Music

The Eagles are setting the tone for the upcoming benefit concert for Los Angeles wildfire victims with a massive first donation ... pledging over seven figures.

TMZ has learned ... the famous rock band is donating $2.5 million.

It's unclear if the huge donation means the Eagles are among the acts performing later this month at the FireAid benefit concert.

LeBron James is waving the white flag in the battle for Christmas Day ... admitting the NFL whooped the NBA's ass in the ratings department -- but claiming Beyoncé played a huge role in the L.

The King chopped it up with Jason and Travis Kelce on the newest episode of their "New Heights" podcast this week ... and at one point in the convo, they asked LeBron about his famous deceleration following the Lakers' 115-113 victory against the Warriors -- in which he stated Dec. 25 belonged to Adam Silver's organization.

Unfortunately for James, the viewership numbers didn't back his claim -- as the NFL drew in 65 million U.S. viewers for its two games ... which was much more than the NBA got for its five games throughout the holiday.

1:00 PM PT -- A spokesperson for Universal Music Group tells TMZ … “Not only are these claims untrue, but the notion that we would seek to harm the reputation of any artist -- let alone Drake -- is illogical. We have invested massively in his music and our employees around the world have worked tirelessly for many years to help him achieve historic commercial and personal financial success.

"Throughout his career, Drake has intentionally and successfully used UMG to distribute his music and poetry to engage in conventionally outrageous back-and-forth ‘rap battles’ to express his feelings about other artists. He now seeks to weaponize the legal process to silence an artist’s creative expression and to seek damages from UMG for distributing that artist’s music.

"We have not and do not engage in defamation -- against any individual. At the same time, we will vigorously defend this litigation to protect our people and our reputation, as well as any artist who might directly or indirectly become a frivolous litigation target for having done nothing more that write a song.”

Drake is not backing down in the war against his own label, in fact he's now upped the ante by suing Universal Music Group for spreading the "false and malicious narrative" he's a pedophile ... TMZ Hip Hop has learned.

Drake filed the defamation case Wednesday morning in federal court in NYC ... ripping UMG for releasing and promoting Kendrick Lamar's vicious diss track, "Not Like Us." In the docs, obtained by TMZ Hip Hop, Drake says UMG knew full well Kendrick's lyrics, and images in the music video, referring to Drake as a pedophile were false and dangerous.

In the suit he calls Kendrick's hit -- filled with "inflammatory and shocking allegations"-- was a "gold mine" for UMG ... and he says they had an ulterior financial motive in promoting it.

Zach Bryan's gotta be punching the air right now ... 'cause his ex, Brianna Chickenfry, just posed in front of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cameras -- and she looks phenomenal.

The influencer and Barstool Sports employee was just named the cover model for the publication's January 2025 digital issue ... and she says the gig was all about "reclaiming myself."

BC raved about having the freedom to do whatever she wants ... which certainly sounds like a shot at the country superstar, who she accused of being emotionally abusive during their year and some change of dating.

The upcoming benefit concert for Los Angeles wildfire victims will be exciting, engaging and will raise a ton of money ... and big-name artists and bands are clamoring for a chance to help out.

TMZ has learned ... there's been an outpouring of interest from musicians who want to get involved ... so much so, organizers are expanding the scope of this event.

We're told more than 50 artists and bands have asked to participate ... and right now, there are only 24 slots ... though organizers are trying to add slots to accommodate the overwhelming response.

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson have split after a decade of marriage ... TMZ has confirmed.

Jessica tells us ... "Eric and I have been living separately navigating a painful situation in our marriage. Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them. We are grateful for all of the love and support that has been coming our way, and appreciate privacy right now as we work through this as a family."

The couple first got together way back in 2010, and got engaged that same year as well. It took a little while, but JS and EJ finally got hitched in 2014 ... and since then, they've had three children together ... 12-year-old Maxwell, 11-year-old Ace and 5-year-old Birdie.

Beyoncé is putting today's HUGE announcement on ice as the wildfires continue to cut a path of destruction across Los Angeles.

The iconic singer issued a statement on Instagram Monday night, postponing her big reveal to a later date due to the devastation that has claimed the lives of at least 24 Angelenos with dozens still missing and thousands of homes destroyed.

Bey wrote that she's praying for the families who have suffered trauma and loss, hoping they'll be able to heal and rebuild their lives.

