Backstreet Boys perform at Sphere Las Vegas (Rich Fury)
Backstreet Boys spent New Year’s Eve onstage at Sphere Las Vegas, and will also play there Friday and Saturday before returning in February for more dates. Their Into the Millennium residency is set to wrap up Feb. 15, but AJ McLean hints that there may be more shows at Sphere — a lot more.
“We hoped it would be successful, and here we are [with] more dates in the future,” AJ said. “You know, there’s been rumblings of us getting to 100 shows, which is — that’s a lot.”
“I mean, who knows? But we’re going to stay there until they kick us out, essentially,” he added.
It’s not clear how Backstreet would fit more dates onto their already busy 2026: They have another residency planned for September and October in Düsseldorf, Germany. Plus, AJ is dropping a solo album on Jan. 9 and he’s part of two reality shows, The Fashion Hero and Netflix’s Building the Band. And then there’s the matter of new Backstreet Boys music, which AJ thinks is possible.
“I can’t say what, but we were [recently] recording something that is going to be massive,” he teased. “And we’re really stoked about it. … It’s an amazing opportunity.”
“Hopefully [there will be a] second season for me for Netflix and third season for The Fashion Hero, solo stuff,” he continued. “But there’s gaps in there where we could potentially make another album.”
“Who knows? But we are definitely talking about new music and what that might look like.”
Backstreet’s most recent album of original material was 2019’s DNA.
2025 saw some artists release long-awaited new music:
— In October, Mariah Carey released Here For It All, her first album of original material since 2018. It featured a cover of the Paul McCartney and Wings song “My Love,” and collaborations with Anderson .Paak, TheClark Sisters and Kehlani. In June, Mariah received the Ultimate Icon Award at the BET Awards. In September, she was presented with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the MTV VMAs. On Nov. 28, she launched a Las Vegas Christmas residency and in December, she set the all-time record for longest-running #1 hit when “All I Want for Christmas Is You” racked up its 20th cumulative week on top of the Billboard Hot 100.
— Justin Bieber dropped not one but two albums: SWAG in July and SWAG II in September. SWAG, his first album since 2021’s Justice, produced the hits “Yukon” and “Daisy,” received critical acclaim and earned Justin four Grammy nods. He was also announced as the 2026 Coachella headliner.
— Maroon 5 released Love Is Like, their first album since 2021, with features from BLACKPINK‘s LISA, and rappers Lil Wayne and Sexyy Red. It produced the single “Priceless.” The band also launched a North American headlining tour. Singer Adam Levine had his own comeback, returning to The Voice for season 27 after a five-year break.
— Lewis Capaldi returned to music after taking a hiatus in 2023 to focus on his physical and mental health. In June, Lewis successfully returned to Glastonbury, the festival at which he’d been unable to finish his set two years prior. He also released a comeback single, “Survive,” and toured the U.K. He released an EP, also called Survive, in November and announced a North American tour for 2026.
And in other 2025 music news …
Backstreet Boys became the first pop act to headline at Sphere Las Vegas, with a show celebrating their biggest album, Millennium. The residency was so popular that it was extended several times; it will wrap up in February 2026. The group also announced a residency in Düsseldorf, Germany, for September and October 2026.
After completing his “mathematics” series of albums, Ed Sheeran released Play, the first in what will be a series of albums named after media control buttons, including Rewind and Fast Forward. He was everywhere promoting the album, which included his experimentations with Indian and Persian music: playing at Coachella, doing a Netflix special, surprising fans at pubs and more. He also announced his Loop tour for 2026.
Teddy Swims was able to continue his 2024 success into 2025. He toured the world, broke records on the Billboard chart with the longevity of his song “Lose Control,” became a dad, released collaborations with DJ David Guetta and country star Thomas Rhett, earned another Grammy nomination and sang at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
2025 saw some artists release long-awaited new music:
— In October, Mariah Carey released Here For It All, her first album of original material since 2018. It featured a cover of the Paul McCartney and Wings song “My Love” and collaborations with Anderson .Paak, TheClark Sisters and Kehlani. In June, Mariah received the Ultimate Icon Award at the BET Awards. In September, she was presented with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the MTV VMAs. On Nov. 28, she launched a Las Vegas Christmas residency and in December, she set the all-time record for longest-running #1 hit when “All I Want for Christmas Is You” racked up its 20th cumulative week on top of the Billboard Hot 100.
