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Bowen Yang reveals Ryan Reynolds took his photo with Taylor Swift after SNL performanceBowen Yang reveals Ryan Reynolds took his photo with Taylor Swift after SNL performance

December 17, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Imagine wanting to take a picture with Taylor Swift and two other celebrities decide to crash the picture? That happened to Saturday Night Live star Bowen Yang, who revealed just how lucky he was to have met the singer on the late-night sketch show.

Speaking to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the comedian admitted he was desperate to take a picture with the Grammy winner after she wrapped her SNL performance last month. She had performed the 10-minute version of her number one hit, “All Too Well.”

Bowen said he went up to her dressing room and just stood there because he was “not sure whether or not to knock on her door.” The comedian had worried, “After the show she’s probably riding high, she doesn’t want to talk to the riffraff like me,” but he eventually gathered the courage to knock.

The Emmy-nominee said he is glad he took that leap of faith because Taylor was thrilled he wanted to take a photo. She also asked if Stranger Things star Sadie Sink, the “star and muse” of the “All Too Well” music video, could join them. Bowen said things took an awesome turn when Taylor turned to ask the “other people in the dressing room” if someone could take the photo.

“And then, Deadpool himself, Ryan Reynolds was like, ‘I’ll do it,'” and managed to angle the camera so his reflection appeared in the mirror behind the smiling trio.

Bowen said he is “blissed out” by what happened and called the “willow” singer “a hero.”

Russell Dickerson surprises fans with ‘Studio 900 Sessions,’ an acoustic three-pack of ‘Southern Symphony’ songs

December 17, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Russell Dickerson is offering a stripped-down, acoustic perspective on three of his favorite songs from his latest album, Southern Symphony.

The singer dropped his Studio 900 Sessions this week, including a wedding version of his romantic, chart-topping ballad, “Love You Like I Used To.” The track list also includes an acoustic version of his top-20 single, “Home Sweet,” plus another one of his personal favorites, “Waiting for You.”

“The Studio 900 Sessions is an answer to the fans!” Russell explains. “Y’all have been asking for stripped-down versions and these are three of my favorite tracks from Southern Symphony.”

Just a couple of days before the project came out, he teased it on social media, garnering praise and excitement from Lady A band mate Charles Kelley. Lady A are featured on a special duet version of “Home Sweet,” which Russell released last month.

Southern Symphony, which is the singer’s second album, came out in 2020. You can catch Russell on the road next year during his headlining All Yours, All Night tour, which kicks off in January. He’s also the opening act on Tim McGraw’s McGraw Tour 2022.

Katy Perry reflects on the impact her debut single, “I Kissed a Girl,” had on the LGBTQ community

December 17, 2021 by WDNY Radio

It’s been over a decade since Katy Perry released “I Kissed a Girl,” and the singer says she’s still amazed by the impact her debut single has had on pop culture, and on the LGBTQ community.

Speaking to Out magazine, the Grammy nominee reflected on the controversy the 2008 hit sparked. The bi-curious anthem not only upset conservative parents, the LGBTQ community said the song was problematic because its lyrics seemingly wrote off a same-sex kiss as “not what good girls do.”

“For me in that time, bisexuality kind of got its label of sorts,” Katy recalled. “It was like, ‘Oh, so that is what this is,’ you know? This feeling or this experience or what have you. I was just writing about my own experience.”

The singer continued, “I came from a very sheltered upbringing where it wasn’t okay to be friends with anyone from that community. And now that is my community.”

The LGBTQ community has since embraced the song, and Katy said she’s heard countless stories about how the track has helped people come to terms with their sexuality. She said of the single’s evolution, “I wouldn’t have survived without the community and couldn’t, quite honestly. It’s amazing how full circle it’s come and how much growth has happened since I started.”

Katy’s also proud of her music’s lasting legacy, even though it makes her feel “old” that younger artists are now sampling her work and call it “nostalgic.” Most recently, Olivia Rodrigo shouted out the 2010 single “Teenage Dream” in her song “brutal.”

Even so, Katy said she’s proud that her songs are “coming back around,” because “it means that the music is still resonating. It means that the message still rings true for people.”

Pandemic-paused season of ‘The Amazing Race’ will debut on January 5

December 17, 2021 by WDNY Radio

The 33rd installment of CBS’ Emmy-winning reality show The Amazing Race will finally air on January 5, the network has announced.

The season began filming in February of 2020, but then was halted during the pandemic. Host Phil Keoghan and the contestants reunited this fall, and shooting resumed for another race around the world.

The network also announced this year’s contestant teams:

Akbar Cook Sr. (45) and Sheridan Cook (44) — Married educators from Martinsville, N.J.

Anthony Sadler (29) and Spencer Stone (29) — Childhood friends from Sacramento, CA.

Arun Kumar (56) and Natalia Kumar (28) — Father and daughter from Detroit, MI.

Caro Viehweg (23) and Ray Gantt (25) — Dating couple from Los Angeles and Toms River, N.J., respectively.

