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 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 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.
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.
Is Off Campus set to launch the 2026 summer playlist?
Since the launch of Amazon Prime’s latest box office series, ‘Off Campus’, with nearly 40 million views within its first two weeks of debuting, the soundtrack characterising the story line has reached our screens just in time for summer 2026.
Music News Blitz writer Emma Corrigan explores the series’ most defining sounds.
Ariana Grande enters new era with ‘hate that I made you love me’
Ariana Grande has officially entered a new musical era with the release of ‘hate that i made you love me,’ the lead single from her upcoming eighth studio album petal.
The single was released on Friday, May 29, and was produced by her long-time collaborator Ilya alongside Max Martin, with the music video to be released on Monday, June 1.
Music opinion: 12 songs you need to have in your summer playlists
With summer fast approaching, and the weather making it feel like it already has, Music News Blitz’s Darshan Kaur Gill explores 12 songs that are necessary for the playlists you’ll blast on your summer drives this year.
Harry Styles’ Together, Together tour: Setlist, outfits and more
Harry Styles has officially begun his “Together, Together” tour and Music News Blitz writer Grace Moore dives into all the details – from the setlist to his outfits.
Music news: What is BBC Introducing and which artists has it supported?
Music News Blitz’s Grace Moore explains all there is to know about BBC Introducing and the impact it has on artists.
Music news: Maisie Peters releases her third studio album ‘Florescence’
On May 22, Maisie Peters released her new 15-track album ‘Florescence’, reports Music News Blitz writer Bella Ford.
In the record produced under Atlantic Records and Ed Sheeran's Gingerbread Man Records, Peters continues to navigate life in her twenties.
The project is about the journey of growing up and the process of adulthood, with some songs exploring heartbreak and reflecting on the past.
Five best UK festivals happening in summer 2026
This summer is going to be a summer to remember – as always, there is a wide variety of festivals to pick from but these are the top five in the country, writes Music News Blitz’s Bella Ford.
Olivia Rodrigo: The cure to the cultural devaluation of ‘Girlhood’
Music News Blitz’s Darshan Kaur Gill explores the superstar Olivia Rodrigo’s success, not only as an artist, but also as a cure to the continued devaluation of the things we associate with ‘girlhood’.
Singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo emerged as a global pop phenomenon just over a month before her eighteenth birthday when her debut hit single, drivers license, was released on January 8, 2021.
Eurovision Song Contest: Nine global stars you didn’t know competed
Before the Grammys, sparkling costumes and world tours, Eurovision was a launchpad that transformed unknown performers into superstars.
Eurovision has always been more than a song contest. It’s a celebration of unity, friendly competition and cultural expression, writes Music News Blitz’s Harry Perdios.
The competition is a platform where European countries can showcase not only their musical talent, but also their individuality, creativity and identity.
Music News: Everything you need to know about Charli xcx’s new single ‘Rock Music’
Charli xcx released a new single on May 8 titled ‘Rock Music’ ahead of her upcoming eighth studio album.
Here, Music News Blitz’s Amelie Da Costa gives us a rundown on the new single and the future album.