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Everything You Need to Know About Bad Bunny Before the Super Bowl

Eric Alper
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Everything You Need to Know About Bad Bunny Before the Super Bowl

Super Bowl LX will be remembered not just for football, but for a cultural milestone in music and representation. Bad Bunny — born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio — is set to headline the halftime show on February 8, 2026 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, broadcast live across NBC, Telemundo, Peacock, and NFL+ as part of the biggest TV moment of the year.

1. Puerto Rico to Worldwide Stage

Bad Bunny grew up in Bayamón and Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, where he worked in a supermarket and wrote songs before being discovered on SoundCloud in 2016. Rising from his early hit “Diles,” he helped bring Spanish-language trap and reggaeton to the global mainstream, breaking streaming and chart records along the way.

2. Billboard Breaker and Record Setter

He has multiple albums that reshaped Latin music’s place in pop culture. Albums like Un Verano Sin Ti debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and dominated streaming charts, proving Spanish-language music could dominate globally without translation.

3. Historic Grammy Wins

Bad Bunny’s 2025 album Debí Tirar Más Fotos made history at the 2026 Grammy Awards by becoming the first Spanish-language album to win Album of the Year — a landmark achievement for representation in the music industry.

4. Cultural and Social Voice

He is known not just for his music but for speaking out on Puerto Rican identity, immigration, and social issues. Whether addressing colonial economics in his recent work or critiquing injustice in public appearances, his artistry is intertwined with real-world cultural meaning.

5. Language and Global Connection

Unlike many global stars who switch to English, Bad Bunny performs primarily in Spanish. This has sparked cultural conversations and even encouraged fans to learn Spanish to connect more deeply with his music ahead of the halftime show.

6. A Fashion and Identity Pioneer

His fashion — from nails and floral prints to cross-gender expression and collaborations with major brands — has helped redefine modern masculinity in urban music and expanded cultural visibility far beyond the stage.

7. Fans Are Calling It a Celebration

Across the U.S., Latino communities are hosting “Benito Bowl” watch parties and themed events, turning Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl appearance into a broader cultural celebration.

8. Backlash and Support

His selection has ignited debate across audiences and political commentators, underscoring how music, identity, and representation intersect on national stages — even as NFL leadership and music peers celebrate his influence.

9. What to Expect on Game Night

Details of his halftime set are being kept under wraps, but Bad Bunny himself promises the performance will be a joyful, dance-filled celebration of his culture and music — and that people won’t need to understand every word to feel the energy and rhythm.

10. A Moment Beyond Music

This is more than a concert — it’s a symbolic moment for Spanish-language artists on one of America’s biggest cultural stages. Whether you love football, music, culture, or all three, Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show promises to be unforgettable.

The Relics Release Heartfelt Breakup Song “Just Another Name”

Eric Alper
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The Relics Release Heartfelt Breakup Song “Just Another Name”

Atlanta-based band The Relics have released their new song “Just Another Name”. The group blends classic rock with modern alt and 90s rock influences, building a reputation for catchy hooks and high-energy live shows across the Southeast. This combination of styles has earned The Relics radio play across the U.S. and international chart positions.

“Just Another Name” marks a departure from their usual upbeat sound. The breakup song explores feeling stuck while the other person has moved on. Vocalist and guitarist Joseph Pieper wrote the track back in 2017 after a tough breakup, pulling inspiration from The Beatles and simply writing what he felt in the moment. Lyrics like “losing my mind / wasting my time” detail that feeling of replaying memories while knowing you’ve become “just another name” to someone who meant everything to you.

The band describes the song as “a heartfelt breakup song about the one that got away. It’s meant to have an undeniably catchy melody and has almost a beatle-esque charm to it.” After sitting on the song for eight years, The Relics finally felt the timing was right to release it. “Just Another Name” is streaming everywhere now.

Taylor Swift Drops New Music Video For “Opalite” On Friday

Eric Alper
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Taylor Swift Drops New Music Video For “Opalite” On Friday

Taylor Swift has announced she will release a new music video for “Opalite” at 8am EST on Friday. The video will first be available on Apple Music and Spotify before dropping on YouTube at 8am EST on Sunday. The single comes from Swift’s latest blockbuster album ‘The Life of a Showgirl’, which arrived in October.

