick Springfield, John Oates and Bob Geldof reflect on 40 years of Live Aid

July 9, 2025

Forty years ago, the legendary Live Aid concerts simulcast from Philadelphia and London aimed to do a lot of good. They helped to raise over $100 million for famine relief in Ethiopia and inspired worldwide awareness for a cause it might otherwise have ignored. A lot has changed in the years since. Performers Rick Springfield, Hall and Oates’ John Oates, Judas Priest’s Rob Halford and organizer Bob Geldof tell The Associated Press they don’t think Live Aid could happen again in 2025. But the event serves as a reminder that music can create change and bolster a sense of camaraderie.

Pop star Katy Perry and actor Orlando Bloom split 6 years after getting engaged

July 3, 2025

Popstar Katy Perry and actor Orlando Bloom have split. Their representatives confirmed the breakup to multiple media outlets Thursday. The 40-year-old Perry and 48-year-old Bloom have been romantically linked since 2016. They were engaged on Valentine’s Day in 2019. They have one child together, a daughter named Daisy Dove Bloom. She was born in 2020. Perry is a 13-time Grammy Award nominee credited with ushering in the sound of ’00s pop. Bloom is best known for his roles as the elf Legolas in “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” films as well as Will Turner in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series.

50 Cent, Aubrey O’Day and more react to the verdict in the Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sex trafficking trial

July 2, 2025

Sean “Diddy” Combs was convicted of a prostitution-related offense but acquitted of more serious counts that could have put him behind bars for life. The verdict announced Wednesday means the 55-year-old could still face a maximum of 10 years in prison. Celebrities like rappers 50 Cent and Boosie Badazz shared their reactions online. Some were critical of the decision. Singer Aubrey O’Day is a former member of the music group Danity Kane and she said on her Instagram story that the verdict made her sick. Danity Kane formed on Combs’ MTV reality television program “Making the Band” and signed to his Bad Boy Records.

Liam Gallagher performs at the Reading Music Festival, England on Aug. 29, 2021, left, and Noel Gallagher performs at the Glastonbury Festival in Worthy Farm, Somerset, England, on June 25, 2022. (AP Photo)

Ahead of Oasis’ tour, a look at famous and brief band reunions: Nirvana, Outkast and more

July 2, 2025

The Britpop band Oasis will reunite for a 2025 world tour kicking off Friday in Cardiff, Wales. It is a surprising run of dates that end the band’s 15-year hiatus and seem to suggest an end to the long-held feud between bandmates and brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher. The Oasis reunion tour brings to mind other short reunion runs, like Nirvana and Led Zeppelin, who got together only for a few select events over the last few decades. Or Outkast, who reunited for a worldwide festival run in 2014 and then resumed their hiatus.

Lorde performs at the Glastonbury Festival in Worthy Farm, Somerset, England, Monday, June 27, 2022. (AP Photo/Scott Garfitt)

Music Review: Lorde enters ‘Virgin’ territory on her liberated, physical pop album

June 26, 2025

Fans of the New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde have long commended the artist for her visceral pop craft. To them, her music sounds like freedom. On her new album, “Virgin,” it is as if Lorde is able to hear that freedom, too, writes The Associated Press music writer Maria Sherman in her review. “Virgin” is Lorde’s first studio album in four years. She’s now writing pop hits devoid of any anxious filtering. Musically, “Virgin” threads the needle from her 2017 synth-pop album “Melodrama” to the current moment. And thematically, Lorde’s never been more fluid and feral than on “Virgin,” in her descriptions of gender experience and sexual autonomy.

Who will have the 2025 song of the summer? We offer some predictions

June 19, 2025

What makes a great song of the summer? Is it an up-tempo pop banger? Something with an earworm chorus? Does it need to feature the words “summer” or “sunshine” or “California”? The Associated Press views the song of the summer as the one that takes over those warm months between June and August. And in 2025, there are a number of contenders. Those include Bad Bunny’s “NUEVAYoL,” Alex Warren’s “Ordinary,” Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild,” KATSEYE’s “Gnarly,” Drake’s “Nokia,” Addison Rae’s “Fame Is a Gun” and the viral track “Boots on the Ground” by 803Fresh.

