Celebrity Scoop – 05/01/2020

SHAWN MENDES JOINS THE ALL-IN CHALLENGE – (05/01/2020)

Shawn Mendes has accepted the popular All-In Challenge, where celebrities offer fans the chance to win amazing and unique experiences in exchange for donations to charities like Meals on Wheels, World Central Kitchen, Feeding America and No Kid Hungry.

The winner and a guest will get to travel to the set of one of Shawn’s future videos, and meet Shawn and hang out with him while getting a behind-the-scenes look at music video production. The winner will also be able to make a cameo appearance in the video. Travel and accommodations are included in the prize.

The more you donate, the more chances you’ll have to win, and you can enter with as little as $10.

Meanwhile, Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello’s 2019 clip “Señorita” video has joined YouTube’s Billion Views club. In the video, which sparked romance rumors between the now-couple, Mendes plays a smooth motorcycle rider who falls in love with Cabello, who plays a sultry waitress.

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Full Story: Billboard

JULIA MICHAELS AND JP SAXE RELEASE STAR-STUDDED VIDEO FOR NEW VERSION OF ‘IF THE WORLD WAS ENDING’ – (05/01/2020)

Julia Michaels and JP Saxe have enlisted some big names for a new version of their song “If the World Was Ending” to raise money for Doctors without Borders during the COVID-19 crisis.

Sam Smith, Alessia Cara, Niall Horan and Kesha are among those who have added their voices to the track and appear in video featuring footage they shot in self-quarantine. Other artists participating include FINNEAS, who produced the track, Zara Larsson, Anne-Marie, Sabrina Carpenter, Jason Derulo, Noah Cyrus, FLETCHER, Lindsey Stirling, H.E.R., Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini and Florida George Line.

“We are so grateful for the incredible work being done by those on the frontlines during this global pandemic,” Saxe and Michael said in a joint statement. “At a time when it can sometimes feel like ‘the world is ending,’ we thank all of the healthcare workers, first responders, and essential workers who are helping so many people in need. Please stay home, stay safe (and don’t actually go over!)”

“If the World Was Ending” was featured on Saxe’s EP, Hold It Together and originally inspired by the earthquakes in Los Angeles last year.

CHECK IT OUT

Full Story: Rolling Stone

SHAKIRA DONATES THOUSANDS OF N95 MASKS TO COLOMBIA AMID PANDEMIC: Shakira donated thousands of N95 masks to health care workers in Barranquilla, Colombia, as well as ventilators to save lives amid the pandemic. The Mayor of Barranquilla, Jaime Pumarejo, expressed his gratitude in a post Thursday. “One of the most beloved Barranquilleras in the world is @shakira , and she is also one of the people who most love Barranquilla. Huge thank you for your contribution of thousands of N95 masks for our health care workers, and ventilators that will save lives,” he wrote.

ONEREPUBLIC, TRAIN, JEWEL TEAM FOR LIVESTREAM CONCERT BENEFIT FOR CINCINNATI: OneRepublic, Train and Jewel are among the artists who’ll be participating today in United 4 Cincy, a three-hour charity livestream concert event designed as a fundraiser for the people of Cincinnati, Ohio. The United Way of Greater Cincinnati is the beneficiary of the event, which will provide help directly to the most vulnerable residents of Cincinnati, which has been “devastated” by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the charity. It’ll stream today 7 p.m. [ET] at united4cincy.com. Other stars participating include former Cincinnati mayor, broadcaster and talk show host Jerry Springer, country stars Carly Pearce and Big & Rich, Jill Scott, former Cincinnati Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo, author Curtis Sittenfeld, and other local celebs.

MADONNA SAYS SHE ALREADY HAS CORONAVIRUS ANTIBODIES: Madonna says she already has coronavirus antibodies in a new “Quarantine Diaries” video on her Instagram. “Took a test the other day. I found out that I have the antibodies, so tomorrow, I’m just going to go for a long drive in a car and roll down the window, and I’m going to breathe in the COVID-19 air,” she said in the video. Earlier this month, Madonna posted a video of her reading from her quarantine diary in which she reveals that she’s lost a family member and two friends to the coronavirus. Madonna has donated $1 million to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, in order to help create a vaccine for coronavirus.

