INSIDER
Lil Wayne feels hurt after being passed over as Super Bowl halftime headliner. The snub 'broke' him
Read full article: Lil Wayne feels hurt after being passed over as Super Bowl halftime headliner. The snub 'broke' himLil Wayne opened up for the first time about his devastation after not being selected as the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show headline performer in his hometown of New Orleans.
The best concerts of 2024 so far: AP’s picks include Olivia Rodrigo, Bad Bunny, George Strait, SZA
Read full article: The best concerts of 2024 so far: AP’s picks include Olivia Rodrigo, Bad Bunny, George Strait, SZAAs The Associated Press’ music writer, Maria Sherman has seen more than 40 concerts during the first half of 2024.
Nicki Minaj's England concert postponed after rapper was detained by Dutch authorities over pot
Read full article: Nicki Minaj's England concert postponed after rapper was detained by Dutch authorities over potNicki Minaj’s concert in Manchester, England, scheduled for Saturday night was postponed after police in the Netherlands discovered marijuana in her bags as she was preparing to leave the country.
Miranda Lambert, Billie Eilish, Nicki Minaj submit letter to AI developers to honor artists' rights
Read full article: Miranda Lambert, Billie Eilish, Nicki Minaj submit letter to AI developers to honor artists' rightsStevie Wonder, Miranda Lambert, Billie Eilish, Nicki Minaj, Peter Frampton, Katy Perry, Smokey Robinson and J Balvin are just some of the over 200 names featured on a new open letter submitted by the Artist Rights Alliance non-profit, calling on artificial intelligence tech companies, developers, platforms, digital music services and platforms to stop using AI “to infringe upon and devalue the rights of human artists."
From ‘The Bodyguard’ to ‘Barbie’: Is the movie soundtrack back and bigger than ever?
Read full article: From ‘The Bodyguard’ to ‘Barbie’: Is the movie soundtrack back and bigger than ever?The music of “Barbie” has become its own blockbuster, earning three Grammys, one Golden Globe, and two Oscar nominations in the original song category — more than any other film this year.
‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve' will feature Janelle Monáe, Green Day, Ludacris, Reneé Rapp and more in LA
Read full article: ‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve' will feature Janelle Monáe, Green Day, Ludacris, Reneé Rapp and more in LARyan Seacrest will usher in 2024 on “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” from Times Square, with satellite locations in Los Angeles and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
What's streaming now: Nicki Minaj's birthday album, Julia Roberts is in trouble and Monk returns
Read full article: What's streaming now: Nicki Minaj's birthday album, Julia Roberts is in trouble and Monk returnsThis week’s new streaming entertainment releases include a Nicki Minaj album dropping on her birthday and the return of Tony Shalhoub's OCD private investigator Adrian Monk with a final case.
Rapper Young Thug's long-delayed racketeering trial begins soon. Here's what to know about the case
Read full article: Rapper Young Thug's long-delayed racketeering trial begins soon. Here's what to know about the caseOpening statements are expected next week in Atlanta in the trial of rapper Young Thug, who’s accused of co-founding a violent criminal street gang and using his music to promote it.
What's streaming now: Drake, 'Fair Play,' Assassin’s Creed Mirage and William Friedkin's last film
Read full article: What's streaming now: Drake, 'Fair Play,' Assassin’s Creed Mirage and William Friedkin's last filmThis week’s new streaming entertainment releases include an album by Drake and another by Reba McEntire playing acoustic covers, the corporate thriller “Fair Play” starring Phoebe Dynevor from “Bridgerton,” and “Jane the Virgin” scene-stealer Jaime Camil hosts a new game show on CBS called “Lotería Loca.”.
Olivia Rodrigo, SZA, Usher, Jelly Roll and more will hit the 2023 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball stage
Read full article: Olivia Rodrigo, SZA, Usher, Jelly Roll and more will hit the 2023 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball stageiHeartRadio has unveiled its star-studded 2023 Jingle Ball lineup, including performances by Olivia Rodrigo, Usher, Nicki Minaj, SZA, Niall Horan, and Jelly Roll.
