Music
Lady Gaga had a surprise guest Saturday night in Vegas ... her co-star and director of "A Star is Born" -- Bradley Cooper, and he did not disappoint. Gaga was performing her 'ENIGMA' show at the Park Theater at Park MGM when Bradley appeared on stage, and people in the crowd went wild. They sang a duet of their song "Shallow," after B.C. overcame some difficulty in installing his earpiece. It's a super smart move ... Bradley and Gaga are best up for Oscars -- Best Actor and Best Actress -- and this type of publicity keeps them and the film front and center. Although the film snagged 7 noms, lots of people think the Academy snubbed Bradley by overlooking him in the Best Director category. (TMZ)
Kacey Musgraves' Psychedelic Set at NYC's Beacon Theatre Proves She's Shifting the Country Mold. A Texas singer-songwriter whose honky tonk-ready melodies muse on everything from challenging societal expectations to taking psychedelic drugs, Kacey Musgraves has earned an industry-wide reputation for breaking the country music rule book -- notably, with her knockout 2018 album Golden Hour. Perhaps no setting could reflect just how deeply that spirit is resonating than the first of two sold-out shows on her Oh, What a World! Tour at New York's Beacon Theatre on Friday night (Jan. 25). Floating onstage in a sparkling rainbow jumpsuit and gold platform heels, her hair in a cascading high ponytail, Musgraves remarked on the diversity of her audience before anything else: "It's amazing to look out and see a million types of people in this room," she began. "You all deserve to be here." True enough, out in the crowd, everyone from elementary school-aged kids in glittery pink cowboy hats to Freaks and Geeks actress Busy Philipps cheered her arrival. After the first few songs ("Slow Burn," "Wonder Woman," "Butterflies"), it would be a forgivable offense for anyone in the audience to take a seat -- after all, the emotional ballads and acoustic strums found on Golden Hour are often more fitting for a slow dance than a rowdy concert. But throughout the roughly two-hour performance, where Musgraves was backed by an enormous red fan like that on her Golden Hour album cover, nearly everyone in the audience would stay on their feet. That included new hits like "Space Cowboy," early ones off 2013's Merry Go Round, a surprise cover of "I Will Survive" alongside her tourmate Natalie Prass, and plenty of Musgraves' usual cheeky charm in between. "This is a fancy-ass place!" she shouted, gesturing to the Beacon's red velvet curtains and ornate ceiling. She stopped in the middle of Pageant Material track "High Time" to remark that at a previous show, someone handed her a lit joint. (Not the case tonight, but it's worth noting that the smell of marijuana reeked throughout the theater here, too.) Near the end of her performance, before launching into her motivational 2013 hit "Follow Your Arrow" -- which sparked controversy in the country domain at the time for its gay-positive chorus -- Musgraves touched briefly on politics. "Every day, it feels like there's something more unbelievable that's happening -- what the hell is happening right now?" she said. "It's cool to see the juxtaposition against that, that is positive and strong people who are going to bust through this. Hold onto the love, and the good parts, and this weird era will be over. This next song was inspired by all that." Outside Friday's performance, her boundlessly positive, free-spirited message is reaching even further. Come February, Musgraves is up for four Grammys: album of the year and best country album (for Golden Hour), best country solo performance ("Butterflies") and best country song ("Space Cowboy"). Leaving the packed theatre would have anyone convinced: Musgraves isn't just breaking country's rules but re-writing them. (Billboard)
Macy Gray to perform at Sundance. Macy Gray gave Sundance Film Festival attendees a treat on Saturday when she puts on an intimate performance of songs off her latest album, "Ruby." The "I Try" songstress, 51, will hit the mic at the Wanderluxxe Filmmaker Lounge, presented by APEX Social Club of Palms Las Vegas and Company 3. The Lounge is also hosting Essential Costa Rica, which created a lounge for a tropical pop up in the snow featuring yoga classes. Gray was honored on Friday night at the 2019 She Rocks Awards, alongside Lisa Loeb, Erika Ender and more. (PageSix)
