Billie Eilish to appear in new ‘Simpsons’ short “When Billie Met Lisa”

Billie Eilish to appear in new ‘Simpsons’ short “When Billie Met Lisa”
Billie Eilish to appear in new ‘Simpsons’ short “When Billie Met Lisa”
Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Billie Eilish is the latest celebrity to head to Springfield.  She’s appearing in an upcoming The Simpsons special.

Taking to her Instagram story to share the official poster, Billie revealed along with two wide grinning emojis, “Guest starring in @thesimpsons new short streaming April 22nd on @disneyplus.”

The special is titled “When Billie Met Lisa,” which shows the “bad guy” hitmaker singing at the studio as Lisa Simpson accompanies her on her baritone sax.  

The special will also feature her brother, FINNEAS.  According to the official press release, “Lisa Simpson is discovered by chart-topping artists Billie Eilish and FINNEAS while searching for a quiet place to practice her saxophone. Billie invites Lisa to her studio for a special jam session she’ll never forget.”

Billie is the latest singer to get a Springfield-style makeover.  Before this announcement, The Weeknd was the latest star to make a guest appearance, voicing two characters — a famous kid influencer who owns a skatewear brand, and his equally-as-cool father, in the episode “Bart the Cool Kid.”

Billie now joins a long line of singers to have been featured on The Simpsons, including Britney SpearsMichael JacksonJustin BieberJohn LegendElton JohnNSYNCKaty PerryEd Sheeran and many others.

Catch her episode when it premieres next Friday, April 22, on Disney+. 

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From “Duh!” to “D’oh!”: Billie Eilish starring in new ‘Simpsons’ short

From “Duh!” to “D’oh!”: Billie Eilish starring in new ‘Simpsons’ short
From “Duh!” to “D’oh!”: Billie Eilish starring in new ‘Simpsons’ short
ABC

Billie Eilish is the latest musician to head to Springfield.

The “bad guy” artist is set to star in upcoming Simpsons short titled “When Billie Met Lisa,” premiering on Disney+ next Friday, April 22.

Eilish revealed the news in an Instagram Story featuring the cartoon, Simpsons-ized version of herself singing next to the character Lisa Simpson, who’s playing her signature saxophone. According to a press release, Eilish’s brother and collaborator FINNEAS will also guest on the short.

“In ‘When Billie Met Lisa,’ Lisa Simpson is discovered by chart-topping artists Billie Eilish and FINNEAS while searching for a quiet place to practice her saxophone,” the release teases. “Billie invites Lisa to her studio for a special jam session she’ll never forget.”

Eilish joins a long list of musical artists who’ve appeared on The Simpsons, including Green Day, Weezer, The White Stripes, Aerosmith, Metallica and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Meanwhile, Fall Out Boy‘s band name is a Simpsons reference.

Disney is the parent company of ABC News.

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One person injured after shooting at DaBaby’s North Carolina home

One person injured after shooting at DaBaby’s North Carolina home
One person injured after shooting at DaBaby’s North Carolina home
Rich Fury/Getty Images

North Carolina police are investigating a shooting that left one person injured at the home of rapper DaBaby, who’s birth name is Jonathan Kirk

According to details shared by the Troutman Police Department on Facebook, officers arrived on scene at approximately 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday, where they found one person suffering from a non-life threatening gunshot wound. That person was transported to a medical facility for treatment. 

“Due to the ongoing and continuing nature of this investigation, no information as to the names of those involved or the circumstances can be released at this time,” the statement reads. 

A local reporter says that he spoke with the Troutman Police chief on Thursday morning, who confirmed “rap star DaBaby was home at the time of the shooting when an unknown gunman entered the residence but wasn’t injured.”

The reporter subsequently shared an image of the home’s gated entrance, highlighting the “private security” that’s guarding the area.

“This is an isolated incident and there is no threat to the community at large,” authorities said. 

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“What a band”: Maren Morris fangirls over John Mayer after joining him as a surprise onstage guest in Nashville

“What a band”: Maren Morris fangirls over John Mayer after joining him as a surprise onstage guest in Nashville
“What a band”: Maren Morris fangirls over John Mayer after joining him as a surprise onstage guest in Nashville
ABC

Maren Morris got to play the role of surprise guest at a John Mayer show in Nashville on Wednesday night, stepping onstage to sing two duets with the star singer-songwriter.

One of those was “Last Train Home,” a song off John’s recent Sob Rock album. Maren provides backing vocals on the studio version, so it’s no surprise they’d choose that tune to perform in a live setting.

