Tickets for Taylor Swift have literally just hit the market in Australia, but a feral frenzy down under is in full effect. With Taylor Swift’s upcoming arrival in Australia, the country has been swept up. Thanks to her ever growing fanbase, affectionately known as “Swifties.” The excitement and nerves over tickets have already reached such heights that one Australian Swiftie, @thommoy, has taken to TikTok to taunt Americans. While other hardcore fans warn American “Swifties” to “stay in your own country.” It has become clear that if you dare enter this whirlwind, you’ll find yourself being welcomed, but kept at an arm’s length. As an outsider, observing the chaosāunable to grasp the Swiftie movement. The hold she has on entire communities, it is truly impressive.
What’s Behind The Feral Frenzy Down Under?
Taylor Swift, in many ways, embodies something that everyone can idolize. She has found a way to captivate the hearts of millennials. As well as, drawing in older and younger crowds. She has seemingly become a living doll. One who many aspire to be like. Her music is effortlessly catchy, with lyrics just vague enough to make you believe she has viewed your Instagram breakup messages. So, it’s no wonder that Australiansāand the rest of the worldāhave gone utterly insane.
The Taylor Swift phenomenon acts as a reminder of the power celebrities have. The ability to captivate millions with their charm and influence. In this case, the frenzy is a mix of genuine adoration and a touch of obsession. It’s as if Taylor Swift has become a pop culture pied piper, leading her devoted followers into a realm of uncontrolled emotions.
As Australia braces itself for the arrival of their pop queen, we can only watch in awe and amusement. The Taylor Swift takeover is an electrifying spectacle, a testament to the true allure of fame and the intoxicating impact it can have on individuals. As well as entire countries. So, buckle up and prepare for the Swiftie storm, because when Taylor touches down, Australia will never be the same.
Ice Spice has reportedly turned down the XXL Freshman 2023 cover, which obviously shocked the hip-hop world. The cover consists of rappers on the rise, including Tia Corine, Lola Brooke, GloRilla, Fridayy and Finesse2tymes. When everyone saw the magazine cover released on Wednesday, questions swirled around about why the drill princess wasn’t featured on it.
According to TMZ, the drill rapper had to decline a spot because of her hectic schedule such as festival bookings and feature requests. Therefore, it was hard to meet the requirements she had to for XXL’s freshman class. The New York rapper is in hot demand right now and climbing the charts with hitmakers like Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift. She is also reportedly at 1 billion streams on Spotify.
XXL Editor-in-chief Responds to Ice Spice Decline
However, we may not have the full story about the exchange between the “Bikini Bottom” rapper and XXL. When TMZ posted the news on Twitter, XXL’s Editor-in-chief replied under the post saying, “Not really the whole story or given excuse but okay.”
Ice recently graced Teen Vogue’s June cover and mentioned the “drastic change” she has entailed even though it is positive. It took less than a year for the rookie to model for Beyonce’s Adidas collection, arrive at the Met Gala, and perform in HUGE music festivals without an album. Today the “Princess Diana” rapper collaborated with the queen of rap, Nicki Minaj once again for the Barbie movie soundtrack. Her breakout single “Munch” only hit the music scene in August 2022.
Drill Rapper Taken Over New York
Drill was originally from Chicago, found its way to London and then landed in New York City. Rappers like Bobby Shmurda and Pop Smoke made the genre known around the country. However, the 23-year-old sealed the deal with “Munch,” – showing that the females are just as lit as the males in drill.
As the Oscar’s approach their 25th anniversary, preparations begin. The nominees for best original song involve several soloists, alongside other prominent popstars. Featured in films for their original written and performance of the songs – Disney/Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,Ā Sony’sĀ Devotion, Paramount’sĀ Top Gun: MaverickĀ and Pixar’sĀ Turning Red, among others.
Best Original Song – Short List
Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish and Finneas aim to be on the category’s shorter list (prior Oscar winners). After seven years, a new track releases from Rihanna placing her in the same race which will be put out on Dec. 21.
The Oscar nominations for 2023 will be unveiled on January 24. The 95th Oscar Academy Awards will take place Sunday, March 12, 2023.
