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Bad Bunny brings Puerto Rican culture, Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin to halftime show stage

February 8, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Bad Bunny brought his Puerto Rican culture to the stage at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, California, during the Super Bowl halftime show, along with a collection of his hit songs, starting with “Tití Me Preguntó.”

He began the performance wearing an all-white football jersey-like outfit with “Ocasio” on the back — the star’s last name — while walking through a field of tall crops. He went on to perform a large collection of hit songs, including “BAILE INoLVIDABLE” and “NUEVAYoL” on an elaborate set that was set up to resemble a Puerto Rican neighborhood, with a barber shop, market, liquor store, men playing dominos and more.

Midway through the show, the star crashed through a roof onto a new set before continuing the show uninterrupted. We also saw a couple getting married; ABC News has confirmed it was an actual wedding.

At one point, Bad Bunny was seen paying homage to his recent success, handing a Grammy award to a young boy on stage. During the song “El Apagón,” or “The Blackout,” Bad Bunny climbed up on an electrical pole — seemingly a reference to the power failures that Puerto Rico has experienced since Hurricane Maria in 2017.

Appearing on the Jumbotron behind Bad Bunny were the words, “THE ONLY THING MORE POWERFUL THAN HATE IS LOVE,” which is what the artist said in his acceptance speech at the Grammys.

Toward the end of the set, Bad Bunny said, “God Bless America” in English, and then reeled off the names of nearly every country in the Americas, including the U.S.A. and Puerto Rico.

Fireworks erupted at the end of the performance during a rendition of his hit song “DtMF.”

The show also included special guests Pedro Pascal, Alix Earle, Karol G, Jessica Alba and Cardi B dancing on the field, before Lady Gaga popped up to perform a Latin arrangement of her hit “Die With a Smile.” Another surprise guest, Ricky Martin, sang a part of Bad Bunny’s song “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii.”

The performance marks a turning point for the Spanish-language genre and Puerto Rican culture, something integral to the artist’s identity. Bad Bunny made history at last weekend’s Grammys when his album became the first fully Spanish-language project to win album of the year.

Green Day kicks off Super Bowl 60 with opening ceremony performance

February 8, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Green Day performed during the Super Bowl 60 opening ceremony Sunday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

The band’s set began with Billie Joe Armstrong performing a solo rendition of “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” as MVPs from past Super Bowls took the field. They then transitioned into a medley of hits from their 2004 album, American Idiot: “Holiday,” “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” and the title track.

Armstrong notably skipped the verse in “American Idiot” where he sings, “I’m not a part of a redneck agenda,” which he has changed to “MAGA agenda” for past live performances in protest of the Donald Trump administration. He did, however, sing the lyric, “The subliminal mindf*** America.”

Armstrong did get more explicitly political during an invite-only concert Friday in San Francisco. As seen in fan-shot footage, he called out agents of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, saying, “Quit your s****y a** job.”

Original Cake guitarist Greg Brown dies

February 7, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Greg Brown, original guitarist for Cake, has died.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Greg Brown’s passing after a brief illness,” the band writes in a Facebook post. His age was not given.

“Greg was an integral part of CAKE’s early sound and development,” the post continues. “His creative contributions were immense, and his presence — both musical and personal — will be deeply missed. Godspeed, Greg.”

Brown was part of the original lineup of Cake, which was founded in 1991 by frontman John McCrea. He played on Cake’s 1994 debut album, Motorcade of Generosity, and their breakthrough 1996 sophomore effort, Fashion Nugget, which spawned the Brown-written hit “The Distance.”

Brown left Cake in 1997. He briefly reunited with the band to play on a song on their 2011 album, Showroom of Compassion.

3 Doors Down frontman Brad Arnold dead at 47

February 7, 2026 by WDNY Radio

3 Doors Down frontman Brad Arnold has died at age 47.

The band confirms in a Facebook post that the “Kryptonite” rocker passed away Saturday after announcing in May he’d been diagnosed with cancer.

“As a founding member, vocalist, and original drummer of 3 Doors Down, Brad helped redefine mainstream rock music, blending post-grunge accessibility with emotionally direct songwriting and lyrical themes that resonated with everyday listeners,” the post reads. “Brad’s songwriting became a cultural touchstone for a generation, producing some of the most enduring hits of the 2000s, including the band’s breakout hit, ‘Kryptonite,’ which he wrote in his math class when he was just 15 years old.”

The band adds, “[Arnold’s] music reverberated far beyond the stage, creating moments of connection, joy, faith, and shared experiences that will live on long after the stages he performed on.”

