Adult Contemporary News

Jessica Simpson documentary headed to Netflix next year

Jessica Simpson attends the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 07, 2025 in Elmont, New York. (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

Jessica Simpson has been a reality TV star, singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman and bestselling author. Now she'll be a Netflix star.

A documentary about the "I Wanna Love You Forever" singer is coming to the streamer in 2027. It's being directed by Joe Pearlman, who was behind the camera for documentaries on Lewis Capaldi and Robbie Williams.

One of the producers is Van Toffler, who was the head of MTV Networks when Jessica's reality show Newlyweds with her ex-husband Nick Lachey made the couple household names.

In her career, Jessica has sold more than 20 million records and headed up a fashion brand worth a billion dollars. Her 2020 memoir, Open Book, which became a New York Times bestseller, spilled the beans on her marriage to Nick, her relationship with John Mayer, her struggles with substance abuse and body image, her difficult childhood and more. 

Jessica split with her second husband, Eric Johnson, in 2025. The couple share three children. That same year, she returned to recording with two EPs: Nashville Canyon -- Part 1 and Part 2.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Judge grants Ariana Grande permission to go after hackers who stole and sold her music

Ariana Grande attends the AFI Awards Luncheon at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on January 9, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Monica Schipper/Getty Images)

Ariana Grande is about to confront the hackers who allegedly stole her music and videos.

In a Wednesday order obtained by ABC News, Judge Mark H. Epstein has granted Ariana permission to skip the usual waiting period and move ahead with discovery in the hacking case, meaning she can subpoena information that may help her identify the anonymous hackers.

"Given that there is no one to whom notice can be given anyway, it makes little sense to wait the 16 days," the judge wrote, adding that Ariana has "good cause" to do so. He noted that Ariana can't find out the identities of the alleged hackers "without this discovery, and therefore will never be able to serve defendants."

According to The Statesman, Ariana's team was concerned that the longer they waited to subpoena certain online platforms and third-party services connected to the alleged hacking activity, the more likely it would be to be deleted.

Ariana filed the lawsuit in July against the unnamed hackers, accusing them of invasion of privacy by breaking into online accounts of her collaborators — photographers, producers and others — and stealing songs, video footage and photos. The lawsuit further accused the alleged hackers of selling the content on the dark web.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Myles Smith giving away free tickets to his remaining North American tour dates

Myles Smith, 'My Mess, My Heart, My Life.' (Atlantic)

Have concert ticket prices got you down? Myles Smith is here to help.

Growing up as one of three kids of a single mother, Myles says in an Instagram video, "I know what it's like to want to go to a show but not necessarily have the means to do it." That's why he's arranging to give away free tickets to the rest of his North American tour dates.

"I think shows are really important and should be accessible to as many people as they can," Myles added.

He wrote in the caption, "I’ve been hearing from so many of you who’d love to come to a show, but right now the cost just makes it impossible. I know that feeling, and I don’t want money to be the reason you miss out."

"So for every remaining show on this tour, we’re putting some tickets aside for people and families who might not otherwise be able to come," he continued.

"If that’s you, leave your details in our form by 12pm ET / 9am PT on August 24th. Each person we’re able to invite will receive 2 tickets. These shows are for everyone. Hope to see some of you there."

You can fill out the form by following the link in Myles' Instagram Story. He added on the Story, "Sometimes a show is just a night out. Sometimes it can make you feel seen, give you hope, or show you a world you didn't know was possible. ...If I can help a few more people be inside the room this time, that means everything to me."

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


'Wherever You Will Go' band The Calling releasing first new album in 22

The Calling, 'Before the World Turns to Dust,' TLG | Virgin Music Group.

Back in 2001, The Calling took over the world with their smash hit "Wherever You Will Go," but diminishing sales, label troubles, illness and legal issues have plagued them ever since.

Now the group is getting ready to release their first new album in 22 years: Before The World Turns To Dust, which arrives Sept. 25. For singer Alex Band, it's part of a long road back from a Parkinson's diagnosis, which he received in 2010. By 2018, he'd been able to regain enough of his motor skills to return to performing, which is when he decided to resurrect The Calling.

Alex says in a statement, "When we got back on the road, it was crazy to see all of the fans who stuck by me. I didn’t even know I’d be alive at this point. It’s changed my perspective. Each day is a pleasant surprise, especially when things work out.”

