Kelly Clarkson pays R-E-S-P-E-C-T to Aretha Franklin – Being one of the performers on the special “Aretha! A Grammy Celebration for the Queen of Soul,” what are your own memories of Aretha Franklin? A: Literally the greatest compliment I probably will ever receive was from her mouth. I’ve always been a fan of hers, since I was a kid – but a lot of times, people you like and love get threatened as artists, and they’re incapable of complimenting someone else. – Read more at OnTvToday The special airs tonight (March 10) on CBS at 9 pm ET/PT. Jennifer Hudson is also set to appear.
Aretha Franklin Biopic ‘Respect’ Gets Release Date From MGM – MGM has dated its Aretha Franklin biopic Respect for August 14, 2020. The pic, directed by Liesl Tommy and scripted by Oscar winner Callie Khouri, follows the 17-time Grammy winner from her childhood days singing in her father’s church’s choir to mega stardom and the performer of such hit songs as “Respect” and “Chain of Fools.” Dreamgirls Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson will play Franklin. – Read more at Deadline
ACM Announces Additional Performers For ‘Party For A Cause’ – THE ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC (ACM) announced additional performers for its 7th Annual “ACM PARTY FOR A CAUSE.” Artists SCOTTY MCCREERY, AJ MCLEAN, CARLY PEARCE, CASSADEE POPE and more will join the previously announced performers (NET NEWS 2/13).The shows will take place as part of “THE WEEK VEGAS GOES COUNTRY” on FRIDAY, APRIL 5TH through SUNDAY, APRIL 7th in LAS VEGAS, prior to the ACM Awards show on SUNDAY at 8p (ET).You can find ticket information by visiting www.partyforacause.com. – Read more at AllAccess
Chris Mann Talks Fatherhood, The Voice and Shares an Exclusive Track from His Next Album – His upcoming studio album, Noise! will be released soon. “Gentleman” is the first single off the album. He spoke with Parade.com about his new album and recording with Grammy-award winning artist India.Arie. What was the inspiration for this album? I started writing the Noise! album over a year ago. I found myself ready to make my next album, but uninspired to do something expected. I had a lot to say as a songwriter and wanted to revisit the sonic elements that made me excited about making music in the first place. I love pop music, fat urban beats, horns, vintage elements, trap sounds, thick harmonies and big melodies—not just the lush, orchestral sounds I’m known for. – Read more at Parade
Ruben Studdard on his ‘American Idol’ run, upcoming Vilar performance – “The experience was wonderful,” said Studdard of the television show. “It was a training ground for professionalism, and it was expected at all times. People in the top 10 and beyond were people that exemplified that.” One such example of the professionalism required was being mindful of performing on television, rather than just in front of an audience. “Treating the camera like the audience,” Studdard said, “… was an art that took a lot of us a while.” – Read more at Valid Daily
