Mark Sevidž

Kanye West, now performing as Ye, is scheduled to give two concerts at Saint Petersburg’s 70,000-capacity Gazprom Arena in October 2026. The shows sold out within hours and would make him the biggest Western star to perform in Russia since the invasion of Ukraine began. The concerts follow a difficult period for West, whose antisemitic and pro-Nazi statements led to cancelled performances, a United Kingdom entry ban, and the termination of partnerships with Adidas and Balenciaga. Although he apologized in January and attributed his behavior to a manic episode and bipolar disorder, the timing of the apology—coinciding with his new album and tour—has prompted skepticism. Western artists have largely avoided Russia since the invasion, though a small number, including Jason Derulo, have continued to perform there.

The European Broadcasting Union is considering major Eurovision voting reforms to curb politically coordinated and bloc voting. Proposed changes include moving public voting entirely online and requiring viewers to vote for several favorite performers rather than repeatedly supporting one country, although additional online accounts could still allow multiple votes. The review follows controversy over campaigns linked to the Israeli government that encouraged large numbers of votes for Yuval Raphael, whose strong public-vote result contrasted with her jury ranking. The EBU also cites wider geopolitical tensions, including boycotts over Israel’s participation, as damaging trust in the contest. Other changes include stricter rules for host countries involved in conflict, a higher minimum participant age and tighter restrictions on prerecorded vocals.

The European Broadcasting Union has changed Eurovision rules so that a winning country involved in an armed conflict may be denied the right to host the following year if security or regional stability is at risk. The change is widely viewed as a response to controversy over Israel’s participation amid criticism of its military actions in Gaza, but it also formalizes the process previously applied to Ukraine after its 2022 victory, when the United Kingdom hosted instead. The rules also raise the participation age from 16 to 18 and restrict backing tracks from duplicating or excessively supporting live lead vocals. Bulgaria will host Eurovision 2027, with the event scheduled for 12–15 May in Burgas rather than the expected capital, Sofia.

Canada will join the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027 after its public broadcaster CBC became a full member of the European Broadcasting Union, marking the first new participant since Australia in 2015. The decision follows a turbulent year marked by withdrawals tied to Israel’s involvement, and it remains unclear whether the five boycotting countries will return. Past Canadian performers who competed for other countries are noted, and officials from the EBU emphasize openness to returning participants. Bulgaria will host the 2027 contest following Dara’s 2026 victory with Bangaranga.

Madonna discusses her new album Confessions II, upcoming touring plans that hint at a possible 2027 Glastonbury headline performance, and personal reflections on jealousy toward Kylie Minogue, her daughter Lola overcoming discomfort with being a celebrity child, and her reconciliation with her late brother Christopher. She explains the creative process behind several tracks, recalls her early years in New York as an outsider shaping her identity, and comments on the theft of her Coachella costume. The interview highlights major themes of artistic renewal, family healing and long-term career evolution.