Oscar Nominees – Best Original Song
Rhianna – Lift Me Up
After returning from a years-long gap the fashion icon and singer has returned. In Black Panther: WakandaĀ Forever featuresĀ the uplifting song that isĀ co-written with the film’s composer, Ludwig Goransson, writer- director Ryan Coogler.
Lady Gaga – Hold My Hand
This sentimental ballad features in Paramount’s film – Top Gun: Maverick and is written by Michael Tucker.Ā Potentially, Gaga could earn a second Oscar for her original song after A Star Is Born “Shallow”.
Jazmine Sullivan – ” Stand Up”
Sullivan and co-writer Dernst āDāMileā Emile II (Oscar winnerĀ Judas and the Black Messiah’s “Fight for You”) tribute the legacy of Emmett Till.
Taylor Swift – Carolina
Highlighted in Sony’sĀ Where the Crawdads Sing, has swifted the singer into already a Grammy nomination and potentially earn two possible noms (All Too Well: The Short Film).
Joe Jonas and Khalid – Not Alone
In the final credits of Sony’s war drama DevotionĀ are Joe Jonas and Khalid. The two wrote the song alongside Bernard Harvey and Ryan Tedder.
Selena Gomez – My Mind & Me
The singer and actress recently released her Apple documentary starring her life on and off- camera,Ā Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me. The title from the film represents her personal struggles with mental health.
Doja Cat – Vegas
Featured from Baz Luhrmann’sĀ ElvisĀ is the rapper’s song but annex vocalist Shonka Dukureh’s recording of “Hound Dog.”
Billie Eilish & Finneas – Nobody Like You
The dynamic duo constructsĀ three tracks for Pixar’s Turning Red – the others ” 1 True Love” and “U Know What’s Up” – in the style of a fictional boy band, featuring Finneas as one of the vocalists.
The best part of any award show is always the fashion. And the MTV VMA fashion is no different. This year the award show opted for a āblack carpetā instead of a red one, and many of the artists arrived dressed to complete that. But who was on point with the fit and who could use work? Find out more below!
The Best and Worst from MTV VMA Fashion
The MTV VMAs always bring the fun fashion, since attendees tend to let loose and show their personalities more for the less formal event. Thereās usually fun and experimental outfits instead of gowns and tuxedos. For instance, who can forget Gagaās meat dress? Or Lil Kimās purple jumpsuit, complete with seashell pastie? Or who can forget J.Loās all-white ensemble that showed off her impressive abs? And this year was no different, but there are always artists who think their look will work, and they just donāt pull it off. See if you agree with what we have to say below!
Taylor Swift was one artist who absolutely SLAYED the assignment. Dressed in an Oscar de la Renta, Gatsby-inspired dress, she was a sight. The silver fringe and sparkle walked the thin line perfectly behind leaving something for the imagination and showing off what she has! Paired with her blonde hair swept back and signature red lip, this look was everything.
Image via FilmMagic
Singer Conan Gray wore an outfit that missed the mark. He wore a Harris Reed look featuring a white lace-trimmed train and blaze, accompanied by black bellbottom pants and white platform heels. But the look was just too much, and it honestly wasnāt that appealing on him.
Image via Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images
Someone whom we can always depend on to give a look no matter what the event is Ashley Graham. The model came out last night in a skin-tight black Houghton NYC dress that showed off glimpses of her midsection. And by the way, as a reminder, this woman had twin boys seven months ago! Graham definitely is all about self-esteem and confidence and last night she embodied all that!
Image via Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Bob the Drag Queen was just all over the place last night with his attire! It was like a mix of Scottish tartan and MC Hammer pants. The outfit had no shape whatsoever. And it was way too heavy for New Jersey in August. His accessories were on point though. The thick gold chain and gold pins on the jacket would look fantastic on another fit. Letās just hope this was something thrown together last minute. We can expect more from him next time, because usually he delivers.
