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What makes a good laptop bag?
Funnily enough, that question was brought to the table in my office this past week when a co-worker accidentally spilled a whole cup of coffee into her bag, swiftly compromising her beloved laptop. While it happens to the best of us (it’s happened to me twice), this painful set of events could be prevented if one were equipped with a proper laptop bag.
ShopBillboard’s Favorite Laptop Bags at a Glance:
- Best Laptop Bag for Storage – Knack Convertible Dufflel Backpack – $275
- Best Travel Laptop Bag – Mission Workshop Meridian Landspeeder Modular Backpack $525
- Best Laptop Bag for Style – Calpak Luka Expandable Laptop Tote in Metallic Indigo $138
- Best Everyday Laptop Bag – Nomatic Laptop Bag $135.99
So I ask again: What makes a good laptop bag? Is it style? How about function? What about durability? I’d argue it’s all of the above. Something that stands the test of time against wear and tear, something with multifunctionality that can seemingly do it all and something that not only aces those two facets, but does so fashionably. Does such a bag exist? I aim to answer all of these questions with my review on six laptop bags.
Within my workweek, I took these bags through my harrowing New York City commute through many transfers, rain, sleet and, yes, even coffee spillage, to the office. The goal? To try and weigh out the pros and cons, giving our readers a shot at getting a laptop bag that will best work for their needs. For reference, my laptop is around 13 inches. I tested a range of bags that vary in price and style in hopes of understanding the wide breath of bags out there. I also couldn’t help but decorate these bags with plenty of bag charms, something that also informed choosing my favorite styles. Below, you can shop some of my favorites and how they compare to one another in price, style, durability, comfortability and more.
Our 5 Favorite Laptop Bags
Kaslo Tote Tech – 23L
Pros: Easy to clean polyester, hefty interior, ample shoulder straps, ample interior compartments
Cons: Polyester fabric is very slick leading to slippage off the shoulder, limited colors, the laptop sleeve is the smallest we’ve seen at 11.5 inches.
Herschel Supply Co.’s Kaslo Tote Tech – 23L offering is one of my personal favorites as someone who was looking into a shoulder bag style of laptop bag. I opted for the Ash Rose Tonal hue, an all-over blush colorway that is more colorful than most of the offerings on our list. That being said, the Kaslo Tote only comes in four colorways, with two distinctly colorful styles while the other two are more neutral.
If you’re seeking a more maximalist bag, then we’d suggest something like the Lefrik Handy Backpack, also on our list. Colorway aside, this bag is extremely stylish with a rectangular composition and sizable shoulder straps that easily slip on and off overtop even my bulkiest coats. The tote is made of 100% recycled 600D polyester that can stain if you aren’t careful. I’m very prone to spilling, so I tend to take fabric composition into consideration when buying most things, including laptop bags. On the outside, there’s a sleeve to slip the handle of your suitcase into, allowing you to set your bag atop your suitcase for hands-free travel.
The interior of the bag is extremely roomy with lots of compartments. These compartments are big enough to carry a gallon water bottle (nestled inside the dedicated water bottle compartment). I stored my laptop in the designated laptop pocket measuring 11.5 ” (H) x 15 ” (W), which is big enough to fit most modern laptops; however, it is the smallest sleeve I’ve seen on a bag while testing. That being said, my 13-inch laptop fit just fine.
All the compartments helped me stay organized, putting every item in its place for easy access so I didn’t have to fish around for my belongings. The top of your tote zips up, keeping your belongings safe from those with sticky fingers or damage from unfortunate but inevitable spills. For $120, you’re getting a reliable, easy to clean and storage-focused tote that is optimal for work or travel.
Meridian Landspeeder Modular Backpack
Pros: Multiple water bottle sleeves, lots of pockets, waterproofed, carabiner clip for keys, quick access pockets, ample compartments, padded laptop sleeve top entry
Cons: Bulkier than most thanks to the water bottle compartments, least affordable option
While I am not much of an outdoorsy person, this laptop bag from Mission Workshop made me want to brave the elements with my laptop in tow. First and foremost, I am not usually a backpack person because I have pretty bad back problems; however, I didn’t find this bag irritating my back whatsoever, which was nice.
