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Neal Schon guitars, Elton John’s piano among Heritage Auctions biggest sellers in 2021

January 4, 2022 by WDNY Radio

With 2021 in the record books, Heritage Auctions has announced that it raked in a record of its own: $1.4 billion in sales from everything from sports memorabilia to comic books to coins to music-related collectibles.

The 45-year-old institution revealed that among the year’s biggest sellers in the latter category were a collection of guitars belonging to Journey‘s Neal Schon, and a touring piano played by Elton John.

Schon’s guitar collection, which was auctioned in July, brought in a total of $4.2 million, and included 10 instruments that fetched six figures.

Among the more than 90 instruments that were sold was the 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Black Solid Body model that Schon used to record many songs on Journey’s chart-topping 1981 album, Escape, including “Don’t Stop Believin’.” That guitar was purchased for $268,000, including fees.

Meanwhile, Elton’s touring piano, a Steinway grand that the pop-rock legend played on the road for about 20 years, fetched $915,000 at a July auction. Elton wrote a note in black marker on the piano’s gild-iron frame that reads, “Enjoy this as much as I have, Elton John.”

Seth Meyers reveals positive COVID-19 diagnosis

January 4, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Just a day after Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon told fans that he tested positive for COVID-19 over the Christmas break, his fellow NBC late-night funnyman Seth Meyers says he’s positive too.

“The bad news is, I tested positive for COVID (thanks, 2022!),” the Late Night host posted to his 4.9 million Twitter followers. “[T]he good news is, I feel fine (thanks vaccines and booster!).”

Seth added that Late Night will be cancelling the rest of the shows this week — and intimated that the program won’t be taping anytime soon at 30 Rockefeller Center in New York City.

“Tune in next Monday to see what cool location we will try and pass off as a studio!!!” Meyers joked.

Incidentally, 30 Rock is the same location where Fallon’s Tonight Show tapes, as well as Saturday Night Live, which recently saw its Christmas episode in December starring Paul Rudd severely reworked due to an outbreak of COVID cases there.

Rudd and a handful of stars, including SNL‘s Michael Che and Kenan Thompson, introduced various sketches that were taped earlier in that week, as well as their favorite archival holiday skits from the show.

There was no audience allowed at the taping, although Tina Fey and Tom Hanks also appeared in person, with Fey standing in for Colin Jost in a stripped-down version of the “Weekend Update” segment.

The bad news is, I tested positive for COVID (thanks, 2022!) the good news is, I feel fine (thanks vaccines and booster!) We are canceling the rest of the shows this week, so tune in next Monday to see what cool location we will try and pass off as a studio!!!

— Seth Meyers (@sethmeyers) January 4, 2022

“I want this to be more than a concert”: Jimmie Allen shares insight into headlining Down Home Tour

January 4, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Jimmie Allen reveals that he’s taking “musical risks” with his upcoming tour.

The “Make Me Want To” singer will embark on his debut headlining Down Home Tour next month, and in an Instagram post, he gets honest with fans about what to expect from the show that promises theatrics, along with raw emotion.

“Been working on the new show and taking musical risks. I want this to be more than a concert, I want it to be a theatrical journey through music,” he expresses. “We will laugh together, cry together, get inspired together and learn to truly love who we are together.”

Jimmie will bring duo Neon Union on the road with him. They’re the first act signed to Jimmie’s new management and production company, JAB Entertainment.

The CMA New Artist of the Year will launch the trek on February 3 at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, concluding on May 13 at The NorVa in Norfolk, Virginia. Jimmie’s hit duet with Brad Paisley, “Freedom Was a Highway,” is currently in the top 10 on country radio.

Jin, RM and Suga of BTS have all recovered from COVID-19

January 4, 2022 by WDNY Radio

BTS members Jin, RM and Suga have overcome their battle with COVID-19 and are officially on the mend, their label announced Tuesday.

Big Hit, which manages the K-pop sensations, confirmed that the trio have recovered and are out of quarantine.

“We would like to inform you that BTS members RM and Jin have made full recoveries from COVID-19 and his quarantine has concluded as of today at noon, Jan. 4,” the label announced in a statement obtained by Billboard. “RM and Jin who had been receiving treatment from home for the past 10 days from Saturday, Dec. 25, are now able to return to their daily activities. Neither member exhibited any particular symptoms during their quarantine.”

