This Week In Entertainment News 8 May 2026
A weekly round-up of music and entertainment news from Australia and around the world, plus new releases and tour updates.
ARN Media has revealed the cost of axing Kyle and Jackie-O from the network, totalling $26 million in lost advertising revenue. Shareholders are taking executives to account, with 90 per cent voting against its executive pay report at the annual general meeting. ARN’s share price has fallen 52 percent over the past 12 months, with revenue down 10 per cent (about $32 million) on the previous year.
‘80s superstar Bonnie Tyler is reportedly in an induced coma after being rushed to hospital in Portugal. The ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ singer underwent emergency surgery for a perforated intestine last week. A spokesperson for Tyler released the following statement: “We are very sorry to announce that Bonnie has been admitted to hospital in Faro, Portugal, where she has a home, for emergency intestinal surgery. The surgery went well and she is now recuperating. We know that all of her family, friends, and fans will be concerned about this news and will be wishing her well for a full and swift recovery.”
The ongoing legal dispute between Dimebag Darrell’s estate and Dean Guitars owner Armadillo Distribution Enterprises has taken a turn, with a federal court granting a summary judgement in favor of the defendant. In 2021, the late Pantera guitar great’s estate sued Dean Guitars, citing unlawful use of the Stealth and Razorback guitar body shapes, and “unauthorized fraudulent trademark registrations” for the two. In a new ruling, a federal court has issued in favour of Armadillo, granting a summary judgement that dismisses “the majority” of the Dimebag estate’s trademark, fraud, and breach of contract claims.
Universal Music Group is pushing back against Salt-N-Pepa’s attempt to reclaim ownership of their master recordings, telling a federal appeals court that the duo’s lawsuit has “foundational deficiency.” The hip-hop duo sued UMG in May 2025, alleging the music company prevented them from reclaiming ownership of their master recordings, in breach of US copyright laws. The lawsuit was dismissed in January, with Judge Denise Cote of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York ruling that the artists never owned the copyrights to their sound recordings and therefore cannot reclaim them.
Pop princess Britney Spears has been spared jail time after pleading guilty to reckless driving and driving under the influence charges. Spears was not required to attend and entered the plea through her lawyer. She will be required to attend DUI classes and pay state-mandated fines.
One time global sensation Pussycat Dolls have cancelled their much hyped US reunion tour due to dismal ticket sales just weeks out from starting. Three of the six original members of the group – lead singer Nicole Scherzinger, plus Ashley Roberts and Kimberly Wyatt – recently reunited to release the first new Pussycat Dolls track in six years, ‘Club Song’, and announce a 53-date arena tour encompassing the US, Canada, the UK and Europe. It’s likely fans of PCD aren’t willing to fork out to see half a reunion.
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Punk pioneers Public Image Ltd (PiL) are returning to Australia in 2027 for their first tour here since 2013. The ‘This Is Not… The Final PiL Tour’ starts in Brisbane on 22 January and hits Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth. PiL was formed by John Lydon in 1978 after The Sex Pistols disbanded and released their most recent album ‘End of World’ in 2023.
Strummingbird Festival has dropped its 2026 line-up, fronted by Post Malone in the headliner slot. He’ll be joined by joined by Bailey Zimmerman, Cooper Alan, Stella Lefty, Dexter & the Moonrocks, Brad Cox, Max Jackson, Sara Berki, and more. Strummingbird Festival debuted last year to great success and will return to New South Wales and Queensland as well as Victoria for the first time later this year.
Aussie roots fans are in for the ultimate triple treat when Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, and John Butler unite for the ‘SURFILMUSIC’. The outdoor festival comes to Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne in November.
Since making his debut in 2021, Mr Elusive has stayed consistent when it comes to producing music that pushes him creatively, while also continuing to grow his presence as a fresh voice to pay keen attention to. Hailing from the Central Coast, the hip hop artist has counted artists like Juice WRLD and XXXtenacion as influences, while his own sound has threaded a genre-bending ambition together with sharp lyricism and performance charisma. Returning with his first piece of new music for the year, Mr Elusive shares ‘Medicinal Liquor’. A personal track that sees the artist pull from tough life experiences, the latest single from Mr Elusive is an engaging offering.
