MusiCares
Courtesy PhotoMusiCares has announced the final round of funding for its COVID-19 Relief program, which has distributed $25 million to more than 34,000 music professionals in need since its creation in March 2020.
The fund will conclude upon the distribution of the $2 million raised during MusiCares' recent Music on a Mission virtual fundraiser to 2,000 eligible applicants.
"The pandemic has been devastating to musicians, tour managers, stage crews, and so many others that are involved in making music happen," MusiCares executive director Laura Segura said. "We heard from our community that many are experiencing elevated levels of depression, financial insecurity and low levels of confidence that they could pay for basic living expenses during the pandemic. It is encouraging to know that music people turned to MusiCares in their time of need and we hope they continue to do so as we reacclimate post-pandemic."
The Recording Academy and MusiCares -- its charitable arm providing health, financial, and rehabilitation resources to music workers in times of need -- each made a $1 million base donation to kick off the fund last March. By one month later in April 2020, funds had been depleted.
Now, the fund is once again open to music professionals who have had at least three years of employment in the music industry, or six commercially released recordings or videos. Anyone who has already received assistance from the fund is eligible to apply again.
Once the final funds are distributed, MusiCares says it will continue to support the music community through "existing and new mental health and hardship grant programs and virtual support groups, among other programs."
MusiCares says the grant application will be available here, and those in need of support can also email the organization at musicaresrelief@musicares.org.
NEWS
BTS fans may have another reason to look forward to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after j-hope appeared to hint that the group could be working on a new song for the tournament ahead of their co-headlining halftime performance at the championship match.
During a Weverse livestream on Wednesday (July 8), the BTS member responded to a question from a fan asking whether the group was preparing a song for FIFA. Reading the comment aloud, j-hope asked, “Is BTS releasing any song for FIFA?” before pausing with a playful grin.
“Hmmm,” he replied, smiling in a way that immediately caught fans’ attention without revealing anything further.
His reaction quickly sparked speculation online. One fan wrote on X, “OH THT LIL SMILE HE HIDING SOMETHING,” after watching a clip from the livestream. Another added, “That face of his I know they are cooking something I just can’t prove it.”
Billboard has contacted the group’s label and representatives for comment.
The livestream took place on the same day FIFA confirmed that Justin Bieber would join BTS, Madonna and Shakira as a co headliner for the FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show, which will take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It will be the first World Cup Final to feature a halftime show of this size, with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin serving as curator for the lineup.
The halftime performances will also support FIFA’s Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative dedicated to improving access to education and soccer opportunities for children around the world.
“The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can,” Bieber said in a statement. “I’m grateful to be part of this halftime show, and even more grateful knowing it’s already helping expand access to education for children around the world.”
Although j-hope chose not to reveal any additional details about the rumored song, which would potentially join a 2026 FIFA soundtrack featuring original music from Jelly Roll, 21 Savage, Latto, The Rolling Stones, Burna Boy and others, he made it clear that he is excited for the upcoming performance. “Yeah, can’t wait!” he said.
“The World Cup is really fun these days,” he continued, explaining that fellow BTS member SUGA has been keeping everyone updated on the tournament scores before the group goes on stage. “He had to tell us, ‘Egypt is beating Argentina with a score of 2-0! Hey, we turned the tables!’ It’s making me crazy.”
As the tournament heads toward its final match, j-hope also shared which team he is supporting. “Of course, I cheered for the Korean players so much. Personally, this time, Team Norway.”
BTS will perform in New Jersey as part of their ARIRANG World Tour, which is in support of their Billboard 200 chart topping album ARIRANG. After appearing at the FIFA World Cup Final, the group will return to MetLife Stadium for two more concerts on Aug. 1 and 2.
