| Jackson Doctor Thanks Supporters |
On August 29, Michael Jackson was scheduled to be buried during a private ceremony at Forest Lawn-Glendale Memorial Park in Glendale, California. That date marked what would have been the singer's 51st birthday. In related news, Jackson's private physician posted a one-minute video on YouTube thanking his supporters and patients. The doctor, who is being investigated for any role he might have played in Michael's death, said, "As long as I keep God in my heart and you in my life, I will be fine. I have done all I could do. I told the truth and I have faith the truth will prevail."
| Chris Brown Sentenced for Rihanna Assault |
Chris Brown was back in a Los Angeles courtroom on August 27. He was sentenced to five years probation and 180 days of community service, which he plans to fulfill in his home state of Virginia. Brown will also be required to complete one year of domestic violence classes. He pleaded guilty to assaulting his ex-girlfriend Rihanna in February. Brown publicly apologized saying, "I have told Rihanna countless times, and I am telling you today, that I am truly sorry that I wasn't able to handle the situation both differently and better."
| New Smokey Robinson Album Features Guest Appearances |
On August 25, ROBSO Records released Smokey Robinson's new album, Time Flies When You're Having Fun. The collection features guest appearances by Carlos Santana, India.Arie and Joss Stone. Smokey included one cover track, Norah Jones' "Don't Know Why," which is the first single. The night before the album's release, Smokey will appear at the Grammy Museum. "An Evening With Smokey Robinson" will feature an onstage interview, audience question-and-answer and intimate performance by Smokey.
| Black Eyed Peas Make Billboard History |
The Black Eyed Peas make history this week for having the longest run at the top of Billboard's Hot 100 chart. Their previous single, "Boom Boom Pow" spent 12 consecutive weeks at Number One before "I Gotta Feeling" took over the top spot, where it remains for the eighth week. Usher held the previous record of 19 consecutive weeks at Number One in 2004 with "Yeah" and "Burn."
| Celine Dion Announces Pregnancy |
Canadian pop star Celine Dion is pregnant with her second child. Celine and her husband, Rene Angelil, have an eight-year-old son named Rene-Charles. Celine is due to give birth in May 2010. Celine was to begin another series of concerts in Las Vegas in late 2010. Her spokeswoman, Muriel Blondeau, said the shows may be delayed.
| Macy Gray, Aaron Carter to Compete on 'Dancing With The Stars' |
Several singers are among the contestants taking part in the upcoming ninth season of "Dancing With the Stars," which premieres on September 21. They include Grammy-winning R&B artist Mya, Macy Gray, Aaron Carter (brother of the Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter) and Donny Osmond. Other contestants include Ozzy Osbourne's daughter Kelly Osbourne, fighter Chuck Liddell, professional snowboarder Louie Vito, swimmer Natalie Coughlin, former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin, actors Ashley Hamilton, Melissa Joan Hart and Debi Mazar, models Kathy Ireland and Joanna Krupa, Iron Chef America's Mark Dacascos and former Republican House Majority Leader Tom DeLay.
| George Strait Tops Billboard 200 Chart |
Country star George Strait debuts at Number One on this week's Billboard 200 and Country Albums charts. His new album, Twang, sold 155,000 copies its first week of release. In other Country music news, Steve Wariner will appear at Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on August 29 to pay tribute to his late friend and mentor Chet Atkins. He'll discuss and perform tracks from his upcoming album, "Steve Wariner, c.g.p.: My Tribute to Chet Atkins," which includes both original songs and covers of Atkins' tunes. And, Dolly Parton has a four-CD box set coming out in October. "Dolly" spans her entire career beginning with her first national hit "Dumb Blonde," which was released in 1967. The set includes seven previously unreleased bonus tracks.
| New Album Releases August 25 |
"The Breakthrough" by Colbie Caillat, "Lady Love" by LeToya, "Persona" by Queen Latifah, "One Love" by David Guetta, "Collective Soul" by Collective Soul, "American Classic" by Willie Nelson, "The Soul Queen of New Orleans: 50th Anniversary Celebration" by Irma Thomas, "My Dusty Road" (4-CD box set) by Woody Guthrie, "Shaka Rock" by Jet, "Big Dreams & High Hopes" by Jack Ingram, "Young Rich & Famous" by Plies, "Songs and Stories" by George Benson, "Sgt. Pepper Live" by Cheap Trick, "No Baggage" by Dolores O'Riordan (of the Irish group The Cranberries), "World Wide Open" by Love And Theft and "You Deliver Me" by Selah.
| Musical Events/Festivals/Benefits |
The Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam, the Black Eyed Peas, Jason Mraz, M.I.A., Ween and the Beastie Boys will headline the 2nd annual Outside Music & Arts Festival, which takes place in San Francisco, California August 28-30. Other performers include Tom Jones, Thievery Corporation, Q-Tip and Incubus, as well as many local acts.
| Look Who's Going on Tour! |
Aerosmith has canceled the rest of its North American summer tour. 61-year-old lead singer Steven Tyler broke his shoulder and received 20 stitches in his head after a recent fall from a concert stage in Sturgis, South Dakota. Tyler released a statement thanking the Stugis police department, the helicopter that evacuated him, doctors and nurses who treated him and the band's crew. He added, "I just want to say that I'm plain grateful that I didn't break my neck. In truth, after thousands of live shows, falling off the edge four times ain't too bad."