The new album is the band's first since 2004's Two, and 25 years after their Platinum debut, Camino Palermo. The Calling have sold more than 10 million albums worldwide.

“If you like The Calling, you’re going to like this,” says Alex. “It’s in the same vein of what we’ve done since day one. We keep it simple. After all of this time, we still write big and anthemic rock-pop songs that uplift and make you feel something.”

“We aren’t trying to chase any current trends or change our sound,” he adds. “We’re just hoping that our big, anthemic sound resonates and that we can connect with people around the world."

The first single, "Dust," is out now. The Calling will play a record release show in Malibu on Sept. 25

You may also remember Alex's voice from "Why Don't You & I," the single version of the 2003 Santana song.

 

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Mariah Carey to release 'Glitter' on vinyl, streaming services in honor of 25th anniversary

Cover art for Mariah Carey 'Glitter 25th Anniversary Edition' (Def Jam Records/UMe)

Mariah Carey's eighth studio album, Glitter, turns 25 years old in September, which is a cause for celebration.

In honor of the milestone, the album, which also served as the soundtrack to the film of the same name, will make its debut on vinyl for the first time since its release. It will be pressed on Midnight Purple two-LP vinyl, while a limited-edition deluxe version will be pressed on Glittering Pink two-LP vinyl. The latter will be exclusively available via Amazon, Mariah's website and uDiscover Music and will feature three bonus tracks: “Out Here On My Own,” “Loverboy (Firecracker - Original Version)" and “Never Too Far/Hero (Medley)," which marks its first time on vinyl.

An expanded digital deluxe edition will also be available to stream, complete with 15 additional tracks. It includes rare and previously unreleased recordings, as well as selections from Mariah's personal vault that offer fans insight into the behind-the-scenes process of making the album and showcase some of her collaborations. It will all be available starting Oct. 30. Fans can preorder the vinyl and presave the digital edition now.

“If someone had told me back in 2001 that I'd one day be unironically celebrating Glitter's 25th anniversary, I never would have believed them,” Mariah said in a statement. “I made this album with so much love and care, so it was devastating to watch it become a punchline. I'm endlessly grateful to my fans who kept championing it all these years, and I hope even more people can finally hear it for what it is. We found a few recordings buried in the vault that I am really looking forward to sharing with you in October!”

She's released a reimagined version of “Didn’t Mean To Turn You On” featuring acclaimed British-Canadian singer/songwriter Rochelle Jordan. A visualizer is available on YouTube.

Released in September 2001, Glitter served as the soundtrack to the film, in which she played an aspiring singer navigating love amid her pursuit of fame. Collaborators included Eric Benét, Ludacris, Da Brat, Busta Rhymes, Fabolous and Ja Rule.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Report: Post Malone engaged

Post Malone performs at halftime during a game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs at AT&T Stadium on November 27, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Chiefs 31-28. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Post Malone will "have some help" becoming a husband.

The singer is reportedly engaged to his girlfriend, Christy Lee. They first went public with their relationship in 2025. 

Christy's friend Marina Hollyer posted the news on her Instagram Story on Wednesday. "My best friend in the world just got engaged. Love you more than words Toph!!!" she wrote, captioning a photo of Christy sitting on Posty's lap, showing off a ring and wearing a sash that read, "Bride to be."

She added several other photos that appeared to be taken the night of the engagement.

Another friend, Brooke Donovan, posted a photo on her Instagram Story of Posty and Christy kissing in front of a rosebush. "So happy for you both!" she captioned the photo.

ABC Audio has reached out to Posty's reps for confirmation.

Post Malone was previously engaged to Hee Sung "Jamie" Park, the mother of his daughter, but they split in early 2025.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Ariana Grande says current tour has been a 'beautiful' experience -- because she can see the crowd this time

Ariana Grande Eternal Sunshine tour image (Katia Temkin)

As Ariana Grande nears the end of her Eternal Sunshine tour, she's reflecting on what it's meant to her -- and how it compares to the last time she toured. For one thing, she can actually see her fans this time around.

Speaking to Jessica Vosk, who portrayed Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway, Ari says, "This tour has felt like such a beautiful corrective experience for me because I think my last tour I wasn't necessarily in the same place in life and like I wasn't able to be as present as I am this time."

"And I also wasn't wearing contact lenses," she adds. "So to be able to literally, like, actually see and connect ... with them in this way, and just to sing these songs that have been a part of our, like, relationship for like ... 13 years at this point, and just see them and just see them dressed like just strange niche jokes and stuff -- it's just a very long, long term relationship."

