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Dion And The Belmonts Reunite On ‘Together Again’ After Nearly Six Decades

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Dion & the Belmonts return to the spotlight with the long-awaited digital release of ‘Together Again,’ now streaming for the first time in 59 years. Originally recorded in 1966 at Regent Sound in New York and released in January 1967, the album captures a rare reunion between Dion DiMucci and his original group, Fred Milano, Carlo Mastrangelo, and Angelo D’Aleo. Available now in its original mono mixes, the eleven-track collection traces a moment when the group’s classic harmonies met the shifting sounds of the singer-songwriter era. The release stands as a vital document of a legendary group in transition, and it resonates as a richly rewarding listen.

Reflecting the changing musical landscape, ‘Together Again’ features four Dion originals alongside an eclectic set of covers and outside compositions. Highlights include Bob Dylan’s “Baby You’ve Been On My Mind,” “For Bobbie,” written by H.J. Deutchendorf before he emerged as John Denver, and the Brazilian classic “Berimbau.” Dion recalls, “I had written a group of songs and I thought it would be fun and interesting to record them with my Bronx boys as Dion & the Belmonts.” The album also includes “My Girl The Month of May,” later covered by members of Fairport Convention and Fotheringay, and “All I Wanna Do” by Mort Shuman, whom Dion calls “my blessed friend.”

Dion & The Belmonts – Together Again Track Listing:
Movin’ Man
Berimbau
Come To My Side
All I Wanna Do
But Not For Me
New York Town
Loserville
For Bobbie
Jump Back Baby
Baby You’ve Been On My Mind
My Girl The Month Of May

Goldie Boutilier, Daniel James McFadyen, Cassie And Maggie, And Mallory Johnson Lead 2026 ECMA Nominations

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 The East Coast Music Association (ECMA) is pleased to announce the 2026 ECMA nominees for the 38th annual East Coast Music Awards, celebrating the best in East Coast music and industry excellence.

The East Coast Music Awards: Festival & Conference will take place in Sydney, Nova Scotia, from May 20–24, 2026, and will include the East Coast Music Awards Gala presented by Rogers, along with festival performances, industry programming, and networking events.

The five-day celebration will feature performances, industry conferences, and international networking opportunities, highlighting the depth and diversity of East Coast music talent.

Leading this year’s nominations is Goldie Boutilier with seven, followed by Daniel James McFadyen with six, and Cassie and Maggie and Mallory Johnson with five nominations each. A full list of nominees follows. Together, this year’s nominees represent a wide range of genres, communities, and regions, reflecting the ongoing strength and diversity of East Coast music.

“Nova Scotia has a proud tradition of diverse musical talent, which is why we’re proud to support the ECMAs again this year. Welcoming outstanding Atlantic Canadian musicians, along with their teams and fans, will kick off five days of celebration across Sydney. The ECMAs are more than an awards show — they’re an opportunity to learn, connect, and reflect upon the cultural, social, and economic impact of East Coast music.”
— The Honourable Dave Ritcey, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage

The marquee event of ECMA 2026 is the 38th annual East Coast Music Awards Gala presented by Rogers. The Gala will take place on Thursday, May 21, at Centre 200 in Sydney, Cape Breton.

“The passion for music in Canada’s Atlantic provinces is incredibly powerful,” said Edith Cloutier, President, Atlantic Canada. “Rogers is proud to continue to support the East Coast Music Festival, including the talented artists, deep cultural roots, and unique storytelling that it brings to Sydney, Nova Scotia.”

Public voting for 2026 TD Fans’ Choice Entertainer of the Year and 2026 TD Fans’ Choice Video of the Year begins January 28 and closes March 31, 2026. Fans can vote online at ECMA.com.


“For more than 10 years, TD has been proud to support the ECMAs as it commemorates and elevates the incredible talent that defines Atlantic Canada’s music scene. At TD, we understand the power of music to break down barriers and spark connections that unite communities. The ECMAs create the stage for the diverse artists of this region to tell their stories and inspire audiences, and we are thrilled to be a part of this year’s celebration.”

