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La familia Kardashian-Jenner atraviesa uno de los momentos más difíciles de su historia tras el fallecimiento de Mary Jo Campbell, conocida cariñosamente como «MJ», madre de Kris Jenner y abuela de Kim, Kourtney, Khloé, Rob, Kendall y Kylie. La noticia fue confirmada por la propia Kris Jenner a través de sus redes sociales, donde compartió un emotivo mensaje de despedida.

Mary Jo falleció el 16 de julio, pocos días antes de cumplir 92 años. Hasta el momento, la familia no ha informado oficialmente la causa de su muerte.

Además de ser la matriarca del clan, MJ se convirtió en un rostro familiar para millones de espectadores gracias a sus apariciones en el reality Keeping Up with the Kardashians, donde se ganó el cariño del público por su cercanía con sus hijas, nietos y bisnietos.

Según relataron distintos medios internacionales, entre ellos ¡Hola! y El Universal, Mary Jo dejó una huella importante dentro de la familia, no solo por su papel como madre y abuela, sino también por las enseñanzas que transmitió durante toda su vida.

Kris Jenner le dedicó un emotivo mensaje

A través de Instagram, Kris Jenner expresó el profundo dolor que le dejó la partida de su madre y recordó el lugar que ocupaba dentro de la familia.

«No hay palabras que puedan expresar lo que ha significado para mí ni el dolor que supone tener que decir adiós», escribió la empresaria al iniciar su homenaje.

En su publicación, también aseguró que MJ fue quien le enseñó el verdadero valor de la familia, el amor incondicional y la importancia de disfrutar cada momento con los seres queridos.

Más adelante, Kris agradeció el apoyo y las enseñanzas que recibió durante toda su vida.

«Mamá, gracias por cada sacrificio que hiciste, cada consejo sabio que compartiste y cada momento en el que nos quisiste tan plenamente», expresó.

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De acuerdo con lo publicado por la empresaria, el legado de Mary Jo seguirá presente en cada integrante de la familia y en las tradiciones que construyeron juntos a lo largo de los años.

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Una publicación compartida de Kris Jenner (@krisjenner)

Una vida marcada por la resiliencia

Como recuerdan ¡Hola! y El Universal, Mary Jo Campbell nació en Arkansas y, antes de dedicarse por completo a su familia, trabajó como diseñadora. A lo largo de su vida estuvo casada en tres ocasiones y también enfrentó importantes desafíos de salud.

La matriarca logró superar dos diagnósticos de cáncer, uno de mama y otro de colon, episodios que fortalecieron la imagen de resiliencia que transmitía a sus familiares.

Tras superar esas etapas, continuó disfrutando de una vida cercana a sus hijos, nietos y bisnietos, además de acompañar en varias oportunidades a la familia durante las grabaciones de sus programas de televisión.

Su despedida conmovió a seguidores y celebridades

El mensaje publicado por Kris Jenner generó una inmediata reacción entre seguidores y figuras del entretenimiento, quienes enviaron mensajes de apoyo a la familia Kardashian-Jenner en medio del duelo.

La empresaria cerró su homenaje asegurando que el recuerdo de su madre permanecerá para siempre en su vida y en la de toda su familia.

«Mi corazón está roto en un millón de pedazos… gracias por darme la mejor infancia… Te querré para siempre, mamá», concluyó Kris Jenner en su despedida.

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El primer concierto de Rosalía en Bogotá dejó mucho más que música. En medio de su presentación en el Movistar Arena, la cantante española protagonizó uno de los momentos más comentados de la noche al ayudar a una de sus seguidoras a descubrir el sexo del bebé que espera. La escena quedó registrada en varios videos y rápidamente se volvió viral en redes sociales.

Todo ocurrió durante un espacio de interacción con el público. Mientras recorría el escenario, la artista se fijó en una pancarta sostenida por una fan identificada como Isabela, quien le hizo una petición muy especial: abrir un sobre sellado con el resultado de un examen médico y revelar, frente a miles de personas, si esperaba un niño o una niña.

Antes de aceptar, Rosalía quiso asegurarse de que la futura mamá estuviera completamente convencida de compartir un momento tan íntimo ante el público.

