Dierks Bentley remembers his dad 10 years after his death: “Think about him every day”

Dierks Bentley remembers his dad 10 years after his death: “Think about him every day”
Dierks Bentley remembers his dad 10 years after his death: “Think about him every day”
ABC

Dierks Bentley is remembering his late father, Leon Bentley, this week on the 10-year anniversary of his death. 

The singer paid tribute to his dad on social media with a special childhood memory, sharing some photos of Leon giving a young Dierks a sip of his beer. The second and third photos show Dierks’ reaction to the beer, with a big smile on his face.

“Funny how a good cold beer has always had the same effect on me!” Dierks joked in the caption, before offering some more serious reflections on his father. “Think about him every day. Find myself wanting a little more advice now than I wanted back then!”

In fact, it was Dierks’ dad who first introduced him to country music. “I remember him saying he liked that even if you didn’t know the song, if it was written right, you could still sing along and guess some of the words,” he said.

“Miss him, wish the kids could have had a little bit more time with Granddude,” Dierks said in the conclusion of his post. “Thanks for being a good dad…Dad!”

Leon died on June 1, 2012, at the age of 88 after a long illness. CMT reported that Dierks — who had already released several albums and achieved considerable country music success — shared the news with his fans in a tweet.

Dierks’ 2014 album Riser included some nods to his dad’s death, including the song “I Hold On,” which mentions the truck he used to drive to Nashville with his dad at the beginning of his career.

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Megan Thee Stallions drops hot new video for “Plan B”

Megan Thee Stallions drops hot new video for “Plan B”
Megan Thee Stallions drops hot new video for “Plan B”
Rich Polk/NBC

Megan Thee Stallion blazed the 2022 Billboard Music Awards stage two weeks ago with a performance of her new song “Plan B.” On Thursday the Houston hottie dropped the track’s official music video.

The Grammy winner teased the new visual on Instagram Wednesday, alerting fans of its release.

“Hotties Thee wait is OVER the ‘Plan B’ video is coming on 6.2.22 @ 3PM ET/12PM PT. TUNE IN WITH ME!” she said, sharing a video snippet. In her caption, she also tagged French fashion luxury brand Mugler, which Megan sports in the video and in her everyday looks, including her Billboard performance.  

The modern and sleek video, directed by Mugler’s Casey Cadwallader and John Miserendino, accompanies the punchy, hardcore lyrics of the song. On the track, which samples Jodeci‘s 1995 hit “Freek ‘N You (Mr. Dalvin Remix) featuring Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, Megan tells a tale of female empowerment.

The first lines of the chorus goes, “Ladies, love yourself cause this s**t could get ugly / That’s why it’s f**k n****s get money.”

To listen to the full song and to watch Megan rock her assortment of Mugler looks, check out the video for “Plan B” on her official YouTube channel. 

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Mariah Carey reflects on 30th anniversary of ‘MTV Unplugged’ EP

Mariah Carey reflects on 30th anniversary of ‘MTV Unplugged’ EP
Mariah Carey reflects on 30th anniversary of ‘MTV Unplugged’ EP
Ke.Mazur/WireImage

It’s officially been 30 years since Mariah Carey dazzled on the MTV Unplugged stage and released her standout EP, and the hitmaker reflected Thursday on how important the pivotal moment was for her career. 

Sharing an Instagram video highlighting moments of her Unplugged set, where she belted out hits from her album Emotions, Mariah reflected on how much she’s changed since 1992.

“Happy anniversary to that girl on stage who was so nervous and scared to even sing in front of a crowd. Also she had no idea this last minute ‘unplugged’ show would become a ‘thing!'” she remarked.

Mariah also revealed how that performance changed the course of her career.

“During that performance, I remember having a breakthrough moment…the realization that all I needed to do was SING and actually CONNECT with the people in the audience and be in the moment with THEM!!! And then we were in it together,” she recalled.

The Grammy winner continued, “When I watch this now, it’s revelatory how many insanely talented musicians and singers I had the privilege of sharing that small stage with and I truly feel blessed. I am thankful to that majestic group of people who made that stage come to life and to the audience in the room for sharing what became a life changing experience for me and as always.”

“Thank you my fans for sharing this journey with me. You save my life each day,” she closed out the sentimental post.

Mariah’s MTV Unplugged EP sold over 4 million copies and peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 200. It also spun off her hit duet with Trey Lorenz, “I’ll Be There,” which was a last-minute addition to her Unplugged set list.  Her cover of the Jackson 5 song earned her two Grammy nods.

 

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Bonnie Tyler, Stella McCartney chosen for prestigious honors by Queen Elizabeth II

Bonnie Tyler, Stella McCartney chosen for prestigious honors by Queen Elizabeth II
Bonnie Tyler, Stella McCartney chosen for prestigious honors by Queen Elizabeth II
Aldara Zarraoa/Redferns

Bonnie Tyler and Stella McCartney are among the people who have been acknowledged in the 2022 edition of Queen Elizabeth II‘s annual Birthday Honours list, which recognizes “outstanding achievements” and service of people across the U.K.

