Music News

Katharine McPhee Has the Best Response After Being Told She "Butchered" David Foster's Song. Don't come for Katharine McPhee Foster. The 35-year-old singer and actress doesn't have time for trolls on the internet. On Friday night, someone on Twitter called out the Scorpion alum for her performance of "To Love You More," which was written and produced by her husband, David Foster. "Dear @katharinemcphee don't EVER sing 'to love you more'," the Twitter user expressed to the American Idol alum. "The fact that @officialdfoster would let you butcher that song a classic at that, WOW!" However, McPhee wasn't here for all that negativity and gave the best response to the online hater. "I'd like to see you try this, bitch," she wrote, alongside a video clip of her hitting all the right notes to the classic tune. Mic drop! Of course, there haven't been any complaints from the man who wrote the song himself. In fact, David isn't the only one who loves Katharine's vocals. Just two months ago, the 70-year-old star's daughter wanted her stepmom to perform at her wedding. Erin Foster told E! News that she most definitely wanted McPhee to be part of her big day in a special way. "Yes, 100%," the bride-to-be said when asked if any family members, including her stepmom would be performing at her wedding. They're free, are you kidding? Right? It's free built in entertainment." "So, Kat wrote me the other day, she was like, 'Is there anything that I can be doing to help you prepare?'" Erin explained. "And I said, 'Yes. Vocal exercises. Prepare your voice because you will be performing.' She's like, 'OK'...there's a song from Waitress that we really want her to perform that we really love. I don't know what else. Yeah, just anything. She truly has such a beautiful voice. Simon and I are real fans of her so I'm very excited." On New Year's Day, Foster married Simon Tikhman in a romantic ceremony with family and close friends. Katharine performed the Sara Bareilles song, "She Used to Be Mine." All in all, it's safe to say that the 35-year-old singer knows what she's doing in the music department. (Eonline)

There's a special piece of Beatles memorabilia up for sale ... handwritten lyrics to a classic song from the 'White Album' scribbled by George Harrison and Ringo Starr!!! The lyrics to George's signature song "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" are penned on the back of a studio recording sheet, and it's going up for sale through the memorabilia company Moments in Time -- and they're hawking this slice of Beatles history for $195,000. It's pretty cool ... the lyric sheet is a working draft used during the hit song's recording way back in 1968 at EMI Studios in London. George started the top of the sheet by writing, "I Look at You all see the love there thats sleeping -- While my guitar gently weeps" and continued at the bottom with, "While my Guitar Gently weeps as I'm sitting here doing nothing but aging still my guitar G W." All the writing in between is scribbled by Ringo ... including an effort to work out a misspelling on the side of the sheet. The song is one of George's most popular and well-liked tunes, and it's on the famous 'White Album' -- widely regarded as one of the greatest rock albums ever. Beatles' lyrics are hardly ever found in private collections, so this is a rare chance to own a piece of history ... if you've got six figures lying around. (TMZ)

Ariana Grande Is Performing at the 2020 Grammys Despite Last Year's Drama. Clean slate! Ariana Grande is leaving her drama with The Recording Academy in the past. How so? On Saturday, it was announced that the 26-year-old pop star will take to the stage at the 2020 Grammys. That's right, the "bloodline" songstress will perform at the awards ceremony later this month, which comes as a major surprise. "see you jan 26," she simply wrote on social media, alongside an image of herself with a message that read: "Grammy Performer." Additionally, The Recording Academy made the announcement on their Instagram page. "OFFICIAL: #ArianaGrande will perform at the #GRAMMYs Jan. 26," the caption read, alongside the same image Ariana uploaded. Just last year, the 26-year-old star took to social media to air out her frustrations with the 2019 Grammy Awards. At the time, Variety reported the "God Is a Woman" singer pulled out of attending and performing "due to a disagreement with Grammy producers over which songs she would perform." The outlet's source allegedly shared that Ari "felt insulted after producers initially refused to allow her to perform "7 Rings," which wouldn't have complied with the Grammys' rules. Typically, artists perform music for which they are nominated for, not recent singles. Moreover, Ken Ehrlich, The Recording Academy Executive Producer, told E! News at the time, "I don't think [Ariana will perform], there's not enough time to make it work." However, the "Thank U, Next" songstress took to Twitter to share her own statement over the whole ordeal. "I've kept my mouth shut but now you're lying about me. i can pull together a performance over night and you know that, Ken," she said. "It was when my creativity & self-expression was stifled by you, that i decided not to attend. i hope the show is exactly what you want it to be and more." "i offered 3 different songs. it's about collaboration. it's about feeling supported. it's about art and honesty. not politics. not doing favors or playing games. it's just a game y'all..," she continued. "And i'm sorry but that's not what music is to me." Closing her statement, she explained, "Hope that helps everyone understands my decision i am still grateful for the acknowledgement this year." It looks like bygones are bygones between the two. Come Jan. 26, fans of the superstar will get to see her hit the 2020 Grammys stage. Plus, she just might take home an award or two since she's nominated for five awards! (Eonline)

