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Oh, Canada!: The Weeknd sets Juno Awards record, Avril Lavigne fends off topless stage invader

March 14, 2023 by WDNY Radio

The Weeknd may be boycotting the Grammy Awards for the foreseeable future, but back home in Canada, he’s got more trophies than he knows what to do with.

At the Juno Awards — the Canadian equivalent of the Grammys — Monday, Weeknd brought his career total wins to 22. He took home Songwriter of the Year, Album of the Year and Pop Album of the Year for Dawn FM; single of the year for “Sacrifice”; and Artist of the Year. That broke his tie with Bryan Adams; now the only artist with more Junos is country/pop vocalist Anne Murray, who has 25.

“I am so honored to be recognized like this from my home country that I love so much. I’m so humbled by all this and could never thank fans enough,” The Weeknd said in a statement.

Other winners included Avril Lavigne, who captured the Fan Choice Award for the fourth time, and Michael Bublé, who won the Adult Contemporary Album of the Year Award for his album Higher.

Avril also provided the wildest moment of the night: As the New York Post reports, while she was introducing one of the performers, a topless woman invaded the stage to protest Ontario’s plans for development. Avril responded, “Get the f**k off. Get the f**k off, b***h.” Security then escorted her offstage.

Host Simu Liu praised Avril for “handling that topless lady like a champion.” When Avril returned to the stage to accept her award, she joked, “Now, nobody try anything this time. I’ll f**k a b**ch up.”

Meanwhile, Avril’s ex-husband Chad Kroeger and his band Nickelback were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame by Ryan Reynolds, and received a congratulatory message from Bublé. Nickelback also performed a medley of their biggest hits, including “How You Remind Me.”

The first ‘Wicked’ movie, starring Ariana Grande, will hit theaters earlier than expected

March 14, 2023 by WDNY Radio

The wait has just gotten shorter for the first Wicked movie, which stars Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good Witch.

The premiere date for the big-screen adaptation of the hit Broadway musical was bumped to Thanksgiving 2024, meaning it will fly into theaters a whole month earlier than originally expected. Director Jon M. Chu revealed on Twitter fans will be able to watch it starting November 27 of next year.

The original release date for the first Wicked movie was set for December 25, 2024. Additionally, the second installment is still slated for a Christmas 2025 release.

Variety reports the decision to move the first movie’s premiere was strategic. Several big films will be vying for #1 around Christmastime next year, including the next Avatar movie and the animated movie Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

By comparison, Wicked‘s earlier release date means it will just be competing with a “placeholder” film from Disney Animation. At this time, it is unknown what film Disney is planning to release.

Tony Award-winning actress Cynthia Erivo will play Elphaba aka The Wicked Witch of the West in both films. The movies will also star Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard, recent Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero.

The movies are based on the 2003 Wicked Broadway musical, which originally starred Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel as Glinda and Elphaba, respectively. The musical, in turn, was based on the 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire.

The decision to split the theatrical adaptation into two parts could mean more elements from the book will be included in the movies.

Look what he’s done: The Weeknd releases deluxe edition of ‘Starboy’

March 14, 2023 by WDNY Radio

The Weeknd released his Starboy album in 2016 and, despite its massive success, held off on releasing a deluxe version of it — until now.

The singer shocked fans when he dropped the album’s new edition on Tuesday, which is available to stream and purchase across all platforms.

The deluxe version of Starboy treats fans to three new additions that didn’t appear on the original album, including the Ariana Grande remix of “Die for You,” which soared to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The album also features the previously released DJ Kygo remix of the album’s title track, as well as last year’s reboot of “Reminder” that features A$AP Rocky and Young Thug.

The Weeknd wasn’t done surprising fans: he also shared several stills from what appears to be an upcoming music video, which fans believe is for his song “Creepin’.” One still features singer Mario Winans, whose 2004 song with P. Diddy, “I Don’t Wanna Know,” is sampled in the 2022 track.

