Author Archives for ABC Audio

The Weeknd donates $1 million to help Ethiopians displaced by conflict

April 5, 2021 7:00 am Published by ABC Audio Comments Off <div class="moreInfo firstrow_exclusives"></div> <img src="http://abcnewsradioonline.com/storage/music-news-images-april-2021/Getty_Weeknd_040521.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1617630280758" alt="">Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagicThe Weeknd is urging his fans to pay attention to the devastation rocking Ethiopia, which has resulted in mass casualties and destruction of homes. The "Blinding Lights" singer on Sunday <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNQBL4ihjUU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">shared a black and white infographic</a> announcing that he plans to part with a considerable amount of his money to help ongoing relief efforts. "My heart breaks for my people of Ethiopia as innocent civilians ranging from small children to the elderly are being senselessly murdered and entire villages are being displaced out of fear and destruction," The Weeknd expressed. The singer, born Abel Tesfaye, previously revealed that both of his parents are natives of Ethiopia and left the country in the 80s to build a new life in Canada. "I will be donating $1 million to provide 2 million meals through the United Nations World Food Programme and encourage those who can to please give as well," he continued, who hoped his announcement will "encourage those who can to please give as well." The announcement comes as growing scrutiny is directed toward Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who is accused of advancing a dangerous form of nationalism and indefinitely postponing elections. In addition, the government is accused of attempting genocide of ethnic Tigrayans after invading the Tigray region last November and announcing "<a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://twitter.com/AbiyAhmedAli/status/1332740110039846914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1332740110039846914%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fabcnews.go.com%2FInternational%2Fethiopia-declares-victory-fight-tigray-region-guerrilla-warfare%2Fstory%3Fid%3D74441202" target="_blank">full control</a>" of the regional capital, Mekelle, weeks later. Ethiopia's government has since denied claims of genocide or ethnic cleansing. By Megan Stone Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Justin Bieber releases surprise ‘Freedom’ EP

6:30 am Published by ABC Audio Comments Off <div class="moreInfo firstrow_exclusives"></div> <img src="http://abcnewsradioonline.com/storage/music-news-images-april-2021/M_JustinBieber_040521.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1617627537256" alt="">ABCA week after releasing his highly anticipated album Justice, Justin Bieber placed another gift into fans' Easter baskets -- a surprise EP titled Freedom. The "Holy" singer dropped his gospel-inspired recordings on Sunday night, which went live on streaming services. "Freedom on all platforms," Bieber then announced on <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNQsHsjn4bh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, adding that his new project consists of six tracks and runs a little over 20 minutes. Besides the EP's title track, Freedom also includes a myriad of collaborations featuring artists like Tori Kelly, Chandler Moore, Beam and several others. While Bieber's Justice is a love-letter to his wife Hailey Baldwin, Freedom is his way of professing his love to his religion. Bieber previously released Justice, his sixth studio album, on March 18. The album bowed atop the Billboard 200, making him the youngest artist to notch eight number one albums. On top of that, "Peaches" shot to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making him also the first male artist to have an album and a single debut in the top spot simultaneously. Here's the track listing for his new EP Freedom: 1. "Freedom (with BEAM)" 2. "All She Wrote (feat. Brandon Love & Chandler Moore)" 3. "We're In This Together" 4. "Where You Go I Follow (feat. Pink Sweats, Chandler Moore & Judah Smith)" 5. "Where Do I Fit In (feat. Tori Kelly, Chandler Moore & Judah Smith)" 6. "Afraid To Say (feat. Lauren Walters)" By Megan Stone Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

The Vaccination of Mimi: Mariah Carey belts out a high note during her COVID shot

6:03 am Published by ABC Audio Comments Off <div class="moreInfo firstrow_exclusives"></div> <img src="http://abcnewsradioonline.com/storage/music-news-images-april-2021/Getty_MariahCarey_040521.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1617628008975" alt="">Jamie McCarthy/Getty ImagesMariah Carey reacted to getting her first COVID-19 vaccine the only way she knows how, by tapping into her signature whistle register. The "We Belong Together" singer on Saturday <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CNOJlnxJ5BA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">shared a hilarious video</a> of her bracing for her vaccine, explaining that she felt "excited and nervous" to get the jab. Carey was also unable to look at the needle and even tried to shake off the nerves by posing confidently, but the attending nurse had to force her to relax for the shot. Once the needle goes in, the 52-year-old singer then lets out a shrill high note, which she noted in the caption, "Vaccine side effect: G6." However, letting out a super-high note appeared to be Mariah's only side effect, as she began clapping and cheering once it was over and done with. "It's only part one," she sighed, before joking over the fact that she didn't bleed after being poked by the needle. "See? I've proven my point that I am actually a vampire," she giggled, but still opted to have a bright red Band-Aid stuck over the injection site. The Grammy winner also expressed why she chose to film herself getting the vaccine, noting that she is "encouraging" her fans to also get the jab because "we're all in this together." "Hoping for the best," she added. It should be noted that Mariah dressed up for her big event, choosing an all-black ensemble with knee high black leather stiletto boots. By Megan Stone Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Taylor Swift releases complete ‘Fearless (Taylor’s Version)’ track list, confirms two Keith Urban collaborations

