Music News

Random music news for Tuesday, January 13, 2026

More bad juju for 2026. Remember the movie 12 Monkeys? Well, we’ve got 7 Monkeys now. Moving to music news for January 13, 2026.

  1. “Owning your music is now the only defence against AI-infested playlists.” Discuss.
  2. Trump: No pardon for Diddy.
  3. Record mogul Russell Simmons wants US$100 million from HBO for defamation stemming from 2020 documentary.
  4. Could X be banned in the UK? Maybe. That would be a shame, huh?
  5. There are calls for a crackdown on “predatory ticket resales” in the EU.
  6. Is Ozzy haunting his family?
  7. Sir Lucian Grange, the head of Universal Music Group, delivered his annual message. Naturally, he talked about what the label wants to do with AI.
  8. “What can radio fix in 2026?” Discuss.
  9. Spotify just released this study into the habits of music superfans.
  10. This is fun and a little bit sad, too: The rise and fall of 120 Minutes and Headbanger’s Ball on MTV. (Via Rick J)
  11. Elon Musk’s Grok is evil–or at least being used for evil purposes.
  12. I LOVE this! Rhianna cast Elon Musk’s trans daughter for a new lingerie campaign.
  13. The headliners for the Winter Olympics ceremonies are Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli.
  14. *Sigh* The news of Bowie’s death still hurts.

More music news? Go here.

BONUS: Dominic Fike covered the theme from South Park.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 42513 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross