Author Archives for ABC Audio
Published by ABC Audio
<p><div class="moreInfo firstrow_exclusives"></div>
<p><span class="thumbnail-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://abcnewsradioonline.com/storage/music-news-images-april-2021/getty_mariahcarey_040721.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1617802465231" alt=""></span><span class="thumbnail-caption">Jackson Lee/GC Images</span></span>If you ever happen to forget that <strong>Mariah Carey</strong> is a true diva, here's a reminder that she's the woman who works out in stilettos -- sort of.</p>
<p>The "We Belong Together" star <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://twitter.com/MariahCarey/status/1379375763879817216?s=20" target="_blank">shared a throwback MTV commercial</a> she shot in the late 2000's where she's seen working out in high heels alongside her beloved Jack Russell terrier <strong>JJ</strong> on dual treadmills.</p>
<p>When one of her heels breaks during the intense workout, her butler delivers another one so she can resume her exercises. During the bizarre promo, she also says she'll never work out in exercise-appropriate footwear because, quote, "Sneakers sound disgusting!"</p>
<p><strong>Kerry Washington</strong> reacted by tweeting, "f<span class="r-qvutc0 r-bcqeeo r-poiln3 css-16my406 css-901oao">or real </span><span class="r-18u37iz"><span class="r-qvutc0 r-bcqeeo r-poiln3 css-16my406 css-901oao" dir="ltr">@Nike</span></span><span class="r-qvutc0 r-bcqeeo r-poiln3 css-16my406 css-901oao"> x </span><span class="r-18u37iz"><span class="r-qvutc0 r-bcqeeo r-poiln3 css-16my406 css-901oao" dir="ltr">@MariahCarey</span></span><span class="r-qvutc0 r-bcqeeo r-poiln3 css-16my406 css-901oao"> should come out with a line of running heels." To which Mariah <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://twitter.com/MariahCarey/status/1379549889969975308" target="_blank">replied</a>, "Come through <span class="r-18u37iz"><a class="r-qvutc0 r-bcqeeo r-poiln3 r-1loqt21 r-1n1174f css-16my406 css-901oao css-18t94o4 css-4rbku5" href="https://twitter.com/Nike">@Nike</a></span> listen to Olivia Pope!"</span></p>
<p>The commercial was part of a series Mimi filmed for MTV that focused around her hilarious conversations with JJ, who was voiced by <strong>Snoop Dogg</strong>. It was inspired by Mariah's infamous 2002 <em>Cribs</em> episode, during which she showed off the VersaClimber in her home gym while wearing diamond-studded black satin stilettos.</p>
<p>That one shot sparked a recurring joke that has lasted decades, in which Mariah poses or share videos of herself burning calories while wearing ultra-expensive high heels. In 2017, she clarified that she does not, in reality, exercise in heels.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Come through <a href="https://twitter.com/Nike?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Nike</a> 🔥🔥🔥👠👠👠 listen to Olivia Pope 👑👑👑!!! "You like this and you know it" 🎵 LOL 😂😂 <a href="https://t.co/29D8ld298m">https://t.co/29D8ld298m</a> <a href="https://t.co/CJ9E8MmIzX">pic.twitter.com/CJ9E8MmIzX</a></p>
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) <a href="https://twitter.com/MariahCarey/status/1379549889969975308?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
<p></p>
<p>By Megan Stone<br>Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.</p></p>
Published by ABC Audio
<p><p><span class="thumbnail-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://abcnewsradioonline.com/storage/music-news-images-april-2021/M_Tate%20and%20Idols_040621.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1617752612397" alt=""></span><span class="thumbnail-caption">Tate: Sami Drasin; Mary Jo: ABC/John Fleenor; Wyatt: ABC/Eric McCandless</span></span>As a former contestant on<em> So You Think You Can Dance</em>, <strong>Tate McRae</strong> is no stranger to reality talent competitions. But she says she just can't get over the fact that, in their quest to become the next <em>American Idol,</em> a couple of contestants on this season of the ABC show have performed her songs.</p>
<p>During the first audition rounds, contestant <strong>Mary Jo Young</strong> <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksbjQzF8oZY" target="_blank">sang Tate's hit</a> "you broke me first," and the judges were so impressed, they sent her through to Hollywood. </p>
<p>"I saw that, that was crazy!" Tate told ABC Audio. "I used to watch those auditions, like, religiously on YouTube. <em>Religiously.</em> And I would always see them, so to see it with my song was mind-blowing. That was crazy!"</p>
