Universal Music Group today announced the appointment of Òscar Celma as Senior Vice President, Applied AI and Machine Learning, effective immediately.
A recognized expert in AI, machine learning and music recommendation, Celma has helped shape how people discover and experience music. At Spotify, he helped lead the development of AI-powered personalized listening experiences including AI DJ, Jam and Daylist, as well as personalization and discovery products used by hundreds of millions of listeners worldwide.

Celma will help lead the development and application of AI and machine learning across UMG’s global operations, supporting UMG’s labels, divisions and businesses. He will report to Hannah Poferl, UMG’s Chief Data Officer.

Hannah Poferl, UMG’s Chief Data Officer, said, “Òscar brings a unique blend of quantitative and product experience, deep expertise in AI, and a love of music. He’s built teams that have delivered and knows how to turn data at scale into useful insights. With the breadth and depth of UMG’s data, there’s enormous potential for him to help our teams do more for our artists.”

Celma said, “I’ve spent much of my career exploring how technology can serve artists, songwriters and music fans. It’s an exciting time to join Universal Music Group, given its industry leadership in using AI to expand what’s creatively and commercially possible. I look forward to working with Hannah and leaders across UMG to advance our AI and machine learning capabilities to support human artistry.

Most recently, Celma led Machine Learning and Product Analytics at Condé Nast. Previously, as Director of Engineering at Spotify, he led engineering teams responsible for new listening experiences. He also spent seven years at Pandora/SiriusXM in senior data science leadership roles, focused on machine learning, music discovery, and recommendation. Earlier in his career, he was a Senior Research Scientist at Gracenote and co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Barcelona-based BMAT Music Innovators.

Celma holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Digital Communication from Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona and is a widely published researcher in music information retrieval and recommendation systems. He is the author of the Springer-published book Music Recommendation and Discovery.

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The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards returned to Los Angeles on Sunday night, bringing together music’s biggest stars at the Peacock Theater for a celebration of the year’s most-talked-about songs, videos and artists.

Hosted by Snoop Dogg, the event featured memorable performances and major wins, including Madonna’s first VMA performance in 23 years and Taylor Swift becoming the most-awarded artist in VMA history.

Here’s the full list of 2026 MTV Video Music Awards winners

Video of the Year

• Ariana Grande, “Hate That I Made You Love Me”
• Bruno Mars, “I Just Might”
• Gener8ion, “Storm starring Yung Lean”
• Madonna, “Confessions II — The Film”
• Sabrina Carpenter, “Tears”
• WINNER: Taylor Swift, “The Fate of Ophelia”

Artist of the Year

• Ariana Grande
• Bruno Mars
• WINNER: Madonna
• Morgan Wallen
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Taylor Swift

Song of the Year

• WINNER: BTS, “Swim”
• Ella Langley, “Choosin’ Texas”
• Huntr/X: Ejae, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami, “Golden”
• Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter, “Bring Your Love”
• Olivia Dean, “Man I Need”
• PinkPantheress, “Stateside + Zara Larsson”
• Raye, “Where Is My Husband!”

Best New Artist

• Bella Kay
• Cortis
• Magnus Ferrell
• Malcolm Todd
• Myles Smith
• WINNER: Sienna Spiro
• Stella Lefty

Best Collaboration

• Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, Malice, “Chains & Whips”
• French Montana x Max B, “Ever Since U Left Me”
• WINNER: Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter, “Bring Your Love”
• PinkPantheress, “Stateside + Zara Larsson”
• Shakira & Burna Boy, “Dai Dai”
• Teyana Taylor & Lucky Daye, “Hard Part”

Best Pop

• Ariana Grande, “Hate That I Made You Love Me”
• Charli xcx, “SS26”
• WINNER: LISA feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi, “Dream”
• Olivia Rodrigo, “Drop Dead”
• Sabrina Carpenter, “House Tour”
• Tate McRae, “Nobody’s Girl”
• Taylor Swift, “The Fate of Ophelia”

Best Hip-Hop

• WINNER: Cardi B feat. Kehlani, “Safe”
• Don Toliver, “E85”
• Drake, “Janice STFU”
• Megan Thee Stallion, “Lover Girl”
• Travis Scott, “Dumbo”
• Tyler, the Creator, “Sugar on My Tongue”

