MARIA SHERMAN

Music Journalist

BET says ‘audio malfunction’ caused heavy censorship of Usher’s speech at the 2024 BET Awards

Usher’s acceptance speech of the BET Awards’ lifetime achievement award was heartfelt, occasionally profane and lengthy — and few people got to hear it.

BET Awards 2024: Usher is honored, Will Smith returns, and the election is top of mind

Usher has been honored with the lifetime achievement award at the 2024 BET Awards. Childish Gambino, Coco Jones and Keke Palmer were part of a stacked all-star tribute to the R&B superstar.

Music Review: Megan Thee Stallion’s fierce ‘Megan’ trades hot girl summers for a different freedom

Megan Thee Stallion’s self-released third album, “Megan,” is her first since reaching a settlement with her former record label 1501 Certified Entertainment after three years of litigation.

The best albums of 2024 so far: AP’s picks include Beyoncé, Chief Keef, Kali Uchis, Waxahatchee

The sun is hot, but the tunes are hotter. We’re only halfway through 2024, and some of the biggest names in music have already released albums.

Taylor Swift brings out Travis Kelce at London Eras Tour date

Taylor Swift had a surprise for fans attending her Eras Tour at London’s Wembley Stadium on Sunday: her boyfriend and tight end for the Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs, Travis Kelce.

Justin Timberlake arrested: What you need to know about the pop star

Justin Timberlake was arrested early Tuesday and is accused of driving while intoxicated on New York’s Long Island.

Who will have the 2024 song of the summer? We offer some predictions

Since the beginning of time or, at least, pop music, only a few tracks have earned the esteemed designation of “song of the summer.”

Scooter Braun says he’s no longer a music manager, will focus on Hybe duties and his children

Scooter Braun, one of the most recognizable names in the music business known for representing artists like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, will no longer work as a music manager.

R.E.M. reunite at Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony also honoring Timbaland and Steely Dan

A reunion of R.E.M. was one of the unexpected highlights at the 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony that also honored legendary band Steely Dan, R&B and rap producer Timbaland, Nashville hitmaker Hillary Lindsey and Dean Pitchford, who helped Kenny Loggins with the megahit “Footloose.”

Moneybagg Yo’s ‘A Gangsta’s Pain’ went No. 1. He’s back to soundtrack your summer with ‘Speak Now.’

In 2021, you heard it: Moneybagg Yo’s “Wokesha” blaring from cars and corner stores. The undeniable song of the summer helped turn the Memphis rapper into a No. 1 artist.

Matty Healy’s mom says The 1975 singer and model Gabbriette Bechtel are engaged

The 1975’s Matty Healy and model Gabbriette Bechtel are engaged, according to Healy’s mother. On Wednesday, English actor Denise Welch confirmed the news on ITV’s “Loose Women.”

The Apollo Theater celebrates 90th anniversary at star-studded spring benefit with Usher, Babyface

The Apollo Theater is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. The bastion of Black music and culture is one of New York City’s most storied venues.

Black Music Month has evolved since the 1970s. Here’s what you need to know

Every June since the 1970s, across the United States, musicians, fans and industry professionals celebrate Black Music Month.

Ice Spice announces highly anticipated debut album ‘Y2K’ will arrive in July

Ice Spice’s long-awaited debut album, “Y2K,” is almost here. The Grammy-nominated Bronx rapper, celebrated for her sweet, lackadaisical flow, will drop her first full-length album on July 26.

Music Review: Charli XCX’s ‘Brat’ swings between hedonism and anxiety, cult classic and pop party

Charli XCX’s sixth album, “Brat,” oscillates between hedonism and anxiety. Specifically, the euphoria of a late night on the dancefloor and the creeping disquietude of the morning after, writes The Associated Press music writer Maria Sherman.

A decade after ‘All About That Bass,’ Meghan Trainor aims to make her feel-good songs ‘Timeless’

Ten years ago, Meghan Trainor became a hit pop performer. “All About That Bass” established the then 20-year-old as a new force channeling old sounds, a combination of doo-wop with contemporary pop hooks.

Halsey reveals illness, announces new album and shares new song ‘The End’

Halsey has been privately battling illness. She shared the news Tuesday on Instagram in a series of videos that appear to document the singer receiving infusions.

Keith Urban, Doja Cat, Big Sean, Gwen Stefani and more to perform at iHeartRadio Music Festival

Big Sean, Camila Cabello, Doja Cat, Hozier, Keith Urban, Gwen Stefani, New Kids on the Block and Paramore are among the performers this fall at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas, which will be broadcast live.

Childish Gambino will perform at the BET Awards with Taraji P. Henson hosting. Here’s what to know

The 2024 BET Awards are fast approaching. Oscar-nominated actor Taraji P. Henson will host the BET Awards for a third time.

Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: ‘I am completely heartsick and devastated’

Jennifer Lopez has canceled her 2024 North American tour. Representatives for Live Nation confirmed the cancellation to The Associated Press.

Music Review: RM of BTS has a new solo album, ‘Right Place, Wrong Person,’ an elastic experiment

All seven members of BTS are currently serving South Korea’s compulsory enlistment for men of a certain age.

Music Review: Billie Eilish’s ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft’ is zealous outsider pop in a league of her own

Billie Eilish’s highly anticipated third studio album has arrived.

Drake leads the 2024 BET Awards nominations with 7, followed closely by Nicki Minaj

Drake is the leading nominee for next month’s BET Awards, followed closely by Nicki Minaj. The Canadian rapper received seven nominations Thursday, including an album of the year nod for “For All the Dogs.”

Lainey Wilson wins big at the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards, including the top honor

It was Lainey Wilson’s night, in many ways. She took home female artist of the year and the top prize of entertainer of the year at the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards.

In her feminist punk music, Kathleen Hanna tells it all. In her memoir, there’s more to the story

Kathleen Hana’s bands, Bikini Kill, the Julie Ruin and Le Tigre, have long been celebrated for their candor, and their songs which chastised abusers and celebrated women.

Jason Aldean will honor Toby Keith with a performance at the 2024 ACM Awards

The time has come to raise a red solo cup. Jason Aldean will pay tribute to the late Toby Keith at the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards on Thursday.

Childish Gambino announces first tour in 5 years, releases reimagined 2020 album with new songs

Childish Gambino has returned with a reimagined album and a new tour announcement. Early Monday, Donald Glover posted on X that “ATAVISTA” had hit streaming platforms.

PHOTOS: Taylor Swift kicks off European leg of Eras Tour, adds ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ songs

In her first Eras Tour concert since the release of “The Tortured Poets Department,” Taylor Swift shook up her setlist.

Grupo Frontera’s hybrid Mexican music went global. On a new album, their genre-melding has no limits

A lot can happen in two years. Just ask Grupo Frontera, who released their highly anticipated sophomore album, “Jugando Que No Pasa Nada,” Friday.

Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber are expecting a baby, renew their vows

Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together. A representative for Hailey Bieber confirmed to The Associated Press on Thursday that the model is just over six months pregnant.