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Celebrity Scoop – 04/30/2020

ED SHEERAN REFUSES TO FURLOUGH BAR STAFF DURING COVID-19 SHUTDOWN: Ed Sheeran has refused to furlough staff at his London pub, Bertie Blossoms after it was forced to close amid the coronavirus outbreak. A spokesman for the singer said Sheeran also turned down the chance to use a new scheme which sees the government paying 80% of an individual’s salary, and the company having the option of paying out the additional 20%. Sheeran, who is worth an estimated $211 million dollars [USD], has drawn sharp comparisons to Victoria Beckham. Earlier this year, the former Spice Girl, who is worth $415 million [USD], furloughed about 30 employees from her long-struggling fashion label. She also petitioned for the government bailout.

TOM HANKS SHARES PHOTOS OF DONATED PLASMA (AHEAD OF WEDDING ANNIVERSARY) – (04/30/2020)

Tom Hanks is making good on his promise to donate plasma in a bid to help find a vaccine for COVID-19. 

“Here’s last week’s bag of plasma. Such a bag!” he tweeted. “After the paperwork, it’s as easy as taking a nap. Thanks @arimoin and UCLA. Hanx.”

Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson, both 63, are on the mend after contracting coronavirus in Australia. Both have been outspoken about the importance of respecting shutdown and quarantine regulations, while also pushing for a cure. 

The pair also happen to be celebrating their 32nd anniversary together, and have reportedly gotten closer because of their shared experience. A source tells ET: “This year, experiencing COVID-19 together was life-changing. They had to ride the wave of an illness that could have killed one or both of them. Being apart from their children during the experience made them reflect on everything they have in life, especially each other. It has made them truly appreciate their love for one another and the life they have built.”

They will celebrate at home:  “Their plan is to enjoy their favorite wine and create a lovely dinner together. They both love to cook.”

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Read the Full Story: https://pge.sx/3aNgiou

POST MALONE ASKS FANS TO DONATE $1M OF HIS MONEY TO CHARITY – (04/30/2020)

Post Malone announced that he’ll finance fans’ charity donations to the tune of $1 million bucks.

All you need to do is text charities that you think deserve support to Posty’s Community phone number, 817-270-6440. He’ll go through them and make donations to the top choices until he hits the million-dollar mark.

“Not everyone has the ability to financially support causes that may be close to them or that have helped them in the past. The fans are the absolute best and I want to give them the chance to give to charities that mean something to them.” Posty said.

Among the causes the donations will support: frontline workers, disaster relief, education, hunger, homelessness, mental health and education.

Last week, Post performed a live concert of Nirvana covers on YouTube, which raised over $500,000 for the United Nations Foundation’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization. Google matched every dollar donated with $2.

Meanwhile, Dashboard Confessional has released a cover of Malone’s hit song “Circles.” The band shared the cover and a new version of its 2002 single “Screaming Infidelities” as a Spotify Singles package Wednesday. The songs were recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York City.

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Full Story: New York Post

EMINEM DONATES $20,0000 AIR JORDAN SNEAKERS: Eminem has donated his $20,000 Air Jordan 4 x Carhartt Sneakers for COVID-19 relief. He announced the news on Instagram, saying, “Cleanin’ out my closet… donating extra pair of my @jumpman23 @carhartt 4’s along with a vintage T to @stockx. Proceeds go to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.”

OCTAVIA SPENCER DONATES RESPIRATORY MONITORS: The Academy Award-winning Octavia Spencer has donated Miku breathing monitors to both Baptist Health and the Montefiore Health System locations in Alabamaand New York. She shared the news on social media writing, in part: “Seeing what is happening in the communities that I love, I have teamed up with @Mikucare to donate monitors to nursing and medical facilities in Alabama and New York to provide much needed relief to nurses as they navigate care for COVID-19 patients.”

SACHA BARON COHEN AND ISLA FISHER HELP FRONTLINE: Sacha Baron Cohen and his wife Isla Fisher partnered with Salesforce chief Marc Benioff in a bid to send PPE equipment to frontline workers in the UK. Cohen is also working with team HOPE in the US. (Page Six) 

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Celebrity Scoop – 04/29/2020

MILEY CYRUS, LIL NAS X SET FOR FACEBOOK’S ‘#GRADUATION2020’ – (04/29/2020)

Celebs including Oprah Winfrey, Miley Cyrus, Little Nas X and more are set to appear on the “#Graduation2020: Facebook and Instagram Celebrate the Class of 2020” event for high school and college seniors.

