Music, meaning, and major money came together at the 7th Annual Jam for Janie GRAMMY Awards® Viewing Party, hosted by Janie’s Fund — the philanthropic organization founded by rock legend and humanitarian Steven Tyler.
The sold out night at the Hollywood Palladium felt rooted in both legacy and momentum. Co-headlined by BigXthaPlug and Clipse, the show brought multiple generations of hip hop together in one room, with Armanii setting the tone as the opener.
Teenagers stood clutching their phones in both hands, rehearsing what they might film, or maybe just trying to steady themselves. Parents lingered near the back, half-present, half-documenting. It felt less like a typical gig and more like a first-concert rite of passage unfolding in real time. Headlining two back-to-back shows at Hoxton Hall, in the same venue where she attended some of her first concerts as a kid, Freya Skye walked out to a sold-out room of endearing fans.
The first thing that struck me about the show was the crowd. Kids as young as four sat cross-legged on the floor or leaned over the balconies, squeezing past other fans in the hope of getting a wave from their favourite singer. There wasn’t a single moment when tweens weren’t screaming along to every lyric.
Watching it happen brought me straight back to my own earliest shows, something I reflect on when thinking about my first concert in 2009, the Jonas Brothers in the flesh! There’s a kind of nervous joy that exists only at your first concert, and it filled the room before Freya even stepped onstage.
The set itself was intentionally stripped back. Acoustic arrangements. It put the focus on Freya’s voice, lyricism, and the way she connected with the audience in front of her. She spoke between songs in a way that felt genuine, acknowledging the room without trying to control it.
PC: Uchechi Adeboye
What stood out most was how present she was with the crowd. She wasn’t performing at them; she was performing with them. Songs like “silent treatment” landed differently in this setting. At only 16, Freya is in no way new to performance, the songwriter made her mark in 2022 as a contestant in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. Four years later, Freya has clearly spent time honing her craft, and her recent film debut in Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires has only widened the circle of people finding their way to her music.
There was also something quietly emotional about seeing Freya perform in London, knowing this is where she’s from. In a year where her career has accelerated so quickly, this show felt grounding, like a pause before everything gets bigger. A moment to come home, and simply play.
Freya is taking this energy on the road next, heading out on sold-out her Stars Align Tour across the US and UK in February and March.
PC: Uchechi Adeboye
It was music’s biggest night—a cultural coronation draped in couture and soundtracked by the industry’s most daring icons. Whether you’re here for the fashion highlights or the show-stopping medleys, we’re keeping score on the moments that truly hit all the right notes.
On Thursday we had the pleasure of attending Spotify’s annual Best New Artist Party at The Lot at Formosa in Los Angeles. This annual celebration spotlights the 8 artists nominated for The Grammy Awards’ Best New Artist category. The night was filled with amazing musical performances by this year’s nominees, complimentary cocktails, multiple photo booths and delicious food, but the highlight was by far the innovative Spray Bar courtesy of Magnum Ice Cream.
We caught up with the Magnum Ice Cream team to shed some light on this engaging activation, “Magnum Ice Cream is bringing indulgence to the spotlight with an exclusive spray bar experience at Spotify’s iconic Best New Artist 2026 Party. At one of the music industry’s most high-profile events, guests have the opportunity to personalize their own Magnum Ice Cream Bars with the name of their BNA nominee pick. The interactive activation allows attendees to treat themselves to a moment of luxury and creativity, perfectly complementing the celebration of emerging musical talent. Magnum continues to celebrate self-expression and enjoyment, making every experience a little more memorable.”
Not only did guests enjoy customizing these sweet treats, it provided a nice cool down in between the high-energy performances. Additionally there were a plethora of food stations including mini pizzas, tacos, burgers and limitless drinks. Hilton had an entire suite dedicated to their partnership with Spotify including complimentary key cards, a photo booth, custom cocktails and lite bites.
The performances kicked off with Grammy-Award winning Leon Thomas, up for 6 nominations this year. The audience went crazy for his live version of “Mutt,” followed by a stunning performance by Lola Young and an amazing set by The Marias. Lola Young’s emotional live performance of “Sad Sob Story” was everything and more. Alex Warren, Katseye and Sombr did not disappoint. Katseye slayed with their impeccable choreography and high-energy dance moves for hits like “Gnarly”. Addison Rae turned up the heat with her back-up dancers and performed breakout hit “Diet Pepsi.” Olivia Dean closed out the night and sang her viral record “So Easy (To Fall In Love)” leaving guests wanting more.
