Dua is an Honorary Ambassador of Kosovo. The singer was awarded the title by President Osmani on August 6th, 2022. "It’s an honor and a privilege to be able to represent my country all over the world and to continue my work and efforts globally to see that we leave our mark and make a difference,” she said of the honor.
Music runs in the family for Dua. Her father, Dukagjin Lipa, is a musician and also founded a music festival called Sunny Hill festival in their home country of Kosovo.
She left home at just 15 to pursue music, leaving her family home in Kosovo for London. “The cooking and the cleaning… that was tough,” she told NME in 2017. “Stuff like that really made me grow up before my time.”
As a kid, Lizzo skipped school to go to a Destiny’s Child album-signing event at Walmart. The “Truth Hurts” icon reflected on the girl group’s impact on her in an interview with 'Elle UK' earlier this year, saying their role in inspiring her to become an artist was “incredible.”
Lizzo once gave a TED Talk — rather, a TED Twerk — about the history of twerking and its connection to Black culture. She said, in part: “Black people carry the origins of this dance through our DNA, through our blood, through our bones. We made twerking the global cultural phenomenon it has become today.”
Lizzo got into the holiday spirit last year by debuting a stunning look inspired by one of the most classic Christmas characters of all time, the Grinch. Calling herself “Mrs. Grinch,” Lizzo donned a red tinsel topper with a big red bow, candy cane-patterned nails and green eye makeup for a look fit for Whoville.
Charlie Puth, whose full name is Charles Otto Puth Jr., got his start on YouTube sharing comedy and acoustic covers on his “Charlie’s Vlogs” channel.
In addition to being an incredibly talented musician, Puth also has perfect pitch, a “weird” talent he has shown off in several interviews. “It’s like I can hear the note before it even [is played],” he told Jimmy Kimmel, adding that it’s a skill he’s had since he was 12.
While some fans may think his distinctive eyebrow slit is a style choice, it’s actually a scar from a dog attack when he was 2 years old.
The iconic “Larger Than Life” band is gearing up to celebrate a milestone anniversary… In April 2023, the Backstreet Boys — made up of Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson, AJ McLean, Howie Dorough, and Brian Littrell — will mark 30 years as a group.
Reflecting on a previous tour with the Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block, Nick Carter revealed in a 'CNN' interview earlier this year that it’s “absolutely possible” that the Backstreet Boys would be on board for a reunion tour with *NSYNC and the Spice Girls: “We think that an *NSYNC, Backstreet, maybe Spice Girls combo, like something like that, would just be — it would kind of be like the pinnacle, the cap on such a good time in people's lives and to just bring nostalgia back… So is it possible, which is the question? Absolutely possible.”
The Backstreet Boys are ready to get into the holiday spirit with their first-ever Christmas album, which is set to release on October 14. The band’s AJ McLean and Nick Carter recently shared an in an interview with 'Variety' that Justin Timberlake, one of their ‘90s boy band peers from the wildly-popular group *NSYNC, inspired one of the songs. Carter, who often watched 'Trolls' with his kids, shared that Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop The Feeling” inspired a song on A Very Backstreet Christmas.
The Kid LAROI has dropped a few smash-hits in his career, including collaborations with Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus. The singer-songwriter shared with iHeartRadio that as much as he loves experimenting with his music, he also loves switching up his fashion: “I would say that my style has significantly evolved since first moving to the states. I used to wear tracksuits all the time, but I’ve felt so much more freedom to try new things and I just love mixing it up.”
The Kid LAROI unveiled a new tattoo on TikTok, and by the end of the clip, he revealed that the tattoo artist was none other than “Circles” hitmaker Post Malone.
Last year, The Kid LAROI made 'Forbes' “30 Under 30,” list, following a stream of chart-topping hits and high-energy festival performances (including the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Festival with appearances on the Daytime Stage lineup and the T-Mobile Arena stage later that night).
Earlier this year, AJR confirmed that they were making their long-awaited dream come true of writing music for a Broadway musical. The trio of brothers teamed up to compose new, original songs for a production based on the beloved children’s book, 'Harold and the Purple Crayon'.
