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Napster Partners with Takamol Holding to Accelerate AI and Digital Transformation in Saudi Arabia

BOCA RATON, Fla., Nov. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Napster, an innovation company powering the next generation of embodied and agentic AI, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Takamol Holding, a Saudi socio–economic enabler that develops human–centered solutions to advance the Kingdom’s labor market and economic growth.

The partnership establishes a strategic framework for the two companies to jointly develop and deploy cutting–edge digital technologies, including AI applications and agents across the Kingdom.

The MoU was signed during the U.S–Saudi Investment Forum on November 19 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The collaboration aims to support business goals for both companies by localizing and expanding creative digital content, developing new immersive entertainment platforms, and integrating AI–driven analytics for Saudi enterprises and consumers.

“Our work with Takamol will not only expand Napster’s global footprint but also bring new agentic AI capabilities to one of the fastest–growing markets in the world,” said John Acunto, CEO of Napster. “By combining our advanced AI and immersive technologies with Takamol’s deep market expertise, we are co–creating the next generation of digital infrastructure and experiences for the Kingdom.”

The collaboration will focus on joint business development to introduce and promote digital technologies across sectors. This includes co–developing creative digital environments, designing digital experiences for Saudi consumers such as VR/AR activations and gamified music, exploring the development of digital twins and AI use cases for analytics, automation, and customer engagement.

“The opportunity for digital innovation in Saudi Arabia is immense, and Takamol is the ideal partner to help navigate and lead this transformation,” said Samuel Huber, CEO of MENA for Napster. “We are committed to fostering a local ecosystem of creative content and technology. This collaboration will enable us to deliver unique, culturally relevant digital experiences, from immersive entertainment to AI–powered services, directly to Saudi consumers and businesses.”

This collaboration marks the first step in bringing Napster 26’s mission to life in the Kingdom: giving every organization access to AI that works alongside them, understands their context, and helps deliver richer digital experiences. Through joint initiatives with Takamol, Napster plans to support the emergence of new creative, cultural, and commercial ecosystems built on immersive environments, AI–driven services, and scalable digital expertise.

About Napster (formerly Infinite Reality)
Founded on the principle of democratizing access—first to music in 1999, now to creative expertise in 2025—Napster has consistently been at the forefront of transformational technology shifts that expand markets and empower users. The company’s latest platform turns passive consumers into active creators, providing the interface layer between foundation AI models and human creativity. For more information, visit napster.ai.

Contact
[email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/924f0652–6e0a–4857–87ec–e9c6a9f53cd8


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9578941)

مهرجان HollyShorts Dubai 2025 يطلق دعوة مفتوحة لتقديم مشاركات الأفلام القصيرة

هوليوود، كاليفورنيا, Sept. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  في إطار سعيه إلى إبراز المواهب السينمائية المستقلة والمتنوعة، ودعم صانعي الأفلام الصاعدين في مختلف أنحاء الشرق الأوسط، أعلن مهرجانHollyShorts ، وهو المنصة العالمية الرائدة التي تحتفي بالقصص المبتكرة والجذابة من خلال الأفلام القصيرة، عن إطلاق النُسخة الافتتاحية من مهرجان HollyShorts Dubai، والتي ستُقام في الفترة من 12 إلى 14 ديسمبر 2025 في Studio One Hotel بدبي، مع توجيه دعوة مفتوحة لتقديم الأفلام القصيرة.

تأتي هذه الخطوة ضمن خطة مهرجان HollyShorts لتوسيع الامتداد العالمي لمهرجانه المرموق للأفلام القصيرة، بهدف الوصول إلى صانعي الأفلام القصيرة في أسواقهم المحلية وتمكينهم من التأهل لجوائز الأوسكار.

