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Regina King expresses her pride as a “Black American,” Halle Berry loved recording with her boyfriend and H.E.R., and more

January 31, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Regina King stars in the western The Harder They Fall, and she expressed to Variety her pride in being a Black actress.

“I know that we call ourselves African American, but I’m a Black American, and I’m very, very clear about the history of being Black in the country that I live in,” the 51-year-old actress says.

“We are so rich in culture. We have so much substance. And so often, we allow that little box in our house or that big screen to tell us who we are and what our experiences are, instead of actually feeling who we are,” King continues. “That’s what happens when you’ve been enslaved and told what your story is.”

In other news, Halle Berry says it was very special watching her boyfriend, Van Hunt, and H.E.R., create “Automatic Woman” for her directorial debut in Bruised. The track is on the short list for Oscar nominations for Best Original Song.

“All of a sudden I find myself in a relationship with someone who could deliver a song of this magnitude for me. It was serendipitous in some ways.” the 55-year-old actress tells Deadline.

“When I heard the beginning ideas of ‘Automatic Woman’, I was so moved,” adds H.E.R. “That idea of perseverance and pushing through and fighting through. You know, how do you really empower yourself? I’m an automatic woman. I can do this.”

“She’s a trailblazer for her generation, so I was just very impressed,” Berry says about the 24-year-old singer.

Finally, Variety also reports that grown-ish star Yara Shahidi has joined the cast of the Apple TV climate change anthology series Extrapolations. Forest Whitaker, Meryl Streep and Daveed Diggs are among the previously announced cast members.

“We Don’t Talk About Bruno”: Viral ’Encanto’ song dethrones Adele on ’Billboard’ Hot 100

January 31, 2022 by WDNY Radio

The Billboard Hot 100 is no longer talking about Adele‘s “Easy on Me” because a new song has knocked it out of the top spot. The viral track “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” from Disney’s Encanto, is now the biggest song in the country.

This marks the first time in almost 30 years that a Disney song climbed to the top of the Hot 100, and only the second time in history it’s happened. The first time was in 1993, when Aladdin‘s “A Whole New World,” sung by Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle, soared to number one.

“Bruno” is now songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda‘s first number one hit, and it’s also set the record for having the most credited recording artists ever on a number one song: It features the voices of six different Encanto cast members.

One reason why “Bruno” may have hit number one is because, as Billboard notes, it got a sales boost after the iTunes Store put it on sale for 69 cents.

Coincidentally, the Encanto soundtrack is also the number one album in the country; it’s now held the top spot on the Billboard 200 for three weeks. This marks the first time in Disney history that one of its soundtracks and songs simultaneously topped both charts.

Meanwhile, another song from Encanto, “Surface Pressure,” has broken into the top 10 and currently sits at number nine.

Disney is the parent company of ABC News.

Justin Bieber confronts Charlie Puth about past diss: “It hurt my feelings”

January 31, 2022 by WDNY Radio

When Charlie Puth FaceTimed with The Kid LAROI, he probably wasn’t expecting Justin Bieber to take the phone — and confront him about that infamous on-stage diss from over five years ago.

In 2016, Charlie disparaged Justin while performing “We Don’t Talk Anymore,” a song he collaborated on with Justin’s ex Selena Gomez. Although Charlie later attested he said it in jest, it seems the two never really fully reconciled… until now.

Taking to Instagram on Monday, Justin shared video of the awkward FaceTime exchange, where he finally confronts Charlie.

“We never really got to talk about just, like, years ago when you said ‘F*** you, Justin Bieber’ on stage,” the “Peaches” singer began, which caused Charlie to break into a nervous chuckle. “I don’t think it’s very funny, to be honest.”

Justin goes on to say the diss “hurt my feelings” — even though it was a joke that Charlie insisted “was completely blown out of proportion.”

Bieber adds even more pressure by asking what caused the on-stage outburst and remarked he “doesn’t appreciate” Charlie’s repeated attempts at downplaying the event. But, it appears the confrontation itself was a joke because all three, including LAROI, burst out in hysterics.

“You know you had it coming,” captioned Justin.

Meanwhile, fans are hoping this is the trio’s way of teasing something on the horizon. Already, followers are begging in the comment section for the three to collaborate on a new song.

In other Bieber news, Justin just dropped $1.29 million on a Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT, which is reportedly 300% more than its valued market price. The Bored Ape #3001 digital collectible is a cartoon drawing of a sad-looking monkey with its eyes welling up in tears. Bieber showed off the artwork on Instagram Monday.

Korn announces ‘Requiem’ Mass concert & streaming event

January 31, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Korn will be celebrating the release of their upcoming Requiem album with a unique show.