The event, which begins on May 15th at 2 p.m. [EDT] on Facebook Watch, will help seniors celebrate their graduation virtually as schools are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Winfrey will be providing the commencement address. Awkwafina, Jennifer Garner, Lil Nas X, Simone Biles and more are set to give words of wisdom to the class of 2020. Cyrus will give a special performance of her 2009 song “The Climb.”

The ceremony will acknowledge high schools and colleges in the U.S. by name, state by state, and feature photos and videos of the class of 2020. Deans and principals will also deliver messages.

Graduates will be able to hold their own virtual graduation through Facebook. Instagram, starting on May 11th, will broadcast daily programming that highlights senior experiences such as superlatives and senior skip day. There will also be a full week of virtual #Graduation2020 programming leading up to the commencement ceremonies.

Find out more at AboutFB.com.

CHECK IT OUT

Full Story: Billboard

OPRAH WINFREY, JENNIFER GARNER AND SIMONE BILES SET FOR VIRTUAL GRADUATION – (04/29/2020)

As graduation ceremonies across the country get curtailed, several celebrities are doing what they can to make the Class of 2020 feel special through virtual ceremonies. 

There’s one that is emerging as the ultimate bold-faced event though. Facebook and Instagram are hosting a ceremony featuring a commencement featuring none other than Oprah Winfrey as commencement speaker. 

Winfrey is being joined by Awkwafina, Jennifer Garner, Lil Nas X, Simone Biles and others, who will share words of wisdom with grads, and Miley Cyrus has signed on to perform “The Climb.”

The show, dubbed “#Graduation2020: Facebook and Instagram Celebrate the Class of 2020” will be livestreamed May 15. Clips will be shared on celebs’ Instagram pages, and the entire ceremony will stream on Facebook Watch and the Facebook App. 

Her Campus, an online magazine dedicated to college women is also throwing a virtual commencement on May 15th, featuring Eva Longoria, Liam Payne, Jesse McCartney and others.  

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Read the Full Story: https://bit.ly/3bN710X

SIA TO PERFORM AT ‘AMERICARES COVID IS NO JOKE’ VIRTUAL COMEDY SHOW – (04/29/2020)

Sia will perform during the Americares COVID Is No Joke virtual comedy fest, which aims to help healthcare workers on the front lines of the pandemic.

According to a press release, Sia will close the program with “an intimate performance that has never been seen before.” Actor Tony Goldwyn will host the fest, which will feature appearances from his Scandal co-stars Kerry Washington and Bellamy Young, as well as Bryan Cranston, Elizabeth Banks, Jack Black, Chelsea Handler, Mindy Kaling, Will Ferrell, Gal Gadot, Patton Oswalt and more.

An anonymous donor has agreed to match the first $100,000 in donations to Americares during the event. Viewers can support Americares COVID-19 response by making a donation on americares.org or by texting “JOKE” to 20222 to make a $25 donation.

The show will air live on COVIDIsNoJoke.org and the Americares YouTube channel Friday at 8 p.m. [ET].

CHECK IT OUT

Full Story: Billboard

TAYLOR SWIFT FANS FUEL THEORIES ABOUT A MAY 8TH ANNOUNCEMENT AFTER SHE POSTS NEW SELFIE: Taylor Swift shared a new selfie from quarantine on Instagram Monday that sparked theories from fans, who put the pieces together that something could be released on May 8th. Fans picked up on both of her posts on Instagram and Twitter were published at 5:08 p.m. on the dot. The “5” and “8” are also in reference to the moment in her “The Man” music video during the wedding scene. “Taylor’s recent IG/Twitter posts were published at 5:08 p.m., further fueling the rumors of a possible May 8th announcement/release,” the theory suggests.

ARIANA GRANDE PERFORMS ‘I’M STILL HURTING’ DURING LIVE STREAM – (04/29/2020)

Ariana Grande performed the emotional song “I’m Still Hurting” during a live stream for charity.

Ariana and recording artist Shoshana Bean joined composer and lyricist Jason Robert Brown for the virtual concert Monday. Grande, who worked with Brown on Broadway’s 13 in 2008, performed “I’m Still Hurting,” from Brown’s musical The Last Five Years, while accompanied by Brown and other musicians.

Bean offered her take on Brown’s “The Hardest Hill,” and Brown sang “I Love Betsy” from Honeymoon in Vegas.

