Month: November 2023

Spotify has released its annual Spotify Wrapped list, and announced that Taylor Swift is Spotify’s Global Top Artist of the Year. Fans have streamed Swift’s songs more than 26.1 billion global times since January 1st, knocking three-year champion Bad Bunny to the runner-up position.

Swift’s streams include two record-breaking re-recordings of Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) and 1989 (Taylor’s Version) which were both released this year during ‘The Eras Tour.’  The Weekend, Drake, Peso Pluma, Feid, Travis Scott, Sza, Karol G and Lana Del Rey all round out to the Top 10 Artists Globally.

In celebration of the honor, Swift released “You’re Losing Me (From The Vault),” which was featured on a deluxe edition of her Midnights album, but never released to streaming services. Swift posted on X:  “Um ok this is unreal?? I just wanted to say to anyone who listened to my music this year, anywhere in the world, thank you. Getting named Spotify’s Global Top Artist in 2023 is truly the best birthday/holiday gift you could’ve given me. We’ve seriously had THE MOST fun this year out there on tour and now this. Are you serious. So I was trying to think of a way to thank you, and a lot of you have been asking me to put “You’re Losing Me (From The Vault)” on streaming… so here you go! You can finally listen EVERYWHERE now.”

“You’re Losing Me (From The Vault)” is now available at all DSPs for the first time; to stream, head here.

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Sean “Diddy” Combs has temporarily stepped down as chairman of Revolt, the TV network he co-founded in 2013, following news of lawsuits against him alleging sexual abuse.

The company said in a statement published by Revolt on Instagram that it will continue with its mission of creating “meaningful content for the culture. Our focus has always been one that reflects our commitment to the collective journey of REVOLT — one that is not driven by any individual, but by the shared efforts and values of our entire team on behalf of advancing, elevating and championing our culture — and that continues.” It’s not clear when Combs plans on returning as chairman.

The latest news comes days after three women came forward to accuse Combs of sexual abuse. The lawsuits were filed the week of the expiration of the Adult Survivors Act — a New York law permitting victims of sexual abuse a year-long window to file civil action despite the statute of limitations.

One of the lawsuits filed against Combs was a federal suit arguing that the record producer raped, sex trafficked and abused his former girlfriend, singer Cassie (real name is Casandra Ventura). Ventura filed the $30 million lawsuit alleging a history of coercion and abuse that went on for more than a decade; however, just one day after the lawsuit was filed, the two parties settled the case out of court.

Through her attorney, Cassie issued a statement saying that Combs and Ventura were both satisfied with the deal they had struck: “I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control. I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support.” Ben Brafman, Combs’ lawyer, also issued a statement emphasizing his client’s innocence:  “Just so we’re clear, a decision to settle a lawsuit, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing. Mr. Combs’ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best.”

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The Hunger Games play will make its debut in London in 2024. The stage adaptation is based on the Suzanne Collins book series, which was previously adapted into the film franchise. The play is based on The Hunger Games, the first book in Collins’ series which introduces readers to Katniss Everdeen, a teenager living in a dystopian world where young people are selected as tributes to fight to the death in a televised battle royale.

The production will open on London’s West End next fall; Conor McPherson (Girl from the North Country) will write the adaptation, with Matthew Dunster to direct. McPherson said Collins giving her blessing for the play was “humbling and inspiring…she has created a classic story which continues to resonate now more than ever. In a world where the truth itself seems increasingly up for grabs, The Hunger Games beautifully expresses values of resilience, self-reliance and independent moral inquiry for younger people especially.”

Collins said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter:”I’m very excited to be collaborating with the amazing team of Conor McPherson and Matthew Dunster as they bring their dynamic and innovative interpretation of The Hunger Games to the London stage.” 

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Dolly Parton is making history with her new album ‘Rockstar’, earning the music legend her first No.1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart (which ranks the top-selling albums of the week based only on traditional album sales). Rockstar also debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, making it Parton’s highest charting album ever, and her third top 10 on that list.

Rockstar is Parton’s first rock album, and the making of the LP was inspired by Parton’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. Parton has primarily released country music in her nearly 60-year career, and has ventured into such music genres as Americana/folk, bluegrass, children’s music, Christian, dance/electronic and pop.

Rockstar features 30 songs, including a mix of original songs and covers. It is also filled with dozens of famous collaborator, including Pat Benatar, Miley Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, Elton John, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks, Chris Stapleton, Ringo Starr, Sting and Steven Tyler.

Dolly Parton makes history with ‘Rockstar’

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FX has ordered a third season of “Welcome to Wrexham”, shortly after the Season 2 finale aired on November 14th. The forthcoming installment of Welcome to Wrexham is scheduled for a spring 2024 premiere.

Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds serves as stars and executive producers of the docuseries, which chronicles their efforts to return Wrexham AFC, one of the oldest and most storied football teams in history, to glory.

Nick Grad, president of FX Entertainment, said in a press release: “The wild global success of ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ is a testament to the courage and vision of Rob and Ryan, the dogged spirit of the Red Dragons, and the hope and devotion of the people of Wrexham. It’s a story that has only begun to be told and one that everyone can continue to follow along with in the third season. Our thanks to the creative team who captured these thrilling moments and everyone who achieved what seemed impossible only a short time ago.”

McElhenney and Reynolds purchased the 5th tier Red Dragons in 2020. After a painful elimination in the playoffs, Season 2 continued to follow the club as they look to get promoted out of the National League and make their return to the English Football League.

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