Warning: This article contains spoilers for the Season 24 finale of American Idol.

Hannah Harper has been named the Season 24 winner of American Idol. The Missouri country singer was crowned on Monday night (May 11) during the show’s live three-hour finale on ABC and Disney+, with Jordan McCullough finishing as runner-up and Keyla Richardson in third place.

The Top 3 opened the finale by singing judge Carrie Underwood’s “The Champion,” before each delivered a series of solo and duet performances throughout the evening.

Harper performed a duet with Lee Ann Womack on “I Hope You Dance” and closed out the competition with “String Cheese” — the original song that launched her journey on the show — before ultimately being crowned with a performance of “At the Cross (Love Ran Red)” by Chris Tomlin.

Harper went viral during her audition with “String Cheese,” an original song she wrote while dealing with postpartum depression following the birth of her youngest child. The mother of three from Willow Springs, Missouri grew up performing bluegrass and gospel music with her family band, The Harper Collective, and cited Dolly Parton, Shania Twain and Jo Dee Messina as key influences.

During her hometown visit last week, she was surprised onstage by Messina — whose song she had performed earlier in the competition. The city of Willow Springs officially declared May 6 Hannah Harper Day.

The star-studded finale featured guest mentor Alicia Keys, who performed alongside the top contestants. Judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood all took the stage — the trio performing Richie’s 1986 hit “Deep River Woman” together — with Underwood also performing alongside Mötley Crüe.

Additional performances came from Brad Paisley, Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms, Cameron Whitcomb, Clay Aiken, En Vogue, Jason Mraz, Lee Ann Womack, Nelly, Shinedown and Tori Kelly.

Harper had been a frontrunner throughout the season, with Underwood calling her one of her favorites from the moment she auditioned. American Idol Season 24 aired on ABC and streams on Hulu.

Guy Moot, co-chair and CEO of publishing company Warner Chappell Music (WCM), has been confirmed as 2026’s recipient of the prestigious Music Industry Trusts Award (MITS). He is the first music publisher to be awarded the prize.

Organizers have said the award is in recognition of Moot’s 30-plus year career, “defined by creative vision, a ‘songwriter-first’ philosophy and a lifelong commitment to music’s power to educate, heal, and transform lives.”

The MITS will be presented to Moots on Nov. 9 at a gala ceremony held at central London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, in support of two leading U.K. music charities: The BRIT Trust and music therapy organization Nordoff & Robbins.

“To be the first publisher to receive the MITS Award is a real honour, and one that I hope serves as a celebration of songwriters and the extraordinary value of their music,” Moot said in a statement. “I’ve spent my whole life championing creators and finding the next generation of talent who deserve a pathway in.

“The BRIT Trust has a proven track record of building careers and opening doors for young people who might never otherwise get the chance. And Nordoff & Robbins reminds us why music matters in the first place — its profound ability to reach people in a way that nothing else can. I’m proud to support both, and humbled to receive this recognition.”

Moot will join an illustrious line of previous MITS recipients including both executives (Sir Lucian Grainge, Rob Stringer, Jason Iley, Emma Banks, Michael Eavis and Lucy Dickins) and artists (Kylie Minogue, Sir Elton John, Roger Daltrey). 2025’s honoree was Ashley Tabor-King, founder and executive chairman of commercial radio group Global Media & Entertainment.

Moot began his industry journey in retail before transitioning into A&R in 1984 at ATV Music and Chrysalis Records. In 1987, he joined SBK Music Publishing, following its merger with EMI Music Publishing. He rose through EMI’s ranks and by 2003 had been appointed executive vp of A&R for the U.K. and Europe, later becoming U.K. managing director and president of European Creative in 2005.

In 2012, Moot played a central role in navigating the Sony-EMI merger in Europe. Five years later, he was named president of worldwide creative. In 2019, Moot was appointed co-chair and CEO of Warner Chappell Music, working alongside Carianne Marshall. The company’s roster has grown to include artists and songwriters such as Dua Lipa, Cardi B and Zach Bryan, alongside catalogues from David Bowie, Madonna, George Michael and Tom Petty.

Toby Leighton-Pope, co-chair of the MITS Award Committee, added: “Few people in our industry have had a career as extensive and influential as Guy’s. His impact reaches far beyond the U.K., making this year’s recognition especially significant. From his early days in a record store to becoming one of the industry’s most senior executives, his commitment to music has never wavered, matched by a depth of experience that truly sets him apart. Congratulations to Guy on this well-deserved MITS Award and on an exceptional career to date.”

iHeartMedia, the largest U.S. radio station and podcast distribution company, saw revenue rise nearly 10% to $884 million in the first quarter — but nearly 20% growth in podcasting revenue wasn’t enough to offset disappointing advertising income.

