Celebrity Scoop – 03/23/2020

Crossover country superstar Kenny Rogers dies at 81: Kenny Rogers, who embodied “The Gambler” persona and whose musical career spanned jazz, folk, country and pop, has died at 81. A representative says Rogers died at home in Georgia on Friday night. The Houston-born balladeer with a husky voice had hits like “Lucille,” “Lady” and “Islands in the Stream” with Dolly Parton. He sold tens of millions of records and was the star of TV movies, making him a superstar in the late ‘70s and ’80s. With his silver beard and folksy charm, the Grammy winner excelled as a musical stylist for more than six decades.

RIHANNA’S FOUNDATION GIVES $5 MILLION TO FIGHT CORONAVIRUS: Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation is joining the global fight against coronavirus by giving $5 million to the response efforts. The funding will be channeled through CLF’s partners at Direct Relief, Partners In Health, Feeding America, the International Rescue Committee, World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund and others.

HOLLYWOOD REACTS AS ANDY COHEN TESTS POSITIVE FOR CORONAVIRUS – (03/23/2020)

What What Happens Live host and Bravo producer extraordinaire Andy Cohen has tested positive for coronavirus, he told fans on Friday. 

He shared the news on Instagram, writing: “After a few days of self-quarantine, and not feeling great, I have tested positive for Coronavirus. As much as I felt like I could push through whatever I was feeling to do #WWHL from home, we’re putting a pin in that for now so I can focus on getting better.”

His famous friends, including Hoda Kotb, Mark Ronson, Bob Saget, sent him their best. John Mayer wrote: “Rest up. Love you with all my heart.”

“Praying for you Andy! Feel better soon!” Vanderpump Rules‘ Brittany Cartwright wrote.

“Love you Andy,” actor Donnie Wahlberg wrote.

“We all love you Andy! Rest and Feel better soon please,” actress Kate Hudson said.

“Rest up, Andy. So sorry to hear this,” singer Donny Osmond wrote.

Several Housewives stars also weighed in wishing him the best. Cynthia Bailey, who recently hung with Cohen on his show, and told The Shade Room: “I saw him almost 2 weeks ago. I feel fine and have not had any symptoms of the virus. As far as I know the others ladies are good. We want to continue to send our prayers to Andy and hope he makes a speedy recovery. 

Others encouraged Cohen to use his platform to help make testing more available to non-famous people in the U.S., an increasing point of contention as the famous and powerful report their positive status and ordinary Americans who are sick struggle to access tests. 

 “[C]an you please voice the concerns of those who can’t even attain a test bc it’s unavailable to them, or they can’t afford it, & are afraid,” poet Charlyne Yi wrote.

Other celebrities, including Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Idris Elba, Olga Kurylenko, Kristofer Hivju, Rachel Matthews, Indira Varma and Daniel Dae Kim are among those who also tested positive. 

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IDRIS ELBA’S WIFE SABRINA TESTS POSITIVE: Idris Elba’s wife Sabrina Dhowre Elba has tested positive for coronavirus, after Idris tested positive last week. The pair are quarantined in New Mexico. They told Oprah Winfrey on Apple TV+’s Oprah Talks: “We didn’t change the way we interacted. I could have made a decision to put myself maybe in a separate room or stay away, and I’m sure that people are making those decisions that are tough decisions to make. But I made the decision to be with him and still touch him.”

SOPHIE TURNER SLAMS EVANGELINE LILLY? Sophie Turner wants everyone to self-isolate. The Dark Phoenix star took to Instagram to criticize those who refuse to keep to themselves. “Here’s the tea,” Turner began on Instagram Stories. “Stay inside. Don’t be f**king stupid, even if you count your freedom over… your health.” She didn’t call Lilly out in person, but the Lost star did tell fans previously: “Let’s be vigilant right now. And kind. Watchful and gracious — keeping a close eye on our leaders, making sure they don’t abuse this moment to steal away more freedoms and grab more power.”

CHRISTOPHER NOLAN PENS OP-ED ASKING MOVIEGOERS FOR HELP – (03/23/2020)

Director Christopher Nolan is asking moviegoers for help. In an op-ed in The Washington Post, the director of classics like Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, Insomnia, Momento, Inception and Interstellar argues that movies are more than “the stars, the studios, the glamour.”

He writes: “the movie business is about everybody: the people working the concession stands, running the equipment, taking tickets, booking movies, selling and advertising and cleaning bathrooms in local theaters. Regular people, many paid hourly wages rather than a salary, earn a living running the most affordable and democratic of our community gathering places.”

He referenced the havoc coronavirus is creating, infecting more than 300,000 and killing more than 13,000, closing movie theaters and all non-essential businesses in many states and cities. 

