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2
Feb 12

Leslie Carter, sister of singers Nick and Aaron, dead at 25

Diane Alter – AHN News Reporter

Los Angeles, CA, United States (AHN) – Leslie Carter, the sister of Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter and singer Aaron Carter, died Tuesday in upstate New York at the age of 25.

No details were provided on her cause of death.

The grieving family has asked for privacy as they deal with their loss.

Leslie, an aspiring singer, had the song “Like Wow” featured on the “Shrek” soundtrack in 2011. She also appeared on the family’s reality show, “House of Carters,” in 2005.

Leslie is survived by four siblings, her husband of four years, Mike, and a 10-month-old daughter, Alyssa Jane.

The family released the following statement, “We are deeply saddened for the loss of our beloved sister, daughter and granddaughter, Leslie Carter. We request the utmost privacy during this difficult time.”

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30
Jan 12

Singer-in-Chief boosts sales of Al Green song

Diane Alter – AHN News Reporter

Washington, D.C., United States (AHN) – Singer Al Green’s online sales have soared since President Barack Obama performed an impromptu “cover” of “Let’s Stay Together” at the Apollo Theater Jan. 19.

Crooning just one line from the 1970s single, the president spurred a weekly sales increase of 490 percent for the track, Nielsen Soundscan reports.

In his surprise rendition, Obama began the tune with a bit of a vibrato in his voice, and hit all the high notes singing the lyrics “I’m so in love with you.” The brief melody garnered a rousing applause from the always tough and critical New York crowd.

Green’s soulful tune peaked in the early 70s, but after Obama’s performance, online downloads reached close to 16,000. Meanwhile, the YouTube video and other website views of the president’s performance has had more than 4 million hits.

Green told TMZ that the president’s performance was “terrific,” and he “nailed it.”

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24
Jan 12

Steven Tyler botches national anthem at AFC championship game

Diane Alter – AHN News Reporter

Foxborough, MA, United States (AHN) – If Americans had a vote, Steven Tyler might not be going to Hollywood.

The rocker became the latest celebrity to botch the National Anthem. Tyler had the honors of signing the anthem at Sunday’s NFL playoff game between the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens.

The Aerosmith frontman and “American Idol” judge butchered the iconic song, missing some of the lyrics and plenty of the notes.

Dressed in a ratty looking coat, sparkling Patriots scarf and sunglasses, Tyler appeared to struggle through the song and squawked at the high notes.

Critics have not been kind in their critiques, with some putting it on par as “the worst pre-game performance ever.”

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6
Jan 12

MIchael Jackson’s kids to leave concrete symbols of dad in Hollywood

Diane Alter – AHN News Reporter

Los Angeles, CA, United States (AHN) – Michael Jackson died before he had the opportunity to have a hand and feet embossed into the sidewalk in front of the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood.

But, on Jan. 26, the King of Pop’s kids will make that possible. Jackson will have his hands and footprints immortalized in concrete at the site to celebrate the debut of the Cirque du Soleil production, “Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour.”

Prince, 14; Paris, 13; and Blanket, 9, will use their father’s acclaimed sequined glove and shoes to make the impression.

The new “Immortal” stage production combines Jackson’s music with all kinds of Cirque du Soleil leaping, acrobats and dancing.

The tradition of hand prints outside Grauman’s Theater dates bank to 1928. Show biz icons who have left their imprints include Elizabeth Taylor, Fred Astaire, Judy Garland and Marilyn Monroe, to name just a few.

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28
Dec 11

David Lee Roth to rejoin Van Halen for 2012 tour

Diane Alter – AHN News Reporter

Los Angeles, CA, United States (AHN) – Van Halen has announced a 2012 tour, featuring David Lee Roth, to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

The announcement follows months of speculations. The rockers finally announced the news on Van-Halen.com through a series of video clips.

Tour dates will be unveiled soon, with tickets going on sale Jan. 10.

The 2012 tour will feature Roth, guitarist Eddie Van Halen, bassist Wolfgang Van Halen and drummer Alex Van Halen.

Roth left the group in 1985. In ensuing years, Sammy Hagar and Gary Cherone took turns as frontmen. In 1996, Roth joined Van Halen for an MTV Video Music Awards performance, and returned for a brief tour in 1997.

Original bassist Mike Anthony is not expected to be reunited with the band for the 2012 tour. He is busy playing with Hagar in the group Chickenfoot.

In November, Van Halen signed a new deal with Interscope Records. The group has since been working on a full-length studio album with Roth on vocals, a first since 1984. The album will also be Van Halen’s first release since “Van Halen III” in 1998.

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19
Dec 11

Beach Boys are back with 50th anniversary tour, album

Diane Alter – AHN News Reporter

Los Angeles, CA, United States (AHN) – Good vibrations are reverberating across the globe after surf rock group The Beach Boys announced a 50th anniversary tour and new album.

Brian Wilson, revered by many as one of the most talented songwriters in pop history, is putting his differences and grudges aside and join Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and David Marks for a new album and a 50-date tour.

Wilson had denied rumors of a reunion, saying that he “didn’t really like working with the guys.” But in a change of heart, he decided that perhaps he really didn’t dislike working with them that much. He nows says of the tour and album: “This anniversary is special to me because I miss the boys and it will be a thrill for me to make a new record and be on stage with them again.”

The tour will kick off on April 27 in New Orleans.

The Beach Boys began in Hawthorne, CA, in 1961. They became known for iconic hits that conjure up images of a carefree Southern California beach lifestyle, complete with convertibles and romance.

According to Nielsen SoundScan, the Beach Boys hold the title for America’s top selling band, and they also hold the record for the most Billboard Top 40 chart hits, with 36 songs.

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16
Dec 11

Lady Gaga is Forbes’ top-earning woman in music

Diane Alter – AHN News Reporter

Los Angeles, CA, United States (AHN) – She wasn’t born this way. But she’s enjoying it now.

Lady Gaga had a monster of a year. Forbes has ranked the singer as the top earning woman in music for 2011.

Gaga grossed a whopping $90 million from album sales, endorsement deals and blockbuster worldwide tours.

Taylor Swift ranked second with nearly half of Gaga’s take. The country singer made $45 million in 2011.

Trailing close behind and snagging the number three spot is Katy Perry with $44 million. Perry’s success comes on the heals of five consecutive hits off her multi-platinum “Teenage Dream” album.

Beyonce took the No. 4 spot and Rihanna landed in fifth place with $29 million.

Earnings were tabulated from data complied from May 2010 to May 2011.

The complete list is available at Forbes.com.

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7
Dec 11

Roy Orbison’s widow dies at 60

Diane Alter – AHN News Reporter

Los Angeles, CA, United States (AHN) – The widow of rock n’ roll pioneer Roy Orbison, Barbara Orbison, died Tuesday in Los Angeles at the age of 60.

Family spokesperson Sarah McMullen said Barbara Orbison died at Los Angeles County USC Medical Center where she had been hospitalized since May.

Roy Orbison died in 1988. Barbara was his manager and co-produced a four-box CD of her husband’s 107 recordings after his death titled “Roy Orbison: The Soul of Rock and Roll.”

Barbara Orbison’s Nashville-based publishing company, Still Working Music, was recently awarded BMI’s 2010 Song of the Year for Taylor Swift’s “You Belong with Me.”

Last year, Mrs. Orbison accepted a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on her husband’s behalf.

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25
Nov 11

Nickleback booed at Detroit Lions game

Diane Alter – AHN News Reporter

Detroit, MI, United States (AHN) – Nickelback’s performance at the halftime show of the Detroit Lions’ Thanksgiving Day game was heavily protested with an online petition garnering more than 55,000 signatures.

The group, which hails from Canada, was protested by critics who said the rock band doesn’t represent Detroit’s music heritage.

Nickelback’s introduction was greeted with some cheers and jeers, which the Detroit Free Press described as “tepid.” The Canadian rock group performed its new hit single “When We Stand Together,” a song about unity. Some fans applauded and stood with signs that read “Live United.”

Frontman Chad Kruger, wearing dark sunglasses, gave a hearty “Dee-troit” shout out near the end of the performance.

Despite the controversy, Nickelback fared better than American Idol 10th season runner-up Lauren Alaina, who opened the game with a rendition of the National Anthem. The 17-year-old forgot the words, and paused for an long three seconds before regaining her composure to finish the song.

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22
Nov 11

DWTS finals: Rob Kardashian takes the lead

Diane Alter – AHN News Reporter

Los Angeles, CA, United States (AHN) – The cast of Dancing With the Stars has been whittled down to three.

The trio of celebrities and their professional partners gave it their best shot Monday for their final performance.

Ricki Lake danced first with partner Derek Hough, who won last year with partner Jennifer Grey. Ricki and Derek scored a 27 out of a possible 30 for their fist dance. Her second dance left the duo with a score of 54 for the night.

J.R. Martinez started the evening earning a 24 for his cha cha. But his second dance with Karina Smirnoff helped him earn a perfect score of 30, giving him a total of 54, and placed him in a tie with Ricki Lake

Dark horse and now possible contender is Rob Kardashian who also racked up a score of 27 for his first dance and did even better on his second dance. Rob and partner Cheryl Burke earned a perfect 30, topping the scoreboard with a 57.

The winner of the coveted Mirror Ball trophy will be announced Tuesday night. Early polls have J.R. Martinez winning, but surprises are always a given.

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