Kendrick Lamar, Ed Sheeran lead 2018 Billboard Music Awards nominations

billboard-music-awards-tickets_05-20-18_17_5ac851da563af.jpgThe 2018 Billboard Music Awards nominees have been unveiled and it looks like Kendrick Lamar and Ed Sheeran are leading the pack with the most nominations this year. On Tuesday (April 17), the official list of nominees for this year’s event was announced, revealing that Lamar and Sheeran are tied with a total of 15 nominations apiece. Both Grammy winners’ nominations include Top Artist, Top Billboard 200 Album, Top Hot 100 Song, and Top Selling Album.

Coming in second with a total of 14 nominations is Bruno Mars. Mars, who is also a recent Grammy winner, is nominated for Top Radio Songs Artist, Top R&B Artist, and Top R&B Song which features two of his current hits (“That’s What I Like” and “Finesse” with Cardi B).

Right behind Mars is Post Malone with a total of 12 nominations. The “Rockstar” rapper’s nominations include Top Collaboration with 21 Savage for “Rockstar,” Top Streaming Songs Artist, and Top Streaming Song (Audio) which features two of his songs (“Rockstar” and “Congratulations”).

Injecting the awards show with a little bit of rock are the guys from Imagine Dragons who garnered a total of 10 nominations this year. The Las Vegas guys’ nominations include Top Radio Song, Top Duo/Group, and Top Selling Song which include two of their Evolve singles“Believer” and “Thunder.”

Tied with a total of eight nominations apiece are Cardi B and Justin Bieber. The Bronx-based rapper’s nominations include Top Streaming Songs Artist, Top Streaming Song (Video) for “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves),” and Top New Artist.

As for Bieber, most of his nominations come in the form of song contributions (Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s “Despactio” and DJ Khaled’s “I’m the One”). The only non-contribtuion nomination the pop star received this year is in the Top Social Artist category.

The 2018 Billboard Music Awards will take place on May 20, live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The complete event will air live on NBC beginning at 8 p.m. EST. Tickets for the awards show went on sale last week and can currently be purchase here.

For now, the complete list of nominations for this year’s awards show can be seen below.

BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS 2018 NOMINEES:

Top Artist:
Drake
Kendrick Lamar
Bruno Mars
Ed Sheeran
Taylor Swift

Top New Artist:
21 Savage
Camila Cabello
Cardi B
Khalid
Kodak Black

Billboard Chart Achievement Award:
Camila Cabello
Cardi B
Drake
Sam Hunt
Ed Sheeran

Top Male Artist:
Drake
Kendrick Lamar
Bruno Mars
Post Malone
Ed Sheeran

Top Female Artist:
Camila Cabello
Cardi B
Halsey
Demi Lovato
Taylor Swift

Top Duo/Group:
The Chainsmokers
Coldplay
Imagine Dragons
Migos
U2

Top Billboard 200 Artist:
Drake
Kendrick Lamar
Ed Sheeran
Chris Stapleton
Taylor Swift

Top Hot 100 Artist:
Imagine Dragons
Kendrick Lamar
Bruno Mars
Post Malone
Ed Sheeran

Top Streaming Songs Artist:
Cardi B
Drake
Kendrick Lamar
Post Malone
Ed Sheeran

Top Song Sales Artist:
Imagine Dragons
Kendrick Lamar
Bruno Mars
Post Malone
Ed Sheeran

Top Radio Songs Artist:
Halsey
Imagine Dragons
Bruno Mars
Charlie Puth
Ed Sheeran

Top Social Artist:
Justin Bieber
BTS
Ariana Grande
Demi Lovato
Shawn Mendes

Top Touring Artist:
Coldplay
Guns N’ Roses
Bruno Mars
Ed Sheeran
U2

Top R&B Artist:
Chris Brown
Khalid
Bruno Mars
SZA
The Weeknd

Top R&B Male Artist:
Khalid
Bruno Mars
The Weeknd

Top R&B Female Artist:
Beyoncé
Rihanna
SZA

Top R&B Tour:
Bruno Mars
Lionel Richie
The Weeknd

Top Rap Artist:
Drake
Kendrick Lamar
Lil Uzi Vert
Migos
Post Malone

Top Rap Male Artist:
Drake
Kendrick Lamar
Post Malone

Top Rap Female Artist:
Bhad Bhabie
Cardi B
Nicki Minaj

Top Rap Tour:
J. Cole
JAY-Z
Kendrick Lamar

Top Country Artist:
Kane Brown
Luke Combs
Sam Hunt
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton

Top Country Male Artist:
Sam Hunt
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton

Top Country Female Artist:
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Maren Morris

Top Country Duo/Group Artist:
Florida Georgia Line
Old Dominion
Zac Brown Band

Top Country Tour:
Luke Bryan
Florida Georgia Line
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill

Top Rock Artist:
Imagine Dragons
Linkin Park
Portugal. The Man
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
twenty one pilots

Top Rock Tour:
Coldplay
Guns N’ Roses
U2

Top Latin Artist:
J Balvin
Daddy Yankee
Luis Fonsi
Ozuna
Romeo Santos

Top Dance/Electronic Artist:
The Chainsmokers
Calvin Harris
Kygo
Marshmello
ODESZA

Top Christian Artist:
Elevation Worship
Hillsong UNITED
Hillsong Worship
MercyMe
Zach Williams

Top Gospel Artist:
Anthony Brown and group therAPy
Travis Greene
J.J. Hairston and Youthful Praise
Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Tamela Mann

