Music notes: Mimi Webb, Logic, Halsey, Britney Spears and more

May 17, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Mimi Webb is headlining her first North American tour, which kicks off this fall. The “House On Fire” singer opened for Tate McCrae during her spring tour. Now, fans get to see Mimi fly solo starting September 22 with her first show slated for Vancouver, British Columbia. Tickets go on sale Friday.

Logic will release his new album, Vinyl Days, on June 17, which fans can pre-save now. The “Sucker for Pain” rapper will also kick off the Vinyl Verse Tour 2022 alongside Wiz Khalifa starting July 27 with a stop in Irving, California. Tickets for the summertime trek are on sale now.

Halsey kicks off their long awaited Love and Power Tour tonight, May 17, and they released an all-new teaser meant to hype fans for the event. The behind-the-scenes footage shows the amount of work Halsey put into rehearsing for the tour, and also shares a taste of the intense effects that’ll shock and excite the audience.

Britney Spears released a new dancing video to Instagram Tuesday, saying, “I’m definitely going through something in my life at the moment … and music helps me so much just to gain insight and perspective… I’m thankful for that escape.” Britney is dancing to Beyoncé’s “Halo” in the video and said the “song is pretty spiritual.” Britney recently announced she lost her “miracle baby early in the pregnancy” and is healing.

Are Nick Jonas and Shakira collaborating on a new song? When asked if Shakira might crash the Jonas Brothers‘ upcoming Vegacy, she told Access, “You never know!” But Nick chimed in, “Let’s do it.” Shakira agreed that they should “do it” — and are now sparking hope they will make a song together.

The trailer for Jennifer Lopez‘s documentary, HALFTIME, drops Wednesday at noon, and a link to the YouTube premiere is now available.

Music notes: Meghan Trainor, Nick Jonas, Jennifer Lopez, Sam Smith and Madonna

May 17, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Meghan Trainor is going to wish you a happy birthday! The singer transformed her 2014 hit “All About That Bass” into a birthday parody called “All About That Cake.” The song can be personalized with more than 1,000 names Meghan will sing. She said in a statement, “This is the coolest career moment for me.” The e-card is available now.

Are Nick Jonas and Shakira collaborating on a new song? When asked if Shakira might crash the Jonas Brothers‘ upcoming Vegas residency, she told Access, “You never know!” But Nick chimed in, “Let’s do it.” Shakira agreed that they should “do it” — and are now sparking hope they will make a song together.

The trailer for Jennifer Lopez‘s Netflix documentary, HALFTIME, drops Wednesday at noon, and a link to the YouTube premiere is now available. She also teased a few clips on her Instagram Story.

Sam Smith shared a heartfelt message to their fans Tuesday, saying, “Thank you so much for all the love I’ve been shown the last few weeks.” He said the reception of their new song has “been wild” and that fans have been “so beautiful and kind” with their support. Sam added they’re “working so hard right now” and teased, “It’s gonna be a fun few years!”

Madonna is once again teaming with DJ Sickick and announced they collaborated on a new remix of her 1998 song “Frozen,” titled “Frozen on Fire.” She teased a bit of the new remix and shared a clip of her toasting with her crew to celebrate the song. The track is available to pre-save now and will drop this Thursday.

Keyshia Cole claps back at Antonio Brown for “disrespectful” comments; attorney Ben Crump urges Biden to pass anti-Black hate crime bill

May 17, 2022 by WDNY Radio

–Just a few days ago Keyshia Cole shared images to Instagram that looked like she was enjoying a good time with NFL player Antonio Brown, expressing that she misses him “a lot.” The images sparked dating rumors that AB has since shot down, most recently in a “disrespectful” manner, according to Keyshia.

In an Instagram Live video shared by The Shade Room Tuesday, AB told the 40-year-old singer, in a not-so-nice way, to leave him alone. “Keyshia Cole, you know, I’m a player man, we don’t want you, Keisha. Stay off my ****, you heard.”

Keyshia responded that she was “big trippin” for showing him love. “I have a 12 year old. Like that type disrespect for what.. Nothing is worth that level of disrespect, especially when u don’t deserve it…”

The back and forth started when AD posted a video of what appears to be his initials tattooed on a woman’s body with the caption, “You Ain’t Pimpin Until You Hit An RnB Diva.”

–As a result of the race-fueled Buffalo supermarket shooting last weekend, civil rights attorney Ben Crump is calling on President Joe Biden to pass the anti-Black hate crime bill.

Speaking to ABC News’ Linsey Davis on behalf of Ruth Whitfield, one of the 10 victims, Crump urged the president to work with Congress to pass legislation to help protect Black Americans from the continued acts of senseless violence.

“We’re going to fight to do what they believe their mother would want,” Crump said standing alongside Whitfield’s children, as reported by The Shade Room. “That is to get some positive change to come from this tragedy. That’s why we’re saying to President Biden and the United States Congress, pass the anti-Black hate crime bill.”

Miley Cyrus responds to Selena Gomez’s ‘SNL’ shoutout

May 17, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Selena Gomez made waves on Saturday Night Live when she unleashed her spot-on Miley Cyrus impression during her opening monologue. Now, Miley is finally sharing her thoughts about the unexpected shoutout.

Selena had spoken about needing advice on how to knock her monologue out of the park, but, after not having any luck with her Only Murders in the Building co-stars Martin Short and Steve Martin, she turned to Miley.

Whipping out a spot-on impression, the “Lose You to Love Me” singer said Miley, whom she called “one of my oldest friends,” told her, “Just be yourself and have fun.” She continued, “I was like, ‘Miley, is that just an excuse for me to do an impression of you on the show?’ And she was like, ‘Hell yeah, I’m Miley Cyrus.'”

Turns out Miley loved the shoutout and Selena’s SNL hosting debut. In an Instagram post on Tuesday, the Grammy nominee showed off how she immortalized the moment — with a tank top.

The “Midnight Sky” singer used a black permanent marker to scrawl “Hell yeah, I’m Miley Cyrus” in all capital letters on a white tank top. She then posed for a frisky photoshoot of her modeling the new memorabilia in bed while drinking a cup of tea.

She also tagged Selena, who in turn “liked” the post, and also shared a clip of the now-viral SNL moment.

Matt Cameron feels “truly sorry” for Taylor Hawkins ‘Rolling Stone’ piece: “My quotes were taken out of context”

May 17, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron is distancing himself from the recent Rolling Stone piece in which he was interviewed about Taylor Hawkins.

The article, published Monday evening, features interviews with both named and anonymous friends of the late Foo Fighters drummer, including Cameron and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith.

The piece includes multiple sources claiming that Hawkins had expressed concern with the amount of touring he had to do as part of Foo Fighters, with both Cameron and Smith quoted as saying Hawkins had a “heart-to-heart” conversation with Foo frontman Dave Grohl and the band’s management about it.

“[Hawkins] told me that he ‘couldn’t f***ing do it anymore’ — those were his words,” Cameron’s quote reads. “I guess they did come to some understanding, but it just seems like the touring schedule got even crazier after that.”

A rep for Foo Fighters denied that such a conversation between Grohl and management took place. The article also reports that Hawkins had “lost consciousness” on a plane last December, which the rep denied, as well.

In a statement posted to his Instagram Tuesday afternoon, Cameron writes, “When I agreed to take part in the Rolling Stone article about Taylor, I assumed it would be a celebration of his life and work.”

“My quotes were taken out of context and shaped into a narrative I had never intended,” Cameron continues. “Taylor was a dear friend, and a next level artist.”

Cameron adds that he has “only the deepest love and respect for Taylor, Dave and the Foo Fighters families,” and that he’s “truly sorry to have taken part in this interview.”

“I apologize that my participation may have caused harm to those for whom I have only the deepest respect and admiration,” he concludes.

Nashville notes: Dolly Parton + more

May 17, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Dolly Parton presented broadcasting legend Dan Rather with the Peabody Career Achievement Award this week. He’s one of several honorees at the upcoming 82nd Peabody Awards, which will be held during a multiday virtual celebration next month.

Rising country star Ernest teased a new track called “Songs We Used to Sing” on social media this week. His duet with Morgan Wallen, “Flower Shops,” is currently climbing the country charts.

Ariana Grande celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month by giving away free therapy

May 17, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Ariana Grande is celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month by making sure her fans who can’t afford a therapist receive the help they need.

The “Positions” singer is “thrilled” to once again team with Better Help, a provider of online therapy, and announced she is giving away up to 100,000 hours of free therapy.

This marks Ariana’s third partnership with the provider. She teamed with Better Help last June to give away $1 million worth of therapy and again in October in support of World Mental Health Day, when she donated up to $5 million worth of free therapy.

“Your overwhelming response to our partnership last time has inspired and allowed us to do this again,” she announced on her Instagram Story. “I acknowledge that this one small gesture doesn’t solve the much much larger problem around access to mental health resources… but in doing this, we so hope to encourage you to prioritize your mental health and consider what steps you could take to build out more space to have therapy in your life longterm [sic].”

“It is imperative that we help normalize and destigmatize asking for help. There is no shame in seeking treatment and I am so proud of you,” she concluded. She directed fans to BetterHelp.com/Ariana to take advantage of the new offer and get matched with a licensed therapist.

Ariana has long voiced support for normalizing therapy and has been open about her own mental health struggles. She has openly revealed she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety as a result of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing at her concert, which killed 23 and injured over 800.

Ariana has continued to commemorate the victims every May 22 — and this year will mark the bombing’s fifth anniversary.

Julian Lennon to release NFT of his “Imagine” performance to benefit Ukrainian refugees

May 17, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Last month, Julian Lennon performed a cover of his late father John Lennon‘s classic peace anthem “Imagine” as part of Global Citizen’s Stand Up for Ukraine campaign. Now he’s set to release a special audio-visual NFT focusing on the performance, which will raise money for Ukrainian relief.

The NFT will include Julian’s recording of “Imagine,” which features him accompanied by Extreme‘s Nuno Bettencourt on guitar and backing vocals, as well as a visual interpretation of the song and audio narration by Julian explaining why he decided to perform his father’s famous tune.

The visual element that accompanies the recording includes black-and-white pencil strokes by Julian that transform into pockets of light.

Starting this Friday, May 20, the NFT will be available for purchase at the Yellowheart digital marketplace for 11 days priced at $11. A portion of the proceeds raised by sale of the digital tokens will benefit Julian’s White Feather Foundation and the charity’s efforts to aid Ukrainian refugees.

“The war on Ukraine is an unimaginable tragedy, and as a human and an artist I have always felt that music finds a way to heal, comfort, rally and support during times of crisis,” Julian says. “Performing my father’s classic ‘Imagine’ was a very personal decision, but an obvious one given his lyrics reflect our collective desire for peace worldwide.”

He adds, “Partnering with YellowHeart to offer NFT artwork that includes my interpretation of the song will provide an opportunity for fans to connect and unite through the song’s message of unity in a new and innovative way.”

A video of Julian performing “Imagine” with Bettencourt debuted on Julian’s YouTube channel on April 8 in conjunction with the Stand Up for Ukraine campaign. It marked his first public performance of his late father’s song.

Harry Styles to celebrate new album with ’Harry’s House’-themed pop-up shops worldwide

May 17, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Harry Styles is pulling out all the stops to celebrate his third studio album, Harry’s House, which arrives Friday. In addition to putting together one-night-only concerts and livestreaming events, he will now erect pop-up shops around the world.

Harry’s House pop-up shops will spring up around the globe, with locations opening simultaneously in Amsterdam, Berlin, Chicago, Dallas, London, Los Angeles, New York City, Paris and Toronto. These shops will open May 20.

According to a press release, “The pop-up will give fans a chance to experience and celebrate Harry’s new album Harry’s House live with special activations and exclusive merchandise designs only available at these locations.”

Among the exclusive goodies will be special box sets, hoodies, a limited album zine, totes, towels, hats, T-shirts and more. In addition, these stores will be the only place you can get your hands on a limited-edition orange vinyl edition of Harry’s House. The release hints only a few will be made available.

American Express card members will be given first dibs on the items because they will be able to enter the shops one hour early to shop to their hearts’ content. They will also be the only people who can purchase a limited-edition crewneck sweatshirt.

For a full list of dates and hours the shops are open, visit Harry’s official website.

Morgan Wallen says family, friends, fatherhood helped him grow in the wake of his racist slur scandal

May 17, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Morgan Wallen made his return to the awards show spotlight at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards over the weekend, performing two songs — “Don’t Think Jesus” and “Wasted on You” — and bringing home the award for Top Country Male Artist.

It was his first performance since a video of him yelling a racist slur emerged in early 2021. Since then, he’s been barred from many mainstream awards shows and other music industry platforms.

But at the BBMAs, Morgan walked the red carpet with his mom, Lesli, and credited the people closest to him for helping change his perspective amid the scandal.

“My family, my friends and just a really good team,” the singer replied to ET Online when asked who most helped him get through the past couple of years. “My kid. I’ve had a lot of really positive things going on behind the scenes, that maybe weren’t necessarily brought to light.”

He continued, “I’ve been able to get to a good place because of all that.”

Morgan also expressed his gratitude for the support he’s received from his fellow country artists, such as Jason Aldean and Hardy.

“Everybody tells you they’re your friends when everything’s good, so it’s really nice to have people who really mean that,” he said.

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