Robbie Williams, arguably the most successful British male artist this century, has signed with WME for worldwide agency representation.

Announced early Wednesday, June 17, the former Take That singer joins WME after his move to the ATC Management roster.

Robbie, as he’s affectionately known to his millions of fans, is a megastar in the United Kingdom and Europe, and around the globe.

According to the Official Charts Company, Robbie boasts six of the top 100 best-selling albums in British recorded music history, with 16 U.K. No. 1 albums as a solo artist — breaking the tie with the Beatles, for the most leader of all time. He also owns 18 Brit Awards, more than any other artist. His international album sales top 90 million.

In the United States, where his cheeky-chappie appeal never quite caught on, Robbie bagged two appearances on the Billboard Hot 100 led by “Angels” at No. 53, and four of his albums impacted the Billboard 200 chart.

Across his decorated career, Williams has collected eight German ECHO Awards, three MTV Europe Music Awards, and last year was appointed as the official FIFA music ambassador, through which he co-wrote and recorded the FIFA anthem, “Desire,” which will be played at the international soccer governing body’s future tournaments, including the current FIFA World Cup.

Also last year, he won the prestigious PRS for Music Icon Award at The Ivors 2025, his fifth Ivor Novello Award. His big screen projects include the Oscar-nominated film Better Man, which swept the 2025 AACTA Awards in Sydney, taking home four major trophies including best film. He’s also the subject of a well-received four-part documentary for Netflix, Robbie Williams.

As a member of Take That, Robbie lived the largest of lives. Formed in 1989 as a five-piece — Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen, Jason Orange and Williams — the pop group was one of the most popular acts of its generation, certainly in the U.K., where few acts can challenge their chart superiority.

Take That is also a proven box-office juggernaut. Their record-breaking 2011 Progress tour (for which Williams returned to the fold) sold over 1 million tickets in less than 24 hours; the following year the lads performed at the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics; and they hold the record for the most performances at London’s The O2, with 34 headline shows.

Williams is playing stadiums around the globe this year in support of his new album BRITPOP, which dropped in January and immediately went to No. 1 in his homeland.

“Is everyone alright? It’s good to be back.”

The answer to that open question from Eddy Current Suppression Ring’s frontman Brendan Huntley is, of course, “yes,” and absolutely. Sixteen years have passed since ECSR worked their homebaked brand of punk rock on Sydney crowds. That damned drought came to an end in spectacular fashion on Friday night, June 12, fittingly as Vivid Sydney 2026 entered its final stages.

ECSR are royalty in Australia’s underground scene, princes of independent, garage rock. Formed back in 2003 in the front room of a vinyl pressing plant in Highett, a suburb of Melbourne, the four-piece built a cult following, one that extends far beyond these shores.  Half a decade later, ECSR had ascended the throne with Primary Colours, their second studio album, which would win the coveted Australian Music Prize for the best Aussie album of the year, regardless of sales or hype, and snagged an AIR Award for best independent hard rock/punk album. For the AIR Awards ceremony in 2008, at Melbourne’s Corner Hotel, they nailed a meaty mini-set for industry guests.

Sightings of ECSR are uncommon. These lads are like rare birds.

Then, a bolt from the blue. ECSR recently dropped a new, fifth studio album, In Light of Recent Events, their follow-up to 2019’s All in Good Time. A heads-up came in 2025 with the release of a three-track EP Shapes And Forms, which was supported last September with a free-show at Federation Square, in the band’s hometown.

Last weekend was Sydney’s turn, with a free, headline show at Tumbalong Park, on Darling Harbour. “Sixteen years,” Huntley said at the top, shaking his head, perhaps recognizing the length of the hiatus as both a blink of an eye, and an entire lifetime. Whatever, it was too long. Huntley hasn’t lost any of his frontman skills. Throughout the set, which included “Cool Ice Cream,” “Colour Television” and “Which Way to Go,” he paced about like a cat, looking for a mouse that got away. We see that introspective skinny dance, the thousand-yard stare. The gloves still fit. Gee, it’s good to have them back.