In its Q1 earnings release on Monday (May 11), the company reported that adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) — a key measure of profitability — fell 11.4% to $93 million in the quarter ended March 31 due to softness in the advertising market and marketing expenses incurred earlier in the year than expected, executives said. Cash provided by operating activities generated $93 million, while free cash flow — what’s left over after operational spending and capital expenses are covered — was negative $114 million.

Facing substantial debt repayments starting in 2028, iHeart executives said they were optimistic that growth in podcast revenue and political advertisements in the second half of the year would help the company achieve its full-year EBITDA guidance of $800 million and $200 million in free cash flow.

Revenue from iHeart’s multiplatform group, which includes its more than 860 broadcast radio stations with shows like The Breakfast Club with Charlamagne Tha God, rose 4% to $493 million. Adjusted EBITDA fell 33% to $47 million on adjusted EBITDA margin of 9.5%.

Revenue from the digital audio group was up nearly 20% to $327 million. That was driven by $180 million from podcasts, a figure that was 27% higher than the year-ago quarter. Adjusted EBITDA for the segment held flat at $87 million from a year ago.

Cash balance for the quarter was $135 million, with the company’s total available liquidity coming in at less than half a billion dollars.

The company forestalled any questions about media reports that it was exploring a merger with satellite media company SiriusXM. At the outset of the Q&A section of the call, the operator said, “Our company does not comment on rumors or speculation.”

The Wiggles sparked a wave of online reactions after revealing during an Australian radio appearance that they aren’t particularly familiar with Oasis — even confusing the Britpop icons for The Beatles at one point.

The moment unfolded during an appearance by Anthony Field and Lucia Field — the father-daughter duo currently performing as the Blue Wiggles — on Nova 96.9’s Ricki-Lee & Tim. While participating in a game identifying famous songs, the hosts played Oasis’ 1995 hit “Wonderwall,” prompting Lucia to admit she didn’t recognize it.

“Controversially, I like Blur more … that is why I have no idea,” Lucia said, referencing Oasis’ long-running Britpop rivalry with Blur.

The comment stunned the hosts, with Tim Blackwell responding, “No! That is gonna go everywhere.”

Anthony then admitted his own knowledge of Oasis was limited, recalling a moment during a visit to Abbey Road Studios with his son.

“I bought him what I thought was a Paul McCartney and John Lennon poster and he said, ‘They’re the guys from Oasis,’” Anthony said. “I am so out of touch mate.”

Despite the confusion, Anthony did recognize the band’s signature song title, adding: “I know they had a song called ‘Wonderwall.’”

The exchange arrives during a major resurgence of interest in Oasis following the band’s blockbuster reunion tour, which has driven huge global demand and sold-out stadium dates across multiple continents. The Britpop group — led by brothers Liam Gallagher and Noel Gallagher — scored eight No. 1 albums in the U.K. and became one of the defining rock acts of the 1990s with songs including “Wonderwall,” “Don’t Look Back in Anger” and “Champagne Supernova.”

“Wonderwall” remains the band’s biggest hit in the United States, peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1996 while topping the Alternative Airplay chart.

The Wiggles, meanwhile, continue to expand well beyond children’s entertainment, recently collaborating with artists across pop, country and rock while building a strong following among adult audiences through festival appearances and viral crossover moments.

The group appeared on the Nova program to promote their new song “Sparkle.”

Nettwerk Music Group co-founders Terry McBride and Mark Jowett will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Libera Awards, to be held on Monday, June 8, at the historic Gotham Hall in New York City. The recognition celebrates their four-decade commitment to artist development, innovation and leadership within the global independent music sector.

The 15th annual Libera Awards (officially, The Libera Awards Presented By Merlin) are presented by the Foundation for Independent Music (FIM), with support from the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM).

“Terry and Mark have been true mavericks and innovators in the independent music sector the past 40 years,” Ian Harrison, CEO of A2IM, said in a statement. “Their tireless work supporting a diverse array of artists through their label, management, publishing and various non-profits has been an inspiration to generations of independent musicians and industry members. We are honored to recognize their extraordinary work with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Now in its 40th year, Nettwerk Music Group has become one of the world’s most influential independent music companies. As CEO, McBride has long been a champion of artist empowerment and digital innovation. Beyond Nettwerk, he co-founded the groundbreaking Lilith Fair, which raised more than $10 million for women’s charities, and has continued to expand his impact through ventures in wellness and industry advocacy.

