Mariah Carey Gives Birth to Twins
On April 30, Mariah Carey gave birth to twins at a Los Angeles hospital. She and husband Nick Cannon named their daughter Monroe and their son Moroccan Scott. The couple celebrated their third wedding anniversary that same day. Rev. Al Sharpton visited the hospital to help them renew their wedding vows, which they do every April 30.
Aerosmith's Steven Tyler to Release New Single
The U.S. solo single by Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler will be released on May 9. “(It) Feels So Good” was co-written by Tyler and longtime Aerosmith collaborator Marti Fredericksen. Its video will premiere on the May 12 episode of American Idol. Billboard.com reports that Tyler is expected to regroup with Aerosmith later this year to continue work on the band’s first album since 2004. Tyler is currently judging the 10th season of American Idol with Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson. He’s also promoting his new autobiography, “Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?”
New Exhibit Honors 'Women Who Rock'
A new exhibit honoring female artists will open at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio on May 13. Among the 70 women featured in “Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power” are Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Lady Gaga, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Joni Mitchell, Yoko Ono, Madonna, Britney Spears, Alicia Keys, Faith Hill, Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn and Taylor Swift. Jim Henke, Vice President of Exhibitions and Curatorial Affairs, says, “We’re going to show how women have played an important role in the development of popular music.” The exhibit will run through February 26, 2012.
Glee's Matthew Morrison Drops New Album
The debut album by Glee cast member Matthew Morrison will be released on May 10. Included on the self-titled collection is “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters/Rocket Man,” a duet with Elton John, a duet of “Over the Rainbow” with actress Gwyneth Paltrow, and a duet with Sting on “Let Your Soul Be My Pilot.” Morrison will kick off a solo tour on June 18.
Shania Twain to Appear on Reality Show
Shania Twain’s new reality show, Why Not?, debuted on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) on May 8. Throughout the weekly series, the Country-pop star will open up about her childhood, divorce from producer Robert “Mutt” Lang and the tragedies and betrayals that led her to take a long break from her successful music career. Shania is currently on a book tour promoting her autobiography, “From This Moment On.”
New Album Releases May 10:
“Stone Rollin’” by Raphael Saadiq
“Lovestrong” by Christina Perri
“Turtleneck & Chain” by The Lonely Island
“Songbook 2” by Randy Newman
“Rock & Roll Submarine” by Urge Overkill
“Russell Hitchcock-Tennessee: The Nashville Sessions” by (Air Supply singer) Russell Hitchcock
“Man In Motion” by Warren Haynes
“The Road From Memphis” by Booker T. Jones
“Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown” the original Broadway cast recording
Awards Presentations/Winners:
“The Book of Mormon” leads this year’s Tony Award contenders with 14 nominations, including Best Musical. “The Scottsboro Boys,” which closed after playing only 49 performances and 29 previews, follows close behind with 12 nominations. Another leading nominee is the Cole Porter comedy “Anything Goes,” which is up for Best Revival and eight more awards. The 2011 Tony Awards will be presented at New York’s Beacon Theatre on June 12 and broadcast live on CBS-TV. (Complete list of nominees at www.tonyawards.com.)
Look Who's Going On Tour!
The Cars will begin a brief North American tour on May 10 in support of their first new studio album since 1987. “Move Like This” will be released that same day. The 10-city tour starts in Seattle, Washington and wraps up in Boston, Massachusetts on May 26.
On May 12, singer Josh Groban will kick off North American dates of his “Straight To You” world tour. Concerts begin in New Orleans, Louisiana. During each show, Groban will take questions from the audience. He’s also offering students with a valid ID discounted tickets. The 63-city outing is scheduled to wrap up on November 14 with a concert at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
British pop star Adele begins a 24-date North American tour on May 12 in Washington, D.C. The trek supports her multi-million-selling sophomore album, 21. After finishing the tour in Nashville, Tennessee on June 20, Adele will take a couple weeks off before kicking off the U.K. leg in London on July 7.