Whoops! Instagram Didn't Recognize Will.i.am Is in the Black Eyed Peas. Where is the love, Instagram? will.i.am took to social media on Saturday to share an email he had allegedly received from the photo-sharing app. According to the Black Eyed Peas member, he had shared a video for the group's song "Vibrations Pt. 1 Pt. 2;" however, Instagram allegedly removed his post and claimed he didn't have the rights to share it. "@Instagram just sent me an email saying I don't own my music and I'm not in the @BEP," the recording artist wrote on Twitter. "If Ii were them[,] I'd be embarrassed... I guess even the biggest companies in tech got tech problems." He then joked he was sharing the link via Twitter instead because its founders "know what's up." Still, will.i.am seemed to laugh off the whole thing, writing "WTF?" "ha ha ha" and "this is funny and f--- up" alongside snapshots of the alleged notification. He also included a series of laughing emojis. Of course, will.i.am is one of the founding members of the Black Eyed Peas and has won seven Grammys along with his fellow group members. (Eonline)
Dolly Parton's costumes to be featured in Grammy Museum exhibit. As one of her famous sayings goes, it costs a lot to look this cheap. Dolly Parton, 73, has always been as famous for her dazzling fashions as she has for her songwriting and performing talents. In a showcase of the eight-time Grammy winner's personal style through the years, next month the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles will present "Diamond in a Rhinestone World: The Costumes of Dolly Parton," featuring outfits and other pieces from her extensive personal collection. Opening to the public on February 5th, the exhibit runs through March 1st. Parton will be on hand at the Grammy Museum's Clive Davis Theater on February 4th for a Town Hall program, during which she'll share stories behind a few of her favorite pieces in the collection. Her appearance comes just ahead of the February 8th gala during which she will be honored at 2019 MusiCares Person of the Year. "Diamond in a Rhinestone World," which takes its name from a lyric in Parton's 1984 Number One hit, "Tennessee Homesick Blues," will feature costumes the singer and actress has worn on album covers, in music videos, during live performances and more, including the 2014 video for "Home," and the distinctive pink dress from the cover of her 2008 LP, "Backwoods Barbie." As MusiCares Person of the Year, the philanthropic Parton joins other honorees including Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin and more. She is, however, the first country artist to receive the honor. (PageSix)
Noah Centineo Will Melt Your Heart Again, This Time With His Directorial Debut. So your favorite Netflix boyfriend is a director now, at the ripe age of 22. Noah Centineo helmed the music video for Russian producer and DJ ARTY's "Save Me Tonight," marking his directorial debut. The actor, who rose to fame with the Netflix movie To All the Boys I've Loved Before, also stars in the project, alongside actress Lily Collins. The actress plays a high school loner who gets bullied. Centineo, who is apparently just adamant about melting our hearts over and over again, comforts her and brings her into his group of friends. They then pull off a colorful prank. "I convinced @artymusic to let me direct the music video for 'Save Me Tonight' and somehow @lilycollins agreed to star in it with a bunch of our friends. (I might be in it too)," Centineo tweeted on Friday. "So stoked to share with y'all, let me know what you think!" Centineo can be see next in Elizabeth Banks' Charlie's Angels reboot and, of course, the sequel to To All the Boys I've Loved Before. (Eonline)
Meek Mill to perform during Super Bowl weekend. At last year's Super Bowl, "Free Meek Mill" shirts were a fixture as the Eagles and various celebs supported the Philly rapper, who was in prison over a probation violation. This year, Page Six has learned, Meek will be performing the day before the big game in Atlanta at mogul Michael Rubin's starry Fanatics party at the College Football Hall of Fame. This week, Meek teamed with Jay-Z, Rubin and others to launch Reform Alliance, a new initiative to change probation and parole laws. (PageSix)
Birdman Surprises Toni Braxton Onstage After Calling Off Engagement. Is Birdman helping Toni Braxton un-break her heart? Fans were asking that very question on Wednesday night, when the rapper surprised his singer ex at a concert at the Fox Theater in Atlanta. As Toni sang "I Love Me Some Him," the 49-year-old walked onstage, before walking into Toni's open arms. They held each other in a tight embrace for a short time and then walked offstage with Toni holding Birdman's hand. An eyewitness tells E! News, "In person, it seemed that Toni Braxton and Birdman had definitely reconciled -- but it was hard to tell if his appearance at her show was actually a surprise, or if Toni knew he was there ahead of time. Toni didn't appear shocked to some members of the audience, because she looked right over in that direction before Birdman walked out." The pair announced their split earlier this year by sharing cryptic posts to their respective