Be still, our pop music-loving hearts: this was a week of sugary treats, starting with Shawn Mendes, BTS, and more sweeping the 2020 Kids’ Choice Awards on May 2.
Plus, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry both revealed new album details, Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber teamed up for a good cause, and Taylor Swift announced a virtual concert special.
Take a look at some of the week’s biggest music happenings below.
BTS, Ariana Grande and more won big at the 2020 Kids’ Choice Awards
This year, the Kids’ Choice Awards aired as a virtual event titled Kids’ Choice Awards 2020: Celebrate Together. In the music categories, Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes, BTS, Billie Eilish and more were all big winners — congrats, fam! Check out Billboard’s list of highlights here, and see the full list of winners here.
Travis Scott and Kid Cudi’s new collaborative single “The Scotts” blasted in at No. 1
It’s another No. 1 for Travis Scott — his third Hot 100 leader, in fact — and a first for Cudi, as their collab enters at the top (chart dated May 9). The high debut was partly fueled by Fortnite, as Billboard‘s Gary Trust reports: “‘The Scotts’ served as one of the highlights of Scott’s three-day Astronomical event during Fortnite‘s largest in-game gathering to-date…Scott teamed with Epic Games for the in-game experience, which featured a virtual version of the rapper and a performance of the track, among other hits of his.”
An eight-year-old went viral for a very hilarious reason
Actress Lisa Rieffel shared a video of her eight-year-old daughter performing an original song titled “I Wonder What’s Inside Your Butthole,” and it goes without saying that you need to check it out. The clip caught the attention of Tom DeLonge, who retweeted the video and jokingly wrote, “This is an early @blink182 song. She owes us money.” Someone get this kid a record deal, stat.
Cinco de Mayo was a cause to celebrate
During these tough times, getting in the holiday spirit can serve as a welcome distraction from all the doom and gloom. This year, fans and artists alike celebrated the 5th of May as best they could by connecting with family and turning up some epic playlists. Plus, Billboard‘s Leila Cobo chatted with Ana Gabriel about her Hot Latin Songs hit “Quien Como Tu” 30 years later.
Lady Gaga finally revealed the release date for Chromatica
Rejoice, Little Monsters! Lady Gaga’s upcoming sixth studio album finally has a release date. “The journey continues,” Mother Monster tweeted on May 6, sharing that Chromatica will be out sooner rather than later. Check out the release date, and everything else we know about the album, here.
A new era of Katy Perry is underway
Katy Kats, rejoice: Katy Perry’s fifth album is almost here, as the singer announced on Thursday (May 7). “The first single from #KP5 is called #DAISIES and she’s coming MAY 15, 2020,” she wrote on her Twitter. “The music must go on.” Yas!
Billboard investigated surprise streaming hits from the 2010s
We rounded up ten songs, each at least five years old, that weren’t necessarily chart smashes upon their initial release — and aren’t old enough to yet be considered a classic — but which were still streamed at least 2.5 million times last week. J. Cole and Ty Dolla $ign both made the list, but there are also some entries that might surprise you even more, like Lord Huron. Also, never underestimate the power of the Twilight fandom.
…And did a deep dive on kids’ music
How do you crack the kids’ music market? Let our experts guide you, as “music’s littlest listeners [prove] they’re a mighty, Alexa-savvy force that is commanding the attention of the major-label groups and smart startups alike.” You’ll hear from Frozen hitmakers about how to write an enduring smash, from Spotify execs about the one app parents need to know about now, and much more.
…And celebrated mental health month
May is Mental Health Month, and Billboard staffers chose and wrote about the one song that has shaped and reflected our views of what mental health means. Over the years, we’ve found meaning and comfort in songs by Bright Eyes, Muna, Florence + the Machine and more — and hope you can, too.
A few stars were born
Grimes and boyfriend Elon Musk welcomed their first baby into the world (Grimes’ choice of baby names is, ahem, causing quite a stir on social media). Plus, Meek Mill and girlfriend Milan Harris’ baby was born on the rapper’s birthday! Congrats to all of the happy couples.
Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber released their highly-anticipated collab
Two of the world’s biggest pop superstars unveiled “Stuck with U,” which will benefit the First Responders Children’s Foundation. The charity single was also accompanied by a creative music video made up of clips of fans and celebrities alike. Check out the video here, and see a full list of celeb cameos here.
A Taylor Swift concert experience will happen after all
Okay, so we likely won’t get a chance to see Taylor Swift perform live this year, but she’s still working to keep fans entertained. ABC announced on Friday (May 8) that it will air the Taylor Swift City of Lover Concert, a brand-new one-hour concert special, on May 17 after the season finale of American Idol. Mark your calendars!
Artists performed from one quarantined household to another
This week’s Billboard Live At-Home concert lineup featured Kany García, Milky Chance, Princess Nokia and Cheat Codes. Once again, each artist picked a nonprofit partner of their choice, and raised money via livestream. García performed a stunning medley for fans, while Milky Chance opened up about collaborating with Jack Johnson, and much more.
Hailee Steinfeld, Tim McGraw and many more released new music
Per usual, Billboard has gathered up all the new music you need to know about, featuring Kehlani, Hayley Williams, Ari & Justin, Nav and many others. Songs to dance to in quarantine? Check. Albums that’ll take you down relationship memory lane? Done. Be sure to check out our genre-specific roundups, too, to see the week’s best country releases, dance releases and more.