Music Biz Headlines: Madonna & Charli XCX Shine at the VMAs, Celine Dion Surges on Spotify
Also this week: celebrating Indigenous artists on the Billboard Canada charts, Geddy Lee's surprise Toronto mayor endorsement and more.
Madonna performs during a surprise concert in Times Square on June 4, 2026, in New York City.
The MTV Video Music Awards lead headlines this week, with Madonna earning love and Taylor Swift adding to her trophy room.
Elsewhere, Shawn Mendes celebrates a milestone anniversary and Geddy Lee ruffles feathers with a political endorsement.
Read these stories and more in this week's collection of music news headlines.
Canadian Music Biz Headlines
Céline Dion’s Music Surges on Spotify in Canada Amidst Paris Residency Comeback Shows
Spotify tells Billboard Canada that her streams have grown over the last two weeks, with hits like “On ne change pas” and “Pour que tu m’aimes encore” seeing major gains in her home country. — Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
Rush's Geddy Lee Endorses Brad Bradford for Toronto Mayor
"I'm not one to make public statements about politicians, but I truly fear for the future of Toronto with its current leadership." — Megan LaPierre, Exclaim!
Shawn Mendes Celebrates 10th Anniversary of ‘Illuminate’: ‘It Was a Really Special Time’
In a social media clip, the Canadian singer-songwriter reflects on his sophomore album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart nearly a decade ago. Now, he's celebrating it with live renditions and demos. — Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
Celebrating Indigenous Artists Who Have Landed on the Billboard Canada Charts in 2026
From Aysanabee to Tia Wood to Ruby Waters, we’re spotlighting exceptional Indigenous acts in commemoration of the fifth annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. — Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
Brandi Carlile Gives Tribute to Canadian Legends at Vancouver's Rogers Arena
Fresh off winning Song of the Year at the for “Returning to Myself” at the Americana Awards the previous night in Nashville, singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile expressed her admiration for some of the best singers and songwriters, making sure to throw in a few Canadian names. — Hunter Soo, Georgia Straight
How Terry McBride rebuilt his famed record label by gaming the algorithm— Josh O'Kane, Globe and Mail
Lost Recordings from Joni Mitchell’s Roommate Come to Hamilton in Documentary Performance
The performance from Hamilton-based artist Tommy Taylor and Abigail Lapell will bring frontline pandemic stories to Theatre Aquarius. Hamilton Spectator
How Seeing a Tragically Hip show in the ‘90s Changed Raine Maida’s Aspirations
When Raine Maida was trying to break into the music scene more than 30 years ago, he says he bought tickets to the Toronto Music Awards at Massey Hall, in hopes he could use the event to network with industry folks. — Kaitlyn McGrath, Canadian Press
Global Delegates to Attend Alberta Music Cities Convention in Calgary
The convention takes place at the National Music Centre from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1. — Eric Volmers, Calgary Herald
Doug "Donut" Proulx Dies, Leaving a Legacy as a Vancouver Punk Legend
Friends and fans are reporting the passing of Douglas Proulx tonight. Vancouver music fans knew the local punk rock legend best as the drummer for the hugely influential Death Sentence. No cause of death has been given. — Mike Usinger, Georgia Straight
Global Roots, Halifax Sound: Million Vibes Brings The Million Experience to The Marquee
For years, Halifax’s music scene has given artists a place to start. On Oct 3, a group of artists who found their way to Nova Scotia from different parts of the province and the world will perform on one of the city’s best-known stages, showcasing what can happen when those beginnings grow into something bigger. Warren D'Silva The Coast
International Music Biz Headlines
The Queen of Pop made her grand return to the VMAs stage after 23 years. — Kyle Denis, Billboard
Here Are All the 2026 MTV VMAs Winners: Full List
Madonna & Taylor Swift came into the night the top nominees, and they were also the biggest winners. — Billboard
Céline Dion Gives a Surprise Performance of "I'm Alive" at Paris Fashion Week 2026
The Quebec singer made a surprise appearance at the end of L'Oréal Paris' 2026 runway show on Sept. 28), performing her 2002 hit at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Her concert residency at Plenitude Arena in Paris continues Sept. 30. — Stefano Rebuli, Billboard Canada
Bono Says Dolly Parton ‘Sang Her Heart Out’ for Her Final Recording With U2
Recorded in June, the collaboration became an unexpectedly poignant farewell between two music legends. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard
Slipknot Announce Biggest-Ever Stadium Tour in 2027
Bring Me the Horizon will support every North American date, with a rotating cast of guests across the run. — Jessica Lynch, Billboard
Prosecutors have put Smith's emails in front of Judge Koeltl, and say they show a man who knew from the start that his scheme was fraud. — Music Business Worldwide
Rod Stewart Announces Final Tour for 2027: ‘Most Definitely my Last’
The 81-year-old singer will wrap up a touring career that stretches back to his mid-teens in the early 1960s, with dates planned for UK and Europe. — The Guardian
The latest song to break the Hot 100's record for weeks at No. 1 and tie for No. 2 in Canada has some pop fans perplexed. Here's what happened — and why those people shouldn't be shocked if it ends up happening again. — Andrew Unterberger, Billboard
The Go-Go’s Gave the Classic Girl Group a Modern Makeover on Beauty and the Beat
In 1981, a fledgling, all-female Los Angeles pop band released a debut that would become a new wave classic, with singles that would soundtrack a decade and an energy that would inspire the next generation of women in rock music. — Matt Melis, Paste