The Bad Plus Adds Dates To 2026 Farewell Tour

Eric Alper
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The Bad Plus Adds Dates To 2026 Farewell Tour

The Bad Plus has added dates to its farewell tour, giving more fans an opportunity to say goodbye to the celebrated Minneapolis jazz band. The group’s final year is split into two unique experiences. The Bad Plus will first join forces with pianist Craig Taborn and saxophonist Chris Potter to perform a tribute to Keith Jarrett’s American Quartet in March and April, then the band will headline its own North American trek from April through June.

“The Bad Plus has been a band for 26 years,” Reid Anderson and Dave King said in a statement. “That’s quite a long time! As we enter into year 27, after a great deal of soul searching and consideration, we have decided to bring this chapter to a close. 2026 will be the final year of The Bad Plus. We share this news with heavy hearts, but also with great pride in what we have accomplished. It has been a privilege to share our music with the world and we leave behind a body of work that we could not be more proud of.”

The Keith Jarrett’s American Quartet tribute kicks off March 3 at Singletary Concert Hall in Lexington. That special tour includes stops at Toronto’s Meridian Arts Centre: George Weston Recital Hall, Blue Note Los Angeles, Auditorio Nacional de Música in Madrid, London’s Barbican and Muziekgebouw in Amsterdam before wrapping up at Cully Jazz Festival in Switzerland. The group then goes right into its headline tour with a two-night stand April 21-22 at Jazz Alley in Seattle. The Bad Plus will visit venues like Shrine Social Club Ballroom in Boise, The Iron Horse in Northampton, New York City’s Sony Hall and two nights at Blues Alley in Washington, D.C., before wrapping up at The Mill in Westport, New York, on June 27.

THE BAD PLUS 2026 TOUR DATES

April 21 – Seattle, WA – Jazz Alley

April 22 – Seattle, WA – Jazz Alley

April 24 – Boise, ID – Shrine Social Club Ballroom

April 25 – Gresham, OR – Mt. Hood Jazz Festival

June 15 – Portland, ME – One Longfellow Square

June 16 – Old Saybrook, CT – The Kate

June 17 – Northampton, MA – Iron Horse

June 18 – Groton, MA – Meadow Hall at Groton Hill Music Center

June 19 – New York, NY – Sony Hall

June 20 – Washington, DC – Blues Alley

June 21 – Washington, DC – Blues Alley

June 23 – Albany, NY – The Egg

June 24 – Rochester, NY – Club Pass Series at Rochester International Jazz Festival

June 26 – Montréal, QC – Montréal Jazz Festival at Théâtre Jean-Duceppe

June 27 – Westport, NY – The Mill

THE BAD PLUS WITH CHRIS POTTER AND CRAIG TABORN – TRIBUTE TO KEITH JARRETT’S AMERICAN QUARTET 2026

March 3 – Lexington, KY – Singletary Concert Hall

March 5 – Toronto, ON – Meridian Arts Centre: George Weston Recital Hall

March 6 – Boulder, CO – Boulder Theater

March 7 – Oakland, CA – Yoshi’s

March 8 – Oakland, CA – Yoshi’s

March 10 – Los Angeles, CA – Blue Note LA (Early Show)

March 10 – Los Angeles, CA – Blue Note LA (Late Show)

March 11 – Los Angeles, CA – Blue Note LA (Early Show)

March 11 – Los Angeles, CA – Blue Note LA (Late Show)

March 12 – La Jolla, CA – The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center

March 13 – Santa Fe, NM – The Lensic Performing Arts Center

March 21 – Bergamo, IT – Bergamo Jazz Festival at Auditorium Parco della Musica: Sala Sinopoli

March 23 – Roma, IT – Auditorium Parco della Musica

March 25 – Gdansk, PL – Jazzjantar

March 27 – Madrid, ES – Auditorio Nacional de Musica

March 28 – Paris, FR – Maison de la Radio et de la Musique – Studio 104

March 29 – Monheim am Rhein, DE – Aula am Berliner Ring

March 30 – London, UK – Barbican

April 3 – Leuven, BE – 30CC Leuven

April 4 – Heidelberg, DE – Enjoy Jazz @ Kulturhaus Karlstorbahnhof

April 5 – Stuttgart, DE – Theaterhaus Jazztage

April 7 – Barcelona, ES – L’Auditori

April 8 – Cenon, FR – Le Rocher de Palmer

April 9 – Utrecht, NL – TivoliVredenburg

April 10 – Amsterdam, NL – Muziekgebouw

April 11 – Cully, CH – Cully Jazz Festival

Barry Manilow Postpones Las Vegas Residency To Focus On Recovery

Eric Alper
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Barry Manilow Postpones Las Vegas Residency To Focus On Recovery

Barry Manilow is rescheduling his February 12-21 residency at the Westgate Las Vegas following his December lung cancer surgery. The iconic entertainer is recovering well and feeling great, but his doctors want him to take additional time before hitting the road. Manilow is focusing on his health and recovery to be fully prepared for his arena tour, which starts February 27 at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.

