Madonna's North American "Sticky & Sweet" tour doesn't begin until October 4, but the pop icon has already sold out many of the shows. Her October 15 Boston concert and October 26 Chicago date were the first two to sell out. Tickets to her three shows at New York's Madison Square Garden on October 6, 7 and 11 are also gone.
Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash have reunited to record as LaBelle. The project will mark their first album together in 33 years. They're working with Lenny Kravitz and legendary producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff. The album will be out later this year and will be followed by a tour. LaBelle is best known for its 1975 Number One hit, "Lady Marmalade."
On May 21, 25-year-old David Cook from Blue Springs, Missouri was voted this year's American Idol. More then 97 million votes were cast after the previous night's final performances (May 20). Cook received 12 million more votes than this year's runner-up, 17-year-old David Archuleta. Cook ended the finale by singing "Time of My Life," which was written by Regie Hamm. Hamm was among thousands of songwriters who took part in the 2nd annual American Idol songwriting competition. The American Idol finale drew close to 32 million viewers.
Warner Brothers Records has signed 17-year-old Josiah Leming, who nearly made it to the Top 24 finalist round in this year's American Idol. Leming's back-story won the hearts of many viewers. He lived in his car while pursuing a career in music to help his parents and eight siblings. Josiah's father lost his job and his mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2000.
Eddie Money has been spending time in Nashville, where he's recording Country versions of some of his songs. The first single released as an Internet download is "Gimme Some Water," which was originally included on Eddie's 1978 album, Life For The Taking. The new version features Country star Vince Gill. Eddie told Billboard.com that he has also recorded new versions of "Two Tickets To Paradise," "So Cold Tonight" and "Hard Life." John Ford Coley is producing the album, which Eddie hopes to finish recording later this year.
NEW ALBUM RELEASES
New albums scheduled for release on May 27 include: "Here I Stand" by Usher, "Ms. G.O.A.T. - Greatest of All Time" by Lil Kim, the original motion picture soundtrack to "Sex and The City," "Bring Ya To The Brink" by Cyndi Lauper, "Last Man Standing" by Ryan Shupe & the RubberBand, "Maximum Strength" by KRS-One, "Same Old Man" by John Hiatt and "Lay It Down" by Al Green.
MUSICAL EVENTS/FESTIVALS/BENEFITS
On May 31, the Icons of Music Sale II will be held at New York's Hard Rock Café. The second annual auction benefits Music Rising. That campaign was co-founded in 2005 by U2's guitarist the Edge to aid musicians throughout the Gulf Coast Region affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. New Orleans native Aaron Neville will appear at the Icons of Music Sale II. The auction will include instruments and memorabilia that belonged to the late Kurt Cobain, Miles Davis, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison. Also up for bid are items from Bob Dylan, Madonna and Bono, among others.
AWARDS PRESENTATIONS/WINNERS
The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences has announced that its 51st annual Grammy Awards will take place on February 8, 2009 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Nominations will be announced on December 4, 2008. A week-long series of cultural events will take place leading up to the awards ceremony.
TOUR DATES AND INFORMATION
On May 30, the Dave Matthews Band will kick off its U.S. summer tour in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania. The group will be supporting its upcoming album, which is due out later this year. Steve Winwood will open shows on the outing. Last month, Winwood released "Nine Lives," his first new studio album since 2003. The album entered at Number 12 on the Billboard 200, giving Winwood his highest debut ever.
Cyndi Lauper will begin her "True Colors" tour on May 31 in Boston, Massachusetts. She'll be promoting her new album Bring Ya To The Brink, which hits record stores this week (May 27). Joining Lauper on the 24-date trek are the B-52s, the Indigo Girls, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Regina Spektor. Select dates will also feature appearances by former talk show host Rosie O'Donnell, Joan Armatrading, Tegan & Sara, Wanda Sykes, Nona Hendryx and Deborah Cox. A portion of the proceeds will go to the True Colors Fund, which raises funds for gay, lesbian and transgendered advocacy groups.
