Entertainment

Bebe Rexha’s upcoming album, Dirty Blonde, is already generating buzz, and it seems a spontaneous encounter in Tokyo played a surprising role in its creation. The “Meant to Be” singer recently shared a captivating story about a night out that directly inspired one of the album’s tracks, offering a glimpse into the personal experiences fueling her new music.

Rexha detailed the unexpected evening during a February 13 appearance on Page Six Radio’s Virtual Reali-tea show. While enjoying a night of dancing with friends and strangers at a Tokyo nightclub, she found herself in an unexpected connection. “There was another table with all these guys and these hot girls, and this one Japanese girl came up, and we were dancing, grinding on each other. And then she just starts making out with me,” Rexha recounted. The experience, she said, was unforgettable.

The 36-year-vintage artist described the night as “the best ever,” immediately sparking the idea for a song. That song, titled “Tokyo,” will feature the lyric, “I kissed a girl in Tokyo,” directly referencing the memorable encounter. Dirty Blonde: The Visual Album is set for release on June 12, 2026, through Empire Distribution, and will be accompanied by music videos for each track, treating them as individual singles. More information about the album can be found on Wikipedia.

From Tour Life to New Music

Rexha’s journey to Dirty Blonde hasn’t been without its challenges. The album follows her 2023 release, Bebe, and its accompanying Best F*n Night of My Life Tour. During a performance on the tour in August 2023, Rexha was assaulted on stage when a fan threw a cell phone at her face, resulting in a black eye and requiring stitches. The assailant was arrested and received a restraining order from Rexha.

The following year, Rexha released “I’m the Drama” (2024) and publicly voiced her frustrations with Warner Records, alleging a lack of budgetary resources. She later signed with Timeline Management on December 16, 2025, according to Billboard, signaling a new chapter in her career.

Dirty Blonde: The Visual Album Tracklist

The upcoming album is being marketed as a visual album, with each track accompanied by its own music video. Here’s a glimpse of the tracklist, as shared on Genius:

• $hit
• Tokyo
• Hysteria
• New Religion
• Time
• I Like You Better Than Me

“I Like You Better than Me” was released on February 13, 2026, serving as the lead single for Dirty Blonde. Fans on Reddit are already expressing excitement about the new era, with discussions focusing on the tracklist and the album’s overall vibe. See the discussion on Reddit here.

Rexha recently teased the album on Instagram, promising “bold new music and vibes.” View the Instagram post here.

What’s Next for Bebe Rexha?

With the release of “I Like You Better than Me” and the upcoming launch of Dirty Blonde: The Visual Album, Bebe Rexha is poised to deliver a fresh and personal collection of music to her fans. The album’s unique visual component and the intriguing story behind “Tokyo” suggest a compelling and immersive experience for listeners. The June 12, 2026 release date marks the next key milestone in Rexha’s evolving career, and fans eagerly await the full unveiling of Dirty Blonde.

What are your thoughts on Bebe Rexha’s new album announcement? Share your excitement in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow music lovers!

A wave of concern is circulating online as some Muslims report the cancellation of Taraweeh prayers at their local mosques. The issue, first brought to light on Threads by user Naïma ꨄ (@naimasmne), has sparked a broader conversation about the reasons behind these decisions and the impact on the community during the holy month of Ramadan. The initial post, questioning “hoezo was er geen taraweeh in onze moskee” (roughly translated as “why was there no Taraweeh in our mosque?”), quickly gained traction, prompting numerous responses and raising questions about consistency in religious observances.

Taraweeh, a series of voluntary nighttime prayers performed during Ramadan, holds significant spiritual importance for Muslims worldwide. The prayers typically involve reciting lengthy portions of the Quran and are often performed in congregation. According to Islamic Relief Worldwide, Taraweeh prayers can range in length, commonly consisting of 8 or 20 rak’ahs (cycles of prostration) [1]. The cancellation of these prayers at certain mosques has understandably caused distress and confusion among worshippers.

While the specific reasons for the cancellations vary, initial reports suggest logistical challenges and differing interpretations regarding the optimal length and format of Taraweeh prayers may be contributing factors. Some mosques are reportedly opting for a streamlined approach, as seen at Masjid An Nabawi in Saudi Arabia, which has adopted a schedule of 10 rak’ahs of Taraweeh followed by 3 rak’ahs of Witr prayer [4]. This decision, made by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, aims to balance spiritual focus with the comfort of the congregation.

Historical Context and Variations in Practice

The practice of Taraweeh has evolved over time. As detailed in a Wikipedia entry on the subject, the number of rak’ahs traditionally varies among different Sunni Islamic schools of thought [3]. While some adhere to 20 rak’ahs, based on historical accounts from the time of Umar ibn al-Khattab, others follow a shorter format. The key feature of Taraweeh remains the completion of the Quran during the month of Ramadan, with many mosques aiming to recite at least one juz’ (part) of the Quran each night.

Impact on the Community and Ongoing Discussions

The cancellations have prompted discussions about the importance of maintaining religious traditions while adapting to modern circumstances. For many Muslims, attending Taraweeh prayers in congregation is a cherished part of the Ramadan experience. The absence of these prayers can be particularly felt by those who rely on the mosque as a central hub for community and spiritual connection. The situation highlights the diverse approaches to religious practice within the Muslim community and the ongoing need for open dialogue and understanding.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that Ramadan dates are based on the lunar calendar, meaning they shift each year. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to commence around March 11th, according to preliminary calculations, and will continue for approximately 30 days [5]. This timing may influence logistical considerations for mosques as they plan their Ramadan schedules.

Experiencing Taraweeh: A Global Perspective

For those interested in experiencing Taraweeh prayers, a full prayer from the Grand Mosque in Makkah, filmed on the 15th night of Ramadan 1446 (approximately March 2026), is available on YouTube, featuring imams Bandar Balila and Badr Al-Turki [2]. This provides a glimpse into the spiritual atmosphere and traditional practices associated with Taraweeh in one of Islam’s holiest sites.

As Ramadan approaches, it remains to be seen how many mosques will ultimately decide to proceed with Taraweeh prayers and what format they will adopt. The ongoing conversations and adjustments reflect the dynamic nature of religious practice and the commitment of the Muslim community to finding ways to observe their faith in a meaningful and accessible way.

The situation surrounding Taraweeh prayers serves as a reminder of the importance of community engagement and open communication between mosques and their congregations. As the month of Ramadan draws nearer, continued dialogue and understanding will be crucial in ensuring that all Muslims have the opportunity to experience the spiritual blessings of this sacred time.

What are your thoughts on the evolving practices surrounding Taraweeh prayers? Share your experiences and perspectives in the comments below.