GRUNGECAKE

Author: grungecake

  • Daniel Ek steps down as Spotify CEO, moves to Executive Chairman Role

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    After nearly two decades at the helm of Spotify, co-founder Daniel Ek is stepping away from the CEO role and shifting into Executive Chairman starting January 1. But before you picture him disappearing, he’s been clear:

    “To be clear, I’m not leaving.”

    Ek’s intention is to hand more of the day-to-day operational reins to two long-time lieutenants: Alex Norström (co-President & Chief Business Officer) and Gustav Söderström (co-President & Chief Product & Technology Officer). They’ll become co-CEOs and report to Ek, also joining Spotify’s board.

    Spotify says this restructure isn’t a sudden pivot but a formalisation of how things have already been functioning: Over recent years, Ek had delegated much of the strategic and operational leadership to Norström and Söderström. His new role will focus on capital allocation, long-term strategy, and guiding the senior leadership team.

    This shift comes at a pivotal moment. Spotify now serves over 700 million users, up from about 678 million earlier this year. Financially, the company had its first full year of profitability in 2024, reporting €1.14 billion in net income, though it swung back to a loss of ~€86 million in Q2 of 2025, citing rising personnel and advertising costs.

    Ek himself holds about 6.2 % of Spotify, and most of his net worth is tied to that stake. The co-CEO structure is rare among large public companies—under 5 % employ it.

    What to watch: How smoothly the transition plays out, whether Spotify’s momentum holds, and how the dynamic between the new co-CEOs and Ek evolves. A founding CEO’s move to a more strategic role is less about stepping back and more about scaling his influence differently.

  • Cardi B ignites the Global Citizen Festival, whilst expecting

    [media-credit name=”CBS Mornings” width=1050 align=”center”]Cardi B[/media-credit]

    On September 27, 2025, Cardi B took to the stage at the Global Citizen Festival, and she did so with both bold energy and her baby bump. The multi-platinum rapper, several months pregnant with her fourth child, delivered a performance that reminded fans why she commands attention—even when her roles triple.

    With DJ SpinKing of Power 105.1 spinning the tracks, Cardi opened the set with selections from her latest album ‘Am I The Drama?’, including standout tracks like ‘Outside’ and ‘ErrTime’. She also reached back to fan favourites—’I Like It’ and ‘Bodak Yellow’—mixing hits old and new to both satisfy long-time listeners and showcase her current creative pulse. Her stage presence was magnetic; she moved with dancers, energised the crowd, and carried a performance that felt fearless, despite being several months into pregnancy.

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    Cardi’s appearance came on short notice, too. She stepped in for The Weeknd announces 2026 tour dates, who had to withdraw from the festival due to “personal reasons”. The substitution may have been unexpected, but Cardi didn’t simply fill a slot—she owned it.

    Looking ahead, this set gives a strong preview of what fans can expect from her upcoming Little Miss Drama Tour, launching February 11 in Palm Desert, California. The tour’s itinerary will include many major US and Canadian cities, ending its US leg in Atlanta in mid-April.

    Cardi’s performance at Global Citizen reflected more than just showmanship: It was a celebration of resilience, artistry, and life in motion.

  • Bad Bunny set to headline Super Bowl LX Halftime show in Santa Clara

    Bad Bunny
    [/media-credit] Bad Bunny

    Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny has officially been tapped to headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show, which will take place in Santa Clara in February 2026. The announcement was made during a Sunday Night Football game, and it comes as no surprise to many, given his status and the NFL’s interest in further expanding its cultural reach.

    The choice seems strategic. Bad Bunny is not only one of the most popular global artists right now, but he also has a massive following in Latin America and among Spanish‐speaking audiences in the United States—demographics the NFL has long been courting. Also, because he is currently on tour, he’s performance‐ready for a massive, high‐pressure show like this.

    To put this in context: Last year’s halftime headliner was Kendrick Lamar, and before that, the NFL had brought in icons across genres—Usher, Rihanna, Dr Dre & co—to try to deliver both spectacle and broad appeal.

    What to watch/What it might mean

  • Cultural signal: Bad Bunny’s presence reinforces the NFL’s ongoing pivot toward more diverse, global audiences
  • Performance expectations: The production will need to match his style—he’s known for energy and strong visuals
  • Commercial impact: Expect spikes in streaming, merch, ticket demand (even for those not going, just for the spectacle)

  • Ariana Grande fires back at Trump supporters in fiery Instagram post

    Ariana Grande
    [/media-credit] Ariana Grande

    Pop superstar Ariana Grande recently ignited controversy with a pointed message aimed at supporters of President Donald Trump. In a post shared on her Instagram Story, Grande used strong language to challenge what she sees as hypocrisy and misconduct among the President’s backers.

