The Black Eyed Peas climb two spaces to Number One on this week's Hot 100 chart with "Imma Be." According to Billboard, they become the first group in 19 years to have three Hot 100 Number One singles from one album. The previous two chart-topping songs from their latest album, "The E.N.D.," were "Boom Boom Pow" and "I Gotta Feeling." Wilson Phillips was the last group to have three Number One singles from a single album.
Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry recently announced that the band would be auditioning singers to replace Steven Tyler. He said Tyler needed time off to complete rehab for a painkiller addition and recover from upcoming leg surgery. Aerosmith released a statement on February 25 to report Tyler is still in the group, which will kick off a European tour on June 10. The band's drummer Joey Kramer said, "The one common denominator that we still all have is that we all love to get up on stage and rock out, play music and bring joy to people. And we let the other drama, as of late, kind of filter itself out by the wayside and concentrate on more of what's important, which is the playing and the business at hand."
Opera star Placido Domingo, 69, underwent surgery after suffering abdominal pains during a recent week of performances in Tokyo. Domingo's publicist described the procedure as "medically recommended preventive surgery" and says the singer will recuperate for a minimum of six weeks before resuming his tour schedule.
Pop singer Jennifer Lopez has split from her longtime label Sony Music. After reports surfaced that she had been dropped by the label, J.Lo released a statement that said, "I am making this statement to put an end to any confusion in regards to my next album, titled 'Love.' I have belonged to the Sony family since the beginning of my career as a singer and together we've had great success. I have fulfilled my contractual responsibilities with Sony/Epic up to this point, and we have both reached friendly terms about my departure from the label. I'm also happy to say that we've found a new home for my album, 'Love,' and that it is slated for release in the summer of 2010."
The Country Music Association (CMA) has announced its 2010 Country Music Hall of Fame inductees. Songwriter-producer Billy Sherrill will enter in the non-performer category. Jimmy Dean and Ferlin Husky will be inducted in the Veterans Era Artist category. And, Don Williams will be inducted in the Modern Era category. Steve Moore, Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors said, "These four gentlemen broadened Country music immensely with their talents, exposing millions of fans around the world to our format. Their contributions to the genre and to popular culture are immeasurable, and we are proud to award them the highest honor in Country music." The Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place in Nashville later this year.
NEW ALBUM RELEASES:
New albums scheduled for release on March 2 include: "Smoke & Mirrors" by Lifehouse, "The Pursuit" by Jamie Cullum, "Body" by Jamie Foxx, "The Love and War Masterpeace" by Raheem DeVaughn, "No Changin' Us" by Point Of Grace, "My Best Days" by Danny Gokey, "Hillbilly Bone" by Blake Shelton, "Scratch My Back" by Peter Gabriel, "Victory" by DJ Khaled, "Easton Corbin" by Easton Corbin, "The Open Road" by John Hiatt, "As Long As It Takes" by Meredith Andrews and "Esta Bueno" by The Texas Tornadoes.
MUSICAL EVENTS/FESTIVALS/BENEFITS:
On March 2, the 2010 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo will begin in Houston, Texas. The 18-day event will feature concerts by some of the biggest names in Country music, including Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, and many others. The 2010 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo will also offer a kids' carnival, barbeque contests, ranching and wildlife seminars and various exhibitions.
AWARDS PRESENTATIONS/WINNERS:
Producer and songwriter Bernie Herms leads the nominees for the 41st annual Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. His eight nominations include Producer of the Year, which he won at last year's Dove Awards. Producer-songwriters Wayne Haun and Jason Ingram picked up seven nominations apiece. Following close behind with six nods each are Jars of Clay, Matt Maher, Jason Crabb and Skillet. Dove Awards will be presented in 43 categories on April 21 at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry House. Complete list of nominees at www.gospelmusic.org and www.doveawards.com.
TOUR DATES AND INFORMATION:
On March 3, Alicia Keys' "The Freedom Tour" will begin in Chicago, Illinois. Opening the 12-time Grammy winner's shows are Robin Thicke and newcomer Melanie Fiona. Alicia's new album, "The Element of Freedom," debuted at Number One on the Billboard 200. It also topped charts in Japan, Switzerland and the U.K. The album includes Alicia's duet with Beyonce, "Put It In A Love Song." The two superstars recently traveled to Brazil to shoot the video for the new single.
Norah Jones kicks off a 38-city North America tour on March 5 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Also on her upcoming itinerary are June and July concerts in the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Austria, Germany and Spain. Norah's fourth album, "The Fall," has sold 1.5 million copies worldwide and includes the 2009 Adult Contemporary hit, "Chasing Pirates."
