Susan Boyle Releases Debut Album
On November 23, Sony Music will release Susan Boyle's debut album, I Dreamed A Dream. The 48-year-old Scottish singer came to international attention earlier this year as a contestant on "Britain's Got Talent." She placed second in the talent competition. Susan's new album was the most pre-ordered CD in the 14-year history of Amazon.com. Amazon.com senior manager Craig Pape says, "Susan's album is clearly capturing the hearts of our customers around the globe."
Miley Cyrus Tour Bus Involved in Fatal Crash
On November 20, a Miley Cyrus tour bus carrying the pop star's lighting crew overturned on a Virginia highway. The accident killed the bus driver. Miley was not on the bus, which was traveling with three other buses to her November 22 concert stop in Greensboro, North Carolina. One other passenger was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries. A Cyrus family statement on Miley's web site says, "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Bill 'Uncle Bill' Douglas. Members of our tour are like members of our family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family in the midst of this tragedy. He will truly be missed."
Chris Brown Returns to Court
Hip-hop singer Chris Brown was in court on November 19 to show officials that he's been fulfilling his probation requirements. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg said she was given "an extremely favorable progress report" on Brown. The 19-year-old has paid all of his fines and court fees, completed seven of the 52 domestic violence classes and performed more than 100 hours of community service. Brown will give the court another update on February 18.
Bon Jovi Tops Billboard Album Chart
Bon Jovi earns its fourth Number One album on this week's Billboard 200 chart with The Circle (week ending November 28). The band's new album features the current hit "We Weren't Born To Follow." Also debuting in the Top 10 this week is Flyleaf's sophomore album, Memento Mori, which enters at Number 8. The alternative rock band's 2005 self-titled debut album spent 133 weeks on the Billboard 200.
Smith, Pinkett to Host Nobel Peace Prize Concert
The 2009 Nobel Peace Prize concert will take place in Oslo, Norway on December 11. The show will be hosted by actor Will Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith. Performers include Wyclef Jean, Toby Keith, Donna Summer and Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi. The Nobel Peace Prize will be presented to President Barack Obama on December 10. After receiving word that he was chosen for the honor, President Obama said, "I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many transformative figures that have been honored by this prize. I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations to confront the challenges of the 21st century."
New album releases November 24:
"Rated R" by Rihanna, "She Wolf" by Shakira, "Last Train To Paris" by Diddy, "The Singles Collection" by Britney Spears, "The Fame Monster" by Lady GaGa, "For Your Entertainment" by Adam Lambert, "A Very Special Christmas 7" (benefits Special Olympics) by various artists, "All Or Nothing" by Jay Sean, "Sara Smile" by Jimmy Wayne, "Harmony" by The Priests, "This Is Christmas" by Petula Clark and the original motion picture soundtrack to "Twilight: New Moon."
Musical events/festivals/benefits:
The 2009 Charlie Daniels Band & Friends Christmas 4 Kids Concert will take place November 23 at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. The Grascals, 3 Doors Down lead singer Brad Arnold, Gretchen Wilson, Chris Young and Phil Vassar will also perform at the sold-out event. The annual charity concert raises money for Christmas 4 Kids, an organization that provides underprivileged children with Christmas shopping sprees.
Awards presentations/winners:
The 2009 American Music Awards were presented on November 22 in Los Angeles. Taylor Swift led this year's contenders. Her six nominations included Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist, Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist and Favorite Female Country Artist, Favorite Album and Favorite Country Album for Fearless, and Artist of the Year. Taylor shared the Artist of the Year category with Lady Gaga, Eminem, Kings of Leon and the late Michael Jackson. Jackson was the second most-nominated artist with five nods. Other multiple nominees included Eminem with four mentions and Beyonce, the Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, Kings of Leon and T.I., with three apiece.
Look who's going on tour!
On November 27, Lady Gaga will kick off a 54-date world tour to support her album The Fame Monster. The outing begins in Montreal, Quebec. North American concerts wrap up at New York's Radio City Music Hall on January 21. Rapper Kid Cudi will open the shows. Lady Gaga will launch the European leg of "The Monster Ball" tour on February 18 in Manchester, England. Australian dates run from March 17 to April 2. Two weeks later, she'll head to Japan.
Kenny Rogers will begin his 20-city "Christmas & Hits Tour" on November 27 in Bossier City, Louisiana. The legendary singer will perform traditional and original holiday songs, plus some of his classic hits. Local choirs and children will be part of the production in each city. Also joining him on the tour is Country singer-songwriter Rebecca Lynn Howard.
On November 28, Country singer Wynonna Judd will kick off her 15-city Christmas tour in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Wynonna says, "I take great comfort in tradition, and I have always loved the season of Christmas. What the spirit of Christmas means to me is faith, family and fellowship. I'm excited to share those gifts with my fans on the road this year."