The bag is made of Challenge EPX 200, which, from my research, I found was a 100% recycled polyester fabric. The material is ultra-light and made waterproof thanks to Mission Workshop’s lightweight TPU-coated ripstop, a detail I appreciated as a chronic spiller. My laptop was in good hands, especially when considering the designated laptop sleeve is padded to prevent damage from impact or from the elements. What’s more? All the seams, zippers and compartments of the main bag are constructed for maximum weather resistance, so whether you’re heading to work on a particularly rainy day or hiking out in the snow, your belongings are protected.
The bag is equipped with tons of intuitive features like a carabiner clip to store keys, a quick-access pocket on the front for storing important documents like a passport or wallet. The specific bag I chose came with two water bottle packs on either side that, while extremely nifty, could make the bag a bit bulky, especially when traversing the crowded New York subway. That being said, I loved being able to access my bottles easily with a quick reach behind me. I’d recommend this model for the outdoorsy type looking to answer emails surrounded by nature. This is less of a work bag and more of an adventure accessory with a really great laptop sleeve.
Knack Convertible Dufflel Backpack
Pros: Ample pockets/compartments, over-the-shoulder/crossbody and backpack wear, hidden expansion compartment, 15.6 inch padded laptop sleeve
Cons: Can be too bulky for subway commute, duffle style made for travel more than commuting, only one color option
This is one of the heftier picks on my list that I was excited to test out, especially for long travel days. This Knack bag was put to good use both during my commute and on a recent excursion to San Diego, proving to be a grand addition to my carry on. This is a duffle style that can be worn crossbody or carried similar to a briefcase on its side or from the top.
Of course, there is a padded laptop sleeve measuring up to 15.6 inches, which leaves plenty of room for a standard laptop. This Knack pick had a ton of room with the most pockets I’ve seen on any bag. There are zip-up compartments galore, some big enough to pack clothes and toiletries in for my impromptu vacation. If all that space wasn’t enough, you’ve also got a hidden expansion compartment that I personally used to pack the extra shopping I did while in Cali.
When it came to wearing this on my commute into the city, I did notice that it could be a bit bulky at times, especially on crowded subways packed together like sardines. That being said, if you pack strategically and don’t pack your whole life into your work bag like me, this duffle lays rather flat on the body. We’d suggest people invest in this bag for long travel days or hefty commutes to the office. It’s roomy enough to carry an abundance of items. You can also put bag charms on it to beautify if you choose, which is a major plus in my book.
Nomatic Laptop Bag
Pros: Crossbody carry, multiple compartments, expandable design, 16 inch padded laptop compartment, travel friendly with hidden magnetic passport pocket, and lockable zippers, zip-out water bottle pocket, detachable shoulder strap
Cons: Two colors, less focus on style and more focus on function
Sleek, compact and chock-full of compartments, this Nomatic laptop bag is what I’d like to dub the everyday bag. When you think of a laptop bag, this is probably what comes to mind. I like this model because it is not too big, can be worn crossbody and toted around via the handles on the top, and it comes with a couple of roomy pockets that keep the wearer organized. The laptop sleeve is around 16 inches, plenty of room for my 13 inch laptop.
The bag is made out of a unique blend of 80% nylon and 20% polyester, which makes this bag water-resistant, preventing devastating spills, of which I had a few while testing this bag out. Thankfully, though, my laptop and other belongings were perfectly safe. One of my favorite features had to be the front-facing water bottle pocket that zips up neatly, keeping your water bottle safe and secure in a pouch of its very own. Something I never thought of that would come in handy, especially while traveling, is this bag’s magnetic passport pocket that protects the wearer from those with sticky fingers.
There are only two colors of this laptop bag, which may not be an issue for most, especially in a workplace setting, if you’re looking for something minimalist and subdued. Many people in my life can attest to my colorful clown-adjacent dressing so, speaking for the maximalists out there, I would love to see more colorways.
The size of this laptop case was manageable and extremely comfortable over the shoulder. I never felt like I was schlepping the bag around or breaking my back to manage. I also adore the affordability of this piece at $135.99, 20% off right now. If you’re searching for a beginner-friendly laptop bag, or you’re in the market for something standard and reliable that does the job and does it well, this Nomatic bag should be your first choice.
