Sam Smith notices mysterious singer from Bacolod City

CEBU CITY, Philippines— Remember the boy from Bacolod City, Negros Occidental who went viral after belting to Sam Smith’s Too Good at Goodbyes?

Well, his viral video has reached Sam Smith himself!

Smith took to Twitter last night, February 8 and tweeted the video of the boy singing inside a mall in Bacolod City.

He tweeted, “WHO IS THIS KID!!!!!!? YOU ARE OUT OF THIS UNIVERSE WHOEVER YOU ARE <3.”

The video was first posted by netizen, Trixie Madison and quickly circulated online.

With the many shares and with how the video created abuzz online, with just four days after its posting, Sam Smith finally took notice of the video.

And with this post from Smith, the Twitter world broke and introduced the mystery singer, Carl Malone Montecido, who has already competed in Showtime’s Tawag ng Tanghalan Season 1.

Now, this is surely an exciting singing event we all can’t wait to happen. /dbs

source: cebudailynews.inquirer.net

The Who’s Pete Townshend launches first novel

After penning best-selling albums such as “Tommy” and soundtracks like “Quadrophenia” with legendary rock band The Who, guitarist Pete Townshend has now written his first novel, which he says draws on his own experiences with drugs.

At the London launch on Thursday of his debut work of fiction, Townshend, 74, said the book — entitled “The Age of Anxiety” — contained “a lot of autobiographical stuff.”


“I observed a lot of things,” he said, evoking his relationship with drugs, as well as his abandonment as a child by his parents.

The novel’s cast of characters include a former rock star turned hermit who paints apocalyptic scenes, and an art dealer with drug-induced demonic visions.

Townshend, The Who’s main songwriter, said he had waited until now to become a novelist because “I don’t think I felt qualified”.

But he already has plans to turn the book into a rock opera, which he hopes to stage in 2021.


“I wrote the book just so that I could write a libretto!” he said.

“My dream as an art student was to combine all these fantastic courses that I had.”

With its four members, Townshend, singer Roger Daltrey, bass player John Entwistle and drummer Keith Moon, The Who ran up scores of hits in the late 1960s and 1970s, including “Pinball Wizard” and “My Generation”.

Moon died of a drug overdose in 1978 and Entwistle from a heart attack in 2002.

The band, still fronted by Daltrey and Townshend, will release its first album in 13 years, entitled simply “WHO”, on December 6. NVG

source: entertainment.inquirer.net

Shakira tax fraud court appearance brought forward to Thursday

Colombian superstar Shakira will be questioned in court in Spain over alleged tax evasion on Thursday, six days earlier than initially scheduled, a court said.

The hearing, which had been set for June 12, will now get underway on Thursday at a court in Esplugues de Llobregat near Barcelona where the singer lives with her partner, FC Barcelona footballer Gerard Pique, the high court of Catalonia said in a statement Monday.

The 42-year-old is suspected of not paying taxes in Spain despite being a resident between 2011 and 2014, according to prosecutors.

The case only covers the period from 2012 to 2014, however, as the timeframe to prosecute alleged tax offenses in 2011 has expired.

In a relationship since 2011 with Pique, with whom she has two sons, Shakira transferred her official residency to Spain in 2015.

Until then, it was in the Bahamas.


But a spokesman for prosecutors in Barcelona told Agence France-Presse last year that this did not “match reality” with her children and partner were in Barcelona.

Shakira’s representatives insist that until 2014 she earned most of her money in international tours and did not live more than six months a year in Spain — a prerequisite to be an official tax-paying resident in the country.

With her mix of Latin and Arabic rhythms and rock influences, Shakira is one of the biggest stars from Latin America, scoring major global hits with songs such as “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Whenever, Wherever”. RGA/JB

source: entertainment.inquirer.net

Ariana begs for ‘one OK day’

In a recent series of tweets, Ariana Grande hinted that things weren’t going too well in her life at the moment. “Can I have one OK day? Just one. Please. I’m so tired. Please,” she wrote.

The 25-year-old pop star has reportedly been experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, which was caused by last year’s terror attack at her Manchester concert. She’s also coping with the death of her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller.


Ariana said that “it has been a tough month,” and apologized for getting everyone worried.

“I’m trying to get my work done and get back to normal,” she wrote. “And it’s hard and I’m only human.”

