Today, CBS and Dick Clark Productions announced the nominations for the 2025 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS (AMAs), which will kick off summer with host Jennifer Lopez live from Las Vegas on Monday, May 26. Promising to be a night of unforgettable performances, including from Lopez herself, the 51st AMAs will air live coast to coast at 8:00 PM, ET / 5:00 PM, PT on the CBS Television Network, and stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.*
Fan voting is now open via VoteAMAs.com and the @AMAs Instagram profile in all award categories. Voting closes on Thursday, May 15 at 11:59:59 PM, PT, with the exception of Collaboration of the Year and Social Song of the Year, which will remain open through the first 30 minutes of the AMAs broadcast.
The 2025 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS winners are voted entirely by fans. Nominees are based on key fan interactions – as reflected on the Billboard charts – including streaming, album and song sales, radio airplay and tour grosses. These measurements are tracked by Billboard and Luminate, the entertainment industry’s most trusted data partner, and cover the data tracking eligibility period of March 22, 2024, through March 20, 2025.
2025 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS Nominee Highlights:
· Kendrick Lamar, who already has three American Music Awards to his name, leads this year’s nominations with a total of 10. He is nominated for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year (GNX), Song of the Year (“Not Like Us”), Collaboration of the Year (“Luther” with SZA), Favorite Music Video (“Not Like Us”), Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist, Favorite Hip-Hop Album (GNX), Favorite Hip-Hop Song (x3 – “Like That” with Future and Metro Boomin, “Not Like Us” and “Luther” with SZA). He could tie Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston for the most awards in a single year should he win in all eight categories.
· Post Malone has previously taken home awards in the rap/hip hop and pop/rock categories. He could add to that list with possible wins for Favorite Male Country Artist, Favorite Country Album (F-1 Trillion) and Favorite Country Song (“I Had Some Help” with Morgan Wallen) this year. He is also nominated for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year (F-1 Trillion), Song of the Year (“I Had Some Help” with Morgan Wallen) and Collaboration of the Year (x2 – “I Had Some Help” with Morgan Wallen and “Fortnight” with Taylor Swift), for a total of eight.
· After taking home the New Artist of the Year trophy in 2019, Billie Eilish continues to dominate with nominations for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year (HIT ME HARD AND SOFT), Song of the Year (“Birds of a Feather”), Favorite Touring Artist, Favorite Female Pop Artist, Favorite Pop Album (HIT ME HARD AND SOFT) and Favorite Pop Song (“Birds of a Feather”).
· First-time nominee Chappell Roan tied Billie’s seven nominations, with a chance to take home trophies for Artist of the Year, New Artist of the Year, Album of the Year (The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess), Song of the Year (“Good Luck, Babe!”), Social Song of the Year (“HOT TO GO!”), Favorite Female Pop Artist and Favorite Pop Album (The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess). Roan is also the only artist to be nominated in all three of this year’s exciting new categories: Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Social Song of the Year.
· Also entering the AMAs chat for the first time, Shaboozey received seven nominations, including New Artist of the Year, Song of the Year (“A Bar Song (Tipsy)”), Social Song of the Year (“A Bar Song (Tipsy)”), Favorite Music Video (“A Bar Song (Tipsy)”), Favorite Male Country Artist, Favorite Country Album (Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going) and Favorite Country Song (“A Bar Song (Tipsy)”).
· Other first-time nominees include Benson Boone, Doechii, Gracie Abrams, Jelly Roll, Lola Young, The Marias, ROSÉ, Teddy Swims, Tommy Richman, Tyla, as well as Artist of the Year nominees Sabrina Carpenter and Zach Bryan.
· Taylor Swift, the winningest artist in AMAs history, could add to her record-shattering 40 wins this year, having been nominated in six categories including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year (The Tortured Poets Department), Collaboration of the Year (“Fortnight” featuring Post Malone), Favorite Touring Artist, Favorite Female Pop Artist and Favorite Pop Album (The Tortured Poets Department).