ECSR was one of the highlights of Tumbalong Nights, which showcased upwards of 40 artists from 12 countries, including Aussie acts Mallrat, Matt Corby and Gretta Ray.

All up, the Sydney-wide festival booked 217 events, and 2,253 sessions across 89 locations across its three weeks. The Vivid LIVE program at the Sydney Opera House featured Mitski’s residency and performances from the likes of Jeff Mills, King Stingray, Mogwai and 2026 Libera Award winners Folk Bitch Trio, all of it shifting almost 40,000 tickets for the strongest box office result since COVID-19 and its second-largest on record, organizers say.

The Carriageworks program, which included performances from Lil’ Kim, Alison Wonderland and others, captured more than 30,000 ticket bookings, generating a 38% gain in revenue compared with the previous year’s event. 

“This year’s Vivid Sydney has been an extraordinary success,” enthuses Vivid Sydney festival director Brett Sheehy, “exceeding our expectations not only terms of sell out shows across the program, but also in the level of enthusiasm, connection, and delight we’ve seen across the city.” Visitors stuck around, too. “What’s been particularly striking this year is the depth of engagement across the program, with visitors exploring more than ever,” adds Sheehy. “On average they attended 4.5 locations and spent around three hours immersed in the festival per visit.”

Eddy Current’s fans came and stayed for their special set, on the penultimate evening of the Sydney-wide live entertainment and arts extravaganza. Many in the crowd would proudly wear the Gen-X badge, beer in hand, wearing sensible, but pretty groovy, jackets on a chilly night. Up front, the younger, wilder fans unleashed their energy the old-fashioned way — by crowd surfing.

It was a blast from the past, much like the band on stage.

“I’d love to see you again someday,” remarked Huntley, after taking the plunge for his own end-of-set surf, as he rode the crowd on his back while belting out “Get Up Morning.” “You’re always good to us, Sydney.”

Vivid Sydney is owned, managed, and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.

Isaac Atkins is one man whose job doesn’t define him.

The 23-year-old from Lewiston, Maine, speaks with a booming baritone voice, the kind that thumps your chest like a sound system built to handle bass. No doubt he uses that talent to some effect in his regular job, serving as a sergeant in the U.S. army.

On Tuesday night, June 16, Atkins got his chance to chase his dream when he stopped by America’s Got Talent during the Auditions phase.

At the top, Simon Cowell asked why Atkins was stood before him, and why now? Atkins, who is currently on leave (“I took a few days off to come here”), loves nothing more than to sing in the car. He’s been doing it since he was a kid, we learned, when his dad introduced him to the magic of Motown, and Sam Cooke.

Roughly 18 months ago, Atkins decided to share his gifts on social media with clips of himself singing songs by a slew of artists, from Elvis Presley to Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, sombr, Gucci Mane, Bell Biv DeVoe, The Smiths and others. His colleagues saw it, loved it. They were “the ones who kind of urged me to come here and sing. And realize my dream,” he recounts on the AGT stage. “So, I’m really happy to be here.”

Performing in front of a national — no, international — audience is no accident. “This is my dream,” he remarks.

Atkins didn’t waste his chance. He showcased his range and power with a cover of “Beggin’,” the soulful 1967 song by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons that enjoyed a second life when it was covered by Eurovision champions Måneskin in 2017.

“Isaac, let me tell you,” Mel B enthused. “You can sing.”

Sofía Vergara had similar thoughts. “What a voice. What a sexy voice you have,” she added.

Before Cowell or Howie Mandel had a chance to chime in, Mel B took matters into her hands. “Hold on a minute, before anyone else does this, I’m going to do it,” the Spice Girl said, as she reached for the Golden Buzzer. Cue gold confetti and good times.