The concert was a socially-distanced version of Brown’s monthly artist-in-residency shows at SubCulture, a live music venue in New York City. The stream aired for free, although viewers were encouraged to donate to a support fund for SubCulture staff and musicians.

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Full Story: Press Release

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Celebrity Scoop – 04/28/2020

EVA LONGORIA, LIAM PAYNE, BROOK EBALDWIN, MORE SING ON FOR STAR-STUDDED VIRTUAL GRADUATION – (04/28/2020)

The coronavirus pandemic may be wreaking havoc on events across the world, but a star-studded virtual graduation ceremony has been planned to celebrate the Class of 2020. Her Campus, which owns Spoon University, College Fashionista and InfluenceHer Collective, has organized “I’m Still Graduating,” a virtual ceremony that will take place Friday, May 15, at 12 p.m. ET. 

Eva Longoria, Radhika Jones, Margaret Cho, Brooke Baldwin, Liam Payne, Jesse McCartney, Andrew Yang and Tamron Hall are all set to speak at the ceremony, which will also include performances and toasts. Billie Jean King, Kenneth Cole, John Kasich, Rebecca Minkoff, Saweetie, Hailie Sahar, Lauren Akins, Hunter McGrady, Jaime King, Alisyn Camerota and Drax Project will also appear. 

Non-famous grads will also be celebrated. Students who want to participate can apply to speak or perform at ImStillGraduating.com, where grads can also create graduation pages with photos and videos. 

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Read the Full Story: https://bit.ly/2zAfkPq

PRINCE HARRY LAUNCHES MAJOR HEALTH INITIATIVE: Prince Harry is launching his first major project, HeadFIT, since stepping down from his senior royal role. The 35-year-old is using HeadFIT, a 24/7 resource, to encourage military personnel to stay mentally fit. IN a statement, he said: “I’ve long believed the military community should lead the way for the rest of society. For too long we have been waiting for problems to arise and then reacting to them. HeadFIT is a proactive approach to mental fitness, focusing on our own potential to increase our performance, using proven methods in sport science.” He continued: “This is about optimization of self. This is about being the best you can be. This is about gaining advantage, whether facing an opponent or overcoming a challenging situation. This is about building resilience that will match that of the most world class athletes and prepare you for everyday stress. To be HeadFIT, is to be at your peak performance.”

MELROSE PLACE STARS SET REUNION: Original cast-members from the primetime soap Melrose Place are reuniting on today’s (Tuesday’s) Stars In the House YouTube series benefitting The Actors Fund. Josie Bissett, Thomas Calabro, Marcia Cross, Laura Leighton, Heather Locklear, Doug Savant, Grant Show, Andrew Shue, Courtney Thorne-Smith and Daphne Zuniga will gather virtually for the special hosted by Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley. “Seth and I believe that in this time of social distancing and isolation, much happiness can be found by seeing familiar faces from shows beloved by the whole world,” said host Wesley in a statement. “We call these shows comfort TV. And we plan on having even more every week, along with our beloved theatre pals — all for The Actors Fund.”

KESHA, BEBE REXHA AND MORE RALLY TOGETHER FOR GLAAD’S ‘TOGETHER IN PRIDE: YOU ARE NOT ALONE’ – (04/28/2020)

GLAAD rallied celebrities like Kesha, Barbra Streisand, Melissa Etheridge, Matt Bomer and more to highlight the LGBT response in the face of COVID-19 during Together in Pride: You are Not Alone.

All proceeds raised during the special benefitted LGBT community centers affiliated with CenterLink. The two-hour special, hosted by Billy Eichner and Lilly Singh, included several musical performances as well as introspective interviews that shined a light on the current struggles the LGBT community faces.

One of the night’s many musical highlights saw the cast of Broadway’s Jagged Little Pill – a musical written around Alanis Morissette’s 1995 album of the same name – reunited to sing “You Learn.”

To close out the show, Kesha appeared on the live stream from her studio to perform a song that she said was about “seeing a rainbow through a sh*tstorm.” Belting out her 2017 song “Rainbow,” Kesha reminded fans to “put those colors on, girl/ Come and play along with me tonight.”

Several allies also stopped by to give their well wishes to the LGBTQ community and voice their support for LGBTQ centers around the country. First was Barbra Streisand, who urged viewers to “help save these organizations. If they close their doors, [LGBTQ people] may not have a meal or a place to go.” Streisand’s message of support was later followed by Bebe Rexha, who told her fans to do the same, saying “We all know it’s really important to support our loved ones, but it’s becoming harder and harder.”