“¿Pero tú estás segura?… Que me pone los pelos de punta. ¿De verdad que sí? Atención… ¿cómo te llamas?… ¿Isabela?… Isabela, ¿tú estás segura de hacer esto? ¿De verdad? Estoy nerviosa y yo no soy la que lo va a tener”, expresó entre risas, mientras el público respondía con aplausos y gritos de emoción.

El Movistar Arena vivió la emoción junto a Isabela

Con el sobre todavía cerrado, la intérprete aprovechó para conversar con la joven y conocer un poco más de su historia antes de descubrir el resultado.

“Vale, Isabela, pues lo abro así a lo loco… Ay, espérate. ¿De cuánto estás?… ¿Cinco meses? Felicidades, muchas felicidades. Ahora bien, antes de abrirlo… Es que esto es muy fuerte, nunca me ha pasado, yo nunca he revelado nada de esto. A ver si lo hago bien. Pero Isabela, ¿tú qué crees que va a ser?”, preguntó.

Mientras tanto, los asistentes comenzaron a corear: «¡Que lo abra, que lo abra!», aumentando la expectativa en el recinto.

Poco después, el público pidió que Isabela subiera al escenario para vivir el momento junto a la cantante. Rosalía aceptó y la ayudó a llegar hasta la tarima, donde ambas continuaron conversando.

“Qué maja Isabela, por favor, un aplauso para Isabela. ¿Hay alguien que lo sepa ya, que haya visto el resultado?”, preguntó.

Al saber que nadie conocía aún el resultado, la artista quiso averiguar si había alguien más pendiente de esa noticia.

“¿Hay alguien más que le concierna esto?”, dijo.

La respuesta sorprendió tanto a Rosalía como a los asistentes.

“No hay papá a la vista”, respondió Isabela.

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Ante esa situación, la cantante reaccionó con naturalidad y respondió:

“Pues bueno… aquí estamos Isabela y yo”.

El anuncio desató una ovación

Antes de abrir el sobre, Rosalía bromeó con el documento médico para aumentar el suspenso. Segundos después llegó el anuncio que todo el Movistar Arena esperaba.

“¡Va a ser niña!”, exclamó.

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Una publicación compartida de Páramo Presenta (@paramopresenta)

La noticia provocó una ovación inmediata. Isabela rompió en llanto y abrazó a la artista mientras el público celebraba el emotivo instante.

Rosalía también quiso dedicarle unas palabras a la futura mamá y a la bebé.

“¡Qué ilusión! Felicidades para ti, Isabela, para la futura bebé. La siguiente canción, que se llama Sauvignon Blanc, te la dedico. A tu lado mi futuro será dorado. ¡Ella lo tiene aquí en la tripita!”, expresó mientras señalaba el vientre de la joven.

Un instante que rápidamente se hizo viral

Los videos del momento comenzaron a circular pocas horas después en plataformas como TikTok, Instagram y X, donde miles de usuarios destacaron el gesto de la cantante con una de sus seguidoras.

La revelación de género se convirtió en uno de los momentos más recordados del primer concierto de Rosalía en Bogotá y en un recuerdo inolvidable para Isabela, quien descubrió que espera una niña junto a una de sus artistas favoritas y frente a miles de personas.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Hailey Bieber has long been known for her love of denim. The model, entrepreneur and wife of Grammy-winning singer Justin Bieber is frequently spotted wearing relaxed, low-slung jeans, making her a natural fit for Gap’s latest celebrity collaboration. The brand teamed up with Bieber on the “Hailey Jean” capsule, a limited-edition collection that quickly became a viral fashion moment and sold out within minutes of launching.

For fans who missed the drop, Old Navy has affordable denim alternatives that tap into a similar relaxed aesthetic. The retailer is part of Gap Inc., the same parent company behind Gap, making it another destination for shoppers looking for denim styles at a lower price point.

Hailey Bieber’s Sold-Out Gap Jeans Have Affordable  Old Navy Dupes

MOST AFFORDABLE

Old Navy High-Waisted Baggy Wide-Leg Jeans

$14.99 $44.99 67% off

Buy Now at Old Navy

On clearance for 70% off.