Atkins, who has been in the army for six years and is stationed in Honolulu, now advances to the Live round of NBC’s AGT, which is currently in its 21st season.

Watch his Audition in full below.

Oh yes, oh yes! Carl Cox is now an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire), recognition for his outstanding services to music.

The pioneering British DJ and record producer is one of several music figures named in the King’s Birthday Honours List. Writing on his socials, Cox, one of the outstanding technical DJs of them all, a master of techno and house whose career spans over four decades, says he is “absolutely thrilled and deeply honoured” by his award.

“Music has been my life for as long as I can remember. From the earliest days behind the decks to performing on stages around the world, it has been an incredible journey filled with passion, creativity, and unforgettable moments. I’ve been fortunate to do what I love and to connect with so many amazing people through the power of music,” he writes.

“This recognition is not mine alone – it belongs to everyone who has been part of the journey. To the fans who have supported me throughout the years, the artists who have inspired and collaborated with me, the promoters, crews, and teams working tirelessly behind the scenes, my family, friends, and the wider electronic music community: thank you. Your belief, dedication, and energy have helped shape every step of this remarkable path.”

“To receive this honour for doing something that has brought me so much joy is truly humbling. Electronic music has given me a purpose, a voice, and a global family, and I’m proud to have played a part in its growth and continued success.” Cox extends a thank you “to everyone who has supported me along the way. Your encouragement has meant the world to me, and I’m genuinely grateful for every opportunity, every dancefloor, and every shared experience.”

Also recognized by King Charles is fellow British DJ Judge Jules (real name: Julius O’Riordan), who is appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). O’Riordan is saluted for his services to the music industry, entertainment law, and young people.

“I’ve done an awful lot of mentoring. I mean, a good example of what I do,” he tells LBC Radio’s Ali Miraj. “I go to the Brit School, which is… the Brit School has generated more famous global musical icons out of this country than any other single entity. And I go there and I lecture at least once or twice a year. And there are many other ways that I feel that if you’ve been experienced like I have, it’s one’s absolute obligation to give back and to mentor because the arts in this country have had challenging times on and off, but are a real flag that this country needs to fly.”

Also, Black Sabbath guitarist and co-founder Tony Iommi is made an MBE for services to music and charity, while several leading figures from the world of classical music are saluted.

The New Year and King’s Birthday Honours are awarded by the King following recommendations by the prime minister or senior government ministers, as celebration of outstanding achievements, personal bravery, and public service.

Meanwhile, several outstanding artists and executives from Australia’s music community are tapped in the King’s Birthday Honours List. Keith Welsh, co-founder, bassist and now manager of Iva Davies’ ARIA Hall of Fame inducted band ICEHOUSE, receives the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), as does Philip Walker (OAM), chair and co-founder of Origin Music Group.

There’s a posthumous award for James Valentine, the beloved broadcaster and sax player for ARIA Hall of Famer inducted new wave band Models and Absent Friends. Valentine, who passed in April, at the age of 64, following a battle with cancer, becomes a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

The honors recognize and celebrate the exceptional achievements, community service, and public contributions of hundreds of distinguished Australians, and are awarded by the Governor-General of Australia, acting on the recommendation of the Council for the Order of Australia.

SYDNEY, Australia — BMG has acquired the publishing catalog of Chris Cheney, frontman, songwriter and guitarist of The Living End, in a deal announced just days after the Australian rock trio was inducted into the 2026 ARIA Hall of Fame.

The acquisition expands on a relationship that has seen BMG serve as Cheney’s global publisher since 2016 and the group’s global label since 2018. Financial terms of the new deal weren’t disclosed.

“One of the great joys of being a musician is songwriting,” Cheney comments in a statement, issued Wednesday, June 17. “The magical feeling you get from the process of creating something from nothing! Songs can take weeks to write, or they can appear in minutes seemingly out of nowhere, they are the most wonderful, mysterious, powerful things!”