AJR — Adam, Jack and Ryan Met — shared with iHeartRadio last year that Blue Man Group was an inspiration to them as performers, particularly on their tour this year: “We remember seeing the Blue Man Group when we were really young, and being really confused… and thinking, ‘I don’t know what they could possibly do next,’ and then they do it, and it relates back to something that they did earlier, like ‘oh my god, how’d they even think of this stuff?’ I’m glad I was confused because now it’s amazing how it’s paid off.”
AJR often break down all the unique sounds that come together to build the hit songs their fans know and love, including a New York City subway conductor's announcement. The brothers spotlight each unique sound on their social media channels, and even took time to do it on stage during the 2021 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball.
Demi’s full name is Demetria Devonne Lovato, and she was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Last fall, Lovato had the epiphany to make the return to rock-influenced music after seeing hard-rock trio Dead Sara perform. “I feel like I had tried to do rock music a few years ago when I wasn't ready, it wouldn't have been authentic, but now it is,” Demi told 'Alternative Press'.
Demi plays guitar and piano. She used to be able to play songs by ear before undergoing lessons from a classical music teacher.
Lauv just hit the Daytime Stage at the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Festival. During his set, he shared the background story of his hit "Modern Loneliness.” Lauv said the song has a special meaning to him because he felt like he was isolated and lonely when he was growing up.
Lauv celebrated the release of his 'All 4 Nothing' album last month. During his album release party, he debuted new songs like "Stranger" and "Kids Are Born Stars." A few days later, he kicked off his North American tour in Minneapolis and wrapped up in Las Vegas last Saturday.
Right before the iHeartRadio Music Festival, Lauv put on a once-in-a-lifetime performance at the launch of iHeartLand's State Farm Park on Roblox. He delivered several fan favorites like "I'm So Tired" and "I Like Me Better.” The pop singer also spoke with iHeartRadio's JoJo Wright in between songs and answered questions about his latest album 'All 4 Nothing'.
Ava's real name is Amanda Koci, but she gave herself the nickname Ava when she was 13.
Ava Max is flattered by Lady Gaga comparisons."It’s funny, people compare me to her, but I think she’s such a legend, and she’s untouchable to me. I think she’s as– I see her as iconic. So that’s such a compliment every time I hear that."
After releasing "Sweet but Psycho" in August 2018, the song peaked at number one in 22 countries.
Dove Cameron is a staunch supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. As part of the community, she dedicated her 2022 VMA for Best New Artist to queer youth. "I want to dedicate this to all of the queer kids out there who don't feel that they can take up space and inhabit the fullness of who they are. Thank you for getting an overtly queer song onto mainstream radio,” she told fans during her acceptance speech.
Born with the name Chloe Celeste Hosterman, she legally changed her name “Dove” in honor of her late father who called her by that nickname.
Dove got her first tattoo of a Capricorn symbol when she was just 14. "My best friend made friends with this guy who had a tattoo gun," Dove said. "He told us he'd been practicing on oranges and was ready. Keep in mind we're in 7th grade and I still had braces.”
Jax competed on the 14th season of American Idol in 2015. She made it all the way to third place on the competition series by showing off her impressive range with songs like “Empire State of Mind” by Alicia Keys and “Piece of My Heart” by Janis Joplin.
In August 2016, Jax announced she was battling thyroid cancer but has since declared she is cancer-free.
Her viral hit “Victoria’s Secret” was inspired by a young girl she babysits who was feeling insecure about her body.
Sam Smith is a huge Lady Gaga fan, and they even once skipped school to lineup for her album 'The Fame Monster'. "Oh, yes! I am a huge fan of Gaga," they revealed. "Gaga, when I was 16, was my everything. 'Fame Monster', bunked school, queued overnight, did the whole thing."
They’ve also gone on the record saying that “We Found Love” by Rihanna and Calvin Harris is their favorite pop song ever. “When I moved to London, I remember that being the song that just changed my life. And still, to this day, I feel like, I think my favorite pop song of all time."
Sam and Normani performed their hit “Dancing With A Stranger'' together for the first time ever at the 2019 Jingle Ball Tour.
Khalid has yet to slow down after he dropped four new singles this year. He kicked things off with “Last Call,” which dropped on the 5-year anniversary of his debut album 'American Teen'. He followed up with “Skyline” shortly afterward.
