The music industry continues to keep fans and artists on their toes, with updates spanning award show predictions, controversies around ticket pricing, legal battles, and rare auctions. Here’s a roundup of the top five stories that are shaping the industry this week.
1. Grammy 2025 Predictions: Who Should Be Nominated?
As the 2025 Grammy Awards approach, discussions are heating up about who deserves to be nominated. From standout albums by Olivia Rodrigo to innovative tracks by SZA, the predictions cover a wide range of genres. There’s buzz around newer artists like Ice Spice, but also room for industry veterans like Lana Del Rey. While it’s still early, these predictions are giving fans plenty to talk about as they eagerly await the official nomination announcements.
Source: Pitchfork
2. American Music Awards Viewership Increases by 54%
The American Music Awards (AMAs) saw a surprising 54% increase in viewership this year, a significant rebound after several years of declining numbers. Airing on CBS for the first time, the AMAs pulled in more viewers, with the show adapting to a new format and incorporating popular performances from rising stars and established artists alike. This uptick in viewership suggests that the AMAs are finding new ways to engage audiences in an ever-changing entertainment landscape.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
3. The Cure’s Robert Smith Battles Ticketmaster’s Dynamic Pricing
Robert Smith, frontman of The Cure, has once again voiced his frustration with Ticketmaster’s dynamic pricing model, which has caused concert ticket prices to skyrocket. Smith has been an outspoken critic of these pricing strategies, which adjust based on demand, making it harder for fans to afford tickets. His recent comments have reignited the debate around fairness in ticket pricing and whether platforms like Ticketmaster are hurting fan accessibility to live music.
4. Sony Music Settles Lawsuit with Marriott Hotels Over Infringement
In a significant legal victory for the music industry, Sony Music has settled a lawsuit against Marriott Hotels over alleged copyright infringement in social media posts. Sony had accused Marriott of using its catalog of songs without proper licensing in promotional content across various platforms. The settlement highlights the growing importance of copyright enforcement in the age of digital marketing, where businesses must ensure they have proper rights for music used in social media and other digital channels.
Source: Music Business Worldwide
5. Unheard Jimi Hendrix Recordings Up for Auction
In a fascinating twist for music collectors, rare and previously unheard Jimi Hendrix recordings are going up for auction. What makes this auction particularly intriguing is that the winning bidder will be the only person to listen to the recordings unless they choose to release them. This exclusive access to Hendrix’s unreleased work is expected to attract serious collectors, highlighting the enduring legacy of the guitar legend more than five decades after his death.
Source: NME
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