Awards / Awards Shows

Some of the biggest names in music were honored at the 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Friday night -- as a slew of artists put on memorable performances.

The 38th Annual star-studded event was held at the Barclays Center in NYC and, for the first time, was streamed live on Disney+ to highlight all of this year's winners.

To say the least, the list of inductees was impressive: Missy Elliott, Chaka Khan, Sheryl Crow, George Michael (posthumously), Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine, Kate Bush and The Spinners. Among the evening's entertainers were Rock icons Elton John and Jimmy Page.

Actress Laura Dern kicked off the ceremony, giving the first award to Crow while labeling her a “badass goddess.”

Crow then performed three of her hits, “If It Makes You Happy,” "Strong Enough" and "Everyday." Olivia Rodrigo, Stevie Nicks and Peter Frampton each jumped in separately to assist on the songs.

Chaka Khan also put on a mesmerizing show after accepting the "Musical Excellence Award" from R&B singer Jazmine Sullivan.

Chaka played 3 of her famous tunes, “I Feel You,” “Ain’t Nobody” and “I’m Every Woman." H.E.R., Sia and Common joined in to add their soulful voices.

Perhaps the most unforgettable moment was when Willie Nelson was inducted and performed with several other icons -- Crow, Dave Matthews and Chris Stapleton. Nelson and Co. featured a few of his most recognizable songs, “Whiskey River," “Crazy” and “On the Road Again.”

As for George Michael, he, too, was honored in a big way. The late Wham! frontman was dubbed “one of the greatest singers of our time” by his former band member, Andrew Ridgeley.

Miguel, Adam Levine and Carrie Underwood brought down the house with their renditions of Michael's “Careless Whisper,” “Faith” and “One More Try.”

Kate Bush is being ushered into rock and roll history alongside some great artists who'll share the honor ... but they won't share the stage with her, 'cause she's bowing out.

The British singer-songwriter -- who was huge in the '80s, and who recently gained popularity again through "Stranger Things" -- is one of many who are set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Friday night in Brooklyn ... but she seems to be the only one who won't be there in person.

Kate posted a lengthy statement addressing her being included in this year's class, saying she's completely grateful and humbled ... noting her hit song, "Running Up That Hill," put her back in the spotlight again thanks to Netflix.

She writes, "Last year was such a surprisingly successful time for my track ['RUTH'] and I’m sure that a lot of you who’ve voted me in to the RRHOF also drove that track up the charts. Thank you!" Then, she hits everyone with somewhat unsurprising news.

KB adds, "I’m afraid I won’t be able to attend the ceremony tonight, but for me the real honour is knowing that you felt I deserved it." Kate doesn't address why she's bailing -- but she does extend a lot of compliments to the other artists who'll be enshrined ... specifically pointing out Bernie Taupin, Elton John's writing partner, as one who's quite deserving.

The other inductees, aside from the above-mentioned ones, include ... Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Willie Nelson, Rage Against the Machine and The Spinners. As far as we can tell, they're all expected to show face ... but unfortunately, Kate's seat will be empty.

Of course, Kate does have a bit of a rep for being elusive/reclusive -- so the fact she's opting out here might not be a total shocker for longtime fans of hers. It's funny ... not even a fan fave like 'ST' could bring her out of her shell. Just goes to show -- Kate stays true!

Latto has a whole lot to celebrate after her track with Jung Kook broke a record for fastest to reach a billion streams on Spotify ... and she told us why she's HYPED about the big news.

We got Latto Wednesday at LAX and congratulated her on the huge accomplishment for "Seven" ... and the one word she used to sum up her reaction to it is "crazy."

Latto says the track's record-breaking success has made her really grateful. She choked up as she told us about recently losing a dear friend, and said she feels this Spotify record is a sign her late pal still has her back from the afterlife.

In terms of what's next, Latto is more than ready to collab with the BTS member on another hit -- saying she's even got something in the works that'd be perfect for Jung Kook.

She also gives a shoutout to his army of fans -- in the U.S. and abroad -- telling us they've been showing her nothing but love and support, and she's all for making them happy again.