It has also been confirmed that the singer wouldn’t be touring anytime soon, so she could take a break. —ALLAN POLICARPIO

source: entertainment.inquirer.net

Chris Cornell statue to be erected in Seattle

SEATTLE — The late grunge pioneer Chris Cornell will be remembered in the city where he was born.

Cornell’s wife on Friday announced a statue will be erected Aug. 29 at Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture. The announcement comes on what would have been Cornell’s 54th birthday.

Vicky Cornell commissioned sculptor Nick Marras to create a life-size bronze statue of her late husband in his signature boots, dog tag and long locks. She says it is her family’s gift to “the tight-knit community that gave him his start.”

The Grammy-winning lead vocalist for Soundgarden and Audioslave was found dead in a Detroit hotel room hours after a Soundgarden concert May 18, 2017. A medical examiner determined the 52-year-old had killed himself.

Cornell was born and raised in Seattle. MKH

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

Adam Levine offers to pay funeral expense for Christina Grimmie

EVESHAM TOWNSHIP, New Jersey — Pop star Adam Levine has offered to pay the funeral expenses for singer Christina Grimmie gunned down after a Florida concert.

Levine mentored Grimmie when she finished third on NBC’s “The Voice” two years ago.

Spokeswoman Carleen Donovan confirmed Monday that Levine made the offer.

Grimmie’s New Jersey hometown will hold a candlelight vigil Monday night to honor the 22-year-old killed Friday night as she signed autographs after a show in Orlando.

The YouTube star lived in Evesham, a small community about 20 miles from Philadelphia, before moving to Los Angeles in 2012.

A motive for the shooting hasn’t been determined.

Authorities say she apparently had no personal connection to the man who shot her. The gunman fatally shot himself after being tackled by her brother.

source: entertainment.inquirer.net

‘The Voice’ singer Christina Grimmie dies after shooting

ORLANDO, Florida—A gunman opened fire at a Florida concert venue as singer Christina Grimmie signed autographs for fans after a show, killing the onetime star of “The Voice” before shooting and killing himself, officials said Saturday.

A publicist for Grimmie, Heather Walsh, said in an email early Saturday that “we can confirm that Christina has passed and went home to be with the Lord.” The Orlando Police Department also confirmed on its official Twitter page that Grimmie had died.

Police said in a news release that the 22-year-old singer had performed with the band Before You Exit at The Plaza Live in Orlando. The concert ended around 10 p.m., and Grimmie was shot as she signed autographs for fans at a merchandise table.

Grimmie’s brother immediately tackled the gunman, who then shot and killed himself during the struggle, police said. The gunman was not identified, and police have not said why he attacked the singer. An investigation is ongoing, but police credited the singer’s brother with preventing the gunman from hurting others.

Grimmie, a New Jersey native, finished third during season six of NBC’s “The Voice,” competing on the team of Maroon 5 star Adam Levine. She began amassing a following on YouTube as a teenager, gripping online viewers with her powerful renditions of hit songs. Several of her videos on YouTube have garnered millions of views.

When reports of Grimmie’s death first surfaced, #PrayforChristina was the top trending hashtag on Twitter. After her death was confirmed, #RIPChristina became the top trending hashtag as Grimmie’s fans took to social media to express an outpouring of grief.

“The Voice” paid tribute to Grimmie on its official Twitter page: “There are no words. We lost a beautiful soul with an amazing voice.”

source: entertainment.inquirer.net

Taylor Swift gives surprise show at fan’s wedding reception

LONG BEACH TOWNSHIP, New Jersey, United States — New Jersey newlyweds got an unexpected gift at their wedding reception: a performance by Taylor Swift.

The superstar played a stripped down version of her song “Blank Space” at Max Singer and Kenya Smith’s reception in Long Beach Township on Saturday as amazed guests looked on and sang along.

Swift agreed to attend after getting a letter in April from the groom’s sister.

She wrote about how her brother was a huge fan and how he and their ailing mother had danced to Swift’s song after the newlyweds were married in a hospital room. Singer’s mother died shortly thereafter.

Swift had contacted Singer’s sister and they planned the surprise visit.