In addition to the stellar performances there were many special guests in attendance including PinkPantheress, Shaboozey, Kaytranada, Diplo, Zara Larsson, Larray, Murda Beatz and many more.
The K-pop sensation girl group TWICE is shining brighter than ever on their THIS IS FOR world tour, marking their sixth ever world tour and the first in support of their fourth full-length studio album, THIS IS FOR.
The Room 112 Tour stop at YouTube Theater on January 23 felt like a reunion rooted in nostalgia, legacy, and connection. R&B staples 112 were joined by special guests Total and Case for a night that celebrated timeless records while honoring the artists and eras that shaped the culture.
From the moment doors opened, the crowd felt intentional. Fans arrived ready to sing, reminisce, and relive memories tied to songs that have lived in playlists for decades. Case warmed up the room with smooth vocals and an intimate stage presence that immediately set the tone. His set included standout performances of “Touch Me, Tease Me,” “Missing You,” and “Happily Ever After,” each met with loud singalongs from the crowd. “Touch Me, Tease Me” brought out the flirtier side of the audience, while “Missing You” created one of the night’s more emotional moments, with phones raised and voices filling the theater. He closed strong with “Happily Ever After,” reminding everyone why his ballads still resonate years later.
Photo credit: Noel Vasquez/YouTube Theater
Total followed, bringing high energy despite performing without Pamela Long. Even with one member absent, the group delivered with confidence and cohesion. They performed fan favorites including “Kissing You,” “What About Us,” and “Can’t You See,” with each song receiving its own wave of nostalgia from the crowd. “Kissing You” felt especially powerful live, with layered harmonies echoing through the venue, while “What About Us” had fans dancing in their seats. One of the most meaningful moments of their set came during “Can’t You See,” when visuals of The Notorious B.I.G appeared on screen rapping his verse, allowing his presence to live on while the audience sang every word.
Photo credit: Noel Vasquez/YouTube Theater
112 took the stage next, performing as a duo with Slim and Mike holding it down for the group. They opened their set with “It’s Over Now,” setting an emotional tone right from the start. Despite being down two members, Slim and Mike carried the performance with ease, blending polished vocals with genuine engagement that kept the audience locked in throughout.
Their set moved seamlessly between slow jams and crowd favorites, but the emotional high points came during their tributes to hip hop royalty. The group paid homage to both Biggie and Tupac, taking a moment to honor their influence and impact. Biggie appeared on screen once again during their performance of “Only You (Remix),” creating another powerful singalong moment that connected generations in real time. The show closed on a high note with “Peaches & Cream,” sending the crowd home on pure nostalgia and joy. It was the kind of ending that reminded everyone why these records still matter.
From my perspective, the night worked because it balanced reverence for the past with present-day appreciation. Even with altered lineups, both Total and 112 delivered performances rooted in authenticity and love for the music. Seeing Slim and Mike lead 112 with confidence, and watching Total command the stage without Pam, spoke to the longevity and resilience of artists who continue to show up for their fans.
Ultimately, the Room 112 Tour stop in Los Angeles felt less like a concert and more like a shared experience. It was a reminder that R&B lives in memory, emotion, and community. These songs are woven into people’s stories, and on this night, YouTube Theater became a space where generations came together to celebrate that legacy.
Photo credit: Noel Vasquez/YouTube Theater
Photo credit: Noel Vasquez/YouTube Theater
Amidst a changing landscape, the power of thoughtful musicianship stands firm. Andre Chez has built a career grounded not in visibility, but in trust — trust earned through preparation, lineage, and a deep respect for the responsibility of musical leadership. His work reflects a philosophy shaped by lived experience, rigorous study, and a lifelong commitment to listening deeply.
On December 27, The Christmas Night Opera filled Carnegie Hall with an audience made of longtime opera enthusiasts, devoted fans, and first-time listeners drawn by the holiday program. Set inside the Stern Auditorium, the evening brought together world-renowned vocalists and the American Symphony Orchestra for a concert that felt both celebratory and focused, offering a year-end gathering rooted in tradition rather than spectacle.
Gunna’s Wun World Tour is his first global headlining run following the announcement of dates for a massive your across North America, Africa, Europe and Australia in support of his latest album The Last Wun. The tour has been one of the most talked-about hip-hop events of the year, spotlighting Gunna’s star power and growth as an artist. Ticket demand has been strong throughout the North American leg, with the run through cities like Boston, New York and Los Angeles selling out quickly.