TobyMac Honors Late Son With Heartbreaking Tribute Song. TobyMac is paying tribute to his late son with a heartfelt song. The Grammy-winning Christian rapper released the single and music video "21 Years" on Friday, two and a half months after Truett Foster McKeehan died at age 21 in Nashville. Truett, an aspiring rapper who went by TruDog and Tru, is the eldest of TobyMac and wife Amanda's five children. "'21 years' is a song I wrote about the recent passing of my firstborn son, Truett Foster McKeehan," TobyMac, 55, wrote on Instagram. "I loved him with all my heart. Until something in life hits you this hard, you never know how you will handle it. I am thankful that I have been surrounded by love, starting with God's and extending to community near and far that have walked with us and carried us everyday." "Writing this song felt like an honest confession of the questions, pain, anger, doubt, mercy and promise that describes the journey I'm probably only beginning," he continued. "One thing I know is that I am not alone. God didn't promise us a life of no pain or even tragic death, but He did promise He would never leave us or forsake us. And I'm holding dearly to that promise for my son as well as myself." In the music video, TobyMac raps in the rain while appearing next to a giant, bare tree. Lyrics include, "Why would you give and then take him away? / Suddenly end, could You not let it fade? / What I would give for a couple of days / A couple of day" and "Are you singin' with the angels? / Are you happy where you are? / Well, until this show is over / And you run into my arms / God has you in Heaven / But I have you in my heart." TobyMac also recently wrote on Instagram, "The last couple of months have been the hardest I've ever faced. Thank you for the love and support. Part of my process has always been to write about the things I'm going through, but this went to a whole new level. What started out as getting some of my thoughts and feelings about losing my firstborn son down on paper, ended up a song." "'21 Years' is a song I never wanted to write," he said. "I hope it's for someone out there, or maybe it's just for me." (Eonline)

Justin Bieber to Perform at the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Justin Bieber's musical comeback continues at the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Fresh off the release of his first single in four years, the "Yummy" performer is set to take the stage at the annual show, which airs live from Los Angeles on Sunday, March 29. Bieber is nominated in five categories at the iHeartRadio Music Awards, including Best Collaboration and Best Music Video for his and Ed Sheeran's smash hit "I Don't Care." It's certainly shaping up to be an unforgettable 2020 for the 25-year-old, whose fifth album is due sometime this year. He also announced a stadium tour stretching from May through September, and a YouTube docu-series premiering later this month. The documentary will explore Bieber's struggles away from the spotlight, including his ongoing battle against Lyme disease. Justin announced the diagnosis earlier this week with a message directed to those accusing him of "being on meth" and looking "like s--t." Bieber is the first announced performer for the iHeartRadio Music Awards, but given the event's usual star power, music lovers can expect plenty of their favorite artists to attend. Billlie Eilish is the most-nominated artist with seven, followed by Lizzo and Lil Nas X with six. Other notable nominees include Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Jonas Brothers, Shawn Mendes and Cardi B. Fans can cast their vote in a number of categories here. The 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards airs on Fox. (Eonline)

