Music News Today — September 18, 2026
Tom Cruise Says Taylor Swift Was ‘Schooling Me on Football’ at Chiefs Game, Calls Her a ‘Brilliant Musician and Director’ and more — today's music signal.
The music world is buzzing today with a mix of A-list encounters, new releases, and industry initiatives. Tom Cruise recently attended a Chiefs game where he met Taylor Swift, and he was impressed not only by her musical talents but also by her knowledge of football. This lighthearted celebrity moment comes as Swift continues to dominate the music scene, while others, like Carly Rae Jepsen, are also making waves with new projects, including her latest music video for 'Versailles'.
Meanwhile, the music industry is taking steps to support emerging artists, with Spotify launching Fresh Finds Forward, an initiative aimed at discovering and promoting 10,000 new independent artists. However, not all news is positive - Guitar Center has had to address issues with a recent contest, and artist Orville Peck has spoken candidly about his struggles with addiction and his new album. With so much happening in the music world, from high-profile interactions to innovative industry programs and personal artist stories, there's no shortage of exciting developments to follow.
Today's signal:
• Tom Cruise Says Taylor Swift Was ‘Schooling Me on Football’ at Chiefs Game, Calls Her a ‘Brilliant Musician and Director’ (variety.com)
• Carly Rae Jepsen Wants to Party in ‘Versailles’ Music Video (rollingstone.com)
• Spotify Launches Fresh Finds Forward to Support 10,000 New Independent Artists (rollingstone.com)
• Guitar Center Addresses ‘Not Legitimate’ Entries Submitted in Ed Sheeran Tour Opener Contest (rollingstone.com)
• Orville Peck on His New Album ‘Muse,’ Battling Addiction and Making Out With a Pro Football Player (variety.com)
• Orville Peck on His New Album ‘Mule,’ Battling Addiction and Making Out With a Pro Football Player (variety.com)