Madonna's request to adopt a second child from Milawi was denied on April 3. The judge cited a residency law that requires prospective parents to live in the country for at least 18 months. That was waived in 2006, when Madonna was given permission to take her adopted son, David Banda, out of Malawi. David's adoption was finalized last year. Madonna planned to adopt three-year-old Chifundo Mercy James, whose 14-year-old mother died shortly after giving birth to Chifundo. Madonna can appeal the decision through Malawi's Supreme Court.
Chris Brown to Appear in Court April 6
On April 6, 19-year-old R&B star Chris Brown will be arraigned on two charges, assault likely to cause great bodily injury and making criminal threats. In February, Brown allegedly beat and threatened to kill his girlfriend, singer Rihanna. He'll have to enter a plea at the hearing. If convicted, he could face up to four years and eight months in jail. On April 1, Chris was spotted at a gym at the University of Mary Washington (UMW) in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He grew up in nearby Tappahannock, Virginia. Chris played basketball and took photos with UMW's women's basketball team. At the time of his visit, the university was holding a White Ribbon Campaign, which is led in over 55 countries around the world to bring attention to violence against women.
Megan Joy Says Goodbye to American Idol Competition
23-year-old Megan Joy is the latest contestant to be voted off American Idol. The single mother from Sandy, Utah performed Bob Marley's "Turn Your Lights Down Low," which judge Simon Cowell called "boring and indulgent." The eight remaining finalists will choose a song from their birth year to perform this week (April 7).
Now Music Compilation CD Tops Billboard Album Chart
Twelve albums debut in the Billboard 200's Top 20 this week (week ending April 11). The "Now That's What I Call Music 30" compilation enters in the top spot after selling 146,000 copies its first week of release. The "Hannah Montana: The Movie" soundtrack debuts at Number 2, Keri Hilson's "In A Perfect World" lands on the list at Number 4, Papa Roach's "Metamorphosis" at Number 8, Jim Jones' "Pray IV Reign" at Number 9, Martina McBride's "Shine" at Number 10, Mastadon's "Crack the Skye" at Number 11, Blue October's "Approaching Normal" at Number 13, Slim Thug's "Boss of All Bosses" at Number 15, John Rich's "Son of a Preacher Man" at Number 16, Eric Church's "Carolina" at Number 17 and Yanni's "Voices" at Number 20.
Dolly Parton Musical Hits Broadway
On April 7, Dolly Parton's Broadway musical version of 9 To 5 will begin its run at New York's Marquis Theatre. Parton is feeling some anxiety about how the show will be received. "I've been working on this for four years," she says. "And the thing about Broadway is you could work four years and close the next night - or never open at all. Everything's a chance." "9 To 5: The Musical" is currently scheduled to run on Broadway through January 2010.
Santana Signs Deal with Concert Promoter AEG
Santana has signed a deal with concert promoter AEG Live to perform a two-year engagement at the Joint in Las Vegas. The 4,000-seat venue is part of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The group's first "Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits" show will take place on May 27. Carlos Santana said, "We'll mix up a little practical spirituality with a rebel-from-the-street vibe, and with lots of incredible music. My wish is for it to be a night that will move you to dance, to cry, to laugh and to feel the totality and fullness of being alive."
Top Country Stars Honor George Strait
On April 6, Faith Hill, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Martina McBride, Brooks & Dunn, Keith Urban and many other Country stars will perform at a concert honoring George Strait as the Academy of Country Music's Artist of the Decade. Strait will also perform at the event. "George Strait - ACM Artist of the Decade, An All Star Concert Special" will be taped at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. CBS-TV will air the tribute on May 27.
New Album Releases April 7
"Unstoppable" - Rascal Flatts
"Fantasy Ride" - Ciara
"10" - MercyMe
"Wide Open" - Jason Aldean
"The Last Kiss" - Jadakiss
"Ray Charles - Genius: The Ultimate Collection" - Ray Charles
"Back To Tennessee" - Billy Ray Cyrus
"Sara Watkins" - Sara Watkins
"Guilt" - Mims
"Lady Love" - LeToya
"Other Covers" - James Taylor
"Jealous Ones Still Envy 2 (J.O.S.E. 2)" - Fat Joe
"Fork In The Road" - Neil Young
"No Time For Later" - The Trews
"We Are The Same" - The Tragically Hip
"Great American Soulbook" - Tower Of Power
Awards Presentations/Winners
The 44th Annual Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards will be presented on April 5 in Las Vegas. Brad Paisley received a leading six nominations. It was announced prior to the telecast that he's the winner in two ACM categories. He won the Video of the Year honor for "Waitin' On A Woman" and shares a win for Vocal Event of the Year with Keith Urban for their duet, "Start A Band." Former Trick Pony lead singer Heidi Newfield is up for five ACM Awards. In addition to her nod for Top Female Artist, she's a contender for Single Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Video of the Year for her debut solo hit, "Johnny and June." Triple nominees include Jamey Johnson, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and George Strait, who will be honored as the Academy's Artist of the Decade. LeAnn Rimes has been named the 2009 winner of the ACM/Home Depot Humanitarian Award. The award "recognizes Country music artists who serve others, have a generous spirit and help build the dreams of those in need." Reba McEntire will host the show for the 11th time.
Look Who's Going On Tour!
On April 10, award-winning Country duo Sugarland will begin a North American tour in Duluth, Georgia. The 66-date trek will include a stop in Louisiana on May 1 to appear at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Sugarland will wrap up the tour in early October.
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