Top Billboard 200 Album:
Drake – More Life
Kendrick Lamar – DAMN.
Post Malone – Stoney
Ed Sheeran – ÷ (Divide)
Taylor Swift – reputation

Top Selling Album:
Kendrick Lamar – DAMN.
P!nk – Beautiful Trauma
Ed Sheeran – ÷ (Divide)
Chris Stapleton – From a Room: Volume 1
Taylor Swift – reputation

Top Soundtrack:
Black Panther
The Fate of the Furious: The Album
The Greatest Showman
Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2: Awesome Mix Vol. 2
Moana

Top R&B Album:
Khalid – American Teen
Bruno Mars – 24K Magic
SZA – CTRL
The Weeknd – Starboy
XXXTENTATION – 17

Top Rap Album:
Drake – More Life
Kendrick Lamar – DAMN.
Lil Uzi Vert – Luv is Rage 2
Migos- Culture
Post Malone – Stoney

Top Country Album:
Kane Brown – Kane Brown
Luke Combs – This One’s for You
Thomas Rhett – Life Changes
Chris Stapleton – From a Room: Volume 1
Brett Young – Brett Young

Top Rock Album:
Imagine Dragons – Evolve
Linkin Park – One More Light
Panic! at the Disco – Death of a Bachelor
Portugal. The Man – Woodstock
U2 – Songs of Experience

Top Latin Album:
Nicky Jam – Fenix
Christian Nodal – Me Deje Llevar
Ozuna – Odisea
Romeo Santos – Golden
Shakira – El Dorado

Top Dance/Electronic Album:
Avicii – AVĨCI (01)
The Chainsmokers – Memories…Do Not Open
Calvin Harris – Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1
Kygo – Stargazing
ODESZA – A Moment Apart

Top Christian Album:
Elevation Worship – There is a Cloud
Hillsong UNITED – Wonder
Hillsong Worship – Let There Be Light
Alan Jackson – Precious Memories Collection
MercyMe – Lifer

Top Gospel Album:
Anthony Brown & group therAPy – A Long Way from Sunday
Travis Greene – Crossover: Live from Music City
J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise – You Deserve It
Tasha Cobbs Leonard – Heart. Passion. Pursuit
Marvin Sapp – Close

Top Hot 100 Song:
Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber – “Despacito”
Kendrick Lamar – “Humble.”
Bruno Mars – “That’s What I Like”
Post Malone ft. 21 Savage – “Rockstar”
Ed Sheeran – “Shape of You”

Top Streaming Song (Audio):
Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber – “Despacito”
Kendrick Lamar – “Humble.”
Lil Uzi Vert – “XO Tour LLIF3”
Post Malone ft. 21 Savage – “Rockstar”
Post Malone ft. Quavo – “Congratulations”

Top Streaming Song (Video):
Cardi B – “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)”
Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber – “Despacito”
Lil Pump – “Gucci Gang”
Bruno Mars – “That’s What I Like”
Ed Sheeran – “Shape of You”

Top Selling Song:
Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber – “Despacito”
Sam Hunt – “Body Like a Back Road”
Imagine Dragons – “Believer”
Imagine Dragons – “Thunder”
Ed Sheeran – “Perfect”

Top Radio Song:
The Chainsmokers and Coldplay – “Something Just Like This”
Imagine Dragons – “Believer”
Bruno Mars – “That’s What I Like”
Charlie Puth – “Attention”
Ed Sheeran – “Shape of You”

Top Collaboration:
Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug – “Havana”
The Chainsmokers and Coldplay  “Something Just Like This”
Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber – “Despacito”
French Montana ft. Swae Lee – “Unforgettable”
Post Malone ft. 21 Savage – “Rockstar”

Top R&B Song:
Childish Gambino – “Redbone”
DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna and Bryson Tiller – “Wild Thoughts”
Khalid – “Young Dumb & Broke”
Bruno Mars – “That’s What I Like”
Bruno Mars ft. Cardi B – “Finesse”

Top Rap Song:
Cardi B – Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)”
DJ Khaled ft. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper and Lil’ Wayne – “I’m the One”
French Montana ft. Swae Lee – “Unforgettable”
Kendrick Lamar – “Humble.”
Post Malone ft. 21 Savage – “Rockstar”

Top Country Song:
Kane Brown ft. Lauren Alaina – “What Ifs”
Sam Hunt – “Body Like a Back Road”
Dustin Lynch – “Small Town Boy”
Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line – “Meant to Be”
Brett Young – “In Case You Didn’t Know”

Top Rock Song:
Imagine Dragons – “Believer”
Imagine Dragons – “Thunder”
Linkin Park ft. Kiiara – “Heavy”
Portugal. The Man – “Feel It Still”
The Revivalists – “Wish I Knew You”

Top Latin Song:
J Balvin and Willy William ft. Beyoncé – “Mi Gente”
Becky G ft. Bad Bunny – “Mayores”
Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber – “Despacito”
Maluma – “Felices Los 4”
Wisin ft. Ozuna – “Escapate Conmigo”

Top Dance/Electronic Song:
The Chainsmokers and Coldplay – “Something Just Like This”
Cheat Codes ft. Demi Lovato – “No Promises”
Clean Bandit ft. Sean Paul and Ann-Marie – “Rockabye”
Kygo and Selena Gomez – “It Ain’t Me”
Zedd and Alessia Cara – “Stay”

Top Christian Song:
Elevation Worship – “O Come to the Altar”
Hillsong Worship – “What a Beautiful Name”
Lecrae ft. Tori Kelly – “I’ll Find You”
MercyMe – “Even If”
Zach Williams -“Old Church Choir”

Top Gospel Song:
Anthony Brown & group therAPy – “Trust In You”
Travis Greene – “You Waited”
J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise – “You Deserve It”
Tamela Mann – “Change Me”
Charlie Wilson – “I’m Blessed”

Watch: All Time Low drop live video for ‘Drugs & Candy’

All Time Low released their seventh album last June, earning them the number nine spot on Billboard‘s 200 chart. After being on the road for most of 2017, the group has returned to treat fans to a brand new music video. On Monday (Jan. 29), the Baltimore-based band unleashed their live music video for their latest single, “Drugs & Candy.”

