Hot Hits

NEW YORK (AP) - Country singer Ella Langley leads the latest Billboard Hot 100 with "Choosin' Texas," giving the Alabama native the week's No. 1 song and capping one of the strongest chart performances of her career.The chart dated July 4 also underscores a broad mix of genres at the top of the Hot 100, with country, pop, hip-hop and alternative all represented among the week's biggest hits. Several artists score multiple entries in the Top 10, while collaborations continue to shape mainstream music consumption.Langley enjoys the biggest week of any artist on the chart, placing three songs inside the Top 10. In addition to "Choosin' Texas" at No. 1, "Be Her" reaches No. 3, and her collaboration with Morgan Wallen, "I Can't Love You Anymore," lands at No. 9. The showing highlights the continued commercial momentum of country music, which has remained a dominant force on streaming platforms and radio over the past several years.Taylor Swift follows at No. 2 with "I Knew It, I Knew You," adding another high-charting release to a catalog that has consistently produced Hot 100 success throughout her career. The song continues Swift's ability to command widespread audience attention across multiple formats.Olivia Rodrigo posts two Top 10 entries this week, with "Stupid Song" at No. 4 and "Drop Dead" at No. 5. The dual appearance reinforces Rodrigo's standing as one of pop music's leading hitmakers, as both songs maintain strong streaming numbers and listener engagement.Drake remains a fixture near the top of the chart with "Janice STFU" at No. 6. The Canadian rapper extends his long-running presence on the Hot 100, demonstrating continued commercial appeal even as newer artists compete for the chart's highest positions.Ariana Grande returns to the upper tier with "Hate That I Made You Love Me," which ranks No. 7. The ballad marks another successful entry for the pop superstar and adds to her lengthy history of Top 10 hits.British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean reaches No. 8 with "Man I Need," representing another milestone in her growing international profile. The placement signals increasing U.S. recognition for the artist as her audience continues to expand.The week's No. 9 song, "I Can't Love You Anymore," gives Langley and Morgan Wallen another successful collaboration. The pairing combines two of country music's most commercially successful performers, further illustrating the genre's sustained influence on the mainstream charts.Closing out the Top 10 is "Dracula," a collaboration between Australian psychedelic music project Tame Impala and BLACKPINK member JENNIE. Debuting or holding at No. 10, the cross-genre track reflects the continued popularity of collaborations that bridge alternative music, pop and global K-pop audiences.Taken together, this week's Top 10 reflects several notable trends. Country music produces the chart's biggest overall performer through Langley's three Top 10 songs, while established pop stars including Swift, Rodrigo and Grande maintain strong commercial footing. Drake continues hip-hop's presence near the top of the rankings, and international collaborations remain an important component of today's music landscape.The Billboard Hot 100 ranks songs based on a combination of U.S. streaming activity, radio airplay and sales, providing a snapshot of the nation's most popular music each week. The chart dated July 4 illustrates a competitive landscape where veteran superstars and rising artists continue to share space at the top of the industry

