Story perspectives

Halsey Slams Fantano’s 1-10 Review, Calls Him Bully

6/23/2026

Summary

Halsey Condemns

Singer Halsey condemned music critic Anthony Fantano after his October 29, 2024 review gave her album a 1-out-of-10.
Anthony Fantano told Variety the rating reflected weak songwriting, not Halsey’s illness.
On June 21 and June 22, 2026, Halsey tweeted that Fantano is an edgelord bully.
Anthony Fantano affirmed support for Bernie Sanders, noted harassment from Adin Ross and Tory Lanez fans, and claimed his influence will outlast his life.

Summary

Fantano Gains Spotlight

Music reviewer Anthony Fantano’s interview with singer Olivia Rodrigo aired on June 20, 2026, sparking renewed interest in his earlier reviews.
Singer Olivia Rodrigo’s new album currently holds the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200, framing music reviewer Anthony Fantano’s heightened profile.
Complex placed music reviewer Anthony Fantano at No. 6 on its 2024 Hip-Hop Media Power Ranking, underscoring his influence in the genre.

Summary

Halsey Discloses Illness

Singer Halsey posted a June 2024 treatment video that raised lupus awareness, prompting thanks from the Lupus Research Alliance and praise from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for her disclosure of a rare T-cell disorder affecting women.
She said her label halted new recordings because the album sold only 100,000 copies in its first week.
She disclosed a “very scary” seizure and hospitalization in September 2024, noting the tour became her highest-selling.

History

Historical Context

Anthony Fantano launched The Needle Drop as a written review site in 2007 and posted his first YouTube album review in January 2009. By the end of 2017 his channel topped one million subscribers, surpassing critics such as Rolling Stone, whose circulation fell 15 %. Since Billboard began counting YouTube streams in 2013, Fantano’s scores influence chart rankings and spark disputes with artists like Halsey.

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Halsey Condemns

Singer Halsey condemned music critic Anthony Fantano after his October 29, 2024 review gave her album a 1-out-of-10.
Anthony Fantano told Variety the rating reflected weak songwriting, not Halsey’s illness.
On June 21 and June 22, 2026, Halsey tweeted that Fantano is an edgelord bully.
Anthony Fantano affirmed support for Bernie Sanders, noted harassment from Adin Ross and Tory Lanez fans, and claimed his influence will outlast his life.

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