The original “Hailey Jean” may have a low-rise fit, but this Old Navy alternative taps into the same ’90s-inspired baggy denim trend with a high-rise waist and relaxed leg. Crafted without stretch, the jeans offer a structured feel similar to the oversized silhouette that made Gap’s capsule go viral. The cotton-blend pair is made with 63% cotton, 32% Tencel lyocell and 5% recycled cotton, from the same Gap Inc. brand family.

Old Navy baggy wide leg jeans dupe for Hailey Bieber jeans

MID-RISE FIT

Old Navy Mid-Rise Wow Baggy Wide-Leg Jeans

$26 $39.99 35% off

Buy Now at old navy

Available in four denim washes.


Ringing up at only $26, Old Navy’s Wow Baggy Wide-Leg Jeans deliver the ’90s slouch shoppers are looking for. Available in sizes 00 to 30 with short, regular and long inseam options, the jeans offer a versatile fit for different heights and body types. The super-baggy thigh creates a comfortable, relaxed silhouette, while the mid-rise waist sits just below the belly button.

Old Navy low rise jeans with extra baggy fit in a light denim wash

DENIM DUPE

Old Navy Low-Rise Baggy Wide-Leg Jeans

$43.99 $54.99 20% off

Buy Now at old navy

A low-rise supper baggy denim alternative.


For a denim alternative that comes close to the viral baggy jean look, this pair checks all the boxes. The low-rise waistband sits on the hips, while the extra-baggy thigh creates the relaxed ’90s silhouette shoppers are after. Offered in regular, tall and petite fits, the no-stretch jeans are crafted from a blend of 63% cotton, 32% lyocell and 5% recycled cotton. Plus, the under-$50 price makes them a budget-friendly pick.

Old Navy low rise loose jean that sits comfortably on the hips, in a black denim wash

VINTAGE-INSPIRED

Old Navy Low-Rise Loose Jeans

$32.39 $44.99 28% off

Buy Now at Old Navy

A relaxed low-rise silhouette that sits comfortably on the hips.


With the “Hailey Low-Rise Loose Jean” sold out, this Old Navy style from the same Gap Inc. family is one of the closest alternatives. It has the same relaxed, loose silhouette with a low-rise waist that sits comfortably on the hips and a longer inseam that creates a subtle puddled hem. Available in five denim washes and sizes 00 to 30, this pair is fully stocked. If you prefer a more tailored fit over the signature ’90s slouch, consider sizing down.

Old Navy high-waisted loose jeans in a light denim wash

HIGHLY-RATED

Old Navy High-Waisted Wow Loose Jeans

$26 $36.99 30% off

Buy Now at Old Navy

These comfortable, highly rated jeans are 30% off.


For shoppers who prefer high-stretch denim, this highly-rated Old Navy pair is on sale for just $26. Made from 62% cotton, 30% recycled polyester, 7% recycled cotton and 1% spandex, it offers a comfortable fit with plenty of flexibility. Similar to the viral Loose Jean, this relaxed style comes in five denim washes and is fully stocked in every size.

Inspired by Gap’s ’90s denim styles, which Bieber has previously named among her favorites, the “Hailey Jean” collection features two low-rise silhouettes: the Extra Baggy and the Low-Rise Loose. Both styles were inspired by 1996, the year Bieber was born, and come in three washes: light indigo, medium indigo and midnight indigo. Each pair originally retailed for $89.

Bieber celebrated the launch on Instagram with photos of herself wearing the jeans, soundtracked by “Linger” by ’90s alternative band The Cranberries, highlighting the nostalgic influence behind the collection. The collaboration also reflects the continued popularity of ’90s fashion trends, from oversized denim to low-rise silhouettes.

While the original ‘Hailey Jean’ collection is sold out, these $15+ Old Navy denim picks offer a similar baggy fit and vintage-inspired feel. They’re an affordable way to recreate Bieber’s viral denim look without waiting for a restock.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

On Sunday (July 19), New Jersey is hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, as the international tournament comes down to the top two national teams, Spain and Argentina, competing against each other to hoist the FIFA World Cup Trophy on the pitch.

For the 23rd edition of the final, the championship match takes place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

How to Watch 2026 FIFA World Cup Final in Spanish Online, At a Glance:

When Does 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Start?

FIFA World Cup Final begins on Sunday (July 19) at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT. The final match of the fútbol tournament can be found live on Telemundo for the Spanish-language broadcast.