Nolan writes: “In this time of unprecedented challenge and uncertainty, it’s vital to acknowledge the prompt and responsible decisions made by all kinds of companies across our country that have closed their doors in full knowledge of the damage they are doing to their business.”

He continues: “there are parts of life that are far more important than going to the movies.” But he adds, “But, when you consider what theaters provide, maybe not so many as you might think.”

Nolan argues: “We don’t just owe it to the 150,000 workers of this great American industry to include them in those we help, we owe it to ourselves. We need what movies can offer us.”

Nolan’s next film, Tenet, is due to drop July 17th.

As movie theaters go dark, many studios shift to the online world. Disney+ made Frozen 2 available online ahead of schedule, and Universal followed suit,  making The Hunt, Emma, The Invisible Man and DreamWorks animation Trolls World Tour available to rent. Sony Pictures’ Bloodshot, starring Hollywood heavyweight Vin Diesel, will be available online soon.

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Celebrity Scoop – 03/20/2020

TWITTER REACTS AS SURGEON GENERAL ASKS KYLIE JENNER FOR HELP IN PANDEMIC – (03/20/2020)

Social media was split after America’s top doctor called on Kylie Jenner to help during the coronavirus epidemic. Surgeon General Jerome Adams said: “What I really think we need to do [is] get our influencers. We need to get Kylie Jenner and social media influencers out there, in helping folks understand that look, this is serious, this is absolutely serious. People are dying.”

He noted that the 22-year-old holds more sway with kids than their parents do, and that if they continue to ignore the risks, more people will get sick. 

“We are seeing new data from Italy that suggests that young people may be at higher risk than what we previously thought,” he said.

“But think about your grandfather, think about your grandmother, think about the fact you’re spreading disease that could ultimately be what kills them,” he told the morning show.

Many reacted on social media with horror. Wrote one: “First it was putting @jaredkushner in charge now it’s @KylieJenner the Americans are asking for help? God help us all…!!!”

But others were in: “Absolutely…..anyone who has a audience needs to do their part.”

SOCIAL DISTANCING

Meanwhile, Kim Kardashian reveals that she and her family are practicing with health officials preach regarding social distancing. 

She captioned a shot of herself and Jenner: “I was organizing my photos in my phone and found this. Miss my sisters but we are all social distancing and staying away from each other all separately self quarantined. It’s hard but we have to do this for our safety and for everyone else’s. PLEASE do not ignore the severity of the warnings to stay inside to stop the spread of this virus. We will all get through this! #TogetherApart.”

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EVANGELINE LILLY SLAMS SELF-QUARANTINING – (03/20/2020)

Well, that’s one way to approach the pandemic. Lost star Evangeline Lilly, 40, took to Instagram to share here unique way of handling the coronavirus panic. 

She noted that she is acting as if everything is normal, despite public health officials’ advice: “Just dropped my kids off at gymnastics camp. They all washed their hands before going in. They are playing and laughing. #businessasusual.” 

Fans responded with concern, and she revealed that she is living with her father, who has stage 4 leukemia, and that it was her decision to make: “I am also immune compromised at the moment.I have two young kids. Some people value their lives over freedom, some people value freedom over their lives. We all make our choices.”

Responding to one comment, Lilly added that the strictures are too extreme for her taste: “Where we are right now feels a lot too close to Marshall Law [sic] for my comfort already, all in the name of a respiratory flu. It’s unnerving…Let’s be vigilant right now. And kind. Watchful and gracious — keeping a close eye on our leaders, making sure they don’t abuse this moment to steal away more freedoms and grab more power.”

She also floated the idea that a conspiracy was afoot: “There’s ‘something’ every election year.”

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RITA ORA TEAMS UP WITH SIR BOB GELDOF TO DESIGN CORONAVIRUS EMBLEM – (03/20/2020)

Rita Ora has teamed up with Sir Bob Geldof to create an emblem aimed at raising awareness for the coronavirus pandemic.

They joined forces to help design a symbol for the UN Foundation and the World Health Organization (WHO) for their COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, the charity set up to help those in need during the ongoing spread of coronavirus.

Ora said it was Geldof’s idea to create the emblem – which features a germ inside a peace symbol – to “remind us all that we have a battle to fight together.” She explained, “So I took the symbol of the peace sign, the CNDP [National Congress for the Defence of the People] sign, the classic ‘60s peace sign, and I wanted to put the virus on it because this is about playing your part, spreading the knowledge. So I feel like I’ve noticed that some people still don’t know what they need to do…. Even by spreading this sign, it shows that knowledge, that you can actually just divert all of the information to this one website.”

As well as launching alongside an instruction page to offer some guidance on what to do amid the pandemic, the emblem has also been made into merchandise, which will help to raise money for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. Items including hoodies, t-shirts, hats, and stickers can be purchased from stopthespread.shop, with prices ranging from $8 to $50.

