Tyla wins the inaugural iHeartRadio Music’s World Artist of the year award.
South African singer, Tyla made history at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards by winning the inaugural World Artist of the Year award. Held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 17, the ceremony saw Tyla triumph over Nigerian stars Tems and Burna Boy, as well as Central Cee and YG Marley. At just 23, Tyla continues to dominate the global music scene. Her breakout hit “Water” became a worldwide sensation, topping the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Chart, earning platinum status, and receiving a remix with Travis Scott. She also secured a Grammy for Best African Music Performance earlier this year. Beyond Tyla’s win, Taylor Swift was named Artist of the Year, while Mariah Carey received the Icon Award. Lady Gaga was honoured as an Innovator, Sabrina Carpenter won Pop Artist of the Year, and GloRilla was recognised as Hip-Hop Artist of the Year.
Tyla wins World Artist of the Year at the #iHeartAwards2025. pic.twitter.com/KEyvWlcJxb
— Pop Base (@PopBase) March 18, 2025
UMG moves to dismiss Drake’s lawsuit over Kendrick Lamar’s diss track.
Universal Music Group (UMG) has filed a motion to dismiss Drake’s lawsuit against them, arguing that the rapper is only suing because he “lost a rap battle” against Kendrick Lamar. The filing, reviewed by Variety, states that Drake initiated the feud and is now taking legal action to “salve his wounds” rather than accepting defeat. Drake’s lawsuit, filed in January, alleges that Universal intentionally promoted Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” to damage his reputation, claiming it falsely portrayed him as a criminal. However, Universal argues that the lawsuit lacks merit, stating the track was “rhetorical hyperbole” and not defamatory. The label also highlighted Drake’s past opposition to using rap lyrics as legal evidence, calling his stance a double standard. Universal previously filed to dismiss a separate lawsuit in Texas, where Drake accused them of artificially boosting the song’s popularity.
Universal Music Group has filed a scathing motion to dismiss Drake's New York lawsuit against them for promoting Kendrick Lamar‘s “Not Like Us,” claiming that Drake “lost a rap battle that he provoked and in which he willingly participated. Instead of accepting the loss like the… pic.twitter.com/tRDs3KOzOG
— Variety (@Variety) March 17, 2025
Leon Thomas announces remix of his hit single, “Mutt” featuring Chris Brown.
The fast-rising R&B star, Leon Thomas has officially announced a remix of his hit single “Mutt” featuring Chris Brown, set to drop on March 22. The R&B singer shared the news on Instagram, calling it the “R&B Olympics” and tagging Brown. Thomas debuted the remix live during his Dallas show over the weekend. Originally released in September under Ty Dolla $ign’s EZMNY Records and Motown, “Mutt” has been a breakthrough hit, peaking at No. 19 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and marking Thomas’ first Billboard Hot 100 entry. He previously collaborated with Freddie Gibbs on an earlier remix. Thomas and Brown have worked together before—he co-wrote Zendaya’s 2016 track “Something New” featuring Brown and co-produced “Emerald / Burgundy” from Brown’s 2019 album Indigo. With Babyface as a frequent collaborator, Thomas also contributed to SZA’s Grammy-winning hit “Snooze”.
Leon Thomas' "Mutt" remix featuring Chris Brown will be released this Friday, March 21. pic.twitter.com/vnR81kdGiY
— chart data (@chartdata) March 18, 2025
Conan O’Brien will return as host for the 98th Academy Awards in 2026.
Following a widely praised performance at the 2025 Academy Awards, Conan O’Brien will return to host the 98th Oscars on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre. The announcement was made by Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang, who also confirmed that Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan will return as producers for the third consecutive year. O’Brien’s hosting debut received rave reviews, blending humour and insight, prompting Disney executive Rob Mills to express enthusiasm for his return. “The only reason I’m hosting next year is to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech,” O’Brien joked in the official announcement. This year’s ceremony attracted 19.69 million viewers, an increase from 18.07 million in 2024, partly due to its debut on Hulu. O’Brien joins a legacy of returning hosts, including Jimmy Kimmel, Billy Crystal, and Bob Hope, who previously held multiple back-to-back hosting gigs.
Conan O’Brien is officially returning to host the 98th Oscars. pic.twitter.com/C44KblBfKz
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) March 17, 2025
Gal Gadot honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Hollywood star, Gal Gadot has made history as the first Israeli actress to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. During the ceremony, she proudly referenced her Israeli heritage, telling the audience, “I’m just a girl from Israel,” and encouraging young dreamers by saying, “If a girl from Rosh Ha’ayin can get a star on Hollywood Boulevard, anything is possible.” She also addressed her family in Hebrew, expressing love despite the distance. Gadot rose to fame through her roles in the “Fast & Furious” franchise and as Wonder Woman in the DC films. The honour comes just days before the U.S. release of Disney’s “Snow White,” in which she stars as the Evil Queen. The ceremony took place amid protests nearby, with pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathering as tensions remain high following recent developments in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Gal Gadot receiving her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. pic.twitter.com/dRwNNxJvym
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) March 18, 2025