Taylor Swift and her 'Anti-Hero' top MTV VMAs in a show dominated by hip-hop, K-pop and Latin jams
Read full article: Taylor Swift and her 'Anti-Hero' top MTV VMAs in a show dominated by hip-hop, K-pop and Latin jamsTaylor Swift took home the top prize at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards for her “Anti-Hero” music video on a night full of surprises.
Music Review: Kim Petras makes flirty Eurodance-pop in major-label debut
Read full article: Music Review: Kim Petras makes flirty Eurodance-pop in major-label debutBetter late than never, and surely worth the wait: Popstar Kim Petras' oft-delayed, full-length major label debut album, “Feed the Beast,” is brimming with Eurodance, '90s house, and trance-informed sex-positive pop music.
What to stream this weekend: 'And Just Like That,' Kelly Clarkson, 'Perfect Find' and Final Fantasy
Read full article: What to stream this weekend: 'And Just Like That,' Kelly Clarkson, 'Perfect Find' and Final FantasyThis week’s new entertainment releases include albums from Kelly Clarkson and Portugal.
Nicki Minaj, Maluma, Myriam Fares release World Cup anthem
Read full article: Nicki Minaj, Maluma, Myriam Fares release World Cup anthemHip hop star Nicki Minaj has teamed up with Colombian singer-songwriter Maluma and Lebanese singer Myriam Fares for the latest addition to the official soundtrack of the World Cup in Qatar.
Nicki Minaj to get Video Vanguard Award at MTV Awards
Read full article: Nicki Minaj to get Video Vanguard Award at MTV AwardsNicki Minaj will receive the Video Vanguard Award at the MTV Awards later this month, joining such previous winning music luminaries as Madonna, Janet Jackson, LL Cool J, Jennifer Lopez and Missy Elliott.
Driver gets 1 year in jail in death of Nicki Minaj’s father
Read full article: Driver gets 1 year in jail in death of Nicki Minaj’s fatherThe driver in a hit-and-run crash that killed the father of rapper Nicki Minaj last year has been sentenced to a year in jail, in keeping with a promise the judge made when the man pleaded guilty in May.
Delfonics lead singer William 'Poogie' Hart dead at 77
Read full article: Delfonics lead singer William 'Poogie' Hart dead at 77William “Poogie” Hart, a founder of the Grammy-winning trio the Delfonics who helped write and sang a soft lead tenor on such classic “Sound of Philadelphia” ballads as “La-La (Means I Love You)” and “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time),” has died at age 77.
Essence Fest is back in New Orleans after two-year hiatus
Read full article: Essence Fest is back in New Orleans after two-year hiatusBlack culture, in all its glory, will be on display over the 4th of July holiday weekend in New Orleans as thousands converge for the in-person return of the Essence Festival of Culture.
New this week: 'Dune,' 'Invasion' and an Elton John album
Read full article: New this week: 'Dune,' 'Invasion' and an Elton John albumThis week’s new entertainment releases include an Elton John album of duets and an HBO documentary about the Jan. 6 siege of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.
Elton John pairs with Nicki, Miley, many more on new album
Read full article: Elton John pairs with Nicki, Miley, many more on new albumElton John is releasing an album of collaborations with artists from several generations and genres, including Nicki Minaj, Young Thug, Miley Cyrus, Lil Nas X, Stevie Nicks and Stevie Wonder.
DA: 6ix9ine's bodyguards broke man's phone after wild chase
Read full article: DA: 6ix9ine's bodyguards broke man's phone after wild chaseProsecutors say bodyguards for troubled rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine turned New York City into the Wild West last summer, piling into SUVs and chasing a man for 20 blocks with lights flashing after he attempted to record cellphone video of the recording star.
Lawsuit filed over hit-and-run death of Nicki Minaj's father
Read full article: Lawsuit filed over hit-and-run death of Nicki Minaj's fatherFILE - In this Monday, May 6, 2019, file photo, Nicki Minaj attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala in New York. Minajs mother has filed a $150 million lawsuit against the man who is accused of killing the rapper's father in a hit-and-run crash in February 2021. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)MINEOLA, N.Y. – Rapper Nicki Minaj’s mother, Carol Maraj, has filed a $150 million lawsuit against the man who is accused of killing Minaj’s father in a hit-and-run crash last month, an attorney for Maraj said. Ad“He was not only irresponsible and negligent, but more concerned about running away and hiding than seeking help,” Benjamin Crump, one of the attorneys representing Carol Maraj, said in an Instagram post Friday. Nicki Minaj, who was born Onika Tanya Maraj, has not made any public statement on her father's death.