Swift also presented the couple a special card that stated: “So It’s Gonna Be Forever,” a lyric from “Blank Space.”

source: entertainment.inquirer.net

Australia set to refuse visa for US singer Chris Brown

SYDNEY - Australia intends to refuse a visa for US singer and hip-hop star Chris Brown, a government spokesman said on Sunday, following through on a threat made last week over the singer's history of domestic violence.

Brown, 26, had been due to perform at a series of concerts in four Australian cities in December.

A spokesman for Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said a notice had been sent to the singer indicating the government intends to consider refusal and he had four weeks to respond.

"People to whom these notices are issued have 28 days to present material as to why they should be given a visa to enter Australia," the spokesman said in a statement.

A final decision on whether to issue the visa would be made after considering any material presented on the singer's behalf, the spokesman said.

In 2009, Brown pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting his then girlfriend, singer Rihanna, and was sentenced in the United States to five years probation, which was lifted in February.

He has been denied entry by Britain and Canada since his conviction.

Australian Minister for Women Michaelia Cash last week urged Dutton to consider refusing Brown entry.

Neighboring New Zealand has already ruled Brown ineligible for entry as a result of Britain refusing him admission, casting doubt over the Antipodean leg of his world tour.

The Australian government last week earmarked A$100 million ($70.2 million) to combat domestic violence. — Reuters

Katharine McPhee Is Seen With Husband Following Cheating Scandal

Five months after a photo of Katharine McPhee kissing "Smash" director Michael Morris made its way out online, the "American Idol" alum is seen with her husband Nick Cokas. McPhee and Cokas were pictured walking their dogs on Monday, March 10.

In a photo obtained by TMZ, the couple can be seen sporting casual outfits. Cokas wore a blue top, jeans and sneakers while the 29-year-old singer/actress opted for short denim pants and a matching top. Her hair was tied and she wore sunglasses.

Sources close to McPhee said that she was trying to rekindle relationship with her husband following the cheating scandal. The pair are said living separately, but they reportedly are getting closer. McPhee allegedly bought a Rolex for her husband as a present.

McPhee and Morris were caught kissing back in October. At that time, he was married to actress Mary McCormack. They have three children together.

McPhee was most recently seen attending The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation Art Auction Benefit at the Wilding Cran Gallery on Thursday, February 27 in Hollywood. Wearing a gray dress, she took the stage to say some words and perform a song for the audience. Colin Farrell, who admitted to being close to Taylor before her death, was also present at the event.

source: aceshowbiz.com

Katy Perry shows vulnerability, maturity on new album 'Prism'

NEW YORK - Singer Katy Perry has shed her cotton-candy pop image and reveals a vulnerability and maturity on her new album "Prism," which she said reflects changes in both her personal life and her music.

"Prism," released on Tuesday, is Perry's fourth studio album and the follow-up to 2010's phenomenally successful "Teenage Dream." It is also the first album since the 28-year-old singer split with her husband, British comedian Russell Brand, in December 2011.

"I went through a lot of experiences in my life that I think built more character. I had to find own self identity the hard way. But I did. I came out alive and stronger, a little bit stronger," Perry said in an interview.

From "By the Grace of God," the first and darkest song on the album, to the empowering lead single "Roar," or "Birthday," a rousing, catchy dance tune, Perry said each song tells a story.

"I think what 'Prism' is, is an evolution and a maturity," she said. "I think you can hear growth as a songwriter. I hope you can hear the growth as a person."

"Teenage Dream" produced five No. 1 singles, making it only the second album after Michael Jackson's "Bad" to achieve that milestone, and the first by a female artist. It also sold 5.7 million copies worldwide.

But Perry made it clear she was in a new place with "Prism," with early teasers showing her burning the blue wig she wore in the music video for her hit single "California Girls" and holding a mock funeral for her peppermint swirl outfit.

"I'm into different things," she said. "It is my most present album so far. I think I am living very consciously right now. I think I am very aware, more aware than I have ever been."

Having fun, taking chances

Perry reunited with music producers and songwriters Max Martin, Dr. Luke and Cirkut for "Prism." Most of the 13 tracks, all co-written by Perry, were recorded in San Diego, or with Martin and record producer and songwriter Klas Ahlund in Stockholm, where club anthem "Walking on Air" and the hip-hop tinged "This is How We Do" were both made.

The personal ballad "By the Grace of God," co-written with Greg Wells, reflects where Perry was emotionally late last year, the "stuff" she was working through and the blow to her self confidence.

