INSIDER
Bass David Leigh finding that a successful opera career is no 'impossible dream'
Read full article: Bass David Leigh finding that a successful opera career is no 'impossible dream'When David Leigh sang “The Impossible Dream” at his father’s funeral, the moment was both a testament to his past and a harbinger of his future.
Prince fans can party overnight like it's 1999 with Airbnb rental of 'Purple Rain' house
Read full article: Prince fans can party overnight like it's 1999 with Airbnb rental of 'Purple Rain' houseA few Prince fans visiting the superstar's hometown of Minneapolis may be lucky to stay at a place that will let them go crazy over his cultural legacy.
Artists who object to Trump using their songs from Celine Dion and Isaac Hayes' estate: How it works
Read full article: Artists who object to Trump using their songs from Celine Dion and Isaac Hayes' estate: How it worksPop powerhouses, American classics, British artists and estates of deceased legends — many musicians have objected to former president Donald Trump using their songs at campaign events.
Museum pulls wax figure of Sinead O'Connor after complaints it does not compare to the real thing
Read full article: Museum pulls wax figure of Sinead O'Connor after complaints it does not compare to the real thingA Dublin museum has pulled a wax figure of Sinéad O’Connor from its collection after fans and family members complained that it did not compare to how the late singer looked.
Twins unveil Prince-inspired home run celebration complete with purple vest, inflatable guitar
Read full article: Twins unveil Prince-inspired home run celebration complete with purple vest, inflatable guitarThe Minnesota Twins have a new home run celebration — and players and fans are going crazy over it.
King Charles' longtime charity celebrates new name and US expansion at New York gala
Read full article: King Charles' longtime charity celebrates new name and US expansion at New York galaThe King’s Trust has celebrated its new name, an update of King Charles III’s long-running charity The Prince’s Trust.
Want to spend the night in a Paris museum or a house owned by Prince? Airbnb plans to list them
Read full article: Want to spend the night in a Paris museum or a house owned by Prince? Airbnb plans to list themAirbnb says it's going to give customers a chance at overnight stays in a Paris museum, a bedroom filled with Ferrari racing cars, and other exotic settings.
Stage musical of Prince's 'Purple Rain' finds a fitting place to make its 2025 debut — Minneapolis
Read full article: Stage musical of Prince's 'Purple Rain' finds a fitting place to make its 2025 debut — MinneapolisThe world premiere stage adaptation of Prince’s film and album “Purple Rain” is set for spring 2025 at an appropriate place — Prince’s hometown of Minneapolis.
From marching bands to megastars: How the Super Bowl halftime show became a global spectacle
Read full article: From marching bands to megastars: How the Super Bowl halftime show became a global spectacleWhen the Super Bowl halftime show was born, college marching bands were the main on-field attraction.
Haitian judge seeks to interview widow of slain president in leaked arrest warrant obtained by AP
Read full article: Haitian judge seeks to interview widow of slain president in leaked arrest warrant obtained by APA Haitian judge investigating the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse issued an arrest warrant for his wife late last year for failing to meet with him so he could interrogate her about the case, according to a legal document that The Associated Press obtained.
What to stream this weekend: Jason Momoa roaming, Green Day rocking and 'Fast X' exploding
Read full article: What to stream this weekend: Jason Momoa roaming, Green Day rocking and 'Fast X' explodingThis week’s new streaming entertainment releases include albums from indie rock heroes Sleater-Kinney and the pop-punk trio Green Day, the Finnish romantic comedy “Fallen Leaves,” and the big, fun action movie “Fast X” racing to Prime Video.
Playing live, 'Nutcracker' musicians bring unseen signature to holiday staple
Read full article: Playing live, 'Nutcracker' musicians bring unseen signature to holiday staple“The Nutcracker” is a holiday staple, and for Ballet Arizona and many other productions around the world, a pit full of musicians is part of the tradition.
Prince Harry's phone hacking victory is a landmark in the long saga of British tabloid misconduct
Read full article: Prince Harry's phone hacking victory is a landmark in the long saga of British tabloid misconductPrince Harry’s victory against Mirror Group Newspapers is a landmark moment in the long saga of lawbreaking by Britain’s tabloids.
Prince's puffy 'Purple Rain' shirt and other pieces from late singer's wardrobe go up for auction
Read full article: Prince's puffy 'Purple Rain' shirt and other pieces from late singer's wardrobe go up for auctionFans of Prince have a chance to bid on a selection of the late star’s wardrobe and other items at an online auction this week.
