The week ending May 16, Bob Dylan tops the Billboard 200 for the fifth time in his career. His new CD, Together Through Life, sold 125,000 copies its first week of release. It also became his first Number One album in the United Kingdom in more than 38 years. Dylan's last chart-topping entry in the U.K. was 1970's "New Morning."
Allison Iraheta Eliminated on 'American Idol'
Reality show update: 17-year-old Allison Iraheta was voted off American Idol on May 6. The high school student from Los Angeles performed Janis Joplin's "Cry Baby" for the rock-themed week of competition. The remaining Top 3 are Danny Gokey, Adam Lambert and Kris Allen. This week (on May 12), they'll each perform two songs - one chosen by the judges and the other by the contestant. The following night's elimination show will feature guest appearances by Katy Perry and 2007 American Idol winner Jordan Sparks.
Lil Kim No Longer 'Dancing With The Stars'
And, rapper Lil Kim and her professional dance partner Derek Hough were eliminated from Dancing With the Stars. Four pairs remain: rodeo champion Ty Murray and Chelsie Hightower, Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas, actor Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke, and former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani.
Chris Brown's Attorney Investigates Possible Police Misconduct
On May 6, Chris Brown's attorney, Mark Geragos, filed motions in Los Angeles to obtain police documents that might contain evidence of police misconduct related to the R&B singer's case. Geragos also wants to see files related to the police investigation into a released photo that showed Brown's girlfriend Rihanna with facial injuries sustained in the assault. Geragos said, "This highly prejudicial photograph was sold by a LAPD officer to the entertainment website [TMZ]. The purpose of the leak was necessarily for profit and to vilify Mr. Brown and poison the potential jury pool."
Former Publicist Sues Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson is being sued by his former publicist Raymone Bain for $44 million. The Washington, D.C.-based publicist began representing Jackson in 2003, but says he stopped calling in late 2007. She said in a video on her web site, "I have been his voice to media, fans, supporters, business interests and associates as well as those who dislike, misunderstand and constantly malign him. I have also been the constant defender against those who have, in the past, attacked him in any fashion or form…I did not look at him as just a client, but a family member. I wish him, and his family, only the very best."
Pop Singer Arrested on Drug Charges
1980's pop singer Henry Lee Summer (real name Henry Lee Swartz) has been arrested for drug possession. The 53-year-old was stopped while driving in Indianapolis, Indiana. Summer was charged with methamphetamine possession and obstruction of justice. He reportedly led police on a short chase, threw drugs from his car and had to be subdued with pepper spray during the arrest. He faces two additional charges of resisting law enforcement. Summer's hearing is set for May 12. In the late 1980's, he made it into the Top 20 with "I Wish I Had A Girl" and "Hey Baby."
New Album Releases May 12
"21st Century Breakdown" - Green Day
"Crime Pays" - Cam'ron
"Townes" - Steve Earle
"Paper Empire" - Better Than Ezra
"Fast Life" - Paul Wall
"Sewn Together" - Meat Puppets
"Number One Hits" - Eddie Rabbitt
"Angels & Demons" - original motion picture soundtrack
Musical Events/Festivals/Benefits
On May 16, Country stars Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd will headline "Divas Nashvegas 2009." Wynonna's mother, Naomi, will join her daughter to perform some classic hits they recorded as The Judds. Proceeds from the concert will go to the Oasis Center, which works to help young people overcome serious challenges such as homelessness, violence, depression and low self esteem.
Awards Presentations/Winners
Billy Elliot, The Musical leads the 2009 Tony Award nominees. Its 15 nominations tied the record for most nods previously set by The Producers in 2001. Billy Elliot is among the nominees for Best Original Score Written for the Theater. Also mentioned in that category were Next To Normal, 9 To 5: The Musical and Shrek The Musical. The 63rd annual Tony Awards will be presented on June 7 at New York's Radio City Music Hall.
Look Who's Going On Tour!
On May 13, classic rock groups REO Speedwagon, Styx and 38 Special will begin their "Can't Stop Rockin' Tour" in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Thirty shows are scheduled through July 11. REO Speedwagon's Kevin Cronin and Styx lead singer Tommy Shaw wrote the song "Can't Stop Rockin'," which is available as an Internet download.
Coldplay will kick off a North American tour on May 15 in West Palm Beach, Florida. The band will be supporting its album "Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends," which was the top-selling album of 2008. Coldplay will give away its live CD, LeftRightLeftRightLeft to everyone who attends their shows. The group says, "This album is a thank you to our fans - the people who give us a reason to do it and make it happen." The 42-city tour wraps up on August 6 in Tampa, Florida. European dates begin on August 16 in Herning, Denmark.
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