New Adele Album Debuts at Number One
22-year-old British singer Adele sold 350,000 copies of her sophomore album “21” its first week of release to give it a Number One debut on this week’s Billboard 200. According to Billboard, her previous album, “19,” spends its 71st week on the chart. The set’s highest position was Number 10. This week, “19” rockets from Number 50 to Number 16.
Nelly Furtado to Donate Gadhafi Money
Canadian pop singer Nelly Furtado announced on Twitter that she’s giving away the money she made from a 2007 performance for Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi’s family. She wrote “In 2007, I was paid 1 million$ by the Gadhafi clan to play a 45 min. show for guests at a hotel in Italy. I am going to donate this $.” According to People magazine, Usher, Beyonce and Mariah Carey are also being pressured to donate performance fees paid by members of Gadhafi’s family.
Timberlake Working on New Album
Actor and singer Justin Timberlake says he plans to begin recording his first album since 2006. At the recent Academy Awards, he told E! Online, “I think I may spend some time in the studio this summer. I’m unemployed right now. I haven’t been hired for anything so I may hire myself to write some music… It’s right around the corner.” Justin will appear in the upcoming movies “Friends with Benefits,” “Bad Teacher” and “Now.” All three are scheduled to hit theaters this year.
McEntire Among New CMA Hall of Fame Inductees
The Country Music Association (CMA) has announced this year’s Country Music Hall of Fame inductees. Reba McEntire will enter in the Modern Era Artist category, Jean Shepard in the Veterans Era Artist category and Bobby Braddock in the new Songwriter category. CMA Chief Executive Officer Steve Moore says, “We are inducting royalty this year. Jean and Reba are two of Country music’s most revered queens, and Bobby Braddock is a king of songwriting. All three of them refused to follow the crowd; instead, creating their own unique paths. I cannot imagine what Country music would be like today without these three talented individuals and all of their accomplishments. They each continue to inspire me with their latest performances, albums, compositions and productions.”
Canadian Singer, 10, Signs Record Deal with Simon Cowell
Music mogul and former “American Idol” judge Simon Cowell has signed a 10-year-old Canadian singer to his record label. He discovered Toronto native Heather Russell on YouTube. Russell is working in the recording studio with Rob Fusari, who helped launch Lady Gaga’s career.
Rascal Flatts TV Special to Feature Bieber Duet
On March 12, ABC-TV will air the concert special “Rascal Flatts: Nothing Like This Presented by JCPenney.” Joining the popular Country trio are Natasha Bedingfield and Justin Bieber. For the first time, fans will see the Rascal Flatts-Justin Bieber video “That Should Be Me,” as well as behind the scenes footage from the making of the video. Their duet is from Justin’s new EP, “Never Say Never: The Remixes.”
New Album Releases March 8:
“Goodbye Lullaby” by Avril Lavigne
“Collapse Into Now” by R.E.M.
“Stronger” by Sara Evans
“Lasers” by Lupe Fiasco
“Glee: The Music, Volume 5” by the cast of “Glee
” “Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang” by Raekwon
“Small Source of Comfort” by Bruce Cockburn
“The Love of God” by Kenny Rogers (exclusive Cracker Barrel release)
“Choices” by Charley Pride
Look Who's Going On Tour!
On March 10, Country newcomers Lee Brice and Jerrod Niemann will kick off their “Higher Education Tour” in Columbia, Missouri. The co-headlining tour will stop in 12 college markets throughout the U.S. Dates wrap up on April 28 in Live Oak, Florida. Lee’s 2011 itinerary also includes a slot on Willie Nelson’s “Country Throwdown Tour.” Jerrod will open select concerts on Brad Paisley’s “H2O II” tour beginning June 4.