Maren also duetted with John at the Grammys in 2021, performing her cross-genre mega-hit, “The Bones.” But even though she’s gotten a few different opportunities to sing with him, Maren’s as starstruck as ever: A fact she made clear during a post to her socials after the show.

“Hello, Maren can’t be reached right now because she went back to 2006 and told her younger self that this would happen in year 2022 and her brain exploded,” the singer wrote, alongside video of her and John onstage together.

“Thank you [John Mayer] for bringing your new light to Nashville & blessing our ears,” Maren continued. “WHAT a band.”

When she’s not being a fan, Maren’s hard at work on her own tour plans: She launches her Humble Quest Tour in June.

 

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BTS’ RM promises his new solo music will arrive “within the year”

BTS’ RM promises his new solo music will arrive “within the year”
BTS’ RM promises his new solo music will arrive “within the year”
The Chosunilbo JNS/Imazins via Getty Images

BTS‘s RM announced the impending arrival of his new solo music and says fans will be able to hear it very soon.

NME reports that the K-pop singer spoke with fans via a recent livestream session and chatted about his personal goals for 2022.  When it came to coming out with solo music, he teased, “I’m getting ready and I’m working on it.”

Calling his work a “mixtape,” RM said he’s “inviting really interesting and unexpected people” to feature on it.  Currently, he is working on a “new song” that he wants fans to hear real soon.

“I have no idea when the next song will be out, but I’m trying hard to release it within this year,” he vowed, adding he wants it “to do well.”

RM also teased a new collaboration that’s also “going well,” and which features “various people in a new and unexpected way.”  He noted, “I believe it’ll be cool, I believe I’m making many good songs. I have a high standard.”

No word yet on when we can expect RM’s new music.

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Coachella announces collaboration with ’Fortnite’

Coachella announces collaboration with ’Fortnite’
Coachella announces collaboration with ’Fortnite’
Presley Ann/Getty Images for Coachella

If you didn’t snag a ticket to Coachella this year, you can still enjoy some virtual festival vibes, thanks to Fortnite.

The massively popular online video game has announced a new collaboration with Coachella. Beginning Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET, a number of festival-themed items will be available in the Fortnite, including various outfits, some of which are described as “reactive to music,” and a guitar-shaped pickaxe.

Additionally, Fortnite‘s in-game Icon Radio station will be playing music from over 30 artists on this year’s Coachella lineup, now through May 16.

Coachella 2022 takes place April 15-17, and April 22-24. The lineup includes Billie Eilish, Måneskin, Phoebe Bridgers, Turnstile, girl in red, Wallows, FINNEAS, The Regrettes, and Bishop Briggs.

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New David Bowie-themed film ‘Moonage Daydream,’ sanctioned by Bowie’s estate, to be released soon

New David Bowie-themed film ‘Moonage Daydream,’ sanctioned by Bowie’s estate, to be released soon
New David Bowie-themed film ‘Moonage Daydream,’ sanctioned by Bowie’s estate, to be released soon
Express/Express/Getty Images

A new film titled Moonage Daydream billed as “a definitive…portrait” of the late David Bowie will be released soon, BMG has announced.

The movie, which has been in the works for five years and was written and directed by Brett Morgen, is the first film to be officially sanctioned by Bowie’s estate.

In a press statement, Moonage Daydream is described as “a sublime kaleidoscopic experiential cinematic odyssey that explores Bowie’s creative, spiritual, and philosophical journey.” The movie includes previously unseen footage and performances, and will feature Bowie’s own narration. The film includes 47 musical tracks, mixed from the original recordings. David’s longtime friend and collaborator Tony Visconti is serving as the project’s musical producer.

BMG executive-produced and financed Moonage Daydream with Live Nation Productions. The Neon production company is handling distribution in the U.S. The film will be shown in theaters, including select IMAX cinemas. Cable and streaming rights have been licensed to HBO and HBO Max, where, according to Billboard, the film will get its TV premiere in spring 2023.

Moonage Daydream is the first movie of a multiple-film agreement Morgen has struck with BMG for IMAX productions. Brett’s previous credits include the 2012 Rolling Stones documentary Crossfire Hurricane and 2015’s Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck.

“This has been a five year labour of love to honour one of the greatest song catalogues in music history,” says BMG executive Fred Casimir. “BMG is proud to build on our long-term relationship with the David Bowie estate working hand-in-hand with our partners Live Nation Productions to bring Brett Morgen’s vision to the big screen.”

