What You Might Have Missed in the First Quarter of 2024
The first quarter of 2024 has proven to be a whirlwind of adventure for fans. From a barrage of new music releases to unexpected yet gratifying collaborations – cough, Jonas Brothers and The Wiggles, cough – the entertainment scene these fleeting months has captivated fans worldwide. Amidst the flurry of news, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and potentially miss out on noteworthy updates.
But fear not, we’re here to help! Grab your pen and paper, and brace yourselves as we journey through the headlines that have sculpted the latest chapter in pop culture history.
Mean Girls: The Musical releases in theatres
It may have been a decade since Tina Fey’s Mean Girls debuted in cinemas, but Gretchen Wieners is back to make fetch happen! In a new musical adaptation of the cult classic film, audiences are transported back to North Shore High where a fresh ensemble of Plastics reign supreme. Mean Girls: The Musical injects a vibrant energy into the familiar storyline and beloved characters from the original movie, blending catchy tunes with some nostalgic one-liners we’ve grown to treasure.
Reviews of the musical film varied, with some critiquing its “Gen-Z” fashion choices and casting decisions. However, fans of the Broadway musical with the same name celebrated Reneé Rapp’s return as the formidable Regina George, a role she gained recognition for in 2019.
Lana Del Rey announces new country album, Lasso
Time to dust off those cowboy boots and embrace the rodeo spirit, because Lana Del Rey is going country! In a detour from her usual musical style, the American singer-songwriter revealed to audiences at the Billboard and NMPA Songwriter Awards in January her latest venture – a country-themed album titled Lasso. Set to be her tenth studio album, the upcoming release is scheduled to drop this September and will mark yet another collaboration with esteemed producer Jack Antonoff.
The album’s tracklist already teases an exciting lineup, boasting titles like Prettiest Girl in Country Music, Hey Baby Blue and I Must Be Stupid for Being So Happy.
Miley Cyrus wins her first (and second!) Grammy
While it’s no secret Miley Cyrus can buy herself flowers, she also proved she’s a force to be reckoned with in the music industry by snagging not one, but two Golden Gramaphones at the 2024 Grammys. The 31-year-old scored her inaugural win in the Best Pop Solo Performance category which she joyfully acknowledged during her live rendition of Flowers at the awards ceremony. Meanwhile, her second victory came in one of the night’s most prestigious categories – Record of the Year. The pop singer beat out a strong line of contenders including Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish, making her a two-time Grammy winner in the same night.
However, the Grammys isn’t the only accolade cementing her status as a multi-talented artist.
Disney has also announced they will be honouring the former Hannah Montana actress as a 2024 Disney Legend. According to a press release, Legend status is regarded as one of Disney’s highest honours and is given to “artists and visionaries throughout the company’s history who have pushed the envelope of creativity, challenged conventional wisdom, and broken the restraints of the status quo in search of new possibilities and excellence”.
Way to go, Miley!
Taylor Swift introduces first triple song mashup at The Eras Tour
Unhinged friendship bracelets, DIY album-inspired outfits and inside jokes-turned-fan chants – these are some elements that perfectly capture the essence of The Eras Tour. While audiences eagerly anticipate knowing which lucky fan will receive the coveted 22 hat, what truly sets hearts racing is the surprise song segment where Taylor treats fans to two gems not included in her setlist. Given her illustrious discography, choosing one song for Taylor to serenade you with is a daunting task. Even for her, narrowing it down to just two seems impossible!
During her second show in Melbourne, Australia, the pop singer debuted her first triple song mashup which kicked off with Getaway Car. Fans were in for an unforgettable experience as she seamlessly transitioned to August and concluded with The Other Side of the Door. Since then, she has been playing an array of song mashups at every show, keeping audiences on their toes with a delightful guessing game.