Who Is Performing During 2026 FIFA World Cup Final?

Before the match begins, Jennifer Hudson is scheduled to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the U.S. national anthem. In addition, singers Nicole Scherzinger, Laura Pausini and Robbie Williams are set to perform during the pre-kickoff ceremony with special appearances from influencer IShowSpeed, as well as actor Tom Cruise.

Meanwhile, at halftime, Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and BTS are all expected to perform during the World Cup Final.

Where to Watch 2026 FIFA World Cup Final in Spanish Online for Free

If you want to watch the World Cup Final without subscribing to a cable provider, then there are a few ways to watch the match online for free. There are streaming services, such as DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV and others, that have free trials available to new subscribers (and even for returning subscribers too). These services are the best ways to watch Telemundo online for free.

Spain vs. Argentina 2026: Here’s How to Watch Spanish-Language Broadcast FIFA World Cup Final Live Online

UNLIMITED CLOUD DVR INCLUDED

DirecTV

Watch for free with a five-day free trial.


To watch the World Cup Final in Spanish, go with DirecTV, which offers the “Entertainment Signature Package” for $59.99 for the first month of service ($89.99 per month afterward). The package includes more than 90 channels, like Telemundo and others.

With DirecTV, you can stream on up to three devices at the same time, while the service features unlimited cloud DVR to record your favorite TV shows, movies and even sports to watch back on-demand. If DirecTV sounds good to you, then sign up for a five-day free trial to start watching online.

Peacock

PREMIUM & PREMIUM PLUS

Peacock

The official streamer for Telemundo.


Peacock is the official streaming home to the World Cup Spanish-language broadcast in the United States. The service offers the Premium Plan, which is priced at $10.99 per month, or the Premium Plus Plan, which goes for $16.99 per month. Both plans offer Telemundo for the World Cup Final.

Want to save some money with Peacock? The service has annual plans available too, so you can get 17% off your yearly bill. If you pay $109.99 per year, or $169.99 per year, up front, then you can livestream Peacock Premium, or Peacock Premium Plus, respectively, at a lower cost. And aside from the World Cup Final, the streaming service also grants you access to more live sports from Premiere League, MLB, WNBA, NBA, NFL and other pro leagues.

Peacock doesn’t offer a free trial, however, you can get 30 days of access to Peacock for as low as $1 with a subscription to Walmart+. Streaming access is one of the retailer’s benefits and perks. Learn more about Walmart+ and Peacock here.

How to sign up for DoorDash online, DashPass

DASHPASS DEALS

DoorDash

DoorDash is an Official Tournament Sponsor.


Until Wednesday (July 22), DoorDash DashPass members can get exclusive deals at restaurants and retailers with savings up to 50% off orders on meals, groceries, tech and more. To get the most out of your World Cup watch-party, you can save big on popular restaurants and retailers, like Pepsi, Burger King, Taco Bell, Best Buy, Cheesecake Factory, Starbucks and others, as well as more than 100,000 local businesses. Learn more about DoorDash’s DashPass here.

How to Watch Spanish-Language 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Online Free

220+ CHANNELS

FuboTV

Fubo is affordable option offering a five-day free trial for new users who sign up.


With prices starting at $63.99 per month for the first month of service ($88.99 per month afterward), Fubo’s “Pro” plan is a cable alternative streaming service that offers the World Cup broadcast in Spanish on Telemundo. The plan features more than 220 other channels, including Universo, FOX, FOX Sports, ESPN, ESPN2, MLB.TV, MLB Network, NHL Network and others. Fubo comes with a five-day free trial, so you can try out the service before you commit month-to-month.

How to Watch Spanish-Language 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Online Free

EASY ONLINE CANCELATION

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV comes with Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited at no additional cost.


For Telemundo, you can watch the game with a subscription to Hulu + Live TV, which offers a three-day free trial to try out the service before you commit. Once the free trial is finished, a subscription starts at $89.99 per month for more than 100 live channels. And at no additional cost, Hulu + Live TV is bundled with Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited to watch more originals, live sporting events and other programming.

But until then, the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final: Spain vs. Argentina is available to watch in Spanish on Telemundo, via DirecTV, on Sunday (July 19) at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT.

In the meantime, you can find how to watch the match with the English-language broadcast here.

