Author: Rap Hooks

AEG Europe announced a landmark agreement on Tuesday (Oct. 7) that will make its U.K. venues the first to run on the country’s greenest energy.

The European subsidiary of the global live entertainment promoter AEG has collaborated with green energy company Ecotricity on the agreement, which includes the introduction of PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements) with a 100% renewable energy supply, and is backed by hourly-matched REGOs (Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin).

The PPAs will allocate specific renewable energy assets to a number of AEG’s venue portfolio in the U.K. including The O2 in London, indigo at The O2, Eventim Apollo, Watford Colosseum and University of Wolverhampton at The Halls. As a result, these venues will operate predominantly on the deepest green energy generated by solar and hydro assets and meet audit-level scrutiny and transparency standards.

“PPAs are widely recognised as the gold standard in energy procurement, and we’re proud to play a role in launching this first-of-its-kind agreement,” said Sam Booth, AEG Europe’s director of sustainability. “It marks a significant milestone in the ongoing journey to decarbonise the live entertainment industry, and we’re pleased to help drive this progress.”

Earlier this summer, AEG’s All Points East and LIDO festivals harnessed the power of renewable battery energy during their events. During the latter, Grid Faeries x Ecotricity powered the main stage and parts of the site with renewable electricity, a first for the English capital. Massive Attack’s headline show on June 6 in Victoria Park, east London saw the entire event site operating for more than 32 hours on battery power alone.

Dale Vince OBE, founder of Ecotricity, said: “This is big news for live music, as venues across Britain – including London’s iconic The O2 – will be powered by deep green energy. AEG has already been working with us to bring clean power to outdoor festivals like All Points East and LIDO earlier this summer, with our Grid Faeries x Ecotricity battery. Now they’re going even further – bringing green power indoors. It’s a major step forward, and a proper milestone on the road to greening up the live entertainment world.”

Want some Barbra Streisand vinyl, signed by the legendary diva herself? Or an autographed NASA jacket from the Queen + Adam Lambert tour, signed by the onetime American Idol contestant? How about signed swag and a meet & greet with KATSEYE, Sam Smith, Brandy & Monica, Chelsea Handler or Atsuko Okatsuka?

Here’s your chance. GLAAD – the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization – has announced an eBay auction of celebrity swag in honor of #SpiritDay. 100% of the proceeds will benefit GLAAD in support of their mission to accelerate acceptance for the LGBTQ community.

Launching globally Monday (Oct. 6) and running through Oct. 16 at eBay.com/glaad, the auction will give fans the opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind items and experiences from celebrity GLAAD supporters.

Auction items include:

Adam Lambert: Autographed NASA Jacket from the 2019 Queen + Adam Lambert Rhapsody Tour in Houston.

Atsuko Okatsuka: Two tickets + meet & greet to see Atsuko Okatsuka on The Big Bowl Tour.

Barbra Streisand: Signed vinyl of The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume Two.

Brandy & Monica: Two tickets + meet & greet to see the R&B stars on The Boy Is Mine Tour.

Chelsea Handler: Two tickets + meet & greet to see Handler in Las Vegas.

FLETCHER: Collection of five vinyls autographed by FLETCHER.

G Flip: Two tickets + meet & greet to see G Flip at any North American tour stop.

Jonathan Bennett: A personalized video call for Christmas from Bennett.

KATSEYE: Two tix + meet & greet to see KATSEYE on The Beautiful Chaos Tour.

Olivia Rodrigo: GUTS World Tour book autographed by the Grammy-winning star.

RK Russell: Four VIP tickets to an LA Rams game with NFL legend Russell.

Ronen Rubinstein: TK Strand’s necklace from 911 Lone Star.

Sam Smith: Two tickets + meet & greet to see Smith at their To Be Free residency on Nov. 21.

Sarah Jessica Parker: Three pairs of SJP heels autographed by the Sex and the City star.

Two of Grammy-winning worship collective Maverick City Music‘s members, Chandler Moore and Naomi Raine, have announced their departures from the group.

