HITS LIST GETS LIT UP
Whoa, this year's going too fast. (11/19a)
ON THE COVER: WICKED
They're not in Kansas anymore. (11/19a)
GRAMMY CHEW: RUMINATING ON THE BIG 4 NOMS
80% is a lot better than usual. (11/15a)
NEAR TRUTHS: REALIGNMENT AND RECOGNITION
Underscoring the year's biggest stories (11/19a)
NEAR TRUTHS: THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
Nervous time in the music biz and beyond. (11/16a)
NOW WHAT?
We have no fucking idea.
COUNTRY'S NEWEST DISRUPTOR
Three chords and some truth you may not be ready for.
AI IS ALREADY EATING YOUR LUNCH
The kids can tell the difference... for now.
WHO'S BUYING THE DRINKS?
That's what we'd like to know.
1
WICKED: Yellow brick road is paved with gold as musical giant prepares to bewitch the multiplexes and Verve/Republic ST casts its spell. How big? We could tell you, if we only had a brain.
2
MICHAEL RAPINO: Live Nation boss takes a bow as Q3 numbers show 39% profitability spike, $7.7b in overall revenue after boffo summer season. Good show.
3
TIKTOK: How will the new U.S. administration, given its anti-China bluster, address culture-rocking social video giant? In related news, will Truth Social soon feature dance clips?
4
LINKIN PARK: There’s Zero surprise that Warner (WME) rockers come roaring back with new album after explosive action on “Emptiness” and new cut “Two Faced” with huge new Live Nation-boosted tour locked and loaded. Fans are amped.
5
TAYLOR SWIFT: As we assess industry market share, we note Republic megastar notches a 1.7 on her own—bigger than several entire labels combined—and 15.6m in U.S. activity. We told you she was in a class by herself.
6
SONY MUSIC: House Stringer’s Q3 report marked by 11%+ revenue bump, big gains in streams, physical, publishing. We’d call that a Rob-ust performance.
7
HYDE PARK FESTIVAL: AEG-presented London confab’s 2025 lineup puts the green in “green space” as O-Rod, Zach, Noah/Gracie, ELO, Hugh Jackman join the calendar. It’s the BST in the biz.
8
SPOTIFY: The stream team is in an Ek-ceedingly good mood as Q3 report shows year-over-year boost in users, $4.25b in revenue en route to first full year of profitability, and stock goes bananas. How do you say “cha-ching” in Swedish?
9
LATIN GRAMMYS: Indie giant Rimas claims Album and Record of the Year with night’s big winner, bachata legend Juan Luis Guerra, while KAROL G, Bad Bunny, Grupo Frontera score at Miami trophyfest. Delicioso.
10
GRAMMY NOMS: The Academy gets it (mostly) right as Chappell, Sabrina, Billie, Bey, Tay, Charli, Shaboozey, Benson, more get high-profile love. Now it’s pedal to the medal until Music’s Biggest Night.