The almost four-minute clip features footage from the band’s travels across the world throughout 2017 as well as footage from their show in Amsterdam. In an interview with Billboard, frontman Alex Gaskarth admits that it was purely coincidental that the name of the song is “Drugs & Candy” and that the performance was shot in Amsterdam.

“A lot of people have pointed out the irony of attaching a song called ‘Drugs & Candy’ to Amsterdam, but that was not the intention,” Gaskarth admits. “A lot of people were like, ‘You realize what you’re doing, right?’ Just a happy accident.”

As it turns out, the real reason behind shooting in Amsterdam had more to do with the fans embracing the Maryland four-piece which eventually led to them selling out the arena.

“The real reason was that it was one of the biggest shows we ever played in Amsterdam. Amsterdam, for whatever reason, has really embraced this band and the shows keep getting bigger and bigger.”

Watch the music video for “Drugs & Candy” above while Gaskarth’s full interview with Billboard can be read here.

“Drugs & Candy” is featured on All Time Low’s recently released record, Last Young Renegade. The record includes a total of five hit singles; “Good Times,” “Nice2KnoU,” “Life of the Party,” “Last Young Renegade” and first single, “Dirty Laundry.”

In support of Last Young Renegade, All Time Low will continue their Young Renegades world tour. Prior to embarking on the second leg of their North American Young Renegades tour, All Time Low will stop in Europe with Creeper to celebrate the anniversary of their hit sophomore album So Wrong, It’s Right. During those shows, the group will perform the album in full.

After wrapping up the short European excursion in March, the band will take a few weeks off before kicking off their North American trek on April 6 at Piere’s in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The complete list of upcoming All Time Low tour dates can be seen below.

ALL TIME LOW UNITED KINGDOM TOUR DATES:

March 12 – Glasgow, UK – SECC
March 14 – Cardiff, UK – Motorpoint Arena
March 15 – Birmingham, UK – Genting Arena
March 16 – Manchester, UK – Manchester Arena
March 17 – London, UK – Alexandra Palace

ALL TIME LOW NORTH AMERICA TOUR DATES:

April 6 – Fort Wayne, IN – Piere’s
April 7 – Peoria, IL – Limelight Eventplex
April 9 – Knoxville, TN – The Mill & Mine
April 10 – Jacksonville, FL – Mavericks at the Landing
April 11 – Columbia, SC – Music Farm
April 13 – Covington, KY – Madison Theater
April 15 – Sioux Falls, SD – The District
April 18 – Missoula, MT – The Wilma Theatre
April 19 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory
April 20 – Reno, NV -Whitney Peak Hotel
April 21 – Chico, CA – Senator Theatre
May 4 – May 6 – Atlanta, GA – Shaky Knees Music Festival

Drake, the Chainsmokers lead 2017 Billboard Music Awards nominations

Billboard has announced the nominees for the 2017 Billboard Music Awards. On Monday (April 10), the music publication published their lengthy list of artists who have been nominated for the annual event. Heading over to ABC’s morning talk show, Good Morning America, Fall Out Boy guitarist Pete Wentz and Julia Michaels announced the first five of 52 categories of the annual awards show.

Leading the pack with a total of 22 nominations are Canadian rapper Drake and EDM duo the Chainsmokers. Drake is nominated for Top Artist, Top Male Artist, Top Hot 100 Artist, Top Rap Artist, Top Rap Tour, Top Billboard 200 Album, and more. As for the Chainsmokers, they’re nominated for Top Dance/Electronic Album, Top Hot 100 Song, Top Radio Song, and more.
Twenty One Pilots follow Drake and the Chainsmokers for a total of 17 nominations in several categories including Top Artist, Top Duo/Group, and Top Billboard 200 Artist. Rihanna follows Twenty One Pilots with a total of 14 nominations including Top Artist, Top Female Artist, and Top 100 Artist.

According to a press release from Billboard, the nominees are based on “key fan interactions with music, including album and digital songs sales, streaming, radio airplay, touring and social engagement.” The 2017 awards are based on the year-long period from March 18, 2016 to March 16, 2017.

The Billboard Music Awards will take place on May 21 and air on ABC. The complete list of nominees can be seen below.

