The 13 Best Things That Happened In Music This Week (Dec. 13)

This week was particularly bittersweet, as the music world unexpectedly lost rapper Juice WRLD on Sunday (Dec. 8) and Roxette co-vocalist Marie Fredriksson on Tuesday (Dec. 10). Artists of all genres paid tribute to each of the late singers, reminding all of us about their respective impacts on the industry.

Despite the sad beginning to the week, there were also some uplifting music moments. Jennifer Lopez received both Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for her dynamic supporting role in Hustlers; Harry Styles brought humor to The Late Late Show ahead of his Fine Line album release on Friday; and Selena Gomez finally revealed the title and track list for her new album.

And on Thursday (Dec. 12), the positive vibes continued at Billboard’s Women in Music event, where Taylor Swift — who graced the Billboard cover as Woman of the Year — Billie Eilish, Rosalía and several more female stars empowered and inspired with important messages about having your voice heard.

Take a look at some of this week’s biggest happenings below.

The Weeknd landed his fourth Billboard Hot 100 No. 1

Four years after his first Hot 100 topper, The Weeknd landed his fourth song atop the chart with his latest single “Heartless.” The track debuted at No. 32, but shot to the top in its second week, particularly thanks to its 30 million U.S. streams in the week ending Dec. 5. Meanwhile, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” also catapulted, landing at No. 3 this week — matching its highest peak, which was first reached last holiday season.

Beyoncé did a rare Q&A with fans

Beyoncé rolled out her latest Ivy Park collaboration with Adidas with a flawless spread in Elle magazine on Monday (Dec. 9). During a special Q&A with fans for the cover story, Queen Bey addressed everything from never-ending pregnancy rumors (“Get off my ovaries,” she declared) and her creative process to her secrets to staying grounded and how she feels about being snubbed by major awards shows like the Grammys: “Success looks different to me now.”

Lizzo twerked to “Juice” at a Lakers game (and then shut down haters)

When Lizzo heard her hit “Juice” at the Los Angeles Lakers game on Sunday night, she couldn’t help but get up and dance. Naturally, that resulted in some twerking — but what most people didn’t see coming was the giant cutout in the back of her dress, which revealed a black thong. Her bold move sparked some criticism on social media, and on Monday (Dec. 9), she had no problem clapping right back in classic Lizzo fashion. “Never, ever let somebody stop you or shame you from being yourself,” she declared in an Instagram Live video. “I’m surrounded by love, and all I want to do is spread that love. And also, spread these cheeks!”

Halsey and Lil Nas X tributed Juice WRLD in concert

After several stars paid tribute to Juice WRLD in their feeds, some took to the stage to do so also. The night of Juice’s untimely death, Lil Nas X covered the late rapper’s breakout hit “Lucid Dreams” at San Francisco’s Jingle Ball. Two days later, Halsey dedicated her performance of “Without Me” — which Juice remixed — to the star during her Brooklyn Pandora Live show, adding an important message: “Life is short, we should appreciate every single moment that we have together.” 

Drake surprised DaBaby’s Toronto crowd and teased a new album

When DaBaby stopped by Drake’s native Toronto on Tuesday night (Dec. 10), he decided to make the show extra special with an appearance from the 6 God himself. Along with performing his Rick Ross-assisted track “Money in the Grave,” Drake congratulated DaBaby for “killing this sh—t.” But perhaps the most exciting part about his cameo was a teaser of what he has in store: “I’mma go back to the crib and try to finish this album up so we can turn up in 2020,” he said.

Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé & more earned big-time nominations

Award season really kicked into gear this week, with both the Golden Globes and the SAG Awards announcing their list of nominees for the 2020 ceremonies. Lopez landed best supporting actress nominations from both award shows for her role in Hustlers — which rightfully made her very emotional — and Swift, Beyoncé and Elton John all received best original song Golden Globes nominations. Music biopics also got a shoutout from both the Golden Globes and the SAG Awards, with Renee Zellweger earning a best actress nomination for her role in the Judy Garland biopic, Judy, and Taran Egerton receiving a best actor nod for his portrayal of Elton John in Rocketman.