GLAAD announced that Together in Pride: You are Not Alone raised over $225,000. The money will be dispersed to over 250 LGBT community centers that provide shelter and food to homeless LGBT youth, as well as critical services like medical and mental health care.

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Full Story: Deadline

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Celebrity Scoop – 04/27/2020

POST MALONE PULLS OFF 15-SONG NIRVANA TRIBUTE, RAISES NEARLY $3 MILLION – (04/27/2020)

Rapper Post Malone, a huge Nirvana fan, pulled off a livestream tribute concert to the band on his YouTube channel Friday night (April 24th), performing a 75-minute set that included almost the entire Nevermind album — except for “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Polly” — plus three cuts from In Utero and two from Nirvana’s first full-length LP, Bleach.

Backing Post during the performance were Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, along with guitarist Nick Mack and bassist Brian Lee. The concert doubled as a fundraiser for the United Nations Foundation’s COVID-19 Solidarity Relief Fund and at press time, had raised nearly $3 million. Google was matching the amount raised up to $5 million.

Notable supporters of the tribute set included Cobain’s widow, Courtney Love, who posted on Instagram about the event, and Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic, who issued a stream of positive and enthusiastic tweets throughout the show. At press time, Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl had yet to comment.

Malone also mentioned that he is working on a new album, and is “trying to put it out as soon as I f**king can.” His latest record, Hollywood’s Bleeding, was released last fall.

Story source: The PRP

BILLIE EILISH PERFORMED A 50-MINUTE CONCERT FROM HOME – (04/27/2020)

Billie Eilish and her older brother Finneas did a 50-minute concert from their home for the Verizon Pay It Forward Live series to show their support for America’s small businesses.

Eilish kicked off her performance with her 2019 single “All the Good Girls Go to Hell,” clarifying beforehand that [“as much as people wanna believe that this song is about me being a devil worshiper and being Satan, it’s not about that. It’s about global warming and we wrote it about 3 years ago.”]

Before delivering an early rendition of “Ilomilo,” she said, “It’s about losing somebody, or being afraid of losing somebody and it kind of being inevitable. The feeling of losing anything, even like your keys or your phone, it feels horrible and terrifying. Especially when you lose a person, it’s a horrible feeling, so it’s the feeling of being afraid and it happening anyway.”

Finneas also performed three of his own songs: “Let’s Fall in Love for the Night,” “I Don’t Miss You At All,” and “Break My Heart Again.”

During the concert, they highlighted some of the small businesses that are important to them. #PayItForwardLIVE is a weekly livestream starring the biggest names in entertainment supporting small businesses.

“Small businesses are a crucial part of our community, and it is so important that we support them during this crisis,” said Eilish. “I am honored to be able to call attention to these local businesses, who have made an impact on my life, and are trying to make the world a better place.”

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Full Story: Billboard

THE JONAS BROTHERS CRASH ZOOM CALLS WITH FANS WHO WATCHED ‘HAPPINESS CONTINUES’: The Jonas Brothers gave some fans the surprise of their lives when they popped into some Zoom calls with their fans. Nick, Joe and Kevin Jonas, along with his daughter Alena, surprised fans on their Zoom chats with friends while they were streaming their new movie, Happiness Continues. “That was so much fun getting to surprise you guys Face with tears of joy Thanks for having us on your Zooms!!” the band wrote after crashing some chats. “Hope you all have an amazing rest of your Friday night and enjoy #HappinessContinues. Love you guys!! #JonasWatchParty.”

ARIANA GRANDE, JUSTIN BIEBER, BILLIE EILISH RELEASE FACE MASKS FOR CHARITY: Universal Music Group artists including Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish, The Weeknd, The Rolling Stones and more released reusable cloth face masks as part of the company’s “We’ve Got You Covered” initiative. The masks are priced at $15 each and all net proceeds benefit MusiCares, which is working to support the music community affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Grande’s mask features a single tear drop reminiscent of her “No Tears Left to Cry” merch, while Eilish’s offering includes her “Blohsh” logo in neon green.

TOM HANKS, RITA WILSON DONATE BLOOD FOR COVID RESEARCH: Now that they are on the road to recovery from coronavirus, Tom Hanks says that he and his wife Rita Wilson will be donating their blood to help researchers develop a vaccine. 

