Charlie Puth reveals Adele, Sam Smith and Eminem all auditioned to feature on “See You Again”

Atlantic Records

Charlie Puth‘s new album, Charlie, is coming out on Friday, and he wanted to reflect on how far he’s come as an artist.

Sitting down with Allure, Charlie reviewed his past music videos — starting with 2015’s “See You Again” with Wiz Khalifa. “I was actually not supposed to be in this music video,” the hitmaker recalled. He said it goes a step further, explaining, “I wrote this song for Sam SmithAdeleEminemSkylar GreyChris BrownLil Wayne — they all auditioned to sing it. I was never intended to be the artist on this song.” 

Another standout music video was “Attention”; Charlie admitted he threw up on the set while filming. The singer has a super sensitive tummy — as evidenced in James Corden‘s 2017 bit “Spill Your Guts or Fill Your Guts” — and that got the better of him. 

He revealed the actress “portrayed a crazy ex-girlfriend so well” in the glass-smashing scene that he forgot they were acting, adding that scene was a reenactment of what actually happened in real life.

Looking back at the “How Long” music video, Charlie admitted it makes him cringe because it “showed the whole world that I really couldn’t dance.” “I can’t look at it. It’s so bad,” he said.

In addition, he had the police called on him because they filmed the video until 7 a.m., and people were tired of hearing his music. “There’s a lot of drama surrounding my music videos,” he laughed.

Charlie also had some love for “Left and Right” with BTS‘ Jungkook, adding the colors they wore represented the two sides of the brain. He called Jungkook “a trooper” because his schedule was incredibly stacked. Despite flying straight from South Korea, Jungkook powered through jet lag to shoot the video in a day.

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Stacey Abrams covers ‘Essence Magazine’s’ Paint the Polls Black issue, emphasizes the importance of voting

Gunner Stahl

Stacey Abrams, one of the most pivotal voices on voting rights, lands on the cover of Essence Magazine‘s October issue. 

With the 2022 midterm elections quickly approaching on November 8, the Georgia politician opens up about the importance of voting and shares a fearful part of the election process.

“What is the most devastating response to me is when someone says, ‘My vote doesn’t matter.’ Of course it matters,” she says. “You may not win with your vote every time, but you make them work for it every time. That’s the point. If somebody’s got to work for something, they’re not going to be as mean to you as they were. They’re not going to ignore you the way they do.”

For the month’s Paint the Polls Black issue, Abrams delves into ideas pertaining to the Black vote, the meaning behind the Black community voting in their best interest and the younger generation’s beliefs. A vital part of the voting process, she says, is electing those who care about the Black community.

“We must elect candidates who see us, hear us, represent us, and have a commitment to passing legislation that ensures our communities have the opportunity to thrive,” she expresses.

Abrams is currently running to become the first Black woman governor of Georgia and the first ever in U.S. history. Her passion for community service, voting rights and equality helps fuel her, but she’s also driven by her upbringing and the values instilled in her at an early age. 

“[My parents] always reminded us that our faith should be a shield to protect and not a sword to strike down,” she told Essence. “This belief still guides me today as I fight to ensure that Georgians of all backgrounds are seen [and] heard.”

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From Hank Williams Jr. to Rick Astley, Blake Shelton has a diverse playlist for all of life’s moments

Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images

Blake Shelton is a staple in modern country music, but he appreciate all types of music, as evidenced by the music that shows up on his playlists.

When he has a date night with wife Gwen Stefani, Blake says the couple is likely listening to ’80s love songs by Phil Collins, R.E.M. and REO Speedwagon

On a day of relaxation with Gwen and her sons, Kingston, Zuma and Apollo, the playlist spans generations — the boys repeatedly request the 1987 hit “Walk the Dinosaur,” while Blake and Gwen have introduced them to “Never Gonna Give You Up” singer Rick Astley

“The kids are just now discovering Rick Astley,” Blake shares. “That’s pretty much it, back and forth those two songs.”

As for what gets him hyped up before hitting the stage, Blake blends his love for country and rock ‘n’ roll, listening to Hank Williams Jr.’s classic “A Country Boy Can Survive,” along with AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses. “Something that will really get me pumped up,” he says of the tone. 

As for what he’s listening to while working out, the singer can’t help but chuckle at the thought. 

“Did you just ask me if I’m exercising and working out?” he says laughing, adding that his “go-to” track is “Hot Hot Hot” by Caribbean singer Arrow.  

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The Beatles’ debut single, “Love Me Do,” was released in the UK 60 years ago

The Beatles in 1962; Harry Hammond/V&A Images/Getty Images

Wednesday, October 5, marks the 60th anniversary of the release of The Beatles‘ first U.K. single, “Love Me Do.”