Harry Styles hosted The Late Late Show and faced off with Kendall Jenner

On Tuesday (Dec. 10), Styles charmed his way through another spectacular stint as guest host of The Late Late Show with James Corden. For his night in Corden’s shoes, the former One Direction member invited ex-flame Kendall Jenner to play a friendly game of “Spill Your Guts or Fill Your Guts.” While the supermodel ranked her famous Kardashian-Jenner siblings on their parenting, Styles opted to choke down a plate of cod sperm rather than reveal which songs on his 2017 self-titled debut album were inspired by Jenner.

Lil Nas X celebrated his diamond plaque

Back in October, Lil Nas X’s record-breaking No. 1 hit “Old Town Road” was certified diamond by the RIAA. On Tuesday (Dec. 10), the rapper finally received the official plaque for his ten-million-sales achievement and took to social media to celebrate. “Finally got the plaque. what do you guys think?” he wrote alongside a series of photos with Billy Ray Cyrus and Quincy Jones, posing with the gigantic piece of memorabilia in a colorful, ’80s-inspired suit.

Taylor Swift declared she wants her music to “live on”

Swift landed her latest Billboard cover in commemoration of her Woman of the Decade honor at Billboard‘s 2019 Women In Music. In the Dec. 11 story, the superstar sat down for an insightful chat about her skyrocketing career trajectory throughout the 2010s, the plan to re-record her back catalog of work, her mission to fight for artists’ rights and more.

Justin Bieber teased something for 2020

Not too long ago, Bieber was teasing the possibility of new music by year’s end, but it looks like the superstar’s plans for a new surprise have been pushed to 2020. On Wednesday (Dec. 11), Bieber posted a cryptic, seven-second video to his Instagram showing nothing but the year in bold white font on a black background. With no sound, caption or further clues attached to the clip, Beliebers will have to wait until the new decade to find out what the Biebs has hiding up his heavily-tattooed sleeve. Is it a new album? A presidential run? (Of course, Bieber is proudly Canadian and therefore disqualified from running for the White House, but can you imagine?)

Selena Gomez revealed her album release date and track list

Gomez surprised fans with some exciting news Thursday, as she revealed the release date and title of her album — Rare, out Jan. 10 — along with a minute-long teaser trailer that unveiled the track list (as well as clips of never-before-heard tunes), which includes collaborations with 6lack and Kid Cudi.

Can’t believe I’m revealing the art and title for my new album RARE, out January 10th. It’s the most honest music I’ve ever made and I can’t wait for you to hear my heart. — You can preorder RARE now ? https://t.co/ZtkCasbpnd pic.twitter.com/IDscYrmLsO

— Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) December 12, 2019

Billie Eilish, Alicia Keys and more were honored at Billboard’s Women in Music

The final Billboard Women in Music of the 2010s started and ended in perhaps the most fitting way possible: Woman of the Year honoree Swift kicked off the ceremony by stressing the importance of supporting the next generation of female artists, and Woman of the Year honoree Eilish closing out the night confirming that she is part of that next generation. In between, the likes of Brandi Carlile, Alicia Keys, Alanis Morissette, Nicki Minaj and Roc Nation leader Desiree Perez also offered empowering and emotional speeches; Rosalía, Megan Thee Stallion and Tiana Major9 delivered show-stopping performances. See a full recap of the night here, and check out all Women in Music coverage here.

Harry Styles, Dua Lipa, Usher and more released new music 

Arguably the most anticipated release of the week, Styles unveiled his sophomore album, Fine Line, on Friday (Dec. 13), which features nine infectious new tracks along with his previously released songs “Lights Up,” “Watermelon Sugar” and “Adore You.” But there were plenty of other exciting releases for music fans, as Dua Lipa dropped another club-ready tune, “Future Nostalgia”; Lil Uzi Vert prepped for the new year with “Futsal Shuffle 2020”; and Usher recruited Ella Mai for a silky new single, “Don’t Waste My Time.” Check out our full run-down of new releases here!