Kylie Minogue Not Quitting Pop Stardom
Even if you can’t picture Kylie Minogue off the top of your head, the chances are very good that you know all the lyrics to at least one of her songs. She’s the pop star responsible for bringing “Loco-Motion” to the music scene in 1987; a song that’s still a regular for wedding and dance concert playlists. More recently though, Minogue has made the news – first for dumping her manager of 25 years, and then through rumors that she’s quitting music.
Very little is being said about the split between Minogue and her manager, Terry Blamey, except that it was “amicable.” Blamey must have taken the split the wrong way because shortly after he released a statement, in which he seems to have gotten all his facts wrong.
“Kylie has decided to pull back slightly from the pressures of her career and devote more time to herself and her acting career. This is not to say she will be retiring from music, just taking a bit of a break,” said Blamey’s statement.
If it were true, it wouldn’t be such a reach. In her homeland of Australia, Minogue was a child actress before she became a household name with her role in the soap opera, “Neighbours.” But it turns out that Kylie has no ambition to return to acting, and she was quick to clear up the rumor.
“Not quitting,” was all the pop star posted on her Twitter account.
Her publicist, Fairfax, then later also shed light on the story. “Kylie was never quitting music and she tweeted that overnight,” they said.
Adele Wins “Best Original Song” Golden Globe
No one has seen much of Adele since she gave birth to her new baby boy just twelve weeks ago. So it was no surprise that when she stepped onto the red carpet at the Golden Globes on Sunday, cameras couldn’t keep their lenses off of her. Looking stunning in a black Burberry dress, Adele smiled and posed graciously for the cameras before going inside. There, she was even more gracious when she scooped up the prize for “Best Original Song.”
That song of course, was “Skyfall,” from the new James Bond movie, a song that was written by Adele and Paul Epworth. It also trumped Taylor Swift’s “Safe and Sound” from The Hunger Games; Bon Jovi’s “Not Running Anymore” from The Stand Up Guys; and Keith Urban’s “For You” from Act of Valor.
During her acceptance speech, Adele touched on everything from the movie, to being a new mom.
“Oh my god! Honestly, I’ve come out with my friend Ayda, we’re new mums. We’ve literally come out for a night out!” Adele shouted when she first got onstage. “I was not expecting this. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your world for a night. I’ve been p**sing myself laughing.”
Getting a little more serious to say some thanks she continued, “I’d like to thank the Hollywood Foreign Press — I never thought I’d say that! Sony Pictures, MGM, Sam Mendes, Paul Epworth, who I wrote the song with, Daniel Craig for being such a wonderful Bond. This is for my boyfriend who convinced me to do it and for my lovely son.”
But what convincing was needed? Adele had spilled about that on the red carpet before the ceremony began.
“I was very pregnant and very emotional, but it was amazing,” she said. “I got the script a long time ago and it took me quite a while for them to convince me. It’s a big responsibility.”
Next month, Adele will have the chance to be awarded for taking on that responsibility once again, as the song’s been nominated for a Grammy as well.
Dwight Howard Returns to Lakers’ Lineup
It hasn’t been easy for the Lakers this year. After one of the most exciting off-seasons, signing Steve Nash and trading for Dwight Howard, the two have struggled with injuries ever since joining the team. Nash was injured on the first night and forced to sit out until last month; while Howard’s looked hurt ever since he put on the Lakers’ jersey. On Sunday night though, he was back. Earlier than expected, and in fine form, too.
It was the performance everyone had been waiting for. It was the Dwight Howard that had not yet been seen in L.A. Before his return, the Lakers had been on a six-game losing streak, and had just about everyone asking what was going wrong. But when D-12 stepped onto the court this weekend, he was ready. And he made it happen.
Continuing a streak he had been on before his injury forced him to sit out, Howard finished the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers with 22 points and 14 rebounds on 9 of 11 shots. That gives him an average of 17 points, 16.6 rebounds, and 3 blocks over his past five games.
Seeing him come back into the lineup on Sunday night proved one thing to the Lakers – they need Dwight Howard, and they need him to play at the elite level he was displaying before he ever made his way to the West coast. Now that his injuries seem to be fully behind him, it seems that the Lakers may have finally gotten what they signed up for.
Lance Armstrong to Come Clean on Oprah
When most celebrities today have something to say, they post a video message on their own official website, or they take to Twitter. But some still like to keep things simple and go a more traditional route. They go to Oprah. That’s just what Lance Armstrong has done, as he sat down for a chat with the Queen of Talk yesterday. Just what was said no one yet knows; but it is strongly rumored that he’s admitted to the doping charges surrounding him for the past ten years.
It was yesterday in Austin, Texas that Armstrong first met with approximately 100 staff members of his Livestrong charity. He spoke with them for just under half an hour, simply telling them he was sorry for the controversy he’s put the charity through. He urged his staff to keep up the good work in fighting cancer and helping patients and their families battle the disease. When he was finished, there were few dry eyes in the house — even though he did everything but admit to the doping charges.
