The 13 Best Things That Happened in Music This Week (Jan. 31)
This week kicked off with Music’s Biggest Night in bittersweet fashion, as basketball legend Kobe Bryant unexpectedly died in a helicopter crash hours before the Grammys on Sunday. Stars paid tribute on the Grammys stage (including a touching performance by host Alicia Keys with Boyz II Men) as well as on social media, which carried into the week as the world mourned Bryant’s tragic loss.
Fortunately, several exciting things occurred to lift spirits throughout the week. To name a few, Justin Bieber revealed his album title and release date, BTS delivered their first performance of "Black Swan," and My Chemical Romance finally announced their highly anticipated reunion tour.
Take a look at the biggest music moments of the week below.
Lizzo, Demi Lovato, Billie Eilish & more made waves at the Grammys
After Lizzo appropriately kicked things off by starting her show-opening performance of “Cuz I Love You” and “Truth Hurts” yelling, “This is for Kobe!,” the Mamba Mentality was certainly alive on the Grammy stage. Fiery performances from the likes of Ariana Grande and Tyler, the Creator were matched by big wins (particularly by the history-making Billie Eilish) as well as a powerful (and emotional) return from Demi Lovato, who received star-studded praise for her vulnerable performance of her new song “Anyone.”
Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Bad Bunny & more remembered Kobe Bryant in heartfelt ways
Artists continued to honor Kobe in the days after his death, with Justin Timberlake’s reminiscent post and Rihanna’s adorable picture of Bryant and his daughter, Gianna (who also died in the crash) tugging at the heartstrings. Bad Bunny paid tribute with a new song titled “6 Rings,” and several stars joined the petition to have the NBA logo changed to Kobe’s image.
Roddy Ricch continued his Billboard Hot 100 reign
No one can stop Roddy Ricch, as his hit “The Box” topped the Hot 100 for the third week in a row. Though no one has been able to beat him out since he took over, Eminem’s Juice WRLD collaboration “Godzilla” came close with a debut at No. 3; Em’s surprise LP Music to Be Murdered By debuted atop the Billboard 200.
Miley Cyrus celebrated her dad’s Grammy wins
Miley Cyrus couldn’t be at the Grammys to congratulate her dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, on his two wins for his Lil Nas X collaboration “Old Town Road,” so she took to social media to do so — and also to jokingly berate the pair for not telling her about the stain on her shirt in the photo with them. Shortly after, she hinted at why she was absent at this year's Grammys, captioning a clip of her lighting up a blunt on the VMA stage “& we wonder why I’m not invited to award shows anymore ….”
Justin Bieber announced his album title and release date
Beliebers got the news they’ve been eagerly awaiting on Tuesday (Jan. 28), when Justin Bieber revealed that his new album, titled Changes, will be out on Feb. 14. Along with the announcement, Bieber shared a new track called “Get Me,” a collaboration with Kehlani, who will be joining Bieber on his 2020 tour. It was a Bieber-filled week all around, as the first two episodes of his YouTube docuseries, Justin Bieber: Seasons, premiered (four are available to Premium members).
Anuel AA debuted a new ‘do & fans had a lot to say about it
The reggaeton/trap star took fans by surprise when he shared a video on Instagram revealing a new buzzcut, shaving off his signature bangs. He was already asking for God to grow his hair back in the silly video, but some fans were onboard with the new look (and some were not).
BTS debuted “Black Swan” on Corden
The ARMY has been loving “Black Swan” since BTS released the new track on Jan. 17, so of course they were stoked when the K-pop phenoms performed it live for the first time. BTS brought the track to The Late Late Show With James Corden, where they also talked with Corden about their Grammy performance with Lil Nas X and their forthcoming album Map of the Soul: 7.
My Chemical Romance (finally) announced a reunion tour
Emo kids’ dreams finally came true on Wednesday (Jan. 29), when My Chemical Romance stopped being cryptic and announced a full-on reunion tour. After the international summer dates they previously announced, the rock band will hit North America, playing 18 dates in September and October.
Adam Lambert celebrated his birthday with a new song announcement
The “Superpower” singer decided to give fans a gift for his 38th birthday on Wednesday (Jan. 29), as he revealed that his next single will arrive Feb. 4. Titled “Roses,” the song features legendary guitarist Nile Rodgers and marks Lambert’s first release since dropping his Velvet: Side A EP in September.
Lil Nas X had an amazing clapback to a fellow rapper’s homophobic comment
Down South Georgia Boys rapper Pastor Troy was seemingly trying to start something when he posted a photo of Lil Nas X’s neon-pink leather Grammys getup along with a homophobic tirade against the “Panini” rapper. But Lil Nas X was seemingly not fazed by the hate, and instead came back with perhaps the best response he could’ve had: “damn i look good in that pic on god.”
damn i look good in that pic on god https://t.co/dIIKzTFa6X
— nope (@LilNasX) January 29, 2020
Billie Eilish was announced as an Oscars performer
Just days after adding “five-time Grammy winner” to her résumé, Billie Eilish added “Oscars performer” to her insane list of accomplishments. Though it’s unclear what Eilish will be singing, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences is billing it as "a special performance."
Kevin Parker revealed his big pop dreams
After years of fronting psych-rock group Tame Impala, Kevin Parker sat down with Billboard to discuss his desire to now be one of pop’s most in-demand songwriters/producers. “It’s the yin to the yang of psychedelic rock — writing a catchy, sugary pop song that’s like, three minutes long,” he said. “I want to be a Max Martin.” Read the full cover story here.
Lil Wayne, Kesha & more released new music
Several highly anticipated albums arrived as January came to a close on Friday (Jan. 31): Lil Wayne, Kesha and Meghan Trainor each dropped their first LPs in years, and Louis Tomlinson released his debut album, Walls. On top of full sets, Dua Lipa unveiled a power-packing new song “Physical” and Taylor Swift delivered “Only the Young,” which is featured in her documentary, Miss Americana, that premiered on Netflix on Friday. Check out Billboard’s full rundown of this week’s new music here!