Latto tiene mucho que celebrar después de que su canción con Jung Kook rompiera el récord de ser la más rápida en alcanzar los mil millones de streams en Spotify y nos contó lo que se siente vivir semejante éxito.

Nos encontramos a Latto el Miércoles en LAX y la felicitó por el enorme logro de "Seven" y la única palabra que utilizó para resumir su reacción a la misma es "loco".

Latto dice que el éxito de la canción la ha hecho sentirse muy agradecida. Se le heló la sangre al hablarnos de la reciente pérdida de un querido amigo y dijo que siente que este disco de Spotify es una señal de que su difunto amigo todavía la tiene de vuelta desde el más allá.

En cuanto a lo que está por venir, Latto está más que dispuesta a colaborar con el miembro de BTS en otro éxito, e incluso ha dicho que está preparando algo que sería perfecto para Jung Kook.

Ella también da un saludo a su ejército de fans en los EE.UU. y en el extranjero, diciéndonos que han estado mostrando nada más que amor y apoyo y ella esta con todas las ganas de hacerlos felices de nuevo.

E-40 put his Bay Area hub of Vallejo, CA on the hip hop map over 30 years ago -- an accomplishment honored for over the weekend -- October 21 will now be known as "E-40 Day" in his hometown.

TMZ Hip Hop obtained footage of the joyous occasion … we’re told nearly 200 members from the legendary rapper’s family — including those from The Click — turned out. Mistah F.A.B and hundreds of fans also turned out to see Magazine St. renamed to “E-40 Way.”

40 planted a kiss on the street sign ... a full circle smackeroo having been photographed 20 years ago at the same spot to promote his 2003 album "Breakin News!!!"

The "Choices" rapper is only the 2nd person in Vallejo's 172-year history to receive the Key to the City and Mayor Robert McConnell blessed him with the proclamation to prove it.

Myke Towers isn't looking to follow in his fellow Puerto Rican trapper Bad Bunny's footsteps by locking down a celeb relationship -- a la Kendall Jenner -- instead, the "LALA" artist says he has options, and he's ready to explore 'em!!!

TMZ Hip Hop quizzed the Reggaeton megastar about his relationship status outside 'Jimmy Kimmel,' and while he played it coy, Myke ultimately told us the single life works best for him now.

He made it clear, he doesn't want to piss off his existing roster of women. Yeah, we know, first-world playboy problems!!!

It's not hard to see why Myke is iffy on tying down the right one, he's been crackin' since winning the "Best New Artist" at the Billboard Latin Music Awards a couple of years ago.

He dropped his recent album "La Vida Es Una" back in March ... and his track "LALA" has been racking up platinum plaques in the Latin market left and right.

We also inquired about Tekashi 6ix9ine's current standing amongst fans in P.R., especially in light of his recent legal drama in the Dominican Republic for alleged assault.

Drake recently dubbed Atlanta "the most important city in rap" and the culture got the opportunity to prove him right last night during the taping of the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards.

The festivities made their way to the black-and-green carpet for the ultimate gathering of rap talent ... Boosie Badazz was especially turnt up before the show -- and during, when Fat Joe gave him a shout-out from the stage.

Joe hosted the awards and he greeted the press and media alongside his wife and daughter, Lorena and Azariah Cartagena.

Speaking of family, Da Brat flaunted her bounce-back game after giving birth to her first child a few months ago alongside her wife Jesseca "Judy" Harris-Dupart.

DC Young Fly linked up with Chingy while continuing to push forward in the wake of his partner Jacky Oh's death -- just like he told us he would and Cash Money Millionaires Juvenile and Mannie Fresh teased a new collab and Swizz Beatz was in the mix as well.

Drake recientemente ha apodado a Atlanta como "la ciudad más importante para el rap" y ayer por la noche fue la oportunidad de demostrar que tenía razón durante la grabación de los 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards.

Las festividades se dirigieron a la alfombra verde y negra para la reunión definitiva del talento del rap. Boosie Badazz estaba especialmente excitado antes del espectáculo y durante, cuando Fat Joe le dio un grito desde el escenario.

Joe fue el anfitrión de los premios y saludó a la prensa y a los medios junto a su mujer y su hija, Lorena y Azariah Cartagena.