Instagrams. Birdman simply said, "It's over." Toni alluded to their breakup by sharing that she is "starting a new chapter" in her life. Plus, both stars deleted all the photos from their social media accounts, much to the chagrin of fans. The cause of their breakup is unclear and continues to baffle their legions of loyal fans. The power couple got engaged in February and were in the midst of planning their elaborate wedding, which was supposed to have a Great Gatsby theme. The only thing that appeared to be an obstacle in their walk down the aisle was their demanding schedules. On E!'s Daily Pop, the "Un-Break My Heart" singer previously revealed that she and Birdman were struggling to decide on a wedding date. "We have to get married before the year is out. He said, 'Before next year,'" she shared. "But unfortunately, in our business, it can be challenging sometimes." But with their recent reunion, perhaps there is hope that Toni won't be singing another sad love song in the future. (Eonline)
Jack & Jack Drop Debut Album 'A Good Friend Is Nice': Stream It Now. Jack & Jack photographed on Sept. 18 at the 2015 iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas. If you follow Jack & Jack on social media, you're not alone. The Omaha-born, Los Angeles-based pop duo has amassed an impressive fanbase, with upwards of 1.7 million followers on Twitter and 1.4 million more on Facebook. Those numbers should rise with the release overnight of their debut album, A Good Friend Is Nice. The new set features the single "No One Compares To You," as well as "Rise," their hit collaboration with artist and producer Jonas Blue. Jack and Jack, the BFF team of Jack Gilinsky and Jack Johnson, performed at the MTV EMAs last year and they'll return to European stages next month for the start of a months-long tour. U.S. dates follow from April. No One Compares To You is Jack & Jack's first full length album, after a string of well received singles and the EPs Calibraska (2015) and Gone (2017). (Billboard)
Snoop Dogg & Indie Pop Star Layke Team Up For 'Happier' Cover: Exclusive. Indie and hip-hop link up for a dream collaboration, as Layke and Snoop Dogg take on a cover of Marshmello and Bastille's smash hit, "Happier." Snoop raps the second verse, giving it a funky new twist, as Layke boldly belts the chorus. The production gives the tune a more upbeat and hopeful feel than the original, which perfectly lines up with the charitable nature of the collab. All proceeds of the tune will go to charities supporting children in need, including the Snoop Special Stars and Childhelp. "Snoop was amazing and immediately into the idea because he himself gives so much back to the community and it just kind of evolved into something bigger and it's become something really really exciting and I think we can do some real good with it!" Layke said of working with the rapper. "I felt like 'Happier' was the perfect song because it's all over the world right now, everybody loves it, and I think there's a lot of different things you can take away from that song and its meaning. The message of the song does have a somber tone, but we are bringing a different perspective to it and trying to make some happiness in the lives of kids." Listen to "Happier", exclusively on Billboard. (Billboard)
Bobby Beausoleil -- one of Charles Manson's followers who's been in prison for murder for almost 49 years -- is on the verge of getting out, and he might have a Lady Gaga documentary to thank for helping his case. If you don't know, Beausoleil's not considered part of the Manson "family," but he was an associate and was convicted of first-degree murder in 1970. Despite an initial life sentence, he was recommended for parole by a California parole panel earlier this month ... after being rejected 18 times before. According to transcripts from his parole hearing, Beausoleil was asked several questions about his music and art in relation to his connection to Manson, and he made it clear ... his art stands alone. To prove his point ... Beausoleil pointed out the soundtrack he provided for the 1972 short film "Lucifer Rising" was sampled in the 2017 documentary about Lady Gaga, "Gaga: Five Foot Two." Beausoleil told the parole board ... "The Lady Gaga documentary used a portion of it ... and it has been used in other films." He added ... "It is respected on its own merits as art ... I think it is important to try to see it as something that is not representative of something that is related to Manson." We looked into it, and his story checks out ... 2 tracks from "Lucifer Rising" were used in the Gaga doc, and Bobby is credited as the writer. It's unclear if Lady Gaga had any input about the musical selections for the doc -- which was directed by Chris Moukarbel -- but we reached out to her rep ... no word back so far. Either way, Beausoleil's overall pitch to the panel worked on the 19th try, because they found him suitable for parole. Next up ... the Board of Parole Hearings will review the case and if it approves, the case will go to recently elected Gov. Gavin Newsom, who can decide to approve or block his release. (TMZ)
