Rebecca Black Takes YouTube Success to Next Level
The viral video for “Friday” by YouTube sensation Rebecca Black surpassed 100 million views on April 13. During the past four weeks, the digital single has sold 159,000 copies. Last month, the 13-year-old California native hired an agent and manager, who confirmed that she has been contacted by some record labels. Nymag.com reports that “Friday” will be used in an upcoming episode of the popular FOX-TV show Glee.
Broadway's 'American Idiot' is Movie Bound
The Broadway show American Idiot might be turned into a motion picture. Billboard.com reports that Universal Studios is in negotiations to pick up the screen rights. The musical is based on rock band Green Day’s album of the same name. The Broadway production opened in April 2010 and is scheduled to close on April 24. Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong is playing the role of St. Jimmy for the final performances.
Adele Sells 1 Million Copies of '21'
21 by British pop singer Adele has become the first album to sell one million copies in 2011. With an additional 88,000 units sold last week, 21 climbs back into the Number One spot on the Billboard 200. It has spent a total of three non-consecutive weeks in the top spot.
Two albums make their debut in the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 this week. California-based rap-rock group Hollywood Undead enters the list at Number 4 with its sophomore album, American Tragedy and British metal band Asking Alexandria debuts at Number 9 with its second collection, Reckless & Relentless.
Estefan Working on New Album
Latin pop singer Gloria Estefan is working on her first English-language album since 2003. She told her fans on Twitter that she’s collaborating with producer Pharrell Williams. Estefan wrote, “It’s truly been a magical experience and a wonderfully natural process. You think maybe Pharrell is influencing me?” The dance-inspired new album is expected to be released later this year.
Miranda Lambert Developing TV Drama Series
Country star Miranda Lambert is developing an ABC-TV family drama series. The show will be based on Lambert’s formative years in Texas. It tells the story of a family whose parents are private investigators and their children who help solve the crimes.
Music Hall of Fame Chooses Denver as New Inductee
On April 21, the late John Denver will be inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. Olivia Newton-John will host the event, which benefits the Cousteau Society, the Windstar Foundation and the University of Colorado’s School of Music. Performers include the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Lee Ann Womack and John Oates. The Colorado Music Hall of Fame is working with John Denver’s estate to create a permanent exhibition to honor his musical legacy and his interests.
New Album Releases April 19:
“Detox” by Dr. Dre
“The Fall” by Gorillaz
“Without Regret” by Kimberley Caldwell
“RadioWayne” by Wayne Brady
“Let Your Hair Down” by The Steve Miller Band
“Setzer Goes Instru-MENTAL!” by Brian Setzer
“Perfect Day” by Bob Schneider
“Two” by Lenka
Awards Presentations/Winners:
Rihanna leads the finalists for the 2011 Billboard Music Awards. She appears in 18 categories, including Top Hot 100 Artist, Top Female Artist and Top Dance/Electronic Artist. Her duet with Eminem, “Love The Way You Lie,” is nominated for six awards. Eminem follows as a finalist in 16 categories. The rapper is a contender for Top Billboard 200 Artist, Top Artist, Top Male Artist and Top Rap Artist. Other leading finalists include Lady Gaga, who’s named in 12 categories, and Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber, who appear in 11 categories. The Billboard Music Awards will be presented live on ABC-TV from Las Vegas on May 22.
Look Who's Going On Tour
Irish rock band U2 recently set a new record for the highest-grossing tour ever. The group’s April 10 concert in Sao Paulo, Brazil pushed them past the Rolling Stones “Bigger Bang Tour,” which grossed $554 million from 2005 to 2007. According to concert promoter Live Nation Entertainment, U2’s “360 Tour” will wrap up on July 30 with an estimated $700 million in ticket sales.
On April 20, pop singer James Blunt will kick off the North American leg of his “Some Kind of Trouble Tour” in Boston, Massachusetts. He’ll wrap up shows on May 10 in Vancouver, British Columbia. The opening slot on all dates features Blunt’s labelmate Christina Perri. Perri’s debut album, “Lovestrong,” will be out on May 10.
