Happy Wednesday. Welcome to The Banger Brief, your roundup of what you need to know to stay in the loop on pop music. Today… P!nk is headed to Las Vegas and the Free Palestine crowd is not happy, Olivia Dean and RAYE already have some end-of-year honors, the Gallagher brothers have no interest in attending the RRHOF ceremony, and more. But first, let’s confess something at the desert..
MADONNA IS BRINGING CONFESSIONS TO COACHELLA, AGAIN
Late last night, Coachella unveiled its lineup for 2027. Right away, the thing that caught my attention faster than a ray of light was that Madonna will be returning to the festival to perform at the dance tent like she did 21 years ago in 2006.
Back then Madonna performed a surprise set to promote her new album at the time, Confessions On A Dancefloor, in what was a before and after for the festival. All these years later, after releasing the excellent Confessions II this past summer, she is gearing up to make Coachella history again.
The rumors were true… Dua Lipa, Tame Impala, and SZA are the three headliners taking over Indio, California, next spring. SZA kept revealing it a little too much which apparently prompted an anticipated announcement by Goldenvoice, the fest organizers.
The rest of the lineup is also STACKED. Notable acts taking the stage at Coachella include: Zara Larsson, Robyn, Becky G, Kehlani, Role Model, ADELA, The Neighborhood, Remi Wolf, Tove Lo, Victoria Monet, Caroline Polachek, MUNA, and many more.
Plus, a special performance by Daddy Yankee!
Passes go on sale this Friday, Nov. 13!
P!NK SET FOR VEGAS SPHERE, BACKLASH ENSUES
This week, it was announced that P!nk will headline a residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Currently, there are nine shows scheduled in September and October 2027. Pre-sale for tickets starts Nov. 18.
Following the announcement, many online began showing disdain against the singer citing her recent controversy around the Israel-Palestine conflict.
In September, P!nk reposted a post from the organization AntiSemitism which criticized Macklemore’s political comments while opening for Ed Sheeran. The pro-Palestinian crowd took this as her picking a side. She then released a lengthy statement explaining herself which included denouncing Hamas and wanting peace for both Palestine and Israel. But that, of course, is not enough for the masses radicalized online.
All her online posts since then are inundated with comments calling her everything from a Zionist to a Nazi… make it make sense. Many are calling for people to boycott her shows at the Sphere. Others are promising that they will protest outside the venue. But I hear demand is high for P!nk at the Sphere, and the pre-sale numbers are great to say the least. Nothing to worry about.
I’ve seen P!nk live in concert five times and she’s one of the greatest performers of our time. Go see her.
ICYMI: P!nk was also recently nominated to the Songwriters Hall of Fame for its 2027 class.
» Speaking of Macklemore… he recently revealed that arenas around the US denied him the chance to book his Free Palestine Tour benefit shows. Madison Square Garden released a shady statement against him! 👀
USHER AND CHRIS BROWN CANCEL L.A. SHOW
Usher and Chris Brown canceled one of their two upcoming shows at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles as part of The R&B Tour - the one scheduled for next Monday, Nov. 16.
Last week, the two stars got into an argument backstage in Atlanta which prompted their show to have a three-hour delay. Their friction was even clear on stage as concertgoers noted they seemed distant on stage and did not perform songs they normally would together. However, things seemed back to normal for their third of five shows in ATL.
I’ve always said that co-headlining tours are tricky. More often than not things happen and artists end up not getting along. It’s nothing new. You’d just think they’d remain professional about it and go on with it.
Nothing has been confirmed though. The reason for the cancelation is unknown.
APPLE MUSIC NAMES OLIVIA DEAN BEST OF 2026
Olivia Dean is Apple Music’s Artist of the Year.
Apple Music cites the success of her 2025 album, The Art of Loving, which gained even more prominence this year, as one of the main reasons for its decision. Her hit song “Man I Need” has appeared on Apple Music’s Top 100 chart every single week since its release. Not to mention her big Best New Artist win at the Grammys and her slew of BRIT Awards, too.
Deserved.
» In a similar note: Variety named RAYE as hitmaker of the year.
OASIS ARE NOT SHOWING UP TO THEIR ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTION
Noel and Liam Gallagher are not showing up to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony as Oasis is inducted according to Rolling Stone. We know they’ve always felt a certain way about it despite clearly showing signs that they do like that they are getting honored.
Liam says it’s too far and it’s Christmas… ha!
They are not the only ones missing the ceremony this Saturday. Sade also revealed they are not going to be attending, but are very much appreciative of the recognition saying: “Sorry we can’t be there in person to celebrate with the other artists. Please know that our absence takes nothing away from how much this recognition means to us.”
Welp.
ON THE ROAD…
Many artists announced tours this week.
Stray Kids is doing stadiums and ballparks next summer in North America and Europe. Fall Out Boy is bringing The Offspring, Good Charlotte, The Story So Far, A Day to Remember and Neck Deep on their massive Twilight of the Punks Tour. Shakira’s never-ending Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour is returning to Latin America next year, including her first show in Venezuela in over 16 years!
And speaking of Latin artists, both Marc Anthony and Maluma announced their respective world tours.
CHART UPDATES
Some quick chart notes!
» YouTube streams will be counted on Billboard charts again in 2027. YouTube’s Global Head of Music Lyor Cohen made the announcement on a blog post saying: “We are returning to the Billboard charts starting in 2027. Billboard’s new methodology better reflects how fans engage with music today across both subscription and ad-supported services.”
» Tee-hee! Michael Jackson’s Thriller made a cool return to the charts after enjoying a nice boost from Halloween plays. It even landed on the top spot of the R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart.
Here are the charts dated Nov. 14, 2026.
Billboard 200 Chart
You Seem Pretty Sad For A Girl So In Love - Olivia Rodrigo
Thriller - Michael Jackson
I’m The Problem - Morgan Wallen
Dandelion - Ella Langley
The Great Divide - Noah Kahan
Break Even - ILLIT
Better Over Time - BigXthaPlug
Stick Season - Noah Kahan
The Life Of A Showgirl - Taylor Swift
Perfecth - Queens Of The Stone Age
Billboard 100 Chart
“Choosin’ Texas” - Ella Langley
“Thriller” - Michael Jackson
“Dracula” - Tame Impala & JENNIE
“Housewife” - Tate McRae
“Boston” - Stella Lefty
“Been By Now” - Morgan Wallen
“Nicole Kidman” - Adéla
“BBY WOW” - Karol G with Judeline & rusowsky
“Hate That I Made You Love Me” - Ariana Grande
“Stupid Song” - Olivia Rodrigo
BOP OF THE DAY
Okay, so this one is interesting. I was just going through new music on Apple Music (#notsponsored) and landed on this song called “American” by an artist that I have no idea who they are called Eila.
It’s synth-heavy with interesting vocal progression effects - reminiscent of something Charli XCX would put out. I don’t know, I enjoyed it. Hope you do too.
If you want to share any songs for the Bop of the Day, send my way to peter@bopsandbangers.com.
MUST WATCH
Tinashe stopped by The Tonight Show last night to perform her songs “Popstar” and “Melatonin.” She’s just so good. I loved it.
P.S.
Hope you guys are doing well mid-week. It’s getting a little chilly down here in Central Texas (finally), and I’m going to enjoy it as much as I can because I know it could change at any time. Also, I’m going to see Daughtry this weekend on their unplugged tour. I’ve always been a big fan since Chris’s time on American Idol. Haven’t seen him and the band live since 2012! I’ll make sure to share a review on here. Anyone have any concert plans coming up? Let me know!
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