The Living End, he continues, “have always had an incredibly strong connection with our audience around the world through our catalog of songs. I’m thankful and very honored to have done this deal with BMG who I know share the same passion and enthusiasm for music and for this catalog.”

Formed in Melbourne in the 1990s, the trio, with dashes of rockabilly, pop-punk, and indie grit, earned a reputation as a must-see live act, a label that sticks to this day. The rockers’ ARIA Chart-topping self-titled 1998 debut remains one of Australia’s best-selling rock albums, and housed one of the era’s all-time anthems, “Second Solution / Prisoner of Society”.

Over time, the band, comprised of Cheney, Scott Owen and Andy Strachan, have snagged two No. 1 albums, six ARIA Awards, APRA’s song of the year, and a swag of top 10s, including last year’s album release I Only Trust Rock ’N’ Roll, which peaked at No. 5 on the all-genres ARIA Chart.

The Living End was inducted June 11 into the ARIA’s Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Sydney, part of a class that included the late Gurrumul, Jenny Morris, Kate Ceberano, Spiderbait, and Vika & Linda. 

“The Living End has been the soundtrack to countless Australian stories and memories while the band has simultaneously achieved cult status internationally as one of the best live rock bands of all time,” comments Heath Johns, president, Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia, BMG.

“As The Living End enter the ARIA Hall of Fame, we are incredibly honored that Chris has chosen BMG as his forever home for these iconic publishing rights, and we look forward to finding new opportunities for them at home and abroad.”

Rod Wave’s next album is on the way. The Florida rapper/singer announced Tuesday (June 16) that his Don’t Look Down project is set to arrive before summer ends on Aug. 28.

Rod released a bittersweet trailer to coincide with the announcement, which takes place at a funeral and finds the “Heart on Ice” artist plotting with his crew.

“No more sneaky business, no more side deals. Keep building our own machine. Keep going and don’t look down,” Rod says in the clip before being asked about his next move. “Album.”

The trailer closes with a preview of a soulful track, which appears to be on Don’t Look Down. A press release confirms that a single is “coming soon.” “I am the chosen one/ The only one they banking on/ Real s–t that raw s–t they waiting on,” he croons.

Billboard caught up with Rod Wave at a homecoming show in St. Petersburg, Florida, last year, where the Grammy-nominated artist spoke about the growth he felt going into this LP.

“Growth,” he said when describing the project. “I feel like every album, as I grow older, is different. I paint a different picture, because I’m a different version of myself. Every album’s a different chapter. I feel like it’s all real-life stuff.”

The 27-year-old continued: “We all can agree that life goes up and down. So every year, what I basically do is I just talk about where life has taken me up to that point, and people connect with it. We’re all growing up together.”

Rod Wave’s most recent album, Last Lap, arrived in 2024 and debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Watch the Don’t Look Down trailer below.

A year after the death of New York City nightlife fixture Billy Jones, a foundation has been launched in his honor.

The newly announced Billy Jones Forever Foundation encompasses a scholarship and mentorship fund that will annually award a group of emerging music professionals with direct financial support to use for relocation, housing, equipment, travel and more. Recipients will also receive long-term mentorship and access to a network of industry relationships intended to create lasting support.

Donations and scholarship applications are now open here. The Billy Jones Forever Foundation is a fund of Make Something, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

A musician, curator, club owner, manager and more, Jones died last June at age 45 after facing glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. He is remembered by friends, family and colleagues as someone who loved music, nightlife, culture and New York City. He co-founded and owned beloved Brooklyn indie venue Baby’s All Right, a 280-capacity club that opened in 2013 and hosted performances by a host of luminaries including SZA, Cypress Hill, Lil Yachty, Blood Orange, Charli xcx, Mac DeMarco, James Murphy, David Byrne, Hot Chip, Courtney Barnett, Willow Smith, Jack White and Billie Eilish.