Donald Trump's going to be dancing to one of his favorite songs as he celebrates his inauguration ... because the Village People are booked for one of his events!!!

The band just announced they accepted an invitation from President-elect Trump's campaign to participate in some inaugural activities ... including at least one event with Trump himself.

The Village People used to beef with Trump over him using their songs at his rallies, but they changed their tune last year ... admitting Trump is good for business.

Kate Cassidy -- Liam Payne's girlfriend at the time of his tragic death -- is slowly dipping her toe back into vlogging ... 3 months after the One Direction alum's passing.

The influencer, who is best known for posting lifestyle content on social media, uploaded to TikTok on Monday about her "simple day" ... but the tone was noticeably somber as she gave fans a glimpse into her new routine without Liam.

As you can see from the footage, Kate is putting self-care first during these trying times ... undergoing an extensive skincare routine, exercising, baking, playing with dogs, and journaling, among other healing activities.

The Weeknd is putting his projects on hold, like many others, in light of the devastating L.A. wildfires tearing through the city.

The singer shared the news on IG Monday -- out of respect and concern for the people of Los Angeles County, his January 25 concert at the Rose Bowl has been scrapped.

He also announced the release date of his sixth studio album, "Hurry Up Tomorrow," has been pushed back a week, to Jan 31.

Spencer Pratt says he feels like a ghost after losing everything he has in the Pacific Palisades wildfire ... and the weight of starting life from zero and figuring out a way to provide for his family is hitting him hard.

The reality TV star joined us Monday on "TMZ Live" and he opened up to us about watching his life literally go up in smoke ... and it's emotional.

Spencer was born and raised in the Palisades and he says losing his house, all his possessions and his parents' house makes him feel empty and hollow.

Mary J. Blige may've found "Real Love" with an interesting connection to Jennifer Lopez ... and, no, it's not Ben Affleck.

The 54-year-old singer was spotted enjoying some warm weather down in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Sunday, where she rocked a black-and-white-print 2-piece for the occasion.

Mary J. looked beyond amazing in her vacay getup, but it's her plus one that has sparked some chatter ... given her bodyguard was noticeably dressed down in a pair of bright red swim trunks, and looked to be relaxing alongside the Grammy winner.

The Game is stepping up big time -- pushing forward with his animal rescue mission amid the L.A. wildfires and sharing heartbreaking pics of animals caught in the devastation.

The rapper shared on IG Monday how it’s a miracle some animals survived the fires, especially after seeing the destruction left behind in fire-ravaged areas.

The Game says he teamed up with wildlife rescue nonprofit Cleo’s Critter Care, bringing food and water for the animals, hoping to gain their trust and get them to a shelter where they can hopefully reunite with their owners.

The accusations against Diddy keep stacking up -- he's now facing another sexual assault lawsuit by a Jane Doe who says she was underage when the alleged assault occurred.

In legal docs obtained by TMZ -- an unnamed woman has come forward and is suing Diddy and two John Does who she claims were with him.

The woman claims in 2000, when she was 16, she ran into Diddy and two men, who apparently worked for him, in an SUV after leaving a babysitting job in Manhattan. She says they offered her a ride home, and after much pressure from Diddy, she eventually agreed.

LiAngelo Ball's officially a signed artist -- he inked a deal with Def Jam following the massive success of his viral song, "Tweaker."

Gelo's contract is with Def Jam and Universal Music Group ... and while initial reports say it's worth $8 million, our sources say that is not true. According to insider Shams Charania, Gelo will own all his music (a huge win in the industry) as well as his own label.

Gelo has found a new lane after pro hoops -- and if the reception from his first track is any indication of how his rap venture will go, he's no one-hit-wonder.

11:44 AM PT -- Carrie Underwood spoke out after being chosen to perform at the inauguration ... "I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event. I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”

Donald Trump isn't struggling to find A-list talent for his second inauguration ... Carrie Underwood has been tapped to perform at the swearing-in ceremony, TMZ has learned.

A presidential inauguration committee spokesperson confirms to TMZ ... the "American Idol" winner will be singing a patriotic tune before President-elect Trump is sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.

Underwood's name was listed in what looked like a leaked program detailing the show order for Trump's big day ... TMZ has also obtained a copy of the program, and we've confirmed it's the real deal.