The Weeknd added Winans is “in the cut,” which fans are taking as further proof there’s a new music video on the horizon.

“Creepin'” also features 21 Savage and Metro Boomin, but they didn’t appear in any of the teaser images. However, the singer did retweet Metro talking about “working hard on editing these music videos” and musing over “what I wanna drop first.”

Avenged Sevenfold announces new album, ‘Life Is But a Dream…’

March 14, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Avenged Sevenfold has finally announced a new album.

The eighth studio effort from M. Shadows and company is titled Life Is But a Dream… and arrives June 2. You can listen to lead single “Nobody” now via digital outlets and watch its accompanying video streaming now on YouTube.

Life Is But a Dream… is the long-awaited follow-up to 2016’s The Stage. Leading up the announcement, A7X claimed to be the victim of a deepfake hack, which a press release now confirms was part of the promotion for the record.

Avenged Sevenfold will be performing at the Welcome to Rockville and Sonic Temple festivals in May, followed by just-announced headlining shows in Los Angeles and New York City on June 9 and June 23, respectively. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 17.

Here’s the Life Is But a Dream… track list:

“Game Over”
“Mattel”
“Nobody”
“We Love You”
“Cosmic”
“Beautiful Morning”
“Easier”
“G”
“(O)rdinary”
“(D)eath”
“Life Is But a Dream…”

Report: Feuding Pink Floyd members may be killing a $500 million catalog deal

March 14, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Report: Feuding Pink Floyd members may be killing a 0 million catalog deal

Pink Floyd may be the next group to sell off their catalog, but a new report in Variety questions whether it’s going to happen — and blames the rocky relationship of band members Roger Waters and David Gilmour for delaying the deal.

Sources tells the trade the deal is “basically dead” because the pair “just can’t get along.” But one of the sources also tells Variety, “But at the same time, it’s still on the table. It’s a strange situation!”

Variety notes that nobody in Pink Floyd has actually confirmed they are trying to sell the catalog, although the Financial Times reported the band was seeking about $500 million for their songs.

The trade argues that Waters’ controversial political comments about Israel, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine could be devaluing the price of the catalog, but the ultimate issue is the relationship between the band members, which also includes Nick Mason, and the estates of keyboardist Richard Wright and singer-songwriter Syd Barrett.

The mag does note that the band members can actually afford to wait and hope the controversy around Waters dies down. “It’s one of the most valuable music catalogs of the past 50 years,” a source explains. “Will it be worth as much in two or five years — or worth even more? Sure. They can afford to wait.”

Oscars hosts? The Rock is game, John Oliver decidedly not

March 14, 2023 by WDNY Radio

While it’s quite possible Jimmy Kimmel would be asked back to host the Oscars next year, since ratings for Sunday’s telecast were at a three-year-high, it’s still way too early to predict.

However, one big star is game. And another, definitely not.

On the champagne-colored carpet before Sunday night’s telecast, Variety asked Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson if he’d ever take the stage as host. “Sure,” the star said. “We’ve talked about it in the past, and maybe when the time is right … maybe if there was a co-host situation happening.” He added, “Yeah, I would love it.”

However, comedian and Last Week Tonight host John Oliver is a no, if he’s ever asked. Appearing on Late Night with Seth Meyers Monday night, Oliver snarked he couldn’t hide his “low-lying contempt” for the event like Kimmel apparently can, in his opinion.

“The great thing about Kimmel … you’re confident that there is this low-lying contempt for the whole event there … but he somehow doesn’t manage to poison the room with that visible contempt,” Oliver said. “And that is a kind of magic trick that I couldn’t do.”

Oliver added, “I could not, at any point, say, ‘It’s gonna be a magical night.’ These are some of the most over-praised people on Earth, and we’re gonna give them shiny trophies like they’re dogs.”

Incidentally, according to Johnson, he was the Motion Picture Academy’s “first choice” to host back in 2019, but shooting on his Jumanji reboot left him out. “Maybe one day,” he noted.