That was rumored to be reserved for Oprah Winfrey herself. After wrapping up his speech with the Livestrong staff, Armstrong then disappeared into a conference room where his interview with Winfrey would be held. Oprah is saying it’s a “no-holds barred” interview. Many have already assumed that Armstrong is going to be fessing up to the charges once and for all.
But it’s all speculation and hearsay at this point. With no one in that room except for Armstrong, Oprah, and the few crew members needed to film, no one yet knows exactly what was covered in the interview; or if Armstrong admitted to the doping charges, or just apologized for them, as he did with his own staff.
For those that are really interested in hearing what the former sports star has to say, you’ll have to tune in. The full interview will be aired on OWN at 9:00 p.m. this Thursday evening.
Lady Gaga to Play San Jose’s HP Pavilion January 17
Lady Gaga’s “Born this Way Ball” kicks off in just three days, and she’s making San Jose’s HP Pavilion one of her first stops! That concert, which will take place on January 17, will be one of the first to showcase just all that Gaga is bringing to this city and soon after, the rest of North America!
It’s more than just lights, smoke, and riding in on the occasional vehicle with this tour. Although it is Gaga after all, so there will most likely be lots of those, too. But what’s new, and even more important, is that Lady Gaga will be bringing her anti-bullying campaign with her on each and every stop.
Services and amenities will be offered through the Born Brave Bus, a bus that will serve largely as a counselling center for teens that need to talk through their issues in a safe and nonjudgmental way. The National Council for Behavioral Health will be along for the ride, to give teens real help they can actually use; and other fun things for Gaga’s Little Monsters to do will also be available. Those include games, pep talks, and of course, lots of music.
While it’s important, fans will undoubtedly still be eagerly anticipating the moment those doors open and they can step inside to Gaga’s world. Here they’re bound to hear some of Gaga’s biggest hits including “Poker Face,” “Born this Way,” and “Paparazzi,” although new music will also be heard. Most notably, “Princess Die,” a song about the devastating effects of the paparazzi, will be released.
The “Born This Way Ball” will only be around for a short time until March 20. There are also limited seats available for the show in San Jose, so be sure to get yours today!
American Repertory Theater’s “Pippin” Revival Opens March 23!
Is it a circus? Is it wartime? Is it a tragedy, or a comedy? It’s hard to tell when you go see the hit musical Pippin, no matter when or where you see it. But it’s always spectacular and now, it’s coming back to Broadway!
The story begins with a troupe onstage, surrounding the Leading Player, who begins to tell the story of Pippin. That story is one of a boy, a young prince in fact, that still has not found his true calling or contentment in life; and he sets out to find it. The troupe plays along, acting out Pippin’s story and even breaking the fourth wall as they speak to audience members, asking them to join in the telling of the story.
The show has appeared on Broadway before, but not since 1977 when it was directed by Bob Fosse and ran for nearly 2,000 performances. It recently opened at the American Repertory Theater last week, and has been wildly well-received by audiences there. On March 23, it will open for previews on Broadway with the official opening set for April 25. And there’s no reason to think that this show will be anything less than the typical extravaganza.
Stephen Schwartz, best known for his work in Wicked, will be completing the score for the musical; while Roger O. Hirson wrote the book. Barry and Fran Weissler will be working the same production magic they did with Chicago, and Howard and Janet Kagan will be presenting the show. This is one show that’s not to be missed, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as you can!
Alabama Crushes Notre Dame to Win Second Consecutive National Title
It wasn’t supposed to be just another matchup between the two top-ranked teams in the country. It was a game against a team that went undefeated all season, and the powerful Crimson Tide. It was more anticipated than perhaps any national title game in the last five years. It wasn’t supposed to be just another title game. But it ended the same way as three in the last four years have. With Alabama crushing their opponent with a final score of 42-14.
Even fans who had had the date marked on their calendar all year long were searching for the remote when in the second quarter, the Crimson Tide were already leading 35-0. Fans didn’t need to break out into the “SEC! SEC!” chant to let everyone know the game was over; but they did anyway. Notre Dame had an outstanding year, but they just can’t compete with the very powerful schools just yet; and being the clear underdog didn’t seem to help them any.
The Fighting Irish actually didn’t put in a bad showing, with quarterback Everett Golson finishing his first season as starter going 21 of 36 for 270 yards, and scoring a touchdown. The problem Notre Dame had was largely on the ground, with their running game being held to just 32 yards. But even with their lagging play, Notre Dame did not lose this game because they’re a bad team. Alabama’s just that good.
It was the Tide’s second consecutive national title, after defeating LSU in the big bowl game last year. It was their third in the last four years. Eddie Lacy took the game’s offensive MVP award after the game, and for good reason. He was the reason for two of the Tide’s touchdowns in the first half, and he managed to slither and slide his way out of any situation involving any member of the Irish. He finished with 140 yards on 20 carries, and his best performance of the year when his team needed it the most. His 181 rushing yards were also a career high for him.
But as much as people are talking today about how good Alabama is, they’re also talking about how good head coach Nick Saban is. It’s clear that after winning his last three out of four titles, and four of his eight years as a college coach, Saban is building himself a dynasty in Alabama. And it’s one that’s likely going to reign for some time.