This Thursday, February 3, the “Freak on a Leash” outfit will host Requiem Mass, an “intimate ceremony and epic live performance” held at Hollywood United Methodist Church in Los Angeles. Only 300 tickets will be sold, which will be available exclusively at Amoeba Music Hollywood beginning Tuesday, February 1, at 11 a.m. PT.

If you aren’t able to attend in person, you can watch Requiem Mass streaming live via Korn’s YouTube channel beginning Thursday at 8 p.m. PT.

If you are lucky enough to snag a ticket, note that proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required, as is “appropriate black funeral attire.” A press release also shares that “[g]uests are encouraged to bring a token or item of remembrance to honor a loved one who has passed to leave in the casket as part of the ceremony.”

Requiem will be released this Friday, February 4. It includes the single “Start the Healing.”

Korn will be supporting Requiem in much bigger venues on their upcoming U.S. headlining tour, which kicks off in March. The band also is playing a run of dates alongside System of a Down this week.

Phil Collins gets sweet birthday tribute from his ‘Emily in Paris’ star daughter Lily

January 31, 2022 by WDNY Radio

The Netflix series Emily in Paris is so popular that it’s easy to forget that its star, Lily Collins, has a father who’s even more famous than she is — but she reminded fans of that fact yesterday on Instagram.

Lily’s dad, Phil Collins, celebrated his 71st birthday on Sunday, and she posted a sweet tribute to him, sharing a photo of herself as a baby on his shoulders. She wrote, “Happy birthday, Dad. I may no longer fit in your arms or sit comfortably on your shoulders but you continue to hug me tightly when I need it most.”

“We may not get to spend time together that often but when we are face to face, you really do see me,” she added. “You may not always believe it but please trust me when I say, no matter how old I get or what life may bring, I will always need you.”

“Whether I’m proudly watching you up on stage, laughing at home together playing trivial pursuit, I’m forever grateful for the moments and memories we share,” Lily concluded. “Especially the ones I now cherish as an adult myself. Thank you for inspiring me and supporting the woman I am today. I love you to the moon and back again.”

Lily is Phil’s daughter with his second wife, Jill Tavelman. He also has a son and a daughter with his first wife, Andrea Bertorelli, and two sons with his third wife, Orianne Cevey. His eldest son with Cevey, Nicholas, is serving as the drummer for Phil’s current tour with Genesis, which starts its next leg in March.

Lily, who was born in England but raised in the U.S., is a Golden Globe-nominated actress who’s appeared in numerous movies and TV series.

Former Miss USA and ‘Extra’ correspondent Cheslie Kryst dies by suicide at 30

January 31, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst died Sunday, her family confirmed. She was 30 years old.

In a statement, Kryst’s family wrote, “In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie. Her great light was one that inspired others around the world with her beauty and strength.”

“She cared, she loved, she laughed and she shined,” Kryst’s family added. “Cheslie embodied love and served others, whether through her work as an attorney fighting for social justice, as Miss USA and as a host on Extra. But most importantly, as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague — we know her impact will live on.”

Kryst died after falling from a New York City high-rise, according to the New York Police Department. The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled her death a suicide.

Just hours before the incident, Kryst shared a photo of herself on Instagram and wrote in the caption, “May this day bring you rest and peace.”

Kryst was crowned Miss USA as Miss North Carolina in May 2019. She earned her law degree and an MBA at Wake Forest University. Following her graduation, Kryst became licensed to practice law in both North Carolina and South Carolina and worked as a civil litigation attorney. She also worked pro bono for clients who were low-level drug offenders.

In response to the news of her death, Extra paid tribute to the former Miss USA winner and said, “our hearts are broken.”

“Cheslie was not just a vital part of our show, she was a beloved part of our Extra family and touched the entire staff. Our deepest condolences to all her family and friends.”

Kryst spoke out about mental health during her reign as Miss USA, saying she spoke with a counselor and took steps to protect her mental health.

“I do a lot to maintain my mental health, and the most important thing that I did is talk to a counselor,” she wrote in a post on the Miss USA Facebook page in 2019.

“When I’m not talking to a counselor, I take time at the end of every single day to just decompress. I unplug. I shut my phone off. I don’t answer messages. I just sit and watch my favorite movies.”

If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, or worried about a friend or loved one, help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 [TALK] for free confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Even if it feels like it, you are not alone.

Change.org petition requesting that Travis Scott be allowed to perform at Coachella 2023 removed for fraud

January 31, 2022 by WDNY Radio

A Change.org petition requesting that Travis Scott be added to the 2022 Coachella lineup has been removed due to fake signatures.