Jowett, a founding partner of Nettwerk, has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s evolution into a global, multi-faceted organization spanning recorded music, artist management and publishing. His work has helped support artists including Sarah McLachlan, Coldplay, Avril Lavigne, Dido and Sum 41, while also contributing to the broader industry through leadership roles with organizations such as FACTOR, SOCAN and the Canadian Music Publishers Association.

The organizers also announced four performers for the show, three of whom are 2026 Libera Awards nominees. The announced performers are Nigerian Tuareg guitar innovator Mdou Moctax, nominated for best global record for Tears of Injustice (Matador Records); singer-songwriter Valerie June, nominated for best American roots record for Owls, Omens, and Oracles (Concord Records); Dawn Richard, a previous Libera Award winner, nominated for best R&B record for “A Flex” (Merge Records); and eclectic synth-pop artist PORCHES.

This year’s ceremony will feature 38 categories highlighting the best in independent music, including, for the first time, independent record store of the year. This year’s top artist nominees are Oklou, Geese, Clipse, Hayley Williams and Wednesday.

The event will once again be hosted by Delisa Shannon, Billboard’s short form content director. Tickets, which begin at $369.70, are on sale at the A2IM site.

The Libera Awards will once again kick off the Indie Week conference, which begins the following morning, Tuesday, June 9, and runs through Thursday, June 11, at the InterContinental New York Times Square.

The Los Angeles Press Club announced finalists for the 2026 Southern California Journalism Awards and Billboard has received seven nominations.

For more than we 60 years, the L.A. Press Club’s SoCal Journalism Awards has been “calling attention to LA’s fine journalists while promoting excellence in new and emerging media.” Every year, the press club honors journalists across print, audio, television and online platforms in categories spanning everything from faith reporting to hard news, cultural criticism to photography and graphic design. This year, Billboard is nominated across two photography, three feature and one entertainment news categories.

In the category of Portrait Photo, Entertainment Heather Hazzan, Grayson Khos, Jenny Sargent and Samantha Xu received a nod for their portraits of Gracie Abrams for the April 19, 2025 issue of Billboard‘s print magazine. Joe Pugliese, Jenny Sargent and Samantha Xu are up for Entertainment Photo, Single Image for a photograph of June 2025 Billboard “Indie Power Players” cover star ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic.

Billboard snagged two nominations in the Feature, Entertainment (Over 1,000 Words) category. Billboard’s executive editor, features Rebecca Milzoff is up for her story “‘Weird Al’ Yankovic on His Unexpected Longevity, Biggest Tour Ever & Creative Freedom: ‘Nobody Owns Any Piece of Me’” from the same “Indie Power Players” issue as the nominated photograph of Weird Al. Meanwhile, executive editor, West Coast/country Melinda Newman is nominated for “Welcome to Koe Country,” her March 2025 cover story on country singer Koe Wetzel ahead of last year’s SXSW.

Staff writer Michael Saponara is nominated for his story “Country Power Players Innovator: BigXThaPlug” in the Feature (Under 1,000) category. Closing out the nominations in feature categories, staff writer Hannah Dailey is up in Entertainment Feature, Theater/Performing Arts Related for “Meet the College Marching Bands Who Play Hits By Chappell Roan, Tyler, the Creator & More.” Finally, Billboard contributor Sophie Dunne received a nod in the Culture News, Events category for her Coachella report “Coachella 2025 Expands ‘Soberchella’ With More Non-Alcoholic Options Than Ever.”

The winners of the 68th annual Southern California Journalism Awards will be announced on Sunday June 28. See the full list of this year’s finalists here.

A group of municipal and state governments involved in fostering music and entertainment in their respective localities has formed the Association of Music Offices (AMO), it was announced Monday (May 11) at the Music Biz conference in Atlanta. The newly launched national trade group, so far composed of 14 government music offices, community organizations and industry partners, will champion shared resources and best practices for local music ecosystems, according to the announcement.

Governmental founding members consist of the Dallas Music Office, the Huntsville Music Office, the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, the New Orleans Mayor’s Office of Nighttime Economy, the North Carolina Music Office, the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, the Tennessee Entertainment Commission, the Texas Music Office and the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture. Other founding members include community-based organizations Georgia Music Partners and Music Export Memphis, and industry affiliates the Recording Academy, Pace Public Relations and Marauder, a marketing and development organization that works with music communities, the press release states.

“Every city has a music scene, but most overlook it as an economic and quality of life driver,” said Matt Mandrella, the music officer for the city of Huntsville, Ala., in a statement supplied to Billboard. “As the country’s first municipal Music Officer, I’m so excited about the team we have launching AMO and even more thrilled to see other regions follow our lead in the future. Together, we have the opportunity to significantly amplify the power of music ecosystems nationwide.” 