— Jenn Auld, Vice President, Atlantic Region, TD Canada Trust

Returning home to host the Awards Gala are Sydney favourites Bette MacDonald and Maynard Morrison. The award-winning performers and longtime collaborators are well known for their work in television, theatre, and live performance, and bring a strong connection to Cape Breton audiences and East Coast culture.

Tickets for the 38th annual East Coast Music Awards Gala presented by Rogers are on sale now at ECMA.com. The Gala will also be live-streamed worldwide at ECMA.com.

The 2026 East Coast Music Award & Industry Award nominees are as follows:

Artiste acadien(ne) ou francophone de l’année
• HieroPhunk & Wuzzô
• Jacques Surette
• Kristen Martell
• La famille LeBlanc
• Pierre Guitard

African Canadian Artist of the Year
• Blessing Tangban
• Judith Ifeadi
• JupiterReign
• Mayaya
• Michael J Foxx
• Rightflow

Album of the Year
• Cassie and Maggie – Gold and Coal
• Daniel James McFadyen – Back to the Country
• Goldie Boutilier – Goldie Boutilier Presents… Goldie Montana
• Kellie Loder – Transitions
• Morgan Toney – Heal The Divide
• The Irish Descendants – Those Were The Days

Blues Release of the Year
• Aging Disgracefully – Shatter the Mirror
• Angelo Spinazzola – Harp-Centric
• Geoff Arsenault – Hired Hand
• Jon Hines – Memphis Sun
• JP LeBlanc – All In My Blood / Je l’ai dans l’sang

Breakthrough Artist of the Year
• Ben Chase
• Elyse Aeryn
• Goldie Boutilier
• Lindsay Misiner
• Robert Thomas and the Sessionmen
• Sean Michael Ryan

Children’s Artist of the Year
• Donna & Andy
• Heather Feather
• Molly Whuppie
• Port-Aux-Poutines
• Sugarwoods

Classical Release of the Year
• Catherine Little & Greg Myra – Light and Dark
• Duo Concertante – MAIER FRANCK SCHUMANN: Sonatas for Violin and Piano
• India Gailey – Butterfly Lightning Shakes the Earth
• Jean-Guy Boisvert – Album pour la jeunesse XXI
• Jennifer King – Souvenance

Classical Composer of the Year
• Amy Brandon
• Andrew Staniland
• Bekah Simms
• Jason Noble
• Jim O’Leary

Country Release of the Year
• Danny Drouin – Five O’clock Shadow
• Jamie Fontaine – Jamie Fontaine
• Mallory Johnson – Over the Party
• The Mainlanders – Just About Ready
• The Martin Boys – Burn the Boats

Dance Release of the Year
• Apryll Aileen – Take Me
• Cloverdale – Dream Operator
• PINEO & LOEB – Love Yourself
• potem – What I Gotta Be
• Will Rad – Wonderland

Electronic Release of the Year
• Andrew Staniland – Dancer Portrait No. 4
• Green Eyes, Witch Hands – Gin
• HieroPhunk & Wuzzô – Fait de Terre
• Lee Rosevere – Float (Part 3)
• Rich Aucoin – Frequency Modulation

2026 TD Fans’ Choice Entertainer of the Year
• Andre Pettipas
• Bailey Jordan-Neil
• Cassie and Maggie
• Charlie A’Court
• Daniel James McFadyen
• DeeDee Austin
• Goldie Boutilier
• Kellie Loder
• Mallory Johnson
• Rachel Cousins
• Richard Wood

2026 TD Fans’ Choice Video of the Year
• Aaron MacDonald – Beaches and Bands
• Ben Chase – Small Town Talking
• Brett Matthews – Lucky Ones
• Burry – TV Glow
• Daniel James McFadyen – Landmine
• Elyse Aeryn – Unstoppable
• Goldie Boutilier – Favorite Fear
• Justin Fancy – Break My Heart Again
• Kellie Loder – When We Kiss
• Mallory Johnson – fck that

