Take a listen to Olivia Newton-John’s final recording, a ‘Jolene’ duet with Dolly Parton

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In her final recording and music video before her passing, Olivia Newton-John teamed up for a duet with Dolly Parton on her classic hit song, “Jolene.”  Newton-John passed away in August 2022 at age 73.

The collaboration came about a year before Newton-John’s death, and is part of a duet project Newton-John created including big-name artists such as Parton, Mariah Carey, Michael McDonald, John Travolta, Barry Gibb, Vanessa Amorossi, and Jon Secada. Newton-John will posthumously release Just the Two of Us, which features 17 tracks, on May 5.

Parton calls Newton-John “one of my favorites of all time” and in the video for the duet, Parton introduces the collab by saying: “Hey, this is Dolly, in case you didn’t recognize me. I am so excited to be working with Olivia Newton-John, one of my favorites of all time. We’ve always stayed close through the years. I am just so proud to be a part of this duet project that she’s doing. We’re singing one of my all-time favorites that I’ve written called ‘Jolene,’ and she says it’s one of her favorites, so why not just do a duet on our favorite?” Added Newton-John: “I’m excited. I’ve always wanted to sing with Dolly.”

Check out Parton and Newton-John’s version of “Jolene” – here.

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‘Hill Street Blues’ star Barbara Bosson dies at age 83

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Emmy-nominated actor Barbara Bosson, best known for her role as Fay Furillo on “Hill Street Blues,” died Saturday in Los Angeles at the age of 83. Bosson’s death was confirmed by her son, Jesse Bochco who posted on Instagram:More spirit and zest than you could shake a stick at. When she loved you, you felt it without a doubt. If she didn’t, you may well have also known that too. Forever in our hearts. I love you Mama. Barbara “Babs” Bosson Bochco 1939-2023 ❤

Bosson was a main cast member on “Hill Street Blues” from 1981 to 1986, portraying Fay Furillo, the ex-wife to police captain Frank Furillo (Daniel J. Travanti). Bosson received five Emmy nominations for best supporting actress in a drama series throughout her tenure on the series, and was nominated in the same category in 1995 for “Murder One,” which shows the life of prominent attorney Theodore Hoffman at a Los Angeles firm, in which Bosson played Miriam Grasso. Bosson’s other acting credits include “Richie Brockelman: The Missing 24 Hours,” “Richie Brockelman, Private Eye,” “Hooperman,” “Cop Rock” and “The Last Starfighter.”

In 1970, Bosson married writer-producer Steven Bochco (“Hill Street Blues,” “L.A. Law,” “Murder One”), with whom she had two children. The two divorced in 1997, and Bochco died in 2018. Bosson is survived by her son, daughter, granddaughter and grandson.

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Jansen Panettiere, brother of Hayden Panettiere, dies at age 28

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Actress Hayden Panettiere’s younger brother, actor Jansen Panettiere, has died at the age of 28. According to TMZ, which was the first to break the news, Jansen died over the weekend in New York. The outlet reports that law enforcement was called to a residence Sunday night around 5:30 PM and while no official cause of death has been released, there’s no foul play suspected in Jansen’s death.

Jansen, who is five years younger than Hayden, had several film and TV roles throughout the early 2000s, including credits on Even Stevens, The X’s, Tiger Cruise, Racing Stripes, The Martial Arts Kid, The Walking Dead, Perfect Game and How High 2. His most recent role was in the 2022 Christmas film, Love and Love Not.

While Jansen was best known for his acting career, he was also passionate about art with his Instagram page filled with colorful portraits and abstract pieces. His latest upload appeared to be a portrait of his partner, Catherine Michie, captioning a photo of Michie standing next to artwork with a blue heart emoji.

Jansen is survived by sister Hayden and their parents, Lesley Vogel and Skip Panettiere.

Hayden Panettiere’s Brother Jansen Dead at 28: Reports

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Usher extends Las Vegas residency with 15 new dates

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Usher has extended his Las Vegas residency into the fall with 15 new dates, writing on Instagram“Yeah man…It’s that time again! VEGAS, I’m back! By popular demand, I’ve added 15 NEW shows to my Vegas Residency through October 2023! Tickets go on sale this Saturday 2/25 at 10am PT ✨ Get yours early in the fan presale starting Weds at 10am PT. Text (404) 737-1821 for the Presale password ✨

The 15 new shows going on sale are scheduled for the following dates:
June 2023: 16, 17, 20, 23, 24, 29
October 2023: 11, 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, 25, 27, 28

Usher first announced his new residency at the Dolby Theater in February last year, with the shows featuring a repertoire of his smash hit songs and incorporates audience interactions. Usher, Live Nation Las Vegas and MGM Resorts pledge to donate $1 of every ticket purchased for dates in 2023 to Usher’s New Look, Inc., which helps support underserved youth.

