RIHANNA RUSHED TO SWISS HOSPITAL
On Monday, Rihanna was rushed to a hospital in Switzerland for unspecified reasons. However, we now know what was wrong with the singer. According to People, RiRi had an injured rib and wanted to make sure it was nothing serious. Fortunately, it wasn’t. Rihanna is currently “doing well” and was able to resume the European leg of her Last Girl on Earth tour. The Bajan sensation is scheduled to invade the U-S in July with Ke$ha as her opening act.
CHRISTINA AGUILERA ON IDOL FINALE
Christina Aguilera will perform on the American Idol finale in May. The performance will come just a week before the release of her new album, Bionic, which hits stores on June 8th. Aguilera made the announcement on an Atlanta radio station’s morning show. An Idol spokesperson could not confirm Aguilera’s appearance or comment on who else might be on the typically star-studded final show. Last week, Lady Gaga tweeted that she would pay a visit to Idol on the May 5th show, marking her return engagement to the reality singing competition that she first performed on last April. For more info, head to MTV.com.
CHRISTINA AGUILERA TALKS GAGA COMPARISONS
During an interview with Us Magazine, Christina Aguilera spoke openly about the constant comparisons made between her and Lady Gaga. The “Not Myself Tonight” singer understands that those references “come with the territory” but she says it’s “not even worth wasting the breath to comment on. I’ve been around for over a decade and I think my work speaks for myself.” Christina knows that if she were “younger” then she’d be “a little upset,” but these days she knows “there’s a bigger picture out there” that includes her son, her family and her work.
JUSTIN BIEBER TOPS BILLBOARD ALBUM CHART
Justin Bieber’s My World 2.0 holds at number one on the Billboard album chart for third non-consecutive week, selling over 92-thousand copies. MGMT’s second album, Congratulations, debuts at number two selling over 66-thousand copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Lady Antebellum’s Need You Now rises one spot to number three, Usher’s Raymond v Raymond slides down two spots to number four, while Coheed and Cambria’s Year of the Black Rainbow bows at number five. The Now 33 compilation falls one rung to number six and Lady Gaga’s The Fame holds at number seven. Ke$ha’s Animal leaps eight spots to number eight, Monica’s Still Standing is down three spots to number nine and Justin Bieber’s first album, My World, drops to number ten.
B.o.B. THINKS PARAMORE IS “THE S**T”
B.o.B.’s single “Airplanes” features Hayley Williams from Paramore and the rapper recently confessed to being a real fan of the band. He told MTV News that Paramore is “the s**t” and said that he really wanted to work with the redhead singer. Hayley is also on “Airplanes (Part II),” the final track on the album, alongside Eminem and B.o.B. “Airplanes” is off B.o.B.’s upcoming album, B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray, which is out on Tuesday.
ADAM LAMBERT TOUR DATES!
Adam Lambert recently tweeted that Allison Iraheta and Orianthi would open on his Glam Nation Tour this year. The American Idol runner-up has announced tour dates on his website. The outing kicks off on May 22nd in Mansfield, Massachusetts and wraps on August 13th in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The Glam Nation Tour also features stops at the Nokia Theater in New York City and the Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
GLAM NATION TOUR DATES:
May 22nd – Comcast Center – Mansfield, Massachusetts
June 4th – The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts – Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
June 5th – Starland Ballroom – Sayreville, New Jersey
June 6th – Dutchess Stadium – Wappinger Falls, New York
June 10th – Harrah’s Ballroom – Council Bluffs, Iowa
June 11th – Shooting Star Casino – Mahnomen, Minnesota
June 12th – Mystic Lake Casino Hotel – Prior Lake, Minnesota
June 22nd – Nokia Theater – New York, New York
June 24th – MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods – Mashantucket, Connecticut
June 26th – Borgata Spa & Resort Event Center – Atlantic City, New Jersey
July 28th – OC Fair – Pacific Amphitheatre – Costa Mesa, California
August 13th — Musikfest – Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
LADY ANTEBELLUM READY FOR OWN HEADLINING TOUR
Lady Antebellum swept the ACM Awards Sunday, taking home five trophies, and Hillary Scott chatted with Us Weekly about the group’s success. The trio is yet to be affected by the recent attention, and if anything, it keeps them working harder. Scott said, “It keeps us moving forward and wanting to just continue to create music that we’re proud of.” After the Southern Voice tour with Tim Mcgraw, Lady A has their sights on a headlining tour of their own in the fall. Hillary revealed, “We’re just brainstorming on what kind of show we want to make and then just writing. We’re such forward thinkers.”
SHAKIRA AT GLASTONBURY!
Shakira will perform at this year’s Glastonbury Festival in the U-K. She will appear on the Pyramid Stage on Saturday June 26th. The Colombian superstar will take the stage before Scissor Sisters and Muse. U2, Vampire Weekend, La Roux, Snoop Dogg and many others will be playing the three day festival. Tickets for the 175-thosuand capacity event have already sold out, but Glastonbury will be broadcast live throughout the world by the BBC.