يوفر HollyShorts Dubai فرصة فريدة لصانعي الأفلام في الشرق الأوسط، إذ يمكنّهم من المشاركة في حلقات نقاش إبداعية ملهمة وتبادل أفكار المشاريع الواعدة وحضور ورش عمل تطويرية، تُعقد ضمن فعاليات المهرجان التي تمتد على مدار ثلاثة أيام. وبفضل المكانة المرموقة التي يتمتع بها في هوليوود، يضمن مهرجان HollyShorts Dubai حصول الأفلام المعروضة في إطار مسابقة الأفلام القصيرة على اعتراف دولي واسع النطاق.علاوة على ذلك، ستحصل الأفلام الفائزة بجوائز “أفضل فيلم رسوم متحركة“، و”أفضل فيلم أكشن قصير”، و”أفضل فيلم وثائقي” في نسخة دبي من المهرجان على فرصة مؤكدة بالعرض ضمن مهرجانHollyShorts 2026 في هوليوود. وتأتي هذه الفرصة الحصرية مصحوبةً بوعد إضافي، وهو أن جميع الأفلام الفائزة في مهرجان HollyShorts 2026 ستحظى بفرصة للتأهل تلقائياً للنظر من قبل لجنة تحكيم جوائز الأوسكار لعام 2027.

وفي هذا السياق، قال Jeff Pryor، المستشار الإستراتيجي لمهرجان HollyShorts والمشرف على تنظيم نسخة دبي من المهرجان: “سنزوّد صانعي الأفلام في الشرق الأوسط بالدعم المناسب الذي يتيح لهم التأهُّل لسباق جوائز الأوسكار في الفئات المختلفة للأفلام القصيرة.” وأضاف: “يشكّل هذا المهرجان منصة عالمية تربط هوليوود بمجتمع صناعة الأفلام في منطقة الشرق الأوسط. ومنذ قيامنا بالإعلان عن هذه المبادرة، حيث أكدنا لصانعي الأفلام وأصحاب المواهب بأننا سننقل سباق الأوسكار حرفياً إلى عقر دارهم، كانت استجابة المجتمعات الإبداعية والفنية في الشرق الأوسط مُذهلة للغاية.”

هذا ويدعو مهرجان HollyShorts Dubai صانعي الأفلام من جميع أنحاء الشرق الأوسط إلى تقديم مشاركاتهم عبر الرابط الالكتروني التالي: https://filmfreeway.com/HollyShortsDubai.

في ما يلي أبرز التواريخ والفعاليات لمهرجان HollyShorts Dubai:

  • 19 سبتمبر – فتح باب تقديم الأفلام (https://filmfreeway.com/HollyShortsDubai)
  • 26 سبتمبر – الموعد النهائي للإستفادة من تعرفة خاصة مخفّضة عند التسجيل المبكر (35 دولار أمريكي لكل فيلم مشارك)
  • 17 أكتوبر – الموعد النهائي للتقديم العادي (45 دولار أمريكي لكل فيلم مشارك)
  • 7 نوفمبر – الموعد النهائي للتقديم المتأخر (55 دولار أمريكي لكل فيلم مشاررك)
  • 28 نوفمبر – الموعد النهائي الممدد للتقديم (65 دولار أمريكي لكل فيلم مشارك)
  • 3 ديسمبر – موعد إعلان النتائج
  • 12 ديسمبر – حفل افتتاح المهرجان
  • 13 – 14 ديسمبر – عروض الأفلام المشاركة، جلسة للأسئلة والأجوبة مع المخرجين، حلقات نقاش، لقاءات اجتماعية وفرص للتواصل والتعارف
  • 14 ديسمبر – حفل توزيع الجوائز

جهات الاتصال:
Jacqueline Martoredjo
Priority PR
البريد الالكتروني: [email protected]


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9536244)

HollyShorts Dubai 2025 Call for Short Film Submissions

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Sept. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In an effort to showcase diverse independent voices and emerging filmmakers throughout the Middle East, HollyShorts, the world’s leading platform for short form storytelling, is inaugurating its first HollyShorts Dubai, to be held December 12–14, 2025 at Studio One Hotel in Dubai, with an open call for short film submissions.

HollyShorts is initiating a global expansion of its prestigious short film festival with the goal of reaching out to short form filmmakers in their own markets.

