Biggest music news of January 2019

R. Kelly under criminal investigation in wake of rape, sexual assault allegations

R. Kelly could soon be facing the wrath of the law. The disgraced R&B singer is being investigated by Georgia's Fulton County District Attorney for alleged sexual misconduct with young girls as well as false imprisonment, according to reports published on Jan. 8. The news of a criminal investigation came just days after "Surviving R. Kelly," an explosive six-part Lifetime documentary detailing his alleged behavior, hit the air.

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Ariana Grande to headline Coachella and Lollapalooza 2019

Ariana Grande will be headlining not one but two huge music festivals this year! The pop singer is reportedly headlining Lollapalooza 2019 in Chicago's Grant Park from Aug. 1 to 4, according to reports published on Jan. 14. The news comes just a few weeks after it was announced that the pop star will be one of three headliners at the 2019 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April. "Humbled and excited as all hell @coachella thank u," Ariana wrote on Instagram on Jan. 2.

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Rihanna suing her father over use of Fenty name

Rihanna filed a lawsuit against her father, Ronald Fenty, on Jan. 15 over the use of the brand name "Fenty." The superstar singer, who long ago trademarked the name that's on her popular Fenty Beauty line, claims that her dad and another man, Moses Perkins, created Fenty Entertainment to exploit her brand. The pair have allegedly been using the entertainment company to solicit business, acting as agents of the singer without her permission.

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Travis Scott agreed to perform in Super Bowl Halftime Show after charity commitment from NFL

Travis Scott agreed to take the stage during the Super Bowl LIII Halftime Show after the NFL agreed to donate money to a social justice charity, according to reports published on Jan. 13. The rapper will be joining Maroon 5 as a special guest during the show.

Chris Brown sues rape accuser for defamation

Chris Brown's legal team filed a defamation lawsuit against the woman who accused him of rape in Paris just a few days after he was arrested on the charge and released by French authorities. The singer's attorney is seeking a criminal prosecution for the "slanderous accusation," according to legal documents submitted to the Paris prosecutor's office on Jan. 24.

Adele liquidates touring business

Sorry, Adele fans, but it looks like the British singer might be done touring for good. The star is voluntarily liquidating Remedy Touring LLP, the business where earnings from her tours were registered, according to a January report in Britain's The Sun. Adele has previously spoken about her discomfort when it comes to hitting the road, calling the experience "peculiar" and sharing that it doesn't "suit me particularly well."

Gladys Knight to perform national anthem at Super Bowl LIII

Gladys Knight will be performing the national anthem at Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta on Feb. 3, the NFL announced on Jan. 17. "I am proud to use my voice to unite and represent our country in my hometown of Atlanta," the legendary singer said in a statement. "The NFL recently announced their new social justice platform 'Inspire Change,' and I am honored to be a part of its inaugural year."

Drake inks $10 million Las Vegas residency deal

Drake is heading to Sin City! The rapper signed a multi-year, $10 million deal to perform at XS Nightclub inside the Wynn Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, according to reports published on Jan. 15. The residency is reportedly a minimum 10-show commitment. The news comes just a few weeks after a problematic video surfaced on Twitter showing Drake kissing and fondling a 17-year-old girl. In the years-old video, the Canadian rapper invites the girl on stage and fondles her breasts in between kisses before asking how old she is.

Selena Gomez returns to Instagram with new post

Selena Gomez is back on social media and doing great. A few months after she reportedly entered treatment for issues including anxiety and depression, the singer broke her silence on Instagram on Jan. 14, sharing three photos of herself with a heartfelt caption. "It's been awhile since you have heard from me, but I wanted to wish everyone a happy new year and to thank you for your love and support," she wrote. "Last year was definitely a year of self-reflection, challenges and growth. It's always those challenges which show you who you are and what you are capable of overcoming. Trust me, it's not easy, but I am proud of the person I am becoming and look forward to the year ahead. Love you all."

Cardi B lands Las Vegas residency, iHeartRadio Music Award nominations

Cardi B is starting the New Year off with some major wins! The rapper has landed her first Las Vegas residency, Palms Casino Resort announced on Jan. 23. She'll be performing at KAOS, a new dayclub and nightclub amphitheater-style complex that's scheduled to open in April. Cardi is also poised to be a major winner at the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards in March. She leads the pack with 13 nominations, iHeartMedia and FOX announced on Jan. 9.

Woodstock creator to throw competing 50th-anniversary festival

Michael Lang, the co-creator of the original 1969 Woodstock festival, will be hosting his own competing 50th anniversary celebration on Aug. 16 to 18, 2019. The concert organizer announced the news in The Poughkeepsie Journal on Jan. 9 — just days after the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts announced a festival to commemorate the original Woodstock. "Others may try, but there will be only one official Woodstock 50th anniversary celebration," Michael's announcement read. The Bethel Woods Music and Culture Festival will be held on the original Woodstock site on Aug. 15 to 18, 2019.

JAY-Z and Meek Mill launch criminal justice reform initiative

JAY-Z, Meek Mill and several other entertainment and sports leaders announced the launch of a new criminal justice initiative, The Reform Alliance, during a special event in New York City on Jan. 23. The rappers were joined by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, Philadelphia 76ers co-owner Michael Rubin, Brooklyn Nets co-owner Clara Wu Tsai and CNN host Van Jones. The group collectively pledged $50 million with plans to get least one million people out of jail over the next five years.

Cher slams President Trump's trans-military ban

Cher has had enough of Donald Trump and his administration. The music icon took to Twitter to share her frustrations after the Supreme Court voted to allow the president's transgender military ban to go into effect on Jan. 23. "No One Is Really Safe In trump's America Unless They're MEMBER OF MAR-A-LAGO, LIVE IN trump TOWER, WHITE, OR WEARS MAGA HAT. My Amazing Trans Son Is Kind, Smart, Strong Loving, Talented & Patriotic American🇺🇸. trump 'Judges NO ONE By The The Content Of Their Character," wrote Cher, whose LGBTQ activist son, Chaz Bono, is transgender.

Alicia Keys to host the 2019 Grammy Awards

Alicia Keys announced on YouTube that she will be hosting the 2019 Grammy Awards. "I'm soooo EXCITED to announce that I'll be hosting the 61st Annual Grammy Awards!! There's so much in store and I CAN'T WAIT for y'all to see it ALL come to life Tune in on February 10th at 5PM PST / 8PM EST. Only on CBS," she captioned the video on Jan. 15.

John Berry reveals throat cancer diagnosis

In a video posted to his Facebook page on Jan. 22, country music singer John Berry announced that he's battling throat cancer. "You don't see fear on these faces," John's wife Robin said in the video. "We have a planned regimen and John is undergoing treatment for about five weeks. We've had to move a couple of tour dates around. All is going well. We are trusting God to get us through this time." John added that the cancer is "highly treatable and has an incredible cure rate."