This week was full of star-studded events and awards shows, with the “Global Goal: Unite For Our Future” concert, BET Awards and Juno Awards all taking place virtually. In other awards show news, we’ve got an update on the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards — more on that later.
Take a look at some of the week’s biggest music happenings below.
Stars came together for the virtual “Global Goal: Unite For Our Future” concert
From Jennifer Hudson’s rousing kickoff to Justin Bieber and Quavo’s stripped-down performance, the “Global Goal: Unite For Our Future” event on Saturday (June 27) was chock-full of amazing moments. Christine and the Queens, Chloe x Halle, Shakira and more also performed. In case you missed the concert, you can watch all of the must-see performance videos here!
The 2020 BET Awards didn’t skip a beat
On Sunday night (June 28), the 2020 BET Awards brought another set of amazing performances, as well as stirring speeches. Megan Thee Stallion, DaBaby and Roddy Ricch, D Smoke and SiR and many more all took to the virtual stage. The broadcast also drew attention to the Black Lives Matter movement and the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd.
Finally, former First Lady Michelle Obama presented Beyonce with the BET Humanitarian of the Year Award. “I wanna dedicate this award to all of my brothers out there and all of my sisters out there, inspiring me, marching, and fighting for change. Your voices are being heard,” Bey said during her acceptance speech. Here’s everything of note that happened during the 2020 BETs.
“Rockstar” reclaimed its throne atop the Hot 100
DaBaby’s “Rockstar” featuring Roddy Ricch returned to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart this week, for a third total week in the top spot. Plus, Saint Jhn’s “Roses” climbed to the top five, and Jack Harlow and Lil Mosey earned their first top 10 each, as the former’s “Whats Poppin” jumped 18-8 and the latter’s “Blueberry Faygo” climbed 11-9. See the full rundown of this week’s Hot 100 chart here.
Shawn Mendes, Alessia Cara and more won big at the 2020 Juno Awards
Congrats to all of the talented Canadians who took home Junos on Monday (June 29)! The awards were of course handed out virtually, with performances from artists like Alessia Cara (who took home album of the year) and Neon Dreams (who won breakthrough group of the year). Check out the full winners’ list here, and watch clips of some of the performances here and here.
Gov. Cuomo announced that the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards are a go
In the case of the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards, the show will go on, as Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York announced during a Monday (June 29) press briefing. “The Video Music Awards are going to be held Sunday, Aug. 30, at Barclays Center,” he said. Learn more here.
Fabolous and Jadakiss battled it out for Verzuz
New York pros Fabolous and Jadakiss were the latest to go head-to-head in Swizz Beatz and Timbaland’s Verzuz series on Monday night (June 29). From DMX feat. The LOX & Jay-Z’s “Blackout” vs. Lil Wayne feat. Fabolous & Juelz Santana’s “You Ain’t Got Nuthin'” to Fabolous’ “Young’n” vs. Ghostface Killah feat. Jadakiss’ “Run,” it was definitely a Verzuz to remember.
So who won? Check out the scorecard here.
Blackpink broke some major YouTube records
Blackpink’s fiery comeback single “How You Like That” made headlines — and broke records. The music video set an all-time record for the biggest YouTube premiere with 1.66 million peak concurrents. Furthermore, the clip was the biggest 24-hour music video debut of all time with 86.3 million views. Learn more about the feat here.
The Weeknd donated $1 million to help those affected by COVID-19
The Weeknd announced on Monday (June 29) that he has donated a whopping $1 million to help those affected by coronavirus, with $500,000 going to MusiCares and the other half to frontline hospital workers of the Scarborough Health Network, which is part of his hometown community. Learn more here.
Billboard highlighted queer creatives
To close out Pride month, Billboard put the spotlight on the queer creatives who bring your favorite artists’ visions to life. Hear from Lizzo’s glam squad, Tegan and Sara’s art director, Sam Smith’s live visuals designer and many more.
Hamilton let everyone in the room where it happens
On July 3rd, Lin Manuel Miranda’s Broadway masterpiece made its way into homes across America, by way of Disney Plus. Now almost anyone can experience the original cast right from the comfort of their own living rooms.
Liam Payne FaceTimed Harry Styles and fans went wild
The former One Direction members set the Internet on fire when Payne shared a TikTok where he FaceTimed with Styles — even if the conversation seemed a bit one-sided.
Pop Smoke, Kanye West, Travis Scott and more gave us new music
This week, music fans were gifted Pop Smoke’s posthumous album, Kanye’s collabs with Travis Scott and Ty Dolla $ign, and Ellie Goulding’s “Slow Grenade.” Catch the best new music in Billboard’s First Stream.