Month: February 2023

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Pop Daypop

Usher extends Las Vegas residency with 15 new dates

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Usher has extended his Las Vegas residency into the fall with 15 new dates, writing on Instagram: “Yeah man…It’s that time again! VEGAS, I’m back! By popular demand, I’ve added 15 NEW shows to my Vegas Residency through October 2023! Tickets go on sale this Saturday 2/25 at 10am PT ✨ Get yours early in the fan presale starting Weds at 10am PT. Text (404) 737-1821 for the Presale password ✨”

The 15 new shows going on sale are scheduled for the following dates:
June 2023: 16, 17, 20, 23, 24, 29
October 2023: 11, 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, 25, 27, 28

Usher first announced his new residency at the Dolby Theater in February last year, with the shows featuring a repertoire of his smash hit songs and incorporates audience interactions. Usher, Live Nation Las Vegas and MGM Resorts pledge to donate $1 of every ticket purchased for dates in 2023 to Usher’s New Look, Inc., which helps support underserved youth.

Tickets for the new shows go on sale to the public on Saturday, Feb. 25; visit ticketmaster.com/ushervegas to learn more.

Usher Extends My Way Las Vegas Residency

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News Daypop

Woman dies after falling from parking structure at Disneyland

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The Anaheim Police Department is investigating the death of a woman who fell from the ‘Mickey and Friends Parking Structure’ in Disneyland, CA on Saturday. Anaheim police Sgt. Jon McClintock and the Anaheim Fire Department responded around 6:50 p.m. to a report of an individual who “jumped off or fell from” the parking structure. First responders reportedly found a woman lying on the ground and began providing aid; the woman was brought to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead.

The woman’s identity was not released, and it was unclear whether she was a guest at the theme park. An investigation into the circumstances of the woman’s death is underway.

The Mickey and Friends Parking Structure is the main guest parking facility at Disneyland, standing seven-stories tall and having room for more than 10,000 vehicles. When it opened in 2000 is was the largest parking structure in the United States. Saturday’s incident is the second in three months involving someone falling to their death from a Disneyland parking structure. In December, a man in his 50s fell from the Mickey and Friends lot,  who police said died “likely” died by suicide; and at least three other individuals have died after jumping since the structure opened.

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Categories
News Daypop

Teen suspect charged with murder in Temple University officer’s shooting death

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Police in Bucks County have arrested a teen suspect in the killing of a Temple University police officer on Saturday near the campus in Philadelphia.  At approximately 7 a.m. on Sunday morning, an unidentified 18-year-old white man was taken into custody at a family home in Buckingham Township in relation to the shooting. Temple University’s police association confirmed on Twitter that there had been an apprehension.

Jennifer Griffin, Temple University’s vice president for public safety, said in a statement: “Earlier this morning, an 18-year-old person of interest was taken into custody in connection with last night’s tragic murder of a Temple University Police Officer.”  Griffin identified the officer as Christopher David Fitzgerald, who was hired by the university in October 2021. Fitzgerald was shot while on duty and was pronounced dead at the Temple University Hospital. Griffin said: “Officer Fitzgerald gave his life to selflessly serve and defend this community. The courage and bravery he displayed highlights the day-to-day sacrifice made by our Temple University Police Officers to keep our community safe. This loss leaves an enormous hole in all of our hearts. He was a father, a husband, a son, a colleague, and a friend.”

Temple University president Jason Wingard said in a statement that Fitzgerald was shot while trying to apprehend a robbery suspect at 1700 W. Montgomery Avenue. The suspect fled the scene, according to Wingard, adding: “This loss comes at a time when gun violence continues its horrific impact on our city and our country. Philadelphia and the nation are dealing with an unprecedented epidemic of violence, and the tragedy that took place tonight is a gut-wrenching reminder of our police officers’ daily bravery and sacrifices to protect our students, faculty, staff and community.”

Editorial credit: Hanson L / Shutterstock.com

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Go Country 105

'American Idol' recap: Top 10 material and first platinum ticket holder revealed

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American Idol is back!

The whole gang — judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and host Ryan Seacrest — have returned to search for the next singing sensation. 

Here’s a look at the night’s talent:

Haven Madison, 16: Accompanied by her dad on the piano, Haven sang her original song, titled “15,” for the judges and immediately blew them away with her talent, earning herself a ticket to Hollywood. 

Lucy Love, 28: Second time was the charm for Lucy, who was given another chance to impress the judges after her audition of Marvin Gaye‘s “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” fell flat. She redeemed herself and earned a golden ticket with Donny Hathaway’s “A Song for You.” 

Lyric Medeiros, 21: The daughter of singer Glenn Medeiros had to prove she could bring some grit after playing it safe with Kelsea Ballerini‘s “Love Me Like You Mean It.” After some coaching from Katy and Luke, she was able to bring out the fierceness with Carrie Underwood‘s “Before He Cheats” and secure a ticket to Hollywood. 