Big Hit added that Jin experienced a “slight fever” during his bout of COVID-19.

Suga, who was the first BTS member to test positive for the coronavirus on December 24, was cleared to “return to his daily activities” on January 3. Big Hit said in a previous statement, “Suga did not exhibit any particular symptoms during his quarantine and is currently recuperating while resting at home.”

BTS is currently on an “extended period of rest,” which was announced early last month. Since then, the septet launched their individual Instagram accounts so fans can keep up with their day-to-day lives outside of their music careers.

The group will return to work in March with a performance scheduled in Seoul, South Korea, and will start a “new chapter” with an all-new album due out later this year.

Ciara surprises 6-year-old cancer survivor with trip to Disney World

January 4, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Ciara was so inspired by a young girl with cancer dancing to her “Level Up” song, she surprised her and her family with a trip to Disney World.

The Grammy winner appeared Monday on Good Morning America during the “Level Up Your Life in 2022” segment, which featured six-year-old Aubrey English and her family. Aubrey was diagnosed with cancer before she was three years old, but she remained positive and full of energy. While in the hospital, she danced to Ciara’s 2018 RIAA-certified Platinum hit, “Level Up.” Thankfully, Aubrey’s cancer has been in remission for the past three years.

When the 36-year-old singer saw the viral video, she was in awe of Aubrey’s spirit.

“I’m in tears right now. Aubrey, I just want to say that you are a superhero. You are the real superhero,” Ciara shared. “I’m so impressed by your strength and how you never gave up in your battle against cancer. You inspire me and so many people and so many others, and when I saw you dance to ‘Level Up,’ I could not wait to talk to you today. You have no idea how much joy you bring to my heart.”

“You are a real ‘Level Up’ princess so keep leveling up and inspiring so many, Aubrey,” she continued. “I’m so proud of you and rooting for you always.”

The family made Aubrey her own princess castle in the hospital, and now Aubrey will go to Disney World to meet Princess Tiana from the Disney film The Princess and the Frog. Tiana sent Aubrey a video message, saying, “You and your mom sure prove that if you do your best each and every day, good things are sure to come your way. I look forward to seeing you very soon.”

HBO Max uses editing magic to fix ‘Harry Potter’ reunion goofs

January 4, 2022 by WDNY Radio

HBO Max debuted its anticipated Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts special on New Year’s Day, but the streaming service has just re-uploaded it, after some goofs led the streaming service to summon some editing magic.

Like any dedicated fan base, devotees of the Boy Who Lived and his spell-casting pals were quick to point out some mistakes that ran in the original documentary, which reunited Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and other cast members from the film series.

For one thing, viewers took to social media to point out that a photo of Emma Roberts as a child was mistakenly identified as Watson, who played Hermione Granger in the series.

Another error, misidentifying James Phelps as his brother Oliver, might be less obvious: the twin brothers played Fred and George Weasley, respectively, in the film franchise. Oliver noted the mix-up on his socials — although he took it in stride.

“I guess after all those pranks over the years somebody decided to get their revenge,” Oliver joked on Instagram about the sibling switch. He added, “It was fantastic to be part of the HP reunion. Hope you all enjoyed it.”

Their fellow cast members had a bit of fun with it, too.

“This is legit hilarious,” replied Matthew Lewis, who played Neville Longbottom in the series. “Dude. Wtf? Haha,” he added.

Tom Felton, who played the nefarious Draco Malfoy in the series, added in character, “It was my doing.”

HBO Max acknowledged the stir the situation was causing online, with a statement reading, “Well spotted Harry Potter fans!” and adding, “New version is up now.”

Mariah Carey keeps Christmas atop the ’Billboard’ Hot 100 for record-breaking 8th week

January 4, 2022 by WDNY Radio

The holidays may be over, but Christmas is still very much alive on the Billboard charts, thanks to Mariah Carey.

Her 1994 hit single, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” remains the number-one song in the country for a record-breaking eighth week. No other holiday track has come close to that number. The single sold nearly 5,000 copies and was streamed a jaw-dropping 35.4 million times between December 24 and December 30.

This is now Mariah’s fifth song to spend eight weeks at number one, which officially ties her with Drake, who is the only other artist to achieve such a feat.