Hablando de familia, Da Brat hizo alarde de su recuperación tras dar a luz a su primer hijo hace unos meses junto a su mujer Jesseca "Judy" Harris-Dupart.

DC Young Fly se unió a Chingy mientras sigue adelante tras la muerte de su compañera Jacky Oh!, tal y como nos dijo que haría. Cash Money Millionaires Juvenile y Mannie Fresh anunciaron una nueva colaboración y Swizz Beatz hizo lo suyo también.

George Clooney y su esposa Amal están demostrando que pueden llamar a algunas de las mejores estrellas de Hollywood para que aparezcan cuando sea necesario, porque eso es exactamente lo que hicieron en los Premios Albie de este año.

La pareja estaba impresionante como siempre el jueves por la noche para su gran evento en la Biblioteca Pública de Nueva York, organizado por la Fundación Clooney para la Justicia.

George y Amal fueron los anfitriones de una increíble lista de parejas de famosos. Figuras como Daniel Craig y Rachel Weisz, Cindy Crawford y Rande Gerber, Emily Blunt y John Krasinski y Matt Damon y Luciana Barroso estuvieron presente.

Otras celebridades como Anne Hathaway, Heidi Klum, Scarlett Johansson, Mary J. Blige, Donatella Versace, Jeremy Strong y Greta Gerwig también acudieron para disfrutar de la noche juntos.

Los premios llevan el nombre de Albie Sachs, un abogado y ex juez sudafricano que luchó durante décadas contra el apartheid en su país, al que finalmente puso fin.

George Clooney and his wife Amal are proving they can call on some of Hollywood's finest to show up when needed ... 'cause that's exactly what went down at this year's Albie Awards.

The couple looked as stunning as ever stepping into the New York Public Library Thursday night for their big event, put on by the Clooney Foundation for Justice.

George and Amal hosted a pretty amazing lineup of celeb couples ... folks like Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz, Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, and Matt Damon and Luciana Barroso all attended, too.

Other stars like Anne Hathaway, Heidi Klum, Scarlett Johansson, Mary J. Blige, Donatella Versace, Jeremy Strong and Greta Gerwig all showed up to enjoy the night together as well.

The awards are named after Albie Sachs, a South African lawyer and former judge who fought against apartheid in his country for decades, eventually putting an end to it.

The cast of "Jersey Shore" have officially become New Jersey legends ... September 22 will live forever as "Jersey Shore" Day in Atlantic City.

Eight members of the cast were honored by the mayor of A.C., Marty Small, outside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino ... where he legitimized "Jersey Shore" Day, a.k.a "Jerzday."

The ceremony drew a crowd of pumped-up fans ... waving Italian flags and hoisting posters of 'JS' favorites like Snooki, Vinny and JWoww, who were in attendance.

In fact, all 8 cast members from the current "Jersey Shore: Family Vacation" were in attendance, including Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, Pauly D, Angelina Pivarnick, Deena Cortese and Sammi "Sweetheart" Giancola.

Mayor Small explained why the cast deserves such an honor ... "Because in the last 15 years, this group has made New Jersey proud with strength, perseverance, family values, gym, tan, laundry."

Clearly, the Mayor appreciates the amount of attention the show has drawn to the city over the years. In fact, the reality show's spin-off, "Family Vacation," recently filmed in A.C.

Michael Blackson is feeling more confident about the power of Afrobeats music since the last time we talked to him -- he's now certain the wave will be at least as large as hip hop, if not bigger.

We caught up with Mike at Kids in Africa Afrikicks -- a charitable event put together by Oni Productions, and one which happened after Afrobeats star Rema took home an MTV VMA for his blockbuster hit "Calm Down" with Selena Gomez.

It was the inaugural award for "Best Afrobeats" song, and the vid has been crushing it, garnering over a billion views in just a year's time.

MB thinks the writing's on the wall for his culture to dominate music just as hip hop has for the last 50 years. The Nigerian-born comedian says Afrobeats is just too "fun and loving" to be denied.

He's also using American stars to prove his point ... namely Drake and Chris Brown, who started collaborating with the likes of Wizkid and Davido years ago.