Rick Ross stopped by The Joe Budden Podcast recently for a Patreron exclusive episode released today, and was asked by Budden why he and Drake don’t tell the public that their supposed friendship and working relationship was a “facade” this entire time. “Why y’all don’t ever say, ‘Yo, all that brotherhood S—t that we was showing y’all in the videos, and how we was carrying it, and it was collabs every summer, it was all a facade,” Budden questioned.

Ross pushed back and denied that his relationship with Drake wasn’t real and suggested that sometimes friendships fizzle out for one reason or another. “No, no, don’t get it f—ked up. Nothing about that was fake,” the Miami rapper replied. “If a n—a f—k with you, a n—a f—k with you,” he continued. “If it’s something that go left, that’s when it go left. It can go left right now on this podcast. It wasn’t fake. Before that, n—as showing love.” Budden countered by suggesting that their falling out doesn’t make sense, telling Ross, “But when we hear what happened, it don’t connect.”

Rozay further explained that sometimes things just happen that way. “Some things are not to be looking for the connection,” he replied before bringing up Budden’s own notorious falling out with former co-hosts Rory Farrell and Jamil “Mal” Clay. “That’s like me looking for the connection between the last weird n—as you used to do the podcast with. You loved them n—as, didn’t you? That’s business. You moved on. That’s what you got to do as a boss. You wish all them n—as the best if it ain’t no real pressure. Continue to do you, keep winning. But once it go left, it go left.”

Rick Ross dropped his 12th solo album Set in Stone today (July 17) and is in the middle of his Port of Miami 20th Anniversary Tour. Billboard went down to South Florida to check out the tour’s opening night. You can check that out below.

The Grand Ole Opry’s Opry 100 Honors is set to honor the life, career and legacy of the late Charley Pride on Sept. 22.

The event, held at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House, will feature performances from Opry members Darius Rucker and Pam Tillis, as well as Neal McCoy and Pride’s son, Dion Pride.

Mississippi native Pride, country music’s first Black superstar, was known for hits including “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’,” “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone,” “Roll On Mississippi” and “All I Have to Offer You (Is Me).” Pride landed 29 No. 1 Billboard Hot Country Songs chart hits during his decades-long career and earned three Grammy Awards.

He signed with RCA Records in the 1960s and earned a career breakthrough with “Just Between You and Me.” In 1971, he was named the CMA’s entertainer of the year and earned two consecutive male vocalist of the year honors (1971-1972). Pride was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000. Among his other accolades are the ACM’s pioneer award and the Recording Academy’s lifetime achievement award.

Pride made his Opry debut in 1967 and became an Opry member in 1993, when he was inducted by Jimmy C. Newman.

“The Grand Ole Opry held a very special place in my father’s heart, and our family is deeply grateful to see his music and legacy celebrated on the stage he loved so much,” Dion Pride said in a statement. “It will be an honor to perform alongside artists who admired him and to share his songs with the fans who have kept them alive for generations.”

“Every single night Charley Pride came home to the Opry was an event,” added Opry executive producer Dan Rogers. “His performances were amazing. The crowd response was like no other. And the backstage area was always, always buzzing. Charley’s spirit and songs live on, and we’re so looking forward to celebrating both on the Opry stage in September.”

$5 from each ticket sold for Opry 100 Honors shows will directly impact the Opry Trust Fund, which has supported country music professionals with assistance for emergencies, medical bills and other hardships for over 60 years. Since the launch of the Opry 100 Honors series in 2025, the shows have honored other country music legends including Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, Charlie Daniels, Porter Wagoner, Bill Monroe, Minnie Pearl, Roy Acuff, Hank Williams, Little Jimmy Dickens and Don Williams.

The Television Academy announced on Friday (July 17) the 19 categories to be presented during the 78th annual Emmy Awards telecast on Monday Sept. 14 and the 102 categories – you read that right – to be presented the previous weekend.

The Academy is moving five awards from the main telecast to the pre-telecast awards – writing for a variety series, supporting actor and actress in a limited series or movie, directing for a limited series or movie, and writing for a limited series or movie.

The seven music categories have long been awarded at the pre-telecast awards, as have two high-profile variety categories – outstanding variety special (live) and outstanding variety special (pre-recorded) – that rightfully should be presented on the telecast.

