Music Biz Headlines: The World Cup Catches Bieber Fever
Also this week: Josh Ross and Cameron Whitcomb earn the most CCMA Award nominations for the second straight year, Celine Dion's rumoured Montreal concert, and the newest feat of the Heated Rivalry soundtrack.
The first-ever halftime show at the World Cup, arguably the biggest international sports event there is, grabbed plenty of attention over the weekend. Justin Bieber, Madonna, BTS, Shakira and Chris Martin provided the star power, though responses to the spectacle were mixed.
Elsewhere, dedicated concertgoers are prepared to soil themselves, the Heated Rivalry phenomenon is not slowing down and Celine Dion is rumoured to play at a renovated Olympic Stadium in Montreal.
Read these stories and more in our weekly roundup here.
Canadian Music Biz Headlines
Jason Sudeikis (aka Ted Lasso) made a surprise cameo ahead of Bieber's halftime performance. – Ashley Iasimone, Billboard Canada
The Canadian hitmaker’s stripped-down performance of “Everything Hallelujah” sparked debate on social media over the energy he brought to the show, which also featured Madonna, Shakira, Burna Boy, BTS and more. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
The Quebec government has approved plans to renovate the stadium, making it suitable for large-scale concerts and events. The upheaval of its indoor seating, premium spaces and concessions is set to complete in 2028. – Stefano Rebuli, Billboard Canada
As Toronto Summers get Hotter, Concert Organizers Face New Hurdles in Keeping Fans Cool — and Safe
"The biggest harmful effect is the lack of air flow," said physiology professor Glenn Kenny. – Toronto Star
Josh Ross and Cameron Whitcomb Earn Most CCMA Award Nominations For the Second Year in a Row
The two hottest stars in Canadian country music reaffirm their status.– Kerry Doole, Billboard Canada
Steve's Music Store To Auction Its Remaining Gear in Online Auction
After closing its final location on Sainte-Catherine Street in Montreal, the beloved Canadian music store will auction off over 2,000 lots including instruments and musical gear on July 22 and 23. – Stefano Rebuli, Billboard Canada
Known for her work with Hole and Smashing Pumpkins, the Canadian bassist's album of unreleased demos from the ‘90s, titled Bass Womb Room: My ’90s 4-Track Demos x Field Recordings, is out Sept. 4, coinciding with her Toronto photo exhibit. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
Invitees of the award-winning event could hardly contain themselves as the Toronto rapper delivered his words of encouragement. – Angel Diaz, Billboard
Allison Russell Finds Hope Amid the Chaos
The Canadian singer-songwriter has become one of the leading figures in contemporary folk, roots and Americana. – Russ Martin, Globe and Mail
Michael Buble Just Co-Signed Ryan Reynolds' Fave Vancouver Resto
After a recent visit to the family-run Kerrisdale restaurant, Bublé shared photos on Instagram and admitted he was "late to the party" while thanking Reynolds for steering him to Minerva. Vicki Duong, Georgia Straight
International Music Biz Headlines
Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, Chris Martin & the PS22 Chorus joined a tightly packed 11-minute spectacle in New Jersey. – Isabela Raygoza, Billboard
Which Artist Got the Biggest Boost Performing at the World Cup?
Here's who enjoyed streaming bumps following performances during the title match. – Kevin Rutherford, Billboard
Suno Scraped YouTube, Deezer to Train AI, Hacked Code Reveals
Hacked source code from AI music company Suno lists YouTube Music, Deezer, and Genius among the platforms it scraped to build its AI models, according to a report from 404 Media on July 15. – Corben Boiles, Variety
Lorde Slams ‘Inaccurate’ Spotify AI Song Descriptions of ‘Current Affairs’: ‘We Don’t Want This’
Spotify responded that "when something's off, we move fast to fix it." – Gil Kaufman, Billboard
Pass the Pit Diapers! Why are Fans Wetting Themselves to Stand Front Row at Concerts?
Olivia Rodrigo, Noah Kahan and Morgan Wallen have all dealt with audience effluence in recent weeks – but that’s only one part of a fearsome subculture that has built up around fandom, endurance and ‘getting barrier.’ – Kate Solomon, The Guardian
The hit show's soundtrack skates onto multiple charts, including Soundtracks, Top Album Sales, Vinyl Albums, Indie Store Album Sales & the Billboard 200. – Keith Caulfield, Billboard
Riot Fest Drops Wild List of William Shatner's Rider 'Demands'
Riot Fest shared an image of a document on social media on July 16 titled "William Shatner Riot Fest 2026 Artist Rider Requirements."Some of the requests are rather bizarre. – Rob Carroll, Loudwire
- Céline Dion Hits the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 Chart With First Original Song in Seven Years, ‘Dansons’ ›
- Ted Lasso Sends Justin Bieber Out on the World Cup Field for ‘Everything Hallelujah’ in 2026 Halftime Show ›
- Liam Gallagher and Sean Ono Lennon Praise Justin Bieber’s World Cup Acoustic Performance: ‘Justin Rules’ ›