BMG holds a 25% stake in Bowie’s song catalog dating from 1970 to 1977, including such classics as “Changes,” “Starman,” “Ziggy Stardust,” “Life on Mars,” “Rebel Rebel” and “Fame.”

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Camila Cabello to be honored at ‘Variety’ Power of Women Event

Camila Cabello to be honored at ‘Variety’ Power of Women Event
Camila Cabello to be honored at ‘Variety’ Power of Women Event
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for L’Oreal Paris

Camila Cabello‘s year continues to get even better.  Shortly after releasing her new album, Familia, Camila will be honored with a major award that celebrates women.

Variety announced the “Bam Bam” singer, among others, will be honored at their upcoming Power of Women event, which hails the strongest female voices in media and entertainment.  Camila was selected for several reasons, one being her Healing Justice Project that she launched in January 2021.  The outreach effort aims to provide activists with mental health support.

In addition, Camila was celebrated for her three Grammy nods, her RIAA Platinum-certified music, and her domination of the music charts, as well as for newly released third studio album.

The “Havana” singer is in great company: she’s being honored in a class that also includes Drew BarrymoreQueen LatifahAmanda SeyfriedVenus Williams and Kim Cattrall.

Camila and the other five honorees will be the face of Variety’s Power of Women issue, which hits shelves on May 4.  She is also invited to attend an in-person event on May 5 to be honored.

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Arcade Fire headlining 2022 Osheagea in place of Foo Fighters; dedicating performance to Taylor Hawkins

Arcade Fire headlining 2022 Osheagea in place of Foo Fighters; dedicating performance to Taylor Hawkins
Arcade Fire headlining 2022 Osheagea in place of Foo Fighters; dedicating performance to Taylor Hawkins
Jeff Schear/Getty Images for WarnerMedia

Arcade Fire will be headlining Montreal’s 2022 Osheaga festival in place of Foo Fighters, who dropped off the bill following the unexpected death of drummer Taylor Hawkins last month.

“When the Foo Fighters unfortunately had to cancel, it was extremely important to us that we book a band that means something special to our local music fans as well as an artist that would appeal to a huge fan base internationally,” says Osheaga founder Nick Farkas. “We are thrilled that our local hometown heroes Arcade Fire were able to step in and fill the void.”

In an Instagram video, frontman Win Bulter revealed that he and his band mates will be dedicating their performance to Hawkins.

“I considered Taylor from the Foo Fighters a friend,” Butler says. “He was always so sweet and so musical.”

Osheaga 2022 takes place July 29-31. The bill also includes Machine Gun Kelly, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Glass Animals, Bleachers and Mitski, among others.

For the full lineup and ticket info, visit Osheaga.com.

Hawkins died March 25 at age 50. A few days later, Foo Fighters announced that they’d be canceling all of their upcoming tour dates.

As previously supported, Nine Inch Nails is replacing Foo Fighters on the Boston Calling and Welcome to Rockville festival, while Red Hot Chili Peppers will headline the New Orleans Jazz Fest in their stead.

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Poison’s Bret Michaels supporting legislation calling for more affordable insulin for diabetics

Poison’s Bret Michaels supporting legislation calling for more affordable insulin for diabetics
Poison’s Bret Michaels supporting legislation calling for more affordable insulin for diabetics
Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images

Poison frontman Bret Michaels, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a child, is voicing his support for the Affordable Insulin Now Act, legislation that would put a $35 cap on insulin prices for people with private healthcare plans and Medicare Part D plans.

The Affordable Insulin Now Act was passed by the House of Representatives on March 31, and the legislation is in front of the Senate.

Michaels is encouraging his fans and friends to urge government officials to vote in favor of the act.

“All diabetics deserve a fighting chance to afford insulin,” says Michaels in a statement. “With rising costs for insulin in America skyrocketing, it puts treatments out of reach for many. And, it forces them to make a difficult decision when finances become tighter to decide if they can either ration medication doses or go without it. No one with diabetes should ever go without the opportunity for treatment.”

The 59-year-old rocker has long been involved in raising awareness about the challenges faced by people with diabetes, and the issue is a main focus of his Life Rocks charitable foundation.

“Putting the needs of diabetic children and adults has always been at the forefront of the Life Rocks Foundation,” Bret notes, “and I offer my full support for this bill which will bring costs down for those in need.”

Michaels currently is touring the U.S. on his Nothing but a Good Vibe trek, and in June he and Poison will hit the road on The Stadium Tour, the massive stateside outing that also will feature Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts.

While on tour, Bret meets with other diabetics at every stop to share their experiences, lend support and advocate for helping those with the chronic condition.

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