5:49 am Published by ABC Audio Comments Off <img src="http://abcnewsradioonline.com/storage/music-news-images-april-2021/M_TaylorSwiftFearlessNew_021121.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1617627063020" alt="">Beth GarrabrantAfter tasking her "<a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNK2J5zjgY2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">expert level</a>" fans with decoding a series of word scrambles, Taylor Swift released the names of all the tracks featured on her upcoming album Fearless (Taylor's Version), which is due out at the end of the week. Taylor is known for leaving Easter eggs ahead of a new music release and, on Saturday, praised her dedicated followers for solving her latest puzzle in 24 hours. "You cracked the codes and guessed all the 'From The Vault' titles," she applauded on <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNNbIrsDkKn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, listing all 26 titles, plus a bonus track. Fans can get them all starting April 9. Fans appeared most excited to learn that country superstar Keith Urban will be featured not once, but twice, on the upcoming record. Taylor gushed about adding one of her idols onto the album, telling fans on Saturday, "I’m really honored that @keithurban is a part of this project, duetting on 'That’s When' and singing harmonies on 'We Were Happy.'" "I was his opening act during the Fearless album era and his music has inspired me endlessly," she continued. "I’m counting down the minutes til we can all jump into this brave world together, filled with equal parts nostalgia and brand newness." Taylor signed off by telling fans, "Head first, Fearless." Fearless, originally released in 2008, won the Grammy for Album of the Year. The rerecorded version is available for pre-order now. Fearless (Taylor's Version), will feature 27 tracks in all: 20 re-recordings, six never-before-heard songs "From The Vault," and the Elvira remix of "Love Story (Taylor's Version)." <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> You cracked the codes and guessed all the From The Vault titles. 👏👏👏 Here’s the full track list, my friends. <a href="https://t.co/lC3awlRmm2">pic.twitter.com/lC3awlRmm2</a> — Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) <a href="https://twitter.com/taylorswift13/status/1378377399667154948?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2021</a></blockquote> By Megan Stone Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

“American Idol” recap: Brian McKnight, Katharine McPhee, and more join for solos and duets

3:00 am Published by ABC Audio Comments Off <div> <img src="http://abcnewsradioonline.com/storage/music-news-images-march-2021/E_AmericanIdol_040521.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1617601410559" alt="">ABC/Eric McCandlessAmerican Idol is back -- and they've brought some friends. Sunday's episode marked the first show where the remaining contestants performed in front of a live studio audience. Not only that, but judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan have officially handed over the reins to America to vote and decide who will become the next American Idol. Of the remaining 24 contestants, Sunday's episode saw 12 hopefuls join forces with pros Jimmie Allen, Ryan Tedder, Joss Stone, Brian McKnight, Ben Rector, and Katharine McPhee for their all-star duets. Of this group, only eight will make it through to the Top 16 and into next week's shows -- and it's all up to America. Here's who performed so far. Alanis Sophia - 19, Dade City, FL College Student Mentor: Jimmie Allen Solo: "Alive" Sia Duet: "Shallow" Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper Cassandra Coleman - 24, Columbia, TN, Coffee shop manager Mentor: Ryan Tedder Solo: "Find Me" by Sigma featuring Birdy Duet: "Apologize" One Republic Alyssa Wray - 18, Perryville, KY, College Student Mentor: Katharine McPhee Solo: "Something in the Water" Carrie Underwood Duet: "I'm You're Baby Tonight" Whitney Houston Luke syas star sparkle Wyatt Pike - 20 Park City, UT, College Student Mentor: Ben Rector Solo: "rubberband" Tate McRae Duet: "Brand New" Ben Rector Alana - 23, Lakewood Ranch, FL, Food Delivery Driver Mentor: Brian McKnight Solo: "Blow Your Mind (Mwah") Dua Lipa Duet: "Back At One" Brian McKnight Anilee List - 20, Los Angeles, CA, College Student Mentor: Joss Stone Solo: "my future" Billie Eilish Duet: "Tell Me Something Good" Rufus & Chaka Chan Deshawn Goncalves - 20, Cleveland, OH, College Student Mentor: Ryan Tedder Solo: "Forever Young" Bob Dylan Duet: “I Lived” One Republic Graham DeFranco - 28, Rockwall, TX, Aerial Survey Pilot Mentor: Ben Rector Solo: "Raye" John Splithoff Duet: "Love Like This" Ben Rector Andrea Valles - 23, Houston, TX, Wedding Singer Mentor: Brian McKnight Solo: "Lo Vas A Olvidar" Billie Eilish & Rosalia Duet: "Careless Whisper" George Michael Cecil Ray - 20, Cameron, TX, Machine Operator Mentor: Jimmie Allen Solo: "Paint Me A Birmingham" Tracy Lawrence Duet: "Freedom Was A Highway" Jimmie Allen Willie Spence - 21, Douglas, GA, Caretaker Mentor: Katharine McPhee Solo: "Wind Beneath My Wings" Bette Midler Duet: "The Prayer" Céline Dion & Andrea Bocelli Grace Kinstler - 20, Lakewood, IL, College Student Mentor: Joss Stone Solo: "Queen" Jesse J Duet: "Midnight Train to Georgia" Gladys Knight & the Pips The remaining 12 contestants will perform when American Idol returns Monday, April 5 at 8 p.m. on ABC. </div> <div>By Danielle Long Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.</div>