“Billy was devoted to music, to New York and to the creative, talented dreamers and risk takers who make this city what it is,” Jones’ sister BreAnn Tassone said in a statement. “Though he had to leave us, he still has work to do. We are excited and grateful to know he can still do the work he was so passionate about through the recipients of this organization. We are so proud that Billy’s legacy is one of connection, inspiration and community. His positivity, magic and ‘Yeah, let’s do it!’ spirit can live on here. For us, his family, that means more than words can say.”

“Billy was one of the most true blue real rockers I have ever met in all my travels,” adds his close friend David Jacobs, “and because he lived with such integrity and unwavering commitment to his music community, we wanted to honor that spirit forever, and this scholarship felt like the perfect way to pay it forward, just as Billy did every day we were lucky enough to have him around.”

Morat scores big this week, earning its second No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart as its update of Los Bukis’ 1986 classic “Tu Cárcel” surges from No. 10 to the top of the June 20-dated ranking. The new version also hits No. 1 on both the Latin Pop Airplay chart and the multimetric Hot Latin Pop Songs survey.

The act from Bogotá, Colombia, previously led Latin Airplay with “Me Toca a Mí,” with Camilo, for a week last August.

“We’re incredibly grateful to celebrate our second No. 1 with ‘Tu Cárcel,’” Morat shared with Billboard. “It’s a song that has been part of our lives for as long as we can remember.”

“It was a great honor to have produced this version,” Argentinian producer Nico Cotton tells Billboard. “It’s an undeniable classic, and the challenge was to live up to the original song. I love that it reflects so much of Morat’s sound. The truth is, when there’s a great song and a great band, my job becomes much easier!”

Morat’s “Tu Cárcel,” on Universal Music Spain/Interscope/Interscope Capitol, owes its Latin Airplay coronation to 7.6 million audience impressions in the week ending June 11, according to Luminate.

“It’s an incredible surprise,” Cotton adds. “When I make music, I never think, ‘This has to be a No. 1,’ but when it happens, it’s something to celebrate and enjoy. In this case, it makes me very happy to see such an incredible classic rediscovered through Morat, and to have been able to contribute my little grain of sand from the production side.”

Before Morat revived “Tu Cárcel,” the Marco Antonio Solís-led Los Bukis took the original to No. 3 on Hot Latin Songs in 1987. (Formed in 1973, the grupero band has notched 17 career top 10s on the tally, in 1987-96, following the list’s 1986 start.)

The song has also found renewed chart life through other versions over the years. Los Enanitos Verdes took their soft-rock rendition to No. 22 on Latin Pop Airplay in 2004, while Los Tigres del Norte’s regional Mexican take, featuring Solís, reached No. 30 on Regional Mexican Airplay in 2016. “Tu Cárcel” has also been covered by Hermanos Espinoza, Alta Consigna and Yahritza y Su Esencia in regional Mexican styles.

Morat’s “Tu Cárcel” is on the soundtrack to the Disney+ and Hulu original series Dear Killer Nannies: Criado Por Sicarios — based on the late drug kingpin/politician Pablo Escobar’s upbringing — produced by multi-award winner Julio Reyes Copello; the set was released via his Arthouse label in partnership with Universal Music Latino/UMG.

“I’m deeply glad I suggested to my friends Morat to record this song and make such a spectacular version alongside the great producer Nico Cotton,” Reyes Copello tells Billboard. “The production, direction and musical language are all a tremendous success. I’m thrilled that it has reached beyond the series and, above all, that new generations won’t miss out on hearing [it]; and with work as disciplined and consistent as Morat’s, it’s a luxury.”

“It’s very special to see ‘Tu Cárcel’ continue finding new audiences beyond radio and live shows,” Morat added. “We grew up as huge Disney fans, so having our music featured in a Disney+ and Hulu project is incredibly meaningful. We love seeing our songs become part of different stories, and it’s exciting to know this classic can keep reaching people in new ways.”