Kacey Musgraves' Psychedelic Set at NYC's Beacon Theatre Proves She's Shifting the Country Mold. A Texas singer-songwriter whose honky tonk-ready melodies muse on everything from challenging societal expectations to taking psychedelic drugs, Kacey Musgraves has earned an industry-wide reputation for breaking the country music rule book -- notably, with her knockout 2018 album Golden Hour. Perhaps no setting could reflect just how deeply that spirit is resonating than the first of two sold-out shows on her Oh, What a World! Tour at New York's Beacon Theatre on Friday night (Jan. 25). Floating onstage in a sparkling rainbow jumpsuit and gold platform heels, her hair in a cascading high ponytail, Musgraves remarked on the diversity of her audience before anything else: "It's amazing to look out and see a million types of people in this room," she began. "You all deserve to be here." True enough, out in the crowd, everyone from elementary school-aged kids in glittery pink cowboy hats to Freaks and Geeks actress Busy Philipps cheered her arrival. After the first few songs ("Slow Burn," "Wonder Woman," "Butterflies"), it would be a forgivable offense for anyone in the audience to take a seat -- after all, the emotional ballads and acoustic strums found on Golden Hour are often more fitting for a slow dance than a rowdy concert. But throughout the roughly two-hour performance, where Musgraves was backed by an enormous red fan like that on her Golden Hour album cover, nearly everyone in the audience would stay on their feet. That included new hits like "Space Cowboy," early ones off 2013's Merry Go Round, a surprise cover of "I Will Survive" alongside her tourmate Natalie Prass, and plenty of Musgraves' usual cheeky charm in between. "This is a fancy-ass place!" she shouted, gesturing to the Beacon's red velvet curtains and ornate ceiling. She stopped in the middle of Pageant Material track "High Time" to remark that at a previous show, someone handed her a lit joint. (Not the case tonight, but it's worth noting that the smell of marijuana reeked throughout the theater here, too.) Near the end of her performance, before launching into her motivational 2013 hit "Follow Your Arrow" -- which sparked controversy in the country domain at the time for its gay-positive chorus -- Musgraves touched briefly on politics. "Every day, it feels like there's something more unbelievable that's happening -- what the hell is happening right now?" she said. "It's cool to see the juxtaposition against that, that is positive and strong people who are going to bust through this. Hold onto the love, and the good parts, and this weird era will be over. This next song was inspired by all that." Outside Friday's performance, her boundlessly positive, free-spirited message is reaching even further. Come February, Musgraves is up for four Grammys: album of the year and best country album (for Golden Hour), best country solo performance ("Butterflies") and best country song ("Space Cowboy"). Leaving the packed theatre would have anyone convinced: Musgraves isn't just breaking country's rules but re-writing them. (Billboard)
Macy Gray to perform at Sundance. Macy Gray gave Sundance Film Festival attendees a treat on Saturday when she puts on an intimate performance of songs off her latest album, "Ruby." The "I Try" songstress, 51, will hit the mic at the Wanderluxxe Filmmaker Lounge, presented by APEX Social Club of Palms Las Vegas and Company 3. The Lounge is also hosting Essential Costa Rica, which created a lounge for a tropical pop up in the snow featuring yoga classes. Gray was honored on Friday night at the 2019 She Rocks Awards, alongside Lisa Loeb, Erika Ender and more. (PageSix)
Whoops! Instagram Didn't Recognize Will.i.am Is in the Black Eyed Peas. Where is the love, Instagram? will.i.am took to social media on Saturday to share an email he had allegedly received from the photo-sharing app. According to the Black Eyed Peas member, he had shared a video for the group's song "Vibrations Pt. 1 Pt. 2;" however, Instagram allegedly removed his post and claimed he didn't have the rights to share it. "@Instagram just sent me an email saying I don't own my music and I'm not in the @BEP," the recording artist wrote on Twitter. "If Ii were them[,] I'd be embarrassed... I guess even the biggest companies in tech got tech problems." He then joked he was sharing the link via Twitter instead because its founders "know what's up." Still, will.i.am seemed to laugh off the whole thing, writing "WTF?" "ha ha ha" and "this is funny and f--- up" alongside snapshots of the alleged notification. He also included a series of laughing emojis. Of course, will.i.am is one of the founding members of the Black Eyed Peas and has won seven Grammys along with his fellow group members. (Eonline)