Best R&B

• WINNER: Bruno Mars, “I Just Might”
• Chris Brown, “It Depends/Obvious”
• Dave & Tems, “Raindance”
• Justin Bieber, “Yukon”
• Kehlani, “Folded”
• Mariah the Scientist & Kali Uchis, “Is It a Crime”

Best Alternative

• Geese, “Taxes”
• MGK & Fred Durst, “Fix Ur Face”
• Noah Kahan, “The Great Divide”
• WINNER: Olivia Rodrigo, “The Cure”
• Sombr, “Homewrecker”
• Tame Impala, “Dracula”
• Twenty One Pilots, “Drag Path”

Best Dance

• Bebe Rexha & Faithless, “New Religion”
• Harry Styles, “Aperture”
• Lady Gaga & Doechii, “Runway”
• WINNER: Madonna, “Confessions II – The Film”
• PinkPantheress, “Stateside + Zara Larsson”
• Slayyyter, “Dance…”
• Tate McRae, “Nobody’s Girl”

Best Latin

• Anitta with Shakira, “Choka Choka”
• WINNER: Bad Bunny, “Nuevayol”
• Fuerza Regida, “Tu Sancho”
• Karol G, “Papasito”
• Rosalía feat. Yahritza Y Su Esencia, “La Perla”
• Ryan Castro, Kapo & Gangsta, “La Villa”
• Shakira & Burna Boy, “Dai Dai”

Best K-Pop

• Blackpink, “Jump”
• WINNER: BTS, “Swim”
• Cortis, “Redred”
• Katseye, “Pinky Up”
• Le Sserafim (feat. J-Hope of BTS), “Spaghetti”
• LISA feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi, “Dream”

Best Country

• WINNER: Ella Langley, “Choosin’ Texas”
• Kacey Musgraves, “Dry Spell”
• Lainey Wilson, “Somewhere Over Laredo”
• Luke Combs, “Back in the Saddle”
• Shaboozey, “Cowgirl”
• Stella Lefty, “Boston”
• Tucker Wetmore, “Brunette”

Best Direction

• Ariana Grande, “Hate That I Made You Love Me”
• Bruno Mars, “I Just Might”
• Gener8ion, “Storm starring Yung Lean”
• Madonna, “Confessions II – The Film”
• Sabrina Carpenter, “House Tour”
• WINNER: Taylor Swift, “Opalite”

Best Art Direction

• Charli xcx, “SS26”
• Lady Gaga & Doechii, “Runway”
• Madonna, “Confessions II — The Film”
• WINNER: PinkPantheress, “Stateside + Zara Larsson”
• Sombr, “My Body Isn’t Ready”
• Taylor Swift, “The Fate of Ophelia”

Best Cinematography

• A$AP Rocky, “Punk Rocky”
• Ariana Grande, “Hate That I Made You Love Me”
• Lisa feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi, “Dream”
• WINNER: Madonna, “Confessions II — The Film”
• Shaboozey, “Cowgirl”
• Taylor Swift, “The Fate of Ophelia”

Best Editing

• Ariana Grande, “Hate That I Made You Love Me”
• Bruno Mars, “I Just Might”
• Lisa feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi, “Dream”
• Madonna, “Confessions II – The Film”
• WINNER: Sabrina Carpenter, “House Tour”
• Taylor Swift, “The Fate of Ophelia”

Best Choreography

• Gener8ion, “Storm starring Yung Lean”
• Harry Styles, “Dance No More”
• Katseye, “Pinky Up”
• WINNER: Madonna, “Confessions II — The Film”
• Tate McRae, “Nobody’s Girl”
• Taylor Swift, “The Fate of Ophelia”

Best Visual Effects

• WINNER: Ariana Grande, “Hate That I Made You Love Me”
• Jisoo x Zayn, “Eyes Closed”
• Madonna, “Confessions II — The Film”
• PinkPantheress, “Stateside + Zara Larsson”
• Raye feat. Hans Zimmer, “Click Clack Symphony”
• Taylor Swift, “The Fate of Ophelia”

Best Group

• Blackpink
• WINNER: BTS
• Cortis
• Fuerza Regida
• Geese
• Katseye
• Twenty One Pilots