“I’m doing great and recovering very well after my surgery,” Manilow said in a statement to his fans. “I’ve been getting exercise and spending some time in the studio, which has been fantastic. With my doctor’s guidance and recommendation, however, we have decided to postpone my residency dates at Westgate Las Vegas from February 12-21 so I can stay focused on healing and getting ready for the tour that’s kicking off at the end of February. Having a few extra weeks to rest and prepare is what the doctor ordered.” Tickets for the postponed Las Vegas dates will be fully refundable at the point of purchase. Manilow will return to the Westgate March 26-28.

Manilow’s new single “Once Before I Go” debuted on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart this week, marking more than 50 years since his first appearance on the chart with “Mandy” in 1974. At every arena show, Manilow will celebrate local music educators with the Manilow Music Teacher Award. Created through the Manilow Music Project, a program of the Manilow Fund, the award honors educators who instill passion and inspire their students. Nominees will be revealed on January 22, the same day voting opens. The teacher receiving the most online votes will be recognized onstage during Manilow’s concert and will receive a total prize of $10,000, including a $5,000 cash award and $5,000 in Manilow Bucks for classroom instrument purchases.

BARRY MANILOW 2026 DATES

Feb. 27 – Tampa, FL, Benchmark International Arena

March 1 – Charlotte, NC, Spectrum Center

March 2 – Norfolk, VA, Scope Arena

March 3 – Baltimore, MD, CFG Bank Arena

March 5 – Cincinnati, OH, Heritage Bank Center

March 6 – Columbus, OH, Nationwide Arena

March 7 – Nashville, TN, Bridgestone Arena

March 9 – Lexington, KY, Rupp Arena

March 11 – Charleston, SC, North Charleston Coliseum

March 13 – Orlando, FL Kia Center

March 14 – Sunrise, FL, Amerant Bank Arena

March 16 – Estero, FL, Hertz Arena

March 17 – Estero, Fl, Hertz Arena

April 24 – Greensboro, NC, First Horizon Coliseum

April 27 – Jacksonville, FL, VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

April 29 – Duluth, GA, Gas South Arena

Zayn Announces Largest Solo Tour With 31-Date Konnakol Trek

Eric Alper
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Zayn Announces Largest Solo Tour With 31-Date Konnakol Trek

Zayn has announced The Konnakol Tour, his largest solo trek to date spanning 31 dates from May through November 2026. The run marks his first time headlining arenas and stadiums across North America, South America, Mexico and the UK. Produced by Live Nation, the tour launches May 12 at Manchester’s AO Arena and wraps November 20 at Miami’s Kaseya Center. One Direction fans now have the opportunity to see both Zayn and Harry Styles playing some of the biggest venues in the world on their individual tours this year.

The tour supports Zayn’s fifth studio album KONNAKOL, arriving April 17 and available for pre-order now. The record represents his most culturally inspired project to date, with the pop-forward album expanding on the sound fans first heard on his record-breaking debut ‘Mind of Mine’. Lead single “Die For Me” drops Friday, February 6. Zayn started 2026 with his debut residency at Las Vegas’ Dolby Live, following his first-ever solo tour in support of 2024’s ‘Room Under the Stairs’.

A VIP KEY presale begins Tuesday, February 10 at 12pm local time in all markets. All existing Zayn VIP KEY holders will be notified and automatically receive a unique passcode unlocked in the VIP Key app. Fans can join the community through Sunday, February 8 at 11:59pm EST to receive their unique passcode for presale access. General onsale starts Friday, February 12, with additional presales running throughout the week. Last year Zayn joined forces with BLACKPINK’s Jisoo on the single “Eyes Closed”, which earned a 2026 iHeartRadio Music Award nomination for Favorite K-Pop Collaboration and debuted at number 10 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.