On Monday (Oct. 6), both artists released statements on social media, revealing their decisions to exit the group. Each artist also emphasized that they will continue to make music outside of Maverick City Music.

“These last two years I’ve been locked in on what really matters…in my life and my career,” Moore wrote on social media. “It’s been scary at times, but it’s also been full of fresh vision and real excitement about the future. With that, I’ve made the bittersweet decision to end my relationship with Maverick City Music. When we started Mav, I was grateful to have community and belonging while fulfilling my dream of making music that would help people experience God. And we did that…in ways I couldn’t have imagined.”

Moore also thanked several people who have been essential to the group’s mission. “This transition isn’t easy. Maverick is something I poured my heart into, so it’s almost like saying goodbye to your own kid.” He later added, “My dream hasn’t changed. I’m stepping into this next phase ready to share my story and make music that helps people feel a little more human, a little more understood, and a little less alone.”

Raine wrote on social media, “After a lot of prayer and consideration, I’ve decided that now is the best time to share that I am no longer a part of Maverick City Music. Being a part of Mav truly changed my life! What started as a group of folks singing in a shed has turned into something I could’ve never even imagined!…And now I believe God has given me the green light to step into what He’s calling me to do individually. Still writing. Still singing. Still worshipping and leading others in worship – just on my own…this isn’t really an ending, but a new beginning. A new chapter. I’m excited about the music, the ministry, and the purpose ahead. God’s not done yet.”

Maverick City Music was founded in 2018, and has won five Grammy Awards. The group is known for Billboard Christian and/or Gospel chart-topping hits including “Promises” and “Jireh.” The group’s albums Old Church Basement (with Elevation Worship) and The Maverick Way Complete: Complete Vol. 2 both reached the top spot on Billboard‘s Top Christian Albums and Top Gospel Albums charts.

Moore also released the solo project Feelings in 2020, and most recently the project Chandler Moore: Live in Los Angeles last year. Raine has released projects including two-part project Back to Eden, the 2022 album The Journey and the 2025 album Jesus Over Everything (Live in Las Vegas).

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Fans of music, thrillers and drama (reality or fiction) will want to take advantage of a new streaming deal that you gets you three months of access to BET+ for just $1.99/month. Regularly $5.99/month, the latest offer saves you a whopping 67% off for a limited time.

We spotted the deal on Amazon as part of the site’s Prime Channels offerings, and as part of Amazon’s October Prime Day deals. The new BET+ deal gets you access to the streaming service for less than $1 per month, for your first three months (your subscription renews at the regular $5.99 price point afterwards or you can cancel at any time).

BET+ is home to thousands of hours of content from top Black actors, creators and producers like Tyler Perry, Kevin Hart, Kemba, Eva Marcille and more. Top shows include Kingdom Business, All the Queen’s Men, Tyler Perry’s Ruthless, Zatima and the animated Lil Kev.

Music fans can stream documentaries and specials on stars like Harry Belafonte, TLC and New Edition, while BET+ is also home to fan favorite reality shows like The Impact Atlanta, Love and Hip-Hop, Basketball Wives and College Hill: Celebrity Edition.

The Amazon Prime Video deal gets you access to the entire BET+ library with limited ads, and you can watch new premieres and episodes weekly or stream content on-demand. The streamer says it currently has more than 4,000 movies and episodes available to watch online.

What we like: Amazon’s BET+ Essential offer lets you stream on up to two devices simultaneously, all at the $1.99/month price.

Want to be able to stream BET+ ad-free and on up to four devices? Grab the BET+ Premium deal, which gets you monthly access for just $3.99 (regularly $10.99). In addition to no ads and simultaneous streaming, your BET+ Premium subscription also allows you to download content to watch offline and on the go. Regularly $10.99/month, you can save 64% off with this Prime Video deal here.

This is a rare chance to score a Prime Channel deal for Prime Day so we recommend taking advantage of the offer while the promotional price is still live. See full details here.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Prime Day 2025 is back for its annual October event. Not to be confused with the big July sale extravaganza, the house of Bezos created a second annual savings event (Prime Big Deal Day) right in time for the holidays. With the official dates for the Amazon-issued sale happening between October 7-8, we’ll be updating our guides with the plenty of splurge-worthy Prime Day deals worth shopping until they turn the lights off.

