Melissa Ruggieri is the national music writer for USA Today. With more than 25 years of experience, she's covered thousands of concerts, including Harry Styles in Amsterdam, Taylor Swift's final Eras Tour shows in Vancouver and every pop/rock residency at Sphere Las Vegas. She's interviewed everyone from Billy Joel to Shakira to Lizzo to Cher and attended every Grammy Awards for two decades. She will also always cherish the memory of Gregg Allman singing "Melissa" to her in a phone interview.
Our journalists adhere to the USA TODAY NETWORK Principles of Ethical Conduct For Newsrooms.
My Recent Work
The Weeknd just took this tour record from Elton John
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Sombr turns NYC subway into stage for surprise performance
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The Beatles just gave fans a new, unearthed John Lennon song
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How healing became the center of Linkin Park's 'Unshatter' documentary
Why John Mayer's Sphere residency will be unique
Biggest VMAs moments, from Madonna to Taylor Swift
George Michael remembered at VMAs by Raye, Sombr, Teddy Swims
MTV VMAs performances ranked, from Madonna to Raye
Kacey Musgraves showers Dolly Parton with love at MTV VMAs
Madonna returns to the MTV VMAs for her first performance in 23 years
Taylor Swift ends 'Life of a Showgirl' on airy note with 'Encore'
U2 shares details of first new album since 2017, Dolly Parton featured
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The best songs on Miley's new album 'Bass Persuades'
Why Macklemore's Ed Sheeran tour dispute is unprecedented
Dolly Parton gets moving Emmys tribute from friend Reba McEntire
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U2 named MusiCares Person of the Year, with tribute concert for fans
Harry Styles unveils 25 new stadium shows for 2027
Billy Joel says performing was ‘causing damage to my brain’
TSO marks 30th anniversary tour by expanding affordable tickets
Megadeth's Dave Mustaine embraces 'regular life' after cancer battle
Who ruled the song of the summer? Cast your vote now
Scorpions postpone all 2026 tour dates, Las Vegas residency
Freddie Mercury’s closest friend gives new insight into Queen frontman
James Taylor, 78, still captivates with warmth and vocal magic
Why Alex Warren says he's 'not a cool artist' despite fame, success
See Harry Styles pay tribute to the late Dolly Parton: 'We love you'
Harry Styles launches MSG residency with emotional Dolly Parton moment
Dolly Parton's death stunned fans. Why she's a rare cultural unifier
All the famous hits you didn't know Dolly Parton wrote
What's your favorite Dolly Parton song? Click here to cast your vote
Dolly Parton's most iconic quotes about confidence, 'nips and tucks'
Muere Dolly Parton a los 80 años. Leyenda de la música conocida por 'Jolene' y otros éxitos