War Horse on Broadway
The 2011 film “War Horse” was directed by Steven Spielberg and based on an adaptation of Micahel Morpurgo’s 1982 novel. The story of young Albert and his beloved horse, Joey, has now made its way to Broadway and has won 5 Tony Awards including Best Play, Best Lighting Design of a Play, Best Scenic Design of a Play and Best Sound Design of a Play.
The story begins in Ireland when Albert’s father buys the Thoroughbred colt, Joey. The horse learns to adapt to farm life and soon shows his dedication and heart to his family. However, when the horse is enlisted to fight for the English in World War I, Albert and Joey are separated and Albert pledges that they will be reunited and he joins the war effort himself. After they both end up in enemy crossfire, they are finally reunited in the end.
The Broadway version of “War Horse” captures the audience’s attention with excellent staging and stagecraft as well many stirring musical moments. The show was adapted by Nick Stafford and directed by Bijan Sheibani and in association with the Handspring Puppet Company.
A life size Joey is played by a cast of puppeteers that make the presence of horse on stage melt your heart. The company actually won a Special Tony Award for their work in the production. The three puppeteers work together operating the horse’s frame, heady and even sound effects.
Although the story is somewhat new to Americans, the play “War Horse” received its world premier in 2007 at the National’s Olivier Theatre. It then returned from 2008-2009 for a second run and was transferred in the Spring of 2009 to the West End’s New London Theatre. The play continues there as well as in various locations around the US.
If you’re looking for a heart-warming story with a few twists along the way, but one that ends happily, consider War Horse. Find your War Horse tickets online at TicketSupply.com.
Lady Gaga Teams Up with Virgin Mobile for a Good Cause
Lady Gaga begins her “Born This Way” Ball Tour in 2013 and Virgin Mobile USA announced that it would be extending its relationship with Lady Gaga throughout the 2013 tour. The partnership is designed to educate concertgoers on youth homelessness, specifically those in LGBT communities. At each event, one fan will have a $5,000 donation made to a local youth homeless shelter on the fan’s behalf. The fan will also receive a surprise from Lady Gaga herself.
Throughout the US tour stops, fans will be encourage to tweet pictures of themselves and Virgin Mobile USA will donate a $1 for every tweet to local youth homeless shelters. In addition, Virgin Mobile Canada will be encouraging fans to donate via their mobile devices to Re*Generation, a text-to-donate program.
In addition to the concert events and promotions, Virgin Mobile will also be working the social networks with Lady Gaga. Fans of Lady Gaga will be able to get involved at www.littlemonsters.com and can participate in the Re*Generation drive without attending the concerts. Virgin Mobile states that they have been using Lady Gaga as their model of inspiration as they look for new ways to use smartphones to connect with fans and promote a good cause.
The campaign with Virgin Mobile is also in conjunction with Lady Gaga’s own foundation, the Born This Way Foundation. The foundation is led by Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta. The foundation was created in 2011 and its mission is to create a safe community by connecting youth with the skills and resources to build a braver and kinder world. The organization is a non-profit focusing on building self-confidence in youth as well as anti-bullying and youth advocacy.
Born This Way Ball Tour stops are located throughout the US and Canada. Fans interested in this tour can find tickets online at TicketSupply.com.
Rolling Stones Play Final Show of Anniversary Tour
With a montage kicking the event off, twenty songs performed in over two-and-a-half hours, and tons of very special guests, the final show of the Rolling Stones anniversary tour on Saturday night felt more like a tribute to the band than it did your everyday concert. As well it should.
The Stones didn’t only have a huge hand in making rock and roll, they did it a long time ago. And not only are they one of, if not the only band that’s able to say that, they’re still as prevalent today as they were when they formed in 1962. This weekend’s final concert in Newark certainly proved that.
The concert opened with a number of famous Stones’ fans appearing on screen, paying tribute to everything the Stones have done — Iggy Pop, Johnny Depp, and Elton John were just a few to say a few nice words about the band. After some gorillas marched down the aisles, the Stones broke out into “Get Off My Cloud,” and the crowd went wild. They continued on in that fashion for about the next three hours.
The Stones brought it, in every way that you would expect them to. Mick Jagger didn’t stop the entire time he was performing, and they brought some of their best. Including new hits off their album, Grrr (hence the masked gorillas earlier,) the Stones also brought the classics that everyone was dying to hear — “The Last Time,” “It’s Only Rock and Roll,” and “Paint it Black,” were among the favorites.
Special guests included John Mayer and Gary Clarke Jr., who helped with the guitar portions of “Going Down”; an incredible performance put in by Lady Gaga when singing alongside Jagger in “Gimme Shelter”; and The Black Keyes who sang a cover of Bo Diddly’s “Who Do You Love,” also a highlight of the night. But the biggest guest star was reserved for last, when Bruce Springsteen joined the Stones onstage to perform “Tumbling Dice.” Watching the members of the band, you could tell this was the moment they had been waiting for.
Only the Stones could secure a Pay-Per-View spot for one of their performances, and get the E! red carpet rolled out for them before the event. After the band took the stage for the final song, there was only one thing for fans, both those at the Prudential Center and those at home watching, had to be disappointed about. This was the last show in a very short, five-date tour.