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Celebrity Scoop – 04/24/2020

BEYONCE’S CHARITY BEYGOOD DONATES $6MILLION FOR CORONAVIRUS RELIEF PLAN – (04/24/2020)

Beyonce’s charity initiative BeyGOOD is living up to its name: the initiative announced an extensive coronavirus relief plan, focused on helping people who have been most affected by the pandemic. BeyGOOD has designated $6million in funding towards mental health and wellness services, partnering with UCLA and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey’s #startsmall initiative.

The initiative posted a statement on Bey’s official website, saying “Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD recognizes the immense mental and personal health burdens being placed on essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In our major cities, African-Americans comprise a disproportionate number of workers in these indispensable occupations, and they will need mental health support and personal wellness care, including testing and medical services, food supplies and food deliveries, both during and after the crisis”.

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SELENA GOMEZ & NORMANI TEAM WITH SPOTIFY TO CURATE SPECIAL ‘AT HOME’ PLAYLISTS – (04/24/2020)

Selena Gomez and Normani have partnered with Spotify to curate special “at home” playlists designed to soundtrack what you’re most likely to be doing while self-isolating at home.

Selena’s playlist is “Cooking Together,” while Normani’s is “Working Out Together.”

For Selena’s cooking playlist, she’s chosen a selection of her own tracks as well as songs by her pals Taylor Swift and Julia Michaels, and her ex, The Weeknd. There are also tracks by Dua Lipa, Roddy Ricch, Post Malone, Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Cardi B and Rosalia, plus oldies from artists like Journey, Rod Stewart and Etta James.

Normani’s workout playlist includes tracks from Justin Timberlake, Drake, Missy Elliott, Lil Uzi Vert, Megan Thee Stallion, Drake, Sam Smith with Disclosure, Diplo, Rihanna and Kendrick Lamar.

Spotify has also put together artist-curated playlists for gaming, cleaning, meditating and more.

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Full Story: Billboard

FOO FIGHTERS LEAD CHARITY PERFORMANCE OF ‘TIMES LIKE THESE’ – (04/24/2020)

As advertised, BBC Radio One’s “Live Lounge” brought together some of the biggest names in music on Thursday (April 23rd) for an online group performance of the Foo Fighters hit “Times Like These.”

The collaboration featured the Foos’ Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins, joined by Royal Blood, Coldplay singer Chris Martin, Dua Lipa, Ellie Goulding, Yungblud, Bastille and others all performing the 2002 tune from their homes.

The video premiered on the BBC’s Big Night In special, while the song will be released as a charity single. Proceeds will support BBC Children In Need, Comic Relief, and the WHO’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.

Radio One head of music Chris Price said, “‘Times Like These: BBC Radio 1 Stay Home Live Lounge’ sends a simple message to the world — that the power of music and human creativity can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to build a sense of community, togetherness and determination, even when we are forced apart.”

Story source: Stereogum

SHAKIRA GRADUATES FROM UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY COURSE WHILE IN QUARANTINE: Shakira used her time in quarantine to learn something new. The 43-year-old singer revealed that she’s graduated from her University of Pennsylvania Ancient Philosophy course in a message on Twitter. “I just graduated from my 4 week Ancient Philosophy course with the University of Pennsylvania (@Penn). I know… my hobbies are very impractical, but it took a lot of hours after the kids were asleep. Thank you Plato and predecessors for all the ‘fun’ over the past month!” Shakira tweeted.

Taylor Swift Slams Big Machine Records Release Album Of Her Live Performances – (04/24/2020)

Taylor Swift posted to her Instagram Story to address the release of an album of music by Big Machine Records – the label she’s been publically feuding with since the summer of 2019 – which was apparently brought to her attention by fans.

Swift is upset the label released an album featuring her live performances titled Live From Clear Channel Stripped 2008. The eight-track live set features “Fearless,” “Love Story,” “Untouchable” and more and is available for streaming on Apple Music.

“I want to thank my fans for making me aware that my former record label is putting out an ‘album’ of live performances of mine tonight,” her message began. “This recording is from a 2008 radio show performance I did when I was 18.”

“I’m always honest with you guys about this stuff so I just wanted to tell you that this release is not approved by me,” the singer wrote. “It looks to me like [label owner] Scooter Braun and his financial backers, 23 Capital, Alex Soros and the Soros family and The Carlyle Group have seen the latest balance sheets and realized that paying $330 million for my music wasn’t exactly a wise choice and they need money.”