It's obvious record labels are putting a heavy priority on Afrobeats now -- maybe even more than hip hop, which was shut out of Billboard's #1 spot for more than a year.

Sexyy Red's raps are making hip hop history -- she just took the game to pound town with the first #1 hit on Billboard's new TikTok chart!!!

On Thursday, Billboard and TikTok rolled out their inaugural chart that monitors musical activity on the app, and it was determined Sexyy Red's "SkeeYee" anthem ranks at the top of the pile!!!

Sexyy Red stated "she always knew" she'd end up being "a #1 type of artist" after her rowdy record got the honor and thanked all her fans for running her numbers up in a statement following the announcement.

The track is a highlight on Sexyy's "Hood Hottest Princess" album, which has taken her career to new heights -- namely, an opening slot on Drake's "It's All a Blur" Tour opposite 21 Savage.

In a moment sure to thrill 90's kids everywhere, Justin Timberlake, Chris Kirkpatrick, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone and JC Chasez reunited on the VMAs stage for the first time in a decade ... much to Taylor Swift's delight.

Fans went nuts as the 5 members of *NSYNC all got together Tuesday to present the award for best pop video. Nicki Minaj introduced them as they walked out to "Bye Bye Bye," the song behind their first VMA win back in the day.

Taylor was going full fangirl as the fellas took the stage, and then she ended up winning for her hit song, "Anti-Hero."

Lance even gave Taylor a friendship bracelet as she hugged every band member on stage ... and she used part of her acceptance speech to gush over *NSYNC.

It's the first time the guys have been together at the MTV VMAs since way back in 2013 ... and the first time they've all been together for a public appearance since a stop on Ellen a few years back.

Of course, the timing makes a lot of sense, as the guys are rolling out a single for the upcoming 'Trolls' movie ... talk about some good promotion.

Unfortunately, no performance from the guys ... but you gotta imagine the warm reception makes the thought of a reunion tour that much more enticing.

Yes, even for JT.

With all of the big stars -- Taylor, Nicki, Selena and more -- do you think the MTV VMAs have gained credibility again? Vote below.

The 2023 VMAs were all about Taylor Swift, her famous Swifties and, of course, *NSYNC ... and they showed out behind the scenes.

The Prudential Center in Newark, NJ was the center of the music world Tuesday night, with Taylor and a boy band reunion leading the way for MTV's signature award ceremony.

Taylor went nuts for Justin Timberlake, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, JC Chasez and Chris Kirkpatrick ... and she hung out with Ice Spice and Billy Porter too.

While Taylor was busy taking home awards for her amazing music videos, there was plenty of eye candy off camera ... with Cardi B, Selena Gomez, Bebe Rexha, Emily Ratajkowski and Sexyy Redd all commanding eyes.

Lil Nas X screamed out for attention too ... and there were even some hot celeb couples, like Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes.

Brittney Griner is adding another accolade to her resume ... the Phoenix Mercury star has just won AP Comeback Player of the Year honors -- some nine months after she returned to the United States from Russian detainment.

The Mercury announced the award on Tuesday ... revealing the 6-foot-9 center would share the hardware with Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, who came back to Minnesota this season after sitting out last year to give birth to her first child.

As we reported, Griner was arrested in February 2022 after Russian authorities said she had hash oil in her luggage at an airport. She was eventually sentenced to nine years in prison in the case, though she was set free following a prisoner swap for arms dealer Viktor Bout.

A couple months after she landed back on U.S. soil -- she signed a one-year deal with the Mercury -- and she shined in her return to the hardwood ... averaging 17.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.

The season wasn't without its lows, however ... she did battle injuries, and she took a few games off for a mental health break. She also infamously had a run-in with a troll at an airport.

But, she was selected to her ninth WNBA All-Star team regardless ... and last week, when reflecting on the season, she told media members, "I tell you one thing, it's not good being at the end of the standings but it's better than where I was a year go, that's for sure."

Earlier Tuesday, Breanna Stewart took home AP Player Of The Year honors ... while Aces star Alysha Clark won Sixth Woman of the Year. Sun honcho Stephanie White won Coach of the Year ... and 2023 first overall pick Aliyah Boston won Rookie of the Year.