— Justin Bieber dropped not one but two albums: SWAG in July and SWAG II in September. SWAG, his first album since 2021’s Justice, produced the hits “Yukon” and “Daisy,” received critical acclaim and earned Justin four Grammy nods. He was also announced as the 2026 Coachella headliner.
— Maroon 5 released Love Is Like, their first album since 2021, with features from BLACKPINK‘s LISA, and rappers Lil Wayne and Sexyy Red. It produced the single “Priceless.” The band also launched a North American headlining tour. Singer Adam Levine had his own comeback, returning to The Voice for season 27 after a five-year break.
— Lewis Capaldi returned to music after taking a hiatus in 2023 to focus on his physical and mental health. In June, Lewis successfully returned to Glastonbury, the festival at which he’d failed to finish his set two years prior. He also released a comeback single, “Survive,” and an EP of the same name in November. He toured the U.K. and announced a North American tour for 2026.
And in other 2025 music news …
Elton John teamed up with Bernie Taupin, his pal Brandi Carlile and producer Andrew Watt to release the joint top-10 album Who Believes In Angels?, which they created in about 20 days. Elton and Brandi made multiple press appearances to promote it. They also held a concert together in London, which became the CBS and Paramount+ special An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile. The album earned a Grammy nod for best traditional pop vocal album. Elton also saluted the late Brian Wilson at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony; announced that he’d be headlining Rock in Rio 2026; and revealed that he’s already made one new album and plans to working on another one in April.
Backstreet Boys became the first pop act to headline Sphere Las Vegas, with a show celebrating their biggest album, Millennium. The residency was so popular that it was extended several times; it will wrap up in February 2026. The group also announced a residency in Düsseldorf, Germany, for September and October 2026.
After completing his “mathematics” series of albums, Ed Sheeran released Play, the first in what will be a series of albums named after media control buttons, like Rewind and Fast Forward. He was everywhere promoting the album, which included his experimentations with Indian and Persian music: playing at Coachella, doing a Netflix special, surprising fans at pubs and more. He also announced his Loop tour for 2026.
Teddy Swims was able to continue his 2024 success in 2025. He toured the world, broke records on the Billboard chart with the longevity of his song “Lose Control,” became a dad, released collaborations with DJ David Guetta and country star Thomas Rhett, earned another Grammy nomination and sang at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Music artist Richard Smallwood arrives to the 2016 Stellar Gospel Awards – Arrivals at the Orleans Arena on February 20, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)
Grammy-nominated gospel singer Richard Smallwood has died at the age of 77. His team confirmed the news in an email to ABC, stating that he passed away Tuesday at the Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center due to complications from kidney failure.
His family later shared a statement on his Instagram page expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support. “We are grateful for the overwhelming love and support during this difficult time,” the statement read. “Your tributes are a testament to Richard’s reach and impact. Please continue to keep his family, friends, the music community, and all those affected by this loss in your prayers.”
Born on Nov. 30, 1948, in Atlanta, Smallwood formed his first gospel group at just 11 years old. He later earned a degree in music from Howard University, where he was a member of the school’s first gospel group, the Celestials, as well as its gospel choir. In 1977, he founded the Richard Smallwood Singers, who released their debut, The Richard Smallwood Singers, in 1982, followed by Psalms in 1984 and Textures in 1987.
After the group disbanded in the early ’90s, Smallwood formed a large backing choir called Vision and went on to release several albums. His final album, Anthology, was released in 2015 and included the Gospel radio hit “Same God.” In 2019, Smallwood released the book Total Praise: The Autobiography before mild dementia and other health issues got in the way of recording.