According to BeatlesBible.com, the Fab Four had first recorded the song with original drummer Pete Best on June 6, 1962, at London’s EMI Studios — later Abbey Road Studios. Then, after Ringo Starr had replaced Best, the band took a second crack at the song at EMI on September 4 of that year.

Producer George Martin wasn’t happy with the quality of Ringo’s drumming on that version, so The Beatles reconvened once more time at EMI, on September 11, 1962, with session drummer Andy White sitting in and Starr on tambourine.

Initial copies of the “Love Me Do” single actually featured the version with Ringo, although the one with White was included on The Beatles’ debut U.K. album, Please Please Me, and The Beatles’ Hits EP, which were released in 1963 in March and September, respectively.

The “Love Me Do” single peaked at #17 on the U.K. chart. The version with White on drums also appeared on the Fab Four’s debut U.S. album, Introducing The Beatles, which was released in January 1964. Issued as a U.S. single in April ’64, it spent one week at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May of that year.

As previously reported, The Beatles Story in Liverpool, U.K., is marking the 60th anniversary on Wednesday by inviting fans to bring their Beatles or Beatles-era memorabilia to the popular Fab Four-themed attraction, where experts from a specialist Beatles auction house will appraise the items for free.

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Taylor Swift reveals song title for track 9 off her upcoming ’Midnights’ album

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Another day, another one of Taylor Swift‘s Midnights Mayhem with Me. Thanks to this unique TikTok series, fans now know the title of the ninth track off her upcoming album, Midnights.

Taylor maintained her ’70s theme as she once again spun the bingo cage to pluck a brand new ball out of the pile. This time, fate told her to reveal the title for song number nine.

“Track nine is called… ‘Bejeweled,'” Taylor revealed while speaking into her signature red phone. Unfortunately, that was all the information she was willing to part with at this time.

The last track reveal yielded ball number three, so Taylor disclosed that “Anti-Hero” is the name of the third track. She also revealed a little bit about that particular number.

Taylor said on Instagram that “Anti-Hero” is one of the favorite songs she’s ever written and that it is about “delving into her insecurities.”

“I struggle a lot with the idea that my life has become unmanageably sized and, not to sound too dark, but I struggle with the idea of not feeling like a person,” she had explained. “This song really is a real guided tour throughout all of the things I tend to hate about myself.”

“I think it’s really honest,” she noted further.

Other previously revealed titles include track 13, “Mastermind”; track eight, “Vigilante S**t”; track seven, “Question…?”; track six, “Midnight Rain” and finally, track two, “Maroon.”

Midnights arrives in a little over two weeks — on Friday, October 21. 

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Miguel’s wife Nazanin Mandi reportedly files for divorce

Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 2 Presented by Amazon Prime Video

It seems Miguel and his wife, Nazanin Mandi‘s marriage has come to the end of the road. 

Mandi filed to divorce from the “Sky Walker” singer on Tuesday after almost three years of marriage, according to documents obtained by TMZ. She apparently cited the reason as irreconcilable differences and noted that there is a prenup in place. 

Miguel and Mandi, who were high school sweethearts,  previously announced they were separating in September 2021. At the time, a representative for the couple confirmed the news to People, stating, “After 17 years together, Miguel and Nazanin Mandi have decided to separate and have been for some time now. The couple both wish each other well.”

It was not specified how long the pair had been apart or what led to the split.

Miguel and Mandi, both 35, dated for about a decade before getting engaged in 2016. They married in November 2018. They do not have any children together.

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Niecy Nash unsure how to answer question on gender identity

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Niecy Nash-Betts stopped by The Tamron Hall Show on Tuesday alongside her wife, singer Jessica Betts, to discuss making history as the first same-sex couple to land the cover of Essence Magazine.

Part of Tuesday’s conversation included details of a discussion Nash had with her youngest daughter, Dia, and the fact that she wasn’t sure how to respond to the 22-year-old when asked her about gender identity. 

“How did you discuss it with the kids who were trying to understand?” Hall asks, referring to questions Nash fielded prior to her marriage to Betts. 

“My daughter was like, ‘How do you identify?’ And I said, ‘Huh?'” Nash says that her daughter asked the question again. 

“And she said, ‘Well, how do you identify?’ And I said, ‘As Black and your momma!'” The audience and Hall burst into laughter before Nash delved into her experience trying to make sense of “all the labels.”

The 52-year-old actress says her daughter made her watch a show about gender identity, but instead of helping to make sense of things, the show actually made it worse.