THE KONNAKOL TOUR DATES:

Tue May 12 – Manchester, UK – AO Arena

Sat May 16 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro

Tue May 19 – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena Birmingham

Sat May 23 – London, UK – The O2

Sun Jun 14 – Monterrey, MX – Estadio Borregos

Wed Jun 17 – Guadalajara, MX – Arena VFG

Sat Jun 20 – Mexico City, MX – Estadio GNP Seguros

Sun Jul 19 – Philadelphia, PA – Xfinity Mobile Arena

Mon Jul 20 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena

Thu Jul 23 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum

Fri Jul 24 – St. Paul, MN – Grand Casino Arena

Mon Jul 27 – Chicago, IL – United Center

Tue Jul 28 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Fri Jul 31 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

Mon Aug 24 – Phoenix, AZ – Mortgage Matchup Center

Tue Aug 25 – San Diego, CA – Pechanga Arena San Diego

Fri Aug 28 – Inglewood, CA – Intuit Dome

Tue Sep 1 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center

Wed Sep 2 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center

Sat Sep 5 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

Fri Oct 2 – Santiago, CL – Movistar Arena

Tue Oct 6 – Buenos Aires, AR – Movistar Arena

Sat Oct 10 – São Paulo, BR – Allianz Parque

Wed Oct 14 – Lima, PE – Costa 21

Sat Nov 7 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center

Sun Nov 8 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena

Wed Nov 11 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena

Thu Nov 12 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center

Sun Nov 15 – Boston, MA – TD Garden

Thu Nov 19 – Orlando, FL – Kia Center

Fri Nov 20 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center

R.E.M. Brings Back ‘R.E.M. At The BBC’ Box Set For March Release

Eric Alper
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R.E.M. Brings Back ‘R.E.M. At The BBC’ Box Set For March Release

R.E.M. has announced the return of their ‘R.E.M. at the BBC’ box set, arriving March 6 following fan demand. The collection spans eight CDs and one DVD, gatheringarchival BBC performances captured across nearly 25 years. Material stretches from the band’s early days in 1984 through their later period in 2008.

The package draws from multiple BBC programs and venues. Highlights include a full hour from Later with Jools Holland, Radio 1’s Live Lounge sessions, and recordings made for John Peel’s influential studio sessions. Concert broadcasts feature their Glastonbury Festival appearance from 1999, an intimate 2004 church performance in London, and a 1995 show from Milton Keynes. The tracklist covers essential R.E.M. material including “Losing My Religion”, “Man on the Moon”, “Radio Free Europe” and “It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)”. The DVD portion adds the short film Accelerating Backwards alongside the Later performance and three additional video clips.

Arkells Announce New Album ‘Between Us’ With Features From Portugal. The Man

Eric Alper
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Arkells Announce New Album ‘Between Us’ With Features From Portugal. The Man

9-time JUNO Award winners Arkells announce their brand new album ‘Between Us’ for release on April 17 via Universal Music Canada and Virgin Music Group. Produced and recorded in Los Angeles with Grammy Award winner John Congleton, the forthcoming album features the new single “Next Summer” released today, paired alongside an illusory performance video. Its instantly hummable chorus nods to a modern The Killers meets Gaslight Anthem singalong.

“When someone new enters your life, do you ever wonder, ‘what did last summer look like for this person? And for me? And what will next summer look like?'” questions frontman Max Kerman. “This song is a nod to the beauty and the mystery of what might lay ahead, and an appreciation of how we got to today. There’s a longing in the song, but it’s hopeful.” A select group of fans were treated to an early preview of “Next Summer” and new album details earlier this week when Arkells took over The Big Chill ice cream shop in Toronto, serving up the essence of summer in the peak of winter.

“Next Summer” arrives on the heels of their latest single “Money”, featuring Portugal. The Man, and the punchy tune “What Good?” The new album includes additional features from GROUPLOVE and Poolside on the 11-track collection. ‘Between Us’ is available now for pre-order on vinyl and CD, including a signed edition on grass-green vinyl. The cover was shot by Boston-based artist and photographer Pelle Cass, who photographed the vibrant image of Arkells atop Hamilton’s Jackson Square rooftop.