Best Long Form Video

• Charli xcx, “Music, Fashion, Film”
• Ella Langley, “Choosin’ Texas”
• Gener8ion, “Storm starring Yung Lean”
• WINNER: Madonna, “Confessions II — The Film”

Best Album

• Drake, Iceman
• WINNER: Madonna, Confessions II
• Olivia Dean, The Art of Loving
• Olivia Rodrigo, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love
• Sabrina Carpenter, Man’s Best Friend
• Taylor Swift, The Life of a Showgirl

Song of the Summer

• WINNER: Ariana Grande, “Hate That I Made You Love Me”
• Bruno Mars, “Risk It All”
• Charli xcx, “Camera”
• Ella Langley, “Choosin’ Texas”
• Katseye, “Hootie Frutti”
• Latto feat. Doja Cat, “Okayyy”
• Morgan Wallen, “Been by Now”
• Olivia Dean, “So Easy (To Fall in Love)”
• Olivia Rodrigo, “Stupid Song”
• Sabrina Carpenter, “House Tour”
• Slayyyter, “Brand New Chanel$”
• Sombr, “Homewrecker”
• Stella Lefty, “Boston”
• Tame Impala and Jennie, “Dracula”
• Taylor Swift, “I Knew It, I Knew You”

About the 2026 “VMAs”

• Production Credits: The “VMAs” are produced by Gunpowder & Sky. Van Toffler serves as producer. Jesse Ignjatovic of Den of Thieves, Barb Bialkowski and Bruce Gillmer serve as executive producers alongside Barry Barclay and Floris Bauer. Melanie Block serves as co-executive producer and Gary Lanvy as co-producer. Snoop Dogg is executive producer alongside producers Sara Ramaker and Jasmin Ratansi. Jen Proctor is executive talent producer.

• Official Sponsors: BACARDÍ® Rum, Dunkin’®, The General Insurance®, Gillette Venus, Spotify, Tide® evo and Under Armour.

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written by: Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo

I’m goin 90 on the 90
I’m tryna leave the past behind me
Not tryna let the pain define me
But it always find me
It’s all that I know
All that I know
All that I know

Now I am a ghost

It’s all that I knew
It’s all that I knew
It’s all that I knew
I’m stuck in a loop…

I’m goin 90 on the 19
I’m in my white jeep in Hawaii
I’m tryna let my angels guide me
But we’re always fighting

It’s all that I do
All that I do
All that I do
I’m stuck in a loop
It’s all that I know
It’s all that I know
It’s all that I know

Now I am a ghost

I got a vision for myself
I gotta get it for myself
I gotta listen to myself
In competition with myself
This is between me and myself
I don’t need help
I need myself
I take my L’s all by myself
Nobody else, it’s just myself
I gotta handle it myself
I been mishandling myself

Goin 101 on the 101
Don’t know what I’m running from
Don’t know what I have become
Don’t know if it’s fear or love
Don’t know if I am enough
Been feeling like giving up
Don’t know why I’m tearing up
I ruined it
I’m doin too much
I’m through with it
I’m running out of luck

It’s all that I do
All that I do
All that I do
I’m stuck in a loop

It’s all that I know
It’s all that I know
It’s all that I know

Now I am a ghost…

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Sony Music Group has joined the Alliance for Responsible Innovation in the Arts & Media (ARIAM), becoming the first music company to join the global coalition focused on advancing responsible AI across the creative, media and sports sectors. The addition of Sony Music expands ARIAM’s reach into the music industry and brings an important new voice to its work around the development of AI policies that protect creativity and consumers while supporting innovation. The announcement was made by Victoria Furniss, Executive Director and CEO of ARIAM.

In making the announcement, Kevin Kelleher, Chief Operating Officer, Sony Music said, “Generative AI presents significant opportunities and challenges for artists and songwriters, which is why we are pleased to join ARIAM to help shape how it fits into the future of all corners of the creative industries. Only when developed in a responsible and ethical way that puts the value of human artistry at its heart, will AI have the potential to create an environment where innovation, creators, and consumers all thrive. Sony Music Group has an unwavering commitment to protecting music, and we see every day how art inspires, shapes culture and powers this industry and more. We wholeheartedly share ARIAM’s view that a healthy licensing environment, where responsible AI companies proactively partner with rightsholders, is the only foundation for getting this right.”