<p>So far, Mary Jo has advanced to the All-Star Duets & Solos Round. Meanwhile, during that same round, another contestant, <strong>Wyatt Pike</strong>, <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7S4oKCEikI" target="_blank">sang Tate's song</a> "rubberband," from her new EP <em>too young to be sad.</em></p>
<p>"It's always strange hearing someone else cover your song, because it's going to be totally different," Tate says. She laughs, "I dunno, it makes <em>me</em> nervous when someone else is singing my song! I don't know why."</p>
<p>But while people can sing Tate's songs, it's harder for them to mimic her unique vocal style. But according to Tate, she doesn't actually have one.</p>
<p>"I don't consider myself, like, a <em>vocalist</em>," she tells ABC Audio, explaining, "I always just thought of [it], like, I write something and then my voice could hit the notes -- that's how I would like interpret my singing. I self-taught myself on piano. And then I'd be like, 'This sounds good with this.'" </p>
<p>Tune into <em>American Idol</em> this weekend to see if America ends up voting Tate fans Wyatt and Mary Jo through to the Top 16.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>By Andrea Dresdale<br>Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.</p></p>
Published by ABC Audio
<p><p><span class="thumbnail-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://abcnewsradioonline.com/storage/music-news-images-april-2021/M_Gwenslowclaphoodie_040621.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1617744305772" alt=""></span><span class="thumbnail-caption">Merch Traffic</span></span>If going back to work or school isn't in the cards any time soon, how about some new comfy clothes to wear while working from home? <strong>Gwen Stefani</strong> and <strong>Kesha</strong> have you covered.</p>
<p>New exclusive merch items from both artists have dropped via <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.merchtraffic.com/" target="_blank">Merch Traffic</a>, formerly Live Nation Merchandise. Gwen's <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://shopus.gwenstefani.com/" target="_blank">new line of hoodies and tees</a> promotes her latest singles "Slow Clap" and "Let Me Reintroduce Myself."</p>
<p>There are also sweats, tees, hats and scarves featuring the logo "Anaheim Hillbillies," which is a term that Gwen -- who's from Anaheim, CA, duh -- has been using on merch since 2016.</p>
<p>As for Kesha, she's got <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://keshastore.com/" target="_blank">new sweats</a> promoting her most recent album, <em>High Road,</em> which came out in January of 2020. A "Raising Hell" face mask is also available, after the album's lead single. Or, throw it back to 2009 with a line of merch emblazoned with a key line from Kesha's debut single "Tik Tok": "The party don't start 'til I walk in."</p>
<p>By Andrea Dresdale<br>Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.</p></p>
Published by ABC Audio
<p><div class="moreInfo firstrow_exclusives"></div>
<p><span class="thumbnail-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://abcnewsradioonline.com/storage/music-news-images-april-2021/M_Girls5Eva_040621.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1617735020478" alt=""></span><span class="thumbnail-caption">Peacock</span></span>The trailer has arrived for the <strong>Tina Fey</strong>-produced comedy series <em>Girls5Eva</em>, starring<strong> Sara Bareilles</strong>.<br><br>In <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlUYv_EtEAg" target="_blank">the preview</a>, we see the former members of a ‘90s girl group -- played by Sara, <strong>Busy Philipps</strong>, <strong>Paula Pell</strong> and <strong>Renée Elise Goldsberry</strong> -- reuniting 20 years later. They decide to give their pop star dreams another go, but this time with a more empowering approach.<br><br>“The messages in our songs are bad!” Sara’s character Dawn says in the trailer. “I’m gonna write us a hit...an anthem to things that aren’t perfect but are still great.”</p>
<p>Coinciding with the trailer drop, Sara wrote on <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNVT7GWJnrR/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, "<span>I will never stop thanking the Universe and [creator <strong>Meredith Scardino</strong>] and [Tina Fey] and [<strong>Jeff Richmond</strong>] for this experience. The most fun I have had while jumping off a cliff—it is heart-full, hilarious, and full of wardrobe changes, cameos, hysterical music, and LADIES. my favorite things."</span><br><br>All eight episodes of the series will premiere May 6 on NBC’s streaming service, Peacock.</p>