“I was like, ‘Girl, I’m more confused now than I was before this. I don’t know. If I have to coin it in the moment, I would say I’m Jess-sexual,'” Nash said, motioning to her wife sitting beside her. “I’ve never looked at anyone, male or female, and seen them the way I see her. So I don’t know.”

She added, “But right now I know I’m happy.”

Prior to her marriage to Betts, Nash was married twice before to men. She told Essence of her relationship with her wife saying, “We have such a natural compatibility that we can be around each other, work together and hang out all day.”

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Loretta Lynn’s life has been turned into a comic book

TidalWave Comics

Loretta Lynn‘s life and career are being turned into a comic book. 

In honor of October’s Country Music Month, which was instituted by former President Richard Nixon in the 1970s, TidalWave Comics is releasing Female Force: Loretta Lynn on October 5. 

The 22-page book examines her life and career, from her origins in Butcher Holler, Kentucky, to becoming a country music legend. 

Written by Ryan McCall in honor of Loretta’s 90th birthday this year, the book features images of many of Loretta’s career highlights, including performing “Coal Miner’s Daughter” on the Grand Ole Opry and the night she met her husband, Oliver Lynn, at a pie social in Butcher Holler in 1947.

There’s also a cartoonized version of Kacey Musgraves, Margo Price and Brandy Clarkexploring Loretta’s exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame, along with Sissy Spacek presenting Loretta with the CMT Artist of a Lifetime Award at the 2018 CMT Artists of the Year ceremony. 

Loretta passed away on October 4 at the age of 90. TidalWave Comics has released a statement saying the book was already in the process of being published at the time of Loretta’s death. 

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Jefferson Airplane to receive star on Hollywood Walk of Fame next week

Jefferson Airplane, circa 1970; Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Influential San Francisco psychedelic band Jefferson Airplane will be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame next week.

The star ceremony will take place October 13 at 11:30 a.m. PT and will be streamed live at WalkofFame.com.

The three surviving members of the band’s Surrealistic Pillow lineup — singer Grace Slick, guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady — will be on hand to accept the honor. Doors drummer John Densmore and Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart will be guest speakers at the event.

The plaque, which will be the 2,737th star dedicated on the Walk of Fame, will be located at 6752 Hollywood Blvd.

“This ceremony will bring many great memories to those with a love for music of the ’60s and ’70s,” says Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez. “We are proud to add this iconic psychedelic rock band to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.”

Formed in 1965, Jefferson Airplane had its biggest success with its second album, 1967’s Surrealistic Pillow, which featured the classic Slick-sung hits “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love.” The band was at the center of the counterculture movement through the late 1960s and early ’70s, and famously played at historic festivals Monterey Pop, Woodstock and Altamont.

After the band broke up, Slick played with Airplane co-founders Marty Balin and Paul Kantner in the spinoff group Jefferson Starship. Kaukonen and Casady, meanwhile, formed the psychedelic folk-blues outfit Hot Tuna; they continue to tour and record with that band.

The Airplane reformed in 1989 for a reunion tour and album.

In 1996, Jefferson Airplane was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

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Alter Bridge’s Myles Kennedy reflects on 15 years of ‘Blackbird’: “It’s pretty special”

ABC Audio

Alter Bridge‘s Blackbird first took flight 15 years ago.

The record, released in October 2007, marked the sophomore effort from the group, which featured Creed members Mark Tremonti, Brian Marshall and Scott Phillips coming together with vocalist Myles Kennedy. Following their 2004 debut, One Day Remains, Kennedy and company felt they had “a lot to prove” with album #2.

“When that first record came out, people had their opinions on things, and understandably so,” Kennedy tells ABC Audio. “So we were essentially trying to figure out who we were, where we were gonna go, what we were gonna be.”

Part of that included Kennedy expanding from just singing on One Day Remains to playing guitar and writing more on Blackbird.

“I’d been used to being the sole writer with [previous band] The Mayfield Four, and Mark had been used to being the sole guitar player with Creed,” Kennedy explains. “So how do you do this delicate dance in the creative realm? Man, that’s a challenge. But I think somehow we landed on our feet.”

With its epic twin guitar solos played by both Kennedy and Tremonti, the song “Blackbird” became an apt metaphor for that delicate dance. Fittingly, the eight-minute epic has also become one of Alter Bridge’s most beloved songs.

“[I] think of all the fans I’ve seen who have ‘Blackbird’ tattoos on their bodies and share the stories of how that song means so much to them,” Kennedy muses. “Yeah, it’s pretty special. It really makes me grateful.”

Alter Bridge’s latest album, Pawns & Kings, drops October 14.

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