NEWS category — real, dated music events only (WebSearch-verified: releases, tours, awards, signings)
Sony Music Publishing's agreement for Recognition Music Group's 45,000-song catalog and Warner's $1.2 billion Bain Capital vehicle define a year in which catalogs became infrastructure.
The concert giant posted $3.8 billion in first-quarter revenue with 24 million fans through the gates, but a $450 million legal accrual pushed the quarter to an operating loss.
Hangout, Summer Camp and a lengthening list of regional festivals pulled their 2026 editions as costs outran ticket sales, while Coachella's sold bill shows the split market.
The February 1 ceremony crowned Bad Bunny's Debí Tirar Más Fotos as Album of the Year while Kendrick Lamar collected five awards, a night that confirmed the Academy's global turn.
Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, Karol G and Anyma top the April bill announced September 15, 2025, with Karol G becoming the festival's first Latina headliner.
Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen, Zach Bryan and Future rotated through the top of the Billboard 200 in a single month, per Luminate's year-end data showing US streams at 1.5 trillion.