Music – Page 3311 – 105.7 WDNY

What to expect from the new ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race Allstars:’ Extreme slayage, extra-special guests, newfound sisterhood

May 19, 2022 by WDNY Radio

For the first time in RuPaul’s Drag Race history, the All Star season 7 cast will consist of winning queens of seasons past. Ahead of their intimate and funny conversation with Emmy-winning actor Ben Platt at 92Y earlier this month, ABC Audio caught up with each of the eight ladies, who say the slayage displayed this time around will be bigger, better and fiercer than ever before.

“You’ve seen amazing drag on every season,” said The Vivienne, a Welsh queen who won the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. “This season you’re going to see the best runways … you’re going to see celebratory drag,” she said, standing alongside season 11 winner Yvie Oddly.

That’s another major difference between the new and old seasons — the queens aren’t out to get one another, they help, love and push each other up because that’s how “you get the best drag ever possible.”

All Stars season 5 winner Shea Couleé, who also competed on season 9, said this third time around was a charm in terms of her castmates. “I would say that this cast is definitely the most dynamic, the most well-rounded and the closest of all the cast that I’ve been in,” she said. Standing alongside season 3 winner Raja, who Couleé says “absolutely crushed it,” both queens say they can’t wait for fans to witness the heart that went into this season.

When asked about the experience of living in a house full of winners, season 5 winner Jinkx Monsoon admits the competition was harder in some ways, considering the high expectations set by both viewers and themselves. Jaida Essence Hall, of season 12, described it as taking a handful of diamonds and throwing them in the air: “It’s hard to see which one is going to shine the most because they’re all brilliant.”

As for Monét X Change and Trinity The Tuck, who tied for the season 4 All Star crown, they say they’re coming to “play the game and have fun.”

Season 7 of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars premieres tomorrow, May 20, on Paramount+.

Halsey hits back at body critics, “Let me live”

May 19, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Halsey has a message for those criticizing their appearance.

In a five-second TikTok posted on Wednesday, the “Without Me” singer looks off into the distance as a song plays in the background. Text superimposed over the video read off the various critiques they’ve received that read, “Halsey u look sick,” “Is she ok? Put some meat on those bones,” “She’s too thin :/” and “Looks unhealthy.”

In the caption, Halsey hit back, ““u look sick” BC I AM! LET ME LIVE!”

The post comes shortly after the 27-year-old shared they’ve been diagnosed with several health conditions. Halsey says they have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which Mayo Clinic describes as a disorder that affects one’s connective tissue, and Mast Cell Activation syndrome, which Mayo Clinic defines as a buildup of too many mast cells — a type of white blood cell — that can cause allergic reactions and inflammation and several other disorders.

They also explained their ongoing battle with endometriosis has “been exacerbated” by these new health issues, which they say occurred after giving birth to their son, Ender. “My body is rebelling against me a little bit,” Halsey said at the time.

Dolly Parton’s working on a Christmas musical for her theme park, Dollywood

May 19, 2022 by WDNY Radio

It’s not even summer yet, but Dolly Parton’s already in the holiday spirit: She’s at work on a new musical called Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas, which will air on NBC.

According to People, the TV special is a little bit meta: It’s about the making of another TV special, which is set at her east Tennessee theme park, Dollywood. Additionally, a rather enigmatic statement from NBC indicates that Dolly’s musical will include “a private journey into her past, guided by the mysterious appearances of her personal Three Wise Men.”

Believe it or not, that’s not the only musical Dolly’s working on right now. She also recently announced that she’s attached to Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza TikTok musical as part a cast that also includes rapper Doja Cat.

Meanwhile, Dollywood’s Splash Country water park opened for the season last weekend.

Elton John’s ‘Honky Château’ album celebrates 50th anniversary today; Davey Johnstone shares his recollections

May 19, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Elton John‘s classic fifth studio album, Honky Château, was released 50 years ago today, on May 19, 1972.

The album was Elton’s first to top the Billboard 200, spending five consecutive weeks at #1 in July and August of ’72 and beginning a run of six straight chart-topping studio efforts in the U.S. for Elton.

