Stories by Isabella Gomez Sarmiento
Isabella Gomez Sarmiento
Reporter, NPR Music
By Isabella Gomez Sarmiento
Shakira, Madonna and BTS will headline World Cup final halftime show
Isabella Gomez Sarmiento | May 14, 2026, 5:04 PM UTC
For the first time ever, the final match will feature a halftime performance of three acts capturing this year's global spotlight.

By Isabella Gomez Sarmiento
On her new album 'Norteña,' Julieta Venegas journeys home to the Mexican borderIsabella Gomez Sarmiento | May 13, 2026, 1:53 PM UTC

By Isabella Gomez Sarmiento
AI music is flooding streaming platforms. But listeners like it less and lessIsabella Gomez Sarmiento | May 2, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC

By Isabella Gomez Sarmiento
On her song 'HEROINA,' the rebellious singer Tokischa embraces vulnerabilityIsabella Gomez Sarmiento | Apr 22, 2026, 3:24 PM UTC

By Isabella Gomez Sarmiento
Artists respond to the Live Nation monopoly verdictIsabella Gomez Sarmiento | Apr 18, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC

Jury finds that Live Nation acted as a monopoly and overcharged ticket buyers
An antitrust suit alleged that the company unfairly controlled too much of the live music industry at the expense of venues, artists and fans. The decision could reshape the industry.
Isabella Gomez Sarmiento | Apr 15, 2026, 9:14 PM UTC

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's class of 2026 includes Phil Collins, Oasis and Sade
The Rock Hall's inductees will include eight acts who have all been eligible for at least a decade. In its "musical influence" category, the hall nods to Latin and African pop for the first time.
Isabella Gomez Sarmiento | Apr 14, 2026, 1:36 AM UTC

Why your favorite artists keep pairing up for co-headlining tours
From SZA and Kendrick Lamar, to MJ Lenderman and Waxahatchee, there's been an uptick in recent years of prominent artists joining forces for a co-headlining tour.
Isabella Gomez Sarmiento | Apr 12, 2026, 9:00 AM UTC

Afrika Bambaataa, hip-hop and electro pioneer, dead at 68
The rapper and producer helped script hip-hop and electronic music's blueprint with songs like "Planet Rock" and "Looking for the Perfect Beat."
Isabella Gomez Sarmiento | Apr 10, 2026, 7:47 AM UTC

U.K. issues Ye travel ban over antisemitism, leading to festival cancellation
The rapper previously known as Kanye West, scheduled to perform this summer in London, was denied entry into the U.K. on the grounds that his presence "would not be conducive to the public good."
Isabella Gomez Sarmiento | Apr 7, 2026, 7:25 PM UTC