Luka Expandable Laptop Tote in Metallic Indigo
Pros: Super stylish, expandable style, multiple colors, comfy on shoulder, 15 inch padded laptop sleeve, lightweight, suitcase sleeve
Cons: Only one way to wear, not fully waterproof
I have to say this laptop bag from Calpak surprised me. I knew I would love it stylistically. That bluish metallic gray hue and that puffy texture called my name as I was searching for a product to test. The Luka is your standard tote composition with top handles that are long enough to loop over your shoulder, even with a bulky winter jacket on. I never had to fight to keep this bag up, something that is a constant issue for me as a person with sloping shoulders.
The Calpak offering is super stylish with 18 different colorways. I was spoiled for options when picking, and I am still thinking about that pink blossom hue as I am typing this. While you’d think a “puffy” laptop bag like this would collapse in on itself, I was pleased to note that the bag kept its structure, even without my laptop stored inside. The bottom is expandable for more room overall and sturdy, which likely contributes to its sturdiness. Speaking of laptops, this bag also has a dedicated padded sleeve measuring 15 inches. Throughout my testing, I came to appreciate that this bag, and most other ones I tried, has a zipper closure on the laptop sleeve that keeps it safe from spills and pit pocketers.
A favorite feature of mine has to be the sleeve for a suitcase handle to go through affixed to the back of the laptop bag, also seen on the Herschel Supply Co. style. This feature certainly allowed for hands-free travel. I tested it on my very own carry on and was surprised to see that the bag stayed in place, even on the bumpiest of roads. Unlike the other laptop bags I tested, this was one of two that could only be worn over-the-shoulder. The fabric is also not fully waterproof, which became a concern when I spilled my water bottle beside it out of sheer clumsiness. Thankfully, all was well.
Taylor Swift is facing a trademark infringement lawsuit that claims her record-smashing latest album, The Life of a Showgirl, has eclipsed an existing brand called “Confessions of a Showgirl.”
The complaint, filed on Monday (March 30) and obtained by Billboard, is brought by Las Vegas-based performer Maren Wade. Since 2015, Wade has had a trademark on the name “Confessions of a Showgirl” for a touring cabaret show about the humorous escapades of a modern-day entertainer.
Wade alleges her intellectual property has been trampled by similar phrasing in The Life of a Showgirl, Swift’s mega-successful 12th studio album that spent 12 weeks atop the Billboard 200 and sold a record 4 million units in its first week this past October. Swift had tried to trademark the album’s title, but her efforts were rejected by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office due to a “likelihood of confusion” with Wade’s brand.
According to Wade, customers have indeed been confused as to whether there’s a connection between The Life of a Showgirl and “Confessions of a Showgirl.” But she says this hasn’t caused any market harm to Swift, given the superstar’s “substantially greater commercial scale.” Wade alleges she’s been the sole victim of the similarity, and the new Swift era “threatened to swallow” her much smaller business.
“As a solo performer operating in the same entertainment space, she found herself having to navigate the wave of consumer attention defendants’ program had generated and attempting to maintain her presence in a conversation and a marketplace that defendants had overtaken,” reads Wade’s lawsuit.
Wade is now bringing claims for trademark infringement and unfair competition against Swift, her company TAS Rights Management, Universal Music Group (UMG) and the major label’s merch subsidiary Bravado. The lawsuit seeks unspecified financial damages and an injunction stopping Swift from selling The Life of a Showgirl consumer products, including apparel, drinkware, candles and hairbrushes.
Notably, Wade’s trademark claims focus solely on merch sales related to Swift’s album, not the underlying music itself. The complaint says, “Plaintiff, as a performer herself, respects Taylor Swift’s right to creative expression, and nothing in this action challenges it.”
Swift’s reps did not immediately return a request for comment on the lawsuit on Monday. A UMG spokesperson declined to comment.
Live entertainment company Venu Holding Corporation (VENU) has hired Sarah Rothschild from Madison Square Garden Entertainment (MSGE) to lead investor relations and financial strategy at the Colorado-based company, according to a statement released on Monday (March 30).
Rothschild will serve as VENU’s senior vp of strategic finance and investor relations. In the role, she’ll be responsible for developing the company’s engagement with institutional investors and strategies to accumulate capital while overseeing treasury and financial communications.