Bebe Rexha reveals the “main thread line” of her long-awaited next album

3:00 am Published by ABC Audio Comments Off <img src="http://abcnewsradioonline.com/storage/music-news-images-april-2021/M_BebeRexa_030521.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1617400943690" alt="">ABCBebe Rexha has been <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://twitter.com/BebeRexha/status/1364583192448045058" target="_blank">teasing</a> her sophomore <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://twitter.com/BebeRexha/status/1370085390401560578" target="_blank">album</a> for a long time, but so far, there's no title or release date. However, she did tell ABC Audio that the album's theme is definitely reflected in the songs we've heard so far: "<a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PznMpRASjAg" target="_blank">Jealous</a>" and "<a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if77kuqWIZk" target="_blank">Sacrifice</a>." "The same thread throughout the songs is that they all kind of talk about insecurities that I have," she explains. "Whether it be, like, the fear of not being good enough, or my insecurity of being jealous, and my insecurity of failing, or my insecurity of sabotaging everything in my life. So...that's the main thread line throughout the whole album." Even when Bebe does release the album, it's not clear whether the pandemic will have eased up enough for her to travel to promote it. But she says staying home agrees with her -- in fact, it's made her realize that her previous lifestyle as a globe-trotting pop star may have been detrimental. "I feel like a happier person [in quarantine], in a sense that I have been able to really slow down and really be like 'What's good for me as a human?' and what's healthy for me," she explains. "I notice I'm really just a homebody," Bebe adds. "I just actually really like staying home and just watching TV and cuddling my dog." What's more, Bebe says she's noticed that "sitting in hair and makeup for three hours and then going and getting dressed and then going to stand on a stage is just not really normal for humans. I love what I do, but I was like, 'This actually gives me a lot of anxiety.'" But luckily for us fans, Bebe admits, "I love music so much that it's worth it." By Andrea Dresdale Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Madonna biopic co-writer didn’t “leave” the project, reports ‘EW’

April 2, 2021 2:48 pm Published by ABC Audio Comments Off <div class="moreInfo firstrow_exclusives"></div> <img src="http://abcnewsradioonline.com/storage/music-news-images-april-2021/Getty_madonnadiablo_040221.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1617400145019" alt="">Madonna: Kevin Mazur/WireImage; Cody: Daniel Zuchnik/Getty ImagesDespite claims by a British tabloid that screenwriter Diablo Cody had left her job as the co-writer of Madonna's biopic due to creative differences, it appears that she and Madonna did, indeed, see the project through to the end. A source at Universal, where the movie is being made, tells <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://ew.com/movies/madonna-biopic-diablo-cody-didnt-quit/" target="_blank">Entertainment Weekly</a> that Cody's so-called "departure" from the project was simply due to the fact that it was completed, and she's now moved on to something else. The source confirms that the two turned in a finished, final draft of the script, which they spent last year working on. Now that the studio has the script, Entertainment Weekly notes, it will develop it, which may or may not include rewrites or polishing before production and shooting even starts. Madonna announced in September that she would direct the biopic, which she described as a "happy, sad, mad, crazy, good, bad and ugly" story of her rise to stardom. Meanwhile, Cody is now working on a live-action version of Powerpuff Girls for The CW. By Andrea Dresdale Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Maren Morris has no patience for the societal pressure to “snap back” after giving birth

