Beyoncé drops ‘Act II: Cowboy Carter’

Beyonce Knowles in the Press Room of the 2011 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 22^ 2010 in Las Vegas^ NV.

Beyoncé has dropped her new album, Act II: Cowboy Carter, the follow-up to her Grammy-winning album Renaissance.

A press release detailing the album drop states in part that “COWBOY CARTER, executive produced by Beyoncé, is about genres, all of them, while deeply rooted in Country. This is the work of an artist who thrives in her freedom to grow, expand, and create limitlessly. It makes no apologies, and seeks no permission in elevating, amplifying, and redefining the sounds of music, while dismantling accepted false norms about Americana culture. It pays homage to the past, honoring musical pioneers in Country, Rock, Classical, and Opera”

Per The Hollywood Reporter the album features 27-songs, including a cover of Dolly Parton’s classic hit “Jolene,” as well as a collaboration with Willie Nelson on a song titled “Smoke Hour.” Post Malone is also reportedly featured on the track “Levii’s Jeans,” while Miley Cyrus is a guest vocalist on “II Most Wanted.”

In addition to her previously released singles “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ‘Em,” the tracklist for Act II: Cowboy Carter includes the songs: “Protector,” “Ameriican Requiem,” “Bodyguard,” “Daughter,” “Spaghettii,” “Smoke Hour II,” “Just for Fun,” “Flamenco,” “Ya Ya,” “Oh Louisiana,” “Desert Eagle,” “Riiverdance,” “Tyrant,” “II Hands II Heaven,” “Sweet Honey Buckin’,” “Alliigator Tears,” “Amen,” and a cover of The Beatles’ classic “Blackbird.”

Beyoncé, who recently shared the artwork and a note prior to the release of Cowboy Carter, stated: “This ain’t a Country album .. This is a ‘Beyoncé album.”

To stream “Cowboy Carter” head here.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

Beyoncé drops ‘Act II: Cowboy Carter’

Beyonce Knowles in the Press Room of the 2011 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 22^ 2010 in Las Vegas^ NV.

Beyoncé has dropped her new album, Act II: Cowboy Carter, the follow-up to her Grammy-winning album Renaissance.

A press release detailing the album drop states in part that “COWBOY CARTER, executive produced by Beyoncé, is about genres, all of them, while deeply rooted in Country. This is the work of an artist who thrives in her freedom to grow, expand, and create limitlessly. It makes no apologies, and seeks no permission in elevating, amplifying, and redefining the sounds of music, while dismantling accepted false norms about Americana culture. It pays homage to the past, honoring musical pioneers in Country, Rock, Classical, and Opera”

Per The Hollywood Reporter the album features 27-songs, including a cover of Dolly Parton’s classic hit “Jolene,” as well as a collaboration with Willie Nelson on a song titled “Smoke Hour.” Post Malone is also reportedly featured on the track “Levii’s Jeans,” while Miley Cyrus is a guest vocalist on “II Most Wanted.”

In addition to her previously released singles “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ‘Em,” the tracklist for Act II: Cowboy Carter includes the songs: “Protector,” “Ameriican Requiem,” “Bodyguard,” “Daughter,” “Spaghettii,” “Smoke Hour II,” “Just for Fun,” “Flamenco,” “Ya Ya,” “Oh Louisiana,” “Desert Eagle,” “Riiverdance,” “Tyrant,” “II Hands II Heaven,” “Sweet Honey Buckin’,” “Alliigator Tears,” “Amen,” and a cover of The Beatles’ classic “Blackbird.”

Beyoncé, who recently shared the artwork and a note prior to the release of Cowboy Carter, stated: “This ain’t a Country album .. This is a ‘Beyoncé album.”

To stream “Cowboy Carter” head here.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

‘Sex and the City’ to premiere on Netflix on April 1

Kim Cattrall^ Cynthia Nixon^ Sarah Jessica Parker^ Kristin Davis on location for SEX AND THE CITY film shoot^ Manhattan^ New York^ NY August 9^ 2009

Per The Hollywood Reporter, the classic HBO comedy Sex and the City will make its Netflix premiere on April 1. All 94 episodes of the show, which ran between 1998-2004, will be made available on the streaming services. Netflix’s social media read: “Hello, lover! Sex and the City — The Complete Series — is coming to Netflix on April 1”

Sex and the City starred Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon and Kim Cattrall as best friends Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha, navigating careers and relationships in New York City. The show was followed by two movie sequels in 2008 and 2010.

Parker, Davis and Nixon reunited in 2020 for the Sex and the City followup series, ‘And Just Like That …’, which will return for its third season this year. Sex and the City will continue to stream on Warner Bros. Discovery’s in-house streaming service, which is also the home of ‘And Just Like That…’

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Milwaukee’s Summerfest 2024 lineup: Maroon 5, Kane Brown, Mötley Crüe, Lil Uzi Vert & more

The main gate of Summerfest "The Worlds Largest Outdoor Music Festival" located on the Henry Maier Festival Park grounds. Milwaukee^ WI

The lineup for Milwaukee’s 2024 Summerfest was revealed, featuring artists across all-genres including Keith Urban, Maroon 5, Mötley Crüe, REO Speedwagon, Illenium and more (per The Music Universe).

