Maluma joins The Weeknd onstage on the Tremendous Bowl
Final yr’s Tremendous Bowl gave us a style of what Latin artists can do on tv’s largest stage. Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Unhealthy Bunny and J Balvin’s show-stopping performances bought the entire nation dancing alongside to hits corresponding to “Hips Do not Lie,” “Mi Gente” and “Let’s Get Loud” — and to maintain Latin’s momentum going on the Tremendous Bowl, we’re hoping The Weeknd, this yr’s headliner, will deliver out Maluma throughout his halftime present. The pair teamed up for a bilingual model of the Colombian’s international hit “Hawái” that dropped late final yr and peaked at No. 12 on Billboard‘s Sizzling 100. Whereas there have not been any clues but to recommend Maluma can be a visitor, it is secure to say that if he jumps on that stage, it might be an epic first-time efficiency collectively for the star duo. — GRISELDA FLORES
Rina Sawayama opens for Woman Gaga on the Chromatica Ball Tour
If U.Ok. pop breakout Rina Sawayama’s new single “LUCID” sounds just a little acquainted, that’s in all probability as a result of the euphoric collaboration with producer BloodPop evokes his current work on Woman Gaga’s time-traveling dance-pop opus Chromatica. Followers have already mashed up the track with “Rain on Me,” however there’s no purpose for the team-up to be hypothetical, public well being allowing: Together with her personal world tour slated (not less than for now) for fall 2021, Sawayama could be the right opening act for Gaga’s Chromatica Ball stadium reveals this summer time. It could possibly be the primary nice huge homosexual dance celebration of 2021 — and an official Gaga “LUCID” remix wouldn’t damage, both! — NOLAN FEENEY
Ariana Grande returns the favor to Doja Cat
Doja Cat hopped on Ariana Grande’s Positions reduce “Motive” in 2020, and tonight she’ll even be showing on the remix to Grande’s “34+35” remix. It is time for Ari to return the favor on Doja’s upcoming Planet Her LP — and the rapper/singer has basically already teased a collab main as much as the brand new set. Such a teamup would hopefully be the glowing pop/hip-hop bop we so desperately need, if not the one we deserve. “Motive” additionally didn’t obtain a music video, in order that’s additionally on the wishlist. Really, to be actually particular, we might prefer to see a video the place Doja and Ari unite to drag off a heist. What a dream workforce! — GAB GINSBERG
P!nk hosts a brand new Circus of the Stars
The pandemic has brought about all of us to recalibrate and discover new methods to do the issues we used to like doing in public. Take P!nk, who has spent the higher a part of the previous decade flying excessive above our heads on a wire, performing superb circus stunts that faucet into her pre-fame abilities as a aggressive gymnast. Unable to hit the street, now could be the right time for the singer to reboot the beloved Circus of the Stars franchise and be the ringleader for a restricted, socially distanced sequence the place she faucets into the hidden abilities of her fellow artists. We think about Lil Wayne busting out loopy kick-flips on an enormous ramp on his skateboard, J-Lo making use of her Hustler acrobatics coaching to strive her hand on the trapeze, Cody Johnson bringing his rodeo abilities to the large high, or newly buff rapper Busta Rhymes indulging in feats of energy. As a bonus, with arenas shuttered and so many crewmembers out of labor, the present may give a bunch of beloved street canines a pleasant paycheck. — GIL KAUFMAN
Travis Scott drops his Utopia album — and takes the ragers there with a pop-up expertise
If 2020 taught us something in regards to the Houston rapper, it’s that he lives for the fun of multi-sensory experiences past simply listening to music. He took followers again to his childhood along with his favourite McDonald’s meal, grew to become bigger than life as a Fornite online game avatar-turned-headlining performer and captured the odor of area along with his personal high-end luxurious candle and cologne. He is a franchise in and of himself — and Utopia is shaping as much as turn out to be one, too. Scott may quickly invite his followers to blast off to a pop-up vacation spot helmed by his Midas contact. Cacti, his new agave-spiked seltzer, could possibly be Utopia’s nectar of the trend gods. Flying vehicles within the type of an amusement park journey, a Travis Scott staple from his Astroworld period, would show Utopia is gentle years forward of the world we at the moment reside in. And Utopia merch may make anybody the very best and the flyest individual within the room, together with one other collaboration with Nike that includes model new cloudfoam sneakers. — HERAN MAMO
Taylor Swift releases a “Final Nice American Dynasty” film
Again earlier than Evermore emerged, and Taylor Swift followers had been using excessive on Folklore, one Twitter user suggested making a film primarily based on that album’s “The Final Nice American Dynasty” — starring Blake Energetic as Rebekah Harkness, her real-life husband Ryan Reynolds as Invoice, the doomed inheritor to the Customary Oil title, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson because the neighbor whose unlucky encounter with the tune’s important character ends in a key-lime green-dyed canine. Ferguson responded he was sport, whereas Reynolds chimed in “however Invoice’s coronary heart?” (Spoiler alert: Invoice dies.) Swift herself chimed in to say she cherished the concept — and so will we. Think about the alluringly lovely Energetic filling swimming swimming pools with champagne and taking part in playing cards with Salvador Dali? (We propose Robert Pattinson reprise his portrayal right here.) Couple the intriguing material — who does not need to see Energetic blowing by the cash on the boys and the ballet? — with a Baz-Luhrmann-Gatsby-inspired design, and that is a movie we’ve not seen earlier than, however we’re positive we might just like the ending. — DENISE WARNER