2:00 pm Published by ABC Audio Comments Off <img src="http://abcnewsradioonline.com/storage/M_MarenMorris-10.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1617390162007" alt="">ABCMaren Morris is proud of the hard work and effort that goes into her fitness routine, but the singer’s making one thing clear: She’s got no patience for societal expectations put on women to “snap back” after giving birth. “Am never saying ‘trying to get my body back’ again,” Maren wrote on <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNK69PMsxNV/" target="_blank">social media</a> on Friday. “No one took it, I didn’t lose it like a set of keys.” Maren gave birth to her first child, son Hayes, in March of 2020. Since then, she’s been vocal about her objections to “mommy shaming,” and she’s stopped sharing images of baby Hayes’ face in her posts about him. Now, "The Bones" star is offering a similar kiss-off to anyone who’s got any comments to make about her, or any other mom's, postpartum body. “The pressure we put on mothers to ‘snap back’ is insurmountable and deeply troublesome. You are and always were a f***king bada***,” Maren adds. “And yeah, I’m proud.” Maren also shared a couple of pictures of herself, including one snap of her sitting cross-legged on her bed, and another of her at-home exercise routine in her kitchen with a <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Yoga-ball-Balance-Hemisphere-Fitness-for-Gym-Office-Home-Blue/868228441?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=101034843&&adid=22222222227410069246&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=502012296951&wl4=pla-1186764353494&wl5=1023280&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=256991386&wl11=online&wl12=868228441&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAjwgZuDBhBTEiwAXNofRE7b7KXz95trBu9dBfru1CRNZ3tgUR9s6fHnZBXnAsczSGYP3lkWQRoCL18QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Bosu</a> ball. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">am never saying “trying to get my body back” again. no one took it, i didn’t lose it like a set of keys. the pressure we put on mothers to “snap back” is insurmountable and deeply troublesome. you are and always were a fucking badass. and yeah, I’m proud. <a href="https://t.co/Tw2blmcahP">pic.twitter.com/Tw2blmcahP</a>— MAREN MORRIS (@MarenMorris) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarenMorris/status/1378024775541526528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2021</a></blockquote> By Carena Liptak Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

A “Toxic” he said/she said: Britney Spears denies telling ex-makeup artist she doesn’t write her posts

1:00 pm Published by ABC Audio Comments Off <img src="http://abcnewsradioonline.com/storage/music-news-images-april-2021/Getty_Britneysideeye_040221.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1617393734060" alt="">David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty ImagesProponents of the #FreeBritney movement like to insist that none of the sometimes odd posts that appear on Britney Spears' Instagram account are written by her. But now, the singer's reps has issued a statement saying that's not the case. What brought the issue to a head was Britney's <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CND5B1RArtK/" target="_blank">recent post</a> about how she "cried for two weeks" over the way she was portrayed in the New York Times' unauthorized FX documentary Framing Britney Spears. Fans immediately accused Britney's social media manager, Cassie Petrey, of penning that post, even though weeks ago, she issued a <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKzHQ5jhXL4/" target="_blank">blanket denial</a> regarding all of the singer's social media activity. But then the plot thickened when Britney's former makeup artist, Billy Brasfield, <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pagesix.com/2021/03/31/britney-spears-allegedly-not-in-control-of-social-media-posts/" target="_blank">told Page Six</a> earlier this week that he'd had a conversation with the singer, who told him that she had no control over the caption. "I immediately knew it was not her,” Brasfield told Page Six. “I texted her about it and she texted me back last night.” However, a Britney rep <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pagesix.com/2021/04/02/britney-spears-camp-insists-the-star-is-in-charge-of-social-media/" target="_blank">tells Page Six </a>that Britney herself, when told of Brasfield's claims, insisted, "I don’t speak to Billy, I don’t know who he is speaking with. It’s not me. I haven’t talked to him in years. I write my own posts, I don’t know why he is saying that.” But Brasfield insists to Page Six that he's telling the truth, declaring, "I am not going to say [her rep] is lying, it’s just that they don’t know. I am in touch with Britney Spears.” By Andrea Dresdale Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Bruno Mars creates new dance moves for ‘Fortnite’

12:43 pm Published by ABC Audio Comments Off <div class="moreInfo firstrow_exclusives"></div> <img src="http://abcnewsradioonline.com/storage/music-news-images-april-2021/Getty_BrunoMars_040221.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1617392632110" alt="">Theo Wargo/Getty Images for The Recording AcademyBruno Mars is going digital with his dance moves. The singer has choreographed a unique dance for the video game Fortnite, to the tune of his Silk Sonic track, “Leave the Door Open.” The new moves will be available for players to try out as part of the game’s Icon Series Emote. Players can purchase the dance through the Item Shop starting today at 8 p.m. ET. "Yo @fortnite let ya uncle Brunz teach ya how to swang to this thang," Bruno wrote on <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNLCRYXnGlx/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, along with a side-by-side video of him performing the dance and an avatar from the game mimicking his moves. Bruno’s Silk Sonic collaborator, Anderson .Paak, has a Fornite connection as well. He previously performed in Fortnite’s Party Royale last September as part of Epic Games’ Spotlight Series. Also on Friday, Silk Sonic released <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://silksonic.lnk.to/LTDOLive" target="_blank">a live version</a> of “Leave the Door Open.” By Andrea Tuccillo Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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