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Full Story: Billboard

DANIEL DAE KIM SHARES CORONAVIRUS DIAGNOSIS: Lost star Daniel Dae Kim revealed Thursday that he has been diagnosed with coronavirus. Kim wrote on social media: “Hi everyone- yesterday I was diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Looks like I’ll be ok, but I wanted share my journey with you in the hopes that you find it informative or helpful. Hope you all stay safe, calm, and above all, healthy.” He also offered to donate antibodies to researchers in a bid to help them find a cure. 

CANNES FILM FESTIVAL POSTPONED: The Cannes Film Festival has officially been postponed. It will no longer take place May 12-23, organizers say. It may be pushed to the end of June, or the beginning of July. The festival said in a statement, “At this time of global health crisis, our thoughts go to the victims of the Covid-19 and we express our solidarity with all of those who are fighting the disease.”

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Celebrity Scoop – 03/19/2020

DRAKE SELF QUARANTINES AFTER KEVIN DURANT IS DIAGNOSED WITH CORONAVIRUS – (03/19/2020)

Drake is now self quarantining in his Toronto mansion after Kevin Durant‘s coronavirus diagnosis. According to Page Six, the rapper was hanging out with the Brookly Nets star days before he was diagnosed. The two were spotted together at The Nice Guy in West Hollywood nine days ago. 

Drake posted a photo on IG leaving the restaurant, along with the caption, “life is a race and the grim reaper catches up…till then glasses up,” he captioned the pic.

On Tuesday (March 17th), Drake posted an IG story from his home basketball court, writing, “My life for the next however long.”

Durant is one of four Nets players who have tested positive for coronavirus. 

SAM SMITH PROMISES TO DO A ‘LITTLE SING-SONG’ FOR FANS WHO ARE SELF-QUARANTINING – (03/19/2020)

Sam Smith posted a video on social media to talk directly to their fans about the scary times we’re living in.

“This is a weird, weird, weird time,” Smith said, adding that they’re staying indoors not just to stay socially distant, but also due to a headache and allergies. They added, “I just want to really bring home and just say how important I think this time right now is for all of us to remain a unit and to look out for each other, especially for all the older people right now in the world. I’m worried about my Nan and there’s so many people I’m worried about. We’ve just really got to look out for each other and be patient and be giving and share things.”

The singer encouraged fans to keep themselves busy while in isolation, whether through movies, television, music or even books – “Even though I hate reading,” they added. For their part, Smith said they’re going to do their best to keep fans entertained by posting videos of them singing.

“I’m going to sing and I’m going to play some songs and just record them, and hopefully we can all have a little sing-song together,” Smith said. “I think it would be really, really nice. I think we all need it and, you know, in a time like this, music is a really, really beautiful thing.”

“I think we all need it and, you know, in a time like this, music is a really, really beautiful thing.”

Sam’s new album, “To Die For,” is due to arrive June 5th.

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Full Story: Billboard

CHARLIE PUTH PERFORMS VIRTUAL CONCERT ‘FOR TOGETHER, AT HOME’ SERIES – (03/19/2020)

Charlie Puth is the latest artist to take part in Global Citizen and the World Health Organization’s “Together, At Home” virtual concert series.

His performance took place on his Instagram Live yesterday. John Legend and Coldplay participated in the series before Charlie.

Puth, at his home piano, played his hits including “Attention,” “One Call Away” and “See You Again.” He also admitted that part of the inspiration behind the latter was a line in James Taylor’s “You’ve Got a Friend,” which he also performed for the virtual audience. He also revealed that part of the inspiration behind the latter was a line in James Taylor’s “You’ve Got a Friend,” which he also performed for the virtual audience.

“James Taylor is the reason I know how to sing,” he explained. “I was always obsessed with how he connected Brazilian influences into pop music.”

“If you think about it, it’s the first time the world is in unity,” he concluded on a hopeful note.

Puth also revealed he’s been collaborating with Legend, who performed on Tuesday. Puth passed the baton to Niall Horan and Common who’ll perform separately via their respective Instagram accounts today.

The “Together, At Home” series was created as a way to unite people all over the world amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

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Full Story: Entertainment Weekly

BRITNEY SPEARS WANTS TO INSPIRE PEOPLE WITH YOGA AMID CORONAVIRUS CRISIS: Britney Spears posted a video on her Instagram on Wednesday to address the coronavirus crisis. “With the corona disease going around, which is absolutely horrendous and crazy and so scary for our nation right now, I think it’s important personally for us to all try and stay with people that lift your frequency to a higher ground,” she explained. She went on to note that every day, she will be sharing a yoga pose on social media “to inspire others for us to stay healthy and safe and to be better people.”

