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Rob Halford wants Judas Priest in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame “when I’m alive, please”

April 1, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Judas Priest was been nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for a third time this year. And while frontman Rob Halford believes that the band will be inducted “eventually,” he’d like it to happen sooner rather than later.

The Metal God tells The Boston Globe, “We’re keeping our fingers crossed that we do get in. Personally, I’d love it. I think there’s nothing wrong in celebrating each other’s achievements. Because we all do the same thing. It doesn’t matter whether we’re in a country and western band or a soul band or a rapper, we all do the same thing. There’s a connectivity in the craft that we make.”

Adds the 70-year-old rocker. “We’ll wait and see. I think it’s gonna happen eventually. When I’m alive, please, would be nice.”

Judas Priest is currently out on its delayed 50th anniversary tour: The actual anniversary was 2020, but of course, nobody was touring then.

“Everybody’s been very cool about stretching out the timeline of the 50th anniversary,” Halford notes. “We’re focusing on a band that has been in the heavy metal world for 50 years, which is an extraordinary event anyway. So why shouldn’t we keep celebrating it?”

The band’s next show takes places this Saturday, April 2, in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

Officials say inspection of Orlando ride that killed teen was ‘up to par’

April 1, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(ORLANDO, Fla.) — The Orlando amusement park ride that killed a 14-year-old boy last week was “up to par,” officials said Friday.

The Orlando FreeFall opened in last December at ICON Park. The ride has been touted as the world’s tallest free-standing drop tower at a height of 430 feet. Up to 30 passengers at a time ride to the top of the tower, where they are tilted toward the ground before going into a nearly 400-foot free fall at over 75 mph.

On March 24, 14-year-old Tyre Sampson, who was visiting Orlando from Missouri with his football team, died after falling off the ride. A video posted to social media captured the fatal fall, which occurred at the end of the ride’s descent.

An investigation into the ride’s safety is being conducted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. During a press briefing Friday, officials declined to comment on the ongoing investigation but said inspectors followed the proper protocols before the ride opened to the public.

“Everything that we saw that we inspected to open up the ride … we followed the protocols, we followed the manual and everything was up to par per the manual of the manufacturer,” Nikki Fried, commissioner of the state’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, told reporters.

An initial permit inspection of the ride on Dec. 20, 2021, found “no deficiencies,” the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs said last week. The ride’s next inspection would have been after six months of operation, it said.

The Orlando FreeFall is closed amid the state’s investigation.

Earlier this week, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service released the accident report related to Tyre’s death. According to the report, the over-the-shoulder harness in his seat was “still in a down and locked position when the ride stopped.”

The ride’s operator, SlingShot Group, said in a statement following Tyre’s death that it was “heartbroken” about the incident and was cooperating with authorities and ride officials in the investigation.

On Monday, ICON Park announced it had demanded that the SlingShot Group suspend the operation of another ride that opened late last year, the Orlando SlingShot, “effective immediately, until the attractions are proven to be safe by authorities.”

Jason Aldean says if he + Carrie Underwood win their Grammy, he’ll get her to duet with him “on every album”

April 1, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Carrie Underwood just might turn out to be Jason Aldean’s good luck charm at the upcoming 2022 Grammy Awards.

Jason’s a five-time nominee, though he has yet to bring home some hardware. But that might change on Sunday: He and Carrie are nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for their chart-topper, “If I Didn’t Love You.”

“If we happen to win one this year, it basically means I have to get Carrie to do a duet with me for every album from here on out,” the singer tells E! News’ Daily Pop.

Grammy or no Grammy, Jason went on to sing his duet partner’s praises, saying that Carrie is a “pro.”

“She’s just one of those artists that comes in, she knows the parts, and it was pretty evident immediately that we had something that we thought was gonna be pretty special,” he elaborates. “We’ve had a chance to perform this live a few times, and she nails it every time. She’s one of the best female singers of our era, so it was fun to work with her.”

If they do win their trophy, Carrie will have to accept it for the both of them: Jason can’t make it out to Las Vegas on Sunday evening for the show. However, Carrie isn’t just attending, she’s also performing on the Grammys stage.

Tune in to watch the Grammys this Sunday, April 3 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

Jessie J explains why it’s “not cool” to ask women if they’re pregnant

April 1, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Jessie J has issued a strong message to those who are guilty of asking women if they’re pregnant because their tummies aren’t flat: “Just stop.”