Tyler, who is from Wales and whose birth name is Gaynor Hopkins, is also is known by her married name, Gaynor Sullivan. She was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire honor, or an MBE, for her services to music.

“I am truly honoured to be awarded an MBE and especially so in Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year, which makes this even more special,” Bonnie wrote in a message posted on her official website. “This honour just goes to show that anyone from any background can become a success, and be recognised by our wonderful country, if they put their minds and efforts into what they do.”

She added, “I hope that my honour may in some small way motivate others to give their best … I’m just a girl from a small town in Wales who just loves to sing, so to be recognised for that in this way is very significant to me and my family and friends.”

The “Total Eclipse of the Heart” singer will help celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, marking her 70-year reign, at a special concert this Saturday at Cardiff Castle in Cardiff, Wales.

Paul McCartney‘s daughter Stella, a successful fashion designer who also is known for promoting vegetarianism, was honored with a Commander of the Order of the British Empire award, or CBE. The CBE is a higher honor than an MBE, ranked just below a knighthood. Stella’s famous dad was knighted in 1997.

Check out the queen’s full 2022 Birthday Honours list online.

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Dua Lipa celebrates her debut album’s fifth anniversary

Dua Lipa celebrates her debut album’s fifth anniversary
Dua Lipa celebrates her debut album’s fifth anniversary
Dimitri Hakke/Getty Images

Hard to believe it’s been five years since Dua Lipa released her eponymous debut studio album, which propelled her into superstardom with hits “New Rules”, “IDGAF” and more.

The Grammy winner marked the milestone occasion on Instagram Thursday and shared throwback photos of herself taken five years ago. Photos included her on tour, signing copies of her album and Polaroid snaps.

“5 years ago today I dropped my debut album,” she said. “i’m so proud of every baby step and stepping stone, every room, club and venue, every artist, songwriter and producer that i’ve been lucky to write and collaborate with and that has led me to where I am today.”

Dua continued, “i thank my lucky stars everyday and I thank you all for being on this insane journey with me.”

Dua Lipa, the album, debuted on June 2, 2017, and garnered positive reviews from music critics. It was nominated for numerous awards and earned her the golden gramophone for Best New Artist at the 61st annual Grammy Awards.

The “Cold Heart” singer rereleased the album as a two-disc “complete edition,” which included the standout tracks “Electricity,” “No Lie” and “One Kiss.”

After a nearly three-year wait, she released her sophomore album, Future Nostalgia, on March 27, 2020. Fans are anxiously waiting for her third album and hope she has something to tease very soon.

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This Day in Black History: ’The Wire’ debuted 20 years ago

This Day in Black History: ’The Wire’ debuted 20 years ago
This Day in Black History: ’The Wire’ debuted 20 years ago
Michael Loccisano/FilmMagic

On June 2, 2002, the groundbreaking series The Wire debuted on HBO. Due to its in-depth focus on Baltimore’s narcotics scene and its raw portrayal of the city’s drug trade, education, government and bureaucracy, the show was highly scrutinized by some. But to many others it is considered one of the most beloved and celebrated TV shows of the 21st century. 

The Wire spanned 60 episodes across five seasons on prime time television. The series’ creators, former police reporter David Simon and former cop Ed Burns, drew upon real-life experiences to craft complex, accurate storytelling that, to this day, influences and inspires similar projects. 

Some of today’s most celebrated stars trace their beginnings to The Wire — Golden Globe-winning actor Idris Elba is widely known for his role as antagonist Stringer Bell, while Creed star Michael B. Jordan got his start as a young Wallace in the series. The late Michael K. Williams received great praise for his portrayal of stickup man Omar Little, and Wood Harris is well known for his character, Avon Barksdale, a big-time Baltimore drug dealer. 

Twenty years later the show still garners critical acclaim, including the boastful but indisputable — as many critics refer to them — comments made by the creators themselves, who say they’re more than aware of The Wire’s cultural impact. 

“I told you so,” is a phrase Simon uses frequently in a New York Times’ article about the show’s legacy. Because, as Burns tells it, “this show will live forever.”

In honor of The Wire’s 20th anniversary, check out HBO’s official podcast episode, featuring Simon and Burns, narrated by Clifford “Method Man” Smith Jr

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QotSA’s Josh Homme producing new album by country artist Nikki Lane

QotSA’s Josh Homme producing new album by country artist Nikki Lane
QotSA’s Josh Homme producing new album by country artist Nikki Lane
New West Records

The closest thing to a new Queens of the Stone Age album in the last five years may be a new record from country artist Nikki Lane.

Lane has teamed up with QotSA frontman Josh Homme to produce and mix her just-announced new album Denim & Diamonds, due out September 23. Additionally, Homme brought along his bandmates Dean Fertita and Michael Shuman to play organ and bass, respectively, on the record, as well as frequent Queens collaborator Alain Johannes on guitar.

Denim & Diamonds also features Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders, who previously played with Homme on Iggy Pop‘s 2016 Post Pop Depression record, and former Jack White live member Carla Azar.