Image via Dia Dipasupil/Getty
Lil Nas X is a force to be reckoned with, plus we love an artist who doesnāt care about what other people think or say. And last night he showed up with an outfit that made everyone stop in their tracks. His Harris Reed look featured an outrageous feather headdress and matching skirt. But he made sure to leave his toned arms and stomach on full display. And this look is exactly what MTV VMA fashion is all about!
Image via Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
Chloe Fineman definitely won the experimental award for the night by wearing a custom-made thressASFOUR gown created by the designer and Instacart. Yes, you read that correctly ā Instacart. And to top it off, the actress decided to hand out candy as well. Her quilted gown is part of Instacartās āWorld Is Your Cartā campaign. The floor-length gown had a futuristic vibe, since it was made from holographic vinyl and polyurethane (PU) leather, silver nylon, metallic organza and duchess satin. And it even featured edible accessories. The look was meant to look like snack packaging, and although it did, this look was a little too out there. Even for the VMAs.
Sadie Sink in Taylor Swift's short film, āAll Too Well.ā
MTVās Video Music Awards aired Sunday, and audiences are buzzing about the nightās highlights. Some of the hottest moments include Bad Bunny kissing his backup dancer and Nicki Minaj receiving the Video Vanguard Award. And of course, you canāt forget the outfits, which range from chic to visually startling. One of the biggest awards of the nightāVideo of the Yearāhad quite a few strong contenders, however.
Way 2 Sexy ā Drake ft. Future, Young Thug
This is another video showing everyone why Drizzy is the hip-hop King of the Memes. āWay 2 Sexyā shows Drake strutting around in a variety of costumes. Future and Young Thugs are also in the video, showing off their āfunnyā side, though they both look somewhat uncomfortable. Every other scene contains a pop culture reference. Drizzy, however, isnāt the first artist to cram a bunch of references into a music video. While the video is funny, it lacks originality, which could explain why it didnāt win in this category.
brutal ā Olivia Rodrigo
There comes a time in every young pop starās life when they become aware of the constant exploitation in the music industry. For NāSync, it was āBye Bye Bye.ā For Pink, it was āDonāt Let Me Get Me.ā Stepping out of the shadow of Disney Channel, this is Olivia Rodrigoās take on that time-honored tradition. The 19-year-old wants the world to know that sheās vulnerable and unsure of her place in the world, like most adults. The video features Rodrigo stumbling through various settings as she sings about the woes of being in the public eye. With intentionally low-res edits and shaky camera work, the video conveys Rodrigoās confusion about adulthood in the limelight. However, this wasnāt enough to secure the win. Damn, I guess it really is brutal out here.
Shivers ā Ed Sheeran
The best way to describe the video for this song, is cute, quirky, and aesthetically overwhelming. The video, starring Ed and actress Anna Sophia Robb, starts off normally enough with a meet cute in a diner. Things quickly go off the rails, as Ed Sheeran is immediately hit by a traināa metaphor for what it feels like to fall in love. The pair prance about dressed in Elton John-inspired garb in a variety of psychedelic settings. Though the song is a sweet dedication to his wife, the story isnāt as cohesive as some other entries.
As It Was ā Harry Styles
This video, directed by Ukrainian filmmaker Tanu Muino, shows Harry Styles dancing in a sparkling red jumpsuit with model Mathilde Lin. Though the video is simple, it perfectly complements the songās theme of isolation and change. However, itās not visually stimulating enough to beat out the other nominees.
Woman ā Doja Cat
Doja Catās āPlanet Herā is the rapperās visual magnum opus at this point in her career. Any video from her album could have been nominated in this category, and no one would think twice about it. In this particular video, Doja is a seductress called upon by Queen Teyona Taylor to seduce men trying to dethrone her. Everything about the video, from the costumes to the choreography and cinematography, is on point. The concept is thematically relevant, as the song is meant to be an anthem for strong women everywhere. The only thing that stopped Doja from snagging this award is that, while the video is stunning and uplifting, it doesnāt give you much to think about.
