This week had BTS shining even more than usual, as the K-pop superstars landed their first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 for “Dynamite.” (They also debuted the television performance of the single at the MTV Video Music Awards one day earlier).
Billboard spoke to the septet about the feat, so be sure to check out that video interview if you haven’t already.
Plus, fans were gifted with a new Verzuz battle featuring two badass women, nominations for the 2020 Country Music Association Awards were announced, and much, much more!
Take a look at all of the week’s biggest music happenings below, and enjoy the long holiday weekend.
The VMAs were the entertaining event we needed to close out August
The It was a very different MTV Video Music Awards that greeted fans this year, but it was an exciting evening nonetheless. Aside from stars making heartfelt acceptance speeches, Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, BTS, Maluma and more put on show-stopping performances. In case you missed the broadcast, watch all of the performances in one place here, check out a full recap of the evening here, and view the full winners’ list here.
Adele showed off a new look on social media
Adele celebrated at the (virtual) Notting Hill carnival in London this weekend, and took to Instagram to share a photo of herself sporting a traditional Bantu knot hairstyle, Jamaican flag bikini top and yellow feather wings. “Happy what would be Notting Hill Carnival my beloved London,” she captioned the snap. Check out the new pic here.
BTS’ “Dynamite” became their first-ever Hot 100 No. 1
“Dynamite” ignited in the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this week ( dated Sept. 5). The track, which roared in with 33.9 million U.S. streams and 300,000 sold in its first week, also had the biggest digital sales week since Sept. 16, 2017, when Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do” launched. Plus, it’s BTS’ first Hot 100 No. 1, and they’re the first all-South Korean group to top the chart. Check out the full breakdown of their feat here, see the ARMY’s enthusiastic reactions here, and read five burning questions from Billboard staffers here.
Brandy vs. Monica went head-to-head in the latest Verzuz battle
Two queens, Brandy and Monica, faced off on Monday (Aug. 31) and it was undeniably epic. From Brandy’s “What About Us?” vs. Monica’s “Everything to Me” to Monica feat. Rick Ross & Lil Kim’s “Anything (To Find You)” vs. Brandy feat. Ma$e’s “Top of the World” and much more — plus a cameo from Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris — this one was definitely a Verzuz to remember. So who won? Check out the scorecard here.
Billboard interviewed BTS (twice)
As mentioned, it’s been a particularly huge week for the K-pop superstars, and they had plenty to talk about in new interviews! The septet spoke to Billboard on two separate occasions about everything from their new collaboration with Hyundai to their MTV Video Music Awards performance of “Dynamite” and their first-ever Hot 100 No. 1.
Rosalia and Selena Gomez both had big beauty news
M.A.C. Cosmetics has officially named Rosalia as its newest Viva Glam Ambassador! As Billboard’s Jessica Roiz reports, “The Spanish award-winning superstar worked closely with the makeup brand to create a new lip color that not only celebrates the 26th anniversary of Viva Glam but also raises awareness and supports the future and equal rights of women, girls, the LGBTQ+ community, and those affected with HIV/AIDS.”
Plus, Selena Gomez launched her highly-anticipated Rare Beauty line. “IT’S HERE!!” the burgeoning beauty maven wrote on social media, sharing that the line is now available at Sephora stores across North America. “I’m so excited for you to finally try it!” she added.
Women dominated the 2020 CMA Awards nominations
The nominations were announced on Tuesday morning (Sept. 1), and notably, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood have both been nominated for entertainer of the year — the first time two female acts have competed in that category since 2000. Check out the full list of nominations here, learn more about why it’s a big year for women in country here, and check out the snubs and surprises here.
Fan Army Face-Off returned
It’s time to find out which fan army is the strongest! Billboard‘s 2020 Fan Army Face-Off has begun, and you can see this year’s first round matchups and round schedule here. Then, head here to vote and make your voice heard!
Artists united for a compilation album to support Fair Fight
Paramore’s Hayley Williams, R.E.M., Phoebe Bridgers, Tegan and Sara, Death Cab For Cutie and tons more have provided previously-unreleased recordings for Good Music To Avert The Collapse Of American Democracy, a 40-track album whose net sales will go directly to voting rights nonprofit Fair Fight. The album’ available for 24 hours only on Bandcamp on Friday (Sept. 4). Learn more here.
Forbes announced the world’s 100 highest-paid celebrities of 2020
Kylie Jenner and her brother-in-law Kanye West topped the list, bringing in $590 million and $170 million (thanks to Kylie Cosmetics and Yeezy), respectively. Ariana Grande, Elton John and more also made the list — check it out here.
Miley Cyrus sat down for a wide-ranging interview
The “Midnight Sky” singer opened up about getting vocal surgery, her marriage to Liam Hemsworth and much more in a new interview with Joe Rogan. “I don’t smoke anymore, and I’m sober,” she revealed. Check out the highlights from the interview here and here.
Artists didn’t hold back during Billboard Live At Home performances
This week, Christian rockers Needtobreathe, reggae dancehall artist Buju Banton and Nashville singer-songwriter Tyler Bennett partnered with Billboard for a new round of Live At-Home sessions, providing fans with quarantine entertainment while benefiting some worthy causes. Watch all three performances here.
New Music Friday was stacked
This New Music Friday featured fresh cuts from SZA and Ty Dolla Sign, as well as Big Sean and Ozuna. There were also can’t-miss releases from Finneas, Bryson Tiller and Hardy this week — if it all seems overwhelming, get the TL;DR on everything you need to know about the best new music here!