Introduction: Music Lovers, Rejoice!
Hey there, music enthusiasts! If you’re anything like us, you’re always on the lookout for the hottest updates in the music world. From electrifying concerts to eagerly awaited album releases, and from high-profile reunions to star-studded events, there’s never a dull moment in this ever-evolving industry. This month, we’re diving into the most buzzworthy music news that’s got everyone talking, from the sun-soaked stages of Los Angeles to the vibrant venues of New York. Whether you’re a fan of hip-hop, pop, country, or rock, there’s something here for everyone. So, buckle up and let’s get started!
February Highlights: Kendrick Lamar and SZA Extend Their Grand National Tour
Kicking off the month of February, music fans were treated to some exciting news when Kendrick Lamar and SZA announced the extension of their highly anticipated Grand National Tour. The announcement came just a day after their electrifying performance at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans, where they delivered a memorable 13-minute set featuring their hits “Luther” and “All the Stars.” The tour, which was first revealed in December 2024, has now added four North American dates and 13 European shows, giving fans in cities like Toronto, Washington, D.C., Amsterdam, Paris, London, and Rome more chances to catch these two musical powerhouses live in action.
For those eager to secure their spots, presales began on February 12, with general tickets going on sale on February 14 at 9 a.m. local time via grandnationaltour.com. The tour extension is a testament to the enduring chemistry between Lamar and SZA, whose collaborations have been a defining feature of their careers. However, the Super Bowl performance wasn’t without its drama, as Lamar reignited his long-standing feud with Drake by including his Grammy-winning diss track “Not Like Us” in his setlist. Whether you’re a fan of their music or just curious about the buzz, this tour is definitely one to watch.
January Highlights: Katy Perry, Grammys, and Morgan Wallen Make Waves
January was a month packed with exciting announcements and events that set the tone for an unforgettable year in music. For pop lovers, the big news came on January 27 when global superstar Katy Perry announced the U.S. leg of her “Lifetimes” tour. The tour, which kicks off on May 7 at the Toyota Center in Houston, will make stops at iconic venues like the United Center in Chicago, T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and Madison Square Garden in New York City, among others. Fans can expect a thrilling mix of tracks from her latest album, 143, along with a journey through her extensive catalog of hits.
But that wasn’t all for January. Music’s biggest night, the 67th annual Grammy Awards, was also in the spotlight. Despite the devastating wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles, the Recording Academy confirmed that the ceremony would proceed as planned on February 2 at the Crypto.com Arena. The event promises to be a night to remember, with a star-studded lineup of performers including Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, Shakira, and many more. Trevor Noah is set to return as host for the fifth consecutive year, ensuring plenty of laughs and memorable moments. While we’ll have to wait until the ceremony to see who takes home the top awards, one thing’s for sure—this year’s Grammys will be filled with excitement, emotion, and a renewed sense of purpose in supporting wildfire relief efforts.
On the country music front, Morgan Wallen made headlines when he announced his fourth studio album, I’m the Problem, along with a 19-date tour of the same name. The tour, which kicks off on June 20 at NRG Stadium in Houston, will feature a rotating lineup of special guests, including Brooks & Dunn, Miranda Lambert, and Thomas Rhett. Wallen, known for his chart-topping hits like “Love Somebody,” expressed his gratitude to fans for the success of his previous tour and shared his excitement to hit the road again with new music. Presale tickets were available starting January 30, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Morgan Wallen Foundation, which supports youth programs in sports and music. If you’re a country music fan, mark your calendars and get ready for a night of unforgettable performances.
FireAid Benefit Event Brings Music Industry Together for a Cause
January also saw the music industry come together in a big way to support a very important cause. Following the devastating wildfires that swept through Southern California earlier in the month, the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum joined forces to host a star-studded FireAid benefit event on January 30. The one-night-only event featured a lineup that read like a who’s who of music royalty, with performers like Billie Eilish and Finneas, Green Day, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Stevie Nicks, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and many more taking the stage to raise money for wildfire relief efforts.