During the summer, Khalid teamed up with Marshmello for their latest collaboration “Numb.” Both artists reunited five years after serving up their first joint effort “Silence.” The duo joined forces on stage to perform the song at the 2022 MTV VMAs last month. “I’m so excited about the song with Marshmello. Every time we work together it’s just like we never left,” Khalid said.
Khalid recently provided some context about his upcoming album. He told Elvis Duran and Diamond that he wants his album to give nothing but “happy vibes.” He also won’t have any other features on the album.
Jack Harlow is currently on the road for his tour with City Girls. The Kentucky rapper launched his tour in support of his sophomore album 'Come Home The Kids Miss You' earlier this month in his hometown and has hit major cities like Houston, Denver and Phoenix.
After having plenty of success with his hit single “First Class,” Harlow recently performed the song with Fergie, who’s 2006 hit “Glamorous” inspired the track, during his opening number at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards in New York City.
In addition to his recent success, the “What’s Poppin” rapper is also developing his acting career. He’s been working on his debut role in the reboot of 'White Men Can’t Jump' alongside Vince Staples.
Last August, he released his song "I Feel Good," which inspired the name of his sixth solo tour. Mr. Worldwide hit up 32 major cities across the country from August to October, and raked in at least $20 million from the tour.
Pitbull knows how to get the party started. The Miami icon recently served as the powerful opening act for the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Festival. He performed a handful of his hits from “Hotel Room Service” to “Timber.”
Pitbull just dropped his new single “Mamasota” on the night he performed at the 2022 iHeartMusic Festival. The song, which was produced by IAmChino & Manybeat, is his latest single following other songs like “Cafe Con Leche” and “Can’t Stop Us Now” featuring Zac Brown.
While they were backstage at the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Festival, the trio told an unheard tale about the origin of their hit “Where Is The Love?” They said it was inspired following the events that happened during and after 9/11.
Black Eyed Peas just performed at the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Festival. The multifaceted band performed a dope medley of their fan favorites from “The Time (Dirty Bit)” to “Where Is The Love?”
BEP made a strong comeback this year with their new single "Don't You Worry" featuring Shakira and David Guetta. The electronic track spawned several remixes including one with Farruko.
With 74 episodes produced over 4 years, 'Big Time Rush' is one of Nickelodeon's longest-running live-action series. It took the network nearly two years to cast the show. James, Carlos and Logan filmed a full pilot episode with a completely different actor playing their team leader; Kendall was the last to be added.
Big Time Rush has long wanted to release a song in Spanish because of their special connection with their fans in Latin and South America, and recently released a Spanglish single, “Dale Pa Ya”. "We'd always wanted to do something in Spanish and the opportunity came up and this incredible producer Maffio was on board to take us under his wing and do a whole bunch of songs. So we all flew to Miami. We spent two weeks with him, and there were no rules. It was like, ‘Let's just create amazing Spanglish music for the band,’" Carlos explained to 'Paper' magazine.
BTR rented out an entire airport to shoot their ‘Worldwide’ video.
Lewis Capaldi recently revealed he was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, a condition marked by repetitive movements that can’t be easily controlled. Saying it “looks a lot worse than it is,” he shared that a Botox injection on his shoulder has helped control it.
If he wasn’t a world-famous singer, Capaldi said he would probably work alongside his dad as a fishmonger. Even though he hates fish.
Capaldi isn’t the only famous person in his family. Actor Peter Capaldi, known for his role as the titular Doctor in Doctor Who, is his second cousin.
Macklemore just released his new single "Maniac" featuring Windser. With Ryan Lewis behind the boards, the Seattle native recently described the song as "a relatable record" that has some "throwbackness to it."
The "Can't Hold Us" rapper just wrapped up his North American tour with Imagine Dragons earlier this month. Mack hit up 19 major cities, beginning in Salt Lake City and concluding in Los Angeles.
Macklemore recently launched his own line of apparel for the golf course. His new brand Bogey Boys features a refreshing line of Cheetah print knit vests, pinstriped sweaters, and multi-colored polos. Mack said his new clothing line is targeted to both golfers and high-fashion connoisseurs.
Anitta is no stranger to the iHeart stage after she performed during Can’t Cancel Pride over the summer. She performed her hit single "Boys Don't Cry" and other tracks off her latest album Versions Of Me.