· In addition to an Album of the Year nod for COWBOY CARTER, Beyoncé is in the running for Favorite Female Country Artist and Favorite Country Album.
· Hozier’s standout year earned five nominations including Song of the Year (“Too Sweet”), Favorite Male Pop Artist, Favorite Rock Artist, Favorite Rock Album (Unreal Unearth: Unending) and Favorite Rock Song (“Too Sweet”). He would become a first-time American Music Award winner should he take home the trophy in any of these categories.
The 25th Anniversary of “BET Awards” – Culture’s Biggest Night – is going even BIGGER! BET announced today, global superstar, comedian, and entertainment mogul Kevin Hart will host “BET Awards” 2025, airing LIVE on BET from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 8 pm ET/PT. This milestone celebration will honor 25 years of cultural artistry and shine a spotlight on the most influential voices across music, film, television, and sports.
Hart is a two-time New York Times best-selling author and four-time EMMY(R) winner, known for his larger-than-life personality and unique comedic style. He will bring his signature humor and energy to the “BET Awards” stage, ensuring an unforgettable night for audiences worldwide. As one of the most influential figures in entertainment, Hart’s presence highlights BET’s commitment to celebrating Black culture and its significant contributions to the global landscape.
Since its inception, “BET Awards” has remained the most coveted stage for Black culture, recognizing and amplifying the voices and talents shaping the industry. “BET Awards” 2024 underscored BET’s singular ability to convene the largest Black audiences and drive meaningful and unforgettable cultural moments that reverberate across communities and society. “BET Awards” 2025 special 25th anniversary edition promises to deliver the ultimate show-stopping performances, powerful moments, and heartfelt tributes reflecting Black culture’s depth and richness over the last quarter century.
“I love a celebration! It’s a chance to reflect, cherish, and honor life’s unforgettable moments,” says Kevin Hart. “I’m truly honored to host the 25th BET Awards and celebrate the culture’s biggest night. This year marks the 25th anniversary, and my partners at Hartbeat, BET, and JCE are pulling out all the stops to make it a night to remember. It’s a Black-Tie affair, and you’re all invited. Tune in live on June 9th, only on BET.”
“Kevin Hart is a powerhouse of an entertainer. His impact spans comedy, film, television, and beyond. As we celebrate 25 years of the BET Awards, we couldn’t think of a more dynamic host to lead this historic night,” said Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. “Kevin’s unmatched charisma, comedic brilliance, and deep-rooted connection to our culture make him the perfect choice to commemorate this milestone event.”
“For over a decade, Kevin Hart has been a beloved part of the BET family, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him return to host the 25th anniversary BET Awards,” said Scott Mills, President and CEO of BET. “His unparalleled talent, infectious energy, and deep connection to our audience make him the perfect host for this historic celebration. Kevin has continuously pushed boundaries in entertainment. On the heels of the successful launch of BET+ original series Lil Kev, we are eager to expand our partnership and continue to bring groundbreaking projects to life.”
Hart has a robust history with the BET, beginning as host of stand-up comedy showcase “Comic View: One Night Stand” in 2008. Hart also executive produced and starred in “Real Husbands of Hollywood,” the scripted parody series that premiered in 2013. On March 6, BET+ launched “Lil Kev,” the streamer’s first adult animated comedy series, based on Hart’s childhood and family, and produced by Hart’s entertainment company, Hartbeat.
Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, serves as the Executive Producer for “BET Awards” 2025, with Jamal Noisette, SVP of Tentpoles & Music Community Engagement, for BET. Jesse Collins Entertainment is the production company for the show, with Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay also serving as Executive Producers.
“BET Awards” 2025 will air LIVE on Monday, June 9, at 8 PM ET/PT on BET. Expect more exciting announcements, including the star-studded lineup of performers and nominees. Additionally, Culture’s Biggest Week returns with BET Experience 2025 (BETX) -four days of immersive fan-focused events Thursday, June 5, through Sunday, June 8, ahead of “BET Awards” 2025.
