Also this week: An AI error defames Ashley MacIsaac, Spotify's library is scraped by an online activist group, Drake gets love on Obama's year-end list, France recognizes the cultural heritage of electronic music and more.
As the music industry wakes up from its holidays daze, a number of headlines are emerging. Riverfest Elora calls for action to protect live music, Crave's Heated Rivalry is one of the year's biggest Canadian media success stories, Celine Dion returns to holiday music — those are just a few of the stories that are emerging as we head into 2026.
Read these stories and more in this week's roundup of music biz headlines of the week from Canada and beyond.
Crave's steamy hockey romance is a global sensation, and Canadian artists are reaping the rewards — including multiple Francophone acts from Quebec. – Richard Trapunski, Billboard Canada
Last month, the Ontario music festival called it quits after 15 years. Now, they’re asking the nation to support the country’s live music scene. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
The concert was the penultimate stop on Hill’s Artist in Residence tour across Canada. A guest turn by former bandmate Wyclef Jean was a real highlight. – Brad Wheeler, Globe and Mail
Cape Breton fiddler Ashley MacIsaac says he may have been defamed by Google after it recently produced an AI-generated summary falsely identifying him as a sex offender. – Michael MacDonald, Canadian Press
Tyler Visser recorded Tool’s discography in one uninterrupted take — a feat that’s earned him a Drum Performance of the Year nomination. – Hamilton Spectator
Electronic music is added to the inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, acknowledgement that the artform is shaping France's artistic identity. – Lars Brandle, Billboard
Flashback to February. It’s the 2025 Grammys, and Beyoncé became the first Black woman to win best country album, for “Cowboy Carter.” Recent changes by the Recording Academy have made it even more monumental: She might be the last person to ever win the award. – AP
Rapper Nicki Minaj on Sunday made a surprise appearance at a gathering of conservatives in Arizona that was memorializing late activist Charlie Kirk, and used her time on stage to praise President Donald Trump and JD Vance, calling them “role models” for young men. – AP
Lossless audio is the first step toward audio nirvana. But what is it, does it really make a difference, and how can you get it? Here’s what to know. – Simon Lucas, Wired
In addition to being a 1960s French sex symbol, actor, singer, animal welfare activist and outspoken racist, Brigitte Bardot was a muse to many — in particular, musicians. – Maria Sherman, AP