Folk Release of the Year
• Daniel James McFadyen – Back to the Country
• Joel Plaskett – One Real Reveal
• Lennie Gallant – Shelter From the Storms
• Logan Richard – Character Traits
• Mallory Johnson – Over the Party

Fusion Release of the Year
• Claire Porter – Time Alone
• Diana Delirio – Junto a mí
• Jason Noble & Steve Cowan – Folk Suite
• Morgan Toney – Golden Regalia
• Sacred Wolf Singers & Simon Walls – Powwow Crow Hopper

Global Music Release of the Year
• Ana Luísa Ramos – Clareia (Live)
• Dee Hernandez – Danzón
• Diana Delirio – Junto a mí
• HieroPhunk – Dragon Bone
• XIA-3 – Interworlds

Group of the Year
• Cassie and Maggie
• Les Hay Babies
• Nick Earle & The Reckless Hearts
• The Irish Descendants
• Two Hours Traffic
• XIA-3and Steve Cowanand Steve Cowanand Steve Cowan

Indigenous Artist of the Year
• Bailey Jordan-Neil
• Gearl
• Joseph Rue
• Little Stone Crow
• Morgan Toney
• Summer Bennett

Instrumental Release of the Year
• Adam Cicchillitti and Steve Cowan – Lyrique
• Andrew Staniland – The Laws of Nature
• Jennifer King – Souvenance
• Joel Miller – What If?
• Richard Wood – Richard Wood Live! An Evening of Celtic Music

Jazz Release of the Year
• Atlantic Jazz Collective feat. Norma Winstone & Joe LaBarbera – Seascape
• Claire Porter – Time Alone
• Joe Bowden – Music Is Life
• Joel Miller – What If?
• Kevin Brunkhorst – After the Fire

Loud Release of the Year
• Dali Van Gogh – Wicked Way
• Direwolf – Thunder Calls
• The Order of the Precious Blood – Dark Hallucinations
• Thunderor – Cape Breton Home
• Where Giants Once Stood – Dead To You

Pop Release of the Year
• Brett Matthews – Lucky Ones
• DeeDee Austin – Somebody New
• Logan Richard – The Grass Is Blue (Everywhere I Go)
• Maggie Andrew – How to Sing for Money
• Rachel Cousins – Nora

Producer of the Year
• Aaron Lewis
• Clint Curtis
• Cloverdale
• Colin Buchanan
• Daniel Adams

R&B / Soul Release of the Year
• Demixx – MY MEDICINE
• Judith Ifeadi – Fooling Me
• JupiterReign – All Mine
• Lindsay Misiner – I Saw an Angel
• Mayaya – Tha Vodou

Rap / Hip-Hop Release of the Year
• Gearl – Gearl Ji’j
• HINCH – Poetry Is the Art of Death
• Michael J Foxx – Off the Stoop Vol. 1
• Siddhu Sneh – i am
• Todd. – Plus One

Release of the Year
• Ben Chase – Saltwater Cowboy
• DeeDee Austin – Somebody New
• Elyse Aeryn – Unstoppable
• Kelly McMichael – Open (Hurts to Have a Heart)
• Mallory Johnson – the circus
• Rich Aucoin – Synthetic: Season 4

Rock / Alternative Release of the Year
• Absolute Losers – In the Crowd
• Goldie Boutilier – Goldie Boutilier Presents… Goldie Montana
• Nick Earle & The Reckless Hearts – Nostalgia Attack
• Strange Plants – Strange Plants
• Two Hours Traffic – I Never See You Anymore
• XIA-3 – Interworlds

Roots Release of the Year
• Cassie and Maggie – Gold and Coal
• Charlie A’Court – San Palarino
• Mike McKenna Jr. – Smokey Mountain High
• Morgan Toney – Heal The Divide
• Robert Thomas and the Sessionmen – The Way We Roll
• Shane Pendergast – Winter Grace

Solo Artist of the Year
• Daniel James McFadyen
• Goldie Boutilier
• Kelly McMichael
• Logan Richard
• Maggie Andrew

Songwriter of the Year
• Carleton Stone
• Daniel James McFadyen
• Goldie Boutilier
• Kellie Loder
• Maggie Andrew
• Rachel Cousins

