Idol Winner Signs Record Deal
2009 American Idol winner Kris Allen, runner-up Adam Lambert and fourth place finalist Allison Iraheta have all signed recording deals. Allen and Iraheta's upcoming debut albums will be released by Jive Records. RCA Records will issue Lambert's. All three albums will be out later this year. Lambert released a statement saying, "I'm thrilled that we've come to a creative and collaborative partnership and look forward to developing a really exciting album." Allen's statement says, "Everyone's been asking me what it's going to sound like. It will be very similar to what you heard from me on the show - definitely in the pop/rock genre." 17-year-old Iraheta, who was the youngest contestant to make it to the final 12, said, "I think I'm still in shock that this is happening. Getting to record my first album…this whole awesome experience is a dream come true!"
Concert Promoter Sues Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson is being sued by concert promoter AllGood Entertainment for an alleged breach of contract. The $40 million lawsuit against Jackson, his manager, Frank Dileo, and promoter AEG Live claims the deal was for Allgood to produce a 2009 Jackson family reunion concert and possibly a pay-per-view show. Reports say the deal also prohibited Jackson from performing for three months before and after the reunion event. On July 13, Jackson will play the first of 50 concerts at London's O2 Arena. AllGood attorney Ira Meyerowitz says the company isn't asking Jackson to cancel his London concerts, but wants the company to be involved with the shows or be compensated for the broken deal.
Madonna Wins Adoption Appeal
Madonna has won her appeal to adopt a second child from Malawi. On June 12, the country's highest court overturned a lower court's earlier decision and praised Madonna for her commitment to helping children in need. Her charity, Raising Malawi, works to educate, feed and give medical care to more than one million orphans in Malawi. Three-year-old Chifundo "Mercy" James will reportedly be flown by private jet to Madonna's New York home within the next five days.
Dave Matthews Band Tops Billboard Album Chart
This week, the Dave Matthews Band debuts at Number One on the Billboard 200 for the fifth consecutive time. The group's new album, Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King sold 424,000 copies its first week of release to become the third highest-seller so far this year. The Dave Matthews Band is playing U.S. concerts through June 20. Five days later, they'll begin an 11-date U.K. tour.
Bon Jovi Receives Hall of Fame Honors
On June 18, Jon Bon Jovi and Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Joining them in the Hall are Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati of the Rascals, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Galt MacDermot, James Rado, and the late Gerome Ragni, who wrote the musical Hair. Other inductees include Stephen Schwartz, who composed music for many Broadway musicals and films, and Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway, who wrote hits for the Fortunes, the Hollies and Gary Lewis and the Playboys, among others.
New Album Releases June 16
"Lines, Vines and Trying Times" - the Jonas Brothers
"Rockin' In the Country" - Daryle Singletary
"Guilty Pleasure" - Ashley Tisdale
"Category F5" - Twista
"Here With Me" - Holly Williams
"Monuments and Melodies" - Incubus
"Let the Truth Be Told" - Laura Izibor
"Michael Buble Meets Madison Square Garden" - Michael Buble
"Let It Roll: Songs by George Harrison" - George Harrison
"127 Rose Avenue" - Hank Williams Jr.
"Solid Ground" - Sara Wasserman
"The Very Best of Don Henley" - Don Henley
"Classique" - Will Downing
Musical Events/Festivals/Benefits
The Virgin Music Festival's first two shows on June 19 and 20 in Montreal, Canada will include appearances by the Black Eyed Peas, Akon, Simple Plan and New Kids On The Block. Upcoming Virgin Music Festivals will take place in Nova Scotia on July 4, British Columbia on July 25 and 26, and still-to-be-determined dates in Alberta and Ontario.
Look Who's Going on Tour!
Country star Toby Keith will begin his "America's Toughest Tour" on June 18 in Holmdel, New Jersey. Toby's latest album, That Don't Make Me A Bad Guy, has produced two Number One hits, "She Never Cried In Front of Me" and "God Love Her." Trace Adkins will join Toby on the tour, which wraps up in September.
On June 20, the Jonas Brothers will kick off a North American tour in Dallas, Texas. The sibling trio will be supporting its new album, Lines, Vines and Trying Times. Forty-five shows are scheduled through August 31. Opening acts include Jordin Sparks and Honor Society.
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