On March 21, 25-year-old pop singer Britney Spears completed a 28-day program at Promises Malibu. Although most residents stay at the alcohol and drug abuse treatment center for at least 45 days, Britney's manager, Larry Randolph, released a statement saying Spears had successfully completed the program. It hasn't been disclosed what type of treatment Britney received, but she reportedly attended an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting the night she was released. Two days after her release, Britney won an injunction in London's High Court against a person who has been leaking information to British media about her stay in rehab. According to People.com, Schillings media law firm will pursue the source of the leaks, and, once found, will take legal action. In other news, Britney's soon-to-be-ex-husband, Kevin Federline, showed his support for Britney by canceling his 29th birthday party after learning of Spears' release.
On March 25, Elton John performed a concert at New York's Madison Square Garden to celebrate his 60th birthday. One day later, on March 26, Apple's iTunes Music Store will make available digital downloads of more than 30 of his albums. Some 400 tracks will be offered as legal downloads exclusively on iTunes through April 30. Beginning May 1, the'll be added to other download services. On March 27, Island Records will release the CD/DVD set, Rocket Man - Number Ones.
On March 31, the first of four auditions will take place to find new Menudo members. MTV will film the nationwide talent search, which begins in Lynwood, California. The cable music channel will air a reality series later this year centered on the five finalists. Auditions will also be held in Miami on April 14, Dallas on April 21 and Queens, New York on April 28. The original Menudo formed in 1977. Several personnel changes took place throughout the 1980s. The group's most famous member was Latin pop star Ricky Martin.
The Country Music Association's third annual Songwriting Series begins on March 29 at Joe's Pub in New York City. Some of Nashville's most talented singer-songwriters will perform at the showcases. Three additional shows will be held May 31, October 4 and November 29. Each showcase will have a unique theme: "CMA Songwriters Series Salutes The Men of Country Music" (March 29), "…Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Bluebird Café" (May 31), "…Salutes the Women of Country Music" (October 4) and "…Salutes the Groups/Duos of Country Music" (November 29).
On March 21, American Idol viewers voted for their Top 10 favorites, who have all earned a spot on this summer's "American Idol" tour. This year's 10 finalists are Melinda Doolittle, Gina Glocksen, Lakisha Jones, Blake Lewis, Sanjaya Malakar, Chris Richardson, Haley Scarnato, Jordin Sparks and Phil Stacey. Last week (March 21), Stephanie Edwards was voted off FOX-TV's popular reality talent show.
NEW ALBUM RELEASES
New albums scheduled for release on March 27 include: Let It Go by Tim McGraw, Good Morning Revival by Good Charlotte, Como Ama Una Mujer by Jennifer Lopez, Music Is My Savior by Mims, Buck the World by Young Buck, This Is It by Jack Ingram, Big by Macy Gray, Songs of Inspiration II by Alabama, Crystal Visions: The Very Best of Stevie Nicks by Stevie Nicks, Pure B.S. by Blake Shelton and Now That's What I Call Music 24 by various artists.