It’s one and done for CBS‘ comedy series Poppa’s House, starring Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr., which is not being renewed for a second season. It was CBS’ only freshman scripted series on the bubble and the only one to get canceled. The others — dramas Matlock, NCIS: Origins and Watson and comedy Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage — all have been picked up for next season.
As Deadline reported last month, Poppa’s House had been vying for a single remaining comedy slot on CBS’ 2025-26 schedule with three half-hour pilots: the single-camera DMV, the multi-camera Zarna, and The Neighborhood planted spinoff. It come down to DMV, Zarna and Poppa’s House, with DMV ultimately getting the spot with a series order. It was the end of the road for the others.
While Poppa’s House has been a respectable performer, earning a full-season order in November with a pickup of five additional episodes, its ratings were below the three other current CBS comedy series that have been renewed for next season: Ghosts, picked up for two seasons, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage as well as The Neighborhood, picked up for a final season.
To improve its renewal changes, Poppa’s House was asked to trim its budget. While it is multi-camera, the more cost-efficient comedy genre, the series boasts top on-screen talent in the Wayans father-and-son duo.
With the cancellation, Poppa’s House joins CBS dramas FBI: Most Wanted, FBI: International and S.W.A.T., which also won’t be returning next season. The decision on Poppa’s House leaves drama The Equalizer as the only CBS scripted series still on the bubble with its odds for renewal considered 50-50.
In Poppa’s House, Wayans and Wayans Jr. star as father and son opposite Essence Atkins and Tetona Jackson. Wayans Sr. portrays the legendary talk radio host and happily divorced “Poppa,” who has his point of view challenged at work when a new female co-host is hired. His home life is no better, as the patriarch of the family finds himself still parenting his adult son, a brilliant dreamer who is trying to pursue his passion while being a responsible father and husband.
Dean Lorey, Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. executive produced for CBS Studios.
Source: Deadline
From Oscar® winner Jordan Peele and Monkeypaw Productions, producers of the landmark horror films Get Out, Us, Candyman and Nope, comes a chilling journey into the inner sanctum of fame, idolatry and the pursuit of excellence at any cost, featuringan electrifying dramatic performance from Marlon Wayans (Air, Respect).
HIM stars former college wide-receiver Tyriq Withers (Atlanta, the upcoming I Know What You Did Last Summer) as Cameron Cade, a rising-star quarterback who has devoted his life, and identity, to football. On the eve of professional football’s annual scouting Combine, Cam is attacked by an unhinged fan and suffers a potentially career-ending brain trauma.
Just when all seems lost, Cam receives a lifeline when his hero, Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans), a legendary eight-time Championship quarterback and cultural megastar, offers to train Cam at Isaiah’s isolated compound that he shares with his celebrity influencer wife, Elsie White (Julia Fox; Uncut Gems, No Sudden Move). But as Cam’s training accelerates, Isaiah’s charisma begins to curdle into something darker, sending his protégé down a disorienting rabbit hole that may cost him more than he ever bargained for.
The film features a dynamic supporting cast including alternative comedy legend Tim Heidecker (First Time Female Director, Us) and Australian comic Jim Jefferies (The Jim Jefferies Show), plus MMA heavyweight fighter Maurice Greene and hip hop phenoms Guapdad 4000 and Grammy nominee Tierra Whack, all three in their feature film debuts.
HIM is directed by Justin Tipping (Kicks) from an acclaimed Black List screenplay by Zack Akers & Skip Bronkie (creators of the sci-fi crime series Limetown) and by Justin Tipping. The film is produced by Ian Cooper (Nope, Us), Jordan Peele (Candyman,BlacKkKlansman), Win Rosenfeld (Candyman, Lovecraft Country) and Jamal M. Watson (Hala, Sprinter) for Monkeypaw Productions and is executive produced by David Kern and Monkeypaw’s Kate Oh.