"It had really gotten to me and I wrote this song out of a very sad place. I was hearing these negative thoughts and battling these negative thoughts," she said.

Since splitting with Brand, Perry has moved on in her personal life and is dating singer-songwriter John Mayer.

Although she had initially expected to make a darker, more acoustic record, Perry said the opposite happened and she became much more upbeat, which is reflected in the album's title.

"I let a lot of light in my life during the spring of this year, which is when I made most of the record and it influenced my songs in a very positive way," she said. "All these beautiful colors of light and love came out and hope and joy and even just fun party songs."

"Unconditionally," the second single and Perry's favorite song on the album, is a big, soaring ballad with a heavy drum tribal influence. Its lyrics speak about an all-accepting love.

Perry wrote "Roar," a thumping pop tune and her 10th No.1 Top 40 track, after becoming complacent in a relationship and not speaking up for herself.

"Double Rainbow," a collaboration with producer Greg Kurstin and songwriter Sia, is about finding someone and a rare, magical moment.

"You can tell I am having fun and taking chances, musically with the different textures that I am showing in the songs," said Perry. "I'm painting with more colors this time. I think people can adopt certain anthems for the messages or they can make them their own." — Reuters

source: gmanetwork.com

Justin Bieber's untimely death in a car crash is just a Facebook hoax

Fans of singer Justin Bieber were warned this week against a new variant of an old scam circulating on social networking site Facebook.

Security vendor Sophos said the scam attracts attention by claiming Bieber died in a car crash, and offering "details" of the incident.

"Past bogus death reports have involved the likes of deaths of Adam Ant, Jim Carrey, Christian Slater, Vanilla Ice, Tom Cruise amongst many others," it said.

  

It also cited a similar scam earlier this year, where a "Global Associated" story that Pet Shop Boys star Neil Tennant also died in a car crash.

Sophos said some websites merely allow anyone to "automagically" generate a fake news story about a death in a car crash.

Simply changing the link changes the name of the victim, it said.

"Before you know it, Internet users are unwittingly forwarding the message without checking their facts, and the tasteless website is earning itself some cash from all of the new traffic seeing its adverts," it said.

Yet, it said careless Facebook users are re-sharing this bogus story of Bieber's death.

This not just keeps the hoax alive but also helps drive traffic "to a website that thinks it is clever to play such sick pranks," it added. — TJD, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Court to probe singer Chris Brown's community service records

LOS ANGELES - Prosecutors on Tuesday asked a court to find R&B singer Chris Brown in violation of his probation because they say community service records stemming from his 2009 assault on girlfriend Rihanna contain "significant discrepancies."

Brown is scheduled to appear at a hearing on Wednesday in Los Angeles, at which time a judge could decide to revoke the "Don't Wake Me Up" singer's probation.

But Brown's attorney, Mark Geragos, told Reuters the allegations are "scurrilous, libelous and defamatory."

"The prosecution has lost their collective minds," Geragos said. "I'm going to seek sanctions against the (district attorney's) office for bringing a frivolous motion."

Brown pleaded guilty in 2009 to beating and punching R&B singer Rihanna and was sentenced to five years probation, 180 days of community service and domestic violence counseling.

The community service involved tasks like cutting grass, picking up trash and removing graffiti. He was allowed to complete it in his home state of Virginia.

"After a thorough review of all documents and evidence submitted to the court it appears there are significant discrepancies indicating at best sloppy documentation and, at worst fraudulent reporting," Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Mary Murray said in a court filing on Tuesday.

Murray cited three occasions when she said Brown was not at the recorded location of his community service and instead performing or traveling, once on a private jet bound for Cancun, Mexico.

Brown, in another instance, never stripped or waxed the floors at a Virginia community center as a report said he did, according to the 19-page court document.

Murray also accused Virginia authorities of poor and incorrect management of the singer's service and records, and said his community service case should be transferred to Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg in November praised Brown for "actually working diligently to complete all the things the court has required of you."

R&B singer Rihanna and Brown have recently rekindled their romance and are dating again, Rihanna told Rolling Stone magazine last week.

Brown was in a brawl last month with fellow singer Frank Ocean outside a West Hollywood recording studio. A police report indicates he punched Ocean in the face but Ocean said over the weekend he did not want Brown prosecuted. — Reuters

source: gmanetwork.com

Blake Shelton Told Kelly Clarkson's Fiancé: 'You Need to Marry This Girl!'