Related

This year, the nominees for outstanding variety special (live) are The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny (NBC), 83rd Annual Golden Globes (CBS), 68th Annual Grammy Awards (CBS), The Oscars (ABC) and 78th Annual Tony Awards (CBS).

The nominees for outstanding variety special (pre-recorded) are Dave Chappelle: The Unstoppable… (Netflix), The Muppet Show (Disney+), Nikki Glaser: Good Girl (Hulu), Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The Final Show (Disney+) and Wicked: One Wonderful Night (NBC).

Related

The 78th Emmy Awards telecast, hosted by Emmy winner Mariska Hargitay, will air live coast-to-coast on NBC on Monday, Sept. 14, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT from the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live. It will also stream on Peacock. The pre-telecast ceremonies will take place on Saturday, Sept. 5, and Sunday, Sept. 6.

Here’s a complete list of categories that will be presented on each of the three nights. Music and key variety categories are bolded.

Desiigner (born Sidney Selby III) was arrested on a second-degree domestic violence charge in South Carolina on Wednesday (July 15), according to Horry County Sheriff’s Office records viewed by Billboard.

Records show that the “Panda” rapper was booked on Wednesday at 2:21 p.m. ET. He remains behind bars without bail as of press time.

Related

In addition to the domestic violence charge, Desiigner is facing three charges of malicious injury to animals and personal property valued at between $2,000 and $10,000. Each of the latter three charges comes with a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

According to a police report viewed by Complex, Desiigner got into an argument with his girlfriend and mother of his child over TVs assembled on the wall inside a home. The rapper allegedly smashed both of her phones with a hammer.

The victim allegedly fled the situation to a neighbor’s house with their child and locked herself in the bathroom, while Desiigner damaged the neighbor’s car and home windows as he looked for a way to breach the residence. She also claimed that Desiigner physically pushed her and tossed her purse over a fence.

This is far from Desiigner’s first run-in with the law. The Brooklyn-bred rapper was previously arrested on March 23 on a third-degree charge of domestic violence in South Carolina; the following day, he posted a $1,500 bond and was released. Before that, he was arrested in April 2023 on indecent exposure charges, with authorities alleging he was masturbating while aboard a Delta Airlines flight from Tokyo to Minneapolis.

Desiigner broke out in 2016 with “Panda,” which spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. He also earned a pair of top 40 Hot 100 hits with “Timmy Turner” (No. 34 peak) and as a guest on BTS’ “Mic Drop” (No. 28). More recently, Desiigner released his ii deluxe project in April and his “Outside” single in May via LOD Entertainment.

Desiigner’s reps did not immediately respond to Billboard‘s request for comment.


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In 2025, the Polaris Music Prize celebrated its 20th anniversary. Entering its third decade, the award is undergoing what might be its biggest period of change. From funding to voting process, the organization is continuing to evolve.

The cultural not-for-profit organization has spent the better part of two decades creating a space in the industry for Canadian acts to be recognized based solely on artistic merit, rather than sales, genre or support from a record label. Founded in the 2000s as Canada’s answer to the Mercury Prize, the organization became a registered Canadian charity in 2017.

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Over its two-decade run, the Polaris Music Prize has awarded many notable acts, including Kaytranada, Haviah Mighty, Jeremy Dutcher (Twice), Caribou, Feist and more. It’s also recognized greats like Alanis Morissette, Leonard Cohen, Beverly Glenn-Copeland and Neil Young through the Slaight Family Polaris Heritage Prize.

To commemorate its anniversary, Polaris introduced the SOCAN Polaris Song Prize and launched Polaris Festival, a multi-day event across Toronto, showcasing a range of Canadian talent.

But while new initiatives were introduced during its 2025 prize cycle, the longstanding album prize winnings dwindled from $50,000 to $30,000, while the 10 short-listed artists would no longer be awarded $3,000 — potentially indicating funding issues.

As it enters its 21st year, the Polaris Music Prize is finding new ways to persevere, experimenting with new initiatives without abandoning its guiding principles.

Last week, the Polaris Prize unveiled its 2026 short list of 10 albums competing to be named the best in Canada. It includes acts like Charlotte Cornfield, Peaches, Tanya Tagaq and Canada’s hottest band, Angine de Poitrine.

