New Music Friday May 23: Joe Jonas, Lenny Kravitz, Benson Boone, Lainey Wilson, Reneé Rapp, Karol G and More

Happy New Music Friday! The weekend is here, which means more streaming, new playlists and the best that music has to offer — and ET has you covered for everything in between.

The world’s largest fan-voted award show, American Music Awards, will be taking place May 26 in Las Vegas. Sir Rod Stewart will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement and will take the AMAs stage for the first time in more than 20 years. Janet Jackson will be honored with the Icon Award and deliver her first television performance in 7 years. Jennifer Lopez first hosted the awards in 2015 and will return to host and perform this year. The awards will air May 26 on CBS and Paramount+.

Kendrick Lamar is a top nominee with 10 nominations at American Music Awards. He could tie Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston for the most awards in a single year should he win in all 8 categories. He and SZA, also a nominee with 6 nominations, are in the middle of their Grand National Tour and made their first stop of three sold out Los Angeles shows on May 21. Kendrick told the crowd he couldn’t wait to be in his hometown. He said, “We’ve been all around the world and back, we was on the East Coast, we was in the South for a little bit, but you know I couldn’t mother f-cking wait to make sure I came back home, you hear me!” Throughout the show, Kendrick and SZA performed separate sets and select duets such as “30 for 30” and “All the Stars.” Kendrick opened the show with his signature black 1987 Buick GNX on stage as he performed “wacced out murals.” He dropped a new verse while performing “family ties” and had the crowd on their feet during “TV Off” and “Not Like Us.” SZA brought out Lizzo as a surprise guest and they sang “Special.” SZA also floated as a fairy-like butterfly while singing “Nobody Gets Me.” The two ended the show with “Luther” and “Gloria.” They have their second Los Angeles show tonight at SoFi Stadium and will continue to tour until August 9.

Bruno Mars is also a top nominee at American Music Awards with 6 nominations. He is currently performing at Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas and will be performing this weekend. He also recently announced nine additional performances this fall.

Spotify will return to CMA Fest with their country music showcase, Spotify House at Ole Red on June 5-7 in Nashville. This year’s lineup includes Bailey Zimmerman, Keith Urban, Noah Cyrus, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, Zac Brown Band, Brothers Osborne, Dasha, Kelsea Ballerini, Lily Rose, Little Big Town, Midland, Tanner Adell, Ashley Cooke, Carly Pearce, Cole Swindell, Jordan Davis, Lainey Wilson, Rascal Flatts, Shaboozey and more. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of Spotify’s flagship Hot Country playlist and they will have a stacked lineup curated by Spotify’s Nashville team and Hot Country.

Martina McBride testified in support of the bipartisan NO FAKES Act at the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law hearing. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: AI-Generated Deepfakes in 2025 discussion cemented in a growing push for necessary protection of all Americans’ unique attributes. This legislation would create a new federal property right for every individual’s voice and likeness while also establishing guardrails for responsible innovation, protecting the First Amendment, and giving victims of AP deepfakes and voice clones effective recourse. Martina shared why the NO FAKES Act represents an important step in protecting her career and family while ensuring honest representation to her fans.

Mariah Carey continues to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her iconic album, The Emancipation of Mimi, with an all new performance video featuring “Don’t Forget About Us,” “Circles,” “Say Somethin’,” “Your Girl” and “We Belong Together.” Mariah will be releasing an expanded deluxe version of the album on May 30.

Plus, new music from Joe Jonas, Lenny Kravitz, Benson Boone, Reneé Rapp, Lainey Wilson, mgk, Karol G, G-Eazy and more!

Music for People Who Believe in Love – Joe Jonas

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“Momma Song” – Benson Boone

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“Leave Me Alone” – Reneé Rapp

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

Let It Ride Remixes Pt. 2 – Lenny Kravitz

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

Hell’s Kitchen (Original Broadway Cast Recording) Deluxe Edition – Alicia Keys

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“cliché” – mgk