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Central Ohio residents will have no shortage of ways to celebrate the Independence Day weekend as communities across the region host fireworks displays, festivals, live entertainment and family activities from Friday through Sunday.The weekend coincides with the nation's 250th anniversary celebration, prompting many municipalities to expand their traditional Fourth of July programming.Downtown Columbus will once again serve as the focal point for the region's celebrations with Red, White & BOOM! on Friday, July 3. Organizers expect hundreds of thousands of attendees for what has become Ohio's largest Independence Day celebration.The free event will feature a street festival, live entertainment, a patriotic parade and a fireworks display over the Scioto River beginning at approximately 10 p.m. Public safety officials are encouraging attendees to arrive early because of anticipated traffic congestion, road closures and limited parking.Beyond downtown Columbus, communities throughout Franklin and surrounding counties are hosting their own celebrations.Gahanna's Independence Day Celebration will feature live music, food vendors, children's activities and an expanded fireworks presentation Friday evening.Reynoldsburg, Bexley and Obetz are also scheduled to host fireworks and community festivals Friday, offering residents alternatives to the downtown celebration.On Saturday, July 4, additional festivities continue across Central Ohio.Westerville's annual Independence Day celebration includes a morning 5K, a community parade, food trucks, concerts and an evening fireworks display. Worthington plans its traditional Family Picnic and fireworks, while numerous smaller communities will host parades, concerts and neighborhood celebrations throughout the day.The holiday weekend also offers entertainment beyond patriotic events.The 14th Columbus Black Theatre Festival continues performances through Sunday at the Columbus Performing Arts Center, showcasing productions from Black playwrights and theater companies. The annual festival has become a fixture of the city's summer arts calendar and provides audiences with a range of dramatic works and performances.Area attractions, museums and parks are also expected to experience increased attendance during the three-day weekend as families take advantage of the holiday.Law enforcement agencies throughout Central Ohio are reminding motorists to expect heavier-than-normal traffic, particularly near downtown Columbus and popular fireworks venues. Officials also urge residents to designate sober drivers, remain aware of weather conditions and follow local regulations regarding personal fireworks.With favorable summer weather forecast for much of the weekend, tourism officials expect hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues across the Columbus metropolitan area to see increased visitation as residents and visitors celebrate the Fourth of July holiday.Weekend at a glanceFriday, July 3

Singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo will soon become the first musician to have multiple dedicated LEGO sets. LEGO announced a new series called LEGO Editions Olivia Rodrigo, featuring five sets inspired by Rodrigo's songs, looks and symbols from her three studio albums: "Sour," "Guts," and the upcoming "You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love."The collection, created in collaboration with Rodrigo, includes five new minifigures based on her most recognizable performances. Each minifigure features details from her onstage moments and nods to her Filipino heritage, including dual facial expressions to represent different sides of her personality."I've always loved hiding little details and meanings in my music and videos, so working with the LEGO team to bring something that fans can actually build and explore together has been so exciting," Rodrigo said in a statement. "There are so many pieces of my world inside these sets-little nods to songs, memories, outfits and moments that mean a lot to me."LEGO said Rodrigo played an active role in designing the sets. Amy Corbett, LEGO senior design manager and product lead, said Rodrigo wanted fans to "explore over time" and that every element was chosen to reflect moments from her career.The sets are designed for ages 9-14 and highlight Rodrigo's musical journey, with references to her arena performances, emotional songs, handwritten lyrics and visual style. The "Olivia Rodrigo Vinyl" set includes 360 pieces and features hidden references to all three albums. The 400-piece Flower Bouquet set includes flowers and details referencing Rodrigo's songwriting and heritage, marking the first time a LEGO partner has received a personalized Botanicals set.Other sets include a 670-piece Concert Moon set, which recreates a scene where Rodrigo soars above the crowd on a giant moon, and a 1,085-piece Secret Storage set featuring symbols such as her red festival guitar, tour megaphone and a notebook based on her lyric books. The 1,228-piece Dual Guitar set features split acoustic and electric guitars that open to reveal stage scenes, backstage details and secret storage compartments."Olivia Rodrigo has created a world that fans feel deeply connected to-one filled with emotion, individuality, creativity and discovery," said Julia Goldin, LEGO Group chief product and marketing officer. Goldin said the collection aims to give fans "a meaningful way to connect with her" through creative building and storytelling.The LEGO Editions Olivia Rodrigo collection launches globally Aug. 1 on LEGO.com, in LEGO stores and at select retailers

Disney announced Wednesday that "Camp Rock 3," the third film in the franchise starring Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers, will premiere Aug. 13 on Disney Channel. The film will be available to stream on Disney+ starting Aug. 14.A new teaser trailer released Wednesday highlights a new group of campers aiming for success at Camp Rock. Disney also shared the movie's first track, "One Beat Away," featuring Liamani Segura, who plays the character Sage.According to a synopsis, "When Connect 3 loses their opening act for a major reunion tour, they return to Camp Rock to discover the next big thing. As campers compete for the chance to open for their favorite band, tensions rise and friendships are tested-leading to new alliances, revelations and romances."The new song, "One Beat Away," is now available on streaming services. Segura sings, "One shot, this is the moment/ One chance, I'm gonna show them. Dream so close that I can touch it/ One beat away and I'm ready to crush it.""Camp Rock" debuted in 2008 on Disney Channel and helped launch the careers of Lovato and the Jonas Brothers. The sequel, "Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam," was released in 2010. Songs from the movies have appeared on the Billboard Hot 100, including "This Is Me," which reached No. 9

