The Filter

Shawn Mendes calls in with iHeartRadio's Shannon Burns for an exclusive video #iHearttoHeart chat with his biggest fan - Whitney! 

Whitney asks Shawn about the highly anticipated single "Summer of Love" OUT NOW! 

She asks him about his relationship with Camila Cabello, and her role in helping him sing on the "Kesi" REMIX. 

Whitney asks about his tattoos, and Shawn confirms the special meaning behind one of them. 

He talks about the relationship between Oreo and Tarzan. 

Shawn tells Whitney what he is most excited about in regards to touring 'Wonder,' and what she can expect when she comes to the show. 

Finally Shawn shares some of his favourite fan moments! 

#iHeartToHeart is presented by Virgin Plus!

Hello and Happy Tuesday August 24, here are your latest music news stories brought to you by the filter!

 

Canada’s Tory Lanez violated a protective order when he appeared at a music festival last month, a judge has ruled.

The Brampton, Ont. native, who lives in Florida, must pay an additional $60,000 U.S. in bail, bringing the total to $250,000 U.S.

Los Angeles judge Keith H. Borjon decided on Monday that Lanez violated a protective order issued last October that states he can’t come within 100 yards of Megan Thee Stallion, who Lanez is accused of shooting in the foot on July 12, 2020.

The rapper joined DaBaby on stage during his set at Rolling Loud in Miami Gardens, Florida – where Megan Thee Stallion also performed.

“The sheer amount of effort it required to get to this venue and do everything that he did, I think that speaks volumes about his conduct,” argued prosecutor Kathy Ta. “It wasn’t by chance and it wasn’t a situational situation, it was by design.”

Tory Lanez: iHeartRadio.ca Music News Coverage

Judge Borjon scolded Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, for the violation. “You’re facing years in prison, over 22 years in prison. They could have filed an additional charge based on violating the protective order because that’s a violation of law as well,” he said.

“You do not want to be doing things like this, sir. You have the means and the wherewithal and a lot of smart people around you to advise you as to how you should be conducting your life so we don’t have to have hearings like this.”

Lanez was charged last October with assault with a firearm and possession of an unregistered gun. He pleaded not guilty the following month.

The protective order also bars Lanez from speaking publicly about the case – a condition he sought to remove in an application to the court earlier this year, which was denied.

 

Slipknot‘s Corey Taylor said Monday that being vaccinated is making a significant difference in his COVID-19 battle and he is urging fans to get the shots.

“This is the worst I’ve ever been sick in my life. Had I not been vaccinated, I shudder to think how bad it would have been,” the rocker said in a video shared on social media. “But, because I had that extra little bit of protection, man, it definitely helped me get through it.

“So, go, go, go. If you’re still on the fence, I’m telling you right now, it’s the best thing you can do for yourself.”

Taylor revealed last Friday that he tested positive for COVID-19 and was “very, very sick.”

In Monday’s message, Taylor said he is “out of the woods” but still testing positive.

“The fever’s gone, aches are gone,” he said. “Sweating everything out, still congested, but I’m slowly but surely making my way. It shouldn’t be too much longer before I test negative, so that’s great.”

Last month, Taylor talked about the ignorance and misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines. “People act like getting a vaccine is signing a deal with the devil. It’s been so politicized and spun out of control in these conspiratorial echo chambers,” he told Heavy Consequence.

“The fact that [vaccines] have been demonized, almost to the point of these gnarly conspiracy theories, no wonder why people are afraid of it — because they’re listening to the wrong people."

Thanks to John R. Kennedy for today’s news stories. Visit iHeartRadio.ca for all the latest music news, and subscribe to iheartradioca on youtube for new episodes of the filter every week.

Liam Payne has just announced that he will be gracing us with new music on August 27th. Not only will this be a perfect celebration for him with this Birthday just days after, but now all the fans can celebrate along with him, with the new song! 

The new song ‘Sunshine’ will be featured in the upcoming animation film ‘Ron’s Gone Wrong’ in cinemas this October. 

In addition to the song, it’s been confirmed that Liam Payne also voices a character in the film! (00:15)

Ed Sheeran announced today that his 4th studio album “Equals” will be released on October 29th! 

Equals features the previously released single “Bad Habits” and 13 other tracks, including “Visiting Hours,” a song he released today, inspired by Ed coming to terms with the loss of his friend Michael Gudinski.