“We’re very excited to welcome Sony Music Group as the first music company to join ARIAM,” said Furniss. “The issues surrounding AI affect all parts of the creative community and music is an integral part of that conversation. Sony Music Group embodies our organization’s principles and brings a valuable perspective to our work as we look for ways to support innovation while protecting creativity, the people behind it and audiences.”

ARIAM was created to complement and amplify the important messages advocating for responsible, human-centered AI. Rather than being solely focused on copyright, ARIAM takes a broader approach, seeking to establish responsible by design legal and policy frameworks that protect both the consumer and creativity.

As a first of its kind global coalition bringing together companies from across content sectors, ARIAM is designed to bring a wider range of perspectives to the table and address the challenges created by AI across the creative ecosystem. Its goal is to help shape practical policies that allow innovation to move forward responsibly, with protections built in.

Sony Music Group joins other industry leaders including The Walt Disney Company, Fox Entertainment, ITV and the BBC along with other companies across the content and tech industries, including Adobe, Advance, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, Condé Nast, Financial Times, The New York Times, Reach, and Wiley.

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SAG-AFTRA and SoundExchange presented Common with the 2026 Artist Impact Award at an intimate luncheon on September 24 at The Luckman Club at Soho House West Hollywood. Leaders from across music, film, television and media such as Anthony Anderson, NO I.D., DeRay Davis, and D-Nice gathered to honor the Grammy, Oscar and Emmy-winning musician, actor, producer and entrepreneur.

The Artist Impact Award honors an artist whose work crosses creative boundaries. It recognizes contributions across music, film, television and media that have shaped culture, expanded artistic possibility and inspired new forms of storytelling. Common’s career in music, acting, production and entrepreneurship reflects the cross-disciplinary spirit the award was created to celebrate.

“Common is an artist in the fullest sense, bringing integrity and purpose to everything he creates while lifting up the community along the way,” said SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. “As AI reshapes our industry, honoring him is also a reminder that progress must move forward with artists, not at their expense. Protecting every performer’s voice, likeness and creativity ensures the next generation can build careers as remarkable as his.”

“Common’s creative voice has shaped culture across disciplines and helped expand what is possible for artists who refuse to be defined by a single category. His career reflects the modern creative economy: artists are music makers, storytellers, actors, producers, entrepreneurs, and advocates, often all at once. That range deserves recognition and protection,” said SoundExchange President & CEO Michael Huppe.

In accepting the award, Common shared a few words on the award and the industry today. “As artists, whether through comedy, acting, storytelling, music, songwriting, or playwriting, we bring light and joy into the world. I’m grateful to be here because SAG-AFTRA and SoundExchange have stood up for artists, and I’ve seen that firsthand. Paul Robeson called artists ‘the gatekeepers of truth’ and ‘civilization’s radical voice.’ Thank you, SAG-AFTRA and SoundExchange, for advocating for our voices.”

SAG-AFTRA and SoundExchange share a longstanding commitment to artists behind the music; making sure they are recognized, protected and fairly paid for their work. Together, they advocate for policies that strengthen artists’ rights, from securing fair compensation when music is played on AM/FM radio to establishing federal protections against unauthorized AI-generated replicas of performers’ voices and likenesses. Both are working to build a more sustainable music industry, one where creativity and technology can thrive together and every artist shares in the value their work creates.

RED CARPET AND NOTABLE ATTENDEES

Guests walking the red carpet included: Anthony Anderson, NO I.D., Tina Farris, DeRay Davis, Omar Dorsey, Shari Belafonte, Lisa Loeb, Jeff Harleston, Jason George, Fletcher Sheridan, D-Nice, Christian Carino, Michele Ballantyne.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

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Bilt, the membership that connects where you live with the places you love, today announced that John Legend, an EGOT-winning, multi-platinum artist and producer who has garnered 13 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Tony Award and four Emmy Awards, among others, will join as October’s Rent Day collaborator. On October 23, he’ll release his new studio album, Muse, produced in full and co-written by Pharrell Williams. Advance tracks “Fireflies”, out today, and lead single “Daylight” offer a window into an album that finds Legend exploring new territory more than two decades into his recording career.