HollyShorts Dubai creates unique opportunities for filmmakers in the Middle East to not only participate in vibrant creative discussions, potentially lucrative business idea exchanges, and development workshops as part of the three–day event, the event also ensures global recognition for productions screened as part of HollyShorts Dubai’s short film competition. As an added bonus, submissions winning the Best Animated, Best Live Action and Best Documentary awards at the Dubai festival earn a definite screening slot at the 2026 HollyShorts festival in Hollywood. This exclusive guarantee includes the promise that all award–winning shorts from HollyShorts 2026 also qualify for 2027 Oscar award consideration.

“We will provide Middle Eastern filmmakers with a pathway to qualify for the Oscar awards in short film categories,” said Jeff Pryor, strategic advisor to HollyShorts who is overseeing the Dubai effort. “Our festival is acting as a bridge to connect Hollywood with the filmmaking community throughout the Middle East. Since making our initial announcement, when we confirmed that we are literally bringing the Oscar race to their doorstep, the creative communities’ reaction has been overwhelming.”

Filmmakers from throughout the Middle East are invited to submit their latest work via: https://filmfreeway.com/HollyShortsDubai.  

HollyShorts Dubai Milestone dates:

  • September 19 – Submission open (https://filmfreeway.com/HollyShortsDubai)
  • September 26 – Early Bird Submission Deadline (Early Bird Submission fee $35USD per submission)
  • October 17 – Regular Submission Deadline (Regular Submission fee $45USD per submission)
  • November 7 – Late Submission Deadline (Late Submission fee $55USD per submission)
  • November 28 – Extended Submission Deadline (Extended Submission fee $65USD per submission)
  • December 3 – Notification Deadline
  • December 12 – Festival Opening Night Celebration
  • December 13–14—Screenings, Director Q&A, Discussion Panels, Social Mixers & Networking parties
  • December 14 – Awards Ceremony

Contact:
Jacqueline Martoredjo/Priority PR
[email protected]


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9535514)

Art Smiley Debuts Its Hybrid Exhibit “Global Art Odyssey” at New Physical Art Gallery in Dubai


Photo courtesy of Art Smiley

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Art Smiley, a Dubai–founded art platform, is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural hybrid exhibition, “Global Art Odyssey – Where Art Meets the World!”, at its newly opened first physical gallery in Al Quoz, Dubai, and simultaneously online at its upgraded Art Smiley website.

“Global Art Odyssey”: Connecting Cultures Through Creativity

Constructed as a dynamic cultural hub, the new Art Smiley gallery will feature the landmark “Global Art Odyssey” hybrid exhibition, which aims to celebrate and explore artistic diversity, offering works that reflect contemporary, traditional, abstract, figurative, and mixed–media styles.

The showcase brings together 35 artists from 16 nations, offering an immersive journey through a vibrant array of paintings, sculptures, photography, installations, and prints by both emerging and established talents.

Participants from countries including Egypt, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Zimbabwe, Venezuela, Romania, Iran, Iraq, Ukraine, India, Spain, Israel, Italy, and Nigeria bring their varied backgrounds and artistic approaches to create an engaging narrative of heritage and creative innovation.

Opening in a hybrid format, Art Smiley ensures that the diversity and beauty of the “Global Art Odyssey” is available to in–person visitors at Al Quoz and virtual audiences worldwide through its relaunched website.

The gallery’s physical space creates a vital platform for community engagement and cultural exchange, while the simultaneous virtual exhibition empowers local and international audiences to experience art without borders.

According to Lurdh Allam, co–founder of Art Smiley, the exhibition highlights the organization’s dedication to showcasing cross–cultural artistic expression and its belief in technology's power to foster accessibility and creative opportunity. Its new format reinforces its commitment to uniting artists, collectors, and businesses and reaching art enthusiasts across geographies and generations.

“By focusing on inclusivity and technological integration, Art Smiley’s new gallery is building a truly borderless art world that empowers artists and art lovers alike,” co–founder Aruna Allam adds. “This event marks a pivotal step toward our mission to connect creative voices and audiences across cultures, while reinforcing Dubai’s standing as a global art destination.”

Since 2017, Art Smiley has matured into a multi–vertical entity encompassing a global marketplace, a bespoke B2B art service division, and a decor–focused e–commerce platform. It has played a key role in shaping the region’s art ecosystem, registering thousands of artists and working with top–tier corporate partners.