The “Domino” singer, who recently spoke out about suffering a miscarriage, explained that those comments aren’t just unwanted, they are out of line.

“Stop commenting on people’s weight…Just stop,” she said in a series of now-expired Instagram story posts. “Or telling someone they look pregnant for sure or you look skinny. Just anything. Just stop. I see it so much on socials and I know it happens in real life.”

Jessie explained that she’s been on the receiving end of the uncomfortable commentary, explaining she gained 10 pounds “over the past 6 months” and feels “great.” She noted, “I don’t care as long as I feel good and I’m healthy.” Despite how she feels, she insisted that her weight gain isn’t an open invitation for unnecessary commentary.

“Someone literally just asked me if I was pregnant, ‘You look pregnant,'” she recalled. “And they also knew of what I went through last year and told me their thoughts on that and how I should’ve handled it. So strange and so damn bold, I would never.”

Jessie pleaded with her followers to never ask such an invasive question, explaining that it’s “not cool to just say or comment on anyone’s body. Unless they [or] I tell you or ask your opinion, it’s not one that’s needed or helpful.”

She added, “Wild that some people don’t know that.”

Closing arguments in case of four men accused of plotting to kidnap Michigan’s governor

April 1, 2022 by WDNY Radio

(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.) — Jurors are hearing closing arguments against four of the six men who allegedly plotted to kidnap and kill Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2020.

Federal prosecutors said Brandon Caserta, Barry Croft, Adam Fox and Daniel Harris trained extensively and were serious about carrying out their plot against Whitmer and her family. The four men on trial have pleaded not guilty.

The other two men, Ty Garbin and Kaleb Franks, have pleaded guilty to kidnapping charges.

“You know what was in their minds when they thought nobody was listening, you know what was in their hearts,” U.S. attorney Nils Kessler told jurors in a Michigan court. “They said they wanted to kidnap the governor. They trained to kidnap the governor. They cased her house in the middle of the night. They knocked it out. They planned it. They gathered weapons and bombs … they were going to be opportunistic and strike when the asset arises. That is the conspiracy that they’re charged with. And in America it’s a crime.”

The alleged kidnapping would have taken place before the 2020 presidential election, the government said.

The four men could face life in prison if found guilty. Prosecutors allege the men were predisposed to violent tendencies.

“The evidence proves all of them were already willing to commit the crime,” Kessler said.

Christopher Gibbons, the defense attorney for alleged ring leader, Adam Fox, said he was a “big talker” and Fox never had “any intention” of actually kidnapping Whitmer.

Fox was also influenced by a government informant who took advantage of Fox’s poverty and history of substance abuse, according to Gibbons.

“He talks about things the government doesn’t like,” Gibbons said. “He talks about storming the Capitol. He talks about citizens arrest. He talks about a government that doesn’t appreciate its citizens that takes advantage of its citizens from his perspective. He talks bad government talk. Talk, it’s just talk. There’s no crime here.”

After the alleged plot was thwarted, Whitmer told “Good Morning America” that the plan was larger than her.

“This was a very serious thought-out plot to kill police officers, to bomb our capitol, killing Democrats and Republicans alike, and to kidnap and ultimately put me on trial and kill me as well,” Whitmer said. “These are the types of things you hear from groups like ISIS. This is not a militia; it is a domestic terror organization.”

Shawn Mendes says he gave Camila Cabello a heads-up before releasing “When You’re Gone”

April 1, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Shawn Mendes recently sparked theories that his new song, “When You’re Gone,” is an attempt to win back his ex, Camila Cabello. The Canadian singer clarified that was not his intention, nor did he take Camila by surprise.

In an interview with Extra, Shawn says he told Camilla about the track before releasing it, adding that doing so was more than a sign of respect.

“Camila and I have always been writers for as long as we’ve known each other, so we understand what that means,” Shawn explained. “And we respect what that means. And there’ll always be transparency between us.”

Shawn also broke down how the breakup anthem came to be, revealing, “I wrote this song about a month after Camila and I broke up.” He said that month milestone following a breakup allows one to start seeing their former relationship in a good light. “You kind of start having all the memories of things that happened, and all the memories of so many amazing things,” he explained.

The Grammy winner says he’s “really glad” he put those thoughts to paper, adding, “There’s only one way you can connect with actual people in a real way. And that’s by being truthful and being vulnerable.”

Although Shawn has come out with new music, he admits he’s “not sure” when his next album will follow. He estimates that he’ll “start making the album” when his tour wraps in August 2023.