Honky Château included two songs that reached the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, “Rocket Man” — one of Elton’s signature tunes — and “Honky Cat,” which peaked at #6 and #8, respectively.

The album was recorded in France at Château d’Hérouville, an 18th century manor house, and was Elton’s first full album to feature contributions from his classic backing band of guitarist Davey Johnstone, drummer Nigel Olsson and bassist Dee Murray.

Johnstone tells ABC Audio that he had basically just met Olsson and Murray for the first time at the airport before the sessions began, but he says they quickly developed a chemistry while working on the album.

“[W]ith Elton on piano, Nigel on drums, Dee on bass and me on guitars, and then us all doing background vocals, we it had tailor-made,” Johnstone says. “[We were a] four-piece … rocking outfit. And with Bernie Taupin supplying the lyrics, it was like, suddenly we were this unstoppable force.”

Johnstone notes that with everyone staying at the chateau, songs often would come together very quickly.

“[W]e’d come down in the morning and have a coffee and a baguette or something, and we’d just immediately start rehearsing some of these songs,” Johnstone recalls. “And in some cases, we’d rehearse the song and we’d say, ‘Oh, that sounds great. Let’s just go over to the studio and cut it right now.’… So it was very, very fast.”

Here’s Honky Château‘s full track list:

“Honky Cat”
“Mellow”
“I Think I’m Going to Kill Myself”
“Susie (Dramas)”
“Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going to Be a Long, Long Time)”
“Salvation”
“Slave”
“Amy”
“Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters”
“Hercules”

Ingrid Andress’ favorite hobby includes flowers, hearts and ‘raunchy’ rap lyrics: “It’s just so funny to me”

May 19, 2022 by WDNY Radio

When Ingrid Andress isn’t writing new songs or touring, you can probably find her enjoying a hobby she picked up as a home-schooled kid: cross-stitching.

“I used to cross-stich when I was younger, and now I love cross-stitching rap lyrics,” the singer says. “It’s just so funny to me. I don’t know why my brain thinks that’s hilarious, but cross-stitching weird, raunchy rap lyrics with, like, flowers and hearts around [them] just brings me so much joy, and I have no idea why.”

Hopefully Ingrid’s friends and family feel the same way — she says she likes to spread that joy around, especially during the holidays.

“I used to do them as Christmas gifts,” she continues, explaining that she either keeps it in the hoop she uses to make it so the gift recipient can hang it on their wall, or she cross-stitches a pillow or napkin for them.

Ingrid says she’s waiting for the perfect cross-stitch craft to make for herself. “I haven’t kept one for me yet. Usually I just give them away,” she continues.

Ingrid may be cross-stitching in her free time, but she’s currently hard at work on musical pursuits. She released her latest new song, “Seeing Someone Else,” earlier this month.

Elton John, Rod Stewart, Duran Duran & more to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II at Platinum Party at the Palace

May 18, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Queen Elizabeth II‘s Platinum Jubilee celebration, which will mark her 70th year on the British throne, just got a lot more star-studded.

The lineup for the Platinum Party at the Palace, a massive concert set for June 4 in front of Buckingham Palace in London, has been revealed. Sir Elton John, Sir Rod Stewart, Duran Duran and Diana Ross are among the performers, as are, fittingly, Queen + Adam Lambert.

The bill also includes Alicia Keys, Andrea Bocelli, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Also part of the lineup are several pop and rock artists who are well known in the U.K. but perhaps less familiar in the U.S., including George Ezra, Craig David, Elbow, Sam Ryder, Mabel, Sigala & Ella Eyre, Mica Paris, Celeste and Mimi Webb.

There are just 10,000 tickets available, which are being allocated on a first come, first served basis. Visit the BBC’s websitefor more information. It’s not clear yet if the BBC’s broadcast of the event will air in North America.

Metallica announces new round of Walmart-exclusive colored vinyl

May 18, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Metallica is once again teaming up with Walmart for an exclusive run of colored vinyl.

The collection includes new wax variants of 1996’s Load, 1997’s Reload, 2003’s St. Anger and 2008’s Death Magnetic, as well as the 1998 covers compilation Garage Inc.