The new Art Smiley Gallery will operate year–round, hosting various exhibitions and events that spotlight established and emerging artists. Visitors can experience “Global Art Odyssey” at Al Quoz 2, Dubai, from September 5th to October 5th, 2025, or access the virtual gallery worldwide via www.artsmiley.com.

About Art Smiley

Founded in 2017 by Lurdh Allam and Aruna Allam, entrepreneurs who share a deep passion for art and culture, Art Smiley has grown into a leading art ecosystem in the United Arab Emirates, serving over 3,500 artists from more than 50 countries.

The platform connects artists, collectors, businesses, and art lovers through its four business divisions: Art Smiley Marketplace for buying, selling, and renting contemporary artworks; Art Smiley Business Services, which provides customized art solutions for corporate and hospitality clients; Art Smiley Decor, which specializes in wall art and décor products; and Art Smiley NFT, which focuses on digital art collectibles.

Art Smiley is committed to its mission of democratizing art, supporting artistic careers, and making art accessible across cultures and generations. It is recognized for its leadership and innovation by winning the “Digital Business of the Year” award both in 2021 and 2022 at the Gulf Capital SME Awards and was named a finalist for “Customer Focus of the Year” in 2022.

Contact Details:

Contact person: Lurdh Allam
Company: Art Smiley Art Gallery LLC
Email: [email protected]
Websites: www.artsmiley.com & www.artsmileybiz.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b68bac05–fd75–4565–8197–f9fd7c4e9d1b


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9523953)

„SNL: Ladies & Gentlemen…50 Years of Music“ jetzt in der Rock & Roll Hall of Fame zu sehen

CLEVELAND, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

WER: Der Veteran aus 11 Staffeln von Saturday Night Live, Komiker, Autor, Produzent und Musiker
Fred Armisen; alle 1.900 Auftritte der Musikgäste aus der 50–jährigen Geschichte von SNL
   
WAS: Die offizielle Eröffnung der Rock & Roll Hall of Fame und der Ausstellung zum 50–jährigen Jubiläum von Saturday Night Live,
„SNL: Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of Music“ mit einem besonderen Auftritt von Fred Armisen, der bei 11 Staffeln
von Saturday Night Live mitgewirkt hat, auf der PNC–Bühne, um die neue bahnbrechende
Ausstellung zu feiern, die 50 Jahre musikalischer Gäste und musikalischer Sketche bei Saturday Night Live würdigt. Mit
über 150 RRHOF–Mitgliedern, die in der Show aufgetreten sind, ist die RRHOF der einzige Ort auf der Welt,
an dem Fans die 1.900 musikalischen Gastauftritte sehen können, darunter auch einige bisher unveröffentlichte
Aufnahmen der Generalproben.

Darüber hinaus gab es an diesem Abend besondere Veranstaltungen im gesamten Museum, darunter die Premiere
der exklusiven Fassung des von Kritikern gefeierten Dokumentarfilms „Ladies & Gentlemen… „50 Years of SNL
Music“ unter der Regie von Ahmir „Questlove“ Thompson, die im Foster Theater gezeigt wird, mit Ausstellungsstücken
der Rock Hall Library & Archives und Curatorial Teams, einem speziellen Saturday Night
Live–Quiz, Fototerminen für Besucher und einer Jam–Session mit der Rock Hall–Hausband in der
Garage mit Songs, die durch SNL berühmt geworden sind.

Weitere Informationen zur Ausstellung finden Sie unter https://rockhall.com/exhibitions/snl–50–years–music/

Fans können ihren Besuch der Ausstellung unter RockHall.com planen. Wie immer ist der Eintritt in die Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
für alle Einwohner der Stadt Cleveland im Rahmen des von der Key Bank gesponserten CLE VIP–Programms kostenlos.
   