CANNES LIONS FESTIVAL CANCELED: The Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity is postponing its 2020 edition until October. “We have made the decision to move forward with our contingency plan and the festival will now take place from Oct. 26-30, organizers said. “As always, the health, safety and wellbeing of our community is our priority. The decision was made following productive talks with our valued partners and customers and following consultation with public health officials, the City of Cannes and the French authorities.” The Cannes Film Festival has not yet announced a change to plans.

PUSSYCAT DOLLS POSTPONE COMEBACK TOUR OVER CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC: The Pussycat Dolls are putting their reunion tour on hold for a few months. The group announced on Wednesday that the 15-date tour was postponed due to the global coronavirus pandemic. “Following the latest government advice we are very sad to announce that we are postponing our upcoming UK and Ireland tour,” the Pussycat Dolls said in a statement. The dates have been rescheduled for October into November with original tickets remaining valid.

TYRA BANKS STALLS THEME PARK: Tyra Banks is postponing the opening of ModelLand Theme Park in the wake of coronavirus. It was set to open May 1 in Santa Monica. “As is no surprise, in light of the recommendations of the CDC, WHO and California Governor Gavin Newsom, we have decided to postpone the opening of ModelLand,” read a brand statement on Wednesday. “We will continue to monitor the situation and determine a new date to open that is appropriate and safe. We remain excited to bring the wonderous world of ModelLand to you and will wait to welcome you to our attraction when the time is right.” 

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Celebrity Scoop – 03/17/2020

IDRIS ELBA SAYS HE HAS CORONAVIRUS – (03/17/2020)

Idris Elba is the latest A-lister to test positive for coronavirus. He shared the news in a tweet, writing: “This morning I tested positive for Covid 19. I feel ok, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus. Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I’m doing. No panic.”

Elba got tested after learning that he was exposed to someone who tested positive. He noted that transparency is essential when it comes to this pandemic: “This is serious. Now is the time to really think about social distancing, washing your hands… Transparency is probably the best thing for this right now.”

Elba has joined a growing list of celebs with coronavirus, including Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Olga Kurylenko and Universal Music chief Lucian Grainge. There are about 180,000 cases worldwide, with more than 7,000 deaths. 

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RICHARD WILKINS CALLS OUT RITA WILSON & TOM HANKS FOR CORONAVIRUS, THEY GET RELEASED – (03/17/2020)

Australian journalist Richard Wilkins says he has coronavirus just days after meeting with Rita Wilson. She and husband Tom Hanks were in quarantine in a hospital in Queensland, Australia after being diagnosed. 

“I bet Tom and Rita feel bloody terrible,” Nine Network entertainment editor Richard Wilkins said after confirming he contracted COVID-19.

He was told Sunday of his diagnosis. Hanks and Wilson shared their diagnosis publicly on Wednesday. Wilkin’s son, Christian Wilkins, a celebrity starring on the Australian version of Dancing with the Stars is also being tested. 

“We’re assuming this is from Rita, but it may not be. They’ve all said it could be anyone, anywhere, any time, such is the prevalence of this thing,” Wilkins said, adding, “The ripple effect of this thing is enormous. I pray to God that nobody else has got it from me.”

OUT OF HOSPITAL

Hanks and Wilson, meanwhile, have left the hospital, People reports, after doctors determined they were no longer contagious. 

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UNIVERSAL MUSIC CEO LUCIAN GRAINGE HAS CORONAVIRUS: Just a few weeks after throwing a star-studded 60th birthday bash with celebs like Kris Jenner and James Corden in attendance, Universal Music CEO Sir Lucian Grainge has tested positive for coronavirus, he shares. Page Six reports that his diagnosis has rattled Hollywood and the many moguls, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, legendary music manager Irving Azoff, British billionaire Philip Green, top entertainment attorney Allen Grubman and Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, who were in attendance. 

BEBE REXHA SAYS A FRIEND OF A FRIEND HAS DIED FROM CORONAVIRUS – (03/17/2020)

Bebe Rexha has revealed that a friend of a friend has passed away from coronavirus at the young age of 45.

The singer is urging her fans to stay inside during this pandemic to help prevent the spread of the disease. While the virus affects mostly people who are elderly or have underlying conditions, the respiratory illness has taken the lives of some healthy young people as well.

“This is NOT A JOKE. A friend of a friend just died of corona at the age of 45,” she wrote. “STAY INSIDE YOUR F*CKIN HOUSE AND DO YOUR CIVIC DUTY. PLEASE.”

In a separate tweet, Rexha offered her opinion on how the government could help Americans, tagging Donald Trump directly.

