Angélique Kidjo Makes History as First Black African Artist on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Grammy-winning singer Angélique Kidjo has made history as the first Black African artist to be inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The celebrated West African performer from Benin joins the Walk of Fame’s 2026 class alongside stars like Shaquille O’Neal, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, The Clark Sisters, and ABC News anchor Robin Roberts. “Thanks to all my fans who brought me here,” Kidjo shared on Instagram following the announcement. While the exact date of her ceremony is yet to be announced, recipients typically have two years to schedule their induction.
Born in 1960 in what was then Dahomey (now Benin), Kidjo began her journey in the arts studying music, drama, and dance. She released her debut album Pretty in 1981 but left for Paris two years later to escape the political unrest under the country’s communist regime. “From the moment the communist regime arrived in Benin, I became aware that the freedom we enjoy can be snatched away in a second,” she once told the BBC. Her move marked the start of a global musical journey that would eventually land her in Brooklyn, New York.
In Brooklyn, Kidjo released a trilogy of albums—Oremi, Black Ivory Soul, and Oyaya!—celebrating the musical connections between Africa, the Caribbean, and South America. Her groundbreaking artistry has earned her numerous accolades, including a spot on TIME’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in 2021 and the prestigious Polar Music Prize in 2023. She also appeared in The Woman King, contributing the duet “Keep Rising” with Jessy Wilson to the film’s soundtrack. Now, with her star on Hollywood Boulevard, Kidjo's global influence is etched into history.
Grammy-nominated artist and producer TAVE takes flight with his stunning debut EP Fly Away , a soulful and sonically rich project that marks his evolution from behind-the-scenes hitmaker to front-stage visionary. The London-born, Los Angeles-based musician—known for his work with 6LACK, Masego, and Jazmine Sullivan—crafts a lush soundscape inspired by his time in St. Lucia, blending emotion and artistry in equal measure. Featuring collaborations with Musiq Soulchild, Eric Bellinger, Tia Gordon, and India Shawn , Fly Away explores love, growth, and self-discovery through intimate storytelling and immersive production.
Bethel Music’s Zahriya Zachary returns with her stirring new single “Stay,” accompanied by a heartfelt music video and serving as a preview of her upcoming debut album, REDISCOVERY. Written as an invitation to dwell in God’s presence, “Stay” beautifully expresses the nearness and constancy of the Lord. Blending pop-forward production with sincere worship, Zachary’s latest offering reflects her journey of faith, surrender, and the joy found in rediscovering intimacy with Jesus.
New Jersey-born singer-songwriter Penny Margaux shines on her soulful new single “You,” a warm, R&B-infused love song layered with lush melodies and a funky groove. Now based in Louisville, where she’s immersed herself in the city’s vibrant music scene, Margaux channels genuine emotion and connection into her music. Inspired by her partner (and later expanded to include loved ones everywhere) “You” captures the timeless, easy feeling of love in all its forms, from romance to family and friendship.
Since the launch of OpenAI’s Sora, social media has been flooded with hyper-realistic deepfake videos of Michael Jackson, some mimicking his voice, appearance, and signature moves with eerie precision. In response, the late pop icon’s estate has reportedly filed a takedown demand to OpenAI, accusing the company of allowing unauthorized use of Jackson’s likeness and image. The estate claims these synthetic creations infringe on rights it holds and mislead fans into believing the content is authentic. The surge of AI-generated Jackson videos (many allegedly produced using Sora) has reignited concerns about the growing realism and reach of deepfakes. While OpenAI and Google have both implemented safeguards such as metadata disclaimers and watermarking tools like Google’s SynthID, these protections often vanish once videos are re-encoded or shared across platforms. The result is a wave of AI-generated clips that circulate online with no clear indication they’re fabricated. OpenAI’s policies currently ban deepfakes of living celebrities without consent, but the same restriction does not apply to deceased public figures. This loophole leaves icons like Michael Jackson in a legal and ethical gray area. As AI tools become more accessible and sophisticated, the estate’s takedown challenge could set a major precedent, testing how the rights of artists, even posthumously, will be protected in the age of synthetic media.