Michael Williams, 21: This Ohio native had the judges mesmerized with his audition of “Talking to the Moon” by Bruno Mars, so much so, that Katy even deemed him “Top 10” worthy and sent him through to Hollywood. 

Megan Danielle: Megan got the surprise of a lifetime when, while singing Lauren Daigle‘s “You Say,” the Grammy winner and former Idol contestant appeared and joined her for a duet. After singing together, Megan was given a ticket to the next round of competition. 

Tyson Venegas, 17: Tyson showed off his piano and vocal skills on Billy Joel‘s “New York State of Mind,” leaving the judges so impressed that they handed him the first platinum ticker of the season, which allows him to skip the first day of Hollywood week.

Kya Monee: A returning contestant, Kya was inspired to return to the competition by runner-up Willie Spence, who she was paired up with during duets week in season 4. She delivered an emotional performance of “I’m Here” from The Color Purple as a tribute to Spence, who died in a tragic car accident last year. She received a unanimous vote to go to Hollywood. 

Other contestants who made it through to Hollywood include Zachariah Smith, William Guy Tongi, and Colin Stough.

It wouldn’t fully be American Idol if there wasn’t a bit of comedic relief, which viewers got in the form of a montage of singing hopefuls that bore the same first and last names as Katy, Luke, Lionel, and even Ryan. There was also a contestant who brought his bird with him to the audition. 

American Idol airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Country Daypop

Kellie Pickler’s husband, songwriter Kyle Jacobs, dies at age 49

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Country music songwriter Kyle Jacobs, husband of country singer Kellie Pickler, has died at age 49. Nashville’s Metro Police Department confirmed that Jacobs was found dead at the couple’s home on Friday, Feb. 17.

The Nashville Police Department shared that it received a 911 call to Pickler’s home on Friday afternoon around 1:21 PM. Police reported that Pickler woke up a short time before they arrived at the scene and upon waking, noticed that her husband was nowhere to be found and began searching the home for him. Pickler’s assistant called 911 after they were unable to open the door to the upstairs bedroom/office. Police officers, as well as officials from the Nashville Fire Department arrived at the scene and found Jacobs dead from an “apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.” Jacobs’ death is currently being investigated as an “apparent suicide.”

Kyle Jacobs was an award-winning songwriter. writing hit songs for dozens of country superstars including Trace Adkins, Jo Dee Messina, Craig Morgan, Tim McGraw, Clay Walker, Kelly Clarkson, Scotty McCreery, and his wife, Pickler. The couple collaborated together on several tracks included on Pickler’s latest albums, 100 Proof (2012) and The Woman I Am (2013). They co-wrote tracks such as “Mother’s Day,” “The Woman I Am,” and “Bonnie and Clyde.” Jacobs was also a co-writer on Garth Brooks’ single “More Than A Memory,” which became the first song to debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Singles chart in its entire history.

Picker and Jacobs were introduced through mutual friend and after two and a half years of dating, Jacobs proposed to Pickler on June 15, 2010. The couple were married on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2011 in a beach wedding in Antigua. Pickler and Jacobs starred the reality show ‘I Love Kellie Pickler’ on CMT, taking fans inside their personal lives. The show debuted on November 5, 2015, airing for 2 seasons through 2017.

Following the release of The Woman I Am in 2013, Pickler stepped away from making music, and co-hosted the daytime talk show ‘Pickler & Ben.’ She is currently a host on SiriusXM’s ‘The Highway.’

Editorial credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Sam Hunt releases his latest song, ‘Walmart’

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Sam Hunt has released his new song “Walmart,” the follow-up to his latest tracks “Start Nowhere” and “Water Under the Bridge. “  “Walmart” was co-written by Hunt with Zach Crowell, Shane McAnally, and Josh Osborne.

Upon the song’s release, Hunt posted on his social media: “I know I don’t put out as much music as often as a lot of the artists y’all listen to but I really appreciate you guys tuning in when I do. ‘Walmart’ is out now. Thanks for listening!”

Take a listen to ‘Walmart’ – here.
To buy or stream ‘Walmart,’ head here.

Sam Hunt releases ‘Walmart’

Editorial credit: Andrea Raffin / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

Pink responds after being accused of “shading” Christina Aguilera

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Pink drew controversy over the weekend stemming from negative remarks she made about the making of the 2001 music video for “Lady Marmalade,” with many accusing the singer of “shading” co-star Christina Aguilera and reigniting their years-long feud. The drama began after Pink ranked “Lady Marmalade” in last place on a list 12 of her “most iconic music videos” in an interview with BuzzFeed UK, sharing, “It wasn’t very fun to make. I’m all about fun and it was like, a lot of fuss, and there were some personalities.” Pink added, “[Lil] Kim and Mýa were nice” referring to her and Christina’s two other collaborators on the song.