The aforementioned “Kryptonite,” which dropped in 2000, peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, and is certified eight-times Platinum by the RIAA. It was included on 3 Doors Down’s debut album, 2000’s The Better Life, which is certified seven-times Platinum and also spawned the hits “Loser” and “Be Like That.”

The success continued with 3 Doors Down’s 2002 sophomore effort, Away from the Sun, which has gone quadruple Platinum and features the singles “When I’m Gone” and “Here Without You.” The next two 3 Doors Down albums, 2005’s Seventeen Days and 2008’s self-titled release, both debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200.

“Above all, [Arnold] was a devoted husband to [his wife] Jennifer, and his kindness, humor and generosity touched everyone fortunate enough to know him,” 3 Doors Down’s post reads. “Those closest to him will remember not only his talent, but his warmth, humility, faith, and deep love for his family and friends.”

“The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time and kindly asks that their privacy be respected,” the statement concludes. “He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”

3 Doors Down released their last record, Us and the Night, in 2016. The band continued to tour, and performed ahead of Donald Trump‘s first presidential inauguration in 2017.

Television bassist Fred Smith dead at 77

February 6, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Fred Smith, bassist for the influential band Television, has died at age 77.

“[Smith] was a great running buddy and exactly the guy you wanted around when road life got wearisome,” Television guitarist Jimmy Rip writes in an Instagram post published Friday. “His sense of humor, much like his musical voice, was dry, subtle, to the point, hilarious and always left you wanting a more. Yesterday, he left this world, leaving so many who loved him wanting so much more…of him.”

Smith joined Television in 1975 following the departure of original bassist Richard Hell. He played on all three Television studio albums, including their seminal debut, 1977’s Marquee Moon.

Television’s sound helped shape the alternative scenes to come, particularly 2000s indie bands such as The Strokes and Interpol.

“If you are a lover of melodic bass lines and counterpoint, you could go to school on what Fred created so effortlessly,” Rip writes. “He was a natural — never flashy, always essential — always serving the song in ways that only the greatest musicians can.”

Aside from Television, Smith played in an early incarnation of the band that became Blondie, and on Television frontman Tom Verlaine‘s solo albums.

Verlaine died in 2023 at age 73. According to Rip, he and Smith had “big plans to play Tom’s music live this year.”

“But it just wasn’t meant to be,” Rip writes. “Thankfully, we were able to say goodbye, ‘love you’ were our last words to each other.”

Eva Under Fire premieres new single, ‘Murder Scene’

February 6, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Eva Under Fire has premiered a new single called “Murder Scene.”

“‘Murder Scene’ explores eating disorders, body dysmorphia, self-doubt, and how dreams can become nightmares when the same people who once cheered for you are now criticizing you,” says frontwoman Amanda Lyberg.

You can watch the “Murder Scene” lyric video on YouTube.

“Murder Scene” follows Eva Under Fire’s 2025 single, “Awakening.” The band’s most recent album is their 2022 debut, Love, Drugs & Misery, which spawned the singles “Blow” and “Unstoppable.”

Eva Under Fire will be on tour throughout the year, including a run with Five Finger Death Punch launching in July.

The Format shares new single, ‘The Bar Is Set So Low’

February 6, 2026 by WDNY Radio

After putting out their first record in 20 years, The Format has now released one more song.

The track is called “The Bar Is Set So Low” and was initially written during the sessions for said comeback album, Boycott Heaven.

“At the time I was listening to a lot of The Proclaimers, and the general idea was to have a song kinda in the same vein as ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’ but instead of a stomping love song, I wanted it to be a stomping song about how awful this country treats its immigrants (legal or ‘illegal’),” says frontman Nate Ruess.

The Format is now releasing the song following the shooting and killing of two U.S. citizens by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis.

“While I always assumed the song would reappear in one way or another, I was hoping it wasn’t gonna be under these type of circumstances,” Ruess says. “But since [multi-instrumentalist] Sam [Means] and I first started floating the idea of bringing The Format back to life, we told ourselves that it was necessary for us to try and do more good with whatever platform we would be given- and while we happen to have a lot of big plans in that regard for the near future- we really want to be able to help right now. Like right at this very moment.”

“The Bar Is Set So Low” is out now on Bandcamp. Proceeds will be donated to Immigrant Rapid Response, Immigrant Defense Network, Advocates for Immigrants Rights and Latino Memphis.

Boycott Heaven was released in January. It includes the single “Holy Roller.”

The Format will launch a U.S. tour in March.

Pop star Super Bowl commercial roundup: Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga and more

February 6, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Many people watch the Super Bowl just for the commercials. Music fans have many to look forward to on Sunday, with a slate of pops set to appear in game-day ads. Here’s a rundown:

Lady Gaga‘s new version of the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood theme, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” is featured in an ad for Redfin X Rocket Mortgage.