Smallwood is perhaps best known for writing gospel songs including “I Love the Lord,” performed by WhitneyHouston and the Georgia Mass Choir on The Preacher’s Wife soundtrack. His work has also been featured and covered by Boyz II Men and Destiny’s Child.
He is survived by his brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews and godchildren.
A new year means a new season of American Idol, and in a new promo, an old favorite makes a return.
In the promo, host Ryan Seacrest welcomes judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood to “American Idol University.” “With decades of talent on display, I’m so excited for you all to explore these historic halls,” says Seacrest.
“Look at all these superstars that have graduated from Idol U.,” says Underwood, while admiring portraits of Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson and season 23 winner Jamal Roberts. They admire a display case that boasts that Idol contestants have scored 65 Platinum records, 18 Grammy Awards, 1one Academy Award and other accolades.
Another display case features photos and memorabilia from other past contestants, like Adam Lambert, season 21 winner Iam Tongi and Underwood herself. Plus, a series of photos on the wall documents Seacrest’s hairstyle journey.
The three judges then come across a wax statue of Clay Aiken, on a pedestal reading “Class of 2003.” “One of the original greats,” says Bryan. “Go Claymates!” says Underwood. Then, the “statue” of Clay turns and winks at them, causing them to jump back and yell in alarm.
As the three judges walk through a door, Underwood announces, “American Idol Class of 2026 is in session!” After a montage of some of the new season’s auditions, Aiken, no longer on a pedestal, says, “Who will be the next American Idol?”
2024 was the year that Sabrina Carpenter became a global pop superstar. In 2025 she became an even bigger star, topping the album and singles charts, racking up some career milestones and causing a bit of controversy.
–In February, Sabrina won two awards at the Grammys and opened the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special, singing “Homeward Bound” with rock legend Paul Simon. She attended the Met Gala, covered Vogue, performed on the BRIT Awards and released the deluxe version of her 2024 album, Short n’ Sweet, featuring a duet with none other than Dolly Parton.
–In June, Sabrina surprised fans by releasing a new single and video, “Manchild,” and announcing a new album, Man’s Best Friend. “Manchild” blasted into the charts at #1, and the album — released in August, just over a year after Short n’ Sweet — debuted on top of the Billboard 200.
However, the cover of Man’s Best Friend ruffled some feathers, since it showed her on all fours, with a man’s hand grabbing a fistful of her hair. Many felt the image was degrading toward women; Sabrina found herself explaining the image several times, most recently to Variety in December: “It was about how people try to control women, and how I felt emotionally yanked around by these relationships that I had, and how much power you’re allowing yourself to give them,” she said.
–In July, Sabrina headlined London’s BST Hyde Park festival, bringing out Duran Duran to sing their classic “Hungry Like the Wolf” with her. She headlined Lollapalooza in August and brought out Earth, Wind & Fire to sing two of their hits, “Let’s Groove” and “September.”
–In September, Sabrina was announced as one of the headliners for Coachella 2026. She performed her song “Tears” on the MTV Video Music Awards and took home two awards. Plus, it was announced that she’d guest on an upcoming 2026 TheMuppet Show special on Disney+.
–In October, Sabrina was the only guest artist featured on her pal Taylor Swift‘s new album, The Life of a Showgirl, duetting with Taylor on the title track. Sabrina also hosted and performed on Saturday Night Live and played the Austin City Limits festival, welcoming guests Shania Twain and The Chicks to the stage to sing with her. That same month, she was named Variety’s Hitmaker of the Year.
–In November, Sabrina’s Short n’ Sweet tour wrapped up after two years and 72 shows. Also in November, Sabrina received six Grammy nominations, and it was announced that she’d star in a major motion picture based on Alice in Wonderland.
–In December, Sabrina fired back when her song “Juno” was used in a video depicting ICE raids that was posted by the White House. “[T]his video is evil and disgusting,” she wrote. “Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda.”
‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2026′ performers (Courtesy DCP)
DJ Cassidy is ringing in the new year on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, bringing his Pass the Mic set to the celebration. The performance will feature Busta Rhymes, Wyclef Jean and T.I., who said joining the festivities was an easy decision.