Now, Pink is responding on Twitter, writing: “Y’all are nuts … Xtina had s–t to do with who was on that song.  If you don’t know by now- I’m not “shading” someone by telling it over and over and over what actually happened. I’m zero percent interested in your f***ing drama. If you haven’t noticed- I’m a little busy selling…And by selling- I mean tickets and albums and bake sales and s–t.” Then in response to a fan’s criticism, Pink tweeted: “Also- I kissed xtinas mouth. I don’t need to kiss her a**.”

Both Christina and Pink have spoken publicly about their past feud, which began  more than 20 years ago over the recording of “Lady Marmalade.” In 2009, Pink said a record executive declared, “What’s the high part? What’s the most singing part? Christina’s going to take that part. I stood up, and I said ‘Hi. How are you? So nice of you to introduce yourself. I’m Pink. She will not be taking that part. I think that’s what the f–king meeting’s about.’”  However, in 2016, the two singers put their differences aside when they worked together on NBC’s ‘The Voice,’ during which Pink served as an advisor to Christina’s team. Pink said in 2017: “We made up on The Voice, because I hadn’t seen her in years and years and years and we became moms. We grew up and we hugged it out.”

Editorial credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

Selena Gomez details weight gain due to medications, slams online bullying

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Selena Gomez posted a message to fans this week to address online bullying due to recent changes in her appearance. Gomez detailed that her weight gain is due to medication for lupus, which she announced she was diagnosed with in 2015. Gomez underwent a kidney transplant in 2017, and has undergone chemotherapy as well.

In a TikTok livestream, Gomez explained how medication is necessary to control her condition, and its side affects: “I tend to hold a lot of water weight, and that happens very normally. When I’m off of it, I tend to lose weight. I just wanted to say and encourage anyone out there who feels any sort of shame for exactly what they’re going through, and no one knows the real story … I just want people to know that you’re beautiful and you’re wonderful. Yeah, we have days where maybe we feel like shit, but I would much rather be healthy and take care of myself. And my medications are important, and I believe they are what helps me.”  Gomez added:  “I just wanted to tell you I love you guys, and thanks for supporting me and understanding … And if not, go away.”

Gomez has had to respond to critics many times in the past; she shared on the ‘Giving Back Generation’ podcast in 2019: “It’s the medication I have to take for the rest of my life — it depends on even the month, to be honest. So for me, I really noticed when people started attacking me for that. And in reality, that’s just my truth. I fluctuate. It depends on what’s happening in my life.”  And on social media last year, Gomez proclaimed: “I don’t care about my weight, because people b**ch about it anyway. ‘You’re too small,’ ‘you’re too big,’ ‘that doesn’t fit.’ B**ch, I am perfect the way I am.”

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Go Country 105

Jon's ready to get the Pardi started, as baby girl arrives

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Jon Pardi‘s now officially a dad! 

“Our Baby girl is here and ready to Pardi haha,” he shared on his socials Saturday morning, adding “DAD joke!”

Presley Fawn Pardi was born at 5:05 a.m. on February 18, weighing 7 pounds 12 ounces and measuring 20.25 inches, according to Jon’s post.

Jon and wife Summer‘s first child was about a week late. “Just gonna keep posting pics until we get the real deal,” Summer shared on Friday, along with a photo showing off her baby bump.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Go Country 105

Kellie Pickler's husband found dead in their Nashville home

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Kyle Jacobs, producer, songwriter and husband of Kellie Pickler, was found dead in their home in Nashville on Friday. He was 49.

According to a report from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, the fire department went to Kellie’s home on Friday afternoon and found Jacobs dead “from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in an upstairs bedroom/office.”  His death is being investigated as a suicide.

The MNPD’s report says Kellie’s assistant called 911 after she and Kellie tried and failed to open the door to their upstairs bedroom.

Jacobs and Kellie, an American Idol alumna who’s scored hits like “Best Days of Your Life” and “Didn’t You Know How Much I Loved You,” married in 2011 after dating for two and a half years. The two co-starred in the 2015 CMT reality show I Love Kellie Pickler.

Jacobs was a songwriter and producer who co-wrote Garth Brooks‘ “More Than a Memory” and Tim McGraw’s “Still.” He also produced Lee Brice‘s number-one hits “Hard to Love,” “I Drive Your Truck,” “Drinking Class” and “Rumor,” and in 2014, he won an ACM Award as the producer of “I Drive Your Truck.”  In addition, he worked with Kelly Clarkson, Scotty McCreery and Darius Rucker.

If you are in crisis or know someone in crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or by visiting 988lifeline.org. You can also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. 

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.