WANN: 14. Juni 2025, von 18:30 Uhr – 22:00 Uhr
   
WO: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
1100 Rock N Roll Blvd
Cleveland, OH 44114
   

MEDIENINHALTE (BILDER/ARCHIVMATERIAL):
https://digital.rockhall.com/Share/g2o6e3ufgbiha64v7fl61hu40qlwd872

Mit freundlicher Genehmigung der Rock & Roll Hall of Fame*
*sofern nicht anderweitig vermerkt

WEITERE INFORMATIONEN:
https://rockhall.com/press–room/

KONTAKT/ANTWORT AN:
J.R. Johnson / Kelly Schikowski
[email protected]

Fotos zu dieser Bekanntmachung sind verfügbar unter:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2801aa71–8815–4f43–8000–f88a5f9f6742
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c0c5c729–82e2–49dc–80f4–b8fb030a24ad


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9471260)

L’exposition « SNL: Ladies & Gentlemen…50 Years of Music » est désormais ouverte au Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

CLEVELAND, 19 juin 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

PARTICIPANTS : Le participant aux 11 saisons de l’émission Saturday Night Live, comédien, scénariste, réalisateur, et musicien, 
Fred Armisen ; l’ensemble des performances des 1 900 artistes musicaux de l’histoire des 50 ans de SNL
   
THÈME : Inauguration officielle de l’exposition du Rock & Roll Hall of Fame consacrée au 50ᵉ anniversaire du Saturday Night Live, le
« SNL: Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of Music » avec une performance spéciale de Fred Armisen, participant aux 11 saisons
du Saturday Night Live, depuis la scène PNC, pour célébrer cette nouvelle
exposition révolutionnaire rendant hommage aux artistes musicaux et aux œuvres musicales diffusés sur le plateau du Saturday Night Live pendant ces 50 dernières années. Avec
plus de 150 intronisés au Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ayant participé à l’émission, le RRHOF est le seul endroit au monde
où les fans peuvent observer les 1 900 performances des artistes musicaux invités, et notamment des images inédites des répétitions générales
.

De plus, la soirée comprenait des animations spéciales réparties à travers tout le musée, notamment l’avant–première
de la version exclusive du documentaire acclamé par la critique « Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL
Music » réalisé by Ahmir « Questlove » Thompson au Foster Theater, avec des
présentations d’artefacts par la bibliothèque et les archives du Rock Hall et les équipes de conservation du musée, un quiz spécial sur le thème du Saturday Night
Live, des séances photos pour les visiteurs et une jam session avec le groupe du Rock Hall dans le
Garage, avec des chansons rendues célèbres grâce à SNL.

Pour plus d’informations sur l’exposition, rendez–vous sur : https://rockhall.com/exhibitions/snl–50–years–music/

Les fans peuvent planifier leur visite en se rendant sur : RockHall.com. Comme toujours, l’entrée au Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
est gratuite pour tous les résidents de la ville de Cleveland grâce au programme CLE VIP sponsorisé par Key Bank.
   
DATE : le 14 juin 2025, de 18 h 30 à 22 h
   
LIEU : Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
1100 Rock N Roll Blvd
Cleveland, OH 44114
   

RESSOURCES MÉDIAS (IMAGES/VIDÉOS) :
https://digital.rockhall.com/Share/g2o6e3ufgbiha64v7fl61hu40qlwd872

Crédit : Courtesy of The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame*
*sauf indication contraire

POUR PLUS D’INFORMATIONS, CONSULTEZ :
https://rockhall.com/press–room/

CONTACT/RSVP :
J.R. Johnson/Kelly Schikowski
[email protected]

Les photos jointes au présent communiqué sont disponibles aux adresses suivantes :

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2801aa71–8815–4f43–8000–f88a5f9f6742
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c0c5c729–82e2–49dc–80f4–b8fb030a24ad


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9471260)

“SNL: Ladies & Gentlemen…50 Years of Music” Now Open at The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

CLEVELAND, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

WHO: 11–season veteran of Saturday Night Live, comedian, writer, producer, and musician, Fred Armisen; all 1,900 musical guests' performances from SNL’s 50–year history
   
WHAT: The official opening of The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Saturday Night Live’s 50th Anniversary exhibit, “SNL: Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of Music” with a special performance by 11–season veteran of Saturday Night Live, Fred Armisen, from the PNC Stage to help celebrate the new groundbreaking exhibit, which honors 50 years of musical guests and musical sketches on Saturday Night Live. With over 150 RRHOF Inductees who have appeared on the show, the RRHOF is the only place on the planet where fans can view the 1,900 musical guest performances, including some never–before–seen dress rehearsal footage.