Ari's chat with Jessica took place during her shows at Brooklyn, New York. She's currently performing at London's O2 Arena, and those dates wrap up Sept. 1, after which she plans to take a step back from the spotlight.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Nick Jonas reveals he auditioned for 'Frozen' -- and totally bombed

Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas, and Kevin Jonas of Jonas Brothers at the Disney Entertainment Showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event on August 14, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for Disney)

Jonas Brothers are now Disney Legends, but part of that legend could have included Nick Jonas' role in Frozen -- if only he hadn't blown the audition.

In the new episode of the brothers' Hey Jonas! podcast, they chat with Frozen stars Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel and Josh Gad, who will all appear in the upcoming third film in the series. During the talk, Nick reveals that he auditioned for the first film: specifically, for the role of Kristoff.

"I went in and they said, 'Okay, what are you going to be singing today?' I said, 'Oh, I don't know,'" Nick recalls. "They said, 'What do you mean, you don't know?' And I said, 'No one told me I had to [sing].'"

Nick went on to say that because he didn't have any music with him, "I just said, 'Can you play something from' -- I don't know what I said, some musical theater song. And I bombed the audition. It was terrible."

Josh Gad then joked, "You would've had such better chemistry with Kristen than [Jonathan] Groff" -- the actor who ended up with the part. 

Kevin Jonas then asked Nick if he was still with the agent who sent him to that audition. Nick said, "No, I've changed agencies three times since then!"

Despite that failure, things worked out pretty well for Nick: He's gone on to book roles in at least a dozen other films.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Woman reveals that Olivia Rodrigo helped her pay for her college tuition

Olivia Rodrigo appears on ABC's 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' (Disney/Randy Holmes)

An unexpected gesture of kindness from Olivia Rodrigo almost made a college student "drop dead": Olivia gave her $5,000 towards her final semester of college tuition.

The University of Alabama student, Jamie Causey, said in a TikTok video that she'd been keeping the news secret for over a year because she didn't want it to become a "public spectacle." According to Causey, Olivia messaged her and told her that she'd seen Causey's video detailing how she was having a problem paying the tuition for her final semester.

“Hi girl! I know you don’t know me but I love your videos so much, you seem like the kindest coolest gal and you are such a source of positivity and light in my life!” Olivia wrote to Causey in a screenshot she shared in her TikTok video.  

“I watched ur last vid about tuition and I’d love to help out if you were open at all to that? So cool that you are so close to graduating! Do you have a Venmo I could send to?"

As per a screenshot she shared, Causey wrote back, "Oh my god, hi! I love your music so much. ... I’m actually about to cry.” She told Olivia her Venmo and added, "Honestly your music has been a source of strength for me and I just keep thinking this is a dream. Please don’t feel like you have to but at this point I’m willing to accept any help."

She then shared a follow-up screenshot from Olivia's team confirming that the singer was sending her $5,000.

“Olivia, I don’t know if you’ll ever understand how much that means to me,” Causey added. "You made me feel like I belong on this platform. You didn’t owe me anything. You just chose to show kindness to a stranger. You’ve always been about giving back to others, and that’s something I’ll take with me forever.”

ABC Audio has reached out to Olivia's representatives.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Surf's up: Lady Gaga comes out on top in trademark lawsuit

Lady Gaga, 'Mayhem' (Interscope Records)

Abracadabra! Lady Gaga has emerged the victor in a lawsuit that claimed that the name of her album Mayhem ripped off a trademark owned by a surf company.

Last year, Lost Surfboards filed a suit against Gaga, claiming that the name "Mayhem," as well as the font she was using on merch, would make consumers think that it was connected to the company's Mayhem brand of surfboards, surf accessories, clothing and other merchandise.  But in a Tuesday decision obtained by ABC News, Judge Fernando M. Olguin dismissed the suit with prejudice.

The judge found that because the alleged infringement was connected to a "expressive work protected by the First Amendment" -- an album -- the claim would be extremely difficult to prove.

In addition, the judge found that there was insufficient evidence that the alleged infringement was deliberately designed to mislead the public into thinking their merchandise and Lady Gaga's were connected.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Celine Dion shares how she's physically preparing for Paris residency shows

Céline Dion attends the 'I Am: Celine Dion' New York special screening at Alice Tully Hall on June 17, 2024 in New York City. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

Celine Dion is preparing for her return to the stage this fall in Paris.

