Taylor Swift's Engagement, Lana's New Album, VMA's Performers

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Announce Their Engagement

Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce have confirmed their engagement after two years of dating. The couple shared the news in a joint social media post on Tuesday, which included a playful caption referencing their differing professions as "your English teacher and your gym teacher." Photos from the proposal showed Kelce getting down on one knee in a beautiful garden, presenting Swift with a square-oval diamond in a gold bezel setting. The images captured the pop star's excitement as she hugged and kissed her new fiancé.

The engagement comes after a highly publicized two-year relationship that began in the summer of 2023. The couple's romance has captivated fans, with many having speculated about a possible proposal for months. The official confirmation marks a major new chapter for both the artist and the athlete.

Lana Del Rey Renames Country Album, Stove, Set for January Release.

Lana Del Rey has provided a new update on her forthcoming country album in a recent interview with W magazine. The project, which has undergone several title and release date changes, is now called Stove and is expected to be released in late January. Originally announced as Lasso with a September 2024 release date, it was later renamed The Right Person Will Stay and pushed to spring 2025. The magazine reveals the delay was due to Del Rey adding six more songs to the record.

In the interview, Del Rey also confirmed a new song from the album titled "Stars Fell on Alabama," which she wrote about her husband, Jeremy Dufrene. She has already been performing the track at her recent shows. This year, Del Rey has also released two other singles, "Henry, Come On" and "Bluebird," both of which are speculated to be featured on the new country album.

ICYMI:

• An independent record shop in Macon, Georgia, said Taylor Swift’s music sales cover its annual rent. Vertigo Vinyl posted on X that sales from two albums, Reputation and The Tortured Poets Department, made $128,000 last year.

• Spotify is introducing DMs; users over the age of 16 will be able to message one-on-one within the app.

Lil Nas X Pleads Not Guilty to Felony Charges

Lil Nas X, born Montero Hill, was released from jail on Monday after his arrest in Los Angeles last week. The musician, 26, appeared before a judge and pleaded not guilty to four felony charges, which include three counts of battery with injury on a police officer and one count of resisting an executive officer. He remained in custody until he posted a $75,000 bail later on Monday.

The charges were filed by the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office, a significant increase from the initial misdemeanor count he faced. The "Old Town Road" singer has a preliminary hearing scheduled for September 15. According to a news release from the District Attorney's Office, Lil Nas X could face up to five years in state prison if he is convicted on all charges.

POP FACT: On this day in 2021, Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album, SOUR, reached No.1 in the US and the UK.

Doja Cat, Tate McRae, Conan Gray, and More Join MTV VMAs Performer Lineup

Jelly Roll, Doja Cat, Post Malone, Tate McRae, and Conan Gray have joined the roster of performers for the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. The newly announced artists will take the stage during the live broadcast, which will be hosted by LL COOL J and air on Sunday, September 7, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT from New York’s UBS Arena.

The new performers will join a lineup of previously announced acts that includes Mariah Carey, Sabrina Carpenter, Alex Warren, Busta Rhymes, J Balvin featuring DJ Snake, Ricky Martin, and sombr. Mariah Carey is also set to receive the Video Vanguard Award during the ceremony, where she will perform a career-spanning medley of her hits.

ICYMI:

• Miley Cyrus has teased a collaboration with Fleetwood Mac, titled ‘Secrets,’ a song for her father.

• Jessica Chastain is set to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on September 4th.

• Conan Gray has earned his highest-charting album on the Billboard 200 with “Wishbone” at 3.

• Rachel Platten has announced “Fight Song (Rachel’s Version)” alongside other re-records, set for release on September 26th.

• Lady Gaga has surpassed $900 million in tour revenue from 7.8 million tickets sold across 604 shows. With the MAYHEM Ball, Gaga is set to surpass $1 billion this year.

— Katie Macbeth

Subscribe to the newsletter to discover new releases through Pop Base weekly and to find out what songs we declare the best of the week.