Kelly Clarkson has someone she owes an extra special thank-you to this holiday season.

The Grammy-nominated pop star, 30, wouldn't necessarily be closing out 2012 as an engaged woman if it weren't for Blake Shelton.

"I told Brandon [Blackstock], 'Man, you need to grow up and figure out that you need to marry this girl,'" Shelton, 36, who is managed by Clarkson's fiancé, told Hollyscoop. "You need to get your head out of your ass and ask that girl to marry you."



The Voice coach was so adamant about the proposal that he even offered up quite the personalized present.

"I am going on the record saying I will do the music at the wedding or whatever [they] want to do," Shelton said. "I'll be that guy. I will play for four hours if I have to."

Clarkson, who announced her engagement on Saturday via Twitter, calls herself "so lucky [to be] with the greatest man ever."

"I'm so glad he did [it],” adds Shelton. "He is one hardheaded dude – and she's the best thing to happen to him."

source: people.com

Disco queen Donna Summer dead at 63

Legendary singer Donna Summer, whose powerful voice and string of hit songs like "Bad Girls" and "Hot Stuff" provided the soundtrack for the disco era, died Thursday, her family confirmed. She was 63.

"Early this morning, we lost Donna Summer Sudano, a woman of many gifts, the greatest being her faith," family of the singer said in a statement.

"While we grieve her passing, we are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy. Words truly can't express how much we appreciate your prayers and love for our family at this sensitive time."




Sources close to the family tell FoxNews.com that Summer's death came as a hugely unexpected shock. Initial reports from TMZ said that the singer had died from a battle with lung cancer, but the family did not release additional details on the cause of death.

According to Entertainment Tonight, Summer learned she had lung cancer ten months ago and had kept it a secret from friends and the public, only telling her husband and children. TMZ reports that Summer believed she had contracted the cancer from inhaling toxic particles after the 9/11 attacks in New York City, where she lived in 2001.


A funeral was planned for Monday in Nashville, ET reports.

Often called the Queen of Disco, Summer was born LaDonna Adrian Gaines on Dec. 31, 1948, in Boston. She began singing early in the church choir and by her teens had formed several musical groups.
Disco became as much defined by her sultry, sexual vocals -- her bedroom moans and sighs -- as the relentless, pulsing rhythms of the music itself.

Her first album, "Lady of the Night," arrived in 1974 in Europe, and 1975's "Love to Love You Baby" brought her worldwide fame.

In the 1978 disco film "Thank God it's Friday," her song "Last Dance" won Summer her first Grammy.
Unlike some other stars of disco who faded as the music became less popular, Summer was able to grow beyond it and later segued to a pop-rock sound. She had one of her biggest hits in the 1980s with "She Works Hard For The Money," which became another anthem, this time for women's rights.

In the mid-1980s, Summer encountered controversy when she was accused of making anti-gay comments related to AIDS. She claimed she had been misquoted but not before thousands of her records were returned and dance clubs boycotted her music.

She was never comfortable with the "Disco Queen" label. Musically, she began to change in 1979 with "Hot Stuff," which had a tough, rock `n' roll beat. Her diverse sound helped her earn Grammy Awards in the dance, rock, R&B and inspirational categories.

She released her last album, "Crayons," in 2008. She also performed on "American Idol" that year with its top female contestants.

Dionne Warwick said in a statement that she was sad to lose a great performer and "dear friend."
"My heart goes out to her husband and her children," Warwick said. "Prayers will be said to keep them strong."

Gloria Gaynor also released a statement on Summer's death, saying:

"I am deeply saddened personally for the loss of my dear friend Donna Summer. She and I have been friends for a very long time, we were both known as the ‘Queen of Disco,” but Donna always referred to me as the “First Lady of Disco.”  A fine lady and human being she was. She will be missed dearly by her colleagues, friends and family. She not only made her mark in my heart as well as others, but she forever changed the way of how America danced and enjoyed themselves. She may have had her ‘Last Dance’ here on earth, but ‘Heaven Knows’ it is "dancing with joy for her arrival."

article source: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2012/05/17/disco-queen-donna-summer-dead-at-63-report-says/