Additionally, the evening included special activations throughout the Museum including the premiere of the exclusive edit of the critically acclaimed documentary “Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music” directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson showing in the Foster Theater, with artifact presentations by the Rock Hall Library & Archives and Curatorial Teams, special Saturday Night Live–themed trivia, visitor photo ops, and a jam session with the Rock Hall house band in the Garage featuring songs made famous on SNL.

More information about the exhibit can be found at https://rockhall.com/exhibitions/snl–50–years–music/

Fans can plan their visit to see the exhibit by visiting RockHall.com, and as always, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is free to all city of Cleveland residents through the CLE VIP program sponsored by Key Bank.
   
WHEN: June 14, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
   
WHERE: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
1100 Rock N Roll Blvd
Cleveland, OH 44114
   

MEDIA ASSETS (IMAGES/BROLL):
https://digital.rockhall.com/Share/g2o6e3ufgbiha64v7fl61hu40qlwd872

Credit: Courtesy of The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame*
*except where otherwise noted

MORE INFORMATION:
https://rockhall.com/press–room/

CONTACT/RSVP:
J.R. Johnson / Kelly Schikowski
[email protected]

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2801aa71–8815–4f43–8000–f88a5f9f6742
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c0c5c729–82e2–49dc–80f4–b8fb030a24ad


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9470628)

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation Unveils Electrifying Class of 2025 Inductees

NEW YORK, April 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tonight, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation pulled back the curtain on its 2025 Inductees – a powerhouse lineup of trailblazers, icons, and music legends who have shaped the ever–evolving sounds of Rock & Roll. This year’s announcement delivered live by Ryan Seacrest on tonight’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame episode of “American Idol,” sets the stage for an unforgettable celebration of music’s highest honor.

Performer Category:

  • Bad Company
  • Chubby Checker
  • Joe Cocker
  • Cyndi Lauper
  • Outkast
  • Soundgarden
  • The White Stripes

Musical Influence Award:

  • Salt–N–Pepa
  • Warren Zevon

Musical Excellence Award:

  • Thom Bell
  • Nicky Hopkins
  • Carol Kaye

Ahmet Ertegun Award:

  • Lenny Waronker

The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction will be live on Saturday, November 8th at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California. The 2025 ceremony will once again stream live on Disney+, with a special airing on ABC at a later date and available on Hulu the next day. 

“Each of these inductees created their own sound and attitude that had a profound impact on culture and helped to change the course of Rock & Roll forever,” said John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. “Their music gave a voice to generations and influenced countless artists that followed in their footsteps.”

The Inductees were announced live on ABC this evening by Ryan Seacrest during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame episode of “American Idol,” where the Top 14 American Idol finalists took on songs from legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees as America voted live for the Top 12. The episode will be available tomorrow on Hulu.

To be eligible for induction, an individual artist or band must have released its first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination. Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Bad Company, and Outkast are first–time nominees, whereas Cyndi Lauper, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes have all been nominated before.

The Induction categories include:

  • Performers: artists who have created music whose originality, impact, and influence has changed the course of rock & roll.
  • Musical Influence Award: artists whose music and performance style have directly influenced, inspired, and evolved rock & roll and music impacting culture.
  • Musical Excellence Award: given to artists, musicians, songwriters and producers whose originality and influence have had a dramatic impact on music.
  • Ahmet Ertegun Award: non–performing industry professionals who have had a major influence on the creative development and growth of rock & roll and music that has impacted culture.

Ticket on–sale information will be announced at a later date. Select Rock & Roll Hall of Fame donors and members receive exclusive Induction ticket opportunities. Donate or join by June 30 to be eligible. Visit rockhall.com/membership to learn more.

Press can access hi–resolution images and bios for the 2025 Inductees at rockhall.com/press–room. Media credential applications for the Induction Ceremony will open in July.