<p></p>
<p><span>By Andrea Tuccillo<br>Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.</span></p></p>
Published by ABC Audio
<p><div class="moreInfo firstrow_exclusives"></div>
<p><span class="thumbnail-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://abcnewsradioonline.com/storage/music-news-images-april-2021/M_Ladygagadomperignon_033121.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1617733232954" alt=""></span><span class="thumbnail-caption">Courtesy Dom Pérignon </span></span><strong>Lady Gaga</strong> went all out for the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PAzP8NEE3g" target="_blank">one-minute film</a> that marks her partnership with the Champagne brand Don <span> Pérignon.</span></p>
<p><span>Set to what seems to be a remix of Gaga's <em>Chromatica</em> song "Free Woman," the clip features Gaga in a variety of over-the-top fabulous outfits, hairstyles and headdresses, and a nail set so long she could serve shish kebab on them.</span></p>
<p><span>One Gaga incarnation gazes into a crystal ball, where a smaller Gaga is walking through various kaleidoscopic settings of different colors. She's shown holding a massive bottle of the brand's</span> rosé <span>Champagne, as well as a glass of it; in one scene, she's surrounded by laughing party guests also holding glasses of</span> rosé. Angular shadows of people flicker on the wall, and they're<span> holding glasses too.<br></span></p>
<p><span>At the end, we're back to Gaga looking into a crystal ball, except it's morphed into a bottle of Dom, and the spot ends with the slogan "Creative Freedom Is Power."</span></p>
<p><span><br></span></p>
<p><span>By Andrea Dresdale<br>Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. </span></p></p>
Published by ABC Audio
<p><p><span class="thumbnail-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://abcnewsradioonline.com/storage/music-news-images-april-2021/Getty_Williammask_040621.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1617720381629" alt=""></span><span class="thumbnail-caption"> Kevin Winter/MTV VMAs 2020/Getty Images for MTV</span></span><strong>The Black Eyed Peas</strong>' performance at the MTV VMAs last year has now brought us the world's first "smart mask."</p>
<div class="clearfix">
<div class="textblock01">
<div class="toggle_on">
<p class="x_css-w6ymp8">As <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/06/style/william-face-mask.html" target="_blank"><em>The</em> <em>New York Times</em> reports</a>, the CEO of Salesforce,<strong> Marc Benioff</strong>, was impressed with the face covering that Peas frontman <strong>will.i.am</strong> was wearing during that performance, which was a weird gas mask-type thing. When he called will to find out what it was, he told Benioff it was an idea for a high-tech mask he'd been working on since March of 2020.</p>
<p class="x_css-w6ymp8">Benioff then introduced will to the CEO of Honeywell, a company that was making N95 face masks, and presto: the new product, called the Xupermask, will arrive April 8.</p>
<p>According to the <em>Times</em>, the mask, a joint venture between will and Honeywell, is made of silicon and mesh. It has three fans, a Honeywell HEPA filtration system, noise-canceling headphones, LED lights, a rechargeable battery and Bluetooth. Best of all, it even seals over the nose so your glasses won't fog up.</p>
<p><em>The Times</em> reports that the mask costs $299 and was designed by <strong>Jose Fernandez</strong>, who created costumes for movies like <em>Black Panther</em>, <em>The Avengers</em> and <em>X-Men 2</em>.</p>
<p class="x_css-axufdj">“We are living in sci-fi times,” will.i.am told the<em> Times.</em> Describing the pandemic as being "straight out of a friggin’ movie," he added, "We are wearing masks from yesterday’s movie. So I wanted to make a mask to fit the era that we’re in.”</p>
<p class="x_css-axufdj">And he's "gotta feeling" -- sorry -- that masks are here to stay, despite what happens with COVID-19.</p>
<p class="x_css-axufdj">"SARS happened in Japan and Southeast Asia, and they got over it, and they still wear masks,” he pointed out.</p>
<p class="x_css-axufdj">By Andrea Dresdale<br>Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div></p>
Published by ABC Audio
<p><div class="moreInfo firstrow_exclusives"></div>
<p><span class="thumbnail-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://abcnewsradioonline.com/storage/music-news-images-april-2021/M_BTSdynamitestill_113020.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1617715472910" alt=""></span><span class="thumbnail-caption">HYBE Labels</span></span><strong>BTS</strong> keeps on lighting up the charts like "Dynamite." </p>