Ariana Grande releases her fifth studio album, Eternal Sunshine
After a hiatus for almost four years, it’s no wonder Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine became one of the most anticipated albums of the year. Drawing inspiration from Michel Gondry’s 2004 film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Grande’s fifth studio album presents a tracklist of poignant and emotive songs that delve into the intricacies of love – and the inevitable heartbreak that follows. Fans were quick to notice the distinct differences between her latest album and her previous discography, pointing out a shift towards lighter yet more mature vocals.
Adding to the album’s allure are its collaborations, which sees Grande harmonising with fellow vocal powerhouse Mariah Carey on a remix of Yes, And?, fulfilling a desire for fans who have long-awaited this pairing. In the music video for We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love), Grande teams up with American Horror Story’s Evan Peters to play lovers, an unexpected yet perfectly fitted pairing.
Jonas Brothers, Bluey and The Wiggles on tour
In other concert-related news, the Jonas Brothers kicked off the Australian leg of their Five Albums, One Night world tour by paying homage to two beloved children’s television shows from the down under.
During an intermission break at their Brisbane show, fans were treated with a delightful surprise – the familiar jingle of the Bluey theme song, accompanied by the trio’s names flashing on the big screen in the iconic Bluey font. The creator of the popular series even attended the concert himself, with the Jonas Brothers giving him a well-deserved shoutout. At their second show in Melbourne, Dorothy the Dinosaur from The Wiggles made an appearance during a performance of Cake By The Ocean. The beloved green dinosaur pranced around on stage while Joe charmingly belted out the song’s lyrics, matching its upbeat nature.
Though it seemed an unlikely collaboration, it makes sense the trio would tap into their inner dad modes. After all, they have five children between them – all daughters! They’re the perfect girl dads, might we add.
👀 Discover why the Jonas Brothers’ postponed tour is a crash course in how not to handle PR
Billie Eilish and Finneas become the youngest two-time Oscar winners
Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas O’Connell were certainly made for stardom, and their historical win at the 96th Academy Awards further proves their exceptional talent as musicians. At only 22 and 26 years old respectively, the siblings became the youngest two-time Oscar winners when they won Best Original Song for What Was I Made For? from the Barbie soundtrack. In 2019, they took home golden statuettes for the same award with their song No Time To Die, featured in the James Bond film of the same name.
Before securing their second win, the pair enchanted audiences with a performance of What Was I Made For? at this year’s Academy Awards ceremony, eliciting a standing ovation for Eilish’s stirring vocals.
Olivia Rodrigo kicks off her GUTS World Tour
Seeing you tonight, it’s a bad idea right?
Wrong, when it comes to seeing Olivia Rodrigo perform live. The three-time Grammy winner has finally launched her eagerly awaited GUTS World Tour this year, bringing chart-topping hits from her sophomore album to global stages. GUTS marks her second concert tour and first arena tour, elevating the spectacle of her performances to greater heights. Fans were immediately drawn to the new costumes she donned onstage, applauding her heightened confidence and stage presence. Rodrigo also acknowledges songs from her debut album, SOUR, serenading her audience with Logical and Enough For You while perched atop a crescent moon.
Unlike her SOUR tour, GUTS emerges as its sophisticated, older sister, exuding a more mature energy that strikes a resonance with audiences who have witnessed the pop star’s growth as an artist.
ZAYN releases new single What I Am from his upcoming studio album
ZAYN girlies, rejoice!
The multi-platinum artist returned to the music scene with a brand new single titled What I Am, which serves as the lead song from his widely anticipated fourth studio album, Room Under the Stairs. Written by ZAYN himself and co-produced with nine-time Grammy winner David Cobb, What I Am emerged as a soulful anthem that offers a tantalising glimpse into the sounds of his new album.
The British singer-songwriter announced the song’s release date alongside a brief teaser eight days prior to its official launch. Just six days later, he made a guest appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to surprise fans with additional snippets of the track. On the day of its debut, ZAYN posted a handwritten note on social media, revealing it was the first release of a special project he’s been focusing on for years.
💭 Read our review of his new album, ROOM UNDER THE STAIRS
Let’s see what Q2 has in store!