The winner, though, will be decided in a whole new way.

When the organization announced the long list at NXNE, it subtly revealed that the final album winner will be decided by a 205-person voting pool. That represents the first major process change in two decades. In previous years, that 200-plus jury voted to determine the long and short list, but an annually chosen 11-person grand jury made the winning album decision each year.

“It’s something that we’ve been thinking about for a while,” Amber Still, executive director at Polaris Music Prize, tells Billboard Canada.

Still joined the organization’s board in 2021, assuming the role from Claire Dagenais, who took over the position in March 2020 following the departure of Polaris Prize founder Steve Jordan.

“Since I’ve come on the board, we’ve been looking at everything that Polaris has been doing and seeing if there’s any way that we can improve it or find opportunity within it,” Still says, pointing to the award gala and ceremony’s move to Massey Hall back in 2023.

Still explains that the expanded jury is a part of a one-year “pilot program” to ensure that it’s successful and satisfies the existing members. “We will evaluate it at the end and then see if it will be permanent.”

Read more on the Polaris Prize’s updates here. — Heather Taylor-Singh

Angine de Poitrine Make Their Much-Anticipated Toronto Debut

The rise of Angine de Poitrine has happened so quickly, it’s hard to remember they’ve never played Canada’s biggest concert market. That changed Tuesday night (July 14) as they made their debut in Toronto twice in one night: first opening for Jack White at RBC Amphitheatre, then for their own headlining show at Mod Club.

As with many of White’s concerts, this was a no-phones show, so footage of that opening concert is already rare. However, White posted his own photo with the polka-dotted black-and-white alien duo after the show.

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But fans were ready with their cameras out at Mod Club.

There are some concerts that you know will be “I saw them when” moments: The Weeknd’s debut at Mod Club in 2011, a young Adele playing The Rivoli in 2008, even Nirvana at Lee’s Palace in 1990. Leading up to this concert, it felt like Angine de Poitrine could join those ranks.

The Saguenay, Quebec, duo have already shown they can command crowds of nearly 100,000, but they kept their first headlining Toronto show nice and intimate at about 600 people. (They returned to play there again two more times this week, will play Guelph, Ontario’s Hillside Festival on Sunday (July 19), then will return to Toronto to play the much bigger History on November 5.) You could feel the anticipation in the air for the Billboard Canada Global Breakthrough Award winners.

The crowd was ready to erupt, even cheering for the band’s crew (also dressed in black-and-white) erecting their DIY polka-dot sheet backdrop.

When the band finally took the stage, it was a minute before they started playing. Instead, they stood and turned to the crowd, soaking up their cheers, Khn raised his hands to the triangle on his signature hat igniting a light within it, and the two members spoke a few words in their made-up language (somewhere between a sci-fi B-movie robot, a hawk and WWE wrestler Kane), and then began the simple stop-start drum and bass loop that begins Vol. II closer “Angor.” Khn signalled the crowd to clap along by clapping on the side of his helmet, which again timed to the triangle light inside.

Much has been made of the unusualness of their music — the odd time signatures, polyrhythms and microtones (the notes between the notes) — but seeing them live, you can tell why this music is so crowd-pleasing. Their instrumental grooves have a weight to them you can see in their viral online performances but you can feel live in the room. The heavy riffs and build-ups create a visceral tension and release that adds drama that doesn’t need vocals. After the recent wide release of their vinyl albums, Angine de Poitrine charted on multiple Billboard charts, including the Top Dance Albums chart. That felt like a weird fit at the time, but you could see people moving to the off-kilter grooves and clapping along to the non-4/4 time signatures.

It was hot and sweaty in the Mod Club, and it wasn’t long before Klek’s arm makeup wore off — by now its own in-joke. Angine de Poitrine played eight songs in just over an hour, and it felt like an athletic feat, especially right after playing at RBC Amphitheatre with Jack White during a Toronto heat wave. Still, it felt like a taste of things to come as the band continue their extraterrestrial ascent.

Head here for the full recap. — Richard Trapunski

Kneecap to Sue Indigenous Leader for Defamation After Being Denied Entry Into Canada

Kneecap are reportedly filing another defamation lawsuit after being denied entry into Canada. The Irish trio’s counsel Tom Hogan has been granted permission by the high court of Dublin to serve papers for a defamation lawsuit to Harvey Yesno, an Indigenous leader of the Eabametoong First Nation in Canada.