STATEMENT: Shakria released this statement: “I’m really looking forward to playing Glastonbury this year and being a part of their 40th anniversary. Glastonbury is famous for being one of the best festival crowds, so I’m sure I’ll have a great time.”
For more information, head to GlastonburyFestivals.co.uk.
SHAKIRA COLLABORATES ON CHILE BENEFIT SONG
Shakira teamed up with Michael Buble, Juanes and others on a new charity single which will raise funds towards Habitat For Humanity’s work with the victims of the recent earthquake in Chile. The recording of “Gracias a la Vida” (“Thanks to Life”), a Chilean folk song by Violetta Parra, is due to be released in the next few weeks. The song also features Alejandro Sanz, Juan Luiz Guerra, Laura Pausini and many more.
JANET JACKSON EYES EARTHA KITT BIOPIC
According to EbonyJet.com, Janet Jackson has her eye on playing the lead role in Eartha Kitt’s biopic. In fact, the Why Did I Get Married actress revealed that she recently “had the opportunity to spend time with her” and was delighted to find out that Kitt wanted Janet to portray her. Though nothing has been confirmed just yet, Janet “hopes” that she can play such “an icon” who “gone through so much – not just in her adulthood, but her childhood.”
Janet’s latest film, Why Did I Get Married Too?, is currently in theaters.
TAYLOR SWIFT TO TAKE OVER THE COMIC BOOK WORLD
Taylor Swift is the next superstar to get the comic treatment, as her biographical comic book will be released in July. The 32-page series will feature the journey she has traveled so far, including writing music at the age of ten. Taylor’s noted appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show detailing her split from Joe Jonas will be covered as well. No word yet if the Bluewater Comics’ Fame comic book will also include the Kanye West stunt.
COLBIE CAILLAT ON THE FOOD NETWORK
The hit show The Next Food Network Star is coming back for its sixth season, and it’s going to have some special guests throughout the entirety of the series. Stars like Eva Longoria Parker will be showing up, as will singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat! No word on when Colbie’s episode will air, but be sure to keep an eye out for her when The Next Food Network Star premieres Sunday June 6th at 9 PM Eastern on the Food Network.
KELLY CLARKSON CONTROVERSY
Kelly Clarkson is in the middle of a controversy. According to the Associated Press, a billboard in Indonesia that is promoting the former American Idol’s show in the capitol city of Jakarta, also happens to have a huge ad for L-A Lights cigarettes as well, because they happen to be sponsoring the gig. The singer-songwriter got wind of this and took to her personal blog to sort everything out. Clarkson said that she didn’t know a tobacco company was sponsoring her show, and that the only way she could do something about it would be to cancel the performance entirely. She wrote that she refuses to do that because she won’t let her fans down, making the situation “lose-lose.” Read what else Kelly as to say at IAmKelly.Wordpress.com.
V.V. BROWN’S ALBUM IS OUT NOW
V.V. Brown is already a star in her native England, and now she’s coming over to make her mark in America. The New York Daily News said about her album Traveling Like the Light that “you’d search hard to find a more likable pop-soul album released in the last year.” Traveling Like the Light is in stores now.
PLAY A MICHAEL FRANTI SONG ON GUITAR
Even wanted to learn how to play a Michael Franti song on guitar? Well now you have the chance because the singer-songwriter posted a video of himself instructing how to play his tune “Sound of Sunshine.” See the vid and start learning now at MichaelFranti.com.
BANDS THANK THE FANS AFTER THE BEST CRUISE EVER
Vh1’s Best Cruse Ever took place over the weekend, and it seems that it was an enormous success. In fact, all the bands that took part in the excursion to the Cayman Islands made a thank you video for the fans and all the people involved, speaking about what a great time they had on the ship. Head to ThankYouVh1BestCruiseEver.com now to see the likes of 3 Doors Down, Lifehouse and Shinedown showing their gratitude towards their fans.
THE SCRIPT ON FALLON
The Script were on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon a little while back, and the episode is replaying tonight. Tune in to NBC at 12:35 AM Eastern to watch the Irish rockers perform their hit single “Breakeven.” Other guests on the show include Kristen Stewart, Dr. Drew Pinsky and the Bee Gees.
GET THE FRAY’S ALBUM FOR CHEAP
Haven’t picked up The Fray’s latest release yet? Well if you’re a student and you want to get their self-titled album, you can grab it for only five bucks! Learn more about the special offer at TheFray.net.
GET SOME NEW MICHAEL BUBLE MERCH
Have you always wanted to pick up some Michael Buble gear but didn’t know exactly what to buy? Well the singer-songwriter has just added a bunch more stuff to his online merchandise store, including an exclusive charm bracelet. Check out all the new merch now at MichaelBuble.com/Shop.
SHERYL CROW AND TINA FEY WEAR THE SAME THING!
It’s always embarrassing to be seen wearing the same outfit as someone else, especially when you’re at an awards show. According to E! Online, Sheryl Crow and Tina Fey both wore nearly identical Dolce & Gabbana gowns to the Matrix Awards in New York City on Monday. Fey joked about the coincidence on stage when she won an award. She told the crowd that Sheryl looked much better than she did, saying, “If you want to see what this dress looks like on a surfer body, look over there. I wear it with a sweater.”
