Pop Base: Tributes Pour in For Liam Payne, Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Returns, Sweat Tour Hits LA, and more

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Liam Payne, Former One Direction Star, Tragically Passes Away

The world of music was rocked on a Wednesday evening by the devastating news of the sudden and tragic passing of Liam Payne. The 31-year-old former member of the popular band One Direction met an untimely demise after a fatal fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Authorities in the area have initiated a thorough investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking event.

Tributes poured in from countless celebrities and fans worldwide as they mourned the loss of the talented singer. MTV was among the first to express their sorrow, stating they were "deeply saddened" by the news. The X-Factor, the talent show that launched Payne's career, also paid tribute, acknowledging his "immense talent" and the lasting impact he would have on the music industry.

Fellow musicians and former bandmates shared heartfelt messages of condolence. Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher tweeted, "Life is precious kids and you only get to do it ONCE go easy LG x." The families of One Direction members Niall Horan and Harry Styles also expressed their grief, with Horan's brother writing, "You will be forever missed, Liam. Words can't describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys."

One Direction released a joint statement on Thursday to their official account. It marks their first post in four years and is signed by Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry:

Members Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Harry Styles have also shared individual tribute posts on their accounts.

Liam Payne leaves behind his 7-year-old son, his girlfriend, as well as his parents and his sisters. Pop Base extends its heartfelt condolences to the grieving family during this exceedingly challenging period.

Victoria’s Secret Returns to the Runway After 5 Years

After a six-year absence, Victoria's Secret made a triumphant return to the catwalk. The highly anticipated show, held at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, featured a star-studded lineup of celebrities, influencers, and a multigenerational, all-female musical cast. Cher, Tyla, and Lisa took the stage to entertain the crowd, adding to the excitement and glamour of the event.

The show featured a diverse group of models, including veteran Angels Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Lily Aldridge, as well as stars like Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Gigi Hadid. The models showcased a stunning array of lingerie and loungewear from Victoria's Secret's latest collection, featuring intricate designs, luxurious fabrics, and bold colours.

Alex Consani, a 21-year-old fashion student turned ‘it girl’, also walked the show, making history alongside Valentina Sampaio as the first transgender models to walk the runway.

British supermodel Kate Moss was also present on the runway, making her Victoria’s Secret debut, with reports suggesting that she has become the highest-paid Victoria’s Secret model. Her daughter, Lila Moss, was also present, making her debut.

Charli xcx and Troye Sivan’s ‘SWEAT’ Tour Hits L.A. With Special Guests! 

Charli xcx and Troye Sivan's SWEAT Tour set Los Angeles' KIA Forum ablaze with a scintillating two-night spectacle this week. The 17,500-capacity venue throbbed with electrifying energy as the dynamic duo mesmerized the crowd with their unforgettable blend of pop anthems.

In a series of awe-inspiring surprises, Charli xcx and Troye Sivan left the audience awestruck each night by introducing special guests. To kick off the first night, Charli xcx ignited the crowd by bringing Kesha to the stage for a heart-pounding performance of their recently released remix of 'Spring Breakers' and Kesha's 2010 chart-topping hit 'TikTok.' Not to be outdone, Sivan teamed up with rising star Tate McRae for a captivating rendition of their collaboration 'You'.

@varietymagazine

Kesha sings “Tik Tok” with Charli XCX and Troye Sivan at the #SweatTour in Los Angeles.

On the second night, Sivan held the audience spellbound by showcasing TikTok sensation Vinnie Hacker for a show-stopping performance of ‘One Of Your Girls’.

With only four dates left on the SWEAT tour, the excitement continues as the tour is set to light up San Diego tonight, followed by San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle, before Charli xcx heads back to the UK for her ‘BRAT’ tour.

New Music Friday

Gracie Abrams released the deluxe version of her album The Secret of Us which originally features Taylor Swift and her current hit song “I Love You, I’m Sorry.” The deluxe offers a further glimpse into Abrams’ confusing visceral emotions. With each new song produced by the eminent Aaron Dessner (co-producer of Taylor Swift’s folklore and evermore), Abrams’ accepts her difficult moments in such wavering credence. “More pain!” she sings in the bridge of “I Told You Things” which is a total highlight of the deluxe, and the whole album altogether. It’s not all everlasting heartache, though. On the album’s new closing track “Packing It Up” Abrams’ has seemingly uncovered a fresh muse. “Got so damn close to packing it up,” she sings, “but that’s just when you happened.” It’s a nice peak into what lies ahead for Abrams.

Conan Gray released “holidays” which is, of course, not a very bright and cheery holiday song. Instead, it’s a really beautiful approach to growing up and the haunting melancholy of time moving. “The years have passed, but you laugh exactly the same / When I see you for the holidays,” he sings. This is a great track, and feels like the Conan Gray we first got introduced to in 2018’s Sunset Season.

FKA Twigs put out the second single from her upcoming EUSEXUA. “Perfect Stranger” is excellently sensual with a great dance quality to it. The song’s end is absolutely incredible.

Bon Iver released their new EP SABLE. The writing is marvelous and fully heart-rending, but that’s no big surprise at all. "AWARDS SEASON” puts the band at possibly their greatest ever. “All that comes in gray / It’s so hard to explain / And the facts are strange / But you know what will stay? / Everything we’ve made,” Justin Vernon sings against a solemn ambience. We’re going to have this on queue all weekend long.

ROSÉ and Bruno Mars got together for “APT.” which is a totally, wonderfully fun pairing that’s deserving of our favorite release this week. “APT.” just feels like an immediate hit. “All you gotta do is just meet me at the apartment,” they sing, using the Korean pronunciation ‘Apateu.’ This song is devilishly catchy, so listen at your own discretion. Don’t say we never warned you.

—Dawson Therre

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ICYMI:

• Nicki Minaj has credited Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber for being the first mega-stars to name their fanbases in a new interview discussing fan culture with VOGUE.

• Paramore’s collaboration with Bug Girl, in which they sold t-shirts with proceeds going towards Palestinian medical aid, raised a total of $60k for charity.

• Megan Thee Stallion is set to appear on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon for an interview on October 23rd.

• X has officially announced changes to the block feature: ‘If your posts are public, accounts you have blocked will be able to view them, but they won’t be able to engage’.