2017 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS NOMINEES:

Top Artist:
Adele
Beyoncé
Justin Bieber
The Chainsmokers
Drake
Ariana Grande
Shawn Mendes
Rihanna
Twenty One Pilots
The Weeknd

Top New Artist:
Alessia Cara
Desiigner
Lil Uzi Vert
Lukas Graham
Zayn

Billboard Chart Achievement Award Presented by Xfinity:
Luke Bryan
Nicki Minaj
The Chainsmokers
The Weeknd
Twenty One Pilots

Top Male Artist:
Justin Bieber
Drake
Future
Shawn Mendes
The Weeknd

Top Female Artist:
Adele
Beyoncé
Ariana Grande
Rihanna
Sia

Top Duo/Group:
The Chainsmokers
Coldplay
Florida Georgia Line
Guns N’ Roses
Twenty One Pilots

Top Billboard 200 Artist:
Beyoncé
Drake
Prince
Twenty One Pilots
The Weeknd

Top Hot 100 Artist:
The Chainsmokers
Drake
Rihanna
Twenty One Pilots
The Weeknd

Top Song Sales Artist:
The Chainsmokers
Drake
Prince
Justin Timberlake
Twenty One Pilots

Top Radio Songs Artist:
Justin Bieber
The Chainsmokers
Drake
Rihanna
Twenty One Pilots

Top Streaming Songs Artist:
The Chainsmokers
Desiigner
Drake
Rihanna
Twenty One Pilots

Top Social Artist:
Justin Bieber
BTS
Selena Gomez
Ariana Grande
Shawn Mendes

Top Touring Artist:
Justin Bieber
Beyoncé
Coldplay
Guns N’ Roses
Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band

Top R&B Artist:
Beyoncé
Bruno Mars
Frank Ocean
Rihanna
The Weeknd

Top R&B Tour:
Beyoncé
Lionel Richie
Rihanna

Top Rap Artist:
J. Cole
Desiigner
Drake
Future
Rae Sremmurd

Top Rap Tour:
Drake
Future
Kanye West

Top Country Artist:
Florida Georgia Line
Blake Shelton
Keith Urban
Chris Stapleton
Jason Aldean

Top Country Tour:
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Dixie Chicks

Top Rock Artist:
Coldplay
The Lumineers
Metallica
Twenty One Pilots
X Ambassadors

Top Rock Tour:
Coldplay
Guns ‘N’ Roses
Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band

Top Latin Artist:
J Balvin
Juan Gabriel
Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho
Maluma
Nicky Jam

Top Dance/Electronic Artist:
The Chainsmokers
Calvin Harris
Major Lazer
DJ Snake
Lindsey Stirling

Top Christian Artist:
Lauren Daigle
Hillsong Worship
Hillary Scott & the Family
Skillet
Chris Tomlin

Top Gospel Artist:
Jekalyn Carr
Kirk Franklin
Travis Greene
Tamela Mann
Hezekiah Walker

Top Billboard 200 Album:
Beyoncé, Lemonade
Drake, Views
Rihanna, ANTI
Twenty One Pilots, Blurryface
The Weeknd, Starboy

Top Soundtrack/Cast Album:
Hamilton: An American Musical
Moana
Purple Rain
Suicide Squad: The Album
Trolls

Top R&B Album:
Beyoncé, Lemonade
Bruno Mars, 24K Magic
Frank Ocean, Blonde
Rihanna, ANTI
The Weeknd, Starboy

Top Rap Album:
J. Cole, 4 Your Eyez Only
Drake, Views
Kevin Gates, Isla
DJ Khaled, Major Key
A Tribe Called Quest, We Got It From Here…Thank You For Your Service

Top Country Album:
Jason Aldean, They Don’t Know
Florida Georgia Line, Dig Your Roots
Blake Shelton, If I’m Honest
Chris Stapleton, Traveller
Keith Urban, Ripcord

Top Rock Album:
The Lumineers, Cleopatra
Metallica, Hardwired…To Self Destruct
Radiohead, A Moon Shaped Pool
Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Getaway
Twenty One Pilots, Blurryface

Top Latin Album:
J Balvin, Energia
CNCO, Primera Cita
Juan Gabriel, Los Duo 2
Juan Gabriel, Vestido De Etiqueta: Por Eduardo Magallanes
Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho, Recuerden Mi Estilo

Top Dance/Electronic Album:
The Chainsmokers, Bouquet
The Chainsmokers, Collage
Flume, Skin
Kygo, Cloud Nine
Lindsey Stirling, Brave Enough

Top Christian Album:
Casting Crowns, The Very Next Thing
Lauren Daigle, How Can It Be
Joey + Rory, Hymns
Hillary Scott & The Family, Love Remains
Skillet, Unleashed

Top Gospel Album:
Tamela Mann, One Way
Kirk Franklin, Losing My Religion
Travis Greene, The Hill
Tasha Cobbs, One Place: Live
Hezekiah Walker, Better: Azusa – The Next Generation 2

Top Hot 100 Song:
The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, “Closer”
The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya, “Don’t Let Me Down”
Drake Featuring WizKid & Kyla, “One Dance”
Justin Timberlake, “Can’t Stop The Feeling!”
Twenty One Pilots, “Heathens”

Top Selling Song:
The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey, “Closer”
The Chainsmokers feat. Daya, “Don’t Let Me Down”
Drake feat. WizKid & Kyla “One Dance”
Justin Timberlake, “Can’t Stop The Feeling!”
Twenty One Pilots, “Heathens”

Top Radio Song:
The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey, “Closer”
The Chainsmokers feat. Daya, “Don’t Let Me Down”
Drake feat. WizKid & Kyla “One Dance”
Sia feat. Sean Paul, “Cheap Thrills”
Justin Timberlake, “Can’t Stop The Feeling!”