Shop the Best Prime Day Deals, At a Glance:

To help you sneak in some early savings, ShopBillboard has sorted through all the good, the great, and the best Prime Day deals worth shopping before the event starts tomorrow. From Levi’s and Crocs to Apple and Dyson, this list includes deals up to 50% off on highly sought-after, tech-savvy gadgets, trendy fashion and beauty deals, and stylish home upgrades. So get shopping before you miss out!

Keep checking back here throughout the week as we’ll be updating our guide with more and MORE sweet deals.

What Is the October Amazon Prime Day Event?

The Amazon Prime Day October event (labelled “Prime Big Deal Day”) is the younger brother to the big July event, but carries with it just as many jaw-dropping deals. Prime Day is Amazon’s annual members-only shopping event. It offers limited-time deals, lightning deals, and exclusive discounts on products across nearly every category.

When Is the October Amazon Prime Day Event?

Amazon Prime Day October event begins on Tuesday, October 7, and will end on Wednesday, October 8. However, shoppers can browse many early deals right now.

Best Prime Day Tech Deals

Looking to upgrade your hardware? There endless amounts of must-have Prime Day tech deals worth exploring. Save big on Apple, Beats, Samsung and Sony products below.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds

$149.00 $249.00 40% off

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Apple’s fan-favorite earbuds are finally under $200.

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Samsung 65-Inch Class QLED 4K LS03D The Frame TV

$1,197 $1,997.99 40% off

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Turn your living room into an art gallery by shopping Samsung’s flagship Frame TV for almost 50% off.

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Marshall Middleton Portable Bluetooth Speaker

$244 $319.99 24% off

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The portably Middleton speaker utilizes True Stereophonic, a unique form of multi-directional stereo sound to deliver an immersive experience wherever you roam.

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Beats Solo 4 Cloud Pink

$129.99 $199.95 35% off

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Beats’ over-the-ear headphones in a summer-ready cloud pink.

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Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet

$69.99 $139.99 50% off

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This super affordable tablet is equipped with a 10.1″ 1080p Full HD display, a 13-hour battery life, 32 or 64 GB of storage and up to 1 TB expandable storage with micro-SD card, all for $70.

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Apple AirTag

$19.99 $29 31% off

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An airtag you can stow away in your luggage or bag to keep track of your items.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 44mm Bluetooth AI Smartwatch

$189 $329.99 43% off

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Keep a close eye on your daily steps, health and notifications right from your wrist. The smartwatch provides wellness tips, heart rate tracking, a sleep monitor and a fitness tracker.

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Apple iPad Pro 11-Inch (M4) Model

$896.03 $999 10% off

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If you want a device more portable than a laptop, the iPad is a great choice. The Apple tablet features a top-of-the-line M4 chip, an 11-inch ultra retina XDR display, 128GB of stroage, Wi-Fi 6E, 12MP front/12MP back camera, touch ID, and all-day battery life.

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Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series 4K UHD smart TV

$259.99 $399.99 35% off

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Want a 4K UHD smart TV without breaking the bank? This Amazon Fire TV is currently at a super low price point for under $400.

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Best Prime Day Beauty Deals

Having a sophisticated beauty regimen doesn’t need to be expensive. Level up your skincare with these impressive Prime Day beauty deals from medicube, Crest and Clinique.

medicube Collagen Jelly Cream

$19.98 $33.00 39% off

Buy Now On Amazon

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Crest 3D Whitestrips

$29.99 $45.99 35% off

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Keep your smile brighter than the sun.

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Wavytalk Hair Dryer in Cyber Rose Pink

$31.82 $45.99 31% off

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A hair dryer with comb with three attachments.

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Medicube Deep Vita C Facial Pads

$18.90 $31 39% off

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Worried about enlarged pores and greasy skin? These toner pads will help exfoliate your skin.

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Clinique Almost Lipstick Tinted Lip Balm in Black Honey

$17.50 $25.00 30% off

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A sheer glossy balm in a burgundy hue.