At Jai Paul's kickoff show, an elusive pop phenomenon proves his stardom in a live arena
Read full article: At Jai Paul's kickoff show, an elusive pop phenomenon proves his stardom in a live arenaOn Tuesday night, the elusive pop producer Jai Paul opened his tour leg at the Los Angeles' Mayan Theater.
Mourners in Ireland pay their respects to singer Sinéad O'Connor at funeral procession
Read full article: Mourners in Ireland pay their respects to singer Sinéad O'Connor at funeral processionThrongs of fans have gathered in the Irish coastal town that singer Sinéad O’Connor called home to say goodbye following her funeral.
Expensive court fight over Aretha Franklin's will provides cautionary tale
Read full article: Expensive court fight over Aretha Franklin's will provides cautionary taleThe long, expensive court fight over the will of soul singer Aretha Franklin provides a cautionary tale for people who want to make sure their wishes are carried out after their death.
Supreme Court rules against Andy Warhol's foundation in a case about a portrait he made of Prince
Read full article: Supreme Court rules against Andy Warhol's foundation in a case about a portrait he made of PrinceThe Supreme Court says the 2016 publication of an Andy Warhol image of the singer Prince violated a photographer’s copyright.
Prince's Trust gala draws plenty of celebrities, donations
Read full article: Prince's Trust gala draws plenty of celebrities, donationsThe star-studded Prince’s Trust Global Gala raised more than $1.7 million Thursday night at Casa Cipriani in New York City, as a wide range of grantees — past and present — explained how King Charles III’s charity has improved their lives.
Andy Warhol, Prince at center stage in Supreme Court case
Read full article: Andy Warhol, Prince at center stage in Supreme Court caseAndy Warhol and Prince held center stage in a copyright case before the Supreme Court on Wednesday that veered from Cheerios and “Mona Lisa” analogies to Justice Clarence Thomas’ enthusiasm for the “Purple Rain” showman.
Supreme Court's top cases for new term, new Justice Jackson
Read full article: Supreme Court's top cases for new term, new Justice JacksonThe Supreme Court opens its new term on Monday and will hear arguments for the first time after a summer break and with new Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson among its nine members.
Delfonics lead singer William 'Poogie' Hart dead at 77
Read full article: Delfonics lead singer William 'Poogie' Hart dead at 77William “Poogie” Hart, a founder of the Grammy-winning trio the Delfonics who helped write and sang a soft lead tenor on such classic “Sound of Philadelphia” ballads as “La-La (Means I Love You)” and “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time),” has died at age 77.
New this week: 'Interceptor,' Post Malone and 'Fire Island'
Read full article: New this week: 'Interceptor,' Post Malone and 'Fire Island'This week’s new entertainment releases include albums from Post Malone and Drive-By Truckers, “Fast & Furious” alum Elsa Pataky leading her own action picture with “Interceptor,” and the modern romantic comedy “Fire Island,” set in the iconic LGBTQ vacation spot.
High court to hear case about Andy Warhol art, Prince photo
Read full article: High court to hear case about Andy Warhol art, Prince photoThe Supreme Court has agreed to review a copyright dispute involving works of art by the artist Andy Warhol that were based on a photograph of the musician Prince.
Miley Cyrus, Green Day span decades in pre-Super Bowl show
Read full article: Miley Cyrus, Green Day span decades in pre-Super Bowl showMiley Cyrus has only been alive for about half the Super Bowls ever played, but her setlist on the eve of the 56th spanned the whole history of the big game and then some.
First steps made in Congress to honor pop superstar Prince
Read full article: First steps made in Congress to honor pop superstar PrinceMinnesota’s Congressional delegation on Monday is introducing a resolution to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to pop superstar Prince, citing his “indelible mark on Minnesota and American culture,” The Associated Press has learned.
The Latest: Judge says migrant stops could worsen pandemic
Read full article: The Latest: Judge says migrant stops could worsen pandemicA federal judge has ordered Texas to keep state troopers from stopping vehicles that are carrying migrants on the grounds that the migrants may spread the coronavirus.
Music Review: Prince's 'America' vault release stunning
Read full article: Music Review: Prince's 'America' vault release stunningPrince's “Welcome 2 America,” the first complete, previously unreleased record to come out since Prince died in 2016, offers a stunning glimpse at the depth, and quality, of what he left behind.
New this week: 'Black Widow,' Jakob Dylan and 'Gossip Girl'
Read full article: New this week: 'Black Widow,' Jakob Dylan and 'Gossip Girl'This week’s new entertainment releases include new music from Jakob Dylan and the Wallflowers and a reboot of “Gossip Girl” less than 10 years after the CW series ended.
