New Music Friday: Bruno Mars, A$AP Rocky, Jill Scott & More
- The weekend is here, which means more streaming, new playlists and the best that music has to offer -- and ET has you covered for everything in between.
- iHeartMedia and FOX Entertainment have announced the nominees for the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards airing live from Dolby Theater in los Angeles on March 26.
- Bruno Mars has announced his first solo album in a decade since 24K Magic with his long-awaited fourth album, the Romantic, arriving on February 27.
Happy New Music Friday! The weekend is here, which means more streaming, new playlists and the best that music has to offer — and ET has you covered for everything in between.
iHeartMedia and FOX Entertainment have announced the nominees for the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards airing live from Dolby Theater in los Angeles on March 26. The event will also be heard on iHeartRadio stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app. The 13th annual iHeartRadio Music Awards will celebrate the most played artists and songs on iHeartRadio stations and the iHeartRadio app throughout 2025.this year’s top nominees are Taylor Swift with 9 nominations, Alex Warren with 8, Sabrina Carpenter with 8 and Bad bunny with 8. Other top nominees include Benson Boone, Doechii, Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Leon Thomas, Morgan Wallen, Myles Smith, Shaboozey and more.
Bruno Mars has announced his first solo album in a decade since 24K Magic with his long-awaited fourth album, the Romantic, arriving on February 27. The first single “I Just Might” is out now and Bruno co-directed the music video. Bruno also announced The Romantic Tour, his first global headline tour in nearly a decade. The tour will launch on April 10 and span nearly 40 shows across North america, Europe, and the UK, Joining Bruno across all dates is his Silk Sonic collaborator Anderson .Paak as DJ Pee .Wee and additional support will be provided by Victoria Monét, RAYE, and Leon Thomas.
BTS have announced their return with their fifth full-length album set for release on March 20. Alongside the album, thay will embark on a long-awaited world tour in support of the album. The new album will reflect the culmination of their journey to date and will consist of 14 tracks. Details of their world tour will be announced on January 14. Ahead of the declaration, BTS sent heartfelt, handwritten letters to ARMY worldwide and expressed gratitude to those who have stood by the band over the years.
Jason Aldean released three new tracks from his upcoming album, Songs About Us, including his first ever duet with his wife Brittany Aldean. “Easier Gone” featuring Brittany, “Her Favorite Color” and “What’s A Little Heartache” are available now.
Willa Ford has announced her first new album in over two decades, amanda, out March 6. She shared the first single “Love4Life” out now. the song is a euphoric ode to her husband, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Ryan Nece.
Plus, new music from A$AP Rocky, Jill Scott, The kid LAROI, Luke Combs, Jason Aldean, Alexander James McLean, Willa Ford, Zach Bryan a
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The conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support forces (RSF) continues as of January 13, 2026, with ongoing fighting, a severe humanitarian crisis, and stalled peace negotiations. While no major territorial shifts have been reported in the last month, the situation remains volatile and characterized by localized clashes and widespread displacement.
The Conflict: Overview
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The conflict in Sudan erupted on April 15, 2023, stemming from tensions between the SAF, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by general Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), over the integration of the RSF into the Sudanese army and the future direction of Sudan’s political transition.
The fighting initially centered in Khartoum and Darfur, but has since spread to other regions. The conflict has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and facing food insecurity.
Example: The International Crisis Group reported in December 2025 that the conflict had created the world’s largest displacement crisis,with over 8 million peopel internally displaced and refugees fleeing to neighboring countries.International Crisis Group – sudan
Current Military Situation (as of January 13, 2026)
The military situation remains largely stalemated, with neither the SAF nor the RSF gaining significant ground in recent weeks.
Fighting continues in Khartoum, especially in the south of the city, as well as in Darfur, where the RSF maintains a strong presence. The SAF has focused on defending key infrastructure and attempting to regain control of areas captured by the RSF.The RSF continues to target SAF supply lines and military bases.
Evidence: A report by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) on January 10, 2026, indicated a slight increase in clashes in Khartoum and North Darfur compared to the previous month, but no major changes in territorial control. ACLED – Sudan Conflict Updates
Key Military Entities
- Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF): The national army of Sudan, led by General Abdel Fattah al-burhan. Sudanese Embassy in Washington D.C.
- Rapid Support Forces (RSF): A paramilitary group formerly known as the Janjaweed militia, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti). U.S. Department of State – Sudan
Humanitarian Crisis
The humanitarian situation in Sudan is dire, with millions facing starvation, disease, and displacement.
Access to essential services, including healthcare and clean water, is severely limited. International aid organizations are struggling to reach those in need due to ongoing fighting and bureaucratic obstacles. The United Nations estimates that over 20 million people – more than 40% of the population – require humanitarian assistance.
Example: The world Food Program (WFP) reported on January 8,2026,that it had only been able to reach approximately 30% of the people in need of food assistance in conflict-affected areas. World Food Programme – Sudan
- World Food Programme (WFP): Providing food assistance. WFP Sudan
- UNICEF: Focusing on the needs of children. UNICEF Sudan
- International Committee of the Red cross (ICRC): Providing humanitarian assistance and protection. ICRC Sudan
Peace Negotiations
Multiple attempts to mediate a ceasefire and negotiate a political settlement have failed to yield lasting results.
The African Union, IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development), and the United States have all been involved in mediation efforts. However, both the SAF and the RSF have shown limited willingness to compromise. The latest round of talks, held in Jeddah in December 2025, collapsed without a breakthrough.
Evidence: A statement released by the U.S. State Department on December 22,2025,expressed disappointment over the failure of the Jeddah talks and called on both sides to