The month’s Rent Day® programming spans four moments built around the album’s release: a chance to win free rent through Rent Free (the better Legend does answering questions, the more Bilt Members win free rent), a member-exclusive vinyl of Muse with a custom cover only for Bilt Members, the chance to attend a private John Legend show on October 21 in San Francisco, and the ability to donate Bilt Points to Scholarship America, a cause dear to Legend. The Bilt-exclusive limited edition vinyl of Muse is available for pre-order starting today, while supplies last, and ships alongside the album’s broader October 23 release.

“John’s music has been the soundtrack to the pivotal moments of so many people’s lives: falling in love, moving in together and exploring a neighborhood, getting married, and coming home,” said Ankur Jain, Founder and CEO of Bilt. “It feels right to build this Rent Day around him and around Muse. And it feels even more right that in the same month members can win rent and pre-order the album, they can also turn their Bilt Points into scholarships for students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford college.”

In partnership with Legend, Bilt will help cover rent for 50 students across four universities Legend personally selected: three historically Black colleges and universities, Morehouse College, Central State University, and Wilberforce University, the nation’s oldest private HBCU, as well as Legend’s alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania.

Beginning on Rent Day, members also will be able to donate Bilt Points to Scholarship America, an organization that connects students with the scholarships they need to attend and complete college – specifically those living off-campus and who are at risk of eviction. Six in ten students can’t afford college without financial help, and 100% of Bilt Points donated will go to Scholarship America. This cause also reflects work Legend has championed alongside his music for the better part of his career.

“Education has always been such an important thing for me. I know what it meant for me to be able to go to college and get a great education; it set me up for life,” said John Legend. “So, we’re partnering with Scholarship America to launch a Rent Assistance Program for students at several schools. [Many of] these students are at risk of eviction and they need our help. Together with Bilt, we’re going to help cover off-campus housing costs.”

When asked about his living situation during college, Legend continued, “I lived on the quad [at Penn] my freshman year, and then I lived off-campus the remaining three years. So, I was paying my own rent, had a work-study job, and I had a job at a church. I was hustling and I was doing it so I could pay my rent, so I know what it feels like to be in that position where you’ve got to figure out how to do it yourself. I’m sure a lot of kids in school right now are in that same position.”

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Young Thug is launching Primal, a new creative holding company focused on building businesses with some of the most influential artists, athletes, and creators in culture.

Primal is designed around a simple idea: talent should participate in the long-term value of the businesses, brands, and intellectual property they help create.

Rather than operating as a traditional management company, agency, or endorsement platform, Primal will work alongside talent to create new IP, acquire existing businesses, invest capital, build infrastructure, and scale ventures into meaningful standalone companies.

“I’m bringing up a new generation of founders. I want talent to build, own, and keep the upside. Ownership over endorsements,” Young Thug said.

The platform will focus on opportunities where talent can move beyond promotion and into true ownership.

Artists. Athletes. Creators. Founders.

Young Thug has already demonstrated that model through SP5DER, the fashion and lifestyle brand he founded in Atlanta. The brand has grown into a global streetwear name and in 2026 launched a multi-release global collaboration with adidas Originals, including a football-inspired collection brought to life through a campaign featuring Spanish football star Lamine Yamal.

Primal will identify concepts, products, businesses, and intellectual property with the potential to become culturally relevant companies, then bring together the capital, creative development, operating resources, partnerships, and distribution needed to accelerate them.

The company expects to operate across categories including consumer products, sports, entertainment, media, fashion, technology, hospitality, licensing, and emerging cultural businesses.

“At the highest level, talent has always created value. Primal is about creating the structure for the talent to own more of that value,” Young Thug added.

The launch reflects a broader shift across sports and entertainment as artists and athletes increasingly move from endorsement relationships toward equity, intellectual property ownership, and company creation.

Primal intends to live at the center of that transition.

Its model brings together capital, intellectual property, and creative infrastructure, giving talent the resources to launch companies from the ground up while also providing a platform for acquiring and scaling businesses that already exist.