US court sides with photographer in fight over Warhol art
Read full article: US court sides with photographer in fight over Warhol artFILE - In this 1976 file photo, pop artist Andy Warhol smiles in New York. A federal appeals court sided with a photographer Friday, March 26, 2021, in her copyright dispute over how a foundation has marketed a series of Andy Warhol works of art based on her pictures of Prince. In a statement, Goldsmith said she was grateful to the outcome in the 4-year-old fight initiated by a lawsuit from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. “Over fifty years of established art history and popular consensus confirms that Andy Warhol is one of the most transformative artists of the 20th Century,” Nikas said in a statement. Ad“We feel compelled to clarify that it is entirely irrelevant to this analysis that “each Prince Series work is immediately recognizable as a ‘Warhol,’” the appeals court said.
Prince's ashes to be displayed marking 5th year of his death
Read full article: Prince's ashes to be displayed marking 5th year of his deathFILE - Amplifiers and a drum kit are on display at Prince's Paisley Park on Nov. 2, 2016, in Chanhassen, Minn. Paisley Park officials are marking the fifth anniversary of Prince's death by offering fans free admission to pay their respects in the suburban Minnesota compound, where his ashes will be on display in the atrium. (AP Photo/Jeff Baenen, File)MINNEAPOLIS – Paisley Park officials are marking the fifth anniversary of Prince's death by offering fans free admission to pay their respects at the suburban Minnesota compound, where his ashes will be on display in the atrium. A custom-made ceramic urn shaped like Paisley Park with Prince's symbol on top was originally placed in the middle of the atrium when the legend's 65,000-square-foot studio in Chanhassen first opened as a museum in October 2016. At the request of Prince's family, the ashes were moved to a less prominent spot in the atrium and eventually removed entirely from public view, disappointing his legions of fans. Ad“We celebrate his life and legacy every day at Paisley Park, a place that Prince wanted to share with the world,” Paisley Park Executive Director Alan Seiffert said in a statement.
Still divisive, Dr. Luke resurges at Grammys — as Tyson Trax
Read full article: Still divisive, Dr. Luke resurges at Grammys — as Tyson TraxDr. Luke appeared as Tyson Trax on the Grammy ballot for Doja Cat's Say So," which he produced and co-wrote. But not all of the academy members may have been aware they were voting for Dr. Luke when they completed their ballots this year. Ad“I didn’t know that Tyson Trax was Dr. Luke. AdTogether, Martin and Dr. Luke crafted hits for Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, Pink and Kesha, who he signed in 2005. Eventually Dr. Luke stepped into the forefront, helming successes for Miley Cyrus, Pitbull, Nicki Minaj and Flo Rida, logging 17 No.
Rock hall plans October induction before live audience
Read full article: Rock hall plans October induction before live audienceBlige made this years list of nominees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK – The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame said Tuesday that it plans to have a live induction of its 36th class on Oct. 30 in Cleveland — before an actual audience! “We are optimistic and hopeful for the ceremony,” said Greg Harris, president and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. It will be the sixth time the induction ceremony will be held in Cleveland, home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. AdHarris said a fall induction ceremony, moved from the spring last year because of COVID, will become permanent.
Milan designers hit reset button during digital fashion week
Read full article: Milan designers hit reset button during digital fashion weekMILAN – Fashion is off the hamster wheel, taking a deep breath that is allowing some freshness to seep into the once relentless cycle. “It is so weird thinking about fashion, and the kind of hamster wheel of fashion, and how we never had a break and always complained about it,’’ Marc Jacobs said during a Milan Fashion Week video chat with Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons post-digital show. Milan Fashion Week of mostly womenswear previews for next fall and winter wrapped a nearly all-digital edition on Monday. Only one designer — Daniel Del Core, marking his brand's debut — held a live runway show for a small number of guests. Milan designer Francesca Liberatore had planned an extravagant show in a Milan theater with holographic effects, but decided against it in solidarity with theater creatives who can't occupy that space.
IRS says executors undervalued Prince's estate by 50%
Read full article: IRS says executors undervalued Prince's estate by 50%The IRS determined that Prince’s estate is worth $163.2 million, overshadowing the $82.3 million valuation submitted by Comerica Bank & Trust, the estate’s administrator. Documents show the IRS believes that Prince's estate owes another $32.4 million in federal taxes, roughly doubling the tax bill based on Comerica’s valuation, the Star Tribune reported. The IRS also has ordered a $6.4 million “accuracy-related penalty” on Prince’s estate, citing a “substantial” undervaluation of assets, documents show. Comerica sued the IRS this summer in U.S. Tax Court in Washington, D.C., saying the agency’s calculations are riddled with errors. A trial could dramatically lengthen the settlement of Prince’s estate and generate more legal fees at the expense of Prince’s heirs, Patrick said.
