Awards that recognize excellence in recorded music
Jordin Sparks has been chosen to perform the national anthem at the Indianapolis 500 on May 24 as part of this year’s race celebrations. Reserved seating is sold out, with general admission tickets still available. Attendance figures are not released, but IMS estimates place the crowd around 350,000 across the infield and grandstands.
Mystikal has been sentenced to 20 years for third-degree rape after pleading guilty in March. He faced a potential life sentence on a first-degree rape charge. He attempted to withdraw his plea before sentencing; the motion was dismissed. He has a history of prior convictions and probation violations.
Beyoncé has released a new track, Morning Dew (Donk), marking the start of a 60-day countdown to her birthday and the 20th anniversary reissue of B’DAY. The song is credited to Beyoncé, Pharrell Williams, The-Dream and Darius Dixon, and will feature on the 20th-anniversary edition of B’DAY. A lyric video accompanies the release.
Google is updating its image search with a real-time, You-for-you gallery and new AI image-generation in AI Overviews. The changes span desktop English US rollout and aim to boost engagement by letting users explore, collect, and generate visuals within Google's ecosystem.
Shania Twain has released Little Miss Twain, drawing on Ontario childhood memories and family history. The album features duets with Tanya Tucker and a tribute to her late mother, while reflecting a slower, more intimate side of her career. Critics vary on its danger and daring, with some praising its honesty and others finding it safe.
All seven BTS members have issued a joint note urging fans that their music should be heard for what it is, not confined by region or language. The statement follows the Recording Academy’s addition of five new Grammy categories, including a Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. BTS has never won a Grammy but has been nominated five times.
Glen Hansard, the Oscar-winning musician and frontman of The Frames, has died in a crash in Lucan, near Dublin. Reports say the motorcyclist died at the scene and a car involved was damaged. Police are appealing for witnesses; the death follows a career spanning busking Dublin to Broadway and film glory.