In her previous role at MSGE, Rothschild oversaw investor relations for MSGE, Madison Square Garden Sports (the Knicks and Rangers), and Sphere Entertainment Co. before it was spun off. Prior to MSGE, Rothschild was an investment analyst at the hedge fund Select Equity Group. She began her career as a manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where she handled mergers & acquisitions and financial due diligence for corporate and private equity clients, according to VENU.
“Sarah brings exactly the type of capital markets expertise we need as we continue scaling VENU,” J.W. Roth, VENU’s founder, chairman and CEO, said in a statement. “Her experience across public companies in live entertainment gives her a distinct perspective on how to position growth, build institutional relationships, and strategically deploy capital. As we expand our national venue portfolio, having someone with Sarah’s background leading investor engagement and financial strategy is [an] advantage.”
Founded in 2017, VENU owns, operates and is developing live music venues in cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa in Oklahoma, and El Paso and Dallas-Fort Worth in Texas. VENU’s mostly outdoor amphitheaters are marketed for their fire pit suites, which investors can buy shares in — similar to condos in a luxury hotel.
VENU currently has projects underway in Colorado, Texas and Oklahoma that are expected to open in 2026. The company said it aims to have 25 amphitheaters and 15 indoor entertainment complexes operational by 2030.
Madonna, Gracie Abrams, John Legend and dozens more stars are calling for the immediate closure of an ICE Detention Center in Dilley, Texas, banding together to sign an open letter posted Monday (March 30) on Change.com.
In the plea — also endorsed by Billy Porter, Brandi Carlile, Darren Criss, the Indigo Girls, Kesha, King Princess, Lance Bass, MUNA, Sara Bareilles and others — the signatories begin by emphasizing, “No child should be locked in an immigration detention center.”
“We, the undersigned, call for the immediate closure of the Dilley Immigration Processing Center, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) family detention center in Texas, and an end to the detention of children and families,” the statement continues. “Children held in immigration detention endure trauma, neglect and conditions that violate basic standards of health, safety, dignity and human rights.”
The letter goes on to stress “the harms of detaining children,” referencing court filings that “have included refusals to provide clean water, rotten food contaminated with worms, dangerous medical neglect, sleep deprivation, denial of legal counsel, the separation of children from their families, and retaliation against families protesting the inhumane conditions” as examples of mistreatment of detainees.
“Children belong in schools and on playgrounds, not in detention centers,” it adds. “We urge the federal government and CoreCivic to close the Dilley facility immediately, return children and families to the homes and communities they were taken from and to end child imprisonment now.”
Billboard has reached out to the DHS for comment.
The petition is currently open for anyone to sign, at press time boasting more than 4,000 signatures. The facility in Dilley has become a holding center for a majority of parents and children detained by ICE, according to NBC News. Across the board, the Trump administration is estimated to have taken more than 2,300 children into custody with their parents so far during his first year back in office.
The letter signed by various celebrities marks one of many ways some politically outspoken stars have spoken out against the actions of ICE since the beginning of Donald Trump’s second presidency, which has been marked by mass deportations and aggressive raids in immigrant communities. Last year, artists such as Tyler, the Creator and Olivia Rodrigo slammed ICE’s operation in Los Angeles, and in January, numerous A-listers condemned the agency’s presence in Minneapolis and the fatal shootings of two Minnesotans at the hands of ICE officers.
Cardi B is on the road for her first headlining arena trek. The Grammy-winning rapper kicked off the Little Miss Drama Tour in Palm Desert, Calif., on Feb. 11, and is already making headlines for the surprise stars she’s bringing to her stage.
The tour’s been nearly a decade in the making for the Bronx-bred hitmaker, who is hitting North American arenas into the spring. The Little Miss Drama Tour comes in support of Cardi’s long-awaited sophomore album, Am I the Drama?, which topped the Billboard 200 with 200,000 total album-equivalent units earned in September.
Cardi B isn’t sparing any expense when it comes to her tour’s budget, with the high-octane visuals bringing her production to another level. She’s even got a stripper pole carousel and various outfit changes that include a sparkling silver robot suit.
The “WAP” rapper even made headliens with her first show in Palm Desert, which drew the attention of Homeland Security’s social media team when Cardi jokingly threatened ICE agents about pulling up to her concerts.