Still divisive, Dr. Luke resurges at Grammys — as Tyson Trax
Read full article: Still divisive, Dr. Luke resurges at Grammys — as Tyson TraxDr. Luke appeared as Tyson Trax on the Grammy ballot for Doja Cat's Say So," which he produced and co-wrote. But not all of the academy members may have been aware they were voting for Dr. Luke when they completed their ballots this year. Ad“I didn’t know that Tyson Trax was Dr. Luke. AdTogether, Martin and Dr. Luke crafted hits for Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, Pink and Kesha, who he signed in 2005. Eventually Dr. Luke stepped into the forefront, helming successes for Miley Cyrus, Pitbull, Nicki Minaj and Flo Rida, logging 17 No.
Man arrested in hit-and-run death of Nicki Minaj's father
Read full article: Man arrested in hit-and-run death of Nicki Minaj's fatherThe 64-year-old father of rapper Nicki Minaj has died after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in New York, police said. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP, FIle)MINEOLA, N.Y. – A 70-year-old man arrested Wednesday in the hit-and-run death of rapper Nicki Minaj’s father stopped briefly to ask the injured man if he was OK but didn't call for help, police said. Charles Polevich faces charges of leaving the scene of an incident and tampering with physical evidence in connection with the death last week of 64-year-old Robert Maraj on New York's Long Island. In interviews, she said Robert Maraj suffered from drug addiction and was abusive toward her mother, once setting fire to their house with her inside. Robert Maraj called his daughter's claims “exaggerated.”
Police say Nicki Minaj's father killed by hit-and-run driver
Read full article: Police say Nicki Minaj's father killed by hit-and-run driverFILE - Nicki Minaj attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala in New York, in this Monday, May 6, 2019, file photo. The 64-year-old father of rapper Nicki Minaj has died after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in New York, police said. Maraj was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)MINEOA, N.Y. – The 64-year-old father of rapper Nicki Minaj has died after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in New York, police said. Minaj, 38, was born Onika Tanya Maraj in Trinidad and was raised in the New York City borough of Queens.
Ladies' night at Latin Grammys: Lafourcade, Rosalía win big
Read full article: Ladies' night at Latin Grammys: Lafourcade, Rosalía win bigKarol G performs for the 21st Latin Grammy Awards, airing on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020, at American Airlines Arena in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.
Ladies' night at Latin Grammys: Lafourcade, Rosalía win big
Read full article: Ladies' night at Latin Grammys: Lafourcade, Rosalía win big(AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)NEW YORK – A year after Rosalía made history by becoming the first solo female performer in 13 years to win the top prize at the Latin Grammys, Natalia Lafourcade followed in her footsteps with a big win at the 2020 show. The Mexican singer won album of the year — a category dominated by male acts — on Thursday night with “Un Canto Por México, Vol. Lafourcade didn't attend the Latin Grammys, which aired live on Univision and featured a number of performances, most of them pre-taped due to the coronavirus pandemic. Grammy, Emmy and Tony winner Lin-Manuel Miranda kicked off the Latin Grammys with a strong message about Latin music. Speaking in Spanish and English, he said Latin music “unites all of us and makes us human.”“This is our night,” he added.
J Balvin, Bad Bunny set for big night at Latin Grammys
Read full article: J Balvin, Bad Bunny set for big night at Latin GrammysThis combination photo shows Natalia Lafourcade, left, and Rosalia. A year after Rosalia made history by becoming the first solo female performer in 13 years to win the top prize at the Latin Grammys, Natalia Lafourcade followed in her footsteps with a big win at the 2020 show, taking home the album of the year honor on Nov. 19, 2020, for "Un Canto Por Mxico, Vol.
