Sony to Release New Michael Jackson Single; Carey Celebrates Album Release, Movie

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Sony Music Group has announced that a new Michael Jackson single will be released on October 12. "This Is It" is the debut single from his upcoming double CD and film of the same name. The movie, which consists of rehearsal footage from his planned concert engagement in London, will arrive in theaters on October 28. The album release is set for October 26 internationally and October 27 in North America. One disc contains Jackson's biggest hits, plus two versions of the new single, "This Is It." The second disc features some previously unreleased versions of his hits and his spoken-word poem, "Planet Earth."

In other news, on October 28, London's 02 Bubble gallery will begin a three-month run of "Michael Jackson: The Official Exhibition." The exhibit is stocked with more than 250 items from Jackson's Neverland Ranch, including costumes, awards, his sequined glove and Rolls-Royce automobile.

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Nominees for the 2010 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction include ABBA, Genesis, Donna Summer, KISS, Darlene Love, LL Cool J, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jimmy Cliff, Laura Nyro, The Chantels, The Hollies and The Stooges. To be nominated, artists had to release their first single at least 25 years ago. Five of the nominees will enter the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at its induction ceremony on March 15, 2010.

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Mariah Carey's new album, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel, will be released on September 29. The set includes her current single "Obsessed," which she describes as an anthem for people who have been abused or stalked. The track has sold one million downloads since its release in mid-June. Also on the album is Mariah's version of the Foreigner classic, "I Want To Know What Love Is." Mariah will star in the upcoming film, Precious. She plays a social worker in the movie, which is based on the Sapphire novel Push. Earlier this year, Precious won three Sundance Film Festival awards. Produced by Oprah Winfrey, it recently won the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. Last year's winner of that honor, Slumdog Millionaire, went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.


On September 29, Warner Brothers Records will release The Rod Stewart Sessions 1971-1998. The four-CD, 63-song box set includes many previously-unreleased tracks, plus alternative takes, studio demos and other rare collectible versions of Stewart's popular songs.


Hip-hop singer Chris Brown has been spending time in Virginia, where he's doing court-ordered community service. But, he's also working on a new album and planning his first public concert since being convicted of assaulting his former girlfriend Rihanna. No release date has been announced for the album, titled Graffiti. On October 27, Brown will appear at a radio station concert in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Also on the bill are Keri Hilson, Fabulous, The-Dream, Mario, Trey Songz, Day26 and Ginuwine.


"Celebration" (double CD of greatest hits plus two new songs) by Madonna, "At Home With Friends" by Joshua Bell (guests include Sting, Regina Spektor, Josh Groban, Chris Botti, Dave Grusin and Anoushka Shankar), "Ignorance" by Paramore, "Can't Slow Down" by Foreigner, "The Boy Who Never" by Landon Pigg, "Black Gives Way To Blue" by Alice In Chains, "Revolution" by Miranda Lambert, "Love Is The Answer" by Barbra Streisand, "In Love & War" by Amerie, "God and Guns" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, "The Rose Hotel" by Robert Earl Keen, "Mountain Soul II" by Patty Loveless, "Closer to the Bone" by Kris Kristofferson and "Genesis Live 1973-2007" (11-CD box set) by Genesis.


The International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) World of Bluegrass will be held September 28-October 4. Twenty thousand fans and music industry professionals are expected to attend the Nashville event. The week's highlights include the 20th anniversary of the IBMA Awards on October 1st and the Bluegrass Fan Fest, which takes place October 2-4.

The 8th annual Austin City Limits Music Festival will take place October 2-4 in Austin, Texas. More than 130 artists will perform at the event. Headliners include Pearl Jam, the Dave Matthews Band, John Legend, Kings of Leon and the Beastie Boys.


Beyonce will receive the Woman of the Year Award at the 2009 Billboard Women in Music Event. The ceremony takes place on October 2 in New York. Billboard's editorial director, Bill Werde, says, "Beyonce is a multi-platinum artist and a multi-talented woman who clearly embodies the qualities of the excellence and achievement that the Billboard Woman of the Year Award was created to honor. She has not only influenced pop culture with her hit songs and signature dance moves, but has inspired women everywhere with her unique style, business savvy and dedication to charitable causes."


On September 28, Hanson will kick off a U.S. tour with an appearance at the Kern County Fair in Bakersfield, California. The outing will wrap up on November 11 in Anaheim, California. Hanson's first new album since 2007's The Walk will be released in early 2010.

Australian singer Kylie Minogue will begin her first North American tour on September 30 in Oakland, California. Dates are also planned in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto and New York City. Kylie released a statement that said, "I've wanted to tour in America and Canada for years and know that fans have been waiting a long time for this. I'm thrilled that the opportunity has finally arrived."

On October 2, Kelly Clarkson will kick off a 32-city North American tour in Uncasville, Connecticut. She'll be supporting her latest album, All I Ever Wanted. The Veronicas and Parachute will open the concerts, which wrap up on December 13 in Hollywood, Florida.