Music news: Phoebe Bridgers adds more dates to 2026 arena tour
American indie darling Phoebe Bridgers is making her solo comeback with a 2026 arena tour with special musical guests Alex G and Isaac Wood, writes Music News Blitz’s Arwen Lehmann.
Music analysis: Olivia Rodrigo’s duet with The Cure’s Robert Smith
Olivia Rodrigo had fans going wild last weekend by duetting with The Cure’s Robert Smith. With her new album coming out June 12, the internet has a lot to discuss, and Music News Blitz’s Charlotte Cave explains why.
Music analysis: The who’s who of Madonna’s new music video
Madonna’s recently released ‘Confessions II - The Film’ is a 10-minute long feast of stilettos, lasers, and a medley of songs from ‘CONFESSIONS II’, set for release on July 3.
Following on from 2005’s ‘Confessions On A Dancefloor’, the album will be dance and house heavy, boasting new singles ‘I Feel So Free’, and ‘Bring Your Love’ featuring Sabrina Carpenter.
Speaking of Sabrina, the elephant in the room is, of course, the star-studded list of cameos in the video, writes Music News Blitz’s Megan Hamilton.
Ariana Grande’s return to the stage with the Eternal Sunshine Tour
With a tour that has sparked ‘Eternal Sunshine’ for the summer of 2026, Ariana Grande has made an official comeback, kicking off the tour at Oakland Arena in California on June 6.
Music news: Olivia Rodrigo returns with third album ‘you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love’ out this week
Olivia Rodrigo took the globe by storm just five years ago when she released her debut single ‘Drivers Licence.’
Since then, the singer has reached many musical milestones, including selling out tours worldwide and winning three Grammy awards.
Rodrigo’s third studio album, you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, will be released this Friday, June 12.
Here, Music News Blitz writer Grace Moore explains everything we know about the album so far.
Music analysis: Has social media created a new type of pop star?
Artists such as Sabrina Carpenter, Madison Beer, Addison Rae and Chappell Roan have become some of the most recognisable names in modern pop music.
Unlike previous generations, many now build large audiences online before reaching mainstream success.
While talent remains essential, platforms such as TikTok have transformed how artists are discovered, promoted and discussed.
This has sparked debate about whether social media has created an entirely new type of pop star, writes Music News Blitz’s Jessica Spilsbury.
Music news: Steve Lacy is back! Singer releases new song ahead of upcoming album
Steve Lacy, the well-known R&B, neo-soul and funk artist, has returned to the music scene in 2026 with his new song, ‘the feeling’.
Fans have had an overwhelmingly positive reaction to the track as Lacy explores themes of longing, nostalgia and lost love that strongly resonate with listeners.
In addition, the song utilises a range of musical and artistic elements that create a familiar atmosphere, making it an instant hit with listeners, writes Music News Blitz’s Tyler Lai Sai.
Music news: Disney’s ‘Rivals’ and the sounds of 80s nostalgia
Based on Dame Jilly Cooper’s scandalous book series, ‘Rivals’ has been the talk of the town since the release of the first half of the TV show’s second season.
With the recent announcement that fans will have to wait until November of this year to watch the second installment.
Here are Music News Blitz’s writer Megan Hamilton’s top song picks from the era that are sure to fill the Rivals-shaped hole in your life until then.
Music opinion: Why music biopics such as ‘Michael’ have become so popular
Since the release of the latest biopic, ‘Michael,’ based on the life of Michael Jackson, it has brought to light the growing trend of biographical films based on iconic musicians.
With narratives showcasing the legendary chapters of each star's life, audiences can witness the rise and downfall of fame, driving both nostalgia for older audiences, whilst simultaneously introducing younger viewers to some of the most influential performers in popular culture.
From Freddie Mercury in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ to Elton John in ‘Rocketman,’ and ‘Elvis,’ based on Elvis Presley, audiences have shown a strong interest in stories that explore the people behind the music, writes Music News Blitz’s Emma Corrigan.
Music analysis: The evolution of independent artists in the music industry
The music industry has changed significantly over the years, shifting more power toward artists who manage their careers independently, writes Music News Blitz’s Tabitha Kongo.
Music news: Five songs we predict will feature on Taylor Swift’s wedding playlist
Rumours have been swirling surrounding the wedding of Taylor Swift and fiancé Travis Kelce since the announcement of their engagement in August last year.
