Musicians had plenty to celebrate this week, whether they took home trophies from the 2021 Billboard Music Awards or at the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards. And the latest seasons of American Idol, The Voice and The Masked Singer each crowned a new winner.
But some award shows — like the Grammys — announced new changes that will make even more people eligible to win big on Music’s Biggest Night. Well, let’s keep the ball rolling, shall we?
Take a look at Billboard’s new weekly roundup and the “awards” we gave to this week’s headlines.
Funniest Music News: Lil Nas X ripped his pants on Saturday Night Live
The rapper (literally) let it rip during his SNL debut on Saturday (May 22) during a pole-dancing stunt in the middle of his performance of his Hot 100 No. 1 hit “Montero (Call Me By Your Name).” Lil Nas X’s flame-emblazoned black leather pants couldn’t handle the heat, and he went on to explain on Monday’s (May 24) episode of The Tonight Show how he felt “a breeze going on” while he was attempting the “sexy drop down.” Watch the hilarious video here and see LNX’s explanation here.
Sweetest Music News: Drake brings out Adonis, Pop Smoke’s mom accepts his award at the BBMAs
The 2021 BBMAs on Sunday (May 23) proved to be a family affair, with Artist of the Decade winner Drake bringing out his whole OVO team, parents and one very special, tiny guest to help him accept his award: his 3-year-old son, Adonis. While the video montage of 6 God’s odyssey to the top might have made fans emotional, it was ultimately Drake lifting Adonis up to the mic that left his toddler in tears. Pop Smoke posthumously won the top 200 album award for Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon, and his mother Audrey Jackson accepted it on behalf of her “young warrior.” Read Drake’s acceptance speech here and Jackson’s speech here.
Savviest Music News: Spotify revamps indie music hub
The streaming giant launched its Fresh Finds playlist hub for indie artists five years ago, but on Wednesday (May 26), Spotify announced a new development program that includes education and access to resources, creative collaboration and marketing support. Learn more about Fresh Finds’ latest evolution here.
Sassiest Music News: North West calls out mom Kim Kardashian for not being a real Olivia Rodrigo fan
While promoting her debut album, Sour, Olivia Rodrigo gifted a lot of her A-list fans with goodie baskets, including the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star and self-proclaimed “Drivers License” fan. Except Kardashian’s 7-year-old daughter had a pretty sour clapback prepared when her mom talked about how much she loved the runaway hit. “You never listen to it,” North said off-camera in the Instagram Story clip. Read what Kardashian had to say here.
Most Record-Breaking Music News: Olivia Rodrigo’s “Good 4 U” debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100
The 18-year-old singer-songwriter landed her second No. 1 hit on the Hot 100 with “Good 4 U” in the week ending May 29. Paired with “Drivers License,” which spent eight weeks at the top, Sour is the first debut album to have two No. 1 debuts on the all-genre tally. Read more about which songs landed in the top 10 of the Hot 100 this week here.
Most Surprising Music News: Grammys make more rule changes
The Recording Academy announced new changes, which will impact one of the most prestigious awards — for album of the year, as well as other four other fields, on Wednesday (May 26). All but one of these changes will go into effect for the 64th annual Grammy Awards, which is set for Jan. 31, 2022. Learn more about the new rules here.
Most Victorious Music News: American Idol, The Voice and The Masked Singer announce winners
American Idol crowned Chayce Beckham as the 19th winner in the show’s history on Sunday night (May 23), while on Tuesday (May 25), Cam Anthony took home top prize during season 20 of The Voice, extending Coach Blake Shelton’s all-time winning record to eight. And who finally unmasked themselves as the fifth champion of The Masked Singer? It was none other than reality TV star and 98 Degrees co-founder Nick Lachey. Read what the TV series champions had to say here, here and here.