In this episode, we discuss what was the best playoffs you ever saw in any sport, plus we discuss who was the most impactful player in the playoffs.
This episode features comedians Thomas Ward, Howie Bell, and Maurice Smith.
Watch the episode above!
In this episode of Box Seats, we talk about our favorite women’s athletes as freshmen and as professional athletes.
We also return to men’s sports and talk about our favorite freshman in any sport. This episode features comedian Maurice Smith!
Watch it above!
Snoop Dogg is heading back to his church roots for his next album, Altar Call, which will be arriving on April 27. The project will serve as a tribute to Snoop’s late mother.
“April 27, I’m dropping a gospel album on Death Row Records. It’s called Altar Call,” he said in a video posted to Instagram on Tuesday (April 15). “You heard it first. A gospel album, April 27. God is good. Won’t he do it?”
The project is set to feature Jamie Foxx, Robert Glasper, Denaun Porter, Jazze Pha, Charlie Bereal, Jane Handcock, October London and more throughout the 21 tracks.
Snoop’s late mother is featured on the project’s cover art. Beverly Tate passed away in 2021. “U taught me how to read and write how to struggle and fight and all the facts of life,” Snoop said at the time of her death. “Now you finally got ya wings, mama.”
Snoop Dogg recently sat down with Okayplayer to detail his mother’s impact on him and how her spirit is channeled through Altar Call.
“The spirit of my mother will forever live within me. This album is a reflection of what she has taught me — to use my voice and my platform to spread love and heal the world. Just another chapter out of the Bible of Love.”
Snoop’s first gospel album arrived in 2018, with Bible of Love featuring assists from Faith Evans, Charlie Wilson, and more.
The West Coast legend closed out 2024 alongside his longtime partner Dr. Dre with their Missionary album in December. The LP debuted at No. 20 on the Billboard 200.
Watch Snoop Dogg’s Altar Call announcement below.
Dave Chappelle is set to take center stage at Toronto’s Departure Festival + Conference, with an exclusive stand-up performance at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
The six-time Grammy winner, five-time Emmy winner, and recent recipient of the NAACP President’s Award, anchors the comedy-focused expansion of the festival, organized by Loft Entertainment and Oak View Group.
The comedy programming also features rising Canadian talent, with homegrown comedians Jasmeet Raina, Ivan Decker, Sophie Buddle, Hassan Phills, and Ali Hassan joining the lineup, alongside the founder of viral comedy platform Don’t Tell Comedy, Kyle Kazanjian-Amory.
Chappelle, whose recent “Saturday Night Live” monologue stands as the longest in the program’s 50-year history, tops a bill that includes previously announced comedy podcast “How Did This Get Made? Live,” comedian Trevor Wallace, Pete Holmes, Harland Williams, Caroline Rhea, and Elvira Kurt.
The festival’s film and television component will include an advanced screening of Harland Williams’ new comedy “Wingman,” featuring Jamie Kennedy and Russell Peters, along with the world premiere of Adult Swim’s “Rick and Morty” Season 8, presented by StackTV, ahead of its May 25 airdate.
Comedy showcases focusing on emerging talent will take place at Comedy Bar locations throughout Toronto, featuring “Breakout” and “Next Gen” comedians in dedicated showcase events.
“Having Dave Chappelle take part in Departure is a real honor – for me, for the festival, and an amazing treat for our audiences. Starting off the inaugural Departure Comedy Festival with someone of Dave’s caliber and influence is incredibly exciting,” said Bruce Hills, executive producer of Departure Comedy.
“In November we promised that comedy would be a big part in the expansion of Departure, and we are immensely proud to fulfill that commitment with the announcement of global superstar Dave Chappelle,” added Kevin Barton, executive producer at Loft Entertainment. “To be able to watch Dave live is one of the most coveted shows on the planet, and it’s going to be a truly magical experience for that lucky audience.”