Each of the five titles will be available separately or altogether as part of a bundle. They’ll be available in Walmart stores and online beginning June 17. You can preorder your copies now via Walmart.com.

Metallica previously linked up with Walmart in 2020 for exclusive colored vinyl reissues of their first five albums, from 1983’s Kill ‘Em All to 1991’s Black Album, as well as their latest release, 2016’s Hardwired… to Self-Destruct.

Elton John, Rod Stewart, Queen + Adam Lambert & more to celebrate Queen Elizabeth at Platinum Party at the Palace

May 18, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Queen Elizabeth II‘s Platinum Jubilee celebration, which will mark her 70th year on the British throne, just got a lot more star-studded.

The lineup for the Platinum Party at the Palace, a massive concert set for June 4 in front of Buckingham Palace in London, has been revealed. Sir Elton John and Sir Rod Stewart are among the performers, as are, fittingly, Queen + Adam Lambert.

The bill also includes Duran Duran, Diana Ross, Elbow, Alicia Keys, Andrea Bocelli, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Also part of the lineup are several pop artists who are well known in the U.K. but less familiar in the U.S., including Sam Ryder, Mabel, George Ezra, Craig David, Sigala & Ella Eyre, Mica Paris, Celeste and Mimi Webb.

There are just 10,000 tickets available, which are being allocated on a first come, first served basis. Visit the BBC’s website for more information. It’s not clear yet if the BBC’s broadcast of the event will air in North America.

Selena Gomez rallies for mental health alongside first lady Jill Biden

May 18, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Selena Gomez once again teamed up with the Biden administration to highlight the importance of mental health. The Grammy nominee met with first lady Jill Biden, as well as Ambassador Susan Rice, to rally for positive change.

Selena was in Washington, D.C., to host the first Mental Health Youth Action Forum on Wednesday, which brought together 30 mental health youth activists to share their experiences and ideas on how to improve accessibility and bring resources to those in need.

USA Today reports Biden opened up about her personal struggles with mental health before introducing Selena. “The darkness inside of us can feel heavy at times, but we can share the weight of it together,” the first lady said. “It takes courage to be honest about the struggles that you’ve faced and to tell your stories. And it takes courage to understand that your voice can make a difference, and to show your creativity and talents to all of the world.”

Selena used her time to change the dialogue on openly discussing mental health, saying that normalizing these conversations will help those who are struggling in silence.

“Bringing attention to mental health through media or just talking about your own journeys can help. It sets the example that it’s a topic that can and should be discussed freely and without shame,” she said in a speech that brought tears to her eyes.

She also rallied to increase resources to address the nation’s mental health needs, saying, “I want to ensure that everyone, no matter their age, their race, religion, sexual orientation, has access to services that support their mental health.”

The “Wolves” singer previously teamed up with the Biden administration in 2020, joining Vice President Kamala Harris for a virtual discussion on destigmatizing mental health.

Music notes: American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, Harry Styles, Jennifer Lopez

May 18, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan are expected to return to American Idol, reports Deadline. The ABC series was renewed for another season. Although their return hasn’t formally been announced, ABC Entertainment President Craig Erwich said, “We’re looking forward to having that same chemistry next year.”

Kelly Clarkson opened up about the early days of remote learning and told People, “I was like, ‘Dear God, I hope my nanny doesn’t quit!'” Kelly super appreciates educators, saying teachers have “a crazy hard job.” She’s since teamed with Norwegian Cruise Line to give 100 teachers a much-needed vacation via its Giving Joy contest. Nominate those who are most deserving on the official website.

Harry Styles admits fans will see his “bum-bum” in his new film My Policeman — but assured nothing else will be shown on the big screen. He also told Howard Stern he had to “wear a gas mask” while getting tattoos airbrushed all over him, adding that they come into play for his steamier scenes. The movie’s due out this year.

Jennifer Lopez dropped the trailer for her Halftime documentary, which arrives on Netflix June 14. The movie covers the singer’s preparation for her Super Bowl halftime performance and the career wins that led to the moment. The doc will take a deep dive into Jennifer’s life, psyche and dreams for the second half of her career.

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