Tom DeLonge leads “Aliens Exist” fest
Overlook First Stream, 2021 is all about First Contact. Fox Mulder-in-Ready Tom DeLonge ought to lead an (inter)stellar lineup of musicians to commemorate the approaching day authorities intelligence businesses are pressured to fork over what they learn about UFOs thanks to a random rider connected to the COVID-19 aid and spending invoice. The unclassified report comes out 180 days after the late-December invoice was handed. — JOE LYNCH
Huge Sean and Jhené Aiko reunite for second TWENTY88 album
The rapper/R&B singer duo and real-life couple spent lots of time collectively within the studio final yr, recording “None of Your Concern” for her Grammy-nominated Chilombo album, in addition to “Physique Language” and “Time In” (the latter of which acquired a correct TWENTY88 credit score) on his Billboard 200-topping Detroit 2 album. After dropping the eponymous TWENTY88 LP in 2016, Sean revealed in a Reddit AMA that their sophomore album is “within the works.” Aiko may lace their newest tracks with the therapeutic properties of her sound bowls, whereas Sean’s intricate lyricism would inform the arousing story of how the 2 rekindled their flame. And their love for Black cinematography, from the Blaxploitation movies that impressed TWENTY88’s mini movie to the Black romcoms they paid homage to within the “Physique Language” music video, may very properly be captured in an old-school romance mini-film to help the brand new album. — H.M.
A Spanish-language tune hits No. 1 on the Sizzling 100
In November, Unhealthy Bunny’s El Ultimo Tour Del Mundo grew to become the primary all-Spanish album within the historical past of the Billboard 200 to high the chart. That an all-Spanish tune may quickly high the Billboard Sizzling 100 would seem like a forgone conclusion. Already, the seeds have been sowed: Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s “Despacito” in fact spent 16 weeks at No. 1 on the chart again in 2017, but it surely wanted assist from a Justin Bieber remix and a smattering of English to get main mainstream consideration. So did J Balvin and Willy William’s Beyoncé-assisted “Mi Gente,” which peaked at No. 3 on the chart. However final November, Unhealthy Bunny and Jhay Cortez’s “Dákiti” made it to No. 1 on Billboard’s total international chart. It solely peaked at No. 5 domestically on the Sizzling 100, however the tempo of development had quickened. An all-Spanish hit topping the chart is imminent. — LEILA COBO
Drake, Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole all drop new albums
Are you able to title the final time the three Kings of the 2010s all launched a mission the identical yr? Attempt ten years in the past — when Take Care, Part.80 and Sideline Story all dominated the rap stratosphere. Since their early campaigns, Drake, Ok. Dot, and Cole have turn out to be perennial rap juggernauts and are on the joint apex of their careers. A triple-threat match for this yr’s greatest rap honors is a blockbuster occasion that even Vince McMahon would not cross up. — CARL LAMARRE
Billie Eilish makes her movie debut
The teenager celebrity has already branched out into the movie world, from her look in Gucci’s short-film sequence, Guccifest, to her upcoming Apple documentary — to, in fact, coming into the esteemed Bond Theme canon together with her cinematic title reduce to the upcoming No Time to Die. As Darkroom label boss Justin Lubliner instructed Billboard late final yr: “2020 was at all times eager about the movie facet of Billie, the documentary, which we ideated to start with of her profession, the most important synch and authentic tune — and what higher alternative than James Bond?” However now, in 2021, may Eilish be aiming to star on the silver display screen in a task different than as herself? Solely time will inform, however we actually assume she’d be greater than succesful. — LYNDSEY HAVENS
Unhealthy Bunny and Rosalía drop an epic “La Noche de Anoche” music video
Through the vacation break, Unhealthy Bunny hopped on Instagram Reside to share his 10 private favourite songs from El Ultimo Tour del Mundo. “La Noche de Anoche,” in collaboration with rising star Rosalía, was his No. 5 — however he assured it may simply be his high monitor. “Lots of people had been ready for this collaboration for a very long time, myself included. Thanks to Rosalía for doing this murals with me,” he expressed. A real fan-favorite, it’s solely a matter of time we see each artists deliver their in-studio chemistry to the display screen in 2021. In true Unhealthy Bunny and Rosalía style, we think about the music video to be colossal, conceptual, nostalgic, and even dreamlike — epic in its totality! — JESSICA ROIZ
Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani reboot Hee-Haw
With all of us nonetheless principally caught at residence determined for any new content material after streaming each present and film ever launched for the previous 10 months, what the world wants now’s novelty. Particularly, cutie couple Blake and Gwen’s 2021 reboot of the long-running corny nation musical selection present Hee-Haw. He’s lots nation, she’s just a little rock and roll, and collectively they’ve tons of TV expertise on The Voice, which makes them the right option to deliver again the present that ran on-and-off from 1969 to 1997 and starred such nation staples as Buck Owens, Roy Clark, Roy Acuff and beloved comic Minnie Pearl. Image Shelton remodeling a barn on his postcard-perfect, sprawling Oklahoma ranch right into a COVID-safe mini-studio, using a few of his and Gwen’s unemployed touring crew and alluring associates and admirers to Zoom or fly in (after correct quarantining) for a weekly hour of family-friendly jokes, well timed skits, particular collaborations and good vibes, shining just a little gentle in the course of the darkish winter slog. — G.Ok.