<p>The hit from the South Korean septet has just broken the record for the most weeks spent at #1 on <em><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9551419/bts-dynamite-record-weeks-no-1-digital-song-sales-chart/" target="_blank">Billboard</a></em>'s Digital Song Sales chart: It just logged its 18th week at the top of the chart dated April 10.</p>
<p>The song, which debuted at #1 back in September, bested the 2017 17-week run of "Despacito" by <strong>Luis Fonsi</strong>, <strong>Daddy Yankee</strong> and <strong>Justin Bieber</strong>. In case you're wondering, <strong>Lil Nas X</strong>'s "Old Town Road" only spent 16 weeks on top of that chart.</p>
<p>"Dynamite" also became BTS' first #1 on the <em>Billboard</em> Hot 100 and marked the first time an all-South Korean group topped that chart. <em> Billboard</em> reports that, according to MRC Data, the song has sold 1.5 million downloads since its release.</p>
<p></p>
<p>By George Costantino<br>Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.</p></p>
Published by ABC Audio
<p><div class="moreInfo firstrow_exclusives"></div>
<p><span class="thumbnail-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://abcnewsradioonline.com/storage/music-news-images-april-2021/Getty_ArianaGrande_090320.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1617714759264" alt=""></span><span class="thumbnail-caption">Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty Images</span></span><strong>Ariana Grande </strong>is getting ready to walk down the aisle with fiance <strong>Dalton Gomez</strong>. While the "34+35" singer is keeping her lips sealed about her wedding plans, a source has allegedly spilled some of the secret details.</p>
<p>The source tells <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://okmagazine.com/p/ariana-grande-fiance-dalton-gomez-massive-fairytale-wedding-justin-bieber-nicki-minaj/" target="_blank"><em>OK! </em>magazine</a> that Ari is looking to throw a lavish and large wedding bash.</p>
<p>"Ariana has started putting together her wedding plans...and it is going to be massive," the source claims. "The couple is looking towards the end of the year, when they hope COVID-19 restrictions have eased up."</p>
<p>The source further dishes that Ariana's brother <strong>Frankie</strong> and her mom <strong>Joan</strong> have teamed up to help her "with planning a fairy-tale wedding."</p>
<p>The source also claims that Ari is gunning to have <strong>Barbra Streisand </strong>perform on her big day. Other big names being floated as potential guests include <strong>Jimmy Fallon</strong>, <strong>Nicki Minaj</strong>, <strong>Justin Bieber</strong>, <strong>Meghan Trainor</strong> and <strong>Miley Cyrus</strong>.</p>
<p>In tandem with prepping for her big day, Ari's also getting ready for her debut on <em>The Voice,</em> and the source claims that all her fellow <em>Voice </em>judges -- <strong>Blake Shelton</strong>, <strong>John Legend</strong> and <strong>Kelly Clarkson</strong> -- are being considered for the guest list.</p>
<p>Ari was first linked to Dalton in February and they became Instagram official in June. She later <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJB4svPlDD_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">revealed</a> in December that she said "Yes!" when her boyfriend proposed.</p>
<p>By Megan Stone<br>Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.</p></p>
Published by ABC Audio
<p><div>
<p><span class="thumbnail-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://abcnewsradioonline.com/storage/music-news-images-march-2021/Getty_AmericanIdol_040621.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1617686910562" alt=""></span><span class="thumbnail-caption">ABC/Eric McCandless</span></span>Let the All-star duets and solos continue!</p>
<p>The journey to become the next <em>American Idol</em> continued on Monday night with the second group of 12 from the Top 24 contestants giving their best shot at both a solo and duet performance.</p>
<p>For the duet round, each singer was paired up with an A-list mentor. The mentors on Monday night's episode were powerhouse singer <strong>Tori Kelly</strong>, country superstar <strong>Jason Aldean</strong>, <strong>Incubus</strong> frontman <strong>Brandon Boyd</strong>, multi-platinum artist <strong>Josh Groban</strong>, and Grammy-award winning musicians <strong>Jewel</strong> and <strong>PJ Morton</strong>.</p>