Earlier this year, Anitta delivered her second multilingual album Versions Of Me. The LP holds 15 songs including collaborations with Cardi B, Myke Towers, YG, Saweetie, Khalid and more. Her album landed at No. 2 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums Chart. Following the album’s release, she joined Murda Beatz on his banger “No Mas” with Pharrell and Quavo.
Anitta also landed her dream collaboration with Missy Elliott. In July, the Brazilian singer took to social media to reflect on working with the living legend on “Lobby,” which appears on the deluxe version of her recent album. “Yes! I'm shooting my music video feat @MissyElliott and it's not a dream," Anitta wrote.
One of Tate McRae’s biggest songs is “she’s all i wanna be,” and it almost sounded completely different. Tate told iHeartRadio earlier this year that the upbeat song we all know and love “initially started as a really sad ballad, and then we did a full 180 and changed it into this punk song, which is cool.” Now, it’s “the most satisfying feeling” that listeners can relate to it: “Everyone’s going through the same thing, they just don’t even realize it.”
Tate’s latest album, 'i used to think i could fly', almost released a week sooner than it actually did. She revealed on TikTok that she pushed her album’s release date back one week so she “could fully enjoy” Harry Styles’ highly-anticipated third studio album, 'Harry’s House'. Tate confidently added later: “not even kidding, ask my label.”
Tate previously pointed out two “Leading Ladies” as role models to her: Zendaya and Jennifer Lopez. Tate said Zendaya is “honestly, one of the classiest, most bad-ass people I've ever seen,” and Jennifer is “the type of woman that I want to be when I grow up, is someone who can touch around in all realms [and] still be fire at everything. She's incredible.”
While she’s spent most of her life in Canada, Lauren was actually born in Portsmouth, England. She and her family relocated to Canada when she was 3 years old.
Lauren was a contestant on the 18th season of American Idol in 2020. She placed in the top 20 for nailing vocally challenging songs like Lady Gaga’s “Always Remember Us This Way,” and Aretha Franklin’s “Respect.”
Jingle Ball will be Lauren’s third time performing at an iHeartRadio festival. She made her Wango Tango debut in May and gave an emotional performance at the 2022 iHeartRadio Music Festival in September.
“Youre” is Nicky’s stage name, but it's not too far off from his real name, which is Nicholas Ure.
Nicky quit his job selling computers and hardware for Dell to pursue a career in music. His coworkers were very supportive of his decision telling him, “Dude, you have to do this. Like, you’d be so dumb not to quit right now,” after his song “Sunroof” took off.
Youre played water polo while attending Aliso Niguel High School. He even played in the 2016 CIF Southern Section Division 3 Championship Game and was recognized as Play of the Week in 2016. He continued playing water polo at Golden West College.
"Billie Eilish," a song by Armani White, became a TikTok success. "Nothin'" by N.O.R.E., is sampled in the song that compliments Billie Eilish's originality.
Armani White's favorite New York City rapper is 50 Cent. "My favorite NYC rapper of all time is 50, bro! There's no comparison to 50 Cent," the rapper admitted to 'Thrillist'.
Armani White's birth name is Enoch Armani Tolbert.
Bebe didn’t get her driver’s license until she was 29 years old, and took public transportation everywhere.
She is trilingual! She can speak English, Albanian and Spanish.
Bebe’s real first name is Bleta, which in Albanian translates to bumble bee!
Cheat Codes just serenaded their fans during the 2022 Daytime Stage at the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas. During their set, they delivered fan favorites like "Lean On Me" and "Pretty Girl." They even performed their recent track "I Remember."
The Los Angeles-based DJ group is currently on the road. It’s their latest string of shows following their previous run of the Hellraisers tour, which ran earlier this year from January to March. The guys had special guests like Morgan Page, Zack Martino, Autograf, and more.
The trio dropped off their latest project ‘Hellraisers Part 3’ back in May. The album features appearances from GASHI, Icona Pop and more.
Kim was born and raised in Germany.
Paris Hilton made a cameo in Kim's video for her debut single "I Don't Want It At All".
Kim's work is largely inspired by nostalgic pop music. "I love Queen, The Cardigans, a lot of Italian '80s disco."