Mike Love celebrates Brian Wilson and George Clinton shines at 2025 Songwriters Hall of Fame

June 12, 2025

The Beach Boys’ Mike Love has been inducted into the 2025 Songwriters Hall of Fame. It was just one day after it was announced that his inimitable bandmate Brian Wilson had died. The gala was held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City Thursday night. Inductees included George Clinton, The Doobie Brothers, Ashley Gorley, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins and Tony Macaulay. The 2025 class brings an eclectic mix of funk, rock, R&B, country and beyond. Last year’s inductees included Steely Dan, R.E.M., Timbaland, Hillary Lindsey and Dean Pitchford.

FILE - Brain Wilson, leader of The Beach Boys, performs the song "Heroes and Villains" during a rehearsal at a sound stage in Burbank, Calif., Sept. 22, 2004. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File)

10 songs to celebrate the life and legacy of the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson

June 11, 2025

The musical world has lost a giant. Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys’ visionary and fragile leader, has died at age 82. Attempting to distill Wilson’s talent and influence in a few short songs is an impossibility. Even just focusing on a few select cuts from The Beach Boys’ 1966 album “Pet Sounds” would feel shortsighted. But now is as good a time as ever to listen to The Associated Press’ playlist celebrating his life and legacy. It includes classics like “Surfin USA” and “God Only Knows” as well as unexpected selections Wilson’s solo track, “Don’t Let Her Know She’s an Angel.”

How the ‘F1’ soundtrack came together, with a little help from Lewis Hamilton

June 11, 2025

The soundtrack for the summer tentpole “F1” needed to sound as massive as the pinnacle of motorsport itself. So, the team behind the movie worked with Atlantic Records for “F1 The Album.” The soundtrack features Ed Sheeran, Chris Stapleton, Myke Towers, Blackpink’s Rosé, Tate McRae and many more. Director Joseph Kosinski, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Atlantic Records West Coast President Kevin Weaver told The Associated Press that they endeavored to find big, bespoke songs from diverse artists reflective of F1’s global reach with a little help from F1 driver Lewis Hamilton. But most importantly, the songs had to fit the film. The movie and album release June 27.

Pop singer Jessie J says she has been diagnosed with early breast cancer

June 4, 2025

The English pop singer Jessie J says she has been diagnosed with early breast cancer. She says she will undergo surgery after her performance at the London music festival Capital’s Summertime Ball next weekend. The news arrived in a video message shared to her social media accounts. The annual Summertime Ball will be held at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, June 15. She told her social media audience that she felt compelled to share her diagnosis. The Grammy-nominated Jessie J has long been celebrated for her robust soprano and R&B-informed pop hits, like the 2014 collaboration with Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande, “Bang Bang,” and 2011’s “Domino.”

Pulp is back for ‘More,’ their first album in 24 years. Even the Britpop band is surprised

June 2, 2025

The singular Britpop band Pulp has returned. On Friday, they will release their first new album in 24 years, the aptly titled “More.” Even the band is shocked there’s new Pulp music in 2025, as they told The Associated Press in a rare interview. “More” is the band’s first full-length since bassist Steve Mackey died in 2023. His death was a catalyst for the new record. “It made me realize that you don’t have endless amounts of time to create things,” the charismatic frontman Jarvis Cocker told the AP.

Authorities work the scene where a small plane crashed into a San Diego neighborhood, setting several homes on fire and forcing evacuations along several blocks early Thursday, May 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

San Diego plane crash is a devastating loss to the alternative rock music community

May 23, 2025

The alternative music community is in mourning after a private jet hit a power line in foggy weather early Thursday and crashed into a San Diego neighborhood. It slammed into a home and killed multiple people on the flight. Among them was the groundbreaking music executive Dave Shapiro, a pillar of his music scene, and Daniel Williams, a former drummer for the popular Ohio metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada. Both Williams and Shapiro served as success stories for their rock music scenes, proof that these subcultural sounds had real mainstream appeal, according to members of their community.

What to know about Kid Cudi, the rapper testifying against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

May 21, 2025

Rapper Kid Cudi is the latest celebrity being called to testify in Sean “Diddy” Combs′ sex trafficking trial. The popular melodic rapper is expected to tell the jury about his brief relationship 14 years ago with Combs’ ex-girlfriend, the R&B singer Cassie. She testified that the relationship sent Combs into a rage, and he beat her when he learned of it. Prosecutors contend that Combs arranged to have Cudi’s convertible firebombed. The Cleveland born-and-raised, Grammy-award-winning rapper has long been celebrated for his alternative hip-hop. His game-changing single “Day ‘n’ Nite (Nightmare)” is easily one of the most influential rap records of the last two decades.

MARIA SHERMAN Music Writer.

Finance.