Ladies' night at Latin Grammys: Lafourcade, Rosalía win big
Read full article: Ladies' night at Latin Grammys: Lafourcade, Rosalía win big(AP Photo)NEW YORK – A year after Rosalía made history by becoming the first solo female performer in 13 years to win the top prize at the Latin Grammys, Natalia Lafourcade followed in her footsteps with a big win at the 2020 show. The Mexican singer won album of the year — a category dominated by male acts — on Thursday night with “Un Canto Por México, Vol. Lafourcade didn't attend the Latin Grammys, which aired live on Univision and featured a number of performances, most of them pre-taped due to the coronavirus pandemic. Grammy, Emmy and Tony winner Lin-Manuel Miranda kicked off the Latin Grammys with a strong message about Latin music. Speaking in Spanish and English, he said Latin music “unites all of us and makes us human.”“This is our night,” he added.
BTS, Lady Gaga win top awards at MTV Europe Music Awards
Read full article: BTS, Lady Gaga win top awards at MTV Europe Music AwardsFILE - Korean pop band BTS attends the 2019 Variety's Hitmakers Brunch in West Hollywood, Calif., on Dec. 7, 2019. The South Korean boy band BTS HAS won a leading four awards including best song for Dynamite and best group at the MTV Europe Music Awards Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020 while Lady Gaga took home the best artist prize. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)
BTS, Lady Gaga win top awards at MTV Europe Music Awards
Read full article: BTS, Lady Gaga win top awards at MTV Europe Music AwardsThe South Korean boy band BTS HAS won a leading four awards including best song for Dynamite and best group at the MTV Europe Music Awards Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020 while Lady Gaga took home the best artist prize. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)The South Korean pop group BTS won a leading four awards including best song for “Dynamite” and best group at the MTV Europe Music Awards Sunday night, while Lady Gaga took the best artist prize. Coldplay won best rock, Haley Williams got best alternative and Little Mix was named best pop. And the best Latin award went to Karol G, who also won best collaboration for “Tusa” featuring Nicki Minaj. David Guetta, who won best electronic, also performed at the show from a stage in Budapest.
Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine's kidnapper is sentenced to 24 years
Read full article: Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine's kidnapper is sentenced to 24 yearsNEW YORK – A man convicted in the kidnapping of rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine was sentenced to 24 years in prison Wednesday by a judge who cited his leadership role in a gang active nationwide. During a two-hour proceeding, the judge repeatedly cited the July 2018 kidnapping of Tekashi 6ix9ine and Ellison’s slashing of another man’s face that left him permanently disfigured. After his own arrest, Tekashi 6ix9ine — whose legal name is Daniel Hernandez — pleaded guilty and became a cooperator. He described the kidnapping, saying Ellison and another man forced him into a stolen car at gunpoint. In 2018, Tekashi 6ix9ine had a multiplatinum hit song, “Fefe,” with Nicki Minaj, which peaked at No.
Drake bests Aretha Franklin, Wonder to set Billboard record
Read full article: Drake bests Aretha Franklin, Wonder to set Billboard record1 hit on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart, Drake has bested a record previously held by icons Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. Drake's “Laugh Now Cry Later," featuring rapper Lil Durk, reached the No. Wonder and Franklin, who died in 2018, each have had 20 songs top the chart. 1 hits on the R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart, 12 include him in the leading role, including “God’s Plan,” “In My Feelings,” “Hotline Bling,” “Hold On, We’re Going Home” and “Best I Ever Had,” his first major hit released in 2009. Earlier this year, 34-year-old Drake made Billboard chart history when he set a new record for most songs on the Hot 100 chart — Billboard's main songs chart that includes all music genres.
Reggaeton redemption: Balvin, Bunny top Latin Grammy nods
Read full article: Reggaeton redemption: Balvin, Bunny top Latin Grammy nodsJ Balvin performs during the Coca-Cola Flow Reggaeton festival in Mexico City on Nov. 23, 2019, from left, Ozuna performs at the Latin American Music Awards in Los Angeles on Oct. 17, 2019 and Bad Bunny performs a medley at the Billboard Latin Music Awards in Las Vegas on April 25, 2019. Balvin scored a whopping 13 nominations at the 2020 Latin Grammys, including two nominations for album of the year and two for record of the year. The Latin Academy announced Tuesday that Bad Bunny and Ozuna are behind Balvin with nine and eight nominations, respectively.