According to the announcement, AMO will aim to strengthen music ecosystems nationwide, while also serving “as the collective voice for music office leadership.” What’s more, the organization will share expertise and help foster “long-term economic impact and cultural vitality nationwide” and “reshape how local governments and organizations invest in and sustain their creative economies.”

“It’s exciting to see the Association of Music Offices grow from organic discussions about policy into an organization that has the potential to transform how we support music at the state and local level,” said Reid Wick, the Recording Academy’s director of regional advocacy and member engagement, in a statement.

The AMO’s initial focus, the release adds, will be to establish governance and membership structures for the organization; develop data and measurement frameworks to quantify music’s local impact; build community engagement models for diverse and inclusive music ecosystems; and create a central hub and accessible resource library for engagement toolkits, funding mechanisms, education and other programs.

The announcement ends with an appeal for music offices and allied organizations to learn more about participating in AMO’s first year at www.musicoffices.org.

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Starting during FIFA World Cup 2026, an event that she co-wrote the tournament’s official song, Shakira goes on the Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (Women Don’t Cry Anymore) Tour throughout the United States, with nearly 20 dates starting Saturday, June 13 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA. The U.S. portion of the tour ends at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Saturday, July 25. During the fall, Shakira travels to Spain for an 11-day residency in Madrid.

Tickets to the tour first went on sale through Live Nation and Ticketmaster, while the retailer’s Face Value Exchange program is an option for fans to resell tickets.

However, many of the dates have either sold out, or are very close to selling out, so one of the best ways to find Shakira tickets online is through third-party sites, including StubHub, SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, TicketNetwork, Gametime, Event Tickets Center and others. All online retailers guarantee authentic tickets in time for your concert.

In addition, Billboard likes that tickets are all delivered digitally, so you can get them sent instantly to your smartphone or email. Prices may also be above or below face value at times.

Where to Find Shakira ‘Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran’ Tour Tickets Online

Looking for cheap seats to see Shakira live? Here’s where to find tickets still available and on sale online.

EDITOR’S PICK

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Top choice for concert tickets in 2026.

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As a bonus, you can use our exclusive promo code BB30 to take $30 off your purchase.

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You can find Shakira tickets online at Vivid Seats, which lets you search by price, location and “Super Sellers,” which denotes reputable sellers with the best deals on tickets. You can even get 15% off your first purchase when you signup for the company’s newsletter. On Vivid Seats, tickets start as low as $88, as of this publication date.

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You can use our exclusive code BILLBOARD150 to save $150 off $500 or BILLBOARD300 to save $300 off orders of $1000 and up.

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TicketNetwork has tickets to Shakira’s concerts with all-in pricing that lets you see exactly what you’ll pay up front (fees included). Tickets start at just $102, as of this writing.

Shakira ‘Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran’ Tour 2026 Dates

Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our coverage of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.

Effie White meets Effie White when Jennifer Hudson and Jenifer Lewis sing together.

Ahead of Lewis’ appearance on the Tuesday (May 12) episode of Hudson’s eponymous talk show, Billboard has an exclusive preview clip from The Jennifer Hudson Show of the two singers delivering audience members a powerful duet.

“Now Jenifer, the last time you were here we sang a little bit, and we had a good little time,” Hudson begins. Lewis interrupts Hudson to share that when she got out of college and moved to New York, she replaced Tony Award-winner Jennifer Holliday in the workshop production of Dreamgirls before the show transferred to Broadway.

“I’m telling y’all right now, I could sing my ‘a’ off back then,” Lewis says. “But nobody could sing like Jennifer Holliday. Of course, she took it to Broadway.”

Lewis continues, “It was Jenifer Lewis that developed the role of Effie. Jennifer Holliday took it Broadway. And Jennifer Hudson did the movie. That’s a lot of ‘Jennifer’ going on.”

Lewis then says to Hudson — who won an Oscar for playing Effie White in the 2006 film adaptation — that they will sing together and that she has a suggestion for what song they should perform. Naturally she picks a Dreamgirls song: “I Am Changing.”

“I want y’all to know, and this is true, I haven’t sung this song since I was 19 years old,” Lewis, who is now 69, says to the audience as the opening notes of the track begin to play and before Hudson begins the duet. The two powerhouse vocalists go back and forth with the song before standing up from their seats and holding onto one another as their voices blend together for the epic conclusion. Lewis and Hudson end their performance with a huge embrace and exchanges of “I love you.”

“I got to sing with Jenifer Lewis, yo!” Hudson excitedly exclaims to the audience. “I’m living a dream right now.”

Watch Lewis and Hudson duet on “I Am Changing” from Dreamgirls below.