“I was blessed with the opportunity to deep dive into these songs with Josh Homme and the wonderful band he put together…smack in the middle of lockdown,” Lane shares.

You can listen to the first Denim & Diamonds single, “First High,” now via digital outlets.

The most recent Queens of the Stone Age album is 2017’s Villains.

(Video contains uncensored profanity.)

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Mickey Guyton to reunite with The Black Pumas for next ‘CMT Crossroads’

Mickey Guyton to reunite with The Black Pumas for next ‘CMT Crossroads’
Mickey Guyton to reunite with The Black Pumas for next ‘CMT Crossroads’
ABC

Mickey Guyton, who shared the stage with The Black Pumas at this year’s CMT Music Awards, is reuniting with the soul duo once more for a new installment of CMT Crossroads, according to a report from People.

Their performance is the newest episode of the Crossroads series, which pairs two acts from different musical genres together for a performance of their respective hits.

This time around, they’ll perform highlights from Mickey’s discography, such as “Black Like Me” and “Better Than You Left Me,” plus Pumas’ hits “Fire” and “Confines.” Before the show airs, you can check out a sneak peek of the live trio version of “Fire.”

“We are huge Black Pumas fans in my house, so I was so excited to do this CMT Crossroads!” Mickey says in a statement. “Eric [Burton] and Adrian [Quesada] are just incredible and I hope everyone enjoys it as much as we did.”

Mickey and the Black Pumas’ Crossroads episode will air June 15 at 10 p.m. ET on CMT.

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Sara Bareilles had to memorize entirety of ‘Into The Woods’ within “10 days”

Sara Bareilles had to memorize entirety of ‘Into The Woods’ within “10 days”
Sara Bareilles had to memorize entirety of ‘Into The Woods’ within “10 days”
ABC/Eric McCandless

Sara Bareilles played the Baker’s Wife in the New York City Center Encores! production of Into The Woods this spring — and the “Brave” singer revealed she was given just days to memorize everything.

“It was wild. It’s a fast process through Encores! at City Center,” she told The View. “You get 10 days to learn the show. It is insane.”

The show, which ran for a few weeks before wrapping May 15, also starred Neil Patrick Harris. Sara revealed everyone on the cast was overwhelmed by the grueling schedule. 

“We all had meltdowns, we were all, like, crying in the bathroom during our breaks and stuff. But we just felt like we stumbled on lightning in a bottle,” the Grammy winner said.

Sara said the hard work was well worth it, adding the show “won a Pulitzer Prize for a reason! It’s really, really special.”

The singer also shouted out the “really special cast,” adding everyone was “so excited” to be part of Into The Woods.

The New York City Center production was so successful, it is now heading to Broadway. It will return to the Great White Way for an eight-week engagement at Broadway’s St. James Theatre starting June 28.

Tickets are on sale now via SeatGeek.com/into-the-woods.

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The Rolling Stones launch SIXTY tour in Madrid; band plays “Out of Time” for the first time live at show

The Rolling Stones launch SIXTY tour in Madrid; band plays “Out of Time” for the first time live at show
The Rolling Stones launch SIXTY tour in Madrid; band plays “Out of Time” for the first time live at show
Javier Bragado/Redferns

The Rolling Stones kicked off their SIXTY tour in fine form last night with a two-hour show in front of a sold-out crowd of 53,000 at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid.

The Stones’ 19-song set included their first live performance of the 1966 gem “Out of Time.” The show also featured renditions of such classic as “Street Fighting Man,” “19th Nervous Breakdown,” “Tumblin’ Dice,” “Can’t Always Get What You Want,” “Honky Tonk Women,” “Miss You,” “Start Me Up,” “Paint It Black,” “Sympathy for the Devil,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.”

The British rock legends also played their most recent single, 2020’s “Living in a Ghost Town,” as well as their 1978 hit “Beast of Burden,” the latter of which was chosen by an online fan vote.

During the concert, the band celebrated guitarist Ronnie Wood‘s 75th birthday, singing “Happy Birthday” to Wood with help from the audience.

According to NME, the concert began with a video tribute to late Stones drummer Charlie Watts, who died last August at age 80. Russia’s current invasion of Ukraine was also addressed, with footage of the war-torn country shown during the group’s performance of “Gimme Shelter.”

Meanwhile, as he’s done for many years, Wood is creating illustrated set lists for each concert The Stones play on tour, and limited-edition prints of the painted lists are available at his online art store. The set list for the Madrid show is available now, priced at $100.

The next concert on The Stones’ 60th anniversary European trek is scheduled for this Sunday, June 5, in Munich, Germany.

Here’s the full set list of the Madrid show:

“Street Fighting Man”
“19th Nervous Breakdown”
“Sad Sad Sad”
“Tumblin’ Dice”
“Out of Time”
“Beast of Burden” (vote)
“Can’t Always Get What You Want”
“Living in a Ghost Town”
“Honky Tonk Women”
“Happy”
“Slipping Away”
“Miss You”
“Midnight Rambler”
“Start Me Up”
“Paint It Black”
“Sympathy for the Devil”
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash”
“Gimme Shelter”
“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”

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