Reggaeton redemption: Balvin, Bunny top Latin Grammy nods
Read full article: Reggaeton redemption: Balvin, Bunny top Latin Grammy nodsBalvin scored a whopping 13 nominations at the 2020 Latin Grammys, including two nominations for album of the year and two for record of the year. The Latin Academy announced Tuesday that Bad Bunny and Ozuna are behind Balvin with nine and eight nominations, respectively. (AP Photo)NEW YORK – At last year’s Latin Grammy Awards, popular reggaeton and Latin trap musicians such as J Balvin, Bad Bunny and Ozuna were dismissed in the show’s top categories. The Latin Academy announced Tuesday that Bad Bunny and Ozuna are behind Balvin with nine and eight nominations, respectively. Ozuna and Bad Bunny will also compete with themselves in several categories.
End of the runway? Fashion world mulls post-COVID future
Read full article: End of the runway? Fashion world mulls post-COVID futureFashion designer Gareth Pugh poses for a photograph in front of his creations, exhibited ahead of his London Fashion Week show in London, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020. This is no typical year, though, and London Fashion Week is decidedly less glamorous. “This is not a full-blown fashion week - it’s not mass audiences. It’s very much happening in private and the scales have tipped in favor of digital,” said Caroline Rush, chief executive of the British Fashion Council, which organizes London Fashion Week. Even before the virus outbreak, brands had been experimenting with technology to get to broader audiences by streaming shows online.
Nicki Minaj announces she's pregnant with 1st child
Read full article: Nicki Minaj announces she's pregnant with 1st childNEW YORK Nicki Minaj has a new release coming soon: her first child. The rapper took to Instagram on Monday to announce she is pregnant, posting photos of herself with a baby bump. Musically, Minaj has also had a winning year, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart twice. Her remix of Doja Cat's Say So" helped Minaj achieve her first-ever No. 1 on the Hot 100, despite releasing multiple hits throughout her career.
Megan Thee Stallion says she was shot, expects to recover
Read full article: Megan Thee Stallion says she was shot, expects to recoverFILE - In this Aug. 26, 2019 file photo, Megan Thee Stallion arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards in Newark, N.J.. The rapper says she was shot multiple times, but expects to fully recover. The 25-year-old said in an Instagram post Wednesday that she had gunshot wounds from a crime committed against her Sunday with the intent to harm her and feels lucky to be alive. She did not say who shot her or why, and Los Angeles police had no immediate comment. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File)
Megan Thee Stallion says she was shot, expects to recover
Read full article: Megan Thee Stallion says she was shot, expects to recoverFILE - In this Aug. 26, 2019 file photo, Megan Thee Stallion arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards in Newark, N.J.. The rapper says she was shot multiple times, but expects to fully recover. The 25-year-old said in an Instagram post Wednesday that she had gunshot wounds from a crime committed against her Sunday with the intent to harm her and feels lucky to be alive. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File)LOS ANGELES Rapper Megan Thee Stallion said Wednesday that she was shot multiple times on Sunday, but expects to fully recover. Lee said the Instagram post has been pointed out to the detectives in the case, who are looking into it.
Police: Pop Smoke's social media led killers to LA home
Read full article: Police: Pop Smoke's social media led killers to LA homeThis aerial photo taken from video provided by Fox11 News KTTV-TV shows the Hollywood Hills home, center, where Pop Smoke, 20, was shot and killed early Feb. 19, 2020, in Los Angeles. Authorities say three men and two juveniles have been arrested in connection with the home-invasion death of the rising rapper. (Fox11 News KTTV-TV via AP)
Police: 5 arrested in Los Angeles death of rapper Pop Smoke
Read full article: Police: 5 arrested in Los Angeles death of rapper Pop SmokeLOS ANGELES Three men and two juveniles have been arrested in connection with the February home-invasion death of rising rapper Pop Smoke in Los Angeles, police said Thursday. The 20-year-old New York, rapper whose legal name is Bashar Barakah Jackson was killed Feb. 19 at a home in the Hollywood Hills. A 911 call from a friend of someone in the house reported armed intruders inside the home, police previously said. Authorities did not initially believe the rapper's death was related to a robbery. Earlier this year, he released the album Meet the Woo 2, which debuted at No.