Top Streaming Song (Audio):
The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey, “Closer”
Drake feat. WizKid & Kyla, “One Dance”
D.R.A.M. feat. Lil Yachty, “Broccoli”
Rihanna, “Needed Me”
The Weeknd feat. Daft Punk, “Starboy”

Top Streaming Song (Video):
The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey, “Closer”
Desiigner, “Panda”
Zay Hilfigerr & Zayion McCall, “JuJu on That Beat (TZ Anthem)
Rae Sremmurd feat. Gucci Mane, “Black Beatles”
Twenty One Pilots, “Heathens”

Top Collaboration:
The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey, “Closer”
The Chainsmokers feat. Daya, “Don’t Let Me Down”
Drake feat. WizKid & Kyla, “One Dance”
Sia feat. Sean Paul, “Cheap Thrills”
The Weeknd feat. Daft Punk, “Starboy”

Top R&B Song:
Drake feat. WizKid & Kyla, “One Dance”
Bruno Mars, “24K Magic”
Rihanna, “Needed Me”
Rihanna feat. Drake, “Work”
The Weeknd feat. Daft Punk, “Starboy”

Top R&B Collaboration:
Drake feat. WizKid & Kyla, “One Dance”
PARTYNEXTDOOR feat. Drake, “Come And See Me”
Rihanna feat. Drake, “Work”
The Weeknd feat. Daft Punk “I Feel It Coming”
The Weeknd feat. Daft Punk, “Starboy”

Top Rap Song:
Desiigner, “Panda”
Drake, “Fake Love”
D.R.A.M. feat. Lil Yachty, “Broccoli”
Migos feat. Lil Uzi Vert, “Bad And Boujee”
Rae Sremmurd feat. Gucci Mane, “Black Beatles”

Top Rap Collaboration:
D.R.A.M. feat. Lil Yachty, “Broccoli”
Zay Hilfigerr & Zayion McCall, “JuJu on That Beat (TZ Anthem)
Machine Gun Kelly & Camila Cabello, “Bad Things”
Migos feat. Lil Uzi Vert, “Bad and Boujee”
Rae Sremmurd feat. Gucci Mane, “Black Beatles”

Top Country Song:
Kenny Chesney feat. Pink, “Setting The World On Fire”
Florida Georgia Line, “H.O.L.Y.”
Florida Georgia Line feat. Tim McGraw, “May We All”
Little Big Town, “Better Man”
Keith Urban, “Blue Ain’t Your Color”

Top Country Collaboration:
Dierks Bentley feat. Elle King, “Different For Girls”
Kenny Chesney feat. Pink, “Setting The World On Fire”
Eric Church feat. Rhiannon Giddens, “Kill A Word”
Florida Georgia Line feat. Tim McGraw, “May We All”
Chris Young feat. Vince Gill, “Sober Saturday Night”

Top Rock Song:
Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa & Imagine Dragons with Logic & Ty Dolla $ign feat. X Ambassadors, “Sucker For Pain”
Twenty One Pilots, “Heathens”
Twenty One Pilots, “Ride”
Twenty One Pilots, “Stressed Out”
X Ambassadors, “Unsteady”

Top Latin Song:
Daddy Yankee, “Shaky Shaky”
Enrique Iglesias feat. Wisin, “Duele El Corazon”
Nicky Jam, “Hasta El Amanecer”
Shakira feat. Maluma, “Chantaje”
Carlos Vives & Shakira, “La Bicicleta”

Top Dance/Electronic Song:
The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey, “Closer”
The Chainsmokers feat. Daya, “Don’t Let Me Down”
Calvin Harris feat. Rihanna, “This Is What You Came For”
Major Lazer feat. Justin Bieber & MO, “Cold Water”
DJ Snake feat. Justin Bieber, “Let Me Love You”

Top Christian Song:
Lauren Daigle, “Trust In You”
Hillary Scott & The Family, “Thy Will”
Skillet, “Feel Invincible”
Ryan Stevenson feat. GabeReal, “Eye Of The Storm”
Zach Williams, “Chain Breaker”

Top Gospel Song:
Jekalyn Carr, “You’re Bigger”
Tasha Cobbs, Featuring Kierra Sheard “Put A Praise On It”
Kirk Franklin, “Wanna Be Happy??”
Travis Greene, “Made A Way”
Hezekiah Walker, “Better”

Panic! at the Disco Frontman Breaks Silence About Drummer’s Departure

It’s been a couple of weeks since Panic! at the Disco fans were given the sad news that original drummer Spencer Smith had extended his leave from the band, indefinitely.

Since Smith’s official announcement on the band’s website, remaining original member and lead singer Brendon Urie had been quiet about the departure, but as it turns out, the leave did not come as a surprise to him.

Speaking to Billboard recently, Urie finally broke his silence about Smith’s departure which according to the interview, he know shortly before it went public.

“[The decision] didn’t take me by surprise,” admits Urie.

“It wasn’t talked about a lot. We had minimal conversations about what he wanted to do. Any time we’d hang out we were just hanging out as friends. There was never any business or band meeting. We still hang out all the time. It’s nice to have a friend instead of worrying about band and business stuff. I knew shortly before [the announcement]. We had a few discussions and he told me what he wanted to do and I backed that 100 percent. Obviously I’m going to miss him in the band, but I’m proud of him. I love him to death.”

Even with Smith’s departure, it doesn’t sound like Urie and the rest of Panic! will be stopping anytime soon especially on the new music front.

“I’ve really never stopped writing. I’m picking through demos that I’d been working on for the last couple of years,” he said.

“Every day I’m writing something. I write an idea a day. Even if it’s 10 seconds of a melody or a lyric. I love it too much to not work. It would drive me crazy to not do anything.”

When asked what are the chances new Panic! music will be heading our way in the near future, he responded with “If I had to guess, I’d say this year.”