“B—h! If ICE comes in here, we gon’ jump they a—es,” she said to the Acrisure Arena crowd. “I’ve got some bear mace in the back! They ain’t taking my fans, b—h.”
From Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits to deep cut sleepers and fan-favorite features, Cardi’s touching on all phases of her career with a setlist that’s absolutely loaded with at least 37 songs a night.
The 33-year-old is making sure to bring some friends along for the ride as well. With the NBA All-Star Game in Inglewood, Calif., Cardi surprised her fans with some special guest appearances during her two-show stint at Kia Forum, the first of what could be many more.
Find all of the Cardi’s guests on the Little Miss Drama Tour below.
En la repetición habita una de las claves del aprendizaje. En la repetición radica lo hipnótico: sea que habite en un río que se aleja y se acerca al mismo tiempo o en el sonido de un grillo metronometrado en un campo infinito que deja ver cómo cielo y suelo se tocan. Es fácil disfrutar […]
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BBC Radio 2 DJ Scott Mills has been fired following allegations made over his personal conduct. Mills hosted Radio 2’s popular Breakfast Show, which reached 6.5 million listeners on a weekly basis and made it the U.K.’s most popular show in the slot.
The announcement was made by the U.K.’s public service broadcaster on Monday morning (March 30) with a spokesperson saying that “while we do not comment on matters relating to individuals we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted and has left the BBC“. Mills has not yet commented on the announcement.
Mills regularly hosted a number of high-profile interviews with recent appearances from Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, Louis Tomlinson, Robbie Williams and more. He took the slot in 2025 following Zoe Ball’s departure and joined the Radio 2 schedule in 2022.
In an email sent to staff, Lorna Clarke, the BBC’s director of music said: “I know that this news will be sudden and unexpected and therefore must come as a shock. Not least as so many of us have worked with Scott over a great many years, across a broad range of our programs on R1, 5Live, R2 and TV I felt it was important to share this news with you at the earliest opportunity.”
Mills joined the BBC in 1998 and held a number of roles at Radio 1, the BBC’s youth-focused radio station. In 2022, he departed the station after 24 years to replace Steve Wright.
Alongside the Breakfast Show, he appeared on a number of television shows for the BBC including music TV show The Pop Years and the corporation’s coverage of the Eurovision Song Contest. Mills earned £355,000 – £359,999 ($469,000) according to the latest annual report, making him the 11th biggest paid star.
Mills was absent from Monday’s broadcast, with Gary Davies assuming broadcasting duties. Davies is set to appear for the remainder of the week.
Marquee Skydeck at Edge is officially set to reopen for its second season on May 1, bringing elevated nightlife back to one of New York City’s most iconic open-air venues, more than 1,100 feet above the ground.
The venue, perched atop Edge — the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere at 1,131 feet — transforms the observation deck into a high-energy nightlife destination each summer. Operated by Tao Group Hospitality, Marquee Skydeck combines panoramic city views with high-energy DJ sets.
Last year, the 2025 season opened with a kickoff performance by Maceo Plex on May 31, preceded by a sneak peek set from Carlita on May 16. Events ran Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer, setting the stage for Marquee Skydeck as a seasonal staple in New York City’s nightlife scene.
This year’s 2026 season will feature performances from Benny Benassi, MK, Cassian, Gareth Emery, Kaz James, Layla Benitez and Hot Since 82, with additional artists expected to be announced.
Edge, which opened in 2020, has become one of New York City’s most prominent observation destinations. The angular terrace extends 65 feet from the 100th floor of Hudson Yards and is surrounded by clear panoramic glass, giving visitors the sensation of floating above Manhattan while taking in its skyline views.
According to Andrew Lustgarten, executive chairman of Hudson Yards Experience, Marquee Skydeck is aimed at “the most discerning New Yorkers,” offering an after-hours experience unlike any other in the city. The 2026 season will run throughout the summer, with tickets and full event details to be released soon.
The Juno Awards may have had trouble attracting a-list young stars at Saturday night’s industry gala, but plenty of legends showed up for the broadcast on Sunday night (March 29) at TD Coliseum in Hamilton. The gala presented the bulk of trophies, with only four plaques handed out on the broadcast, plus a hall of fame induction for Nelly Furtado and a special lifetime achievement award for Joni Mitchell.