The Departure Festival + Conference runs May 6-11 in Toronto, while Chappelle’s set is on May 7. It takes place with the support of Ontario Creates.
Source: MSN
The Urban One Podcast Network is thrilled to welcome comedian, actress, and entrepreneur Torrei Hart with the launch of her new show, Brutally Honest with Torrei Hart. This bold and unfiltered podcast brings Hart’s signature humor and candidness to the forefront, offering listeners engaging conversations that resonate across cultural lines.
Brutally Honest with Torrei Hart is a comedy interview podcast that breaks through the noise with fearless and refreshingly authentic discussions. Each episode features studio interviews with a diverse lineup of guests, including entertainers, comedians, authors, community and religious leaders, and other newsmakers. The show is more than a podcast—it’s a cultural force, where raw truth, bold humor, and powerful conversations come together to leave a lasting impact.
Torrei Hart is a multi-talented comedian, actress, TV personality, and influencer with over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry. A Philadelphia/Jersey native and mother of two, Torrei has performed alongside comedy heavyweights like Martin Lawrence, Katt Williams, Alex Thomas, and Chris Spencer. She has also hosted the Wendy Williams Foundation 10-Year Anniversary Gala.
Beyond the stage, Hart is a successful entrepreneur. In 2017, she founded Heavenly Hart Haircare, a natural haircare line catering to all ethnicities. She also launched the YouTube comedy channel Pretty Funny Fish, which gained significant popularity. With a production company under her name and a signed partnership with Russell Simmons, Torrei has contributed creative content to All Def Digital and has starred, co-written, and executive produced her own short films. Additionally, she developed an unscripted talk show titled Talkin Shit with ZEUS Network and holds a recurring chair on DISH NATION. In 2020, she introduced Skinny Bish Keto, a health and fitness brand encouraging women to become their “Best Self.”
Listeners can anticipate real, raw, funny, and honest interviews from Torrei’s unique perspective. Her excitement about partnering with the Urban One Podcast Network is palpable:
“You can expect to hear real, raw, funny, and honest interviews from my perspective. My excitement is through the roof to partner with such an established iconic brand that is aligned with my vision.”
Brutally Honest with Torrei Hart is produced by Matt Ables, Jeremiah Stewart, and Rashid Terry, bringing together a team dedicated to delivering compelling and impactful content.
Source: Black America Web
Did ya miss me?
For those of us old enough to remember Martin (or caught up through reruns), that phrase is etched into our pop culture vocabulary. During a memorable two-episode run called “Hollywood Swingin’,” in the popular Fox show’s second season, In Living Color alum Tommy Davidson starred as talk-show host Varnell Hill who was in town as a guest on Martin’s local Detroit-area radio show on WZUP and would use “Did ya miss me?” as his famous catchphrase.
Feeling one-upped on his own show and sarcastically promised a guest appearance of his own, Martin would then fly out to L.A. to check out The Varnell Hill Show live and ultimately finessed his way on the show by hilariously crashing a Jodeci performance.
Well, Deadline is reporting that BET+ is ordering a series around the character 32 years later, centered around Davidson and his film crew as they go about making a late-night talk show. Varnell Hill will be a direct spin-off of that very character and it was created and executive produced by Martin Lawrence and Bentley Evans, who himself had a memorable character on Martin, which he recently talked about on the Holdin’ Court Podcast. Evans will also serve as the showrunner as he once did on Martin and The Jamie Foxx Show. He also wrote the pilot and will direct episodes.
In a statement, Davidson seemed excited to bring this character to life once again saying: “Did you miss me? Well, now you don’t have to! I’m excited and honored to be a part of such a creative project with the brilliant mind of Martin Lawrence, over 30 years in the making. Fans have requested it and now it’s coming to BET+!”
Martin premiered in 1992 and aired for five seasons, helping launch Lawrence’s movie career as a certified box-office draw.
We wonder if the catfish in Lake Varnell are still as delicious as they were back in ’93.
Source: Billboard