Ariana Grande has postponed three dates on her Eternal Sunshine Tour after production issues raised safety concerns, the singer announced Monday.Grande shared the update with fans on Instagram Stories, saying her July 12 show at Barclays Center in Brooklyn is now set for July 14. Her July 22 and July 24 concerts at TD Garden in Boston have been moved to July 23 and July 26."We are so sorry for these unfortunate scheduling changes," Grande wrote. "This was our best and safest option as these challenges with production have come to our attention."Grande said the decision was made to ensure the shows could be presented safely and as planned. "The most important thing to us all is safety, first and foremost, and also making sure you all see the show how it is intended to run. Thank you so much for your understanding and I cannot wait to see you," she wrote.Tickets for the original dates will be honored for the new dates. Ticket holders will receive more information directly.The Eternal Sunshine Tour began earlier this month in Oakland, California. It is Grande's first headlining tour since her Sweetener World Tour in 2019. The tour supports her seventh studio album, "Eternal Sunshine," released in 2024. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and produced two Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles: "yes, and?" and "we can't be friends (wait for your love)."Grande's setlist features songs from "Eternal Sunshine" and earlier albums, including "Positions," "Dangerous Woman," "My Everything," and "thank u, next."The production-related changes affect only the three listed shows. The tour is scheduled to continue across North America before heading overseas.Grande's next album, "Petal," is set for release July 31. Its lead single, "Hate That I Made You Love Me," recently became her 10th No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, tying her for the 10th-most chart-toppers in the chart's history

Lizzo opened up about the disappointment she felt after her latest album, "Bitch," failed to debut on the Billboard 200 chart following its release earlier this month.Speaking on the Swiftologist podcast, Lizzo described her efforts to promote the album before its June 5 release. She told host Zachary Hourihane that the lukewarm response caused her to question her ideas about success."It dropped, and I was like, 'Oh, OK, this isn't what I thought it would be,'" Lizzo said on the podcast. "I didn't think it would be crazy, but I also didn't think it would be this. There was, like, 24 hours of my life where I based my success and my worth on a number, and I think that was soul-crushing."According to Luminate, "Bitch," the follow-up to Lizzo's Grammy-winning 2022 album "Special," moved 5,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. during its first week, including 3,000 in pure album sales. By comparison, "Special" debuted with 39,000 copies and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Its lead single, "About Damn Time," reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won the Grammy for record of the year.Singles from "Bitch," including "Don't Make Me Love U" and the title track, have not seen the same chart success. Through June 25, "Don't Make Me Love U" had 2 million U.S. on-demand streams, while "Bitch" had 1.8 million, according to Luminate."Bitch" is Lizzo's first album to miss the Billboard 200 since her 2015 album "Big Grrrl Small World."Lizzo said she felt stressed and sad for several days after the album's release, believing it was some of her best work."I had to reframe and be like, 'But aren't you proud of yourself?'" she said. "And I was like, 'Yeah, I actually am proud of myself.' Aren't you excited to sing these songs? Aren't you glad they're out? Yeah."She also revealed that "Bitch" was originally planned for release in either 2024 or 2025, but plans shifted.After releasing "Special," Lizzo contributed to SZA's "SOS" album and performed "Pink" for the "Barbie" movie soundtrack. In early 2025, she teased a project called "LIRL," later releasing a track of the same name as the planned fifth album, "Love in Real Life." That album did not materialize, but Lizzo released her third mixtape, "My Face Hurts From Smiling," last June."With pop and with music, timing is everything," Lizzo said. "So right now, I'm just letting it live." She pointed out that "About Damn Time" took 14 weeks to find its audience. "I'm not afraid of failure anymore because I've already won," Lizzo said. "That's something that the general public may not believe or understand about me. Once they hold people to this standard like, 'You just have to keep doing it like you did it and if you don't break the Beatles' record, then you are not a real pop artist.'"Before the album's release, Lizzo addressed criticism on TikTok, saying some accused her of being upset over poor sales. She claimed that music industry professionals thanked her for speaking about the challenges of social media music marketing."The algorithm-based way that social media functions now is destroying the music industry," Lizzo said. She told her followers that feeds no longer display posts in chronological order, making it hard for the public to know when music is released. "Music marketing relies heavily on social media, but now, ever since the algorithm has been showing us things out of order, there's actually no way to successfully promote an album where everyone knows your album is coming."Lizzo said she is not concerned with breaking chart records, but instead wants to reach her core fans, the "Lizzies," and others who have supported her from the beginning. She cited Taylor Swift's relationship with her fans as an inspiration.She also thanked SZA for offering support during a difficult time. "She just called me and was like, 'You're on my mind.' I was like, [crying] 'Am I a failure?' and she was like, 'Oh my God, no!' She's so sweet," Lizzo said.Lizzo's only scheduled show this summer is July 7 at the Filene Center in Vienna, Virginia

