The first single from Lionel Richie's upcoming album, Coming Home, will arrive at radio on July 17. Written by producers Stargate and Taj, the track is titled "I Call It Love." Richie's new album will be released on Island Records September 12.
23 celebrities will receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007. They include Shania Twain, Mariah Carey, Crystal Gayle, LeAnn Rimes, Tim McGraw, Diddy, Jamie Foxx and the Doors. Southern California artist Oliver Weismuller created the Walk of Fame in 1958. Since then, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has awarded more than 2,300 stars to celebrities in music, film, television, theater and radio.
On July 15, the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Centennial Olympics will take place at Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park. Country star Trisha Yearwood, who closed the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, will perform at the anniversary event. Also on July 15, the Atlanta History Center will open its Centennial Olympic Games Museum.
Rapper Lil' Kim (real name Kimberly Jones) was released from a federal detention center in Philadelphia on July 3. In March of last year, she was convicted of perjury when she allegedly covered for friends who were involved in a 2001 New York City shooting. Lil' Kim was sentenced to 13 months in prison, but was released after 10 months due to good behavior. She's currently serving 30 days house arrest and will be on probation for three years. Her publicist released a statement from Lil' Kim that said, "I am thrilled to be coming home. I thank all my fans for all their letters, as well as my family and friends for all their support throughout the past 19 months."
The American Idol tour got under way last Wednesday night July 5, but without 22-year-old runner-up Katharine McPhee. Doctors advised her to take the week off to recover from bronchitis and laryngitis.
Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has signed on to play a cameo role in the next Pirates of the Caribbean sequel. He'll play the father of Johnny Depp's character, Captain Jack Sparrow, in the third installment, titled At World's End. Filming is scheduled to continue in August. The film will open in 2007.
MUSICAL EVENTS/FESTIVALS/BENEFITS
The Craven Country Jamboree takes place July 13-16 in Craven, Saskatchewan, Canada. Country superstar Alan Jackson will headline the event. Also making appearances are Big & Rich, Joe Nichols, Randy Travis, Travis Tritt and Trick Pony.
The Country Thunder USA festival will begin on July 19 in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. The four-day festival's lineup includes Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Big & Rich, Brad Paisley, and many others.
Reggae Sumfest 2006 will take place July 16-22 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. This year's festival will feature performances by 50 Cent, Rihanna, Beenie Man, Damian Marley, and Bounty Killa, among many others.
TOUR DATES AND INFORMATION
After a two-month postponement, the Rolling Stones "Bigger Bang" tour will resume on July 11. The group's European dates begin in Milan, Italy. 21 stadium dates are planned throughout Europe until September 3, when shows wrap up in Horsens, Denmark. According to Billboard, the tour has already grossed at least $250 million.
On July 14, Latin pop star Marc Anthony will kick off a U.S. tour in Mountain View, California. The "Together in Concert 2006" trek will also feature Mexico native Antonio Solis and Grammy-winning Italian singer Laura Pausini. The three singers will perform in 20 cities through August 12.
Canadian pop singer Daniel Powter will begin a U.S. tour on July 17 in Philadelphia. He'll be promoting his 2005 self-titled debut album. Powter is best known for his long-running Number One hit "Bad Day," which was featured on this year's American Idol elimination rounds.
On July 21, the Dixie Chicks will kick off their "Accidents and Accusations" tour in Detroit, Michigan. Forty-six North American concerts are scheduled to take place through early November. The outing will support the trio's latest album "Taking the Long Way." It marks their first tour since 2003, when they brought in more than $62 million to become the top Country tour of that year.