Last year, the group was blocked from entering Canada after Yesno and several other Indigenous leaders signed a statement published by Indigenous Embassy Jerusalem, in partnership with Allied Voices for Israel and the Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation, which denounced the group for their “history of promoting violence, intimidation and discrimination.

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“Kneecap has outwardly supported antisemitism, genocide, and the indiscriminate murder of civilians. Allowing them to play in Canada would be a stain on our country’s reputation,” read the statement, which urged that Live Nation cancel the group’s shows in Oct. 2025 at Toronto’s History (Oct. 14-15) and Vancouver’s Vogue Theatre (Oct. 22-23).

Kneecap are suing for damages, claiming the statement harmed their reputations as professional artists and public figures after being picked up, spread and republished by various media outlets, as reported by the Irish Times.

Later, Liberal MP Vince Gasparro, who the group is already suing for defamation, announced on behalf of the federal government that the group was deemed ineligible to enter the country, explaining in a video posted to X that the band “have amplified political violence and publicly displayed support for terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas.” The group responded, calling his remarks “wholly untrue and deeply malicious” and adding that they had received no formal notice about any official ban.

The new lawsuit against Yesno was approved in Ireland as the group had an arguable case that they had been defamed in their home country, with their personal and professional relationships “bound up” in the jurisdiction.

Read more here. — Stefano Rebuli


Billboard VIP Pass

After Beyoncé’s “Morning Dew” surprise drop lit up last week’s roundup, Gracie Abrams leads this week’s New Music Friday Guide with Daughter From Hell, her moody third studio album. Introduced by the singles “Hit the Wall” and “Look At My Life,” Daughter From Hell finds the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter reuniting with longtime collaborator Aaron Dessner, while also adding Dan Nigro to the mix.

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Between new releases from Grammy-winning reggae and dancehall legend Buju Banton (Too Too Bad), Teflon Don aka Rick Ross (Set in Stone), Afro-house artist Francis Mercier (Lakay), Mexican singer Oscar Maydon (Música en mi Jetski) and The Internet alums Steve Lacy (Oh Yeah?) and Syd (Beard), it’s a particularly packed week for new albums,

Other notable projects arriving this New Music Friday include Mariah Carey (Daydream – 30th Anniversary Edition), Masego (Fix Your Face), Foreigner (In the Eye of the Storm), Waylon Wyatt (Dustpiles), Niko Moon (ROOTS), Mudbaby Ru (Out the Mood), Mike Posner (Crazy Rainbow – EP), Daughtry (There And Back Again), BackRoad Gee (Live in the Flesh), Icewear Vezzo (Rich Off Pints 4), Rome Streetz (Sock It 2 My Pocket) and Nao Yoshioka (self).

Over on the singles side, pop music fave Carly Rae Jepsen leads the way with “After All,” a scintillating taste of the Night side of her forthcoming Day and Night double album. “Iloveitiloveitiloveit” breakout star Bella Kay also shared “I Deserve Better,” a poignant cut from her excellent debut album My Reckless Abandon, which dropped on July 12.

Berlin’s Marlon Hoffstadt dropped his kickdrum-anchored “Get Buck,” Carly Pearce joined forces with Molly Tuttle and Dan Tyminski for “What If You Loved Me,” ascendant Texas rockers Dexter and The Moonrocks shared “If You Could Talk” and country singer-songwriter Wyatt McCubbin released his harmonica-laced “Andy Griffith.”

This New Music Friday also features new tracks from Saucy Santana (“Quiet on the Creek”), Tinashe (“Crash Out”), Kelly Clarkson (“I’d Be Lyin”), Lil Baby (“Dead Fresh”), Pentatonix (“Sacrifice”), Meshell Ndegeocello & Cynthia Erivo (“I Knew You Were Waiting”), Leon Bridges (“Light the Way”), Lauren Alaina & Kane Brown (“Never Been In Love”), Roy Woods (“Brunch”) and Armanii (“World Class”).

Which new release this week is your favorite? Vote — or share your own pick — in Billboard‘s New Music Friday poll below.