The company will selectively partner with artists, athletes, creators, operators, investors, and strategic brands whose influence, expertise, and distribution can help accelerate each venture.

Primal’s portfolio will be intentionally curated, with the platform focused on building fewer, larger opportunities rather than functioning as a high-volume incubator.

The result is a new kind of talent business platform: one built not around campaigns or sponsorships, but around ownership.

About Young Thug
Young Thug is a Grammy Award-winning artist, songwriter, entrepreneur, and cultural innovator whose influence has helped reshape the sound and direction of modern hip-hop. In 2026, The New York Times named him one of the “30 Greatest Living American Songwriters,” placing him alongside Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Dolly Parton, Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, and Taylor Swift. Known for pushing creative boundaries throughout his career, Young Thug has expanded his work beyond music into entrepreneurship, brand building, and cultural ventures. Through Primal, he is bringing that same creative approach to building and scaling businesses alongside artists, athletes, and creators, with a focus on long-term ownership and value creation. Young Thug has also maintained a longstanding commitment to Atlanta and the communities that shaped him. His philanthropic work has included supporting families impacted by the cash-bail system, youth and community initiatives, and mentorship opportunities for at-risk students.

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iHeartMedia will celebrate the holiday season across the nation with its annual “iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour Presented by Capital One” – the season’s iconic holiday music event, with the year’s top artists including Olivia Rodrigo, Jonas Brothers, Charlie Puth, SOMBR, Hilary Duff, Alex Warren, RAYE, KATSEYE, OneRepublic, Ludacris, Teddy Swims, SIENNA SPIRO and more. This year, the 2026 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour Presented by Capital One will stop in Dallas/Fort Worth; Los Angeles; Chicago; Detroit; New York; Boston; Washington, D.C.; Philadelphia; and Nashville.

“The Jingle Ball Tour has become the holiday season’s most anticipated concert event, showcasing the biggest stars and the songs that defined the year in music,” said John Sykes, President of Entertainment Enterprises for iHeartMedia, and Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia. “We’re excited to once again partner with ABC to share the energy and holiday spirit of iHeartRadio Jingle Ball with millions of fans nationwide.”

iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour stops will be part of the exclusive network special airing on ABC in December and next day on Hulu, Disney+ and VOD.

Eligible Capital One cardholders will get first access to high-demand tickets via a cardholder presale in each city. Plus, cardholders can add a Capital One Access Pass to their purchase in select markets to enjoy an exclusive pre-show party with a performing Jingle Ball artist.

The 2026 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour Presented by Capital One includes the following:

Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas – Tuesday, December 1, at 7:30 p.m. CST – iHeartRadio 106.1 KISS FM’s Jingle Ball 2026 Presented by Capital One at Dickies Arena

• The star-studded lineup features: KATSEYE, RAYE, Ludacris, Myles Smith, Tove Lo, Kylie Cantrall, The Beaches and JYT.

Los Angeles – Friday, December 4, at 7:30 p.m. PST – iHeartRadio 102.7 KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball 2026 Presented by Capital One at Intuit Dome

• The star-studded lineup features: Olivia Rodrigo, Hilary Duff, RAYE, OneRepublic, SIENNA SPIRO, Freya Skye, Bella Kay, Stella Lefty and The Beaches.

Chicago – Monday, December 7, at 7:00 p.m. CST – iHeartRadio 103.5 KISS FM’s Jingle Ball 2026 Presented by Capital One at Allstate Arena

• The star-studded lineup features: RAYE, OneRepublic, Ludacris, Dominic Fike, Tove Lo, Freya Skye, The Beaches and JYT.

Detroit – Tuesday, December 8, at 7:30 p.m. EST – iHeartRadio Channel 95.5’s Jingle Ball 2026 Presented by Capital One at Little Caesars Arena

• The star-studded lineup features: Alex Warren, OneRepublic, Ludacris, Tove Lo, Jason Derulo, Bella Kay, Freya Skye, The Beaches and JYT.

New York – Friday, December 11, at 7:00 p.m. EST – iHeartRadio Z100’s Jingle Ball 2026 Presented by Capital One at Madison Square Garden

• The star-studded lineup features: SOMBR, Alex Warren, Charlie Puth, Hilary Duff, Teddy Swims, SIENNA SPIRO, TOMORROW X TOGETHER & YEONJUN, Stella Lefty and Freya Skye with special guest performances from Bella Kay and The Beaches.