“Man, it’s a phenomenal opportunity to just join my brothers and collaborate with the greats in the industry and the genre that we all love to save lives, hip-hop,” T.I. told ABC’s On the Red Carpet during rehearsals for the show. “It’s just a no-brainer. You know what I mean? I love to be here and just love the opportunity.”
Wyclef likened the invitation to assembling a dream team, joking it felt less like Ocean’s Eleven and more like Professor X calling the X-Men together. “It was like [Cassidy] was calling,” he said, “and I had to unite with my superhero friends.”
Busta credited Cassidy for creating spaces rooted in positivity and respect, and praised him for “being a giver of love” and for consistently “representing feel-good energy.”
“Whenever he puts something together, it just feels right,” Busta said. “So this moment is an incredible moment.”
He added the performance is about more than welcoming a new year; it’s about honoring the years of their friendship.
“The love has evolved to the point where we can celebrate each other,” he said. “It ain’t got nothing to do with no business. … We celebrating everything that we’ve evolved into as friends, fathers.”
Cassidy said sharing the stage with Busta, Wyclef and T.I. is meaningful, calling them “hip-hop heroes” and “musical idols.”
“It’s truly an honor and there’s no place on earth I’d rather ring in the New Year and no one else I’d round the ring in New Year with,” he said.
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest airs Dec. 31 starting at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
The Killers’ Brandon Flowers at 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (Disney/Frank Micelotta)
The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers has a whole bunch of solo material in the works.
The “Mr. Brightside” singer revealed during a Q&A session on The Killers’ Instagram Stories that he’s completed two solo records.
“One is almost mixed. The other will follow shortly,” Flowers said. “Trying to decide how this is going to work logistically.”
“I had a ball making them in Nashville,” he added. “It’s a departure for sure. Gotta keep you all on your toes.”
Flowers has previously released two solo albums, 2010’s Flamingo and 2015’s The Desired Effect.
The Killers, meanwhile, haven’t put out a new record since 2021’s Pressure Machine. As for when they’ll be releasing another album, Flowers says a 2027 release is his “best guess.”
Flowers also says The Killers likely won’t be touring the U.S. again until 2027, and that they won’t be doing shows to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their 2006 sophomore album, Sam’s Town.
Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen lost his left arm in a car crash in Sheffield, England.
After trying to pass a driver who had been taunting him on the road, Allen lost control of his vehicle and hit a wall. His arm got caught in the seat belt and was severed.
While doctors initially reattached the arm, it was later amputated due to infection.
Allen’s career as a drummer looked in doubt, but he eventually learned to play again on a specially designed electronic drum kit.
Allen and Def Leppard returned to the stage for his first concert following the accident on Aug. 16, 1986, at the Monsters of Rock Festival in Castle Donington, England.
He continues to perform with Def Leppard to this day. The band is set to launch a new Las Vegas residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, starting on Feb. 3.
The Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson performs at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction (Disney/Frank Micelotta)
The Black Crowes released their latest album, Happiness Bastards, in 2024, marking their first album of new material in 15 years. Fortunately for fans, it sounds like they won’t have to wait nearly as long for the band to release some more new music.
In a holiday message posted to social media and YouTube, The Crowes’ frontman Chris Robinson gave fans an update on what to expect in 2026, and that includes music.
“Big news in the new year from The Black Crowes,” Chris says in the clip. “We have some new music to share with you in January, coming pretty soon really, and we have big big big tour news for you as well. So happy holidays hope you had a great one.”
He ended the clip with the message, “A pound of feathers or a pound of lead. Look out below and mind your head. We’ll see ya soon.”
When it comes to touring, The Black Crowes have already announced several dates for 2026. They’ll kick off a tour in Australia on April 2 in Melbourne, followed by two nights in Japan on April 14 and 15. The band also has dates booked across the U.K. and Europe in June and July, and will open four shows on Guns N’ Roses’ North American tour, starting Aug. 22 in Las Vegas.