Arkells will road trip across the pond for European and UK tour dates from March 12 through 20, bringing the band to various cities in Germany, Netherlands and United Kingdom. The band performs at the 2026 JUNO Awards in their hometown of Hamilton on March 29 at the TD Coliseum. In December 2025, the Hamilton heroes popped up on stage as special guests of the Jonas Brothers at their sold-out stop at TD Coliseum, surprising the audience with a performance of their beloved hit “Leather Jacket”.

Universal Music Canada Signs Rising R&B Artist Kuzi Cee

Eric Alper
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0
Universal Music Canada Signs Rising R&B Artist Kuzi Cee

R&B’s next breakout star is stepping into a new chapter. Universal Music Canada, the country’s leading music company, today announced that rising R&B artist Kuzi Cee has officially joined the UMC roster, following the success of his breakout single “Rather Be” and the growing buzz he’s been generating with fans across platforms.

The signing, led globally by the UMC team and in partnership with Mercury Records out of the United States, marks the latest milestone in a standout run for Kuzi. Released in October 2025, “Rather Be” quickly became a breakout moment, amassing over 2 million global audio streams and more than 37.5 million views across social platforms. On TikTok, thousands of user-generated videos drove discovery and repeat listening, signaling a fast-growing fanbase. Through a series of organic teasers, Kuzi invited listeners into the creative process — sharing early versions of the song, testing hooks, and ultimately working with fans to land on the title, artwork, and final production elements based on what resonated most.

“Kuzi’s voice is undeniable — and one that’s been on our team’s radar for some time. It’s been wonderful to watch him grow into his own as a storyteller and artist. Kuzi has an insatiable work ethic, and the passion to back it up,” said Julie Adam, President & CEO, Universal Music Canada. “He pours everything he has into his art. We love his energy, and we’re so excited to be part of his journey.” 

From organic online traction to the airwaves, “Rather Be” continues its rise, with Kuzi named an iHeartRadio Future Star for February and March 2026 and the track receiving national airplay across Virgin Radio stations throughout Canada.
 
“I’m so excited to start this new chapter with the team at Universal Music — to tell my story and share my music with the world,” says Kuzi Cee. “To everyone who’s ever taken a chance on me and my music, I can’t thank you enough. All of that support brought us to this moment. I’m ready to lace these kicks up, put pen to paper, and push R&B to every corner of the world.” He continues, “And to the six-year-old Kuzi who fell in love with singing — I promise this is just the beginning.”

Born in Zimbabwe and now based in Calgary, Kuzi Cee spent his formative years living between London, New York, Toronto, and Pennsylvania, absorbing the sounds and cultures of each city along the way. The result is a sound that blends nostalgic R&B sensibilities with modern polish, anchored by dynamic flows, buttery vocals, and emotionally resonant lyricism exploring love, longing, and real connection.

With a sound that feels both timeless and current, Kuzi Cee is emerging as one of R&B’s most compelling rising Gen-Z voices. His growing live résumé includes support slots for Nelly, G-Eazy, T.I., Ashanti, Mario, Michael Bublé, and more. Stay tuned for much more to come as Kuzi prepares to release new music throughout 2026 — with early teasers already giving fans a glimpse of what’s next — ahead of his debut full-length project.



Neve Campbell Reflects On Sidney Prescott In New ‘Scream 7’ Featurette

Eric Alper
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Neve Campbell Reflects On Sidney Prescott In New ‘Scream 7’ Featurette

Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group have released a behind-the-scenes featurette for Scream 7, featuring Neve Campbell discussing Sidney Prescott’s journey over the past 30 years. The video includes soundbites from Kevin Williamson, creator, co-writer and director of the franchise’s latest installment. The featurette offers insight into how the character has evolved across three decades of the horror series.

Scream 7 arrives in theatres, 4DX, ScreenX, premium large formats and IMAX on February 27. Tickets go on sale Monday, February 9th. When a new Ghostface killer emerges in the quiet town where Sidney Prescott has built a new life, her darkest fears are realized as her daughter becomes the next target. Determined to protect her family, Sidney must face the horrors of her past to put an end to the bloodshed once and for all.

The film stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Isabel May, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Anna Camp, Joel McHale, Mckenna Grace, Michelle Randolph, Jimmy Tatro, Asa Germann, Celeste O’Connor, Sam Rechner, Ethan Embry, Tim Simons and Mark Consuelos. Kevin Williamson directs from a screenplay he co-wrote with Guy Busick, based on a story by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick. William Sherak, James Vanderbilt and Paul Neinstein produce.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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