Pre-Junos, the greatest excitement around this year’s broadcast came with news that Mitchell would attend in person to accept her lifetime achievement award, with noted Canadian artists led by Sarah McLachlan and Allison Russell on hand to pay tribute by performing such Mitchell classics as “Case Of You,” “Both Sides Now” and “Big Yellow Taxi.” The finale saw all the performers join in on the classic, including Nelly Furtado, Jully Black, The Beaches, Alessia Cara, Sofia Camara members of Arkells, Billy Talent and more. Then, Joni herself joined in for the final notes “and put up a parking lot” to major applause.
That segment closed out the two-hour show, living up to expectations. Mitchell was introduced by Prime Minister Mark Carney, and she was visibly touched by the honor. “I’m so glad to be back in Canada,” she said, praising Carney multiple times. “I live in the States, and we know what’s happening here.”
Rush Reunites
The broadcast kicked off with a bang, and a surprise one at that. With minimal intro, hard rock global superstars Rush made their first-ever Junos appearance, delivering a high-octane version of “Finding My Way,” the first song on their first album. It was the first Rush performance since 2015 and the 2020 death of drummer Neil Peart, ahead of their upcoming stadium tour.
In the media room after, singer Geddy Lee explained that “choosing a song was impossible, so we asked management to choose one.” They settled on the first song on their first album, from 1974. Guitarist/founding member Alex Lifeson joked that he hopes he survives the upcoming global Rush tour.
“It is 85 shows, more than we’ve done in a long time. It’ll be exhausting, but we’ll come out stronger.” Both Rush members praised their recently recruited new drummer, Anika Nilles, and, referencing late drummer/lyricist Peart, Lee noted “music is still a part of us. Music lives beyond tragedy.”
The Beaches, Daniel Caesar and Cameron Whitcomb Win Big Awards
After appearing at the podium at Saturday’s gala as winners in the rock album of the year category, Toronto rock quartet The Beaches returned to the winner’s circle for the prestigious group of the year category. This marks the third straight year they have won this award, a rare and highly impressive feat. On the broadcast, they chose to play a powerful ballad, backed by strings, and then hopped back on stage to accept their Juno. In a short acceptance speech, the group stressed “there is no better feeling than coming home.”
Two other winners from last night also got to shine by both performing on the broadcast and accepting another Juno. At the Awards Gala, young B.C. country singer-songwriter Cameron Whitcomb took home the trophy for country album of the year, for The Hard Way, and tonight he was victorious as breakthrough artist or group of the year. Whitcomb has earned that title in rapid fashion, and he is now back in the charts with a brand new single, “You And Me.”
In his acceptance speech he noted that “I still don’t know why I’m blessed with this opportunity, but I won’t squander it. I’ll stay sober.” To the press later, he added this advice: “Don’t drink, don’t do drugs, stay low-key.”
Daniel Caesar was the winner in the coveted songwriter of the year category last night, but was not in attendance to accept. He did show up to both perform and collect a special international achievement award, recognizing the strides he has made in global markets. His 2025 album, Son of Spergy, became his third top 10 album on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart. He has made multiple appearances on influential NPR performance series Tiny Desk, and appeared on the cover of Billboard and Billboard Canada last year.
Helping induct Caesar with the international achievement award was fellow R&B star Mustafa, who referenced “the infinite brotherhood we cultivated, he from Oshawa, me from Regent Park.” Mustafa noted “you hear a stillness in his songs, and he took that stillness to a global stage.” Accompanied by his own guitar and subtle backing vocals, Caesar delivered a typically soulful ballad.”
Caesar also collected the Juno for contemporary R&B recording of the year for Son of Spergy, one of just four trophies handed out during the broadcast. When he accepted this Juno, Caesar brought up his dad, the titular Spergy.
Joni Mitchell Speaks & Sings
When talking to the media at the conclusion of the gala, McLachlan was clearly excited about paying tribute to Joni Mitchell, a crucial inspiration, at tonight’s show. “I idolized her and I dissected her music,” said McLachlan. “Joni had asked me to create a medley around her songs for the tribute. She showed up at rehearsals today, and that was the first time she’d heard it.”