“The US government should put a stop to rent payments, mortgage payments and utility payments at least until the corona virus is under control. Millions of Americans are worried about keeping their jobs and their homes instead of staying safe.”

The singer then offered some assistance to a few followers that are struggling financially, pledging to send them money via Cashapp.

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Full Story: Fox

HILARY DUFF SLAMS MILLENNIALS WHO PARTY DURING OUTBREAK – (03/17/2020)

STATIONS: Please note the following story contains language that could be considered offensive to your audience.

Hilary Duff has had it. The 32-year-old hit up Instagram Stories to complain about the people who are still out and about, despite the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. 

She wrote: “To all you young millennial a**holes that keep going out and partying, go home, stop killing old people, please.” 

Prior to the post, she also copped to feeling a bit stir-crazy. Duff asked followers: “Guys, what shows to watch right now? We finished [Netflix’s] Love Is Blind. It was amazing. But what are we going to do? I’m not excited about anything right now. Do we dare watch Game of Thrones again? Maybe. Are we going to be stuck at home that long? Maybe.”

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Celebrity Scoop – 03/16/2020

PROGRAMMING RESHUFFLED: Programming is being reshuffled over at CBS after the cancellation of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. The network is opting to air original episodes of Hawaii Five-O on Friday, March 27 at 9 PM with the series finale following at 9 PM, Friday, April 3. Original episodes of MacGyver will air Friday, March 27 and Friday, April 3 at 8 PM, and an original episode of Blue Bloods will air Friday, April 3 at 10 PM, Deadline reports.

TAYLOR SWIFT’S MARCH MADNESS CONCERT CANCELED AMID CORONAVIRUS – (03/16/2020)

Taylor Swift’s March Madness concert has been canceled due to coronavirus concerns.

Swift was set to headline Capital One’s JamFest on April 5th in Atlanta during the 2020 NCAA March Madness Music Festival. Capital One JamFest had been set to take place on the final day of March Madness Music Festival, a three-day free music series originally scheduled to kick off on April 3rd at Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park. Halsey and Tayla Parx were previously announced as part of the lineup with Swift headlining the show.

The news comes after the NCAA announced that it has canceled its Division I men’s and women’s 2020 basketball tournament.

The event would have been Taylor’s only scheduled concert in America besides her Lover Fest tour dates. She will still perform at Glastonbury in June. Swift’s West Coast Lover Fest shows are scheduled to take place on July 25th and 26th at Los Angeles’ new SoFi Stadium, while the East Coast dates are set for July 31st and August 1st at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

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Full Story: Billboard

KELLY CLARKSON TEMPORARILY STOPS PRODUCTION ON TALK SHOW & POSTPONES LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY DUE TO CORONAVIRUS – (03/16/2020)

Kelly Clarkson is suspending production on her hit talk show – as well as postponing her Las Vegas residency because of coronavirus concerns.

“As you may know, production on The Kelly Clarkson Show was temporarily shut down late last night and out of concern and care for everyone’s safety, we have chosen to postpone the April 1st opening of my Las Vegas residency, Invincible, until July,” Kelly informed fans on social media. She added that “details regarding ticket replacement are forthcoming and I can’t wait to see you this summer. For now, please keep your loved ones close, safe and healthy. ❤️ 🙏.”

Kelly was set to launch her 2020 residency at the Zappos Theater inside Planet Hollywood in April; it is now set to launch in July.

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Full Story: People

JONAS BROTHERS AXE THEIR LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY DUE TO CORONAVIRUS – (03/16/2020)

The Jonas Brothers are canceling their upcoming residency in Las Vegas.

The residency was supposed to take place from April 1st through April 18th.

Joe, Kevin and Nick announced that the events will not be taking place because of coronavirus concerns. “We did not make this decision lightly. We were SO excited for the opportutnit to shar an amazing show with yuo guys, but thing is more important than everyone’s health and safety.” The JoBros did state that everyone who had purchased tickets will be refunded the original point of purchase.

The JoBros most recently headlined the Strip in October at MGM Grand Garden Arena. They released the single “What A Man Gotta Do” in January, and premiered the song live during the Grammy Awards telecast on CBS.

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Full Story: Rolling Stone

LADY GAGA SELF-QUARANTINING WITH DOGS DURING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC – (03/16/2020)

Lady Gaga took to Instagram on Saturday to share that she is self-quarantined at home with her dogs.

“So I talked to some doctors and scientists. It’s not the easiest for everyone right now but the kindest/healthiest thing we can do is self-quarantine and not hang out with people over 65 and in large groups,” Gaga wrote. “I wish I could see my parents and grandmas right now but it’s much safer to not so I don’t get them sick in case I have it. I’m hanging at home with my dogs. I love you world, we’ll all get through this. Trust me, I talked to God – she said we’re gonna be ok.”