Dolly Parton's costumes to be featured in Grammy Museum exhibit. As one of her famous sayings goes, it costs a lot to look this cheap. Dolly Parton, 73, has always been as famous for her dazzling fashions as she has for her songwriting and performing talents. In a showcase of the eight-time Grammy winner's personal style through the years, next month the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles will present "Diamond in a Rhinestone World: The Costumes of Dolly Parton," featuring outfits and other pieces from her extensive personal collection. Opening to the public on February 5th, the exhibit runs through March 1st. Parton will be on hand at the Grammy Museum's Clive Davis Theater on February 4th for a Town Hall program, during which she'll share stories behind a few of her favorite pieces in the collection. Her appearance comes just ahead of the February 8th gala during which she will be honored at 2019 MusiCares Person of the Year. "Diamond in a Rhinestone World," which takes its name from a lyric in Parton's 1984 Number One hit, "Tennessee Homesick Blues," will feature costumes the singer and actress has worn on album covers, in music videos, during live performances and more, including the 2014 video for "Home," and the distinctive pink dress from the cover of her 2008 LP, "Backwoods Barbie." As MusiCares Person of the Year, the philanthropic Parton joins other honorees including Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin and more. She is, however, the first country artist to receive the honor. (PageSix)
Noah Centineo Will Melt Your Heart Again, This Time With His Directorial Debut. So your favorite Netflix boyfriend is a director now, at the ripe age of 22. Noah Centineo helmed the music video for Russian producer and DJ ARTY's "Save Me Tonight," marking his directorial debut. The actor, who rose to fame with the Netflix movie To All the Boys I've Loved Before, also stars in the project, alongside actress Lily Collins. The actress plays a high school loner who gets bullied. Centineo, who is apparently just adamant about melting our hearts over and over again, comforts her and brings her into his group of friends. They then pull off a colorful prank. "I convinced @artymusic to let me direct the music video for 'Save Me Tonight' and somehow @lilycollins agreed to star in it with a bunch of our friends. (I might be in it too)," Centineo tweeted on Friday. "So stoked to share with y'all, let me know what you think!" Centineo can be see next in Elizabeth Banks' Charlie's Angels reboot and, of course, the sequel to To All the Boys I've Loved Before. (Eonline)
Meek Mill to perform during Super Bowl weekend. At last year's Super Bowl, "Free Meek Mill" shirts were a fixture as the Eagles and various celebs supported the Philly rapper, who was in prison over a probation violation. This year, Page Six has learned, Meek will be performing the day before the big game in Atlanta at mogul Michael Rubin's starry Fanatics party at the College Football Hall of Fame. This week, Meek teamed with Jay-Z, Rubin and others to launch Reform Alliance, a new initiative to change probation and parole laws. (PageSix)
Birdman Surprises Toni Braxton Onstage After Calling Off Engagement. Is Birdman helping Toni Braxton un-break her heart? Fans were asking that very question on Wednesday night, when the rapper surprised his singer ex at a concert at the Fox Theater in Atlanta. As Toni sang "I Love Me Some Him," the 49-year-old walked onstage, before walking into Toni's open arms. They held each other in a tight embrace for a short time and then walked offstage with Toni holding Birdman's hand. An eyewitness tells E! News, "In person, it seemed that Toni Braxton and Birdman had definitely reconciled -- but it was hard to tell if his appearance at her show was actually a surprise, or if Toni knew he was there ahead of time. Toni didn't appear shocked to some members of the audience, because she looked right over in that direction before Birdman walked out." The pair announced their split earlier this year by sharing cryptic posts to their respective Instagrams. Birdman simply said, "It's over." Toni alluded to their breakup by sharing that she is "starting a new chapter" in her life. Plus, both stars deleted all the photos from their social media accounts, much to the chagrin of fans. The cause of their breakup is unclear and continues to baffle their legions of loyal fans. The power couple got engaged in February and were in the midst of planning their elaborate wedding, which was supposed to have a Great Gatsby theme. The only thing that appeared to be an obstacle in their walk down the aisle was their demanding schedules. On E!'s Daily Pop, the "Un-Break My Heart" singer previously revealed that she and Birdman were struggling to decide on a wedding date. "We have to get married before the year is out. He said, 'Before next year,'" she shared. "But unfortunately, in our business, it can be challenging sometimes." But with their recent reunion, perhaps there is hope that Toni won't be singing another sad love song in the future. (Eonline)