    Ariana Grande
    [/media-credit] Ariana Grande

    Whilst the full text of the post was later removed or made private, screenshots and media coverage indicate she used the word “f**kery” to describe behaviours she attributed to Trump supporters. The message appeared to criticise their actions, aligning with Grande’s ongoing pattern of outspoken political commentary.

    Though Grande has made political statements in the past, this latest post drew particular attention for its blunt tone and direct targeting of a vocal political base. Over recent years, she has shared her views on issues like transgender rights, immigration, and war powers. In June 2025, for instance, she reposted a call from Rep Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez to impeach Trump following his decision to bomb Iran without congressional approval.

    Grande’s activism has also made her a frequent target of criticism. Conservative commentators have challenged her public positions, sometimes shifting their focus to her appearance or credentials rather than her message.

    But despite the backlash, she continues to use her platform to voice her beliefs—and to spark conversation.

    Whether the Instagram post was a spontaneous eruption of frustration or a calculated move, it reinforces a clear truth: Ariana Grande is far from a neutral observer when it comes to politics, and she isn’t shying away from conflict. Her boldness underscores both her willingness to speak out and the cultural tensions that arise when celebrity and activism intersect.

  • Mayor Eric Adams quits re-election, but name stays on November ballot

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    New York City Mayor Eric Adams unexpectedly announced on Sunday that he is abandoning his campaign for a second term—a dramatic turn just five weeks before Election Day. But despite the withdrawal, his name will remain on the ballot for the November general election, since the deadline to drop a candidacy has already passed.

    In a video posted to social media, Adams cited “constant media speculation” and the city’s Campaign Finance Board decision to withhold public matching funds as key reasons for his exit.

    He acknowledged the achievements of his term—reductions in violent crime, housing efforts, and post-pandemic economic recovery—but said he could no longer sustain a viable campaign. Adams had already switched course earlier in the year: After declining to compete in the Democratic primary, he chose to run as an independent under the “Safe & Affordable” ballot line.

    Yet polling showed him trailing well behind front-runners, and fundraising challenges had been mounting. With Adams out of the active race, the contest in November now tilts more sharply toward Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee, and Andrew Cuomo, running independently.

    Whilst Adams will not campaign further, analysts note his residual presence (via name on the ballot) might still complicate vote distributions in a tight race.

    As the city braces for a redefined mayoral showdown, Adams framed his departure as a reluctant but necessary step, saying: “I cannot continue my reelection campaign.”

  • Nicki Minaj confirms new album dropping March 2026, teases fresh era for fans

    Nicki Minaj
    [/media-credit] Nicki Minaj

    Nicki Minaj has officially announced a release date for her sixth studio album: It’s slated to drop in March 2026. Whilst she hasn’t revealed the back‑story, features, or full title yet, fans are speculating that this could be the long‑anticipated third chapter of her ‘Pink Friday’ series—’Pink Friday 3’.

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    This new album represents a different direction than what she did with ‘Pink Friday 2’. Rather than putting out a deluxe version of that project, she confirmed that she wanted a completely fresh album.

    She’s promised “new songs”—including previously teased tracks like ‘Mamita’ and a song she refers to as the “anxiety” song—will still factor into whatever comes next.

    Her last full album, ‘Pink Friday 2’, was loaded with twenty-two tracks and big collaborations (Drake, Lil Wayne, Future, Lil Uzi Vert, Skillibeng, etc), plus deluxe edition songs like ‘Beep Beep’ (featuring 50 Cent) and ‘Love Me Enough’ (with Monica and Keyshia Cole). The project also came with a massive world tour—79 shows, which grossed over $108.8 million.

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    Nicki ended her most recent tour with a major show in Elmont, New York, featuring guests such as Sexyy Red and 50 Cent. Around that time, she also dismissed rumours of taking a long break, telling fans she “ain’t going no mthfkn where.”

    Overall, this announcement marks the start of what looks to be an exciting, new era for Nicki Minaj—fans will be watching very closely for pre‑release singles, collaborations, and whether this truly is ‘PF3’.

  • Nas and Resorts World receive unanimous vote for proposed casino in Queens

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    On September 25, 2025, Nas and Resorts World NYC cleared a major milestone in their casino expansion efforts in Queens, winning unanimous approval from the Community Advisory Board for their $5.5 billion proposal. The vote was 6-0 in favour, a signal that the project has strong support among local stakeholders.

    The proposal aims to transform the existing racino at Aqueduct—which currently offers electronic gaming machines—into a full-integrated resort featuring live table games. Among the planned amenities: A 7,000-seat concert and entertainment venue, some 30 food and beverage outlets, a sports and media complex dubbed “The Jet Center” by NBA champion Kenny “The Jet” Smith, additional hotel rooms, and other public‐infrastructure enhancements.

    The economic figures are ambitious: the developers say it could create roughly 24,000 new jobs, ranging from construction to ongoing operations, and generate at least $1 billion in incremental revenue for New York State within the first year of full operation. If all goes according to plan, parts of the facility are expected to begin opening by mid-2026.