Connie (37) and Sam (39) Greiner — Married couple from Charlotte, N.C.

Kim (45) and Penn (47) Holderness –– Internet personalities from Raleigh, N.C.

Marianela “Lulu” (37) and Marissa “Lala” (37) Gonzalez — Twins and radio hosts from North Bergen, N.J.

Michael Norwood (36) and Armonde “Moe” Badger (42) — Singing police officers from Buffalo, N.Y.

Raquel Moore (31) and Cayla Platt (30) — Flight attendants from Chicago, Ill. and Gulf Breeze, FL., respectively.

Ryan Ferguson (37) and Dusty Harris (38) — Best friends from Columbia, MO.

Taylor Green-Jones (38) and Isaiah Green-Jones (31) — YouTube personalities from Portland, OR.

Barack Obama reveals his favorite songs of 2021, including tracks from Cardi B, Lizzo and Lil Nas X

December 17, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Barack Obama loved enjoying live musical performances at the White House during his two terms as president, and Friday, he revealed his list of his favorite songs of 2021, curated for Spotify.

Obama has broad musical tastes, as his list proves with tracks from several genres, including rock, pop, jazz, hip hop, and R&B.

“I’ve always enjoyed listening to a wide variety of music, so it’s no surprise that I listened to a little bit of everything this year,” he commented as he revealed his list on Instagram. “I hope you find a new artist or song to add to your own playlist.”

The 60-year-old former president begins at number one with a song that was not a major hit, “The Only Heartbreaker” from Japanese singer Mitski, followed by “I Don’t Live Here Anymore” by Philadelphia rock band The War on Drugs, featuring Lucius.

Barack’s list is light on hip hop and R&B. However, he did select “Nobody,” by Nas featuring Ms. Lauryn Hill, at #14; “MONTERO” (Call Me By Your Name),” by Lil Nas X, at #16; “Headshots (4r Da Locals),” by Isaiah Rashad, at #22; and “Rumors,” by Lizzo featuring Cardi B, at #26. Obama also shows his love of dancehall with “Go Down Deh,” by Spice featuring Shaggy and Sean Paul, at #11.

Here is the full list of Barack Obama Favorite Music of 2021:

1. “The Only Heartbreaker” — Mitski
2. “I Don’t Live Here Anymore” (feat. Lucius) — The War On Drugs, Lucius
3. “Tala Tannam” — Mdou Moctar
4. “Magnolia Blues” — Adia Victoria
5. “Witchoo” — Durand jones & The Indications, Aaron Frazer
6. “Formwela 10” — Esperanza Spalding
7. “Broken Horses” — Brandi Carlile
8. “Gold Chains” — Genesis Owusu
9. “Woman” — Little Simz, Cleo Sol
10. “Pepas” — Farruko
11. “Go Down Deh” (feat. Shaggy and Sean Paul) — Spice, Shaggy, Sean Paul
12. “Freedom” — Jon Batiste
13. “Its Way with Me” — Wye Oak
14. “Nobody” (feat. Ms. Lauryn Hill) — Nas, Ms. Lauryn Hill
15. “Nightflyer” — Allison Russell
16. “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” — Lil Nas X
17. “Patria y Vida” — Yotuel, Gente de Zona, Descemer Bueno, Maykel Osobo, El Funky
18. “Notice” — Tammy Lakkis
19. “Armash” — Teddy Afro
20. “Write a List of Things to Look Forward To” — Courtney Barnett
21. “Volvi” — Aventura, Bad Bunny
22. “Headshots (4r Da Locals)” — Isaiah Rashad
23. “Boomerang” — yebba
24. “In My Blood” — MO3, Morray
25. “YA” — YEИDRY
26. “Rumors” (feat. Cardi B) — Lizzo, Cardi B
27. “Walking at a Downtown Pace” — Parquet Courts

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WILLOW and Yungblud tease upcoming collaboration

December 17, 2021 by WDNY Radio

WILLOW and Yungblud are teasing an apparent collaboration.

In her Instagram Story, the “Transparent Soul” rocker shared a batch of photos of her and the “Fleabag” artist in the studio together.

A joint track between WILLOW and Yungblud almost seems inevitable, given that their both members of the ever-growing TBEU — the Travis Barker Extended Universe, of course. WILLOW worked with the Blink-182 drummer on her new album, lately I feel EVERYTHING, and its single, “Transparent Soul,” while Yungblud teamed up with him on his Halsey collaboration, “11 Minutes.”

In addition to hitting the studio, WILLOW and Yungblud will both be hitting the road in 2022, albeit separately. WILLOW will be opening for Billie Eilish on her U.S. arena tour beginning in February, while Yungblud will kick off a U.S. headlining tour in January.

Listen to hyperpop remix of Bring Me the Horizon’s “DiE4u”

December 17, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Bring Me the Horizon has premiered a new remix of “DiE4u,” the band’s latest single.

