Music

New York City is celebrating its comeback from the COVID-19 pandemic with a major concert. 

Kane Brown has been tapped as part of the expansive lineup for We Love NYC: The Homecoming Concert, a multi-act event in Central Park on August 21. 

The “Worldwide Beautiful” singer is the lone country act in a massive list of multi-genre acts including Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Jennifer Hudson, Jimmy Fallon and more.  

The event is organized by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, legendary producer Clive Davis and Live Nation.

“This is a celebration of our city, of every working family who faced incredible challenges last year and overcame. This is a celebration for you,” de Blasio says in a statement. 

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to attend the show, with 80 percent of the tickets available for free. Tickets go on sale on August 2 at 10 a.m. ET.   

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Winston Duke is leaving Wakanda behind — at least for a little while — to start a brand-new gig in Gotham City.

Duke, who became a breakout star in Black Panther with his portrayal of M’Baku, has been tapped to lead Spotify’s podcast series Batman Unburied, where he’ll voice the Dark Knight himself. Duke will be joined by Harry Potter star Jason Isaacs, who has signed on as Bruce Wayne’s loyal butler and right-hand man, Alfred.

The forthcoming series is described as a psychological thriller that “takes listeners deep into the mind of Bruce Wayne introducing a slew of dark twists and turns with a number of classic Batman Super-Villains.” In this narrative, Bruce is a forensic pathologist working at Gotham Hospital where he is “tasked with examining the victims of The Harvester, a gruesome serial killer preying on Gotham’s citizens.” The series follows Batman’s personal struggles with his own mental demons as he works to save the citizens of Gotham.

Additional casting for Batman Unburied has yet to be announced.

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As previously teased by Ariana Grande, the new promo for season 21 of The Voice has arrived.

The clip introduces Ari as the newest The Voice coach as she floats down on a crescent moon to join Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson and John Legend around a campfire.

The coaches tell Ariana about their camping tradition, which requires the new coach to sing a song. She obliges, launching into a magical rendition of “Hopelessly Devoted.” The other coaches can’t help but sing backup — even the forest animals are mesmerized. Host Carson Daly even makes an appearance as a park ranger with a singing grizzly bear behind him.

“This is gonna be an amazing season,” Blake says, as Ariana winks at the camera.

Season 21 of The Voice debuts September 20 on NBC.

 

 

 

 

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Diane Warren has called on a vast array of talent for her upcoming debut album, The Cave Sessions Vol. 1. 

On Tuesday, the legendary songwriter unveiled the track list for the cross-genre album that includes a series of collaborations with country artists.

Maren Morris is featured on “I Save Me,” while Jimmie Allen appears on “You Kind of Beautiful.” Darius Rucker teamed up with the hit songwriter for the previously released “Times Like This.” 

Other artists on the project include John Legend, Celine Dion, Carlos Santana, Jon Batiste, Sofia Reyes, Pentatonix and many others.

“Putting out an album with so many of my favorite artists is truly a dream come true!” Diane remarks on Twitter. 

The Cave Sessions Vol. 1 is set for release on August 27.

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Mark Hoppus recently took a significant step in his battle with cancer: he played his bass for the first time since being diagnosed.

The Blink-182 vocalist brought out his trusty instrument during a recent Twitch stream, which was posted by a fan on YouTube.

“This is the first time I’ve felt well enough to play my bass since I was diagnosed,” Hoppus said before playing along to a recording of Blink’s 2005 single, “Not Now.” “So this is the first time I’ve picked up my bass in a few months.”

Hoppus revealed in June that he’d been undergoing chemotherapy for cancer for the past three months. In a post on July 19, he shared that a recent scan indicated that the chemo was working.

“I still have months of treatment ahead, but it’s the best possible news,” he wrote.

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Alessia Cara is contributing her music to the upcoming anime series Blade Runner: Black Lotus, on Adult Swim.

A new trailer for the series debuted during San Diego Comic-Con@Home experience, featuring the new original Alessia track “Feel You Now.” She’ll also have other music featured in the series, set to debut later this fall.

On July 15, Alessia released two new songs: “Sweet Dream” and “Shapeshifter.” The tracks were the first taste of new music from the singer’s upcoming third album.

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New Orleans singer Lucky Daye took to Instagram Tuesday to reveal he just completed filming a music video in Mexico City, Mexico. 

