The 5 biggest music news stories of this week

From Ariana’s return to live duty to Cardi B’s iconic court appearance, this is what The FADER editors are talking about.

See you in the pit

Get ready to part with your hard-earned cash because everyone is going on tour. Well, Playboi Carti, Halsey, and Ariana Grande, to be precise. Carti is touring his new album MUSIC, while Halsey is revisiting 2015 as she celebrates a decade of Badlands. Grande, meanwhile, will make her long-awaited return to the stage in 2026 with her Eternal Sunshine tour. Be sure to check out The FADER’s guide to the most exciting upcoming 2025 tours, too

Cardi B turns the stand into a stage

Cardi B offered a reminder that her charisma is on another level this week when she turned a court appearance related to an alleged violent incident into a viral moment. Despite the serious circumstances her testimony soon become primetime viewing as several of her soundbites went crazy on social media. Her responses, candid, succinct, and full of personality, prove once again why she’s a world famous celebrity and entertainer.

Stove is the now most anticipated release of 2026

Lana Del Rey spoke to W Magazine this week and gave an update on her oft-delayed new country album. The project formerly known as Lasso and then The Right Person Will Stay is (at least for now) called Stove and is expected to drop in the new year. Lana has shared two singles in 2025, “Henry, come on” and “Bluebird,” and a snippet of an unreleased track that contains some shots at Ethel Cain.

An update from Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X spoke out for the first time after pleading not guilty to four felonies following his arrest on August 21. In a video posted to his Instagram story, the rapper reassured fans. “Your girl is going to be okay y’all,” he said. “Shit, that was f-cking terrifying…That was a terrifying last four days, but your girl is going to be alright.”

Ssense files for bankruptcy

SSENSE, the online designer retailer, has filed for bankruptcy protection. By filing under the act first, the brand said they would be able to “protect the company, keep control of our assets and operations, and fight for the future of the company.” That final sale is going to be like the Hunger Games for hypebeasts.