The Grammy-winning singer, 58, who was diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome in 2022, shared an update on her condition and preparations for her upcoming five-week Paris residency in a new interview with Harper's Bazaar, published Tuesday.

Dion, the outlet noted, has performed only once in the past six years, taking the stage at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her upcoming residency, which kicks off Sept. 12, will mark a major return to performing after her health challenges led her to cancel shows and suspend her 2023 European Courage World Tour.

Stiff-person syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that can cause muscle stiffness and spasms and is thought to be an autoimmune condition, according to the National Institutes of Health. It can cause symptoms including rigidity and stiffness of certain areas of the body causing unsteadiness, slower movements, and difficulties walking.

Treatments are available to help with symptoms, although there is currently no cure for the condition.

Dion told Harper's Bazaar she experienced symptoms for 17 years before receiving a formal stiff-person syndrome diagnosis in 2022.

To prepare for her Paris shows, Dion committed to an intense training routine -- 90-minute Pilates sessions three times a week and ballet classes with a local company two other days each week -- and rehabilitation, which includes "new meds, physical therapy, vocal therapy, [and] immunotherapy," according to the outlet.

The "My Heart Will Go On" singer first announced her Paris residency in March. Speaking with Harper's Bazaar, she added that the upcoming residency is a gift to her fans.

"It's been so long, I would like to offer them something to show how I've missed them," she said.

The return comes after Dion gave fans an intimate look at her health journey in the 2024 documentary I Am: Celine Dion, which documented how stiff-person syndrome affected her body and voice.

"They paid for tickets. They bought my records. They gave me that luxury. So the least I can do is tell them that I'm alive," she said, referring to her decision to do the documentary.

Now, Dion said she is embracing being back in public and returning to work after years of navigating her condition. And she has an explanation for why her fans have stood by throughout her struggles.

"It’s got to be because I’m an open book,” she told the magazine. "I'm honest, and it's not always pretty. Sometimes it's happy things, sometimes it's sad, but it's called life."

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Bruno Mars returning to North America, bringing Hello Kitty® with him

Bruno Mars X Hello Kitty® pop-ups (Merch Traffic)

Bruno Mars' The Romantic Tour is starting its second North American leg on Friday, and he's bringing along a feline friend with him.

At select tour stops Bruno is bringing back his Bruno Mars X Hello Kitty® pop-ups, which offer limited-edition merchandise that isn't available anywhere else, as well as photo ops and other experiences. The pop-ups will start Thursday and be available in East Rutherford, New Jersey; Philadelphia; Foxborough, Massachusetts; Tampa and Miami, Florida; Air Force Academy, Colorado; Los Angeles and Santa Clara, California; and Vancouver. Visit Bruno's website for full details.

This leg of the tour is set to wrap up in December in Mexico City; in January, Bruno will launch a Japanese leg. As per Hits magazine, when all is said and done, The Romantic Tour may end up grossing as much as $500 million.

The tour is in support of Bruno's album The Romantic, which debuted at #1 earlier this year. The two singles from the album, "I Just Might" and "Risk It All," have racked up more that 500 million streams each.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Hilary Duff pays tribute to Hayden Panetierre: 'Really tough hearing this news'

Hayden Panettiere and Hilary Duff attend Joanna Schlips' launch of the J-Gurlz Fund and her book 'Glamour Gurlz' on Sept. 26, 2006, in Hollywood, California. (Mark Davis/Getty Images)

Hayden Panetierre's death has prompted many tributes from those she worked with over the years. But although they never shared a screen together, Hilary Duff took to Instagram to remember the actress as someone who she was able to bond with over their shared experience as young Hollywood stars.

Hilary wrote on Instagram Tuesday, "Sweet Hayden. Really tough hearing this news. We lost touch through the years but I will always remember you as so hardworking and effervescent, with that big, gorgeous smile."

"I remember staying up late, chatting and gossiping, and connecting because we were part of such a small sliver of people who actually understood the strange lot in life we were navigating," she continued. "So young, with no real idea how to make sense of any of it."

"I so deeply wish this wasn't the end for you," she concluded. "Sending a heart full of love to your family, the many people you impacted and everyone who loved you. rest easy."

Panettiere was found in cardiac arrest prior to her death, the Greenville County Coroner's Office said Monday in a press release. The coroner's office said an autopsy was completed on Monday and that "no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death."