Mariah The Scientist has unveiled the striking new video for her hit single “Is It a Crime?” featuring Kali Uchis, released via Epic Records and directed by Claire Bishara. The cinematic visual continues the storyline from her album trailer for Hearts Sold Separately, with Mariah portraying rapper Karrahbooo’s lawyer in a tense courtroom drama, while Uchis joins her as a defense team member. The metaphor-rich video underscores the song’s refrain: “Is it a crime to fall in love, to fall?”
Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to 50 months in prison following his conviction on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. In addition to the prison term, Judge Arun Subramanian imposed five years of supervised release and a $500,000 fine, the maximum allowed by law. The judge noted Combs’ “immense resources, which enabled his crimes,” in issuing an upward departure from sentencing guidelines. Before the sentence was handed down, Combs addressed the court directly, calling his actions “disgusting, shameful and sick.” He apologized to the victims in the case as well as “all the victims of domestic violence.” His defense team made a last-minute effort to sway the court by presenting a documentary-style video featuring his charity work and family, alongside a letter of remorse. This contrasted with the defense’s long-standing claim that Combs was unfairly targeted by prosecutors. Judge Subramanian acknowledged Combs’ deep ties to family and community while stressing the seriousness of the crimes. “This is a serious sentence that reflects the gravity of your crimes and conduct,” the judge said, while also encouraging Combs to lean on loved ones during his incarceration. “These letters, all those letters that I saw, show that you have a universe of people who love you. Let them lift you up now, just like you’ve lifted them up for so many years.”
Joshua Allen, the Season 4 winner of the hit dance competition series So You Think You Can Dance, has died at age 36. The dancer passed away Tuesday in Fort Worth, Texas, according to the Los Angeles Times and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Entertainment outlet TMZ was first to report the news. Records from the Tarrant County Medical Examiner in Texas confirm that Joshua Demon Allen died in the emergency room of a Fort Worth hospital. His official cause of death is still pending, according to the examiner’s online database. Allen, who won So You Think You Can Dance in 2008, became known for his electrifying performances and versatility across multiple dance styles, earning him a devoted fan base. USA TODAY has reached out to Allen’s representative, the Fort Worth Police Department and the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s office for additional details. News of his death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans and members of the dance community, who remember Allen as a groundbreaking talent whose artistry left a lasting mark on the series and beyond.
Ayra Starr turns up the heat with the release of her “Hot Body” music video, filmed in Los Angeles by director Claire Bishara. The sultry Afrobeats anthem, co-written with Deeno and produced by Ragee, celebrates self-confidence and sensuality with irresistible percussion and honeyed vocals. The video amplifies the track’s energy with golden-hour visuals of Starr and her dancers moving across beaches, boats, and luxe backdrops. Exuding empowerment, Starr commands the screen with bold choreography and direct eye contact, cementing “Hot Body” as both a summer anthem and a statement of artistic control.
Honey Dijon teams up with Chlöe Bailey for their electrifying new single “The Nightlife”, a disco-infused celebration of freedom, glamour, and after-hours energy. Produced by Dijon, the track channels a classic 70s feel while Chlöe’s soaring vocals bring a modern renaissance flair to the mix. Known for her global presence across clubs, festivals, and fashion runways, Dijon crafts a pulsating soundscape that perfectly complements Chlöe’s powerhouse delivery. Together, they deliver a vibrant anthem that captures the joy, allure, and timeless magic of nightlife culture.
Bryson Tiller has completed his ambitious double album Solace & The Vices, a project that reveals two distinct sides of his artistry. The first half, The Vices, released August 8, explodes with high-energy rap grit, boasting guest features from Rick Ross, T-Pain, Plies, and more. Its bold, unapologetic sound highlights Tiller’s confidence and versatility. In contrast, Solace (released Oct. 2 & guest-starring Rick Ross, Luh Tyler, Bun B and more) offers a more intimate, R&B-driven reflection, returning to the soulful roots that defined TRAPSOUL. With heartfelt production, emotional storytelling, and even a closing message from his daughter, the project underscores Tiller’s evolution and staying power.