The concerts, which took place at both venues, aimed to help rebuild communities devastated by the fires and support efforts to prevent future disasters. For those unable to attend in person, the event was broadcast and streamed live on platforms like Apple Music, AMC Theatres, and Netflix, ensuring that fans across the globe could tune in and contribute to the cause. Additional performers and the lineup for each venue were announced in the days leading up to the event, making it a truly unforgettable experience. Tickets went on sale starting January 22 at noon PT via Ticketmaster, with all proceeds going toward wildfire relief efforts. It was a powerful reminder of the impact music can have in bringing people together and making a difference.
Taylor Swift, the Eagles, and More Step Up for Wildfire Relief
The wildfires in Los Angeles didn’t just prompt a benefit concert; they also inspired a wave of charitable donations from some of the biggest names in music. Taylor Swift, known for her generosity in times of crisis, took to Instagram Stories on January 16 to announce that she had donated an undisclosed amount to various organizations helping with relief efforts, including the California Community Foundation Fund and Habitat for Humanity. “The fires in California have devastated so many families,” she wrote, expressing her heartbreak over the destruction and praising the organizations working tirelessly to rebuild.
Swift wasn’t alone in her efforts. Rock legends the Eagles and global superstar Beyoncé each donated $2.5 million to support relief efforts, while The Weeknd contributed $1 million. Jennifer Lopez also did her part by donating countless items from her own closet to those affected by the fires. Meanwhile, LA-based musicians like Selena Gomez, Dave Grohl, and Benny Blanco were spotted volunteering across Southern California, dropping off donations and serving food to first responders. These acts of kindness underscore the music industry’s commitment to giving back and using its platform for good.
Grammys Shine a Light on Resilience and Recovery
While the 67th annual Grammy Awards will undoubtedly celebrate the best in music, this year’s ceremony holds a deeper significance in the wake of the wildfires that struck Los Angeles. The Recording Academy announced that the show would “proceed as planned” on February 2 at the Crypto.com Arena, but with a renewed sense of purpose. In a joint statement, Recording Academy and MusiCares CEO Harvey Mason Jr. and Board of Trustees Chair Tammy Hurt shared, “In challenging times, music has the power to heal, comfort, and unite like nothing else. The Grammys will not only honor the artistry and achievements of our music community but also serve as a platform to amplify the spirit of resilience that defines the great city of Los Angeles.”
To that end, the Recording Academy and MusiCares have already made a significant impact, raising and pledging more than $2 million in emergency aid to music professionals affected by the wildfires. Additional events, such as the MusiCares Persons of the Year Charity Gala honoring the Grateful Dead and Clive Davis’ Pre-Grammy Fundraising Event, ensured that the spirit of giving and celebration continued in the days leading up to the ceremony. Live Nation also stepped up to support performing musicians and crew members affected by the fires, committing $1 million through The Crew Nation Global Relief Fund. “LA is home to so many who help make live music possible,” said Live Nation President & CEO Michael Rapino. “And Crew Nation is continuing its core mission of helping this hardworking community through unforeseen hardship.”
While some pre-Grammy parties were canceled due to the wildfires, the show must go on, and this year’s Grammys promise to be a powerful celebration of music, resilience, and hope. Whether you’re tuning in for the performances, the awards, or the charitable initiatives, this year’s ceremony is shaping up to be one for the books. So mark your calendars for February 2 and get ready to experience music’s biggest night like never before!
Conclusion: A Year of Music, Hope, and Unity
As we take a look back at the month’s music news, one thing is clear: 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for music fans. From the electrifying performances of Kendrick Lamar and SZA to the generosity and solidarity shown by artists like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, the music industry has once again proven its power to inspire, unite, and make a difference. Whether you’re eagerly awaiting the release of new albums, planning to catch your favorite artists on tour, or simply enjoying the magic of live music, there’s no shortage of exciting moments to look forward to.
As we move forward, let’s carry the lessons of resilience and unity that this month has taught us. Music, after all, is more than just a soundtrack to our lives; it’s a force for change, a source of comfort, and a reminder of the incredible things we can achieve when we come together. So here’s to another year filled with unforgettable performances, heartfelt moments, and the unbreakable spirit of the music community. Stay tuned, because the best is yet to come!
