Publishing date: Dec, 23, 2022
If you’re anything like us, we see an interesting headline during our daily scroll—pause to read it—but then keep scrolling without reading the actual story. So at the end of each week, we’re rounding up all the buzziest, news-worthy headlines you might have missed. Think of it like the “saved” feature on Instagram but for news instead of aesthetically pleasing photos. Justin Bieber is feuding with H&M, Lana Del Rey’s new Billboard is for her ex, and Gwen Stefani says a No Doubt reunion is a possibility—this is what you missed.
#1
Lana Del Rey’s Album Campaign Is the Ultimate Ex Revenge
For those of us who aren’t aligned with a new year, new me narrative and look to amplify our authentic—sometimes petty—selves, Lana Del Rey has just set the bar high. On December 7th, she announced her new album and its lead title single Do You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, giving us something to look forward to in 2023. She shared a photo of herself on her Instagram account in front of a billboard promoting the new album, in which she captioned, “there’s only one and it’s in Tulsa.” Now, you may be wondering if it’s some insider secret that Tulsa is the place for ultimate billboard visibility and promotion—it’s not. Once you see her comment, “it’s personal”, under the same post you’ll realize that the choice of location is motivated by her ex-boyfriend. Smack in the middle of his hometown, no less. Icon behavior. December 7th wasn’t a random choice for her single and album announcement either—it’s his birthday. Lana Del Rey and Sean “Sticks” Larkin dated for about six months between 2019 and 2020, prior to her current relationship with Jack Donoghue which was hard launched over the summer. Earlier this year, the former CD of Gucci asked Lana in a W interview if there was a color to describe her new music—a token Lana trait—to which she responded, “for this new music, there’s none of that at all. It’s more just like: I’m angry.” If you’re a scorned ex-lover with unhealed relationship anger and you’re not necessarily ready for your “peace and love” era, get ready because all signs are leading to a quintessential revenge album, by a self-titled “bad girl” who lives like she’s on borrowed time.
#2
Justin Bieber Shuts Down H&M’s “Trash” Merch
Many draw on Justin Bieber’s street style to dress western skater-chic. The most recent item that the trendsetter had everyone talking about is pimple patches. He was seen sporting them on multiple occasions, including at Billie Eilish’s 21 birthday party and out on the streets of LA—stars they’re just like us! While he seems unbothered at the idea of people drawing fitspiration from him, he’s definitely not okay with H&M using his likeness and lyrics, from his Justice album, in their new collection. Ah, celebrity feuds, what would our social feeds do without them? The star posted two IG stories earlier this week with the first saying “I didn’t approve any of the merch collection that they put up at H&M… all without my permission and approval. SMH I WOULDN’T BUY IT IF I WERE YOU.” And in his second story, he slams the collection, calling it “trash,” and urges fans not to buy it. The Bieber-inspired, yet unauthorized, collection includes clothing, phone accessories, and tote bags. The Swedish clothing company has partnered with the “Baby” singer in the past—take their 2017 collection for his Purpose world tour as an example—but the co-signed Bieber collabs seem to predate the launch of his namesake brand, drew house. In response to the singer’s accusations, H&M was quick to release a statement saying they “followed proper approval procedures,” but by Wednesday, the collection was no longer available for purchase. The company said, “Out of respect for the collaboration and Justin Bieber, we have removed the garments from our stores and online.”
#3
Tyler, the Creator Shares His Favorite Songs of 2022
Except, they’re not all from 2022. Tyler has never been one to follow tradition, he’s a trailblazer, not a sheep. So naturally, as end-of-year recaps began rolling out this month, starting with Jay-Z’s 2022 song selects playlist on Tidal, Tyler decided to join in on the fun. He took to Twitter to share his 11 “favs” in list form, obviously, because he has no streaming platform to self-promote like Jay-Z. Four on the list were not released in 2022 (rebel!) including “In Mind” by The Sweet Enoughs (2021), “Tombola 94” by Dina Ögon (2021), “I Found What I’ve Been Searching For” by La’Verne Washington (2020), and “Candy” by Pearl & The Oysters (2021). Out of the remaining 7 released in 2022, Kendrick Lamar nabbed two of those spots with “Worldwide Steppers” and “Savior”. Or should I say, Kenny, which is what Tyler wrote to refer to the artist and his “Steppy” song. As one does when they’re on a nickname basis with Kendrick Lamar. Shortly after he tweeted the list, a fan pointed out that he forgot Omar Apollo’s “Tamagotchi” song which Tyler praised heavily when it was released back in April. His response? “Damn I knew there was a song I forgot when I made this mental list. The bridge on that is 10/10.” There you have it, Tyler’s 12 favorite songs from 2022, 2021, and 2020.
#4
Ariana Grande and Maren Morris are ‘Gagging’ Over Rupaul’s Drag Race’s New Queens
“Ariana, what are you doin’ here?” She’s gagging over Rupaul’s Drag Race new queen contestants with Maren Morris. That’s right. After announcing her departure from The Voice, where she was a guest judge for one season, she’s gracing tv screens again. In the new trailer for the 15th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, the pop star appears as a guest judge alongside Maren Morris, Janelle Monet, Ali Wong, and Megan Stalter. She is set to appear in the two-episode premiere and although her tenure will be short and sweet, it’s better than nothing. You know the queens are going to be sent into a frenzy when they hear she’s judging and fingers crossed one of the episodes will feature an Ariana Grande-themed challenge. It’s been a while since we’ve heard much from the popstar since she announced her break from music. She’s kept busy with her makeup brand R.E.M. and an upcoming movie adaptation of Wicked, in which she’s cast as Glinda (this is reportedly why she couldn’t do The Voice anymore). This marks Ariana’s return to the show after her first appearance on season 7 back in 2015. Cheers to season 15 contestants switchin’ the positions for you, Ari.
#5
Gwen Stefani Says She’s Open to a Possible No Doubt Reunion: ‘Anything Can Happen’
One thing we know about Gwen Stefani is that she goes with the flow. After her makeup artist backed out at the last minute for the Met Gala earlier this year, she showed up on the red carpet with makeup she did on herself. A testament to her expertise in cosmetics (she launched her GXVE beauty brand earlier this year) and ability to roll with the punches. Something else she’s not saying no to is the long-rumored No Doubt reunion. The singer, who was the lead vocalist of the ska-punk band that dominated the early 2000s rock scene, spoke about the chance of the group getting back together and she isn’t opposed to the idea. “Anything could happen,” she said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. “What are the odds of anything? I was just on The Drew Barrymore Show. She was one of my favorite celebrities when I was a little girl, and now I was just on the show with her,” Stefani adds. With a shining track record that includes “Don’t Speak,” “Just A Girl,” and “It’s My Life,” many fans are ecstatic about the news and the idea of hearing these iconic tracks live again. The last time the band reunited since Stefani went solo was in 2012 when they released their last album Push and Shove. First Paramore, then Blink-182—the indie sleaze era will No Doubt be back if Stefani and her old bandmates reunite.