Benson Boone teams up with Ben Stiller to play a Europop 1980s duo of warring brothers in an ad for Instacart.

Backstreet Boys surprise shoppers in Times Square in their clip for T-Mobile.

Sabrina Carpenter builds a boyfriend out of potato chips in an ad for Pringles.

Post Malone and pals chase after a beer keg at a wedding in a spot for Bud Light.

EJAE of HUNTR/X stars in an ad for Liquid I.V. water, which features her singing Phil Collins‘ “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” in a bathroom. The teaser features the full three-minute performance.

Charli XCX teams up with her pal and The Moment co-star Rachel Sennott in a teaser for a Poppi probiotic soda ad.

KATSEYE appear in a commercial for State Farm Insurance alongside Hailee Steinfeld, Keegan-Michael Key and Danny McBride. The official clip has not yet been released.

Addison Rae makes a brief appearance in an Uber Eats ad, sipping a Diet Pepsi while Matthew McConaughey and Bradley Cooper debate whether football is a sinister plot to get people to consume more food and drinks.

New Music Friday: Myles Smith, Charlie Puth and more

February 6, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Myles Smith and Niall Horan have released their duet “Drive Safe,” which the two artists also co-wrote. The song is about being able to manage obstacles in life with help from the people around you. Myles says, “Collaborations only really matter to me when they come from something real, and working with Niall genuinely did. He’s got this effortless instinct for melody, but beyond that he’s a good friend who very quickly became one of my closest. Our friendship shaped the song, and hopefully you can feel it in every line!”

Ahead of his national anthem performance at the Super Bowl, Charlie Puth released another song from his upcoming album, Whatever’s Clever! The new song, “Cry,” features saxophone playing by Kenny G. Charlie says, “‘Cry’ is about allowing yourself to feel things fully. I grew up watching people I admire carry emotional weight quietly. This song is a reminder that expressing emotion is not weakness — it’s human, and sometimes it’s exactly what helps you grow.”

Tired of hearing EJAE sing “Golden”? She’s got a fresh track for you. The lead voice of HUNTR/X has dropped a mid-tempo song about heartbreak called “Time After Time.” She says the song’s melody was “stuck in my head for years, just like the person I wrote it about.”

Guardsmen ambushed in DC to be awarded the Purple Heart

February 6, 2026 by WDNY Radio

(WASHINGTON) – -The two West Virginia National Guard members shot in November will receive the Purple Heart, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Friday while addressing troops at the base of the Washington Monument.

Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died of her injuries on Nov. 26, the day before Thanksgiving. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe was shot in the head and remains in recovery, with skull reconstruction surgery scheduled for March.

“One lost, one recovering, both soon to be Purple Heart recipients,” Hegseth said, “because they were attacked by a radical.”

The suspected gunman, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan, was arraigned on nine charges Wednesday, including first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill and illegal possession of a firearm.

Prosecutors say they are seeking additional charges that would make Lakanwal eligible for the death penalty. He has pleaded not guilty.

Purple Hearts are typically reserved for troops wounded or killed by clearly identified enemy combatants in war zones, with awards for attacks on American soil relatively rare.

The question of eligibility resurfaced after the 2015 shootings in Chattanooga, Tennessee, when Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez opened fire on a Navy Reserve center and a nearby recruiting station. Four Marines and a sailor died, Abdulazeez was killed by law enforcement.

For months, that attack sat in a bureaucratic gray zone for the Purple Heart. FBI Director James Comey eventually determined the shootings were motivated by foreign terrorist propaganda.

The determination cleared the way for then- Navy Secretary Ray Mabus to announce Purple Hearts would be awarded to the victims of the shooting.

The Trump administration has labeled Lakanwal a terrorist, though it has not publicly produced evidence tying him to any designated terrorist organization.

Lakanwal was among thousands of Afghans evacuated to the United States after the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, and his asylum application was approved in 2025 during the Trump administration.

In Afghanistan, Lakanwal was affiliated with a so-called Zero Unit that worked closely with the CIA and elite special operations units, ABC News reported in December.

Officials with direct knowledge of the matter said he was considered a trusted member of the unit, which carried out American counterterrorism missions.

Investigators also believe Lakanwal was under financial strain after his work permit expired and may have been experiencing a mental health crisis.

“This announcement brings long-overdue honor to their service, offers meaning and reassurance to their families, and stands as a solemn reminder that West Virginia will never forget those who sacrifice in defense of others,” West Virginia GOP Gov. Patrick Morrisey, who called for Purple Hearts to be awarded after the ambush, said in a statement to ABC News.

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