Jennifer Lopez has friends in high places ... and her star power was on display while shooting a Super Bowl commercial. J Lo put in some serious work Thursday at the Hard Rock Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale, where she was on set with her fiance Alex Rodriguez, mega-producer DJ Khaled, rockstar Steven Van Zandt and NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. TMZ's obtained behind-the-scenes pics and vids showing Jennifer rocking a tight white outfit from head-to-toe, and flanked by a huge filming crew. A-Rod's wardrobe included a blue sport coat, while DJ Khaled was, of course, wearing an eye-catching, bright yellow tracksuit -- and cracking up everyone on set. Kareem appears to be reprising his classic "Airplane" role, cause he was spotted dressed as a pilot. Roger Murdock, anyone? As for what they're shooting? It's still a mystery ... we know J Lo was running away from a car in one scene, and they've been shooting for at least 2 days. Jennifer's got a super-full plate. We know she's also been busy rehearsing for her co-headlining gig with Shakira in the Super Bowl Halftime Show in Miami -- but as they say, there's always room for more J Lo. Never mind who originally said that. (TMZ)

Rich the Kid and NBA Youngboy are officially cementing their music collaboration ... with a couple of matching chains that cost the same as a modest home. The rappers decided that ahead of their highly-anticipated project together they'd celebrate joining forces by flossing new bling. The flashy pieces are a mix of the rappers' logos -- YB's "Never Broke Again" tagline is replaced with Kid's music label, "Rich Forever." There's also Rich's trademark money bag being gripped tight by two gloves ... which is seamlessly centered on the pendant. The bling features emerald cuts, 25 carats VVS diamonds. The price ain't for the faint of heart -- a cool $180k. This isn't the first time the duo's worked together. Rich dropped "For Keeps" last year featuring NBA YoungBoy. That track blew up, big time. In fact, the music video alone racked up more than 24.4 million views on YouTube. With those kinds of numbers ... it's easy to see why they got back in a studio together. We're told they'll be releasing multiple tracks -- perhaps a full album, but at least an EP. (TMZ)

Halsey Channels Shania Twain, Lady Gaga and More Stars in "You Should Be Sad" Video. Halsey dropped her new single "You Should Be Sad" and its corresponding music video on Friday. In the video, the 25-year-old singer channeled a few superstars -- including Christina Aguilera, Lady Gaga, Carrie Underwood and Shania Twain. "Xtina, Gaga, Carrie, and of course Shania, this was one loaded with nods to badass idols of mine," she tweeted. "Had the vision to do a 'before he cheats' but instead about after he does haha." So, what were some of these nods? For starters, eagled-eyed fans noticed Halsey wore the same leopard print ensemble the 54-year-old country star wore in the video for her '90s hit "That Don't Impress Me Much." "Was so hard not to post 100000 pics of this," Halsey tweeted alongside some side-by-side photos of her rocking the same outfit as Twain. "I peaked in life here." It looks like Twain was a fan of the nod, too. "Oh yes! Love it!! Flattered to be one of your badass idols @halsey," she tweeted. In addition, social media sleuths noticed she wore the same eye makeup Underwood sported in the music video for her 2018 hit "Cry Pretty" and gave nods to Aguilera's early 2000s track "Dirrty." But that's not all. Halsey even donned a long, blonde 'do la Mother Monster. "It's me referencing Gaga who was referencing Bianca Jagger in AHS Hotel," she tweeted. When asked what inspired the country song, Halsey explained that the "most petty and heartbreaking songs all come from country." "I wrote 'YSBS' on my living room floor on my guitar," she tweeted. "Lots of time in Nashville too." After some fans wondered if this meant her entire upcoming album was going to be a country one, Halsey clarified that "every song has its own identity." "I've always said 'the album changes its mind as often as I do,'" she tweeted. She also reminded her followers that "you don't write the song the day before it's released." "The topics are relevant to the time the song was written," she continued. "It's visceral when it happens. The writing part helps it go away." The song is the third track on her studio album Manic, which drops Friday, Jan. 17. (Eonline)