Traditional Release of the Year
• Cassie and Maggie – Gold and Coal
• La famille LeBlanc – Perdrais-je mon temps…
• Matthew Byrne – Stealing Time
• Richard Wood – Richard Wood Live! An Evening of Celtic Music
• The Irish Descendants – Those Were The Days

INDUSTRY AWARD CATEGORIES

Artist Management of the Year
• Faye Williams
• Hilda Cousins
• Jayden Duplessis (NoLoveNorthern)
• Nik MacDonald
• Roger Lockyer
• Tiffany Martin

Event of the Year
• Celtic Colours International Festival
• Lawnya Vawnya 15
• Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival
• Makin’ Waves
• The Shediac Lobster Festival / Le Festival du homard de Shediac

Innovator of the Year
• Ben Chapman-Smith Music
• Chuck Boudreau
• Eirinn Fraser
• Katrina Lopes
• The Marigold Cultural Centre

Media Excellence Award
• Andrew Shaver
• Darcy Walsh
• Greg Smith
• Matt Harris
• Richard Lann

Recording Engineer of the Year
• Jamie Foulds
• John D.S. Adams
• John Mullane
• Matt Dines
• Mike “Sheppy” Shepherd

Technical Excellence Award
• Ben Czenze
• Devin Farrell
• Donnie MacNeil
• Nick Decker

Venue of the Year
• Chester Playhouse
• Colaisde na Gàidhlig / The Gaelic College
• Sanctuary Arts Centre
• The Majestic Theatre
• The Ship Pub

Visual Artist of the Year
• Anita Cazzola
• Ashley Anne Clark
• Max Kearns
• Richard Lann
• Sandra-Lee Layden

Beck Shares ‘Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime,’ A Valentine’s Day Collection Of Rare Gems

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Beck marks Valentine’s Day with the release of ‘Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime,’ an eight-song mini-album gathering rarities, deep cuts, soundtrack favorites, and cover versions. Available digitally now, the collection brings together some of his most tender recordings, including his beloved take on “Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime,” first heard in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. The release also features faithful renditions of classics like Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and the Flamingos’ “I Only Have Eyes for You,” alongside tributes to John Lennon and Caetano Veloso.

The set includes two never-before-released recordings: Hank Williams’ “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and Daniel Johnston’s “True Love Will Find You in the End,” adding rare depth to the tracklist. Beck’s own “Ramona,” from Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, stands as the lone original composition, anchoring the collection with understated emotion. ‘Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime’ will receive a physical release on opaque red vinyl February 13, offering a carefully curated Valentine’s Day keepsake that highlights Beck’s enduring gift for reinterpretation and restraint.

Beck’s ‘Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime’ tracklist:

1. ‘Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime’
2. ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’
3. ‘I Only Have Eyes For You’
4. ‘Ramona’
5. ‘Michelangelo Antonioni’
6. ‘Your Cheatin’ Heart’
7. ‘Love’
8. ‘True Love Will Find You In The End’

Brad Paisley Joins American Idol As Guest Mentor For Top 20 Episodes

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Three-time Grammy winner Brad Paisley is set to appear this season on American Idol as a guest mentor, joining Keke Palmer in guiding the show’s Top 20 contestants. Paisley made an early appearance during the season premiere, surprising his longtime friend Carrie Underwood with a prank during Nashville auditions held at his alma mater, Belmont University. His mix of musical insight and humor adds a seasoned voice to the competition at a pivotal stage.

Paisley’s mentoring role continues in episode 908, Top 20 at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii – Part 1, airing Monday, March 16, followed by episode 909 on March 23. This season also marks the first time Hollywood Week heads to Nashville with Hollywood Week: Music City Takeover, featuring a single high-stakes round and the largest cut in the show’s history. American Idol airs Mondays from 8–10 pm ET/PT on ABC and streams the next day on Hulu.