Tickets for the new shows go on sale to the public on Saturday, Feb. 25; visit ticketmaster.com/ushervegas to learn more.

Usher Extends My Way Las Vegas Residency

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‘The People’s Court’ and ‘Judge Mathis’ canceled after more than two decades

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The People’s Court and Judge Mathis and have both been canceled, and will end their runs at the end of their current seasons.

Judge Mathis, which has been on the air for 24 seasons, follows Judge Greg Mathis as he lays down the law and gives sentences to those in his courtroom. The show won a Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding legal/courtroom program in 2018. The program, which began in 1998, is the second longest-running court show with a single production life, behind Judge Judy. Judge Mathis is also the longest-running Black male host on television.

The People’s Court, which premiered in 1997, will wrap after season 26. It has won four Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding legal/courtroom program – the most wins for a court show in the category. The show follows former Florida prosecutor and judge Marilyn Milian as she decides on actual small-claims court cases. Milian was the first Latina judge to host a nationally syndicated television court show. The People’s Court has run for a total of 39 seasons, including the original series which ran from 1981 to 1993 with Judge Joseph Wapner.

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‘Law & Order: SVU’ star Richard Belzer dies at age 78

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Actor and comedian Richard Belzer passed away on Feb. 19 at age 78. Belzer passed away at his home in Bozouls in southwest France. Writer Bill Scheft, a longtime friend of the actor, told The Hollywood Reporter, “He had lots of health issues … and his last words were, ‘F–k you, motherf–ker.’”

Belzer was perhaps best known for playing detective John Munch on NBC shows ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’ and ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.’  NBC and Universal Television issued a statement about Belzer’s death which read. “Anyone who ever had the pleasure of watching Richard Belzer portray Det. John Munch—whether on Homicide or Law & Order: SVU—over four decades will never forget how much he inhabited that beloved character to make it his own. His professionalism, talents and dedication to the craft made him a pillar in the industry, but it was his humor, compassion and loving heart that made him family. Our condolences go out to his loved ones as we join them in mourning his loss, but also in celebrating his memory.”

Belzer began his entertainment career as a stand-up comedian in New York City; he was the warm-up comic on the first season of Saturday Night Live and also made appearances in SNL sketches. He also starred in other TV shows such as The Flash, as well as films such as Night Shift and Scarface, before making his debut as Munch on ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’  in 1993. Belzer played the role for all seven seasons of the series, as well as in its 2000 TV film, 15 seasons of ‘Law & Order: SVU’ and episodes of eight other shows—episodes of Law & Order, Law & Order: Trial by Jury, The X-Files, The Wire, UPN’s The Beat, 30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Arrested Development.

Belzer is survived by his third wife, actress Harlee McBride, and stepdaughters Jessica and Bree.

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Pink responds after being accused of “shading” Christina Aguilera

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Pink drew controversy over the weekend stemming from negative remarks she made about the making of the 2001 music video for “Lady Marmalade,” with many accusing the singer of “shading” co-star Christina Aguilera and reigniting their years-long feud. The drama began after Pink ranked “Lady Marmalade” in last place on a list 12 of her “most iconic music videos” in an interview with BuzzFeed UK, sharing, “It wasn’t very fun to make. I’m all about fun and it was like, a lot of fuss, and there were some personalities.” Pink added, “[Lil] Kim and Mýa were nice” referring to her and Christina’s two other collaborators on the song.

Now, Pink is responding on Twitter, writing: “Y’all are nuts … Xtina had s–t to do with who was on that song.  If you don’t know by now- I’m not “shading” someone by telling it over and over and over what actually happened. I’m zero percent interested in your f***ing drama. If you haven’t noticed- I’m a little busy selling…And by selling- I mean tickets and albums and bake sales and s–t.” Then in response to a fan’s criticism, Pink tweeted: “Also- I kissed xtinas mouth. I don’t need to kiss her a**.”