Teyana Taylor Fronts Jordan Brand's First-Ever Women's Capsule Collection. Jordan Brand has established itself as one of the most esteemed sneaker and athleticwear lines ever since its inception in 1984. But now, the brand is breaking its own mold and finally adjusting to this generation's inclusivity awareness with the announcement of a debut women's capsule collection. Revealed on Friday (Jan. 10), the Spring 2020 Jordan Women's Flight Utility Apparel capsule look book is anchored by R&B singer Teyana Taylor. Designed with a "function-first" aesthetic in mind, the clothing has a streetwear edge that can easily transition from the gym to the bar thanks to metallic sports bras, neon hoodies and olive flight suits. "Our passionate female audience is asking us for more, and this capsule collection celebrates a higher standard, a competitive spirit and fearless mindset for anyone who has the confidence to fly higher and break boundaries," Andrea Perez, gm of Jordan Women's, explains in a press release. "Jordan Women's grew triple digits last fiscal year and there is strong excitement from our consumers and key accounts for us to keep reaching new audiences through our Women's footwear and apparel." Michelle Walter, design director for Jordan Women's Apparel, continues: "The capsule collection is a beautiful blend of streetwear utility with fashion influence and is underpinned by the authenticity of the brand's heritage. For example, traditional elements from MJ's original flight suit are brought to life within the Bomber Jacket's silhouette and featured Wings lines." The new Jordan Women's Flight Utility Apparel capsule collection will be available Feb. 1 at North American retail stores and online at Jordan.com, SNKRS and select international retail stores on Feb. 14. (Billboard)

Hannah Brown Now Has a Song About Her Thanks to Country Singer Jake Owen. Hannah Brown has been The Bachelorette, won Dancing With the Stars... and now inspired a country song? Jake Owen debuted his song "Alabama Hannah" via a Twitter Live video on Thursday. "Monday night, my girlfriend had the damn TV on and all you heard about on the new Bachelor was 'Alabama Hannah.' It was just 'Alabama Hannah. Alabama Hannah.' Everywhere! She just won't go away," Owen said. The 38-year-old musician then revealed he's actually met the season 15 star. As Bachelor Nation will recall, the crooner performed his hit "Made For You" during her one-on-one date with runner-up Tyler Cameron. "She's a cool girl," Owen continued. "This is not even a dig at the actual Alabama Hannah." But as he watched Monday night's season premiere of The Bachelor, he "started feeling something for this Peter [Weber] guy" and was inspired to write a country song. "If you've given somebody multiple opportunities to take you as a lover, and not only did they, like, kind of just be like, 'No, you're not my thing,' but then they [also] just go on with their life -- ask other people out, like things don't work. Like, you know, this has nothing to do with the actual Bachelorette," he explained. "This is just everyday life." He then played the tune. "Alabama Hannah, what do you want? If it's love that you need, well then honey, it's gone," he began. "You had your chances. So, won't you leave me alone. Alabama Hannah, won't you go on back home." He also sang about Weber's experience that first night. "'Cause I've been out here in California. I've been soaking up the sun. There's lots of pretty ladies. I can't pick just one," he continued. "I'm flying high, got peace of mind -- already raised the bar. Now you're showing up here tonight. Who do you think you are?" From "Roll Tide" references to windmill nods, the song covered it all. "You're a beauty queen and a dancing star, and I think you'll be just fine," he sang near the end. "Alabama Hannah, girl, won't you get out of my life? Girl, get on with your life." Needless to say, the song caught the attention of Bachelor Nation. "My man @jakeowen speaking his truth to Hannah B on behalf of Peter #TheBachelor," Chris Harrison tweeted. Even Brown reacted to the number. "Well, this is one way to get a song written about you," she tweeted. "This is some catchy shade @jakeowen." She also replied to Harrison's tweet writing, "Better just be his truth Christopher. I'm not just chop liver now -- you still have to love me and try to understand my mess." (Eonline)

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