“We are deeply committed to the experience of our users, which means prioritising accuracy, and finding and eliminating fraud,” the site said in a statement. “We have a range of automated systems and teams dedicated to blocking and removing double or fake signatures and detect other fraudulent activity.”

As previously reported, after a petition was created in November demanding that the “Sicko Mode” rapper not be allowed to perform at the next Coachella festival, a competing petition requested that Scott to be added to the 2023 lineup.

Scott fan James Connors launched the Change.org petition. He wrote, “Coachella switched Travis and Frank [Ocean] for Harry Styles and Billie Eilish? What kind of message does that send? Fans are demanding refunds and selling their tickets. Coachella needs to fix this asap. We all know Astroworld tragedy wasn’t Travis fault.”

Connors boasted that he had more than 70,000 signatures; however, last week, the website listed less than 5,000 signatures as fake signatures were removed.

Scott was originally scheduled to perform at this year’s Coachella, but following the Astroworld festival tragedy, which resulted in 10 deaths and numerous injuries, he was removed from the bill.

Over 64,000 people signed a previous Change.org petition asking Coachella promoter Goldenvoice to drop the Houston MC him from the event.

After Coachella was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic, the annual California festival will return in April with Kanye West among the headliners.

The lineup also features Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, 21 Savage, Ari Lennox, Baby Keem, Big Sean, City Girls, Cordae, Daniel Caesar, Giveon, Lil Baby and many more.

Jon Favreau to be honored by Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild

January 31, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Jon Favreau, director of Iron Man and its sequel, as well as The Lion King and Jungle Book, and the creator of The Mandalorian, is being honored by the people in Hollywood who make stars look their best.

The Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild will virtually present the filmmaker with its Distinguished Artisan award on February 19, at a ceremony at The Beverly Hilton Hotel. The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett co-star Ming-Na Wen will present the honor.

In a statement, guild president Julie Socash praised Favreau for being “highly respected by make-up artists and hair stylists worldwide,” and noted that the filmmaker’s “list of creative, exotic and memorable characters lives on in his plethora of films, television movies and series.”

Socash called Favreau “the ultimate collaborator,” who “has worked alongside many [guild members] to help create memorable characters of all kinds in a myriad of different roles.”

Favreau, an executive producer and co-star of many Marvel Cinematic Universe films, is in good company. Previous recipients include Eddie Murphy, Patrick Stewart, Melissa McCarthy, Academy Award winner Gary Oldman, Johnny Depp, and Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro.

Machine Gun Kelly changes ‘Born with Horns’ album title

January 31, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Machine Gun Kelly‘s Born with Horns album is getting a new title.

The “Bloody Valentine” rocker revealed the news in a TikTok alongside producer Travis Barker. And while an album name change might not be that big a deal in normal circumstances, Kelly and Barker had previously gotten the phrase “Born with Horns” tattooed on their arms.

At the beginning of the video, Kelly asks Barker, “We’re friends no matter what, right?”, to which the Blink-182 drummer replies, “Yeah, of course.”

When Kelly then asks if Barker remembers getting the Born with Horns tattoos, Barker soon realizes what he’s about to learn.

“I’m changing the album name,” Kelly says as both he and Barker, ever the good sport, double over laughing. The TikTok then ends with the new title reveal: Mainstream Sellout.

Mainstream Sellout is one of two new MGK albums due out this year, and is expected to feature the single “Papercuts.” Unless, of course, Kelly changes his mind on that, too.

Over the weekend, Kelly teased an upcoming new song called “Cherry Red Lipstick” with WILLOW.

“The Joker” is wild! Steve Miller Band schedules two-show Las Vegas stand in May

January 31, 2022 by WDNY Radio

The Steve Miller Band will travel from “Swingtown” to Sin City this spring to play a two-show engagement at Las Vegas’ Venetian Resort on May 13 and 14.

Tickets for concerts at the resort’s Venetian Theatre will go on sale to the general public this Friday, February 4, at 10 a.m. PT.

An artist pre-sale will be available starting Tuesday, February 1, at 10 a.m. PT, while Live Nation customers and members of The Venetian Resort’s Grazie loyalty program can purchase pre-sale tickets beginning Wednesday, February 2, at 10 a.m.

You can purchase tickets via Ticketmaster.com, VenetianLasVegas.com, the box offices at the resort, and by calling 702-414-9000 or 866-641-7469.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Steve Miller and his backing group are preparing to return to touring for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

So far, the band has only two other confirmed performances on their itinerary — a May 15 headlining appearance at the Beachlife Festival in Redondo Beach, California, and an August 22 concert at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado.

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