Boston – Sunday, December 13, at 6:00 p.m. EST – iHeartRadio Kiss 108’s Jingle Ball 2026 Presented by Capital One at TD Garden

• The star-studded lineup features: SOMBR, Hilary Duff, Nickelback, TOMORROW X TOGETHER & YEONJUN, Freya Skye, Stella Lefty, ADÉLA, The Beaches and JYT.

Washington, D.C. – Monday, December 14, at 7:30 p.m. EST – iHeartRadio HOT 99.5’s Jingle Ball 2026 Presented by Capital One at Capital One Arena

• The star-studded lineup features: Jonas Brothers, SOMBR, OneRepublic, Ludacris, Nickelback, TOMORROW X TOGETHER & YEONJUN, Kylie Cantrall, The Beaches and JYT.

Philadelphia – Tuesday, December 15, at 7:30 p.m. EST – iHeartRadio Q102’s Jingle Ball 2026 Presented by Capital One at Xfinity Mobile Arena

• The star-studded lineup features: SOMBR, Charlie Puth, OneRepublic, Ludacris, ADÉLA, Jason Derulo, Kylie Cantrall, The Beaches and JYT.

Nashville – Thursday, December 17, at 7:30 p.m. CST – iHeartRadio 107.5 The River’s Jingle Ball 2026 Presented by Capital One at Bridgestone Arena

• The star-studded lineup features: Alex Warren, Hilary Duff, Teddy Swims, OneRepublic, Nickelback, Stella Lefty, The Beaches and JYT.

“The iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour remains the pinnacle holiday music event, and our partnership with iHeartMedia puts Capital One cardholders at the center of these extraordinary live moments,” said Amit Desai, Sr. Director of Brand Sponsorships, Capital One. “Each year, we’re proud to deliver unmatched value and access through priority pre-sale tickets and exclusive pre-show experiences. Music has a unique ability to bring communities together, and it’s an honor to support an event that spreads so much joy across the country.”

iHeartMedia and all its broadcast radio stations are committed to inspiring and creating positive change that improves the lives of others. For the 13th consecutive year, eight cities on the tour, Los Angeles; Chicago; Detroit; New York; Boston; Philadelphia; Washington, D.C.; and Nashville will partner with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing interactive media studios into pediatric hospitals to help patients find joy during treatment. In addition, iHeartRadio’s 106.1 KISS FM’s Jingle Ball in Dallas/Fort Worth will work with the Kidd’s Kids, a non-profit organization whose mission for more than 35 years has been to provide hope and happiness by creating beautiful memories for families of children with critical illnesses. Each event will allocate a portion of ticket sales to its benefiting organization as well as offer exclusive packages through online auctions leading up to the events.

“We are honored to continue our long-standing relationship with iHeartRadio as the official charity of the Jingle Ball Tour for the 13th consecutive year,” said Meredith Seacrest Leach, Executive Director and CEO, Ryan Seacrest Foundation. “This partnership allows us to continue to ensure young pediatric patients have a fun, creative space where they can host podcasts, produce videos, and interview special guests, all without ever having to leave the hospital.”

iHeartRadio and JCPenney are teaming up once again to give fans more ways to say yes to the music, fashion and experiences that make the holiday season unforgettable. Together they’re creating access to the moments that make Jingle Ball magical, from exclusive sweepstakes opportunities and VIP experiences to holiday fashion inspired by the tour. Fans nationwide will have the chance to enter a sweepstakes running October 13-December 17, featuring prizes including a flyaway trip to Jingle Ball, VIP experiences, JCPenney gift cards and signed merchandise. While it’s free for anyone to sign up, JCPenney loyalty members get even more access to the excitement with eligibility for extra entries and special perks. JCPenney will debut the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball x JCPenney fashion collection on October 21 and will bring the energy and style of the tour to shoppers nationwide through in-store experiences and activations at select Jingle Ball stops. The partnership gives fans more access to the music, fashion, and moments they love. Because everyone deserves a “Yes” this holiday season.