Meanwhile, “Tu Cárcel” is the latest Spanish-language charting song from a Disney film or series — and the first to crown Latin Airplay. Notably, Encanto produced Sebastian Yatra’s “Dos Oruguitas” and Carlos Vives’ “Colombia, Mi Encanto,” which reached Nos. 2 and 6, respectively, on Hot Latin Songs in 2022.

Morat added that “Tu Cárcel” is also the first single from its album Ya Es Mañana Parte 2, which is “currently in the works. The project is inspired by celebrating and reinterpreting the legacy of Spanish-language pop-rock, so seeing this song connect with a new generation in such a meaningful way makes this achievement even more special.”

Mikal Bridges of the New York Knicks was still celebrating the team’s historic run to an NBA title on Monday and gave fans an IG Live to remember.

During one clip that was spliced out by Internet sleuths, Bridges got serious for a moment as he poured a shot of tequila when Kendrick Lamar‘s song “Count Me Out” popped up on his playlist and told fans why he loved the song and Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers so much. “Let me let you know, let me be honest about this song, about this album, if y’all can hear me right now over this music,” he said before revealing that he was really down after his Suns lost to the Dallas Mavericks in seven games during the second round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs. “I was really depressed, bro. We lost to Dallas, I was in Phoenix, I was f—in’ depressed, bro. This album came out. I was just liftin’ bi’s and tri’s, chest, and that sh– got me through it. I love this f—in’ album, for real. I will never forget this album. Ever.”

He then continued to vibe and rap along to the chorus as Lamar rapped, “I love when you count me out.”

The combo shooting guard/small forward can relate to that very phrase, especially during this past season. The Knicks famously staked their future on Mikal when they traded six first-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets in 2024 and signed him to an extension in 2026. However, fans have given him a nickname after the organization won their first championship in 53 years and he now goes by Mikal “F— Them Picks” Bridges.

Mystikal (Michael Lawrence Taylor) has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, according to WBRZ. The “Shake Ya A—” rapper was sentenced in Louisiana’s Ascension Parish Court on Tuesday (June 16).

Mystikal pleaded guilty to a third-degree rape charge in March after being arrested in July 2022.

The Grammy-nominated rapper was arrested following an altercation with a woman at his Louisiana residence, which saw him allegedly choke, assault, rape and rob the victim.

Per WBRZ, Mystikal is accused of holding the woman’s keys and keeping her against her will until she sent him money through CashApp.

The victim faced the court on Tuesday, where she claimed that Mystikal “punched her, choked her, pulled braids out of her hair and forcibly raped her.” She was also hospitalized and treated for minor injuries at the time of the 2022 altercation.

“If I did that to you, I deserve the max sentence,” Mystikal reportedly told the courtroom.

Prior to entering a plea agreement in March for a solo third-degree rape charge, Mystikal faced charges for first-degree rape, felony domestic abuse by strangulation, false imprisonment, simple robbery and criminal damage to property. If convicted of first-degree rape, Mystikal would have faced life in prison.

WBRZ also reported that Mystikal and his attorney filed a motion to withdraw his guilty plea last week, citing that the rapper didn’t “have sufficient opportunity to fully consider the consequences.” However, that motion was dismissed by the court.

The New Orleans rapper has a history of sexual assault allegations prior to the 2022 arrest. In 2004, Mystikal was convicted of sexual battery and extortion of his hairstylist. He served six years behind bars and was released in 2010.

Mystikal was arrested on rape and kidnapping charges in 2017. After posting a $3 million bond in 2019, the charges were dropped in 2020.

Mystikal is best known for early 2000s hits like “Shake Ya A–,” which peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. He also hopped on Joe’s “Stutter,” which topped the Hot 100 for four weeks in 2001.

Billboard has reached out to Mystikal’s attorney and the District Attorney’s Office for comment.