Lady Gaga plans on releasing her sixth studio album Chromatica on April 10th after dropping “Stupid Love,” her first single in several years, on March 2nd.

She plans to tour this summer in support of the album; however, the coronavirus pandemic has caused many musicians to cancel their tour plans.

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Full Story: Spin

CELINE DION POSTPONES REMAINDER OF HER TOUR DATES IN NORTH AMERICA BECAUSE OF CORONAVIRUS – (03/16/2020)

The remainder of Celine Dion’s North American tour dates is being postponed amid the Coronavirus pandemic.

The 51-year-old singer just wrapped a triumphant week of shows in the New York City area and then had to cancel two shows this week after coming down with a cold, though she tested negative for the virus. Celine announced that the remaining 17 dates on this leg of the tour, which was going to wrap on April 27th, will be rescheduled.

The news came just one day after the Dion postponed two concerts because she is suffering from a cold. She reassured her fans that she did not have COVID-19.

“Ticket holders of the postponed performances will receive more information shortly and should keep their original tickets to use at the rescheduled dates later this year,” her team said in a statement.

Celine is currently scheduled to resume the tour in late May in Europe.

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Full Story: Billboard

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Celebrity Scoop – 03/12/2020

TOM HANKS AND RITA WILSON TEST POSITIVE FOR THE CORONAVIRUS – (03/12/2020)

Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson have both tested positive for the coronavirus. According to TMZ, the couple is currently in Australia shooting an Elvis Presley movie. The actor’s rep said that Tom and Rita felt like they had a cold and then felt extra tired and had body aches. They got tested for the virus and it came back positive.

Tom took to Instagram to inform fans and said that he and Rita plan to follow protocol put in place by medical officials. He also revealed that he rest of his family will be tested for the virus and that he will be observed and isolated for as long as required.

Tom and Rita are not the only celebrities who tested positive for the coronavirus. International soccer star Daniele Rugani has also tested positive.

MAKING THE BAND FINAL LIVE AUDITIONS CANCELLED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS – (03/12/2020)

The final live auditions for the upcoming Making the Band reboot has been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.  According to TMZ, sources close to production said that the final two open casting calls, which was going to be Friday (March 13th) in Charlotte, with judges like DaBaby and March 21st in NYC, with Diddy himself as a judge,  have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

MTV said in a statement, “As a precautionary measure to ensure the health of our production crew, talent and aspiring artists, all public auditions for MTV’s ‘Making the Band’ in Charlotte, NC on March 13-14 and New York City on March 21-22 have been canceled. Safety remains our utmost priority, and we’re continuing to defer to health officials and the CDC for guidance.”

However, MTB hopefuls can still submit their auditions online.

Diddy said in a statement, “We want to make sure everyone is safe during these times, so we had to make the decision to cancel the in person casting events. But at the same time, I want to provide opportunity to everyone to audition from their homes. So I’ve put together a team of A&Rs that will be checking #MTBcasting on all social platforms 24/7 to find gems. Everyone be safe!”

CELINE DION COMES DOWN WITH A COLD & POSTPONES TWO CONCERTS: Celine Dion has canceled a few of her upcoming concerts due to illness. The 51-year-old singer made the announcement on her Facebook that she has been coming down with a few symptoms, and out of concern, was tested for COVID-19 novel coronavirus. Those tests are negative, but Celine is still postponing a few of her concerts as she recovers. The two upcoming performances that were postponed are at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. on March 11th, and at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on March 13th. The shows have been rescheduled, November 16th and November 18th, respectively.

NEW SELENA GOMEZ MAKEUP LINE RARE BEAUTY CANCELS PHOTOSHOOT DUE TO COVID-19: Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty line is pausing its planned community campaign due to fears over novel coronavirus. Rare Beauty announced its #WeAreRare campaign two weeks ago and asked people to submit their personal stories for a chance to be featured in a special photo shoot. But the shoot has been called off. Rare Beauty is now “exploring some creative new ways to recognize your individual stories and have each of you contribute to the building of this community.” Rare Beauty will be sold exclusively at Sephora starting summer 2020.

RIVERDALE SHUTS DOWN: Riverdale is the latest Hollywood production to shut down over the coronavirus. The CW network has pulled the plug on the fourth season after a member of the team got exposed. “We have been made aware that a team member from Riverdale, which is produced in Vancouver, was recently in contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19,” a statement from Warner Bros. Television read. “The team member is currently receiving medical evaluation.” (E!)

