artists

Artists' control over their own work is once again under scrutiny as artificial intelligence enters the picture. A new analysis draws a line from early 20th-century blues singer Ma Rainey, who fought exploitative recording contracts, to today's musicians and creators confronting AI systems trained on their work without consent or compensation. The comparison frames AI as the latest chapter in a century-long struggle between artists and the industries that profit from their labor.

The MTV Video Music Awards have concluded, and a full list of winners in every category is circulating widely. Taylor Swift and Madonna are among the artists featured in the coverage of the night's honors. The rundown of victors is drawing attention as fans and media recap the ceremony's biggest moments and surprises.

Discussion is mounting over whether the MTV Video Music Awards still matter as the 2026 edition approaches. Commentators are questioning whether the long-running ceremony can compete with streaming, viral social media moments and artist-led releases for cultural attention. Some argue the VMAs remain a key showcase for spectacle and star power, while others say their influence has steadily faded.

The MTV Video Music Awards handed out their 2026 prizes, with Madonna taking Artist of the Year and Taylor Swift winning Video of the Year. Sienna Spiro was named Best New Artist, capping a breakout run. The full winners list is drawing attention as fans react to Madonna's return to the top of a major awards show and Swift's latest Video of the Year honour.

Dolly Parton took part in a memorial segment at the MTV Video Music Awards honoring music figures who died, alongside other late stars remembered during the ceremony. Such tributes are a tradition at the awards show, giving the industry and fans a moment to reflect on artists lost over the past year.

A compilation album titled Contra ICE Vol. 1 has been released to raise money for immigrants rights organizations, according to NPR. The project reportedly features artists including Kathleen Hanna and Adrian Quesada and is framed as a musical response to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement practices. It is drawing attention amid ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement.

Universal Music Group has appointed Òscar Celma as Senior Vice President of Applied AI and Machine Learning. The announcement, made via press release, signals the music company's continued investment in artificial intelligence across its operations, from artist tools to content recommendation and rights management. The news is drawing attention as major labels navigate AI's growing role in music creation and distribution.

A newly released compilation album taking a stance against ICE has been put out with proceeds going to organizations that defend immigrants rights. The project brings together artists opposed to US immigration enforcement, and NPR reports on its launch. It arrives amid ongoing national debate over immigration raids and enforcement policy, with musicians continuing to use benefit releases to fund legal aid and advocacy work.

The Art of Banksy, the touring exhibition of works attributed to the anonymous British street artist, has returned to Atlanta. As Atlanta Magazine notes in its review, the show continues without the artist's approval, as it has throughout its run. The unauthorized status remains a point of discussion around the exhibition, alongside questions about how the unapproved display affects the experience of Banksy's work.

A Los Angeles museum is presenting how Soviet-era dissidents circumvented strict state censorship by expressing dissent through art. Works made under tight political control show how coded imagery, unofficial exhibitions and underground networks allowed artists to critique the regime. The exhibition highlights creativity as a tool of resistance, drawing attention to a chapter of cultural history often overlooked in accounts of Soviet dissent.

British celebrities have won their lobbying campaign against AI companies seeking free use of creative work, and are now cautioning Australia against adopting similar exemptions. Their intervention signals that artists' pressure can shape government policy on AI and copyright, with the UK debate serving as a warning for other countries weighing tech-friendly rules that would let firms train models on creative work without payment.

The Guardian has published the full list of winners from the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, detailing which artists took home trophies at this year's ceremony. The rundown covers the main categories and honours from the annual music awards event, giving readers a complete overview of the night's results.

Reports are circulating a headline claiming a winner has emerged for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards. The evidence collected offers no further detail on which artist, video or category is involved, so the substance of the claim cannot be verified from the available information.

The full list of winners from the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards has been published by Rolling Stone Australia, revealing which artists took home the night's top prizes. The rundown gives music fans a complete overview of the honours handed out at this year's ceremony.

A longtime film industry concept artist, who spent his career helping directors visualise their movies, has now directed a film of his own using artificial intelligence tools. The story highlights how generative AI is opening directing opportunities to behind-the-scenes artists, while also raising questions about the technology's growing role in filmmaking.

SM Entertainment has announced it is pursuing legal action against malicious posts targeting Winter, a member of the K-pop group aespa. The agency said it would take firm measures against those spreading defamatory content about its artist, continuing its broader crackdown on online harassment of its performers.

Dolly Parton's last vocal recording will appear on U2's new album, reportedly titled 'Carnaval de Luz'. The news, picked up by ABC News, has drawn attention from fans of both artists as it suggests the country legend's final studio work will be a collaboration with the Irish rock band. Details about the song, its recording, and the album's release date have not yet been confirmed.

News outlets are publishing roundups of the full list of winners from the MTV Video Music Awards, covering every category from the top prizes to the technical honors. Readers are checking the lists to see which artists took home Moon Person trophies and how their favorites fared on music's big night.

The New York Times reports on ticket prices for Harry Styles' shows at Madison Square Garden, detailing what fans actually paid to attend. The article examines affordability, a recurring concern in live music as ticket costs for major artists keep rising. Fans and industry watchers are sharing and discussing the reported price figures.