Have you listened to Visiting Hours? What are your thoughts let us know in the comments below! (00:56)

Articles by John R. Kennedy:

https://www.iheartradio.ca/news/ed-sheeran-shares-details-of-new-album-1.15893475 

Watch New Episodes of #TheFilter Twice every week

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Camila Cabello calls in to talk to iHeartRadio's Shannon Burns about her single "Don't Go Yet", upcoming album "Familia" and being Tarzan's Mom! 

Camilla talks to Shannon about exploring Toronto, and spending time with friends and family. 

She talks about her latest single "Don't Go Yet" and what people can expect from her upcoming album "Familia" and what her family's reactions were when she first played it for them! 

Shannon asks about Tarzan's involvement in the song "Don't Go Yet"  Camila shares how parenting is going. 

Finally Camila talks about "Cinderella!" 

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Drake has revealed he had COVID-19.

In a reply to a fan account on Instagram that noted the "stressed" look of the heart shaved into his hair, the 34-year-old rap star blamed the virus.

“I had Covid that s**t grew in weird I had to start again,” he wrote. “It’s coming back don’t diss.”

Drake did not provide any additional details about his COVID-19 experience, including when and where he tested positive – but it was likely this summer.

https://www.iheartradio.ca/news/drake-reveals-he-had-covid-19-1.15884956 

Ryan Fischer, who was shot in February while trying to protect Lady Gaga’s dogs during a robbery, is appealing to the public for financial support.

“With no vehicle, apartment, and having run out of savings and surviving on donations from generous loved ones, I am humbly asking for your help,” he wrote on a GoFundMe account set up this week. “This is not an easy thing to ask, but I have started to realize sharing your vulnerability with others is exactly when radical change begins to occur for everyone involved.”

Fischer explained he is two months into a journey across the U.S. after choosing to “leave the security of the Hollywood Hills where I fought for my life and mobility.” He said he is seeking out “retreats for trauma” and “queer spiritual leaders and healers.”

Since being shot while out with Gaga’s French Bulldogs Gustav, Koji and Miss Asia, Fischer said he has been “reclaiming” his body and “strengthening my emotional and mental health.” He promised to share highlights from his journey in the form of “writings, discussions and quirky videos (and maybe an interpretive dance or two).

Setting a goal of $40,000 U.S., Fischer said the funds will be used to purchase a van and cover travel expenses.

As of Wednesday morning, Fischer campaign had was just below the halfway mark. Among the donations was an anonymous contribution of $5,000 U.S.

Shortly after Gustav and Koji were stolen, Gaga offered a $500,000 U.S. reward for their return. She wrote on Instagram: “I continue to love you Ryan Fischer, you risked your life to fight for our family. You’re forever a hero.”

https://www.iheartradio.ca/news/lady-gaga-s-ex-dog-walker-appeals-for-donations-1.15885153 

 

Jack Harlow took to Instagram this week to celebrate his sobriety.

“Haven’t had a single sip of alcohol in 2021,” the 23-year-old rapper wrote. “Going the rest of the year without it. Maybe I’ll never take another sip, who knows?”

Harlow admitted alcohol was “definitely” his vice but he learned this year he doesn’t need it.

“I don’t usually say a lot in my captions because it feels like anything worth telling y’all I should just put in my songs…but today felt like a good time for a life update,” he explained.

In March 2020, Harlow talking about recording his EP Sweet Action while sober.

“I’ve just tried a lot of the vices now, and I’ve realized there [are] more cons than pros. Not even in a smart, long-term fashion,” he told DJBooth. "Smoking weed makes me self-conscious, so there’s no way I can write anything confidently. Alcohol makes me bloated and tired, so I don’t have the energy to work. And psychedelics make me nervous and emotional. So, I don’t have a go-to. Adderall makes me delusional.

“Everything has this downside to it, and I realized that sobriety is my best bet.”

https://www.iheartradio.ca/news/jack-harlow-celebrates-sobriety-1.15885329 

 

Thanks to John R. Kennedy for today’s news stories. Visit iHeartRadio.ca for all the latest music news, and subscribe to iheartradioca on youtube for new episodes of the filter every week.

The Weeknd has set a U.S. chart record with a song he released nearly two years ago.

“Blinding Lights” is having its 88th week on the Billboard Hot 100 – surpassing the 2012 hit “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons for the longest time ever on the singles chart. The song is currently No. 18.

Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds told Billboard: "That’s just incredible – he’s a legend, he’s an icon. His music is the type of music that’s going to live on for a long time, and do good things. So if there was ever someone to take the record, I think it’s good company."

Written with fellow Canadians Jason Quenneville and Ahmad Balshe (aka Belly) – as well as Sweden’s Max Martin and Oscar Holter – the track debuted in November 2019 ahead of The Weeknd’s fourth studio album After Hours.

“Blinding Lights” already holds the record for the most time spent in the Top 5 of the Hot 100 (43 weeks), the Top 10 (57 weeks), Top 20 (79 weeks) and Top 40 (84 weeks).

As if setting a record isn’t enough, The Weeknd’s latest single, “Take My Breath” debuted on the Hot 100 at No. 6 – giving him his 13th Top 10 hit in the U.S. since 2014. "Save Your Tears" ft. Ariana Grande is No. 11 and The Weeknd is featured on Doja Cat's "You Right," which is at No. 16.

The Hot 100 is compiled using MRC Data for sales, streams and radio airplay.

https://www.iheartradio.ca/news/the-weeknd-sets-u-s-chart-record-1.15871872

A French music artist is reportedly suing Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty lingerie brand for playing a song that sampled a Hadith at a fashion show last year. (Hadiths are records of the traditions or sayings of the Prophet Muhammad and are sacred to Muslims.)

Savage x Fenty is owned by Lavender Lingerie LLC, a joint venture between Rihanna and TechStyle Fashion Group. It is not affiliated with cosmetic brand Fenty, which is a partnership between the singer and LVMH.

“DOOM” was crafted five years ago by Coucou Chloé, whose real name is Erika Jane. After the Savage x Fenty show made its streaming debut last October, Chloé posted a public apology "for the offence caused by the vocal samples used in my song ‘DOOM’.

“The song was created using samples from Baile Funk tracks I found online. At the time, I was not aware that these samples used text from an Islamic Hadith.”

She added: “I take full responsibility for the fact I did not research these words properly and want to thank those of you who have taken the time to explain this to me. We have been in the process of having the song urgently removed from all streaming platforms.”

According to TMZ, the lawsuit was filed anonymously because the plaintiff claims she had to go into hiding due to death threats, which have also caused her depression and anxiety.

She alleges she specifically asked that a version of “DOOM” without the sample be used in the show.

At the time, Rihanna called it “a huge oversight” and a “careless mistake.” In an Instagram Story she said “the use of the song in our project was completely irresponsible!”

The lawsuit seeks $10 million U.S. in damages. None of the allegations have been tested in court and reps for Rihanna have not commented.

https://www.iheartradio.ca/news/rihanna-lingerie-brand-sued-by-music-producer-report-1.15870927 

Thanks to John R. Kennedy for today’s news stories. Visit iHeartRadio.ca for all the latest music news, and subscribe to iheartradioca on youtube for new episodes of the filter every week.

Lizzo calls in to talk to iHeartRadio’s Jax about her new single “Rumours” with Cardi B OUT NOW, plus we ask who her first TikTok follow will be, and whether a mini purse line is in the works!

 

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Lil Nas X Fears Talking About Homophobia In Hip Hop, Britney Spears Dragged on Stage & MORE! 

Lil Nas X has expressed his fears on talking about the homophobia within Hip Hop. He said to Variety, “The honest truth is, I don’t want to speak on a lot of the homophobia within rap because I feel like this is a very dangerous playing field, “ Lil Nas X also said that the homophobia he’s experienced during his life has “bred a lot of self-hate” but also “made me stronger” He admitted that a lot of times he does feel unsafe and when asked about his controversial video for ‘Montero (Call Me By Your Name)’, he admits “That’s when I actually started getting security” 

He went on to talk about his love life and how he “was actually going to do ‘Euphoria’, but I didn’t want to take time away from finishing my album,” 

Britney Spears was “dragged” on stage in Vancouver after complaining there was too much B.C. bud smoke in the air.

This is the shocking claim of Valerie Moise, one of the pop star’s former back-up dancers, who wrote in a recent Instagram Story: “I remember crying backstage when Miss B did not want to perform because there was a lot of weed smoke in the audience. They dragged her by her arms back to the stage anyway.”

According to Moise, Spears “didn’t want to perform because if the conservatorship caught drugs in her system they would take away her kids.”