Panettiere's official cause and manner of death "remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies," the coroner's office added.

Beginning her career as a child star, with a long list of credits in both TV and film, Panettiere is remembered for her roles as Claire Bennet on the hit series Heroes and as Juliette Barnes on the musical drama Nashville.

She was the mother of one child, daughter Kaya Klitschko, whom she had in 2014 with former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


'It'll always come back to this': Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo gush over each other after London duet

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande attend the 'Wicked: For Good' European Premiere on November 10, 2025 in London, England. (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are friends ... for good.

After the two Wicked stars reunited during Ari's concert in London on Aug. 16 to sing "For Good" and "Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again," Cynthia took to Instagram to post a photo of the two embracing onstage.

"Ari, my sweet sister, my favorite person to sing with," she wrote. "Thank you for inviting me to share your stage, singing 2 songs that represent such a massive part of our lives. This is what we do it for, for the love of the work and for all of the fans."

"I missed this. We missed this. And I wish I had more words, but to put it simply, I will never forget this night. Like a handprint on my heart."

Ariana replied in the comments, "it’ll always come back to this…  just as it started. i’m so grateful for this moment & for you… love you always."

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Dua Lipa's husband says 'having a family and raising some kids' is a priority for him

Dua Lipa and Callum Turner attend the 'One Night Only' New York Premiere on August 3, 2026 in New York City. (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

Now that Dua Lipa and Callum Turner are married, do they plan to have children? Well, it's a priority for the One Night Only actor.

Speaking to Esquire UK, Callum says that his and Dua's wedding was "amazing, and it was the most beautiful day of my life." The wedding he was referring to was the one in London, which was a simple affair at a local registry office, and not their elaborate three-day celebration that took place later in Sicily.

Callum does admit, though, that "it's a weird thing ... when you have such a personal thing happen and then it's also spoken about publicly and by a lot of people." He adds, "I think you just gotta ignore it, is what you got to do."

But when asked what he sees his next decade looking like, Callum says, "Family." Asked if that's a priority for him, he replies, "Obviously, yeah. I'm 36. I'd like to have a family and raise some kids."

No word on what Dua's timetable is for that, but the two seem like they're pretty well matched. Callum tells Esquire, "We both have the same thing in our head that says, ‘Run, roam, see the world, explore and discover.’ And yeah, we love doing it together.”

“It’s nice,” he adds, “to find someone that you love and who loves you and you want to be around all the time.”

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Bon Jovi marks 40 years of 'Slippery When Wet'

Bon Jovi 'Slippery When Wet' (Island Def Jam)

Bon Jovi is marking the 40th anniversary of their breakthrough album, Slippery When Wet.

The band marked the milestone with a post on Instagram Tuesday, writing, “Slippery When Wet turns 40 years old today! We’re grateful to everyone who’s been part of this journey and kept these songs alive for 40 years.”

The post also included photos from the era, as well as clips from the music videos for the album’s hit singles “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “You Give Love a Bad Name.”

Released Aug. 18, 1986, Slippery When Wet was the New Jersey rockers' third studio album and the follow-up to 1985's 7800° Fahrenheit. Produced by Bruce Fairbairn, the album rocketed the band to superstardom, spending eight weeks at #1 on the Billboard Albums chart, their first #1 album.

You Give Love a Bad Name” and “Livin’ on a Prayer,” written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora and Desmond Child, both went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, with a third single, “Wanted Dead or Alive,” peaking at #7.

Slippery When Wet would go on to be Billboard’s top-selling album of 1987 and has since been certified 15-times Platinum by the RIAA.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Michelle Branch adds second leg to upcoming tour, reveals featured guest on new EP

Michelle Branch (Alexa King Stone)

Blue dot fever? Not for Michelle Branch.

Amid a challenging touring environment, Michelle Branch sold out the first leg of her upcoming Everywhere and Back Again tour, so now, she's added a second leg. It's an additional 17 dates, beyond the initial 20 she first announced. The first leg runs from Sept. 27 in Seattle to Nov. 13 in Lexington, Kentucky. The second leg starts Feb. 25, 2027, in Charleston, South Carolina.

A presale for the new dates begins Aug. 19 at 10 a.m. local time. Other presales will follow throughout the week; tickets go on sale to the general public on Aug. 21 at 10 a.m. local time. Visit michellebranch.com for details and ticket info.