“Just wrapped my video. Thank you Mexico. Ready for new music,” Daye wrote in the caption, paired with two emojis of the Mexico flag and his signature four-leaf clover.

Most fans in the comments offered to teach Daye to sing in another language after he asked, “Who can teach me Spanish?” Others took notice of Daye’s toned-down haircut with faded sides, including one fan who wrote, “This new haircut is really giving what it’s supposed to give.”

Meanwhile, Daye’s record label, Keep Cool, added that fans are “ready” to hear what the Grammy-nominated singer has been working on since releasing his Table for Two EP two days before Valentine’s day.

“We are past ready sir,” replied one fan, while another said, “Yasss baby…in my New Orleans voice.”

 

 

 

 

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Jameson Rodgers has a cold beer calling his name on the road. 

Next month, Jameson will embark on his headlining Cold Beer Calling My Name Tour, a 27-date trek launching on August 6 in Ohio. The tour marks his first headlining show in New York City with a performance at Bowery Ballroom on October 13.

Along the way, he’ll make stops at the historic Georgia Theatre in Athens, The Blue Note in Columbia, Missouri, Mohegan Sun Wolf Den in Connecticut and more. The tour concludes just before Christmas with a two-night run at famed Nashville club, Exit/In, on December 16 and 17.   

Brandon Lay, Jordan Rowe, Drew Parker, Drew Green, Hunter Phelps and singer-songwriter Sarah Allison Turner, who’s also Jameson’s fiancé, will serve as opening acts.

“I’ve waited 11 years to have a tour of my own like this one. Having my fiancé and some of my best friends opening the shows make it so much sweeter. This will be one to remember,” Jameson shares in a statement.

The Cold Beer Calling My Name tour is named after Jameson’s current top-15 single, featuring Luke Combs. Tickets go on sale Friday. Visit Jameson’s website for a full list of dates.

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Dess Dior has tested postive for COVID-19.

The “Bandz” rapper, who performed at the Rolling Loud music festival in Miami on Saturday, revealed the news to her Twitter followers late Monday evening.

“Update: I tested positive for Covid & everybody who’s been in contact with me should go get tested asap,” she tweeted. 

On Sunday, prior to her confirmed positive status, Dess complained about not feeling well, writing, “I’m sick af in soooooo much pain rn.” She soon followed up that tweet with, “I don’t think I have Covid but ima get tested to be safe.”

Dess, who has romantic ties to fellow rapper Future, was flooded with “get well soon” comments from fans after sharing the news. 

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Prolific songwriter Diane Warren has revealed the full track list for her upcoming debut album, Diane Warren: The Cave Sessions Vol. 1.

The new original songs feature an array of artists including John Legend, Celine Dion, Pentatonix, James Arthur, Maren Morris and Leona Lewis.

John joins Diane on a track called “Where Is Your Heart,” Celine is featured on the song “Superwoman,” Pentatonix teams up with Jon Batiste on the track “Sweet,” James hops on the song “You Go First,” Maren sings on “I Save Me,” and Leona performs the tune “Grow Old with Me.”

Diane previously released the track “She’s on Fire,” featuring rapper G-Eazy and legendary rock guitarist Carlos Santana, as well as the song “Times Like These” featuring Darius Rucker of Hootie & the Blowfish.

Diane Warren: The Cave Sessions Vol. 1 comes out August 27. It’s available for pre-order now.

Here is the track list:

“She’s Fire” — Diane Warren, G-Eazy & Carlos Santana
“Seaside” — Diane Warren, Rita Ora, Sofia Reyes & Reik
“Sweet” — Diane Warren, Jon Batiste & Pentatonix
“When We Dance Slow” — Diane Warren & Luis Fonsi
“I Save Me” — Diane Warren & Maren Morris
“Where is Your Heart” — Diane Warren & John Legend
“Drink You Away” — Diane Warren & Ty Dolla $ign
“You Go First” — Diane Warren & James Arthur
“Not Prepared For You” — Diane Warren & Lauren Jauregui
“You Kind Of Beautiful” — Diane Warren & Jimmie Allen
“Domino” — Diane Warren & LP
“Superwoman” — Diane Warren & Celine Dion
“Times Like This” — Diane Warren & Darius Rucker
“Grow Old With Me” — Diane Warren, Leona Lewis & James Morrison
“Blessings” — Diane Warren & Paloma Faith

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