Moise did not name the concert venue or tour but fans have deduced it was during The Circus Starring Britney Spears show on April 8, 2009 at GM Place, now Rogers Arena. 

CTV News reported on April 9, 2009 that Spears walked off stage “citing smoke in the air” but returned after about 30 minutes. A rep for Spears said in a statement after the show that “crew members above the stage became ill due to a ventilation issue.” 

Joshua Bassett says he has no regrets about coming out publicly earlier this year.

He told Attitude. Joshua shared advice for young people who were in the same place he was. 

Articles by John. R. Kennedy:

https://www.iheartradio.ca/news/lil-nas-x-fears-talking-about-homophobia-in-hip-hop-1.15833995 

https://www.iheartradio.ca/news/dancer-claims-britney-spears-was-dragged-onto-vancouver-stage-1.15828667 

https://www.iheartradio.ca/news/joshua-bassett-says-coming-out-was-liberating-1.15827955 

Watch New Episodes of #TheFilter Twice every week

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Britney Spears vowed this week to be less active on Instagram – perhaps to focus less on “the drama and conservatorship.”

In a post on Monday, the pop star wrote: “In a system where I’ve felt completely hopeless for so long, at least I do have a platform to share … Unfortunately the news has been pretty nasty saying horrible and mean lies about me so I’m gonna post a little less from now on.”

Britney Spears vowed this week to be less active on Instagram – perhaps to focus less on “the drama and conservatorship.”

In a post on Monday, the pop star wrote: “In a system where I’ve felt completely hopeless for so long, at least I do have a platform to share … Unfortunately the news has been pretty nasty saying horrible and mean lies about me so I’m gonna post a little less from now on.”

Spears shared a photo of a fan displaying a “Free Britney” flag and wrote: “For a lot of you who say I should be cautious with what I post … I mean if you REALLY THINK ABOUT IT … with what I’ve been through I believe I been WAAAY TOO CAUTIOUS !!!! One day I will live on the edge !!!! One day.”

https://www.iheartradio.ca/news/britney-spears-vows-to-post-a-little-less-1.15824180

Singers Fred Durst and Jason Isbell are speaking up about the challenges of keeping fans safe as touring resumes while some people continue to refuse to get the COVID-19 vaccination.

“In short, the system is still very flawed,” Limp Bizkit frontman Durst told Billboard. “Even if the performers, crews, staff, and promoters do their best to ensure safety on and behind the stage, that doesn’t ensure the safety of the audience as a whole.

“We are all in this together, and we all – individually and as a whole – have to make our best efforts to be as responsible and proactive as possible moving forward to combat and stop spreading COVID.”

Limp Bizkit pulled the plug on its show last Friday in New Jersey only about an hour before it was scheduled to begin and then announced all remaining August dates have been cancelled. No reason was given but, in a statement, the band said it made the decision “out of an abundance of caution and concern for the safety of the band, crew and most of all the fans.”

Fall Out Boy pulled out of a several shows on the Hella Mega Tour with Green Day and Weezer last week due to a positive COVID-19 test within their circle. Lynyrd Skynyrd said it cancelled four concerts after guitarist Rickey Medlocke tested positive for COVID-19. And, last month, Foo Fighters scrapped a concert in Los Angeles when someone on its team tested positive.

On Tuesday, Stevie Nicks said she was cancelling all of her scheduled 2021 performances. “These are challenging times with challenging decisions that have to be made,” Nicks, 73, wrote in a message shared on social media. “I want everyone to be safe and healthy and the rising Covid cases should be of concern to all of us."

Isbell told fans on Aug. 9 he is “requiring proof of vaccination or a current negative test to attend all our shows, indoors or out. If the venue won’t allow that, we won’t play.”

(Last month, Eric Clapton – who is fully vaccinated – took the opposite approach. “I will not perform on any stage where there is a discriminated audience present,” the 76-year-old rocker wrote in a message on Telegram. “Unless there is provision made for all people to attend, I reserve the right to cancel the show.”)

Isbell’s Wednesday night show with Lucinda Williams in Houston was cancelled because, according to Isbell’s label, “the venue was not willing to comply with the band’s updated Health and Safety standards.”

In a statement shared on social media, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion insisted it “fully supports” Isbell’s COVID-19 policy but could not comply due to timing. “To implement a major change in policy such as what is requested will take more time than we have,” it claimed.