The telecast went host-free that year, after Kevin Hart was disinvited from hosting thanks to old tweets some called homophobic. Even though he apologized, he refused to return after the rebuke.

Watch Nickelback’s Canadian Music Hall of Fame induction by Ryan Reynolds and Connor McDavid

March 14, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Nickelback was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame during Monday’s Juno Awards with some help from two other Canadian icons.

Actor Ryan Reynolds and hockey star Connor McDavid each gave speeches in honor of the “How You Remind Me” rockers, highlighting the band’s career achievements, as well as all the Nickelback jokes.

“There are millions of reasons to be a proud Canadian, and tonight, the Junos and Canada are coming together to celebrate one of them: homegrown talent from right here in Alberta, Joni Mitchell!” Reynolds quipped. “Wait, Nickelback? I love Nickelback! Wasn’t Joni Mitchell in Nickelback?”

The ceremony also featured a performance by Nickelback, who rocked a medley of “Rockstar,” “How You Remind Me” and “Animals.”

(Induction video includes uncensored profanity.)

Keith Urban’s epic Las Vegas Residency just got extended

March 14, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Keith Urban has just announced the extension of his ongoing Las Vegas Residency.

Held at the Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Keith’s headlining run now has dates through November. “We’re gonna keep this party going, Vegas !!!!” Keith wrote on Instagram.

The added-on 2023 dates are November 1, November 3, November 4, November 10, November 11, November 15, November 17 and November 18.

Fans can expect an electrifying show from the global music superstar, with hits such as “Somebody Like You,” “Blue Ain’t Your Color” and “Wasted Time” brought to life on the Vegas stage.

A limited number of tickets for Keith’s earlier-announced dates are still available. These include shows in March, June and July. For a full list of dates and to purchase tickets, go to Ticketmaster.

Tickets for the eight new dates go on sale Saturday, March 18.

Megan Thee Stallion’s back on Instagram

March 14, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Megan Thee Stallion‘s comeback continues with her return to social media. A day after attending the Vanity Fair Oscar Party Sunday night, she reemerged on Instagram, posting snapshots of her look at the annual event.

Meg’s post was met with flattering comments from fans and celebrities alike. Zendaya, Yung Miami, Gabrielle Union, Dreezy and Chlöe were just a few who flooded the comments section with fire and heart-eyed emojis.

As reported, Meg is headlining The AT&T Block Party Concert in Houston this month and the Outside Lands festival in August. She also has some other things planned out for the future.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight on the red carpet for the Vanity Fair party, she revealed she secured tickets and will be attending the Renaissance Tour, courtesy of Beyoncé. “They’re gonna be hating on me, but I got ‘em. … You know I called up them directly, ‘Beyoncé! Lemme get a ticket!’” she said.

Meg also revealed she has some new tunes on the way. When asked if she’s working on a new LP, she said a new album is in the works.

Meg’s return follows her brief hiatus after winning her assault case against Tory Lanez.

On the road again: Robert Plant, John Fogerty & more set for Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival Tour

March 14, 2023 by WDNY Radio

Willie Nelson is bringing back the Outlaw Music Festival for another season. He’s announced 16 shows, which will continue this year’s celebration of his 90th birthday (his actual birthday is April 29).

The lineup for the 2023 Outlaw Music Festival Tour features Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, John Fogerty and Gov’t Mule, along with The Avett Brothers, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Marcus King and others.

“I can’t wait to be on the road with the amazing group of artists joining us on this year’s Outlaw Music Festival Tour,” Nelson shares. “It is always a great day of music and fun with family, friends and the incredible fans, and even more special this year in celebration of my 90th birthday.”

The tour kicks off June 23 in Somerset, Wisconsin, and runs through August 13 in Cincinnati, Ohio, with additional shows to be announced at a later date.

Tickets for the Outlaw Music Festival Tour go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. local time. More information, as well as the complete lineup, can be found at outlawmusicfestival.com.

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