About The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Born from the collision of rhythm & blues, country, and gospel, rock & roll is a spirit that is inclusive and ever–changing. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates the sound of youth culture and honors the artists whose music connects us all. We share stories of the people, events, and songs that shape our world through digital content, innovative exhibits, live music, engaging programs, and our annual Induction Ceremony. We intentionally foster an inclusive and welcoming non–profit Museum that encourages and embraces creativity and innovation. As a community leader, we value, empower, and respect all people. Join the millions who love rock & roll as much as you do. Visit us in Cleveland, Ohio or at rockhall.com and follow us (@rockhall) on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X, or (@rockandrollhalloffame) on Facebook.

Media Contacts
ALISON BROD MARKETING + COMMUNICATIONS
Erika Berg Henty
rrhof@abmc–us.com

ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME
J.R. Johnson
[email protected]

ABC
Chelsie Tanamachi
[email protected]


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9439761)

New Evidence Emerges in Marc Mysterio’s Shadowban Lawsuit Against Amazon, Calls on ‘Anti-Hero’

NEW YORK, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Marc Mysterio, a Billboard–charting artist and undefeated professional boxer—IBA Boxing has issued a letter sanctioning Marc Mysterio vs. Jake Paul for their vacant 220 lbs title—has introduced new evidence in his lawsuit against Amazon Music (Case No. 1:25–cv–01705, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York), alleging the platform used an “IF/THEN” filter to cripple his music’s viability.

The Irish–Canadian artist, who logged 80 million streams from September 2023 to August 2024 as a voluntary Amazon Exclusive Artist, claims Amazon’s filter replaced artist–level metadata with a “–” white–out symbol—rendering songs artist–less—preventing fan alerts and stations’ streams.

Court filings include a letter of preservation requesting 17 items, such as Amazon’s logs identifying when the alleged filter was activated, who authorized it, user error reports, and the implementing programmer’s user–ID.

Mysterio music appeared on Taylor Swift’s station—generating 3.7 million streams in 2024 before bottoming out in September—asserts the shadowban handcuffed his reach.

“Amazon profits from creators whilst blacklisting artists through shadow–banning,” said Mysterio.

Mysterio has urged Taylor Swift to remove her catalog from Amazon due to the shadowban, given Swift’s legacy of advocating for artists’ rights—from her Spotify boycott to supporting Kesha—her voice would be a game–changer.

The two also share a mutual friend, All Elite Wrestling’s Jeff Jarrett.

“I’ve posted video evidence on shadowban.me —a 3–Part Series—I’m calling on Taylor to stand with me in unity against shadow–banning. When she pulls her catalog from Amazon, it solidifies her as The Anti–Hero. Jeff has my contact details—let’s talk,” Mysterio states.

Swift’s partner, Travis Kelce, was also co–featured in a Billboard article with Mysterio for new chart entries.

Mysterio’s lawsuit—seeking millions in lost and unpaid royalties— follows recent Billboard–Hit “The Dancefloor” and collaborations with Flo Rida, David Guetta, Crash Test Dummies, Samantha Fox, Netflix’s “Trailer Park Boys”, and Avicii (according to Billboard).

A three–part video series detailing the alleged shadow–banning is available on YouTube at shadowban.me

For More Information:

Key Facts You Need To Know:

View Marc Mysterio Amazon Streaming/Listener Stats

View Letter of Preservation of Evidence

View Marc Mysterio/Travis Kelce Billboard Article

@marc_mysterio on X – Career Bio

View IBA Boxing Chairman’s Letter

Marc Mysterio & Bubbles on Trailer Park Boys (TikTok)

View Marc Mysterio Press–Photo

Press Contact:

Ralph Bennett
[email protected]
https://veritaseditions.net/

Legal Contact:

Michael H. Joseph, Esq.
[email protected]

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3a4772bb–f755–49dd–a959–837a17c78b2d

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1136326a–6414–48a3–bc90–f286e2e3e097

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/773c7f94–12ed–4066–8d64–30ead65b46fb

A PDF accompanying this announcement is available at
http://ml–eu.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/05b45f2a–fb46–435d–825d–55dc8e655a8d

