Ticketmaster Cancels Scalped Harry Tickets, Zara's Girls Trip, Tyla's A*POP

Ticketmaster Cancels Thousands of Scalped Harry Styles Tickets Following Monopoly Verdict

Ticketmaster is making headlines for a rare win against ticket scalping, saying it intercepted thousands of tickets for Harry Styles’ upcoming Madison Square Garden residency that were bought by scalpers using fake identities and multiple accounts. Saumil Mehta, the company’s Global President, said the tickets have been canceled and will be returned to fans at face value, much like a recent effort involving Ariana Grande’s London tour dates. He added that Styles’ high-demand shows were a major target for illegal resellers, and that reclaiming these seats is meant to put real fans ahead of people looking to profit from the system.

The announcement comes at a difficult time for the company, which is still facing backlash after a Manhattan federal jury ruled last week that Live Nation, Ticketmaster’s parent company, has operated as an illegal monopoly and overcharged fans. While Ticketmaster is presenting this as a win for consumers, some in the industry remain skeptical, including producer Jack Antonoff, who questioned the company’s optics in a social media post. With scrutiny growing around pricing and market power, the move is another sign of the ongoing fight between artists, fans, and the ticketing industry.

Zara Larsson Unveils Massive Collaboration List for Midnight Sun: Girls Trip

Zara Larsson is preparing to expand her fifth studio album, Midnight Sun, with a star-studded deluxe edition titled Midnight Sun: Girls Trip, arriving May 1 via Epic/Sommer House. The Swedish pop sensation took to Instagram to reveal the tracklist’s featured heavyweights in a creative teaser clip, showing the singer browsing a keychain rack where each charm represented a different collaborator. The impressive roster includes pop heavyweights Robyn, Shakira, and PinkPantheress, alongside a diverse array of talent including Tyla, Kehlani, JT, and Madison Beer. Declaring that "this is just the beginning," Larsson promised fans that the ambitious collection is set to define the soundtrack for the coming summer.

The announcement highlights the project’s scope as a true collaborative powerhouse, specifically emphasizing the creative synergy between Larsson and PinkPantheress, following their recent work on the "Stateside" remix and a surprise Coachella appearance. While Larsson is keeping the exact track-by-track pairings a secret for now, the inclusion of artists like BAMBII, Margo XS, Emilia, Malibu, Eli, and Helena Gao ensures that Girls Trip will offer a wide-reaching exploration of modern pop.

ICYMI:

• Author Sally Rooney has called out the EU and Irish government for their complicity in the genocide in Gaza.

• Jacob Elordi has been announced as the new face of Bleu de Chanel.

Tyla Announces Sophomore Album A*POP

Tyla has announced the title and release date for her highly anticipated second studio album, A-Pop, which is set to arrive July 24 via Epic. Following a whirlwind rise to global stardom, the Afro-pop singer is positioning this project as a more intentional and self-assured follow-up to her debut. While the full tracklist remains under wraps, the singer confirmed that the album will feature her breezy amapiano single “Chanel” as well as her recent high-energy dancehall collaboration with Zara Larsson, “She Did It Again.” To mark the announcement, Tyla shared an evocative trailer that frames the A-Pop era as the definitive embodiment of being "African," "Unapologetic," and "Confident."

The project arrives as Tyla finds her footing after the sudden, meteoric success that characterized her early career. Reflecting on her growth in a recent Rolling Stone interview, the singer admitted that her debut felt like a "rush" defined by "overnight craziness." With A-Pop, Tyla aims to showcase a more settled artist who has taken the time to define her creative identity.

POP FACT: On this day in 1992, talented actor and musician Joe Keery was born.

Madonna Taps Rochelle Jordan for Intentional Sampling on ‘Confessions II’

In a move highlighting a "very intentional" approach to her creative process, Madonna has reportedly been introduced to R&B singer-songwriter Rochelle Jordan as part of the production cycle for her highly anticipated upcoming album, Confessions II. The collaboration underscores a deliberate focus on sampling and sonic curation for the project, signaling a potential new direction for the pop icon as she crafts the follow-up to her classic 2005 dance floor staple. By seeking out Jordan’s distinct sound, Madonna continues her long-standing history of integrating fresh, cutting-edge talent into her work to redefine her musical landscape.

ICYMI:

• WBD shareholders have approved Paramount’s takeover of Warner Bros.

• Kat Graham has revealed that some scenes she filmed as Diana Ross for ‘Michael’ were cut for legal reasons.

• The ‘Heartstopper’ film is set for release on Netflix on July 17th.

• Karol G has announced her Viajando Por El Mundo Tropitour, it kicks off in Chicago this July. She is set to headline stadiums over the next year and a half.

• The ‘Clueless’ sequel has been cancelled.

— 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.