Music notes: Jonas Brothers, *NSYNC and more

Music notes: Jonas Brothers, *NSYNC and more
Music notes: Jonas Brothers, *NSYNC and more

What do Jonas Brothers have in common with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Anne Hathaway and Lin-Manuel Miranda? They’ve all worked with Disney in some capacity over the years. That’s why JoBros and those other stars are being named Disney Legends at the company’s annual D23 fan event, set for Aug. 14-16 in Anaheim, California. Disney is the parent company of ABC News.

Just call *NSYNC’s Joey Fatone and JC Chasez “The Producers.” They’ve joined the producing team for the musical comedy Titanique, a sendup of the 1993 movie Titanic, featuring the songs of Céline Dion. It starts previews in New York City Thursday night on Broadway. Joey actually appeared in a 2010 production of The Producers, and he’s also appeared in Broadway shows like Rent, Little Shop of Horrors and, most recently, & Juliet.

If you missed BTS’ performance of their new single “SWIM” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday night, you can watch it now on YouTube. Or, you could just wait until Thursday night, when the group will perform a second song on the talk show. During their Wednesday appearance, the group discussed their reunion, answered questions from fans and revealed the meaning behind some of the songs on their new album, ARIRANG.

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Mariah Carey’s birthday present — to us — is the release of her Olympics performance

Mariah Carey’s birthday present — to us — is the release of her Olympics performance
Mariah Carey’s birthday present — to us — is the release of her Olympics performance
Mariah Carey performs during the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at San Siro Stadium on Feb. 6, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Elsa/Getty Images)

Mariah Carey’s birthday — or, as she calls it, anniversary — is Friday, but we’re getting the gifts.

At midnight, Mariah is releasing her performance from the opening of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in February. As part of the elaborate opening production, Mariah sang the beloved Italian song “Volare,” also known as “Nel blu, dipinto di blu.”

The song, recorded by Domenico Modugno, topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1958 and has been recorded by over 100 artists. It marked the first time Mariah had sung in Italian. At the end of that track, she broke into one of her patented “whistle tones,” before segueing into her song “Nothing Is Impossible” from her 2025 album, Here For It All.  The songs are being released as one medley.

On Instagram, Mariah posted behind-the-scenes video from that day, including footage of her walking around backstage in a silver gown and white feather boa. You can watch video of her actual performance in an earlier post on her Instagram.

Friday is the 57th “anniversary” of Mariah’s birth.

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New list reveals the most ‘perfect’ Beatles tunes

New list reveals the most ‘perfect’ Beatles tunes
New list reveals the most ‘perfect’ Beatles tunes
Archival photo of The Beatles (ABC)

The Beatles released a lot of music over the course of their career, and there’s no doubt some songs are better than others. So, which Beatles songs are the best?

Of course, the answer to that is subjective, but Collider has some thoughts, and it just came out with its choices for the 10 most “perfect” Beatles tunes, noting songs were chosen based on “songwriting, musical construction, overall influence, and the song’s impact on the band’s musical evolution.”

Topping the list is the 1968 classic “Hey Jude,” which Paul McCartney wrote for Julian Lennon after John Lennon left his first wife, Cynthia Lennon.

“Whether it’s tears of triumph or pain, ‘Hey Jude” is a song meant to make you feel something,” the mag writes. “It’s what music is all about, after all.”

Coming in at #2 is 1969’s “Come Together,” followed by 1970’s “Let It Be” at #3, 1968’s “Blackbird” at #4 and 1964’s “A Hard Day’s Night” at #5.

Rounding out the top 10 are: “In My Life,” “All You Need Is Love,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “Yesterday” and “I Want To Hold Your Hand.”

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Miley Cyrus to receive Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award during ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ finale

Miley Cyrus to receive Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award during ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ finale
Miley Cyrus to receive Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award during ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ finale
RuPaul and Miley Cyrus on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ season 18 (Courtesy MT V)

Miley Cyrus is already a Disney Legend — now she’s about to become a Drag Race legend, too.

During the finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 18, RuPaul will honor Miley with the Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award, which was established in 2023. It has previously been presented to designer Bob Mackie, Liza Minnelli and horror icon Elvira.

During the grand finale, the top queens will lip-synch for the crown and a grand prize of $200,000 to Miley’s song “Every Girl You’ve Ever Loved,” from Miley’s most recent album, Something Beautiful. 

The episode is set to air April 17 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on MTV.

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Nashville notes: Brantley Gilbert’s ‘Good Damn’ + Shenandoah’s 40th Anniversary Tour

Nashville notes: Brantley Gilbert’s ‘Good Damn’ + Shenandoah’s 40th Anniversary Tour
Nashville notes: Brantley Gilbert’s ‘Good Damn’ + Shenandoah’s 40th Anniversary Tour

Brantley Gilbert’s debut single for his new record label, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, is titled “Good Damn” and is the first taste of his ninth studio album, which he’s working on now. 

Legendary country band Shenandoah is embarking on their 40th Anniversary Tour in 2026, playing Flying E Ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona, on Friday. The trek continues through Dec. 5, when they’re booked in Thackerville, Oklahoma. 

Filmore will headline the 2026 Iroquois Steeplechase Saturday, May 9, at Percy Warner Park in Nashville, alongside Lauren Gottshall and Alannah McCready. 

 

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The Killers to perform at UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show

The Killers to perform at UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show
The Killers to perform at UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show
The Killers at 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (Disney/Cristian Lopez)

The Killers will perform ahead of the final match of the 2026 UEFA Champions League soccer tournament. 