Frank Ocean releases a brand new album and live performance movie
For any introverted artist affected by press and/or stage fright, the continuing pandemic has provided surprising respite — and maybe even a chance to launch music with out being required (or in a position) to do a lot else. Now appears pretty much as good a time as any (and belief, we may use it) for a brand new mission from Frank Ocean after a protracted spell of relative quiet, and may he select to launch it inside a livestream — as he has performed earlier than, with 2016’s visible album Infinite — properly, then all the higher. Contemplating that his 2017 Panorama audiovisual headlining set leaned closely on the visible facet (Spike Jonze was directing, in spite of everything), it won’t be a far cry from attempting one thing comparable however on a digital stage — and, maybe better of all for the considerably reclusive Ocean, in isolation. — L.H.
Karol G and Rihanna be a part of forces
If Karol G’s Rihanna tattoo on her arm is any indication, she’s a significant fan. “I really feel like she’s like me,” Karol beforehand instructed Billboard. “She presents herself as an actual girl, she doesn’t care in regards to the detrimental feedback. I like her lyrics as a result of she sings about love, heartbreak, girl empowerment… I really feel that we’ve comparable personalities.” RiRi, who has already collaborated on a bilingual monitor with Shakira, would match completely on the beat of a “Bichota” remix, and even on a model new single. — J.R.
Bleachers lastly launch their third album
Jack Antonoff has been teasing a 3rd Bleachers album for some time, and beforehand shared that it might be arriving in 2020. Whereas COVID-19 got here as a substitute, Antonoff gave us hope for the wretched yr in August, when he started repeatedly tweeting, “Take the disappointment out of Saturday night time.” Now that we all know these are lyrics from the Bruce Springsteen-assisted “Chinatown” — which the band launched in November together with “45,” — a brand new Bleachers period, together with the brand new yr, seems to lastly be upon us. We do not know when in 2021 the album is coming, however we’re hoping it is going to deliver the identical euphoric choruses and reflections on life that Unusual Want and Gone Now have had us scream-singing alongside to for years. — RANIA ANIFTOS
Machine Gun Kelly and Avril Lavigne rock out collectively
Within the remaining days of 2020, Avril Lavigne teased new music on Instagram, showcasing images of her within the studio alongside Machine Gun Kelly and MOD SUN. The latter launched the Lavigne-assisted single “Flames” on Jan. 8, although MGK is neither a featured artist nor listed on the tune’s credit. However given the images from the submit — one in every of which incorporates MGK sporting a set of headphones and in entrance of a microphone — there appears to be extra unreleased music within the tank. And after his alt rock pivot led to essential acclaim and his first Billboard 200 no. 1 final fall, why change course? The last time he teamed up with a pop-punk star for a rollicking monitor labored out fairly rattling properly. Extra of that, please. — JOSH GLICKSMAN
Madvillainy II lastly sees launch
In 2004, underground rap super-villain MF Doom and beat savant Madlib joined forces underneath the moniker Madvillain to create the full-length team-up Madvillainy, some of the creative albums in hip-hop historical past. Within the years since, a follow-up grew to become a supply of legend for rap nerds: Tracks had been created and referenced in interviews however by no means shared, and rumors a couple of reunion swirled earlier than inevitably collapsing. The tragic current information of Doom’s passing on the age of 49 late final yr has had new fans discovering the wonders of Madvillainy, longtime supporters wistfully returning to it, and each teams questioning aloud if the set’s sequel would lastly materialize. In a recent interview on the Juan Ep is Dead podcast, Peanut Butter Wolf — head of DOOM’s Stones Throw document label, mentioned that Madvillainy II was “85 p.c performed” previous to the rapper’s dying. Let’s hope some of the longed-for tasks in hip-hop historical past will lastly see daylight, in some kind or style, in 2021. — JASON LIPSHUTZ
Selena Gomez and Niall Horan lastly collab
In June 2020, Niall Horan tweeted that he is “prepared when Sel is” to collaborate, and Twitter instantly exploded in pleasure (“I’M SCREAMING I’M SCREAMING I’M SCREAMING” was a typical response from the collective fandoms). Gomez and the One Course alum have been friends for ages, and it isn’t completely out of the query for the 2 to hop on Zoom for a quarantined session or two. Simply think about them unveiling a wonderfully emotional acoustic ballad within the vein of “If the World Was Ending” — and positive, why not let Finneas produce? Make it occur, universe! — G.G.