MATTHEW BRODERICK’S SISTER HOSPITALIZED: Matthew Broderick’s sister Janet Broderick is in the hospital with coronavirus, a statement from her parish said. The 64-year-old fell ill after going to the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes conference in Louisville, Kentucky. “She is receiving the best medical care available and her doctors’ prognosis is for a complete and full recovery,” their statement read. “It will take some time, but Janet is resting comfortably at Cedars until the time she is released and can return home to complete her recovery.” As of now, there are now at least 121,545 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus worldwide and 4,373 deaths reported. (People)

YOUTUBE ON STAGE CANCELED: Several hours before it was scheduled to take place in London Wednesday, YouTube on Stage canceled its show amid growing fears of coronavirus contagion in the U.K. Trevor Noah, inventor Colin Furze, dancers from the Royal Ballet and others were scheduled to perform.

BOB IGER TALKS CORONAVIRUS: The Walt Disney Co. executive chairman Bob Iger is attempting to reassure investors, while still admitting that the coronavirus fears are valid and serious. “We’re all sobered by the concern we all feel for everyone affected by this global crisis,” Iger said in a webcast. “Disney has been through a lot, including wars and economic downturns and disasters. We are incredibly resilient. Our future has always been bright and it remains so for good reason.” And while Disney is taking measures to ensure safety at theme parks, they are still open and in operation. 

CANNES PRESIDENT ‘OPTIMISTIC’ ABOUT FESTIVAL: The Cannes Film Festival president Pierre Lescure says that the festival will be canceled if the coronavirus situation doesn’t improve, but is “reasonably optimistic in the hope that the peak of the epidemic will be reached at the end of March and that we will breathe a little better in April.” France has more than 1,600 confirmed cases of coronavirus. 

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Celebrity Scoop – 03/11/2020

BILLIE EILISH’S ‘BAD GUY’ IS THE BIGGEST GLOBAL SINGLE OF 2019 – (03/11/2020)

Billie Eilish’s “bad guy” has officially been named the biggest global single of 2019 by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, or IFPI.

The song ranked No. 1 on the IFPI Global Digital Singles Chart, which measures consumption across audio streaming, video streaming and permanent, downloads on a global basis. It had 19.5 million global converted track equivalents.

“bad guy” is the fifth single from Eilish’s first album WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? and was released alongside it on March 29, 2019. The song was an instant hit, topping the charts in more than 15 countries around the world, including the US, Australia, Canada and Mexico.

“bad guy” became Spotify’s second-most streamed song globally last year and, according to Shazam, was the most searched-for track of 2019.

“bad guy” won Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the 62nd Grammy Awards in January 2020, making Eilish the youngest-ever artist to win the latter category.

Frances Moore, chief executive of IFPI, said: “Billie Eilish has taken the world by storm with her incredible voice and genre-defying sound. She is also an artist who addresses important issues like mental health in her lyrics that clearly resonate with her fans all over the world. We wish her success for what will no doubt be another standout year.”

The Top 10 Global Digital Singles of 2019:

  1. Billie Eilish – “bad guy”
  2. Lil Nas X – “Old Town Road”
  3. Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello – “Señorita”
  4. Post Malone, SwaeLee – “Sunflower”
  5. Ariana Grande – “7 rings”
  6. Tones and I – “Dance Monkey”
  7. Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber – “I Don’t Care”
  8. Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper – “Shallow”
  9. Lewis Capaldi – “Someone You Loved”
  10. Halsey – “Without Me”

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Full Story: Ifpi.org

BILLIE EILISH KICKS OFF TOUR, BLASTS BODY SHAMERS IN VIDEO – (03/11/2020)

Billie Eilish kicked off her highly anticipated Where Do We Go? tour on Monday night (March 9th) in front of a sold-out crowd in Miami. She stunned fans by beginning the show suspended in the air, dangling from a bed, but soon descended to the massive stage to launch the show with “Bury A Friend.”

The 18-year-old delivered a generous 22 songs over the course of the night, including “You Should See Me In A Crown,” “Everything I Wanted” and “No Time To Die,” her theme to the upcoming James Bond movie. By the time she finished with “Bad Guy” and “Goodbye,” she had played every track from her Grammy-winning debut album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, as well as several from her Don’t Smile At Me EP and a few rarities.

Prior to playing “All The Good Girls Go To Hell,” Eilish delivered a powerful statement on body positivity. In a video interlude displayed in the arena, Eilish was seen stripping to her bra as she discussed her own experiences with body-shaming, saying, “The body I was born with, is it not what you wanted? If what I wear is comfortable, I am not a woman. If I shed the layers, I am a slut.”

After removing layers of clothing, Eilish concluded her statement by noting, “If I wear more, if I wear less, who decides what that makes me? What that means? Is my value based only on your perception? Or is your opinion of me not my responsibility?”

The North American leg of Eilish’s Where Do We Go? world tour next stops in Raleigh, North Carolina on Thursday (March 12th) and runs into early June, after which she’ll head to Europe for additional headlining dates and festival appearances.