A video accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cff279cb–feb5–4202–a698–3523b82f0cc1


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 1001080375)

Marc Mysterio Calls on Taylor Swift to Pull Catalog From Amazon Music Over Unpaid Streams, Shadow-Ban Controversy

NEW YORK, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Billboard–charting artist Marc Mysterio today issued a public call to Taylor Swift, urging the global superstar to withdraw her entire music catalog from Amazon Music until the platform addresses what he alleges is a deliberate campaign of unpaid royalties and digital suppression. Mysterio, currently suing Amazon Music and DistroKid in federal court (Case No. 1:25–cv–01705), claims he’s owed millions for over 80 million streams—nearly 4 million of which came from Swift’s own Amazon Music artist station—while facing an ongoing shadow–ban that has severed his 1.25 million fans from his work.

Mysterio’s appeal hinges on a personal connection: their mutual friend, WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Jeff Jarrett. Swift, who babysat for Jarrett’s family during her early Nashville days, once shared a close–knit community with Mysterio, whose music rang out millions of times on her station. Now, he’s asking her to leverage her pro–artist legacy—highlighted by her funding of Kesha’s legal battle against Sony Music and Dr. Luke—to stand with him against Amazon’s alleged exploitation.

“Taylor Swift has always fought for artists to get what’s theirs—she helped Kesha take on Sony, and she’s threatened to yank her catalog from streamers over unfair pay,” Mysterio said in a statement. “Now, her name, image, and likeness are being used on Amazon Music’s Taylor Swift Station to unjustly enrich a company that’s stiffed me on 80 million streams, including 3.7 million from her own fans. She’d be distraught to know this, and I’m asking her to pull her music until Amazon pays me, lifts this shadow–ban, and lets justice play out.”

Mysterio’s demands are threefold:

  1. Full payment for all streaming activity tied to his ASIN “B0041A1P4U,” including the nearly 4 million streams from Swift’s station, which plummeted to zero alongside his own station’s 225,463 plays after an alleged “IF/THEN” filter hit on September 10, 2024.
  2. Immediate removal of the shadow–ban, which he claims Amazon partially acknowledged by restoring his “Related Artists” section in March 2025—after his lawsuit—but left in place elsewhere, costing him chart positions and fan access.
  3. A direct line of communication, asking Swift to obtain his personal email from Jarrett to arrange a phone call or meeting to discuss the crisis and rally support.

The artist, known for collaborations with Flo Rida, Samantha Fox, and Crash Test Dummies, points to Swift’s history of pulling her music from Spotify in 2014 over royalty disputes as precedent.

“Taylor’s a titan because she stands up,” he said.

“Amazon’s using her station to profit while I’m ghosted—80 million streams, millions in losses, and they won’t even fix it. She can get Jeff Jarrett to give her my email. Let’s talk, Taylor—this is our fight.”

Mysterio’s legal team, led by Michael H. Joseph, served Amazon with a 17–category preservation letter on April 8, 2025, demanding metadata, snapshots, and logs tied to his ASIN.

He alleges Amazon’s refusal to pay and partial fix—restoring only “Related Artists” after his February 27 filing—prove intent to suppress, whereas Amazon could have simultaneously removed the shadow–ban, but did not.

“They’ve got the data to pay me and lift the ban,” he added. “If Taylor pulls out, they’ll feel the heat,” Mysterio concludes.

Swift, whose catalog drives billions of streams, has not yet responded. Jarrett could not be reached for comment.

Contact:
Michael H. Joseph, Esq.
Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC
[email protected]
(212) 858–0503

About Marc Mysterio:
Marc Mysterio is an Irish–Canadian artist, Billboard–charting producer, and boxer with over a decade of hits and a potential IBA Super Cruiserweight Intercontinental title fight against Jake Paul. His lawsuit against Amazon Music and DistroKid seeks millions in damages for unpaid royalties and shadow–ban losses.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/18c6a56a–fe32–4ec8–8188–e9c47a51f0b4

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c9b55e3b–1091–4c7f–b5bd–e06c6c9c8998

A video accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e4b08c33–3ced–4e2a–8e3e–7844760ef164


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 1001079184)