In reply to Only Facts.

Alicia Keys has the exact same “expected” date on her new album page through iTunes. I believe this is just a placeholder date until a new one gets confirmed, and it’s the same thing for Gaga. The Coronavirus has made release date unpredictable, but this placeholder at least allows us to believe the albums will come out this year.
Also, Dec 31 is a Thursday...albums don’t get officially released on Thursdays. It’s always on a Friday.