UK fans wonder if Taylor Swift will say ‘So long, London’ after Eras Tour

LONDON — Taylor Swift fans enjoy parsing the singer-songwriter’s lyrics for references to her romantic life and insights into her state of her mind. But the pop superstar’s fans in the U.K. didn’t have to listen closely to her latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” to get the sense that Swift had soured on the … Read more

Justin Timberlake arrested: What you need to know about the pop star

NEW YORK — NEW YORK (AP) — Justin Timberlake was arrested early Tuesday and is accused of driving while intoxicated on New York’s Long Island. He was released and his next court date is scheduled for July 26, according to the Suffolk County district attorney’s office. Timberlake and his representatives have not commented. Here’s what … Read more

Ice Spice announces highly anticipated debut album ‘Y2K’ will arrive in July

NEW YORK — NEW YORK (AP) — Ice Spice ‘s long-awaited debut album, “Y2K,” is almost here. The Bronx rapper, celebrated for her sweet, lackadaisical flow, will drop her first full-length album on July 26. It is produced by her longtime creative collaborator RIOTUSA, who also worked on her critically acclaimed debut EP, 2023’s “Like…?”, … Read more

Usher, Victoria Monét will receive prestigious awards from music industry group ASCAP

LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES (AP) — Usher will add another prestigious award to his already loaded trophy case. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers said Thursday that Usher will receive its Voice of the Culture Award. He’ll be honored at ASCAP’s Rhythm & Soul Music Songwriters and Publishers event on June 27. … Read more

Q&A: Andra Day talks new album, playing a villain and regaining confidence after injuring vocals

LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES (AP) — Andra Day gained acting acclaim after her starring role in a 2021 Billie Holiday biopic, but the soulful singer nearly lost the strength of her powerful voice during the process. Day injured her vocals after she smoked cigarettes as part of her role in Lee Daniels’ film “The … Read more

David Sanborn, Grammy-winning saxophonist who played on hundreds of albums, dies at 78

NEW YORK — David Sanborn, the Grammy-winning saxophonist who played lively solos on such hits as David Bowie’s “Young Americans” and James Taylor’s “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” and enjoyed his own highly successful recording career as a performer of melodic, contemporary jazz, has died at age 78. A spokesperson confirmed … Read more

New Orleans’ own PJ Morton returns home to Jazz Fest with new music

NEW ORLEANS — Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer PJ Morton comes home with a new album and memoir dropping soon amid a Saturday afternoon performance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which nears the end of an eight-day run. Morton, a preacher’s kid whose parents — the Revs. Paul and Debra Morton … Read more

John Oates’ new album is called ‘Reunion.’ But don’t think Hall & Oates are getting back together

NEW YORK — For many music fans, John Oates is most recognizable as one-half of the Grammy-nominated Hall & Oates, the multiplatinum soul-pop duo behind hits like “Rich Girl” and “Maneater” now riven by litigation. But he’s also had a full career as a soloist. His sixth solo album, “Reunion,” is out May 17. Just … Read more

Theater Review: Not everyone will be ‘Fallin’ over Alicia Keys’ Broadway musical ‘Hell’s Kitchen’

If you were to close Alicia Keys ’ big semi-autobiographical musical on Broadway with any of her hit songs, which would it be? Of course, it has to be “Empire State of Mind.” That’s the natural one, right? It’s also as predictable as the R train being delayed with signal problems. “Hell’s Kitchen,” the coming-of-age … Read more

Cirque du Soleil’s Beatles-themed Las Vegas show will end after an 18-year run

LAS VEGAS — The final curtain will come down this summer on Cirque du Soleil’s long-running show “The Beatles Love,” a cultural icon on the Las Vegas Strip that brought band members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr back together for public appearances throughout its 18-year run. Cirque announced on Tuesday that the show housed at … Read more