Music Biz Headlines: Celine Dion's Paris Comeback is Official, Justin Bieber's Surprise Coachella Warm-Up Concert
Also this week: Billboard Canada's interviews on the Junos red carpet, The Canadian Blues Music Awards debut, Drake's UMG lawsuit continues and more news from around the industry.
Canadian music industry headlines have centred around the Juno Awards in Canada, and around Canadian artists who missed the awards in the U.S. (including Justin Bieber and Tate McRae).
Meanwhile, Kanye West still ruffles feathers, Kevin Lyman reflects on 30 years of the Vans Warped Tour and more music business headlines of the week from Canada and beyond.
Canadian Music Biz Headlines
Celine Dion Announces 2026 Paris Residency Dates, Says She’s Feeling ‘Strong’ After Health Battle
"I've felt your prayers and support, your kindness and love," the singer said. – Hannah Dailey, Billboard
Justin Bieber Shares Inside Look at His Secret Pre-Coachella Show: ‘See You All Soon’
The star gave fans a preview of his upcoming headlining performance during a one-night-only set at The Roxy Theater in West Hollywood. – Annie Harrigan, Billboard
Why Tate McRae, Justin Bieber and the Weeknd Don't Care About the Juno Awards
At the Juno Awards industry ceremony at the Hamilton Convention Centre on Saturday, there was no “elbows up” and no “Canada down.” Instead, things went sideways at the event where most of the trophies were handed out in advance of Sunday’s nationally televised gala held at TD Coliseum. – Brad Wheeler, Globe & Mail
Billboard Canada on the Juno Awards' Red Carpet
Check out interviews with The Beaches, Cameron Whitcomb, Sofia Camara, MICO, Majid Jordan and more at @billboardca. –Billboard Canada
Brandon Isaak Tops Winners List at the First Edition of the Canadian Blues Music Awards
Held in Toronto on March 30, The CBMAs replace the Maple Blues Awards as the only national awards show for this genre. The decision was made after the former awards were criticized for lack of representation for Black artists. – Kerry Doole, Billboard Canada
New Hamilton Country Music Festival Announces Full Artist Lineup
Brett Kissel and Chase Rice are set to headline the Route 95 summer festival. Kicking off on July 24, the new festival will be taking over the Ancaster Fairgrounds for two days. – Demar Grant, Hamilton Spectator
International Music Biz Headlines
Warner Music Group Acquires Digital Distributor RevelatorThe acquisition will bring Revelator's operations and financial reporting for artists, labels and distributors to WMG's stable of offerings. – Ariel King, Billboard
Ezekiel Lewis Named Chairman/CEO of Epic Records
The longtime A&R executive had served as president of the label since 2023, and will take over for industry legend Sylvia Rhone, who left last September. –Dan Rys, Billboard
The group was joined by the Campaign Against Antisemitism in their condemnation of the booking of rapper who has repeatedly embraced pro-Nazi messaging and once sold swastika t-shirts. – Gil Kaufman, Billboard
UMG Blasts Drake Appeal in Lawsuit Over Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’: ‘That Is Not the Law’
The music giant says the rapper's lawsuit over Lamar's incendiary diss track shouldn't be revived by a federal appeals court. – Bill Donahue, Billboard
APRA Music Awards Nominees Announced For Centenary Ceremony In Sydney
Amyl And The Sniffers, Paul Kelly, Tame Impala And Ninajirachi Lead The Song Of The Year Field As APRA Marks 100 Years Of Championing Australian Songwriters. – Paul Cashmere, Noise11
‘That’s What This Is All About’: Kevin Lyman on 30 Years of Vans Warped Tour and What Comes Next
"The industry talks a big game about artist development," Lyman says. "But we are willing to die trying." – Jessica Lynch, Billboard