Sons Of Town Hall Set Sail With “The Rocky Shores Of England” And A New Album

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Sons of Town Hall return with their new single, “The Rocky Shores of England,” a quietly devastating moment from their upcoming album ‘Of Ghosts and Gods’, out March 6, including vinyl. The song is the most stripped-down recording on the album, captured with only their two voices and two old Gibson guitars, recorded together in the old style around three microphones. It’s a wistful ballad shaped by love lost and lingering regret, letting experience and harmony carry the weight.

The single arrives alongside news of an intimate U.S. tour in support of ‘Of Ghosts and Gods’. Known for their theatrical live performances and richly imagined characters, Sons of Town Hall will bring their storytelling and close harmonies to rooms built for listening. The run kicks off February 18 in Atlanta and wraps March 8 with a special appearance on Mountain Stage in Charleston, West Virginia.

Of Ghosts and Gods US Tour Dates:
Feb 18 – Eddie’s Attic – Atlanta, GA
Feb 20 – The Green Room at Crosstown Arts – Memphis, TN
Feb 22 – The Mansion at Strathmore – North Bethesda, MD
Feb 24 – City Vineyard by City Winery – New York, NY
Feb 25 – The Kate – Old Saybrook, CT
Feb 26 – BNH Stage at the Colonial Theatre – Concord, NH
Feb 27 – Spruce Peak Arts – Stowe, VT
Feb 28 – Studio 9 – North Adams, MA
Mar 01 – Peabody Essex Museum – Salem, MA
Mar 03 – Club Passim – Cambridge, MA
Mar 04 – Portsmouth Music Hall Lounge – Portsmouth, NH
Mar 07 – Purple Fiddle – Thomas, WV
Mar 08 – Mountain Stage – Charleston, WV

Starting 2026 Strong As Ally Evenson Flips Online Hate Into “Lucky Day”

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Ally Evenson kicks off 2026 with momentum on her new single “Lucky Day,” out now. Blending distorted edges with breezy acoustic guitar, the track sharpens her alt-pop instincts while staying effortlessly catchy. It arrives ahead of her sophomore album ‘SPEED KILLS,’ due February 20, and lands as an immediate high point.

“Lucky Day” turns a moment of online vitriol into pointed, self-aware pop. “This song is about a man who called me a b*tch online. That’s all,” Evenson says. That blunt humor drives the track forward, pairing lyrical bite with melodic ease. The result is bold and unfussy, a song that embraces confrontation without ever losing its sense of fun.

Directed by frequent collaborator Anthony Muse, the official video marks the fourth chapter in the SPEED KILLS visual universe. Set within a traveling theater troupe, Evenson’s character disrupts a chaotic production of Julius Caesar after developing unrequited feelings for another woman in the group. “She’s bossy, loud, and causing chaos to the troupe,” Evenson explains. “This video documents the mayhem that ensues.” The concept leans theatrical and playful with precision.

ALLY EVENSON TOUR DATES SUPPORTING SPORTS:

5/5 – Quartyard – San Diego, CA
5/6 – Roxy – Los Angeles, CA
5/8 – Catalyst (Atrium) – Santa Cruz, CA
5/9 – The Independent – San Francisco, CA
5/10 – Harlow’s – Sacramento, CA
5/12 – Tractor Tavern – Seattle, WA
5/13 – Polaris Hall – Portland, OR
5/14 – Shrine Social Club – Boise, ID
5/16 – Urban Lounge (Kilby Block Party After Party) – Salt Lake City, UT
5/17 – Bluebird – Denver, CO
5/19 – Beer City Music Hall – Oklahoma City, OK
5/21 – Club Dada (Outdoor) – Dallas, TX
5/22 – Bronze Peacock – Houston, TX
5/23 – Mohawk (Outside) – Austin, TX

Bonnie Raitt Extends 2026 Tour With New Dates Through Late Summer

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Bonnie Raitt and her band expand their 2026 touring plans with a newly extended run that now stretches into September, keeping the legendary singer, songwriter, and guitarist on the road across North America. The updated schedule adds a wide slate of late-summer shows, including Canadian dates in Ontario and major stops throughout the Midwest and Mountain West, while maintaining a balance of theaters, amphitheaters, festivals, and special events.