Story source: Consequence Of Sound

NEW BUG NAMED AFTER LADY GAGA – (03/11/2020)

Lady Gaga has inspired the name of a new classification of treehopper, an insect whose bizarre appearance includes bright colors and bizarre protuberances that look like horns.

“If there is going to be a Lady Gaga bug, it’s going to be a treehopper, because they’ve got these crazy horns, they have this wacky fashion sense about them,” University of Illinois grad student Brendan Morris said. “They’re unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.”

Morris discovered the female treehopper, which he’s named Kaikaia gaga, while researching 1,000 specimens that were found nearly 30 years ago in a tropical forest near the coast of Nicaragua. It represents a new genus of treehopper. 

“Also, the frontoclypeus, which is kind of like the face, was shaped totally different,” Morris said. “And the genitalia looked more like treehoppers from the Caribbean or this Old-World group, Beaufortianini.”

“Treehoppers are wacky, and I think that makes them especially suited to be spokesbugs for the wide range of habitats they use,” Morris said.

Morris wasn’t able to extract DNA from the insect, but he plans to visit Nicaragua in hopes of finding other living K. gaga in the tropical forest where the original was collected.

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Full Story: Rolling Stone

CORONAVIRUS CANCELS MILEY CYRUS’ AUSTRALIA BUSHFIRE RELIEF CONCERT – (03/11/2020)

Miley Cyrus’ bushfire relief concert in Australia has been canceled due to coronavirus concerns.

“Australia: Due to the recommendations of local, state, federal and international government authorities, including the Center for Disease Control, to reduce potential health risks in response to the current global health crisis, we are no longer traveling to Aus for the show,” she tweeted. Miley said she would still be “making a donation to help the victims.”

After her announcement, promoter TEG Dainty said that the entire event had been called off and ticketholders will be refunded. However, a second concert, scheduled for Saturday with headliner Robbie Williams, will be going ahead.

The event was scheduled for this Friday in Melbourne. Lil Nas X, The Veronicas and Seb Fontaine were also scheduled to join the stage with Cyrus.

CHECK IT OUT

Full Story: Variety

DANIEL RADCLIFF SHUTS DOWN CORONAVIRUS HOAX: He doesn’t have coronavirus! After a fake BBC Twitter account claimed Harry Potter alum Daniel Radcliffe had coronavirus, his publicist shut the claim down, telling reporters it isn’t true. The page has been suspended, but it was up for several hours and shared hundreds of times. (E!)

WENDY WILLIAMS’ TALK SHOW WILL NOT HAVE A LIVE STUDIO AUDIENCE DUE TO THE CORONA VIRUS – (03/11/2020)

Due to the coronavirus, Wendy Williams‘ talk show will not have a live studio audience until further notice. The show announced the news last night (March 10th) on social media, saying, ” Wendy values her co-hosts and their daily participation, but in light of the current health climate The Wendy Williams Show will not have a live studio audience until further notice.”

The statement continued, “We will continue to produce a daily live talk show and look forward to welcoming the studio audience back when the time is right.”

As of March 10th, over 118,000 cases have been confirmed globally, of which 5,800 were classified as serious. 

PETER RABBIT 2 DELAYED OVER CORONAVIRUS: With coronavirus infections still escalating around the world, Sony has opted to push the release the Peter Rabbit sequel by five months. This is the second major studio release to push its release date, after No Time To Die. The James Corden-fronted sequel was due to launch in Europe territories on March 27th, rolling out internationally the following week, and opening in the U.S. on April 3rd. Now, the film will roll out on August 7th worldwide. 

DR. PHIL, JEOPARDY, WHEEL OF FORTUNE TO FILM WITHOUT AUDIENCES: Dr. Phil is joining a growing list of TV shows that will film episodes without studio audiences amid coronavirus fears. On Monday, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune made the same move. Dr. Phil’s executive producer Carla Pennington hopes to resume audience-tapings March 23rd.

SCOTT RUDIN OFFERS $50 SEATS TO KEEP THEATERS FULL: Producer Scott Rudin is slashing ticket prices to $50 through March to ensure that his usually sold-out Broadway productions remain full if coronavirus concerns take a toll on attendance. His shows include To Kill a Mockingbird, West Side Story, The Lehman Trilogy, Who’s Afraid of Viriginia Woolf? and the Book of Mormon. In a statement, Rudin said, “As long as New York City is open for business, its beating heart remains the Broadway stage. This is an unprecedented opportunity for everyone to see a show that they otherwise might not have had easy and affordable access to. I can’t pretend that great theater is the panacea we’ve been waiting for, but in the meantime I think we could all use a few hours away from the evening news.

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