Swift’s comment was in reference to Braun’s purchase of the label that included the masters to Swift’s catalog, costing $300 million, according to Billboard.

Swift continued: “In my opinion… just another case of shameless greed in the time of Coronavirus. So tasteless, but very transparent.”

Meanwhile, Taylor posted a photo of one of her cats plopped down on a chair with her back legs splayed out in front of her, just like a human. She captioned it, “Captain Olivia Benson off duty like…”

The official Twitter account for Law & Order: SVU replied, “As you were, Captain.” with a thumbs-up emoji.

Two of Taylor’s cats, Olivia and Meredith, are named after two of her favorite TV characters: Capt. Olivia Benson of Law & Order: SVU and Dr. Meredith Grey of Grey’s Anatomy. 

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Full Story: NME

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Celebrity Scoop – 04/23/2020

 

DEMI LOVATO HELPS LAUNCH MENTAL HEALTH FUND FOR FANS STRUGGLING DURING PANDEMIC – (04/23/2020)

Demi Lovato is helping launch The Mental Health Fund amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The initiative aims to help those affected by anxiety and mental health issues. “It’s so important that people have these lines because sometimes you feel really alone and you don’t know where to turn or who to talk to,” Demi shared. “You’re afraid that these thoughts you’re having are too dark, and you need guidance. That’s where this comes in. It can provide help to people who are struggling.” She adds, “Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength. Oftentimes our society tells us that if we ask for help, we are weak,” she says. “But the strongest thing someone can do is take that first step in getting help, whatever shape or form that is.”

The Mental Health Fund will support four organizations dedicated to crisis counseling via text message.

Over the last several weeks of social distancing, Lovato – who’s been leaning on her friends, family and a “really good treatment team” – says some of her favorite forms of self-care have involved staying active.

 “I’ve been exercising and going on walks. I like walking my dogs. I was doing yoga in the beginning but kind of fell off,” she told People. “[I’ll] start that back up again. Meditating … anything that helps you focus and get centered is really good for you.”

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Full Story: People

CHARLIZE THERON’S DONATES TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS: Charlize Theron’s foundation, the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP), has donated $1 million to COVID-19 relief efforts, with $500,000 earmarked for domestic violence shelters. Her father was abusive as a child, and she has been open about the realities of domestic violence, including the fact that her mother killed her father in self-defense. (ET)  

ABIGAIL DISNEY SLAMS FURLOUGHS: Abigail Disney is not happy with Walt Disney Co.’s move to furlough hundreds of thousands of low-paid workers as executives rake in millions of dollars. Disney shared her thoughts on Twitter, opining that CEO’s Bob Iger $47 million+ salary, which she has previously called “insane” is “pillaging and rampaging.” She added: “I am an heir. And I do carry this name with me everywhere. And I have a conscience which makes it very difficult for me to sit by when I see abuses taking place with that name attached to them.”

HOW HOLLYWOOD WILL MAKE SETS SAFE: Coronavirus has infected logistics on set, including major tentpoles like Mission: Impossible 7, starring Tom Cruise. According to Variety, the big budget action film will hopefully begin rolling cameras again in June in Italy, though there are a number of legal hurdles to clear beforehand. “It’s a massive problem,” says Matt Baer, the producer of 2014 film Unbroken. “There’s plenty of precedent in movie history for what you do if a hurricane hits your set or an actor dies in production, but there’s no rule book for what you do in a pandemic.” Possible precautions will include mandating that employees stay in hotels or assigned housing, and isolate themselves from others during the shoot. 

LADY GAGA’S ‘CHROMATICA’ TRACK LIST ALLEGEDLY LEAKS ONLINE EARLY – (04/23/2020)

After both lead single “Stupid Love” and the cover artwork hit the Internet early, the full track list for Lady Gaga’s forthcoming record has apparently been uploaded early via a now apparently revised Target listing.

The album track list, listed as a sticker on the Target Exclusive CD, includes her new single “Stupid Love,” as well as collaborations with Ariana Grande (“Rain on Me”), Elton John (“Sine From Above”) and BLACKPINK (“Sour Candy”).

Lady Gaga previously announced she would postpone its release in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. It was originally slated for April 10th.

While Lady Gaga has not yet unveiled a new drop date for her sixth album, she shared the full track list on Wednesday after the leak.

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Full Story: Rolling Stone

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