Now that Shawn is single, does he want to jump into a new relationship? He says, “I never really say yes or no to that question. Because it is what it is,” but notes, “I really think that I’d like to be as full and satisfied and content within myself before I try to get that from somebody else.”

Julian Lennon announces upcoming album’s title, ‘Jude’; first two tracks to be released next week

April 1, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Julian Lennon has revealed the title of his forthcoming seventh studio album, Jude, which will be his first collection of new songs since 2011’s Everything Changes.

Julian, the older son of the late John Lennon, will release two advance tracks from Jude on April 8 — “Every Little Moment” and “Freedom.” The songs, which you can pre-save now, will be available on all streaming platforms.

The album’s title is a nod to the famous Beatles song “Hey Jude,” which Paul McCartney wrote to try to comfort five-year-old Julian following his parents’ separation. McCartney originally wrote the tune as “Hey Jules,” but changed the name because he preferred the way it sounded in the song.

“Many of these songs have been in the works for several years, so it almost feels like a coming-of-age album,” Julian explains of the new project. “With great respect for the overwhelming significance of the song written for me, the title Jude conveys the very real journey of my life that these tracks represent.”

Lennon co-produced Jude with his longtime guitarist Justin Clayton. The album will be released as part of Julian’s recently announced label deal with BMG.

‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ renewed for season three

April 1, 2022 by WDNY Radio

The Drew Barrymore Show is returning to daytime TV, but with a twist.

The syndicated CBS show hosted by Drew Barrymore has been renewed for a third season in 2022-2023 and will now air as two, 30-minute episodes that can be broadcast back-to-back or at separate times.

“I am honored and grateful but I also want to take this show higher and continue to innovate and be a game-changer in the daytime space,” Drew says in a statement. “Rising to the occasion of finding people in the diverse way they watch is what I want to challenge myself with. Our show wants to be a bright spot not a blind spot and we just want to make people feel good. And I thank all the people who helped us get here.”

The longtime actress, who hosts and executive produces the talk show, shared a video of herself screaming in excitement at the news of the renewal.

The Drew Barrymore Show debuted in September 2020.

Tate McRae unveils debut album, ‘i used to think I could fly’

April 1, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Tate McRae is ready to release her debut studio album, and announced its title and release date on Friday.

Fans can get their hands on i used to think I could fly on May 27, and they can start pre-ordering the album now on her official website. Tate is very excited about her upcoming record and has also launched a new merchandise collection to coincide with her big debut.

Her merch collection, which is also available for pre-order at her online store, offers tees, beanies, hoodies, jewelry, a crop tank and sweat short combo, stickers and much more. The items will start shipping out on May 23.

Tate has released three singles off her upcoming album: “feel like s***,” “she’s all i wanna be” and “chaotic.” She is currently on a solo tour, with her final date set for April 16 in Salt Late City.

She will then join Shawn Mendes as support act on his upcoming tour, which kicks off September 7 in Glendale, Arizona.

Ahead of the Grammys, Maren Morris says awards are a “bonus,” but not the only measure of success

April 1, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Maren Morris is nominated for the fifth year running at the upcoming Grammy Awards, and this time, the recognition is extra special: She gets to share it with her husband, fellow artist Ryan Hurd.

The country star couple is up for Best Country Duo/Group Performance thanks to their chart-topping duet, “Chasing After You.” Ryan’s a first-time nominee, and Maren says that the honor is really a tribute to his hard work.

“I’m so proud of him. I feel like the proud wife getting to be his date,” she says. “Even though it’s both our nomination, I feel like it’s his moment.”

Though she’s excited and grateful for the nomination, Maren says she never thinks about awards shows when she’s going into the studio to put an album. For one thing, having that pressure in the back of her mind might sabotage the work.

“It would probably just freak me out and cause the vocal performance or energy of the room to feel extremely critical,” she admits.

Also, Maren adds, awards shows are by no means the only metric for career success. “I look at awards show now as a bonus to you getting to do what you love for a living,” she continues. “…It’s not the template of success every single time.”

That also goes for her latest record, Humble Quest, which will be eligible for consideration at next year’s Grammy Awards.

“When I was making this record, I wasn’t like, ‘Oh, I can’t wait for the Grammy noms.’ I can’t think about it in those terms anyways,” Maren points out. “I look at it as some great stuff that is a bonus, but not necessarily the integral template for whether the songs are great or not.”

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