The tour comes in support of her upcoming Everywhere and Back Again EP, which features new versions of her biggest hits, reimagined with special guests. The first single, "Game of Love," is a collaboration with New Radicals' Gregg Alexander, who co-wrote the song.

"Announcing leg two of the Everywhere and Back Again tour has been the hardest secret to keep! I’m blown away by all the love for the tour and 'Game of Love,'" Michelle said in a statement. "Can’t wait to see you all out on the road. This is just the beginning.”

Meanwhile, Michelle has revealed that Maren Morris is her special guest on her new version of "Goodbye to You." The two artists performed it together live on Aug. 15 in Nashville, with Maren telling the crowd that Michelle was a big inspiration to her when she was younger.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Madonna leads MTV VMA nominations; Taylor Swift close behind

Madonna (Rafael Pavarotti)

Many of Madonna's career-defining moments have come on the MTV Video Music Awards, dating back to the very first one in 1984. So, it's fitting that she's this year's leading nominee for the 2026 MTV VMAs.

The Queen of Pop is up for 11 Moon Persons at this year's ceremony, including video of the year for her short film, Confessions II - The Film, plus artist and song of the year, best collaboration, dance, direction, art direction, cinematography, editing, choreography and visual effects. Over her career, she's won 19 VMAs; in 1986, she was the first female artist to receive the Video Vanguard Award.

Taylor Swift is this year's second-most nominated artist, with nine nods. She's up for video of the year for "The Fate of Ophelia," which has also earned her nominations for artist of the year, best pop, direction, art direction, cinematography, editing, choreography and visual effects.

Taylor and Beyoncé are tied for the title of the most-awarded artist in VMA history, so if she wins even one of them, she'll have that title to herself.

Other top nominees include Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter, each with seven nods, and Bruno Mars, PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson with five apiece. LISA has four, and Shakira and Tate McRae have three.

In addition to Madonna and Taylor, the video of the year category includes Ariana's "hate that I made you love me," Bruno's "I Just Might," Sabrina's "Tears" and GENER8ION for "STORM starring Yung Lean."

The VMAs will air live from LA on Sept. 27 on CBS, and will be simulcast on MTV. Paramount+ Premium subscribers can stream it live. It'll be available globally the next day on Paramount+ and MTV. Voting is open in 13 categories at Vote.MTV.com.

Here are the main nominations:

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Ariana Grande - “hate that i made you love me” - Republic Records
Bruno Mars - “I Just Might” - Atlantic Records
GENER8ION - “STORM starring Yung Lean” - Iconoclast Music
Madonna - “Confessions II - The Film” - Warner Records
Sabrina Carpenter - “Tears”- Island
Taylor Swift - “The Fate of Ophelia” - Republic Records

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Ariana Grande - Republic Records
Bruno Mars - Atlantic Records
Madonna - Warner Records
Morgan Wallen - Big Loud/Mercury Records
Sabrina Carpenter - Island
Taylor Swift - Republic Records

SONG OF THE YEAR
BTS - “Swim” - BIGHIT MUSIC
Ella Langley - “Choosin’ Texas” - Columbia Records
HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI - “Golden” - Republic Records/Visva Records
Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter - “Bring Your Love” - Warner Records
Olivia Dean - “Man I Need” - Island
PinkPantheress - “Stateside + Zara Larsson” - Warner Records UK/Atlantic Records
RAYE - “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” - Human Re Sources

BEST NEW ARTIST, presented by The General Insurance®
Bella Kay
CORTIS
Magnus Ferrell
Malcolm Todd
Myles Smith
Sienna Spiro
Stella Lefty

BEST COLLABORATION
Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T, Malice - “Chains & Whips”
French Montana x Max B - “Ever Since U Left Me”
Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter - “Bring Your Love”
PinkPantheress - “Stateside + Zara Larsson”
Shakira & Burna Boy - “Dai Dai”
Teyana Taylor & Lucky Daye - “Hard Part”

BEST POP
Ariana Grande - “hate that i made you love me”
Charli xcx - “SS26”
LISA - “Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi”
Olivia Rodrigo - “drop dead”
Sabrina Carpenter - “House Tour”
Tate McRae - “Nobody’s Girl”
Taylor Swift - “The Fate of Ophelia”

BEST DANCE, presented by BACARDÍ® Rum
Bebe Rexha & Faithless - “New Religion”
Harry Styles - “Aperture”
Lady Gaga & Doechii - “RUNWAY”
Madonna - “Confessions II - The Film”
PinkPantheress - “Stateside + Zara Larsson”
Slayyyter - “DANCE…”
Tate McRae - “Nobody’s Girl”

