Aretha Franklin biopic: ‘Aretha was adamant that it be Jennifer (Hudson)’ playing her – “My duty is to do something that really honors Aretha and treats her in the manner I have been accustomed to dealing with her. I have a good feel for what she likes and doesn’t like. My whole goal is to do something … her fans would be proud of and something that stands up to her legacy.” Mason notes certain similarities between Franklin and Hudson. “They both sing with a lot of emotion. They both sing with a lot of range and power. It’s really hard to compare anyone with Aretha, though. I think the good thing about Jennifer is that was Aretha’s pick to play her. … There was a lot of discussion about a lot of people, but Aretha was adamant that it be Jennifer.” – Read more at USAToday
Katharine McPhee plays her last “Waitress” Show
Katharine McPhee says goodbye to Broadway, for now, with a little dance party.
dancing in my dressing room to my own music before my last show on broadway because why not #PartyLikeIts2007 pic.twitter.com/yci3OTWxdI
— Kat McPhee (@katharinemcphee) August 19, 2018
How Aretha Franklin inspired reality singing competitions like ‘American Idol’ – If there was a prize for the song performed most frequently on a reality singing competition show, ”(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” would have an easy shot at the crown. “American Idol.” “The Voice.” “The X Factor.” “America’s Got Talent.” “The Four.” “Popstars.” “Rising Star.” “Nashville Star.” Those are just a few of the shows that featured the ballad performed by Aretha Franklin. It was one of the many unexpected ways Franklin, the iconic singer who died Thursday at 76, had an impact on modern music culture. The explosion of reality TV singing shows over the past two decades produced a number of celebrities, from the pop music world to Broadway, and quite a few of them named Franklin as an influence. They wanted to be like her, and they wanted to sing like her. Franklin songs from “Respect” to “Chain of Fools” to “Ain’t No Way” continue to be a reality show staple. – Read more at Worcester Telegram
Jessica Meuse Surpasses One Million Streams – LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA, August 17, 2018 /EINPresswire.com/ — The new country album “Halfhearted” by Jessica Meuse has only been out two weeks, but it hit Top 11 on iTunes Country Albums and has already amassed over one million song streams on Spotify, Apple Music, and other music services. “I don’t think there are words in any language that could express how excited I am about Halfhearted finally being released,” said Jessica. “It’s been a long and winding road, with ups and downs galore, but every trial and challenge has been worth it. – Read more at EINNews.com
Carrie Underwood talks new baby, touring and being clickbait – Just because Carrie Underwood wears pink, it doesn’t mean that she’s having a girl. Underwood has seen the speculation and she laughs it off. “I don’t know what it is,” she said. “You’ve got a 50 percent chance you’re correct. I have no idea.” Seated in the living area of a suite at a luxury Nashville hotel Monday, Underwood is, in fact, wearing pink. She looked glamorous with her long blond hair in soft curls that fell well past her shoulders and rested against her light pink dress. – Read more at Tennessean
