The Trump administration has been using pop culture and music in provocative social media campaigns, leading to backlash from artists like Sabrina Carpenter and others who oppose their use of music and imagery to promote ICE and immigration policies. This pattern of using popular music for political messaging has become increasingly common, with artists vocally objecting and the administration continuing its tactics despite criticism.
The first weekend of Coachella 2024 featured surprise performances from a star-studded lineup, including Shakira's announcement of a world tour during Argentinean producer Bizarrap’s set, Olivia Rodrigo joining No Doubt for a performance, and A$AP Rocky making unexpected appearances. Other surprise guests included Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber, and Paris Hilton, making the festival particularly unforgettable.
Katy Perry and Taylor Swift reunited at Swift's Eras Tour in Australia, posing for a photo together and marking a continued reconciliation after years of public feud. The pop stars had previously clashed over backup dancers and released songs that were interpreted as digs at each other. However, their relationship improved in 2019, with Perry making a surprise cameo in Swift's music video and Swift acknowledging their improved terms in interviews.
"The Greatest Night in Pop" documentary, now on Netflix, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the iconic charity single "We Are the World," capturing the stars' camaraderie and the song's impact. Directed by Bao Nguyen and centered around Lionel Richie, the film reveals the frantic recording session and the personal stories of the participating artists, showcasing both the selflessness and self-glorification inherent in the '80s charity-rock movement. Despite its contradictions, the song's enduring appeal and the genuine humanity of the pop stars involved shine through, making it a must-see for fans and younger viewers alike.
Billboard has released its honorable mentions for the biggest pop stars of 2023, including Gunna, Jung Kook, NewJeans, Sabrina Carpenter, Sexyy Red, Shakira, Travis Scott, Troye Sivan, Victoria Monét, and Zach Bryan. These artists were chosen based on factors such as chart performance, music videos, live performances, social media presence, cultural importance, and industry influence. While they didn't make the top 10, they had notable achievements and impact in the pop music scene throughout the year.
Biotech multi-millionaire and prospective US Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has been "banned" by Eminem from using his music on the campaign trail after Ramaswamy performed the rapper's hit song "Lose Yourself" at the Iowa State Fair. Ramaswamy, who considers the song his "life's theme song," aimed to align himself with the struggle of overcoming adversity, but the rapper and his publishing company have now told him to stop using the music. This incident highlights the ongoing battle between pop stars and politicians over the use of music for political purposes, with artists having the right to remove their music from licensing packages purchased by politicians.
Fans are increasingly throwing objects at pop stars during concerts, seeking to insert themselves into the performances and create viral content. This trend reflects a desire for proximity to famous individuals and a blurring of the boundary between stage and audience. While some artists embrace this dynamic as a marketing tool, it also raises concerns about the safety and control of performers. The incidents highlight the evolving nature of concerts in the digital age, where the show extends beyond the venue and lives on in videos and social media.
Harry Styles was hit in the face by an object thrown by a fan during a concert in Vienna, Austria. This is not the first time the singer has been targeted, as he has previously been hit by flowers and Skittles. Pop stars worldwide are facing safety concerns as audiences increasingly throw objects at them during performances. Adele and Pink have also spoken out against this behavior, with Adele threatening to retaliate if anyone throws something at her.
HBO's controversial drama series "The Idol," created by Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye and Sam Levinson, is filled with references to real-life pop stars. From Selena Gomez to Britney Spears, Madonna, Prince, and Donna Summer, the show pays homage to various musical icons. Each episode features nods to different artists, incorporating their music, visuals, and themes into the storyline. The Weeknd's own music and style also influence the series. "The Idol" explores the exploitation of female pop stars and follows the journey of mega-pop star Jocelyn as she tries to repair her image and navigate a complicated relationship with a nightclub impresario and cult leader.
The Weeknd's acting in the show "The Idol" has been criticized as bad, with his character described as "rapey." However, he is not the first pop star to try his hand at acting. Some have been successful, such as David Bowie, while others have been less so. Many musicians want to be actors and vice versa, as they always want to do something they're not good at.