Beyoncé and Adele workforce up
The nameless gossip Instagram account DeuxMoi made waves throughout 2020 unveiling its trove of user-submitted rumors, sightings, and tales of encounters with celebrities. DeuxMoi even accurately predicted the Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber collaboration “Monster” earlier than its announcement. One other collab rumor from Deux? None apart from pop superheroes Beyonce and Adele. Certain, it could be a protracted shot — although again in 2019, Ryan Tedder said that a tune that includes the 2 and Chris Martin was within the works, and needed to again away from his feedback. In any occasion, the powerhouse singers love one another, and duet between them is a salve all of us may use. — D.W.
Reggaetón and Latin lure get their very own style class on the Grammys
Why, why, why hasn’t this occurred but? Reggaetón and Latin lure have single-handedly expanded the attain, visibility and recognition of Latin music at a worldwide and home scale. And but, when the Grammy Awards determined to divvy up the very problematic Latin rock, city or different album class, they left “city” lumped along with pop and gave the stand alone class to Latin rock or different, the least commercially viable subgenre of the three. Media, artists and the trade basically complained. Loudly. We hope the Academy has listened, and that subsequent time modifications and guidelines are introduced, a stand-alone city class will make the checklist to accommodate the explosion of releases from the likes of Anuel AA, Ozuna, J Balvin, Unhealthy Bunny and Daddy Yankee. — L.C.
Discopalooza 2021
The disco revival of 2020 was a brilliant spot in an in any other case darkish yr, due to new releases from the likes of Dua Lipa, Kylie Minogue, Jessie Ware and Róisín Murphy. And the divas themselves appear to be delighted by the corporate they’re in: Lipa invited Minogue to her Studio 2054 live performance particular, then returned the favor by hopping on a remix of Minogue’s “Real Groove.” In the meantime, Minogue has sworn to hit the studio with Ware, who has a mutual admiration society happening with Murphy over Twitter. So, let’s take these friendships to their pure conclusion in 2021: a one-off Discopalooza competition or mini-residency that includes (not less than!) all 4 club-music queens. They’ll embark on particular person excursions proper after — following months of being cooped up inside, it’s going to take a couple of night time of dancing to get our disco ya-yas out. — N.F.
Vinyl turns into an trade focus
Vinyl enterprise continues to develop yr over yr, but demand outstrips factories’ skill to ship product — and last year’s fire at a lacquer producer did not assist issues. It is time for firms to start out severely investing within the comeback of one of the best format for experiencing music (that does not contain the artist standing proper in entrance of you). — J. Lynch
Nipsey Hussle’s first posthumous album is launched
Final yr, we watched Mac Miller, Juice WRLD, and Pop Smoke run the desk with their respective posthumous releases. With the spirit of Nipsey Hussle nonetheless dominating barbershop banter, rap options, and remark sections, a brand new album may and ought to be on the way in which from the late legend. An in depth buddy and collaborator of Hussle, J. Stone, instructed The Bootleg Kev Podcast final month that there was “positively going to be one other Nip album.” With posthumous verses given to DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, The Sport, and Huge Sean, a full LP of raps from Neighborhood Nip could be good for the soul. — C.L.
A Latin act performs on the presidential inauguration
An unprecedented variety of Latin artists — corresponding to Ricky Martin, Luis Fonsi and Shakira — rallied behind Joe Biden and Kamala Harris within the hopes of sending the Democratic ticket to the White Home. After Prince Royce carried out on the Democratic Nationwide Conference in August, Biden even kicked off a full-fledged focused music marketing campaign to rally the Latino vote — with geo-targeted bilingual spots soundtracked by Marc Anthony, Unhealthy Bunny, Alejandro Fernández and Gaby Moreno, amongst others. Given Latin artists’ important position in Biden’s efforts to court docket the Latin group, it might make sense to see some a Latin artist carry out at Biden’s inauguration ceremony on Jan. 20. Attending to see Ricky Martin carry out his prideful and jubilant “Cántalo” could be notably excellent. — G.F.