Jack & Jack Drop Debut Album 'A Good Friend Is Nice': Stream It Now. Jack & Jack photographed on Sept. 18 at the 2015 iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas. If you follow Jack & Jack on social media, you're not alone. The Omaha-born, Los Angeles-based pop duo has amassed an impressive fanbase, with upwards of 1.7 million followers on Twitter and 1.4 million more on Facebook. Those numbers should rise with the release overnight of their debut album, A Good Friend Is Nice. The new set features the single "No One Compares To You," as well as "Rise," their hit collaboration with artist and producer Jonas Blue. Jack and Jack, the BFF team of Jack Gilinsky and Jack Johnson, performed at the MTV EMAs last year and they'll return to European stages next month for the start of a months-long tour. U.S. dates follow from April. No One Compares To You is Jack & Jack's first full length album, after a string of well received singles and the EPs Calibraska (2015) and Gone (2017). (Billboard)
Snoop Dogg & Indie Pop Star Layke Team Up For 'Happier' Cover: Exclusive. Indie and hip-hop link up for a dream collaboration, as Layke and Snoop Dogg take on a cover of Marshmello and Bastille's smash hit, "Happier." Snoop raps the second verse, giving it a funky new twist, as Layke boldly belts the chorus. The production gives the tune a more upbeat and hopeful feel than the original, which perfectly lines up with the charitable nature of the collab. All proceeds of the tune will go to charities supporting children in need, including the Snoop Special Stars and Childhelp. "Snoop was amazing and immediately into the idea because he himself gives so much back to the community and it just kind of evolved into something bigger and it's become something really really exciting and I think we can do some real good with it!" Layke said of working with the rapper. "I felt like 'Happier' was the perfect song because it's all over the world right now, everybody loves it, and I think there's a lot of different things you can take away from that song and its meaning. The message of the song does have a somber tone, but we are bringing a different perspective to it and trying to make some happiness in the lives of kids." Listen to "Happier", exclusively on Billboard. (Billboard)
Bobby Beausoleil -- one of Charles Manson's followers who's been in prison for murder for almost 49 years -- is on the verge of getting out, and he might have a Lady Gaga documentary to thank for helping his case. If you don't know, Beausoleil's not considered part of the Manson "family," but he was an associate and was convicted of first-degree murder in 1970. Despite an initial life sentence, he was recommended for parole by a California parole panel earlier this month ... after being rejected 18 times before. According to transcripts from his parole hearing, Beausoleil was asked several questions about his music and art in relation to his connection to Manson, and he made it clear ... his art stands alone. To prove his point ... Beausoleil pointed out the soundtrack he provided for the 1972 short film "Lucifer Rising" was sampled in the 2017 documentary about Lady Gaga, "Gaga: Five Foot Two." Beausoleil told the parole board ... "The Lady Gaga documentary used a portion of it ... and it has been used in other films." He added ... "It is respected on its own merits as art ... I think it is important to try to see it as something that is not representative of something that is related to Manson." We looked into it, and his story checks out ... 2 tracks from "Lucifer Rising" were used in the Gaga doc, and Bobby is credited as the writer. It's unclear if Lady Gaga had any input about the musical selections for the doc -- which was directed by Chris Moukarbel -- but we reached out to her rep ... no word back so far. Either way, Beausoleil's overall pitch to the panel worked on the 19th try, because they found him suitable for parole. Next up ... the Board of Parole Hearings will review the case and if it approves, the case will go to recently elected Gov. Gavin Newsom, who can decide to approve or block his release. (TMZ)
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