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Artist Spotlight

Chris Rock Reveals Why He’s Open to Hosting the Oscars Again Despite ‘The Slap’

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Chris Rock is showing once again that he is a truly resilient entertainer. The famous comedian has expressed his openness to hosting the Academy Awards again, despite the shocking incident where Will Smith slapped him live on stage during his last time as host. In a heartfelt conversation with E! News at the Vanity Fair Oscars party, Rock shared his thoughts on moving forward, forgiveness, and personal growth. When asked about the chance of returning to the Oscars, Rock said, “You never know.” He offered wise advice, saying, “The most miserable people are those who can’t forgive.

And it’s important to forgive yourself too.” His comments carry a lot of weight, especially considering the emotional aftermath of the infamous slap. For those who might not remember, at the 2022 Oscars, Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s hair loss due to a medical condition called alopecia. This upset Will Smith, who then went up on stage and slapped Rock, creating a shocking moment many will never forget. Afterward, Smith apologized publicly, saying his behavior was “unacceptable and inexcusable.” He also resigned from the Academy, admitting that he let his emotions take over.

While everyone was busy talking about the incident, Rock chose to take a positive approach. He initially stayed quiet and responded with humor, showing an open heart. “I live in forgiveness,” Rock stated. “True love starts with forgiveness.” His words reflect his healing and send a strong message to anyone struggling to get past tough experiences. Although the Academy hasn’t officially invited him back to host, Rock’s willingness to return demonstrates that he doesn’t dwell on the past. He focuses on personal growth, redemption, and, of course, entertaining the audience. Chris Rock’s ability to turn painful experiences into valuable lessons makes him remarkable.

Artist Spotlight

Lexi Berg stirs a soulful splash of intimacy with her recent single, “In So Deep”

Lexi Berg

A rare phenomenon exists within the music industry wherein a composition manifests as genuinely enchanting. Lexi Berg, originating from Stockholm and influenced by her distinctive upbringing on a houseboat, delivers an exemplary representation of such craftsmanship through her latest single, “In So Deep.” This Swedish-American singer-songwriter is noted for her hauntingly raspy vocal quality and her capacity for intricate poetic storytelling. Lexi envelops her audience in a cinematic experience, wherein the act of falling in love resembles a leap from an emotional precipice, infused with an atmosphere of warm sincerity, reminiscing about someone who once made you feel alive.

Co-written and produced by the accomplished Jim Eliot, a veteran producer with an impressive portfolio and collaborations with renowned artists such as Ellie Goulding and Kylie Minogue, “In So Deep” was meticulously crafted in the tranquil hills of Wales. The composition captures a sense of airy tranquility, blending sun-drenched sonic nostalgia from the classic 70s piano with heartfelt folk influences and the irresistible shimmer of Swedish pop. This results in a sonorous palette that envelops listeners in a comforting embrace.

Lexi Berg’s lyrics create vivid imagery, portraying scenarios that include hands submerged beneath water, laughter echoing through canyon walls, and hearts racing with each fleeting glance. These intimate vignettes embody the essence of daydreaming, further enriched by her raw, rich vocals, which glide seamlessly over luminous piano melodies complemented by subtle Americana nuances. It evokes the joy inherent in sharing moments with another individual.

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The track’s distinctive nature lies in celebrating the little things, which carry her free-spirited roots in authenticity. The verses convey a gentle, confessional tone, while the chorus unleashes a dynamic catharsis that promotes audience engagement, particularly in open-air settings.

In a music landscape increasingly characterized by cacophony and overwhelming stimuli, “In So Deep” provides an elegant respite. It enables listeners to escape into a realm of love and ephemeral, golden moments infused with genuine emotion, articulating a connection that resonates on a profound level.

 
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Lexi Berg’s In So Deep on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Lexi Berg | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |

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Artist Spotlight

Who’s Making the Most Money on Spotify in 2025?

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In 2025, Spotify conquers the music streaming world, with 500+ million monthly paying subscribers globally. Considering the platform paid out $10 billion in royalties, a record high, during 2024, it’s evident that streaming is now a revenue stream for artists. Yet only a few musicians are making good money from it.

At the top of the list is Drake, whose 21.5 billion streams yield around $52.5 million. Next up is J Balvin, with $37.9 million this year, a clean-up job from his massive streaming numbers. Other artists who earned significant amounts included Post Malone, Ariana Grande, and Bad Bunny, each featured among the platform’s top earners.

In electronic music, the Chainsmokers had 7.2 billion streams and made $17.7 million, and Calvin Harris made $14 million. The first-place finisher among the grossers is Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” which earned $6.6 million from 2.7 billion streams.

Although these numbers are impressive, most artists on Spotify receive a much lower payday. In its 2024 Loud & Clear report, Spotify found that only 4.4% of artists make at least $131,000 annually. On average, an artist in the bottom 98.6% of earners makes just $12 monthly. This difference underscores the difficulties many musicians face in the streaming age.

Dead artists are still having a real impact on Spotify. Pop Smoke, Shoot for the Stars, and Aim for the Moon have 8.51 billion streams, £29.29m, 6.79 billion streams, and £23.37 million in earnings with Juice WRLD’s “Legends Never Die.” Lil Peep and The Notorious B.I.G. are also proving influential, with their music still raking in significant amounts of money.

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Spotify’s global platform has allowed artists to perform in front of audiences beyond their home countries. In 2024, most artists who earned at least $1,000 in royalties made most of their revenue through international listeners, at over 50%. Since 2017, the number of female artists grossing over $1 million per year has quadrupled, signaling greater diversity and representation in the music industry.

The few artists who do make millions from Spotify streams get 1 %, while the 1% of artists get funds. Only a handful of artists are financially rewarded through it, even as the platform’s continued global reach and growing diversity create opportunities for emergent practitioners.

Let me know what you thought of this post in the comments if you found this article interesting!

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