    Still, the approval of the Community Advisory Board is not the final step. Next, the proposal must be reviewed by the Gaming Facility Location Board before a full commercial casino license can be granted.

    The vote also drew media attention for its timing and context. A competing Times Square casino bid backed by JAY Z was recently rejected; Queens Borough President Donovan Richards took the moment to quip, “Sorry Jay-Z. We win again.”

    Overall, this is a strong win for the Nas-Resorts World partnership: The unanimous vote suggests broad local buy-in, and the scale of the proposal places it among the largest private development efforts under consideration in New York.

  • Former ‘American Idol’ contestant Benjamin Glaze sentenced to 25 years on child porn charges

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    Benjamin Glaze, who once drew viral attention on American Idol when judge Katy Perry kissed him during his audition, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison in connection with child pornography charges.

    Glaze pleaded guilty on September 15, 2025, to one count of aggravated possession of child pornography. Under the terms of his sentence, he will serve fifteen years behind bars, whilst 10 years are suspended. Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender.

    The case originated in 2024, when Tulsa’s Sexual Predator/Digital Evidence Recovery Unit received a tip leading to a search warrant. Law enforcement found more than seven hundred images and videos of minors in Glaze’s possession on his smartphone. He was arrested and booked in Tulsa County Jail on a $50,000 bond.

    Glaze first entered the national spotlight during Season 16 of American Idol, when he revealed he had never kissed a girl, and judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie voted not to send him to Hollywood.

    However, his moment of fame exploded after Perry kissed him on stage, which generated controversy and online debates. Initially, Glaze said the kiss made him uncomfortable; later, he said he did not consider it a sexual assault.

    The sentencing marks a dramatic fall from public fascination to public disgrace. His case also underscores the broader challenges that law enforcement faces in identifying and prosecuting digital sexual exploitation crimes, especially as investigators increasingly rely on tips, digital forensics, and cross-jurisdictional cooperation.

  • TV station owners reinstate Jimmy Kimmel’s show after ban

    [/media-credit] Jimmy Kimmel

    In a dramatic reversal, two of the country’s largest television station owners—Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group—have reinstated Jimmy Kimmel Live! on their ABC-affiliated stations after earlier banning the show. The dispute traces back to provocative remarks Kimmel made in a recent monologue about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The comments drew sharp backlash from political figures and prompted ABC and its parent company Disney to suspend the show.

    Although ABC lifted the suspension and restored the show network‑wide, Sinclair and Nexstar initially held out, citing concerns over content and community expectations. But mounting pressure from viewers, advertisers, community leaders—and perhaps the specter of regulatory and financial implications—appeared to shift the calculus. On September 26, both broadcasting groups announced they would end their boycott and return the show to air.

    Sinclair, which had previously demanded an apology from Kimmel or a donation to the Kirk family, emphasised that its decision was made independently, asserting that “free speech provides broadcasters with the right to exercise judgment as to the content on their local stations.”

    Even so, the episode raises broader tensions between editorial autonomy, broadcast accountability, political pressure, and the public interest. With station groups capable of pulling major network programming, the balance of power in US media is once again under scrutiny. It remains to be seen whether this reinstatement is the end of the road—or merely a truce in a larger cultural standoff.

  • Spotify deletes 75 million spam tracks as company tightens rules around AI music

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    Spotify has made a sweeping move against spam content on its platform by removing over 75 million tracks deemed “spammy” over the past year. The decision comes amid rising concern about the misuse of AI tools to generate fraudulent or misleading audio content. Many of these tracks were ultra-short, duplicated, or clear imitations generated via AI—uploaded in bulk to exploit streaming royalties. The goal has often been to capitalise on Spotify’s revenue model: Any track longer than 30 seconds can generate payouts, meaning that these low-effort uploads siphon attention and earnings away from legitimate artists.

    In response, Spotify is introducing new safeguards. First, a music spam filter is being rolled out to detect suspicious uploads and prevent them from appearing in recommendations—or sometimes from ever being uploaded. Second, the company is tightening its rules around vocal deepfakes and impersonations: artists must give explicit permission for their voice or likeness to be used; tracks that impersonate artists without consent are disallowed.

    Third, Spotify is working with the standards organisation DDEX to create voluntary industry metadata standards for labeling AI-assisted content. While disclosures won’t yet be mandatory, the company says this step is about building trust rather than punishing responsible creators.

    Spotify emphasises that despite all this spam and potential for AI misuse, current engagement with AI-generated content on the platform remains very low. The company says it is not seeing meaningful impacts on user listening behavior or on royalty distribution to human artists.

    As AI tools for music become more accessible, Spotify’s latest policies reflect an attempt to balance openness to innovation with protection of artist integrity and listener trust. Whether they will be enough to stem growing concerns over deepfakes, fraudulent uploads, and AI impersonation remains to be seen.