INDUSTRY BABY ā Lil Nas X ft. Jack Harlow
What do you get when you cross Lil Nas X with legendary choreographer Sean Bankhead? You get Nas and Jack Harlowās viral music video for āINDUSTRY BABY.ā In the video, the imprisoned rappers are accompanied by other inmates dressed in pink jumpsuits. At one point, Lil Nas X and the other inmates dance naked in the showerāa scene that either offends or intrigues viewers. This video is a provocative look at the intersection of prison culture and sexuality. Lil Nas X revels in being a provocateur, and this is a prime example of that spirit. It was the strongest contender for Video of the Year, but it didnāt make the cut.
Winner: All Too Well (Taylor’s Version) ā Taylor Swift
While Taylor Swift is no stranger to the directorās chair, this is the first time she directed a short film. And according to her fans and MTV, she knocked it out of the park. āAll Too Wellā tells the story of a 19-year-old, played by āStranger Thingsā actress Sadie Sink, who falls in love with an older man, played by āTeen Wolfā star Dylan OāBrien. The story allegedly reflects Swiftās own dating experience, as when she was 19, she briefly dated actor Jake Gyllenhaal. This context might explain why the video stands out among the rest. In recent years, thereās been talk about toxicity in some relationships with wide age gaps. The video shows the main characterās ups and down as Sinkās character struggles with an increasing feeling of alienation. When sheās around his friends, she canāt relate because sheās so young.Ā There is also an argument mid-video that confronts the issue of the older manās behavior when heās around his friends. He smooths things over again and again, but it never solves the root of the problemāthe age gap itself. The video has a bittersweet ending. It ends with Taylor as an older version of Sadie Sinkās character, reflecting on her experiences to a crowd of young women.
This marks Swiftās 14th MTV VMA win. Though she beat out every other video nominated, it doesnāt take away from the artistic efforts of the musicians or the cast and crew who contributed.
While fans of Rihanna have been waiting for her to release her next album, they have been making due with her old music videos on Youtube. Rihanna now has the record of most YouTube videos that have a billion views, done by a female artist.
According to Chart Data, Rihanna is record-holder for most videos by a female artist with at least 1 billion views on YouTube. Previously, the record had gone to Taylor Swift, who had 5 videos with a billion views. Rihannaās āWe Found Loveā featuring Calvin Harris crossed the 10-figure mark this week.
.@rihanna becomes the female artist with the most videos with over 1 billion views each on YouTube (7).
“We Found Love” originally came out on October 19. 2011. It had only just this week found its way to the billion views club.
“Work” Featuring Drake is another video with a billion views. It had crossed that threshold in 2019, debuting on February 22, 2016.
“This is What You Came For” by Calvin Harris, featuring Rihanna currently has over 2.5 billion views. It was released on June 16, 2016. On November 29 of that year, it had reached its first billion views.
Eminem’s “Love the Way You Lie” featuring Rihanna also hit 1 billion views in 2016, according to Reddit. It was originally released in 2010 and currently has 2.3 billion views.
Shakira’s “Can’t Remember to Forget You” was released in 2014. It got a billion views in 2019.
DJ Khaled’s “Wild Thoughts” is the most recent video to get one billion views. It was released in 2014.Ā According to Chart Data, it reached the billion-viewsĀ mark earlier this year.
It is looking like the next video of Rihanna’s that is going to hit a billion views is going to be “Stay” featuring Mikky Ekko. It is only 8 million views away from also getting to the view goal.
Summer Walker’s albumĀ Still Over ItĀ is still out here doing big thing things. We’ve learned that the R&B songstress has now tied with singer Taylor Swift onĀ Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. A total of 18 songs from her new album are taking over the chart. Walker and Swift are the only female artists in the chart’s 63-year history to simultaneously place as many as 18 songs on the survey. Walker is also No.1 on the Billboard 200 chart, makingĀ Still Over ItĀ the first R&B album by a woman to top the chart since Solange’sĀ A Seat At The TableĀ in October 2016.
Still Over It
Since releasing her album on November 5th, Walker has received nothing but success, including breaking several Apple Music Records. She is not only dominating the music industry but the charts as well. Walker has put her pain into music, and it has turned into something beautiful. Not only is she tap-dancing all over the charts, but she has also brought veterans as Omarion and Bow Wow. Both are featured on two songs of Walker’sĀ Still Over ItĀ album, putting their pain into music.
