World Cup Music Spectacle: FIFA is turning the 2026 final into a pop-culture event: a Super Bowl-style halftime show is set to run far longer than the usual break, with Coldplay’s Chris Martin curating a star lineup that includes BTS, Shakira, Madonna, Burna Boy, Justin Bieber, plus PS22 Chorus and Sesame Street/Muppets, alongside a pre-match closing ceremony featuring Post Malone, Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger. FIFA Rules Backlash: FIFA has reportedly sought a one-off IFAB exception to extend halftime beyond the 15-minute limit, sparking debate among fans and purists. Apple Music Price Hike: Apple Music raised subscription prices in the US and parts of Europe, citing rising licensing costs (US Individual to $11.99, Family to $19.99, Student to $6.99). New Music Friday: Gracie Abrams leads with Daughter From Hell, while this week also brings releases from Buju Banton, Rick Ross, Steve Lacy & Syd, and Mariah Carey’s Daydream 30th anniversary edition. K-pop Spotlight: BTS released the “Normal” video on Spotify ahead of a wider rollout, with the group in post-party downtime during their Arirang tour stop in Paris. Local Culture & Live Music: Inkcarceration kicked off with smoky skies from Canadian wildfires, delaying sets slightly but keeping the festival moving.