LEONA LEWIS DOESN’T LIKE DRINKERS
You can get drunk, just don’t do it around Leona Lewis. According to an interview with British magazine Stylist, the pop star thinks that people who need to drink to have a good time have a “stupid mindset” and that Lewis insists that she needs her friends around to have a good time, and that she doesn’t “need alcohol.” Learn more at Stylist.co.uk.
THE DONALD ON BRET MICHAELS
Even though Bret Michaels is currently recovering from his recent emergency appendectomy, you can still see him Sunday night on Celebrity Apprentice. In fact, the host of that show, Donald Trump, has even commented on the Poison singer. According to Blabbermouth.net, the Donald stated, “Although Michaels is uncontrollable at times, he is a creative asset to his team and most importantly, a strong fighter.” Bret is fighting to heal from his surgery, which could take a little longer than most people since he also suffers from type 1 diabetes. While the rocker’s solo tour has been postponed, you can still catch him on Celebrity Apprentice Sunday night at 9 Eastern on NBC.
ASHER ROTH GRABS PHARRELL FOR NEW ALBUM
MTV News caught up with Asher Roth to find out more information on his upcoming album and learned that he’s working primarily with hitmaker Pharrell Williams. The “I Love College” rapper described the process as “really fast” and told MTV, they’d “do 12 records in 12 days, which is really good numbers. It’s quick.” Roth added, “He gets an idea and he harnesses that idea really quick. It’s cool when someone like me gets to step into the studio with him. I feel it’s probably different vibes.” Pharrell could potentially executive produce Asher’s sophomore entire effort. Head over to MTV.com now to learn more.
PAUL WALL TAPS TRAVIS BARKER TO PRODUCE ALBUM
GRAMMY nominated rapper Paul Wall teamed up with Travis Barker to produce on his upcoming album, Heart of a Champion. Paul’s fourth studio effort will include features with artists such as Jim Jones, Raekwon, Yelawolf, Bun B and others. Be sure to lookout for the new project when it arrives on June 29th.
Paul recently was named the President of The Recording Academy’s Texas Chapter. In the position, he will attempt to ensure that the state is well represented in the GRAMMY voting body.
CYPRESS HILL TOUR WITH SLIGHTLY STOOPID
Cypress Hill is heading out on tour with Slightly Stoopid this summer. The guys will be taking their new Rise Up album out on the road starting on July 16th in Irvine, California. For dates and ticket info, visit CypressHill.com.
DRAKE’S DEBUT PERFORMANCE OF “FIREWORKS”
During the 13th annual BMI Urban Showcase in Atlanta, Drake performed new material from his much anticipated Thank Me Later album. The Young Money star played a new song called “Fireworks” for the first time ever on Tuesday night. Fans can get their full fix when Thank Me Later drops June 15th.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZL4HX40x6g
U2 DVD DETAILS
On June 3rd, U2’s U2 360 ° At the Rose Bowl HD DVD will hit shelves. More details are coming out about the release, which will be the band’s first disc available in Blu-ray format. The DVD’s will feature a documentary titled Squaring the Circle: Creating U2360 °, which includes new interviews with the Irish band.
MELISSA EHTERIDGE ON OPRAH
It was just announced that Melissa Etheridge will be on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in early May, but before that, the singer-songwriter is going on Oprah. Melissa will be performing her song “Fearless Love” tomorrow on the hit talk show. Check your local listings for time and station.
WANNA SMOKE WITH SNOOP DOGG!?
If you can’t get enough of 4/20, Snoop Dogg is continuing the festivities by allowing his fans to smoke with him whenever they want. The West Coast legend is inviting everyone to upload their pictures on Snoop420.com to get their virtual high. Once the photo is uploaded, users can save their customized video and post it to social networking sites like Facebook or Twitter, or even email it to their friends. Head over to Snoop420.com to learn more.
GURU’S FAMILY RELEASES STATEMENT
While many fans are currently grieving the recent death of Guru, the rapper’s family has issued an official statement on the matter. It turns out the former Gang Starr member was in a coma up until he passed away at the age of 43. Here’s the full statement: <WM>
“The Elam family wishes to thank the fans of our son/brother/father uncle/nephew/cousin Keith aka GURU for the outpouring of love, concern and support. Our hearts are broken by the loss of someone we loved so much. GURU was devoted to his young son, who will most keenly feel his absence. GURU suffered from multiple myeloma for over a year. Accrued complications from this illness led to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. As a result, GURU was in a coma from mid February until his death and never regained consciousness. Early on the morning of April 19th, he became hypertensive due to low blood pressure. He again went into cardiac arrest and slipped away from us. GURU died far too young but he was, and we are, proud of all his many legendary musical contributions. The family is not aware of any foundations established by GURU. We know and understand that countless fans want to express their condolences and love and, to that end, we are planning a memorial event in the near future that will be all-inclusive. Please look for further details from the family as they become available.”