BEST K-POP
BLACKPINK - “JUMP”
BTS - “SWIM”
CORTIS - “REDRED”
KATSEYE - “PINKY UP”
LE SSERAFIM (feat. j-hope of BTS) 
LISA - “Dream feat. Kentaro Sakaguchi”

BEST HIP-HOP
Cardi B ft. Kehlani - “Safe”
Don Toliver - “E85”
Drake - “Janice STFU”
Megan Thee Stallion - “LOVER GIRL”
Travis Scott - “DUMBO”
Tyler, The Creator - “SUGAR ON MY TONGUE”

BEST R&B
Bruno Mars - “I Just Might”
Chris Brown - “It Depends/Obvious”
Dave & Tems - “Raindance”
Justin Bieber - “YUKON”
Kehlani - “Folded”
Mariah the Scientist & Kali Uchis - “Is It a Crime”

BEST ALTERNATIVE
Geese - “Taxes”
mgk & Fred Durst - “FIX UR FACE”
Noah Kahan - “The Great Divide”
Olivia Rodrigo - “the cure”
SOMBR - “Homewrecker”
Tame Impala - “Dracula”
twenty one pilots - “Drag Path”

BEST LATIN
Anitta with Shakira - “Choka Choka”
Bad Bunny - “NUEVAYoL”
Fuerza Regida - “TU SANCHO”
KAROL G - “Papasito”
Rosalía ft. Yahritza Y Su Esencia - “La Perla”
Ryan Castro, Kapo & GANGSTA - “LA VILLA”
Shakira & Burna Boy - “Dai Dai”

BEST COUNTRY 
Ella Langley - “Choosin’ Texas”
Kacey Musgraves - “Dry Spell”
Lainey Wilson - “Somewhere Over Laredo”
Luke Combs - “Back in the Saddle”
Shaboozey - “Cowgirl”
Stella Lefty - “Boston”
Tucker Wetmore - “Brunette”

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Music notes: Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars and more

Are Ariana Grande and her ex-turned-current boo Ricky Alvarez getting serious? According to Page Six, sharp-eyed fans noticed that at the London stop of her Eternal Sunshine Tour, she had a new tattoo on her collarbone, which appeared to read, "I do love you." She posted a photo of those words in an Instagram dump a few days ago. This is significant, because Ricky has the same words tattooed on his collarbone, but in a different font.

Bruno Mars has a new visual coming. According to Entertainment Tonight, Bruno and Latin star Karol G recorded a live video for their emotional duet "Still" during her Aug. 15 show at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The song appears on Karol G's latest album, which just came out Aug. 7. Ahead of the big moment, a message flashed on the screen, noting that the two had never performed the song live before, and confirming that the performance was being filmed for an upcoming video.

Katy Perry may be a huge star, and her boyfriend may be the former prime minister of Canada, but they're still totally cringe when it comes to their kids. Justin's son Xavier, who records under the name Xav, shared a video of his dad and Katy reacting to hearing his song "Downtown" come over the PA at a local Montreal hardware store. Justin lip-syncs to the song while waving a plunger around, and Katy jumps around goofily. "My new single Downtown reaction video," Xav captioned the video. "Send me yours."

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Sheryl Crow's winding road leads her to Disney's new 'Cars' animated series

Sheryl Crow performs at Disney's D23, Anaheim, California, August 15, 2026 (Image Group La/The Walt Disney Company)

Twenty years ago, Sheryl Crow contributed the song "Real Gone" to the animated Pixar film Cars. So it's no surprise that she's returning for the new animated series based on the franchise.

On Saturday night, Sheryl appeared at Disney's biennial D23 fan event to debut a new song called "Built to Last," which is the theme song for the upcoming Disney Jr. series Cars: Lightning Racers. She also performed "Real Gone" during the appearance. 

But Sheryl's involvement doesn't end with the theme song. She also wrote 10 additional songs for the series, which debuts on Disney Jr. and streams on Disney+ in 2027.  Many of the Cars cast members are reprising their roles for the series, including Owen Wilson as Lightning McQueen, Larry the Cable Guy as Mater, Bonnie Hunt as Sally and Tony Shalhoub as Luigi.

Sheryl's new album Pick You Up is coming out Oct. 9.

Disney is the parent company of ABC News.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


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