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Best Prime Day Style and Sneaker Deals

There’s never a bad time to add to your wardrobe, especially when products are over 40% off. Shop fan-favorite brands like Levi’s and Crocs below before sizes run out.

Levi’s Men’s 501 Original Fit Jeans

$48.99 $79.50 38% off

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Levi’s popular 501 jeans are currently half off right now. There’s no better time to add this essential menswear staple into your wardrobe.

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Hanes Mens Beefyt T-shirt

$13.61 $24.00 43% off

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Restock your basic tees for fraction of the cost.

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Crocs Unisex-Adult Classic Clogs, Black, 11 Men/13 Women

$34.95 $49.99 30% off

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It’s hard to fine a more cozier clog than Crocs, and you many never find these shoes at such a low price.

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Calvin Klein Men’s Cotton Classics 3-pack Boxer Brief

$23.98 $46.00 48% off

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Yes, it’s time throw away those old boxers.

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PUMA Easy Rider Sneakers

$61.20 $90 32% off

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If you need a great summer shoe, these Puma’s Easy Riders are a hidden gem and typically overlooked as a great everyday walking shoe.

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Best Prime Day Home Deals

Want to give your home an HGTV makeover? These Prime Day home deals will help spruce up your living space without breaking the bank. With deals up to 45% off, you can fully redecorate without going over your budget.

Amazon Echo Spot

$44.99 $79.99 44% off

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A sleek smart alarm clock with Alexa and big vibrant sound with clear vocals and deep bass. Just ask Alexa to play your favorite music, podcasts, and audiobooks in seconds.

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Ring Spotlight Cam Plus

$117.98 $184.98 36% off

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Stop intruders in their tracks with this on sale bundle of 2 motion-activated LED spotlights. Each camera turns on when they detect motion, and sound the built-in security siren with just a few taps.

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Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum, Silver/Nickel

$299.99 $450 33% off

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Keep you floors spotless with this powerful cordless vacuum.

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Philips Hue Signe Smart Floor Lamp

$246.83 $362.99 32% off

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Set the ultimate mood lightning in your home with with dynamic light effects and millions of color options at your fingertips.

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Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 FlexBasket Air Fryer

$159.99 $199.99 20% off

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Cooking made easier.

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Amazon Smart Thermostat

$59.99 $79.99 25% off

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With summer finally here, take control of the temperature in your home through Alexa voice controls and remotely via an app.

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Samsonite Freeform 28-Inch Large Luggage

$179 $279.99 36% off

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A luggage so good you won’t to check it in.

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Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, has claimed the top spot in this week’s new music poll.

In a poll published Friday (Oct. 3) by Billboard, music fans overwhelmingly chose the 35-year-old pop icon’s latest release as their favorite new project of the week.

The Life of a Showgirl garnered 77% of the vote, outpacing new releases from Luke Combs (“Days Like These”), Louis Tomlinson (“Lemonade”), Leon Thomas (“Just How You Are”), Kali Uchis featuring Mariah the Scientist (“Pretty Promises”), and more.

Arriving a year and a half after her chart-dominating The Tortured Poets Department — which spent 17 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 — Swift’s new project marks yet another career-defining moment.

Released on Oct. 3, The Life of a Showgirl was produced by Swift alongside longtime collaborators Max Martin and Shellback. The 12-track album offers a vivid reflection on her life over the past two years, from circling the globe on the Eras Tour to her high-profile romance with fiancé Travis Kelce.

On “Father Figure,” Swift interpolates George Michael’s 1987 hit of the same name, while the album’s title track features Sabrina Carpenter, marking their first duet since touring together in 2024.

The music video fro lead single “The Fate of Ophelia” premiered as part of The Official Release Party of a Showgirl, a special movie event running in theaters through Oct. 5. The film debuted at No. 1 at the domestic box office, earning an estimated $33 million, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

In the poll, Luke Combs’ heartfelt new single “Days Like These” placed second with about 7% of the vote, while the “Other” category took third with 6.5%.

Check out the full results of this week’s poll below, and visit Billboard’s Friday Music Guide for more must-hear new releases.