Britney's $200M Sale, Hilary Duff's World Tour, James Van Der Beek Passes

Britney Spears’ $200M Catalogue Sale to Primary Wave

Marking what feels like the definitive close of a pop era, Britney Spears has reportedly sold her iconic music catalog to independent publisher Primary Wave. The deal, valued at around $200 million, spans nine studio albums and global hits like "...Baby One More Time" and "Toxic." For Spears, now 44 and having spent recent years reclaiming her autonomy after a grueling 13-year conservatorship, the move reads as a final act of closure. After declaring in early 2024 that she would "never return to the music industry," selling her catalog allows the Princess of Pop to lock in her financial legacy on her own terms while stepping away from the machinery that once controlled her career.

With the Primary Wave deal, Spears’ hits now join a roster that includes the estates of Whitney Houston, Prince, and The Notorious B.I.G. Her sale reflects a broader industry shift, echoing blockbuster catalog deals by artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Justin Bieber, and Shakira, as legacy acts increasingly swap long-term royalty streams for enormous upfront payouts.

Hilary Duff Announces Massive "Luck …or Something" World Tour

Hilary Duff has officially ended the suspense, confirming a massive global tour to celebrate her upcoming album, Luck …or Something. She broke the news with a wink to her roots, posting a TikTok of herself mouthing along to Jennifer Coolidge’s iconic "you're ready to hear it" speech from A Cinderella Story. The "2/12" teaser definitely lived up to the hype: starting on 22 June in Florida, she’s hitting heavy-hitters like Red Rocks and Madison Square Garden before crossing the pond for UK dates. She’s also curated a pretty stellar lineup of openers, with La Roux, Lauren Spencer Smith, and Jade LeMac joining her on the road.

This is a huge moment for fans who have been waiting since 2015 for a full-length project. After testing the waters with her "Small Rooms, Big Nerves" club run earlier this year (where she finally gave in and performed "What Dreams Are Made Of" for the first time), it’s clear she’s ready to lean back into the pop star life. Tickets go live on 20 February, the same day the new album releases.

ICYMI:

• Apple has acquired ‘Severance’ from production company Fifth Studio. The series is set to run for “at least 4 seasons” and could expand with prequels and spinoffs. 

• In an interview with the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Zayn revealed that he “doesn’t know” if he ever loved Gigi Hadid, but he respects and loves her for having his child. 

Ariela Barer Steps into A24’s 'Deep Cuts' After Odessa A’zion Recasting

Ariela Barer (The Last of Us, See You When I See You) has joined the cast of A24’s Deep Cuts, taking over the role of Zoe. Barer replaces Odessa A’zion, who exited the project after a public conversation about the character’s background. Directed by Sean Durkin (The Iron Claw) and based on Holly Brickley’s debut novel, the film is a 2000s-set romance starring Cailee Spaeny and Drew Starkey as two music-obsessed twentysomethings trying to navigate the messy overlap of ambition and adulthood.

The recasting follows A’zion, who is Jewish, learning via social media that Zoe was specifically written as a Jewish Latina. After hearing from fans and acknowledging an open letter signed by more than 100 Latino artists calling for more authentic casting, A’zion chose to leave the project to make room for a more accurate portrayal.

POP FACT: On this day in 2016, Justin Bieber topped the charts with “Love Yourself.”

James Van Der Beek Dies at 48 After Battle with Bowel Cancer

James Van Der Beek, the defining face of the millennial teen drama Dawson's Creek, has passed away at the age of 48 following a courageous battle with stage three bowel cancer. His family confirmed the news this morning, stating that the father of six met his final days with "courage, faith, and grace."

Though he was diagnosed in late 2023, Van Der Beek only shared his journey publicly in November 2024, later revealing to Business Insider that he had initially mistaken early symptoms for simple dietary issues.

ICYMI:

• Cardi B has officially kicked off her ‘Little Miss Drama’ Tour. During the show, she shouted, “If ICE come in here we’re gonna jump they asses.” 

• Bebe Rexha is releasing a visual album called “Dirty Blonde.”

• Shakira is set to headline Copacabana, Brazil, in May. 

Best New Track: “Always Everywhere” by Charli xcx from Wuthering Heights

Charli xcx’s Wuthering Heights is out today, a full-length album that also serves as the soundtrack to Emerald Fennell’s new film adaptation. It’s moodier and more cinematic than the recent club-leaning run Brat. The movie is out today too, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as Cathy and Heathcliff.

It’s hard to miss the meme making the rounds. The TikTok trend “I think I’m gonna die in this house” comes from the opening track featuring John Cale. The song’s backdrop feels wildly moody and just a little unsettling. It’s a feeling that shapes most of the songs.

Some tracks swell into something beautiful like “Funny Mouth” which Djo (Joe Keery) has writing credits on. “Dying for You” stands at the album’s biggest pop moment.

But for all the melancholy, and in the spirit of the holiday…we have to give our favorite track to “Always Everywhere.” Charli releases a high-flying turn in the chorus that jolts the track to life. It leaves you awash in feeling.

—Dawson Therre

— Katie Macbeth

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