Among the highlights is Raitt’s appearance at Brandi Carlile’s “Echoes Through the Canyon” at The Gorge Amphitheatre on May 30, alongside a run of dates featuring special guest Jon Cleary across Canada and the Prairies.

2026 TOUR DATES:
May 28 Spokane, WA Fox Theater
May 30 George, WA Brandi Carlile’s “Echoes Through the Canyon” at The Gorge Amphitheatre
June 3 Jacksonville, OR Britt Pavilion
June 5 Sacramento, CA Channel 24
June 6 Sacramento, CA Channel 24
June 8 Bend, OR Hayden Homes Amphitheater
June 10 Salem, OR Elsinore Theatre
June 12 Port Townsend, WA Centrum Benefit Concert and Gala
June 13 Bellingham, WA Mount Baker Theatre
June 16 Vancouver, BC Queen Elizabeth Theatre
June 17 Victoria, BC Royal Theatre
June 19 Kelowna, BC Prospera Place
June 20 Calgary, AB Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
June 23 Edmonton, AB Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
June 25 Saskatoon, SK TCU Place
June 27 Winnipeg, MB Centennial Concert Hall
August 12 Hamilton, ON FirstOntario Concert Hall
August 13 Ottawa, ON National Arts Centre
August 15 Toronto, ON Massey Hall
August 16 Kitchener, ON Centre In The Square
August 19 Grand Rapids, MI DeVos Performance Hall
August 20 Indianapolis, IN Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
August 22 Highland Park, IL Ravinia Festival
August 25 Madison, WI Overture Center
August 27 Saint Paul, MN Minnesota State Fair Grandstand
August 30 Bonner, MT KettleHouse Amphitheater
September 1 Bozeman, MT Theatre at the Brick
September 2 Billings, MT Alberta Bair Theater
September 5 Cheyenne, WY Cheyenne Civic Center
September 9 Salt Lake City, UT Venue TBA
September 10 Boise, ID Outlaw Field at the Idaho Botanical Garden
September 11–13 Las Vegas, NV Big Blues Bender at Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino

$kin Up Opens 2026 With Gritty Alt-Pop Single “Fight Night”

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Rising alt-pop artist $kin Up kicks off 2026 with the release of “Fight Night,” a raw, high-energy single that arrives alongside a self-directed music video. Built on tense production and sharp delivery, the track captures the charged feeling of stepping forward with resolve, channeling confidence, pressure, and drive into a focused, confrontational moment. The video reflects that edge, leaning into atmosphere and emotion without softening the impact.

“‘Fight Night’ is about the tension between wanting peace and being ready for whatever comes your way,” $kin Up shares. “It’s that moment where ambition, pressure, and emotion all collide—you don’t want the conflict, but you’re not backing down either.” The release follows “I Feel Ready,” which highlighted a more introspective side, and continues a run that includes “Autopilot” and a Punk Kid tour finale at the Viper Room, underscoring an artist shaping momentum on his own terms.

B00TY Returns With Laid-Back Electro-Soul Single “Damn It’s Been A Minute”

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Los Angeles electro-soul collective B00TY resurfaces with “Damn It’s Been A Minute,” a warm, unhurried track that leans into groove, melody, and ease. Led by Edan Frei and Adam Epelbaum, the release arrives with a video directed by Sadé Clacken Joseph and carries the group’s love of ’70s funk filtered through modern rhythm and polish. The moment behind the camera became part of the story too, with Frei sharing, “What started as a normal day of shooting a music video ended in us accidentally breaking a bathtub in Britney Spears’ mansion and flooding the entire house. Oops, we did it again.”


Lady Gaga Honors Mister Rogers With “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” Super Bowl Tribute

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Lady Gaga brought quiet grace to the Super Bowl with a heartfelt cover of “Won’t You Be My Neighbor”, honoring the enduring kindness of Mister Rogers. Guided by restraint rather than spectacle, the performance let melody and meaning lead, showing how a simple song, delivered with care, can still cut through the noise and land exactly where it should.