NEW YORK (AP) - Pop music continued to dominate this week's supplied Hot 100 rankings, with Taylor Swift returning to the top spot while Olivia Rodrigo and Ella Langley each placed multiple songs in the Top 10, highlighting a chart largely driven by female artists.Taylor Swift claimed No. 1 with "I Knew It, I Knew You," giving the singer another chart-topping single and capping a week in which established stars maintained their grip on the upper reaches of the rankings.Olivia Rodrigo emerged as the chart's most represented artist, placing four songs inside the Top 10. "Stupid Song" reached No. 3, followed closely by "Drop Dead" at No. 4. "The Cure" landed at No. 6, while "Honeybee" rounded out the Top 10's upper half at No. 9. The strong showing underscores Rodrigo's continued commercial momentum and broad streaming appeal.Country artist Ella Langley also delivered a standout week, securing two of the chart's five highest positions. "Choosin' Texas" finished at No. 2, while "Be Her" ranked No. 5, reflecting country music's continued crossover success with mainstream audiences.Ariana Grande added another Top 10 entry with "Hate That I Made You Love Me" at No. 8, extending her long streak of chart success and reinforcing her presence among pop music's biggest performers.Drake remained the chart's highest-ranking male artist, placing "Janice STFU" at No. 7. The appearance continues the rapper's consistent run of Top 10 singles spanning more than a decade.British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean rounded out the chart at No. 10 with "Man I Need," marking another notable achievement as her profile continues to grow internationally.Collectively, the week's Top 10 reflects a landscape dominated by female performers, with women occupying nine of the chart's 10 positions and accounting for every song in the Top Five. The concentration of repeat appearances by Rodrigo and Langley also illustrates the increasingly common phenomenon of blockbuster releases generating multiple simultaneous chart hits