The “Mr. Brightside” outfit will take the pitch ahead of the match at Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary, on May 30 as part of the Final Kick Off Show event.

The announcement was made in a video featuring Brandon Flowers and company alongside soccer icon David Beckham. 

“When we were asked to perform at the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi, we said yes without hesitation, some stages speak for themselves,” The Killers say in a statement. “We’re honored to celebrate the incredible teams and players at what will undoubtedly be an epic match.”

The 2025 UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show featured Linkin Park.

 

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Both ‘Billboard’ and Mediabase say ‘Amen’ to Shaboozey + Jelly Roll’s hit

Both ‘Billboard’ and Mediabase say ‘Amen’ to Shaboozey + Jelly Roll’s hit
Both ‘Billboard’ and Mediabase say ‘Amen’ to Shaboozey + Jelly Roll’s hit
Shaboozey & Jelly Roll (Disney/Larry McCormack)

Shaboozey and Jelly Roll have officially gotten an “Amen,” as their collab conquers both the Mediabase and Billboard Radio Airplay charts. 

This is Shaboozey’s third #1, following his most recent, “Good News,” which spent two weeks at the top of the Billboard chart in September. “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” reigned for seven weeks in August and September 2024.

Jelly Roll’s claiming his ninth chart-topper, dating back to “Son of a Sinner” in 2023. 

Earlier this month, Shaboozey sang “Amen” for a crowd of more than 67,000 at RodeoHouston’s March 13 show.

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George Clinton to headline 2026 ‘Essence’ Festival of Culture

George Clinton to headline 2026 ‘Essence’ Festival of Culture
George Clinton to headline 2026 ‘Essence’ Festival of Culture
George Clinton performs onstage during the 2025 Songwriters Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Marriott Marquis Times Square on June 12, 2025, in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame)

George Clinton is in his mid-80s, but his goal remains to “Just Sing.” He and Parliament-Funkadelic have been tapped to take the stage July 5 at the Essence Festival of Culture with a headlining set that will close out the annual event.

The performance will mark the first citing of his new Mothership, which pays homage to the spacecraft he first debuted 50 years ago in New Orleans as part of the 1976 P-Funk Earth Tour.

The landing was deemed “the greatest single moment in the history of rock n’ roll,” according to a press release, and the Mothership sits among history at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. The new one will accompany Clinton as he plans to tour the world.

“To celebrate George in New Orleans, where the Mothership first touched down, is a beautiful full-circle moment,” said Vivian Scott Chew, founding partner of Chew Entertainment, who has teamed with Clinton’s management to produce the special moment. “The weekend will be about more than music—it’s about community, legacy, and making space for the next generation to carry the funk forward.”

The Essence festival will take place July 3-5 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Cardi BKehlaniLattoPatti LaBelleBrandy and Monica are among those on the lineup.

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Colman Domingo to host ‘Saturday Night Live’ for the first time

Colman Domingo to host ‘Saturday Night Live’ for the first time
Colman Domingo to host ‘Saturday Night Live’ for the first time
Colman Domingo attends the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Mark Guiducci at Los Angeles County Museum of Art on March 15, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. (Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Vanity Fair)

Colman Domingo is set to host Saturday Night Live for the first time.

NBC has announced that Colman will make his Studio 8H debut to host the April 11 episode of the show. The Oscar nominee is promoting his upcoming projects The Four Seasons, Euphoria and Michael.

He will be joined by Anitta, who will serve as the show’s musical guest for the first time. The Grammy-nominated singer is promoting her new album, Equilibrium.

Also scheduled to host SNL is Jack Black, who will host the show for the fifth time on April 4. NBC initially made the announcement of Black’s hosting gig during the March 14 episode, which was hosted by Harry Styles. Black is promoting his upcoming animated film The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which arrives in theaters on April 1.

Jack White will serve as the musical guest on the April 4 episode, marking his fifth time performing on the show. White is a 12-time Grammy winner and a 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee.

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Cardi B takes Madison Square Garden stage with help from Cash Cobain, Lil’ Kim

Cardi B takes Madison Square Garden stage with help from Cash Cobain, Lil’ Kim
Cardi B takes Madison Square Garden stage with help from Cash Cobain, Lil’ Kim
Little Miss Drama tour artwork (Live Nation)

Cardi B performed at Madison Square Garden Wednesday night, showcasing some new looks and surprising fans with special guests Cash Cobain and Lil’ Kim. 

“I don’t really got sexy songs, I got gangsta songs,” she said, before welcoming Cash Cobain to the stage. “So Cash Cobain, come sing me a sexy song for me baby.” He then delivered live renditions of his songs “Fisherrr” and “H*** Be Mad,” which features BunnaB. Kim later joined Cardi onstage to perform her verse from “Quiet Storm (Remix)” by Mobb Deep.

“I don’t want y’all to think I’m being dramatic coming out here in this beautiful outfit on,” Kim said. “But Cardi dressed me tonight.”

At one point Cardi also walked out with daughter Kulture Kiari Cephus and son Wave Set Cephus.

Ciara made an appearance, albeit a background one, in support of Cardi’s Little Miss Drama tour. She was captured chatting with Cardi backstage at the event. 

“You left it all on the stage last night @IAmCardiB! A time was had!” Ciara wrote, alongside photos from the night. “Congratulations on making history! You are such an inspiration to so many! We are so proud of you!”

 The tour stop marked the first of back-to-back shows in Cardi’s hometown of New York. She is set to perform at Madison Square Garden for a second time on Thursday night.

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