Summer Walker and Taylor Swift
Summer Walker and Taylor Swift are definitely representing the ladies. Two hard-working beautiful women who have turned pain and personal experiences into beautiful music. Together they are breaking records, topping charts, and captivating their fans with their music. Congratulations are definitely in order for both Walker and Swift. They are definitely leaving their footprints throughout the music industry and showing young ladies across the world that it can be done. I just know that they are inspiring up-and-coming artists everywhere. Congratulations to both!
MTV announced the first performers of theĀ MTV Video Music Awards. The short YouTube commercial pictures Olivia Rodrigo and Camila Cabello. However, more artists are to participate in the festival. Among them are Lil Nas X, Lorde, Machine Gun Kelly, and Foo Fighters.Ā
The opened songs on the list are āDonāt Go Yetā by Camila Cabello, āPapercutsā by Machine Gun Kelly, and Olivia Rodrigoās āGood 4 U.ā Other songs are TBA.
According to MTV News, āMTV and Barclays Center is working with officials to execute a screen-breaking spectacle that brings together music fans from with the health and safety for everyone.āĀ
Nomination leaders are Justin Bieber and Megan Thee Stallion; both are to get seven and six nominations. More nominees include Ariana Grande, Doja Cat, and Taylor Swift.Ā
More Insights
This yearās event is happening on September 12th, the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. MTV also plans to work with the 9/11 Day nonprofit organization to honour the National Day of Service and Remembrance.Ā
This year MTV will be giving out the āMoon Personā Trophy. Designed by Kehinde Wiley, MTV opened the āMoon Personā sculpture at NASAās Kennedy Space Center on August 1st. According toĀ MTVās statement to Rolling Stone, āThe design features botanical vines seamlessly flowing up and around the figureās legs, body, and arms as a commentary on the ethnic histories that surround America. Each intertwined vine or leaf has a different historical relevance, such as the seeds from African slaves, that are woven into the American tapestry.”
Some of MTVās events and shows have been on the air longer than a decent part of our websiteās auditorium. One of its most legendary is āMTV Cribs.ā Once gone, they are now finally back on the air. You can read about the rerunĀ here.Ā
Scooter Braun is hit with a fraud lawsuit over a private equity fund
Scooter Braun is the manager for the familiar names of Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, and more. He most recently signed The Kid Laroi to his record label, Schoolboy Records.
Scooter Braun and Ariana Grande the One Love Manchester benefit concert, 2017
Peter Comisar, Vice Chairman of Investment Banking at Guggenheim Securities. In 2016, Braun attempted to recruit Comisar to join the private equity fund he was establishing. Before working for Guggenheim Securities, Comisar had spent two decades at Goldman Sachs. Comisar claims to have agreed on a three-year deal with Braun and the firm.
In April 2018, Comisar claimed that Braun all financial commitments and funding to the equity firm. This came after Braun reported the potential for raising $500-$700 million from billionaires within the entertainment community. A formal complaint states that Braun believed he did not need to be responsible for his contractual obligations because it was common for entertainment figures to dishonor these obligations.
Braun has pushed the lawsuit into arbitration. He alleges that the fault is not on him. Instead, he claims Comisar committed to raising $250 million for the equity fund startup, but failed to do so. Braun claims this was due to a lack of investors, which Comisar had failed to acquire.
“Braun turned out to be a sheep in wolfās clothing”
It seems that as details of the case progress and become available to the public, that Braun and Comisar are at odds and believe that the other did not make his promised contribution to the startup fund. As a result, the arbitration of the $200 million lawsuit contains a series of name-calling, personal attacks, and arguments over financial and personal contributions.
Comisar is not the first employee of Scooter Braun to have complaints. Previously, Taylor Swift has made several statements regarding the poor treatment she received from Braun in her time working with him and how he prevented her from having access to the rights and sales of her music.
In conclusion, it seems that Braun’s behaviors amongst his employees are forming a pattern of lawsuits, complaints, and hot water. What will happen next?
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