Proud partners of this year’s event include presenting partner Capital One, Ariana Grande Fragrances, Arm & Hammer Laundry, Gonna Need Milk, JCPenney, and LifeLock, with more to be announced.

The iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour Presented by Capital One is executive produced by iHeartMedia and Diversified Production Services (DPS). The iHeartRadio Jingle Ball special on ABC is produced by iHeartMedia as well as the EMMY-winning, GRAMMY®-nominated OBB Studios.

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WMG today announced updates to its recorded music leadership structure to power the company’s next chapter of growth. The strategic realignment elevates dynamic executive talent across key territories, optimizes cross-border operations and maximizes the impact of the team’s diverse skill sets.

• Val Blavatnik joins the executive team in the new role of Managing Director, Warner Music North America, UK, & Corporate Development. Blavatnik will unify and drive business and operational strategy across these markets while guiding the company’s investment strategy to support growth.
• Alejandro Duque is elevated to President, Warner Music International, adding the APAC and EMEA regions to his remit after quadrupling Warner Music Latin America’s frontline US Latin market share over his five-year tenure. Duque will scale his expertise to drive synergy across territories and strategic investment in the world’s fast-growing markets to accelerate global expansion.
• Elliot Grainge expands his remit, becoming Chairman of ADA in the US in addition to his current role as Chairman and CEO of Atlantic Music Group, and appoints Zach Friedman to serve as Vice Chairman of ADA in addition to his COO role at AMG. Leveraging their experience as independent entrepreneurs who built their own successful indie label, 10K Projects, Grainge and Friedman will continue to operate ADA as a standalone business delivering best-in-class service to the independent community.
• Aaron Bay-Schuck becomes the sole Chairman and CEO of Warner Records Group. Having transformed Warner Records into an artist-development powerhouse and significantly increased its market share since taking the reins as Co-Chairman and CEO in 2018, Bay-Schuck will lead the label into its next era of growth.
• Guillermo Gonzalez is promoted to President, Warner Music EMEA after six years powering standout growth at Warner Music Iberia with an artist-first model that has integrated leading live and management businesses and strengthened Warner’s value proposition across Iberia and Latin markets. Andrés Rothschild will take over as President of Warner Music Iberia.

At the same time, Simon Robson will step down in December after nearly 30 years with the company to pursue new opportunities. Robson has helped shape WMG’s operations in a wide range of markets, promoting new leaders, championing domestic repertoire, and encouraging greater international collaboration.  

Robert Kyncl, CEO of Warner Music Group, said: “To build upon our successful year in which we delivered on all three strategic priorities to grow market share, increase the value of music, and increase our efficiency, these frontline executive changes enhance our best-in-class leadership team with diverse skill sets to execute on the next chapter of WMG’s growth. Elliot, Aaron, Alejandro, and Guillermo are exceptional, dynamic, and proven leaders who have transformed their domains, and elevating them allows us to further scale their success. I’m also excited to welcome Val to the executive team, where his operational and strategic focus will help us build our momentum across key markets.

Kyncl continued: “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Simon Robson for his dedicated service, operational excellence and trusted leadership while expanding WMG’s global footprint over his remarkable tenure, and wish him the very best in his next endeavors.”

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The wedding was the dream. The marriage was something else.

In the official video for “Why I Get Married?” featuring Keke Wyatt, Remy Ma takes us through a marriage in four stages: the dream, the darkness, the drowning and finally, the walk away.

From a white wedding dress that turns black, to the loneliness behind closed doors, Remy explores the difference between the marriage everyone sees and the reality a woman may be living privately. As the relationship unravels, the imagery becomes more powerful; drowning, fire and ultimately walking away without looking back.

Keke Wyatt’s powerhouse vocals bring another layer of soul and emotion to a record about love, relationships, growth and that private question so many women have asked themselves: “Why did I get married?”

The lead single from Remy Ma’s upcoming project, Alimony, “Why I Get Married?” sets the tone for what’s to come.

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Shot and Edited by cory vanderploeg

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BUSTAFREE teams up with Rick Ross for the official music video to “RIDE”—a record built on hustle, luxury, and staying true to the grind. From the streets of Dade County to the boss lifestyle, this visual delivers cinematic vibes, exotic cars, and nonstop energy.

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