You’ve got about eight months to make that happen, Brendon.

2015 Billboard Music Awards Nominees Announced

After a several hour-long reveal, the nominees for this year’s Billboard Music Awards have been unveiled.

Leading the pack with the most nomination, to the surprise of no one, is Taylor Swift with a total of 14 nominations in 13 of the 40 categories. Falling behind her are Sam Smith with 13, Iggy Azalea with 12, and Meghan Trainor with nine.

from all the categories, there is only one that will be fan voted; the Billboard Chart Achievement Award. Swift, Trainor, Azalea are up for the fan-centric award though we’re putting money on Swift winning pretty much everything she’s nominated for.

Those interested in voting on that award can go to Billboard.com, BillboardMusicAwards.com, and/or Twitter to put in their two cents.

The show will air live from the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas on Sunday May 17 from 8-11 p.m. on ABC.

For now, you can check out the long list of nominees below.

2015 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS NOMINEES:

TOP ARTIST
Ariana Grande
One Direction
Katy Perry
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift

TOP NEW ARTIST
5 Seconds of Summer
Iggy Azalea
Hozier
Sam Smith
Meghan Trainor

TOP MALE ARTIST
Drake
Pharrell Williams
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith
Justin Timberlake

TOP FEMALE ARTIST
Iggy Azalea
Ariana Grande
Katy Perry
Taylor Swift
Meghan Trainor

TOP DUO/GROUP
5 Seconds of Summer
Florida Georgia Line
MAGIC!
Maroon 5
One Direction

TOP BILLBOARD 200 ARTIST
One Direction
Pentatonix
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift

TOP HOT 100 ARTIST
Iggy Azalea
Ariana Grande
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift
Meghan Trainor

TOP DIGITAL SONGS ARTIST
Iggy Azalea
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift
Meghan Trainor

TOP RADIO SONGS ARTIST
John Legend
Maroon 5
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift

TOP TOURING ARTIST
Lady Gaga
One Direction
Katy Perry
The Rolling Stones
Justin Timberlake

TOP SOCIAL ARTIST
Justin Bieber
Miley Cyrus
Selena Gomez
Ariana Grande
Taylor Swift

TOP STREAMING ARTIST
Iggy Azalea
Ariana Grande
Nicki Minaj
Taylor Swift
Meghan Trainor

TOP R&B ARTIST
Beyoncé
Chris Brown
John Legend
Trey Songz
Pharrell Williams

TOP RAP ARTIST
Iggy Azalea
J. Cole
Drake
Nicki Minaj
Rae Sremmurd

TOP COUNTRY ARTIST
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Florida Georgia Line
Brantley Gilbert
Blake Shelton

TOP ROCK ARTIST
Bastille
Coldplay
Fall Out Boy
Hozier
Lorde

TOP LATIN ARTIST
J Balvin
Juan Gabriel
Enrique Iglesias
Prince Royce
Romeo Santos

TOP DANCE/ELECTRONIC ARTIST
Avicii
Clean Bandit
Disclosure
Calvin Harris
Lindsey Stirling

TOP CHRISTIAN ARTIST
Casting Crowns
Hillsong United
Lecrae
MercyMe
Newsboys

TOP BILLBOARD 200 ALBUM
Maroon 5, V
Pentatonix, That’s Christmas to Me
Ed Sheeran, X
Sam Smith, In the Lonely Hour
Taylor Swift, 1989

TOP SOUNDTRACK
The Fault in Our Stars
Fifty Shades of Grey
Frozen
Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix: Vol. 1
Into the Woods

TOP R&B ALBUM
Beyoncé, Beyoncé
Chris Brown, X
Michael Jackson, Xscape
John Legend, Love in the Future
Pharrell Williams, G I R L

TOP RAP ALBUM
J. Cole, 2014 Forest Hills Drive
Drake, If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late
Nicki Minaj, The Pinkprint
Iggy Azalea, The New Classic
Eminem, The Marshall Mathers LP 2

TOP COUNTRY ALBUM
Jason Aldean, Old Boots, New Dirt
Garth Brooks, Man Against Machine
Luke Bryan, Crash My Party
Brantley Gilbert, Just As I Am
Miranda Lambert, Platinum

TOP ROCK ALBUM
AC/DC, Rock or Bust
The Black Keys, Turn Blue
Coldplay, Ghost Stories
Hozier, Hozier
Lorde, Pure Heroine

TOP LATIN ALBUM
Juan Gabriel, Los Dúo
Enrique Iglesias, Sex and Love
Romeo Santos, Formula: Vol. 2
Santana, Corazon
Marc Anthony, 3.0

TOP DANCE/ELECTRONIC ALBUM
Avicii, True
Disclosure, Settle
Calvin Harris, Motion
Skrillex, Recess
Lindsey Stirling, Shatter Me

TOP CHRISTIAN ALBUM
Lecrae, Anomaly
Casting Crowns, Thrive
MercyMe, Welcome to the New
NEEDTOBREATHE, Rivers in the Wasteland
Chris Tomlin, Love Ran Red

TOP HOT 100 SONG
Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX, “Fancy”
John Legend, “All of Me”
Sam Smith, “Stay With Me”
Taylor Swift, “Shake It Off”
Meghan Trainor, “All About That Bass”

TOP DIGITAL SONG
Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk!”
Sam Smith, “Stay With Me”
Taylor Swift, “Shake It Off”
Meghan Trainor, “All About That Bass”
Pharrell Williams, “Happy