Another major surprise was a video tribute to Nelly Furtado by one of Canada’s biggest stars, Drake. The rapper praised the influence he took from her, imagining as a kid that he could have the same heights and Billboard hits that she did. He tipped his hat to her making strides as a woman in music, and said “the men in this industry do not make it easy.” He joked that her influence was so vast that he even broke his Junos boycott, staying away since he hosted the show in 2011 but was shut out of all his awards.
A cast of Juno Award-winning artists gathered to pay tribute to Furtado, who was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame at the event. Those performing included Alessia Cara, Lido Pimienta, Jully Black, Kardinal Offishall, Shawn Desman and Tanya Tagaq, and they joined Furtado’s own band, led by musical director Herag Sanbalian, who curated the selection of her greatest hits.
In her acceptance speech, Furtado expressed her great pride in Canada. “I’m a product of the Canadian dream. I live and work here, I totally believe in Canada,” she stated. She also singled out the Canadian black music community: “They embraced me so much early in my career.”
Majid Jordan also presented the fan choice award to bbno$, winning for the second year in a row. He made memorable headlines last year for his comments about Elon Musk, but was not there to accept this time around.
Here are all the winners from the Juno Awards broadcast:
JUNO FAN CHOICE
WINNER: bbno$ (Independent*Broke/CMG)
Cameron Whitcomb Atlantic/Warner
James Barker Band Universal
Josh Ross Core Entertainment/Universal
Justin Bieber Island/Def Jam/Universal
Karan Aujla Warner
Shawn Mendes Island/Universal
Shubh Independent
Tate McRae RCA/Sony
The Weeknd XO/Republic/Universal
BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Cameron Whitcomb (Atlantic/Warner)
Goldie Boutilier Independent
Jade LeMac Warner
Jutes Position Music
MICO Wasted Years/Columbia/Sony
Noeline Hofmann La Honda/The Orchard
Sacha Sony
Saya Gray Dirty Hit/Virgin
Sofia Camara 21 Entertainment/Universal
yung kai BMG/Flood Division
GROUP OF THE YEAR
Arcade Fire Columbia/Sony
Mother Mother Warner
Peach Pit Columbia/Sony
WINNER: The Beaches (AWAL)
Three Days Grace RCA/Sony
CONTEMPORARY R&B RECORDING OF THE YEAR
Set Me Free Adria Kain ArtHaus/Circle of 5ths/APG
Mirage Avenoir LISTEN TO THE KIDS/Santa Anna/Sony
WINNER: Son Of Spergy Daniel Caesar Hollace/Republic/Universal
PAID IN MEMORIES Jessie Reyez FMLY/Island’Universal
Life 2 Majid Jordan OVO/Sony
THERAPIST SadBoi LVRN/The Orchard
HADES, the new album from Melanie Martinez, tops this week’s fan-voted music poll.
Fans voted in a poll published Friday (March 27) on Billboard, choosing the alt-pop artist’s latest LP as their favorite new release of the week.
HADES leads the pack in a week that also saw new music releases streaming in from Conan Gray, RAYE, Charlie Puth, Miley Cyrus and more. At the poll’s closing time on Sunday, Martinez finished with 67% of the vote.
HADES was previewed by singles including “Possession” and “Disney Princess” ahead of its March 27 release.
In London, Martinez recently held a staged “Listening Chamber” event (directed by NIYADRE and produced by Bad Bones Films’ Laurence Warder and Daragh McCann) for the album; watch it in full in the video above.
“I started this album thinking I was writing a futuristic dystopia,” Martinez said in a statement about HADES, her fourth full-length studio album, upon its release via Warner Music this week. “But I realized I was just documenting the world we’re already living in. HADES is a cracked mirror. Beneath the rage, it’s a refusal to go numb – a call to feel, to see clearly, and to ask if we can still create something beautiful from the chaos we’ve been given.”
The 18-track collection is the follow-up to 2023’s Portals, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200.
Among the new releases trailing behind HADES are Conan Gray’s “The Best,” with 20% of the vote, and RAYE’s This Music May Contain Hope, with 7% of the vote. Charlie Puth and Miley Cyrus rounded out the results, placing in fourth and fifth.
See the final results of this week’s poll below.