Final goodbye: Recalling influential people who died in 2020
Read full article: Final goodbye: Recalling influential people who died in 2020The world also said goodbye to U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a lion of the civil rights movement who died in July. Other former political figures who died this year include Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak, New York Mayor David Dinkins, Arizona Gov. Here is a roll call of some influential figures who died in 2020 (cause of death cited for younger people, if available):___JANUARY___David Stern, 77. The guitarist who supplied the scratching, seething sound that fueled the highly influential British punk band Gang of Four. He fused African rhythms with funk to become one of the most influential musicians in world dance music.
Nothing compares: Sinead O'Connor memoir coming out in June
Read full article: Nothing compares: Sinead O'Connor memoir coming out in JuneNEW YORK – Sinead O'Connor hasn't released any albums in the past few years, but she has been getting some writing done. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books & Media announced Monday that the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter's memoir, “Rememberings,” will come out June 1. I had great fun writing it over the past few years,” O’Connor said in a statement. O'Connor, who turns 54 this week, is also known for the albums “The Lion and the Cobra” and “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got." This fall, she released a cover of the late Mahalia Jackson's “Trouble of the World.”
J Balvin, Bad Bunny set for big night at Latin Grammys
Read full article: J Balvin, Bad Bunny set for big night at Latin GrammysThis combination photo shows Natalia Lafourcade, left, and Rosalia. A year after Rosalia made history by becoming the first solo female performer in 13 years to win the top prize at the Latin Grammys, Natalia Lafourcade followed in her footsteps with a big win at the 2020 show, taking home the album of the year honor on Nov. 19, 2020, for "Un Canto Por Mxico, Vol.
Ladies' night at Latin Grammys: Lafourcade, Rosalía win big
Read full article: Ladies' night at Latin Grammys: Lafourcade, Rosalía win bigLafourcade won three awards, tying Rosalia and Carlos Vives for most wins. The Mexican singer won album of the year — a category dominated by male acts — on Thursday night with “Un Canto Por México, Vol. Lafourcade won three awards at the show, tying Rosalía and Carlos Vives for most wins. Lafourcade didn't attend the Latin Grammys, which aired live on Univision and featured a number of performances, most of them pre-taped due to the coronavirus pandemic. Grammy, Emmy and Tony winner Lin-Manuel Miranda kicked off the Latin Grammys with a strong message about Latin music.
A look at artists who've objected to Trump using their songs
Read full article: A look at artists who've objected to Trump using their songsFILE - Pharrell Williams attends the world premiere of "The Black Godfather," in Los Angeles on June 3, 2019. Dozens of artists have objected to Donald Trump using their music in his two presidential campaigns. Williams sent a cease-and-desist letter after his song Happy" was played at a Trump rally in 2018. He was especially angered that the event was hours after a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue. (Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP, File)
A look at artists who've objected to Trump using their songs
Read full article: A look at artists who've objected to Trump using their songsDozens of artists have objected to Donald Trump using their music in his two presidential campaigns. Williams sent a cease-and-desist letter after his song Happy" was played at a Trump rally in 2018. (Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP, File)From classic American rockers to British artists to the estates of late legends, here's a look at some of the musicians who have objected to Donald Trump using their songs at campaign events. JOHN FOGERTY, PHIL COLLINS, BRUCE SPRINGSTEENSome classic rockers say not only do they oppose Trump using their music, the choice of songs is ironic or downright wrong. Eddy Grant sued Trump in September over the use of his 1980s hit “Electric Avenue” in a Trump campaign animated video that mocked his opponent Joe Biden.
'Brian's Song,' 'Roots,' 'Purple Rain' writer dies at 83
Read full article: 'Brian's Song,' 'Roots,' 'Purple Rain' writer dies at 83LOS ANGELES – William Blinn, a screenwriter for the landmark TV projects “Brian’s Song” and “Roots” and the Prince film “Purple Rain,” has died. Blinn died Thursday of natural causes at an assisted living community in Burbank, California, his daughter, Anneliese Johnson, said Saturday. He won Emmy and Peabody honors for the 1971 TV movie “Brian's Song," which dramatized the friendship of Chicago Bears players Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers. Last month, Hall of Fame running back Sayers died at age 77. Blinn and Albert Magnoli wrote 1984′s “Purple Rain,” which Magnoli directed.