Given Swift’s tendency to hide “easter eggs” that hint at album release dates and song titles, fans believe the singer could be hiding clues about the upcoming wedding in plain sight.
‘Swifties’ speculate that the singer’s favourite number, 13, could be the wedding date.
While we don’t know when the wedding will take place, we do have an idea of what music Swift might request at the reception, writes Music News Blitz’s Megan Hamilton.
Music news: Olivia Rodrigo performs CMAT hit on Radio 1’s Live Lounge
American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo covered the song ‘When a Good Man Cries’ for her second appearance on Radio 1’s Live Lounge, writes Music News Blitz’s Emma Corrigan.
The song, originally from the album ‘Euro-Country’ by Irish singer-songwriter CMAT (Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson), was released last year.
Phoebe Bridgers announces surprise NYC show with tickets starting at $1
American singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers is performing a special one-night-only show at New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden.
Earlier this week, flyers started appearing across New York City, advertising a Phoebe Bridgers show at Madison Square Garden, set for Thursday, June 4.
Music News Blitz writer Grace Moore shares all there is to know.
Music news: Why cathedrals are becoming the new concert venue
In a move that some may view as controversial, more cathedrals across the UK are offering their space as music venues, writes Music News Blitz’s Emma Corrigan.
As they continue to maintain worship and traditional religious practices, cathedrals have seen a gradual decline in visitors over the years, with people still going to cathedrals for Christmas or Easter, but with less people overall turning up on a Sunday.
Because of this, hosting a variety of musically based occasions has become embedded into cathedral activities, utilising this as a contemporary method of funding the historic buildings.
Ariana Grande returns to the stage for her “Eternal Sunshine” tour
The ‘Sweetener’ Grammy Award winner is making her return to the stage after seven years, writes Music News Blitz’s Tabitha Kongo.
Ariana Grande is set to kick off her 2026 ‘Eternal Sunshine’ tour with an opening show at the Oakland Arena in Oakland, California, on Saturday, June 6.
This marks her first major tour return since her ‘Sweetener’ world tour in 2019.
Finally, she is taking centre stage to showcase her melodic vocals that her fans love.
Supporters around the world are eager and excited to witness her live performance of the album.
Taylor Swift announces new single ‘I Knew It, I Knew You’ for ‘Toy Story 5’
Taylor Swift is returning to her country roots with her new song which features in Disney’s upcoming ‘Toy Story 5’, writes Music News Blitz’s Grace Moore.
Since her 12th album, ‘The Life of a Showgirl,’ was released in October last year, Taylor Swift has been relatively quiet.
However, the singer recently took to Instagram to reveal her latest original track, ‘I Knew It, I Knew You’ - out on the 5th of June.
Swift has joined forces with long-time collaborator Jack Antonoff to create this new song.
It was written shortly after the singer had an early preview of the new ‘Toy Story 5’, where she fell “instantly in love” with the film.
Music analysis: Why older music is making a comeback
A key element of music is that it can be used to determine different eras.
From the swinging 60s to the Noughties, music, alongside fashion, was pivotal to each decade, writes Music News Blitz’s Emma Corrigan.
But what symbolic music and fashion choices were pivotal to the 2020s?
Music opinion: Have phones killed the concert experience - and should they be banned?
In the digital era, with social media at the height of our connections, the desire to capture every moment is at the tip of our fingers.
But what for? Proof to everyone else that we’re having a good time?
This problematic issue has been particularly prevalent across TikTok, writes Music News Blitz’s Emma Corrigan.
Reading and Leeds 2.0 Festivals: Headline acts, ticket information and more
Reading and Leeds are two of the UK’s longest-running music festivals, and have hosted some of the biggest names in music over the years.
This year, the festival has rebranded, launching Reading and Leeds 2.0 - but what does this mean for the attendees?
Music News Blitz writer Grace Moore answers all questions about this year’s festival.
Taylor Swift's 2026 AMA results spark debate among fans
Taylor Swift has been recognised for dominating the music charts globally, but for the past two years, Swift has not made her debut at any of the hosted American Music Awards ceremonies (AMAs).
The 2026 AMAs were held on the 25th May in Las Vegas, where Taylor led with eight nominations, but despite this, she failed to scoop even a single award.
Taylor’s large fan supporters, known as “Swifties,” were looking forward to seeing her at the show, but instead, the award was met with emerging stars and a shift in fan preferences, writes Music News Blitz’s Tabitha Kongo.