Sabrina’s Muppets, Gaga’s "Abel" hint, & YouTube’s Oscars/Billboard moves

Lady Gaga Teases New Project in Zane Lowe Interview

Lady Gaga sent her Little Monsters into a frenzy during a recent sit-down with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, confirming that she is already back in the studio working on new material following the whirlwind success of her latest album, MAYHEM. In a teaser for the episode shared across social media, the “Abracadabra” singer revealed that the high energy of her nightly performances has become a cathartic spark for her creative process. “I was in the studio yesterday,” Gaga told Lowe, explaining that the immediate connection with her fans each night makes producing new music feel effortless and “awesome.”

The interview also addressed the feverish speculation surrounding a potential collaboration with The Weeknd, to which Gaga playfully responded, “I love Abel, that’s all I’m going to say.” While remaining tight-lipped on specific release dates, the pop icon emphasized how much she is enjoying touring MAYHEM, noting the “special thing” that happens when audiences move from her classic hits to the cutting-edge sounds of the new record. With her creative engine running at full speed and a possible high-profile collaboration on the horizon, Gaga appears to be entering one of the most prolific and energetic phases of her legendary career.

New 'Muppet Show' Teaser Unveiled, February Release Announced

The Muppets are returning to the spotlight with a whimsical new Disney+ and ABC special premiering February 4th for the franchise’s 50th anniversary, led by Seth Rogen. The teaser revisits the original Muppet Theatre stage, where Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the gang are joined by pop star Sabrina Carpenter, capturing the classic chaotic energy fans have loved since 1976 with a fresh, modern sparkle.

Industry buzz is building around the project as a possible backdoor pilot for a full series revival. With legendary performer Dave Goelz involved to honor Jim Henson’s original spirit, Sabrina Carpenter as a guest star, and Rogen’s Point Grey Pictures producing, the special is poised to be a major cultural moment, and potentially the “most sensational, inspirational, celebrational” comeback of the year.

ICYMI:

• Lady Gaga’s “The MAYHEM Ball Tour” has been named the second highest-grossing pop tour of 2025 by Billboard. 

• Taylor Swift has shared an updated release schedule for her docuseries, with episodes 3 and 4 now available and episodes 5 and 6 set for release on Tuesday.

The Academy Awards Set to Stream Exclusively on YouTube Starting in 2029

The Academy Awards are preparing for their biggest “set change” yet, with a historic deal to stream the Oscars exclusively on YouTube starting in 2029. After more than 50 years on ABC, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is pivoting to the digital giant in a multi-year partnership aimed at capturing a global, mobile-first audience. Academy CEO Bill Kramer says the move will help reach the “largest worldwide audience possible,” with the 2029 ceremony available live and free on YouTube, a major win for accessibility in the streaming era.

The shift comes as Hollywood faces mergers, production cuts, and a hostile takeover battle involving Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Skydance. By choosing YouTube over traditional cable or rival streaming platforms, the Academy is embracing a service that already commands younger viewers’ attention. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan called the Oscars an “essential cultural institution” and pledged to honor the show’s legacy while inspiring a new generation of creators. ABC will air the next three telecasts through 2028, but the industry is already looking to 2029 as the year the red carpet officially goes digital.

POP FACT: On this day in 1997, James Cameron’s Titanic premiered. It is the first film to reach the billion-dollar mark, and held the record for the highest-grossing film of all time for twelve years.

YouTube to Exit Billboard Charts Over "Outdated" Formula

In a major industry shakeup, YouTube has announced it will stop submitting data to Billboard for its U.S. music charts starting January 16, 2026. Lyor Cohen, YouTube’s Global Head of Music, criticized Billboard’s chart formula as "outdated," arguing that the system unfairly devalues ad-supported streams compared to paid subscriptions. Although Billboard recently adjusted its methodology to shrink the gap between paid and free streams, YouTube maintains that every play should be counted equally to reflect true fan engagement. While Billboard expressed hope that the platform would reconsider, YouTube intends to move forward by prioritizing its own internal charts to track musical trends.

ICYMI:

• BLACKPINK and Tamagotchi have announced their collaboration.

• Warner Bros. has asked shareholders to reject Paramount’s takeover bid, saying that Netflix’s deal is better for customers. 

• Ariana Grande charts eight albums on this week’s Billboard 200, joining Taylor Swift and Whitney Houston as the only women to ever do so. 

• Mariah The Scientist and Young Thug are engaged after he proposed onstage at his concert in Atlanta. 

• Uber has launched their own wrapped-like feature based on your ride and food history over the year. 

Best New Track: “winter’s excuse” by Rin and Esha Tewari

Rin and Esha Tewari released a collaborative song this week. We chalk it up to the winter. They call it “winter’s excuse.”

The song kind of channels Clairo and beabadoobee’s “Glue Song.” You know, just a soft love song that feels cozy and very sweater-weather. Perfect for the upcoming holidays.

“I thank these winter nights for letting me hold you this tight,” Rin sings. Winter becomes less a season than a reason to stay in and be near each other.

The outro really works, especially the “la-da-dum,” which drifts in like a lullaby. ‘Tis the season for whatever makes the frost feel slightly less like a punishment.

—Dawson Therre

— Katie Macbeth

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