music
American Pianist Eric Lu Triumphs at Prestigious Chopin Competition
This is Beirut, 12:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Music Competition Culture Art Winner Prize
American pianist Eric Lu won the top prize at the prestigious International Chopin Piano Competition, the contest's Polish organisers said Tuesday. The competition — held every five years in Frederic Chopin's homeland — is seen as a gateway to classical music glory, with winners going on to play top global venues and sign recording ...
Sam Fender Wins 2025 Mercury Prize with 'People Watching'
This is Beirut, 17/10 13:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Culture UK Art Music Prize Mercury Prize
Rock singer Sam Fender took home the prestigious 2025 Mercury Prize on Thursday night with his album People Watching, during a ceremony held for the first time outside London. The 31-year-old singer-songwriter, born and raised in North Shields, received the award in front of a cheering crowd at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena. Jury members praised ...
In 'the Last Ship', Sting Honors a Lost Industry and Warns of a Divided Future
This is Beirut, 15/10 10:30 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
Music Sting AI Britain Culture Art
British singer-songwriting legend Sting finds the multiple genres and streaming platforms of the modern music scene "quite odd", but still believes in the power of song to unite people. In an interview with AFP, the 74-year-old with 17 Grammy Awards and sales of over 100 million albums also spoke about his worries about AI as a tool for ...
#MeToo: Navigating Art by Controversial Creators
Bélinda Ibrahim, 14/10 19:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
#MeToo Culture Artists Music Movies
On the sidewalk outside the Champo in Paris in 2019, during the release of J’accuse, filmgoers’ queue mingled with banners protesting the selection of Polanski’s work. That same month, Spotify announced the temporary removal of R. Kelly’s tracks from its official playlists, bowing to media pressure. But six weeks later, the platform ...
Taylor Swift, Love, Diamonds and Pop: Everything She Touches Turns to Gold
Marie-Christine Tayah, 14/10 16:00 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Taylor Swift Music Culture Economy Art Star
Dominating music charts, Taylor Swift leads in multiple areas, establishing herself as a worldwide sensation. The American star creates rare ripple effects across music, fashion and even finance. At 35, after announcing her engagement to American football player Travis Kelce this summer, Swift triggered an immediate reaction from millions of fans ...
Farewell to John Lodge: 'The Moody Blues' Soul and Sound
This is Beirut, 10/10 16:05 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Music Obituary John Lodge The Moody Blues Britain Culture
British singer and guitarist John Lodge, a longtime member of the band The Moody Blues, has died at the age of 82, his family announced on Friday. Lodge, a bass player, vocalist and songwriter who joined the English rock band two years after its 1964 formation, died "unexpectedly" surrounded by loved ones, relatives said. "It is ...
Dolly Parton, Country Singer, Reassures Fans with “I Ain’t Dead Yet” Message
This is Beirut, 09/10 16:45 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
A very much alive Dolly Parton took to Instagram on Wednesday to declare "I ain't dead yet!" after her sister sent fans into a tailspin when she called for prayers for one of America's most beloved celebrities. In a video posted to her official account, the 79-year-old Queen of Country thanked the public for their concern, but insisted she was ...
Taylor Swift’s New Album Shatters Streaming Record In Hours
This is Beirut, 04/10 13:00 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
Taylor Swift Music Culture Art Album Concert
Taylor Swift on Friday quickly set a streaming record with The Life of a Showgirl, her new album of bouncy pop songs about love, sex, success — and score-settling — that had fans analyzing every word. Critical opinion of Showgirl ranged from glowing to unimpressed, but fans flocked to Spotify to hear the 12 tracks, making it the most-streamed ...
Sean 'Diddy' Combs gets 50-month prison sentence
This is Beirut, 04/10 10:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Sean Diddy Combs U.S. Justice Music Singer Culture
Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs was sentenced to more than four years in prison on Friday for his conviction on prostitution-related charges. Prosecutors had sought 11 years behind bars for Combs, but Judge Arun Subramanian handed down a 50-month sentence after an emotional daylong court hearing. Combs's lawyers had urged the judge to sentence the ...
Taylor Swift Strides into 'Showgirl' Era with Sparkly New Album
This is Beirut, 03/10 13:00 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
Taylor Swift Music Album Culture Concert Art
Taylor Swift is in a sparkling new era. On Friday, she dropped her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, a collection of bouncy pop songs about love, marriage, success — and score-settling. For the hotly anticipated album, the 35-year-old artist reunited with Swedish hitmakers Max Martin and Shellback, and their influence is clear in the ...
Irish Singer CMAT Postpones UK Tour Due to Health Issues
This is Beirut, 03/10 11:00 - Reading : 1 minute(s)
Music Touring Cancellation CMAT Britain Culture
Breakout Irish singer CMAT cancelled her upcoming UK tour dates to treat an infected wisdom tooth, days after British pop singer Lola Young halted gigs having collapsed on stage. "I am devastated to say that due to an infected wisdom tooth I need to reschedule all of my upcoming dates of the October UK tour," CMAT, whose real name is Ciara ...