<p>While judges <strong>Katy Perry</strong>, <strong>Lionel Richie</strong>, and <strong>Luke Bryan</strong> were there to give their expert advise following each performance, only eight of the contestants from each group will move forward in the competition and into the Top 16 -- and that decision will be determined by America's votes. </p>
<p>Here's are the performances from Monday night. </p>
<p><strong>Jason Warrior</strong> - 25, Chicago, IL, Music Teacher<br>Mentor: PJ Morton<br>Solo: "Call Out My Name" The Weeknd<br>Duet: "How Deep Is Your Love" Bee Gees<br><br><strong>Madison Watkins</strong> - 26, Fayetteville, AR, Hair Model<br>Mentor: Tori Kelly<br>Solo: "Holy" Justin Bieber<br>Duet: "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing" Stevie Wonder<br><br><strong>Beane</strong> - 23, Brighton, MA, Wedding Singer<br>Mentor: Josh Groban<br>Solo: "Don't Start Now" Dua Lipa<br>Duet: "Angels" Robbie Williams</p>
<p><strong>Hannah Everhart</strong> - 17, Canton, MI, High School Student<br>Mentor: Jason Aldean<br>Solo: "I Was Wrong" Chris Stapleton<br>Duet: "She's Country" Jason Aldean</p>
<p><strong>Mary Jo Young</strong> - 19, Cleveland, OH, Real Estate Sales Associate <br>Mentor: Jewel<br>Solo: "Castle On The Hill" Ed Sheeran<br>Duet: "Foolish Games" Jewel</p>
<p><strong>Chayce Beckham</strong> - 24, Apple Valley, CA, Heavy Machine Operator<br>Mentor: Brandon Boyd<br>Solo: "Afterglow" Ed Sheeran<br>Duet: "Drive" Incubus</p>
<p><strong>Colin Jamieson</strong> - 22, Boxford, MA, Wedding Singer<br>Mentor: Tori Kelly<br>Solo: "Locked Out Of Heaven" Bruno Mars<br>Duet: "Hollow" Tori Kelly</p>
<p><strong>Liahona Olayan</strong> - 17, Wahiawa, HI, High School Student<br>Mentor: PJ Morton<br>Solo: "Just Friends" Audrey Mika<br>Duet: "Say So" PJ Morton featuring JoJo</p>
<p><strong>Ava August</strong> - 15, Laguna Niguel, CA, High School Student<br>Mentor: Josh Groban<br>Solo: "drivers license" Olivia Rodrigo<br>Duet: "Both Sides Now" Joni Mitchell</p>
<p><strong>Caleb Kennedy</strong> - 16, Roebuck, SC, High School Student<br>Mentor: Jason Aldean<br>Solo: "Midnight Rider" The Allman Brothers Band<br>Duet: "Fly Over States" Jason Aldean</p>
<p><strong>Hunter Metts</strong> - 22, Franklin, TN, Software Developer<br>Mentor: Jewel<br>Solo: "Chandelier" Sia<br>Duet: "Who Will Save Your Soul" Jewel</p>
<p><strong>Casey Bishop</strong> - 16, Estero, FL, High School Student<br>Mentor: Brandon Boyd<br>Solo: "Decode" Paramore<br>Duet: "Wish You Were Here" Incubus</p>
<p>Find out who America voted into the Top 16 when <em>American Idol </em>returns Sunday, April 11 at 8 p.m. ET.</p>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div><span>By Danielle Long</span><br><span>Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.</span></div></p>
Published by ABC Audio
<p><div class="clearfix">
<div class="textblock01">
<div class="toggle_on">
<p><span class="thumbnail-image-float-left ssNonEditable"><span><img src="http://abcnewsradioonline.com/storage/music-news-images-april-2021/M_KidLaroiMTVPush_040521.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1617672501619" alt=""></span><span class="thumbnail-caption">Courtesy MTV</span></span><strong>The Kid LAROI</strong> is having a moment: He's featured on <strong>Justin Bieber</strong>'s number-one album <em>JUSTICE,</em> and he's just been named MTV's PUSH Global artist for the month of April. The 17-year-old Aussie is a sensation thanks to his hit "Without You," and he thinks that what people are responding to is how he manages to inject his feelings into everything he records.</p>
<p>"They can feel the raw emotion in it," he tells ABC Audio. "And I think that's one thing about me, you know? I'm not, I'm not the best singer, I'm not necessarily the best songwriter in the world, you know, the best poet or whatever. But what I do, when I write songs and when I when I sing is, is the emotion, y'know what I'm saying?"</p>
<p>"And so even though I might not be, again, the best poet, the best at rhyming words, I feel like you could hear that it's really a real situation, and I'm really going through something," he adds.</p>
<p>In fact, he reveals, "That's the thing that my fans tell me that they like about me the most is the emotion: You can<em> feel</em> it. Because what good is, like, a great song if you can't hear the emotion?" </p>
<p>As part of the MTV PUSH program, you can <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWvv_eB7fS4" target="_blank">now watch</a> LAROI deliver two exclusive performances of his songs "Without You" and "Tragic," as well as an interview about his success, his musical influences and his background.</p>
<p></p>
<p>By Andrea Dresdale<br>Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div></p>