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Central Ohio residents and visitors will find a wide range of entertainment, cultural and family-oriented events across the region during the weekend of June 26-28, with community festivals, live performances, sporting events and downtown activities highlighting the final weekend of June.One of the region's signature annual events, ComFest, returns to Goodale Park throughout the weekend. The community festival, widely known as one of the nation's largest noncommercial festivals, traditionally features live music, local artists, community organizations and family-friendly activities. The festival has long been a fixture of Columbus' summer calendar and draws thousands of attendees each year.Downtown Columbus will host several family-oriented programs and performances. At Columbus Commons, families can attend a presentation of Sergei Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf" on Friday evening, offering younger audiences an introduction to orchestral music. Organizers say the event is designed to engage children and families through storytelling and live performance.The city's arts scene also remains active heading into the weekend. The Columbus Museum of Art continues its summer programming season, including extended-hours events featuring live music, food and gallery access. Museum officials have promoted the programs as opportunities to connect visual arts with community engagement during the summer months.Sports fans can find action at Huntington Park, where the Columbus Clippers conclude a homestand during the weekend. The Triple-A affiliate remains one of the area's most popular summer attractions and continues a long tradition of professional baseball in downtown Columbus.Collectors and hobby enthusiasts are expected to gather at the Greater Columbus Convention Center for Columbus CardFest, scheduled for June 26 and 27. Event organizers say the show will feature sports cards, trading cards, memorabilia dealers and special guests, drawing attendees from throughout Ohio and neighboring states.Music lovers will find additional options throughout the region. Columbus' summer entertainment calendar includes concerts at venues across the city, while CAPA's summer programming continues with film screenings and a "Picnic with the Pops" performance featuring the music of Tom Petty on Saturday.Tourism officials note that late June remains one of the busiest periods of the year for local events, with festivals, concerts and outdoor activities helping drive attendance throughout downtown Columbus and surrounding communities. Experience Columbus encourages visitors to verify schedules and event details directly with organizers, as times and programming can change.Looking ahead, Central Ohio's summer festival season will continue into July with major events including Red, White & Boom festivities, the Jazz & Rib Fest and the Ohio State Fair later in the summer

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - NFL stars and top country music artists gathered Tuesday night at The Pinnacle in Nashville for the Sports Illustrated and Tight End University's "Tight Ends & Friends" event, presented by Reese's.Tight End University, founded in 2021 by Travis Kelce, George Kittle and Greg Olsen, brings tight ends from across the NFL together for several days of training, study and networking. The event also features live music, drawing both athletes and fans.This year's concert included performances by Dan + Shay, Chase Rice, Jon Pardi, Nate Smith, Mitchell Tenpenny and The War and Treaty. Brett Young made a surprise appearance, as did Lainey Wilson. Wilson then brought out Taylor Swift, who joined as an unannounced guest.Swift, who also appeared at last year's event, took the stage to loud cheers. During her set, she told the crowd, "We have a special request by a very special tight end who wanted to hear a particular song." While many believed she was referring to her fianc Travis Kelce, she clarified, "And that tight end...is named George Kittle."The event highlighted the connection between sports and music in Nashville, giving fans a chance to see top performers and athletes share the stage

IRVINE, Calif. (AP) - Olivia Rodrigo announced Monday she will launch her own charity music festival, Daisy Chain Fields, with an all-women lineup. The event is scheduled for Aug. 29 at Irvine's FivePoint Amphitheatre.Rodrigo posted the festival lineup on Instagram, confirming that Chappell Roan, KATSEYE, Doechii and Stevie Nicks will perform in the inaugural year. Other artists include Bikini Kill, Die Spitz, Eli, Garbage, Mitski, Not for Radio, Quiet Life, Rachel Chinouriri, Stantigold and the Breeders. Nicks is billed as a special guest along with Karen O and Sarah McLachlan.Rodrigo wrote that she has "had a dream of doing this festival for years" and is "ecstatic it's finally coming true." She said all net proceeds will go to charities that support women and girls, including Baby2Baby, Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Center for Reproductive Rights, FreeFrom, Jhpiego, Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health, National Domestic Workers Alliance, National Institute for Reproductive Health, National Women's Law Center and Planned Parenthood."By bringing together women in music and organizations helping shape a better future for women and girls, I hope we can build a community that inspires hope and positive change," Rodrigo said in a statement.Presale tickets will be available starting at 10 a.m. Pacific on Wednesday. Fans must register on the Daisy Chain Fields website for a presale access code.Rodrigo has previously worked to support women's causes. In 2024, she launched her Fund 4 Good initiative, raising money for reproductive rights, education and efforts to prevent domestic violence. She later announced more than $2 million in donations to related charities from her Guts World Tour. In 2025, Planned Parenthood awarded her the Catalyst of Change honor.Daisy Chain Fields follows in the tradition of Lilith Fair, the all-women festival organized by McLachlan in 1997. Rodrigo appears in a 2025 documentary about Lilith Fair. The festival announcement comes just 10 days after Rodrigo released her third album, "You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love," which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200