Read these and other major music stories of the week here.
Canadian Music Biz Headlines
Watson was presented the honour by Montreal mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada during an intimate ceremony a day prior to his free show at the festival on July 3. – Stefano Rebuli, Billboard Canada
Governor General Louise Arbour recently announced 61 new appointments to the Order, including other notables from the arts including Michael J. Fox. – Kerry Doole, Billboard Canada
Rogers Stadium has Fixed Many of its Biggest Problems. But one Major Issue Remains
As the controversial venue enters a month-long July pause, we assess what’s working, the growing pains, and the ongoing debate over sound. – David Friend, Toronto Star
Halifax Community Rallies Behind Jah’Mila Ahead of International Orchestral Debut in England
Halifax singer-songwriter Jah’Mila takes the stage in England this month, carrying both her Jamaican heritage and the support of a Nova Scotia community that has helped shape her career. – Warren D’Silva, The Coast
A Course Focusing On Drake Is Coming to Montreal’s Concordia University This Fall
Drake, Nelly Furtado & More Canadians Show Support During Portugal-Croatia World Cup Game in Toronto
At the July 2 contest, a slew of homegrown stars turned up to watch the final match held at Toronto Stadium. – Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
Rush Jump To Aid Victims of Venezuelan Earthquakes With Special Edition Starman Shirt
The action comes after two massive earthquakes hit the country on June 24. –Gil Kaufman, Billboard
pHoenix Pagliacci, Tanika Charles and More Named 2026 Black Canadian Music Awards Winners
SOCAN Foundation and SiriusXM Canada will present each winner with $10,000 to advance their career, with an additional five “artists to watch” also receiving a $1,000 cash prize. – Stefano Rebuli, Billboard Canada
Antidiva: The Carole Pope Confessions: Doc on Queer Canuck Icon Brings the Props
In director Mama’s view, Pope brought gay and lesbian experience to the airwaves and living rooms of Canadians, alerting an entire cohort of budding musicians, filmmakers and artists that their stories could exist in the mainstream. And they could cross over and be successful.– Kim Hughes, Original Cin
We Tried It: 54-40 Made a Beer That’s Like the Band Itself — Excellent and Understated
The beer that the band collaborated with two local breweries on is understated, different, and deeply satisfying. Ocean Pearl West Coast Lager, is a three-way creation between the band and Delta breweries Four Winds and Barnside Brewing. – Nathan Caddell, Georgia Straight
Steve’s Music Store Closes Its Last Physical Location in Montreal
Earlier this year, the beloved music shop shut down most of its physical stores across Canada. Now, it will shift to an online-only model.– Heather Taylor-Singh, Billboard Canada
Inside Toronto’s Thriving Black-led Party Scene, where Music, Culture and Community Come Together
From R&B slow jams to the infectious rhythms of Afrobeats, the sounds of these 8 events represent what makes Toronto so special. – Toronto Star
International Music Biz Headlines
Paul McCartney Revives Beatles Classic at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Wedding
Stevie Nicks also performed during the MSG ceremony. – Mitchell Peters, Billboard
Stevie Nicks Performs at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Wedding at Madison Square Garden
The pop superstar and NFL player tied the knot in NYC on July 3. . – Mitchell Peters, Billboard
“Thank you for making our mission a part of your love story,” wrote New York Cares. – Hannah Dailey, Billboard
Justin Bieber Joins BTS, Shakira & Madonna as Co-Headliner of FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show
The tournament “brings the world together in a way nothing else can,” the pop star said in a statement. – Hannah Dailey, Billboard
As the U.S. Turns 250, Even the Music Gatherings are Partisan: Opinion
Thus far, the Trump-backed Great American State Fair, a 16-day event between June 25 and July 10, has been a demoralizing fiasco. Funk and soul group the Commodores, country singer Martina McBride and others pulled out early on because of the event’s political affiliations. – Brad Wheeler, Globe & Mail
Harry Styles Makes Emotional One Direction Tribute at Final Wembley Show
“I am ready to perform for all the wonderful men on this Atlantis cruise, who deserve so much better than this,” the Broadway star wrote on social media.– People
The England team progressed to the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a thrilling 3-2 win over Mexico on Sunday night. – Thomas Smith, Billboard
Fans in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Miami, Santa Cruz, Phoenix, Toronto and Denver will have a chance to hear the singer’s upcoming seventh album first. – Gil Kaufman, Billboard