TOP RADIO SONG
John Legend, “All of Me”
MAGIC!, “Rude”
Nico & Vinz, “Am I Wrong”
Sam Smith, “Stay With Me”
Pharrell Williams, “Happy

TOP STREAMING SONG (AUDIO)
Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX, “Fancy”
Hozier, “Take Me to Church”
John Legend, “All of Me”
Sam Smith, “Stay With Me”
Tove Lo, “Habits (Stay High)”

TOP STREAMING SONG (VIDEO)
Idina Menzel, “Let It Go”
Bobby Shmurda, “Hot Boy”
Taylor Swift, “Blank Space”
Taylor Swift, “Shake It Off”
Meghan Trainor, “All About That Bass”

TOP R&B SONG
Chris Brown feat. Lil Wayne, French Montana, Too $hort & Tyga, “Loyal”
Jason Derulo feat. 2 Chainz, “Talk Dirty”
Jeremih feat. YG, “Don’t Tell ‘Em”
John Legend, “All of Me”
Pharrell Williams, “Happy”

TOP RAP SONG
Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX, “Fancy”
Iggy Azalea feat. Rita Ora, “Black Widow”
Big Sean feat. E-40, “I Don’t F— With You”
Nicki Minaj, “Anaconda”
Bobby Shmurda, “Hot Boy”

TOP COUNTRY SONG
Jason Aldean, “Burnin’ It Down”
Luke Bryan, “Play It Again”
Sam Hunt, “Leave the Night On”
Florida Georgia Line feat. Luke Bryan, “This Is How We Roll”
Florida Georgia Line, “Dirt”

TOP ROCK SONG
Bastille, “Pompeii”
Coldplay, “A Sky Full of Stars”
Fall Out Boy, “Centuries”
Hozier, “Take Me to Church”
Paramore, “Ain’t It Fun”

TOP LATIN SONG
J Balvin feat. Farruko, “6 AM”
Enrique Iglesias feat. Descemer Bueno & Gente de Zona, “Bailando”
Romeo Santos, “Eres Mía”
Romeo Santos feat. Drake, “Odio”
Romeo Santos, “Propuesta Indecente”

TOP DANCE/ELECTRONIC SONG
Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne, “Rather Be”
Disclosure feat. Sam Smith, “Latch”
DJ Snake & Lil Jon, “Turn Down For What”
Ariana Grande feat. Zedd, “Break Free”
Calvin Harris, “Summer”

TOP CHRISTIAN SONG
Francesca Battistelli, “He Knows My Name”
Hillsong United, “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)”
MercyMe, “Greater”
Newsboys, “We Believe”
Carrie Underwood, “Something in the Water”

BILLBOARD CHART ACHIEVEMENT AWARD PRESENTED BY SAMSUNG GALAXY (FAN-VOTED)
Iggy Azalea
Taylor Swift
Meghan Trainor

‘Billboard’ “Sources” Claim Fun. are Over; Fans and Band Beg to Differ

Are fun. on the verge of calling it quits?

If you read Billboard’s latest story about the band, then you might be led to believe that the answer is “yes.”
According to the music publication, they had been attempting to get an update on the status of the band, but have not been able to do so.

Instead, the band had taken to Facebook to once again clarify their status that no, they are not done.

Though in Billboard’s words, this post seems to be “out of the blue” we need to remember it seems like every time one of the members are out promoting something, they are constantly being asked the status of the band rather than the new endeavors they are working on.

Billboard has cited several “sources” as the root of the break up rumors with those so-called sources saying that the break up happened due to “clash of egos.”

Billboard has also pointed out that the last time all three members were seen together was back in June when they performed a new song titled, “Harsh Light,”on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Fallon and company were at Universal Studios Orlando for the grand opening of the new addition to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Fans were quick to point out the last time they performed together was not in Orlando on the Tonight Show, but rather at the Global Citizen Festival in September alongside Jay-Z, Carrie Underwood, No Doubt and several others.

Another fan also pointed out that Jack Antonoff and Andrew Dost spent New Year’s Eve together, so any claim there’s a clash of ego there, might not be completely true.

Considering lack of research and checking on Google from the writer’s side, this round goes to fun.

We’re just going to keep imagining that in each member’s downtime, they are coming up ideas for the follow-up to Some Nights.

Hayley Williams to be Honored with ‘Trailblazer Award’

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Paramore’s last couple of years have been one for the books. After releasing their self-titled last year, the album shot up the charts, singles were being played constantly on the radio, and a massive tour with Fall Out Boy happened this past Summer.

Now, the band, or at least frontwoman Hayley Williams can add something else to that expanding list. During Billboard’s Women in Music Awards, Williams will be receiving the first-ever “Trailblazer Award” at this year’s ninth annual event.

The Trailblazer Award honors “a standout female artist who breaks from convention to make a unique mark in music and pave the way for other talent.”

“Trailblazers like Hayley are exciting to follow because they are risk takers, and we are pleased to honor her creativity and success this year,” said Janice Min, co-president and chief creative officer of Guggenheim Media’s Entertainment Group (they own Billboard).

“We’ve watched her progress and climb the charts as a soloist and lead singer for several years, and we look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.”

As for Williams, she seems to be excited for the honor, admitting that she never thought this would be in her future and hopes to be an influence on future female singers.

“I can remember a time when I would’ve been made fun of for doing things differently. Now I’m getting an award for it? This is too much. I’m so excited!” she said.

“There are women in this industry who totally bulldozed walls down for the likes of me to come along and so what I believe in. I want to be that for even one girl in the future. I can’t wait for the event next month to high-five some of my sisters in music.”

The Billboard Women in Music Awards will take place in New York City on Dec. 12. Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and Elsa (Frozen) herself Idina Menzel have already been confirmed as recipients for several honors.

Urban Outfitters NOT the Ruler of Vinyl Sales

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Sorry Urban Outfitters, it looks like your secret is out, you aren’t the king of vinyl sales after all.

Last week, Urban Outfitters took a victory lap around record stores when the chief administrator officer Calvin Hollinger claimed his company was the “world’s number one vinyl seller.”

Not happy or convinced about that claim, Billboard decided to do their own snooping into the claim and of course, they found out that Hollinger had exaggerated his claim that Urban Outfitters were the top seller of vinyl.

The music mag took it upon themselves to survey music labels, their distributors, and wholesalers which according to them makes up about 80% of the United States music market.

The result revealed that Amazon is actually the number one seller of vinyls, not Urban Outfitters like we were all led to believe. In the statement from last week, Hollinger had said that their sales even trumped Amazon; guess that was not true.

According to the survey, Amazon comes in with a total of 12.3% of the market vinyl sales market while Urban Outfitters actually comes in at number two with 8.1% of the vinyl market. Rounding out the list of the top five sellers of vinyls are Hastings Entertainment with 2.8%, Hot Topic with 2.4%, and Trans World Entertainment with 2.2%.

Label sales and distribution executives pointed out that Amazon has a further reach internationally than Urban Outfitters who only have about 50 outside of the U.S. as opposed to the 300 plus they have stateside.

Apparently, the people behind Urban Outfitters knew this backlash was going to happen because according to Billboard’s report, they haven’t been able to get in touch with any of the executives at the company and were told by the operators, they do not speak with the pres.

Ouch. Well, no one likes to be seen with egg on their face.

Record Release Date to Move to Fridays?

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Could record release date officially be moved to Fridays across the world? According to Billboard, this new idea to counter internet piracy has been floating around for sometime, but the actual idea to go through with it begun shortly after Australia officially made Fridays their new music release date.

With the country’s decision to do so, it made global piracy a bigger issue than before because now, illegal digital downloads of new music could be obtained almost immediately.

People in the United Kingdom would normally have to wait until the following Monday to obtain new music releases, while those in the United States would normally need to wait until the following Tuesday.

Some sources say that this is almost a done deal with major labels and RIAA in agreement, but others are saying that the decision to make the move has not been fully decided upon yet even though there’s an estimated date of July 2015 for everything to be put into action.

While in theory the idea sounds promising for those that make money off of the sale of new music (you know the people pushing for the universal release date), there seems to be several issues that arise with the suggested date.

With the varying street release dates, record labels are given many opportunities to have the artists do promotion events to help market the new albums. While Billboard points out that it can still be done on the week that the record comes out, it would make it harder for labels to schedule high-profile appearances on the date the records hit the street. In turn, it would also affect the artists with having to schedule so much promotional work in a span of five days.

Also against this new idea? The independent record store and indie labels.

They have said in that they believe that having an early week release helps them sell more. Hardcore fans of artists with new music will go buy the new record on Tuesdays, while those who typically wait until payday, will go purchase the record at the end of the week. Even though indie label and merchants are vocal about this, Billboard points out that they most likely would not have a say in the day that gets chosen.

At the end of the day, we all know this is just some ploy for record labels to get more money. If piracy was able to happen once before and even threats of fining and prison time did not discourage people from doing so, you think changing the release date would have such an influence? Probably not.

Watch the Billboard Music Award Performances

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If you missed a performance from tonight’s Billboard Music Award, you can see them all below including the opening performance by Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez and Brazilian singer, Claudia Lettie on their official FIFA song, “We Are One (Ole Ola),” Florida Georgia Line’s “This is How We Roll,” and the most anticipated, Michael Jackson’s tribute featuring a hologram-version of the King of Pop and dancer all dancing around him.

Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez and Claudia Lettie, “We Are One (Ole Ola)”:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1viqnu_pitbull-ft-jlo-2014-billboard-music-awards_music

 

Iggy Azalea and Chali XCX, “Fancy”//Ariana Grande and Iggy Azalea, “Problem”

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1visjk_iggy-azalea-ariana-grande-2014-billboard-music-awards_music

 

OneRepublic, “Counting Stars”:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1vis77_one-direction-2014-billboard-music-awards_music

 

Shakira, “Empire”:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1viu3z_shakira-2014-billboard-music-awards_music

 

Florida Georgia Line feat. Luke Bryan, “This is How We Roll”:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1vito4_florida-georgia-line-2014-billboard-music-awards-2014_music

 

Michael Jackson, “Slave to the Rhythm”:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1vixpw_michael-jackson-experience-to-rock-2014-billboard-music-awards_music

 

Katy Perry, “Birthday”:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1viwaj_katy-perry-2014-billboard-music-awards_music

 

Luke Bryan, “Crash My Party”:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1vizoa_luke-bryan-crash-my-party-2014-billboard-music-awards_music

 

Ricky Martin, “Vida”:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1viycm_ricky-martin-2014-billboard-music-awards_music

 

Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert, “Somethin Bad”:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1vj1gi_miranda-lambert-with-carrie-underwood-2014-billboard-music-awards_music

 

Miley Cyrus and The Flaming Lips, “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” (Beatles Cover):

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1vj41e_miley-cyrus-from-manchester-arena-2014-billboard-music-awards_music