Recording in collaboration with electronic outfit six impala, the updated recording gives “DiE4u” a hyperpop makeover that several YouTube commenters observe would make a good theme song for an animated show. You can listen for yourself now via digital outlets.

The original “DiE4u” was released in September. It’s the first preview off Horizon’s upcoming next entry in their Post Human EP series, the follow-up to 2020’s Post Human: Survival Horror.

Bring Me the Horizon will launch a European tour in 2022. They’re also hosting their own destination festival in Malta next May.

(Video contains uncensored profanity.)

Dolly Parton sets new Guinness World Records for her longevity and country chart success

December 17, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Dolly Parton fans already know that the singer’s one in a million, and now it’s official: She’s adding three new entries to the Guinness Book of World Records, one of which breaks a record she already held.

That record was for having more hits on the U.S. Hot Country Songs chart than any other female artist. Dolly broke her own record this past October when “Does He Love You,” her duet with Reba McEntire, became her 109th song to enter the chart.

Dolly’s two new record-holding titles are also for her U.S. Hot Country Songs chart success. She earned a new accolade for being on the chart for the most decades of any woman ever — seven — and having more number-one hits than any other female artist — a whopping 25 singles.

Dolly also has a fourth Guinness World Record under her belt: In 2018, she joined the Book for having top-20 hits on the chart across six decades, more than any other artist.

The genre-transcending country superstar reflected on her newest accolades during a video interview, saying “This is the kind of stuff that makes you very humble and very grateful for everything that’s happened.”

“I had no idea that I would be in Guinness World Records this many times! I am flattered and honored,” she continued. “I’ve had a lot of people help me get here. Thanks to all of you and all of them for helping me have all of this.”

Congratulations to country music icon @DollyParton who’s achieved three new records! pic.twitter.com/YvsXJo5SY3

— Guinness World Records (@GWR) December 16, 2021

DHS recommends schools ‘remain alert’ amid unfounded threats on TikTok

December 17, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — The Department of Homeland Security is urging schools to stay vigilant Friday amid unfounded threats of violence spreading on social media.

“DHS is aware of public reporting that suggests possible threats to schools on December 17, 2021,” the agency tweeted Friday morning. “DHS does not have any information indicating any specific, credible threats to schools but recommends communities remain alert.”

In New York City, the NYPD said Thursday the department was aware of “posts circulating on TikTok concerning a potential school shooting on Friday,” but there was “no credible information to suggest this threat is specific to any school in New York City.”

The NYPD said it was sending extra resources to NYC schools as a precaution.

Other schools have closed due to the threats. In Wisconsin, the Platteville School District said it canceled school Friday due to a potential threat of violence.

In California, the Los Angeles Unified School District said classes will be in session Friday despite the threats.

“There is no reason to believe our schools are in any danger,” the district said Thursday.

Santa Monica police said they’ll be highly visible at schools Friday even though there aren’t specific threats.

The FBI’s Los Angeles field office said, “While we continue to monitor intelligence, we are not aware of any specific threats or known credible threats to schools in the Los Angeles region at this time.”

TikTok said it’s “working with law enforcement to look into warnings about potential violence at schools even though we have not found evidence of such threats originating or spreading via TikTok.”

The DHS said it’ll continue to monitor the threats and asked people to report suspicious activity to law enforcement.

ABC News’ Josh Margolin, Luke Barr and Ahmad Hemingway contributed to this report.

Australia mourns 5 ‘angels’ killed in bouncy castle accident

December 17, 2021 by WDNY Radio

(LONDON) — Australia is coming together as a nation following Thursday’s bouncy castle tragedy in which five children were killed.

A gust of wind lifted the castle into the air, causing several children at the Devonport school in north Tasmania to fall from about a height of about 32 feet.

Police identified the victims as 11-year-old Addison Stewart and 12-year-olds Peter Dodt, Zane Mellor, Jye Sheehan, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones and Jye Sheehan.

Three other children are still in critical condition, while one child who was injured has been discharged from hospital.

There are still more questions than answers over what happened. Police said they would be investigating whether the bouncy castle was properly tethered to the ground.

“There’s no doubt this incident will leave its mark and I know people are sending their thoughts and prayers from right across the country and even further afield,” Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine said.

He added, “Tasmanians are already coming together to support each other at this very difficult time.”

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison gave his deepest sympathies to families and the people of Devonport, a city of fewer than 30,000 people.

“This is a tight-knit community,” Morrison said. “There would be few people, if any, in Devonport, that would haven’t had a connection to one of those families, to that school, to the first responders those impacted by this terrible, terrible tragedy.”

Hillcrest Primary School posted a message on Facebook on Friday, saying that “no words can truly express how we are all feeling” and advising anyone struggling with what happened to seek counseling.

Hundreds of flowers, soft toys and cards have been left at the entrance of the school, with one note saying: “May you five angels be surrounded by sunshine.” A candlelight vigil has been held and Christmas lights were switched off in honor of the young victims.

An online crowdfunding page for the victims’ families has raised more than $740,000.

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