Both Christina and Pink have spoken publicly about their past feud, which began  more than 20 years ago over the recording of “Lady Marmalade.” In 2009, Pink said a record executive declared, “What’s the high part? What’s the most singing part? Christina’s going to take that part. I stood up, and I said ‘Hi. How are you? So nice of you to introduce yourself. I’m Pink. She will not be taking that part. I think that’s what the f–king meeting’s about.’”  However, in 2016, the two singers put their differences aside when they worked together on NBC’s ‘The Voice,’ during which Pink served as an advisor to Christina’s team. Pink said in 2017: “We made up on The Voice, because I hadn’t seen her in years and years and years and we became moms. We grew up and we hugged it out.”

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Selena Gomez details weight gain due to medications, slams online bullying

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Selena Gomez posted a message to fans this week to address online bullying due to recent changes in her appearance. Gomez detailed that her weight gain is due to medication for lupus, which she announced she was diagnosed with in 2015. Gomez underwent a kidney transplant in 2017, and has undergone chemotherapy as well.

In a TikTok livestream, Gomez explained how medication is necessary to control her condition, and its side affects: “I tend to hold a lot of water weight, and that happens very normally. When I’m off of it, I tend to lose weight. I just wanted to say and encourage anyone out there who feels any sort of shame for exactly what they’re going through, and no one knows the real story … I just want people to know that you’re beautiful and you’re wonderful. Yeah, we have days where maybe we feel like shit, but I would much rather be healthy and take care of myself. And my medications are important, and I believe they are what helps me.”  Gomez added:  “I just wanted to tell you I love you guys, and thanks for supporting me and understanding … And if not, go away.”

Gomez has had to respond to critics many times in the past; she shared on the ‘Giving Back Generation’ podcast in 2019: “It’s the medication I have to take for the rest of my life — it depends on even the month, to be honest. So for me, I really noticed when people started attacking me for that. And in reality, that’s just my truth. I fluctuate. It depends on what’s happening in my life.”  And on social media last year, Gomez proclaimed: “I don’t care about my weight, because people b**ch about it anyway. ‘You’re too small,’ ‘you’re too big,’ ‘that doesn’t fit.’ B**ch, I am perfect the way I am.”

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Travis Kelce Announced to Host ‘SNL’

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It was announced that the two-time Super Bowl champion, Travis Kelce is about to make his Saturday Night Live debut. NBC recently announced on Thursday that Kansas City Chiefs superstar tight end Travis Kelce will host the comedy and variety show on March 4 with musical guest Kelsea Ballerini. Kelce also revealed and shared the news while appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Thursday night.

“I was a huge like Chris Farley, Will Ferrell, Fallon kind of guy growing up,” Kelce said. “And I used to watch Saturday Night Live with my mother. It’s an absolute honor and a privilege to be hosting SNL on March 4th. I am so nervous for that, oh my gosh.” Fallon, an SNL alum, responded, “You are going to be so good. I was talking to SNL creator Lorne Michaels today, and I’m like, ‘He’s so charming and he can sing and he’s fun.’”

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P!nk Announces Dates for ‘TRUSTFALL’ Arena Tour

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P!nk is set to hit the road in support of her 9th album kicking off in October in Sacramento. Fans will have a chance to caught P!nk on the road this year.

On the same day she dropped her 9th studio album, TRUSTFALL, the singer announced the dates for her 2023 fall arena tour in support of the collection, which is expected to kick off with on October 12th, at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.

Check out the dates for P!nk’s fall 2023 TRUSTFALL tour and the album cover below:

Oct. 12 – Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center
Oct. 14 – San Francisco, CA @ Chase Center
Oct. 17 – Tacoma, WA @ Tacoma Dome
Oct. 20 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
Oct. 25 – Denver, CO @ Ball Arena
Oct. 27 – Kansas City, MO @ T-Mobile Center
Nov. 1 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
Nov. 4 – New York, NY @ Madison Square Garden
Nov. 7 – Indianapolis, IN @ Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Nov. 8 – Cleveland, OH @ Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Nov. 11 – Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Center
Nov. 12 – Charlotte, NC @ Spectrum Center
Nov. 14 – Miami, FL @ Miami-Dade Arena
Nov. 18 – Orlando, FL @ Amway Center

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