Nicki Minaj made up story about collaborating with Adele
Read full article: Nicki Minaj made up story about collaborating with Adele(CNN) - Nicki Minaj has some imagination. After saying she was collaborating on a song and a video with Adele, it turns out she made the whole thing up. The "Monster" rapper told Entertainment Tonight on Tuesday that she was working with Adele on a song, adding that she was super excited about the two hooking up. "Adele made me swear to secrecy that I'm not allowed to tell anyone that I'm working with her," Minaj said. "Omg guys," Minaj tweeted Wednesday with laughing emojis, "I thought everyone could clearly see I was being sarcastic."
Nicki Minaj, Adele collaborating on song
Read full article: Nicki Minaj, Adele collaborating on song(CNN) - Nicki Minaj has revealed she and Adele have teamed up on a song. "Yes and yes, yes and yes, wooo hoo!" Minaj told "Entertainment Tonight" when asked if she and Adele were working on anything or considering collaborating in the near future. "But Adele made me swear to secrecy that I'm not allowed to tell anyone that I'm working with her. Minaj didn't share any more information about the song or video, but the collaboration could be part of Adele's upcoming album.
BTS says decision to hold concert in Saudi Arabia wasn't easy
Read full article: BTS says decision to hold concert in Saudi Arabia wasn't easyIn July, BTS attracted criticism after they announced an Oct. 11 show in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia, same-sex sexual activity is illegal, public spaces are mostly segregated by gender and women's rights remain restricted. Why is Saudi Arabia inviting international pop stars? This year, Mariah Carey held her own concert in Saudi Arabia, despite backlash from women's rights activists. Last week, Saudi Arabia announced a new scheme that allows 49 different countries to get a visa on arrival.
Nicki Minaj announces retirement to 'have my family'
Read full article: Nicki Minaj announces retirement to 'have my family'Nicki Minaj performs onstage at the 2018 BET Awards. She was nominated for Best Female Hip Hop Artist, but lost to Cardi B.BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - Forget "Pink Friday." It looks to be a blue Thursday for Nicki Minaj fans. The rapper and singer has Tweeted that she's chosen to retire and "have my family." Minaj recently told listeners of her "Queen Radio" show that she and boyfriend Kenneth Perry had applied for a marriage license and would be wed in "about 80 days."
Nicki Minaj says she's retiring to have a family
Read full article: Nicki Minaj says she's retiring to have a familyGettyDETROIT - Rapper Nicki Minaj announced on Twitter that she's decided to retire and work on having a family. It was not immediately clear if this meant Minaj was retiring from music, or all of her endeavors. "I've decided to retire & have my family. I've decided to retire & have my family. To my fans, keep reppin me, do it til da death of me, in the box- cuz ain't nobody checkin me.
Saudi Arabian women allowed to hold passports, travel independently
Read full article: Saudi Arabian women allowed to hold passports, travel independentlyGetty ImagesRIYADH, Saudi Arabia - Women in Saudi Arabia will finally be allowed to hold passports and travel abroad without the consent of a male guardian, a policy shift that marks a significant loosening of the Kingdom's notorious restrictions on women. The new amendment was approved on Thursday by the Saudi Cabinet, and will allow all Saudi women to apply for passports "like all citizens" and for women aged 21 and above to travel independently, according to a statement from the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Information. Some of these reforms are part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's plan to modernize Saudi Arabia and relax the conservative social code. Saudi Arabia follows a strict form of Wahhabi Islam that bans the mixing of sexes at public events, with gendered rules enforced by religious police. The fight for Saudi women's rights has even penetrated the entertainment industry -- in July, rapper Nicki Minaj backed out of a concert in Saudi Arabia after pressure from fans and human rights organizations.
Nicki Minaj cancels concert at Saudi Arabian music festival
Read full article: Nicki Minaj cancels concert at Saudi Arabian music festival(CNN) - The Human Rights Foundation is applauding Nicki Minaj's decision to back out of a concert in Saudi Arabia. Minaj was scheduled to headline the Jeddah World Fest, a music and performance festival, on July 18. Saudi Arabia is a conservative kingdom where people in some public places are segregated by gender and same-sex relationships are criminalized. "Saudi Arabia I see some of your comments & I want to respond directly to my fans," the photo reads, "Voice your opinions here." "After careful reflection I have decided to no longer move forward with my scheduled concert at Jeddah World Fest," she said.