Chadwick Boseman, who embodied Black icons, dies of cancer
Read full article: Chadwick Boseman, who embodied Black icons, dies of cancerFILE - In this March 4, 2018 file photo, Chadwick Boseman arrives at the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Actor Chadwick Boseman, who played Black icons Jackie Robinson and James Brown before finding fame as the regal Black Panther in the Marvel cinematic universe, has died of cancer. When the former playwright suited up as Black Panther, he brought cool intellectual gravitas to the Marvel superhero whose Wakanda forever! salute reverberated worldwide. You dont have the same exact experience as a Black actor as you do as a white actor. Before an auditorium full of actors, Chadwick Boseman stepped to the microphone.
Pharrell, Beastie Boys, RZA, halftime show score Emmy nods
Read full article: Pharrell, Beastie Boys, RZA, halftime show score Emmy nodsSuper Bowl LIV Halftime Show Starring Jennifer Lopez And Shakira picked up four nominations, including outstanding variety special (live). It was not clear if Lopez and Shakira were specifically nominated, though past halftime singers, including Beyonc, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, have earned Emmy nominations as performers. For their work on Watchmen, they scored a second Emmy nomination for outstanding music composition for a limited series, movie or special. They earned nominations as producers for outstanding documentary or nonfiction special and as writers for outstanding writing for a nonfiction program. Jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington, who composed music for the Michelle Obama documentary Becoming, picked up a nomination for outstanding music composition for a documentary series of special.
New this week: 'Stateless,' 'Palm Springs,' The Dalai Lama
Read full article: New this week: 'Stateless,' 'Palm Springs,' The Dalai Lama(Netflix via AP)Heres a collection curated by The Associated Press entertainment journalists of whats arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. Its directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, who also helmed Love & Basketball and the criminally underseen Beyond the Lights (currently available on Kanopy). Palm Springs: If a rom-com is more your speed, theres also Palm Springs, on Hulu Friday, starring Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti as wedding guests who find themselves caught in a time-loop. AP Film Writer Lindsey BahrMUSICThe Dalai Lama: To commemorate his 85th birthday on Monday, the Dalai Lama is releasing his first-ever album. Viewers seeking to stir their hearts and minds should consider Netflixs Stateless, set in an immigration detention center in the Australian desert.
Charlize Theron hopes daughters are represented in Hollywood
Read full article: Charlize Theron hopes daughters are represented in HollywoodFILE - This Feb. 9, 2020 file photo shows actress Charlize Theron at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, Calif. Theron stars and produces the Netflix action thriller "The Old Guard," streaming on July 10. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK Charlize Theron says shes making choices as a producer and actor to ensure her two small, beautiful African American daughters will feel represented on-screen. Im in therapy over it, Theron said in an interview promoting her action thriller The Old Guard, which hits Netflix July 10. Theron says shes been watching recent protests around racial injustice in the U.S. through the lens of her home countrys history. She hopes the current movement leads to lasting change, particularly in promoting diversity within Hollywood.
Custom guitar from Prince's 1980s prime sells for $563,500
Read full article: Custom guitar from Prince's 1980s prime sells for $563,500BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. A custom guitar played by Prince at the height of his stardom in the 1980s and 1990s has sold for a staggering $563,500 at auction. Prince played the blindingly blue guitar with the artist's love symbol on its neck beginning on the 1984 Purple Rain Tour, on the classic albums Lovesexy and Sign O' The Times. He used it into the early 1990s. A similar Prince guitar sold for $700,000 in 2016. An ivory gown worn by Madonna in her 1990 Vogue video sold for $179,200. Items still to be sold Saturday included Paul McCartney's handwritten lyrics to the Beatles song Maxwell's Silver Hammer.
Prince and the Revolution concert from 1985 to stream on YouTube all weekend
Read full article: Prince and the Revolution concert from 1985 to stream on YouTube all weekendWell, in this case, party like it’s 1985, but regardless, you’ll be dancing to some classic Prince hits, thanks to his official YouTube channel. A live concert of Prince and his legendary band, The Revolution -- in Syracuse, New York in 1985 toward the end of their “Purple Rain” tour -- will be available to stream on YouTube all weekend beginning Friday, May 14 and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 17. Viewers can donate money while watching the stream, and Google will match it. The concert was originally released as a VHS back in the day, so Prince fans who have been there from the very beginning might have seen this show. It should be a treat for newer Prince fans who never got to see the man himself in action, especially at the height of his career, when “Purple Rain” was first released.