“All I Want for Christmas Is You” now holds the record for enjoying the longest span atop the Hot 100, which is two years and 18 days, after first debuting atop the chart on December 21, 2019.

The single also gives Mariah a boost in becoming the artist with the longest time span on top of the prestigious chart, with “All I Want for Christmas Is You” granting her a streak that is 31 years, five months and one week long since “Vision of Love” first hit the Hot 100 on August 4, 1990. As previously reported, Mariah’s also the only artist in Billboard history to send a song to number one in four different decades.

Lastly, Mariah secures her 87th week atop the Hot 100, further leaving Rihanna in the dust with her second-place finish of 60 weeks atop the chart.

“All I Want for Christmas Is You” is Mariah’s 19th song to top the Billboard Hot 100, putting her right behind the Beatles, who saw 20 of their songs top the Hot 100 throughout their career.

Royal & the Serpent releasing new song this Friday

January 4, 2022 by WDNY Radio

If 2022 already has you feeling “Overwhelmed,” maybe some fresh music will help.

Royal & the Serpent has announced a new single called “Phuckboi Rejects.” The tune is set to drop this Friday, January 7.

“Rejects” will follow Royal’s 2021 EP Searching for Nirvana, which includes her breakout single, “Overwhelmed.” Last year, Royal also released collaborations including “Sound the Alarm,” with The Knocks and Weezer‘s Rivers Cuomo, and a remix of GAYLE‘s “abcdefu.”

In addition to releasing new music, Royal’s 2022 plans include hitting the road opening for grandson‘s U.S. tour, which launches February 27 in Los Angeles.

Lady A to share “What a Song Can Do” as new single

January 4, 2022 by WDNY Radio

Lady A is showing fans “What a Song Can Do” with their new single.

The title track of their latest album serves as a tribute to their fans, and the years they’ve spent connecting with them touring across the globe. The lyrics detail the power of music and the various emotions it draws out of us, compelling us to laugh, cry, or even give one’s heart away.

“We have been overfilled with gratitude after releasing this album and we don’t take it lightly that after eight albums our music still resonates with so many people. This song is the summation of where our hearts are right now and how much music can really pull us through in times of need,” the trio’s Charles Kelley, who co-write the song, says in a statement. “We love writing songs about lost love and things like that, but I feel like our favorite material comes with a strong positive message.”

What a Song Can Do was released in October 2021. The title track will officially be shipped to country radio on January 31.

Snoop Dogg says Super Bowl halftime show will be “the greatest performance…in hip hop history”

January 4, 2022 by WDNY Radio

As Super Bowl 56 approaches on February 13, Snoop Dogg is promising a historic halftime show.

The Doggfather appeared on Monday Night Football with NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, and he told the brothers he’s grateful for the opportunity to perform with Dr. Dre, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar and Mary J. Blige.

“We’re so thankful that NFL is accepting hip hop on stage and letting us do what we do. We plan on putting together a great show and giving the people something they’ve been waiting for,” the “Drop It Like It’s Hot” rapper said. “They love to watch a great Super Bowl game and at halftime they love to see who’s gonna perform, so we’re gonna give you the greatest performance you’ve even seen in hip hop history.”

The five superstars, who have collectively earned 43 Grammys and have created 22 number-one Billboard albums, will be performing together for the first time. Jay-Z‘s Roc Nation is serving as the strategic entertainment advisor of the Super Bowl halftime show at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, CA.

Snoop, Dre and Lamar all grew up in the Los Angeles area, making the performance even more special for them.

“The opportunity to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show, and to do it in my own backyard, will be one of the biggest thrills of my career,” Dre previously said in a statement. “I’m grateful to Jay-Z, Roc Nation, the NFL, and Pepsi as well as Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar for joining me in what will be an unforgettable cultural moment.”

As Snoop prepares for the big show, he just dropped Algorithm: The Movie, an hour-long combination of music videos and artist interviews from his Algorithm album, featuring Fabolous, Dave East and more.

“We’re gonna give you the greatest performance you’ve ever seen in hip-hop history.”@SnoopDogg previews the upcoming #SBLVI #PepsiHalftime Show. pic.twitter.com/Pt2hrGucWd

— NFL (@NFL) January 4, 2022

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