Isbell said the statement is false. “The venue owner flat-out refused to even attempt to implement the policy,” he tweeted.

Sally MacDonald, a local Fox news anchor – who did not disclose that she is the daughter of the Pavilion’s CEO Jerry MacDonald – defended the venue in a tweet. “The pavilion statement doesn’t say they weren’t willing to comply. It says they couldn’t implement a change like that on short notice. Like everywhere else they are short staffed, too.”

COVID-19 Music Updates

On Tuesday, Quebec's minister of health Christian Dubé announced that as of Sept. 1, vaccine passports will be required to access bars, restaurants and public events like concerts and festivals "to avoid another lockdown."

In an interview with MSNBC, Isbell said he believes the people who work at all levels of the live music business understand the need to be responsible.

“All the response that I’ve gotten from people in the business has been positive because they understand that we could go back to not working at all,” he said. “A lot of these smaller venues, they aren’t going to re-open if they go through another round of shutdowns.”

Isbell said they are up against “governors of certain states who want to kowtow to their political base and try to make people think that their freedom is being encroached upon.”

He added: “I'm all for freedom but I think if you're dead, you don't have any freedoms at all so it’s probably important to stay alive before you start questioning your liberty.”

Citing an oft-repeated phrase from the U.S. Declaration of Independence, Isbell pointed out: “It’s ‘life’ and then it’s ‘liberty’ and then it’s ‘the pursuit of happiness.’ Those are in order of priority.”

Queen guitarist Brian May has also addressed the refusal of some to protect themselves and others. “Anti-vax people, I’m sorry, I think they’re fruitcakes,” the 74-year-old musician told The Independent.

“There’s plenty of evidence to show that vaccination helps. On the whole they’ve been very safe. There’s always going to be some side effect in any drug you take, but to go around saying vaccines are a plot to kill you, I'm sorry, that goes in the fruitcake jar for me."

https://www.iheartradio.ca/news/musicians-speak-up-about-struggle-to-keep-fans-safe-1.15823753 

Thanks to John R. Kennedy for today's News stories! Visit iHeartRadio.ca for all the latest music news.

Canada’s The Weeknd is on the cusp of setting a chart record south of the border.

“Blinding Lights,” released in November 2019 ahead of the album After Hours, is on the U.S. singles chart for the 87th week – matching the run of “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons in 2012-14.

If the song stays on the Billboard Hot 100 for another week, it will be the new record holder for the longest time on the chart, which debuted in 1958.

“Blinding Lights” already holds the record for the most time spent in the Top 5 of the Hot 100 (43 weeks), the Top 10 (57 weeks), Top 20 (78 weeks) and Top 40 (83 weeks). It was the first song ever to spend a year in the Top 10.

The Weeknd co-wrote the track with fellow Canadians and frequent collaborators Jason Quenneville (aka DaHeala) and Ahmad Balshe (aka Belly).

“Blinding Lights” is No. 16 on this week’s Hot 100, which was compiled using MRC Data for sales, streams and radio airplay. The Weeknd also has the No. 10 spot with “Save Your Tears” ft. Ariana Grande and is at No. 18 thanks to his Doja Cat collaboration “You Right.”

Next week’s chart will include The Weeknd’s new single “Take My Breath,” which was released last Friday. 

https://www.iheartradio.ca/news/the-weeknd-on-cusp-of-setting-u-s-chart-record-1.15815445 

Billie Eilish’s sophomore album Happier Than Ever has debuted at No. 1 in the U.S. and Canada.

Released on July 30, the album tops the Billboard 200 and the Billboard Canadian Albums charts dated Aug. 14. Happier Than Ever is also reportedly No. 1 in several European countries, the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

In the U.S., the album earned 238,000 “equivalent album units” (a combination of album sales and various streaming figures). Eilish moved an impressive 73,000 copies of the album on vinyl thanks to eight different versions – marking the second-biggest week for vinyl (behind Taylor Swift’s evermore) since 1991.

Eilish’s debut album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? debuted at No. 1 in April 2019 and eventually claimed the Grammy for Album of the Year.

Eilish’s concerts scheduled for Montreal and Toronto next February and Vancouver in March are sold out.

https://www.iheartradio.ca/news/billie-eilish-s-2nd-album-debuts-at-no-1-1.15815552 

Thanks to John R. Kennedy for today's news stories. Visit iheartradio.ca for all the latest music news!