Festival organizers posted on social media: “Living in our mind rent-free 😍 The Summerfest lineup presented by @AmFam is here 🙌 Now sound off and tell us who you’re excited to see and tag your Summerfest Squad to get the party started ✌

The Wisconsin music festival runs across three consecutive weekends in downtown Milwaukee, from noon to midnight on June 20-22, 27-29 and July 4-6. The festival hosts 140 headliners over three weekends, comprising more than 1,000 performances across 12 different stages.

Additional performers at SUMMERFEST 2024 include: Kane Brown with Kameron Marlowe, Tyler Childers, Lil Uzi Vert with Lil Yachty, JID, Rico Nasty, Maroon 5, AJR with Carly Rae Jepsen, Keith Urban, Mötley Crüe with Seether and Buckcherry, Ivan Cornejo, Bryson Tiller, MUNA, Mt. Joy, David Kushner, Hippo Campus, Alison Wonderland, Jessie Murph, Lil Tecca, Cold War Kids, FLETCHER, Sleater-Kinney, Black Pumas, REO SPEEDWAGON, Umphrey’s McGee, En Vogue, Charles Wesley Godwin, Goo Goo Dolls, Ken Carson, Key Glock, Ethel Cain, The Wallflowers, Taking Back Sunday, Mariah the Scientist, Local Natives, Three Dog Night, and many more.

Sarah Pancheri, President and CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc: “Our 2024 lineup embodies the essence of what makes Summerfest so special. With a curated selection of artists spanning genres and styles, the festival reflects the vibrancy of today’s music scene. With 600 artists at a 75-acre permanent festival park, Summerfest creates a one-of-a-kind environment that our fans look forward to every summer.”

Visit Summerfest.com for ticket information, and for the full festival lineup (including artist date, stage, and times), head here.

Editorial credit: James Meyer / Shutterstock.com

Neve Campbell to return for ‘Scream 7’ with director Kevin Williamson

Neve Campbell at Weekend of Hell^ a two day (April 7-8 2018) horror-themed fan convention.DORTMUND^ GERMANY - APRIL 8

Neve Campell announced that she will return for ‘Scream 7’, posting a photo of her script on Instagram along with the news that ‘Scream’ creator Kevin Williamson will direct the script from Guy Busick. Christopher Landon was originally hired to direct the seventh Scream in the film’s franchise, but during development, Scream and Scream VI star Melissa Barrera was fired by Spyglass Entertainment for comments about the Israel-Hamas war.  In addition, Jenna Ortega left the seventh film reportedly due to scheduling conflicts, prior to Barrera’s firing; after which Landon announced his departure as director in December.

Campbell posted on her social media: “Hi All. I’m so excited to announce this news!!! Sidney Prescott is coming back!!!! It’s always been such a blast and an honor to get to play Sidney in the Scream movies. My appreciation for these films and for what they have meant to me, has never waned. I’m very happy and proud to say I’ve been asked, in the most respectful way, to bring Sidney back to the screen and I couldn’t be more thrilled!!! Well actually I could. While I’ve been so incredibly lucky to make these films with both the master of horror Wes Craven and the wonderfully talented Matt and Tyler team, I’ve dreamt for many years of how amazing it would be to make one of these movies with Kevin Williamson at the helm. And now it’s happening, Kevin Williamson is going to direct Scream 7! This was his baby and it’s his brilliant mind that dreamt up this world. Kevin is not just an inspiration as an artist but has been a dear friend for many years. To the amazing Scream fans, I hope you are as excited as I am. See you on set @kevwilliamson”

Campbell played Sidney Prescott in the first five films of the ‘Scream” franchise, but declined to be involved in ‘Scream VI’, telling People at the time that the offer for her to appear in the film was below fair market for a franchise star in a sixth installment: “I honestly don’t believe that if I were a man and had done five installments of a huge blockbuster franchise over 25 years, that the number that I was offered would be the number that would be offered to a man.”

Editorial credit: Markus Wissmann / Shutterstock.com

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs speaks out after raid of his homes by federal agents

Sean 'Diddy' Combs^ Diddy at the "The Four" Season 1 Finale Viewing Party at Delilah on February 8^ 2018 in West Hollywood^ CA

The attorney for Sean “Diddy” Combs’ has released a statement after Homeland Security raided the rapper’s homes in Miami and Los Angeles on March 25.

In a statement to E! News, Diddy’s attorney, Aaron Dyer, is accusing the government of using excessive force while searching his home reportedly as part of a sex trafficking investigation in his statement. Dyer denounced Homeland Security’s use of force while searching Diddy’s homes, saying: “Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences. There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated.”

The statement said that Combs, 54, spoke to the authorities and he was not arrested, and maintained Diddy’s innocence: “This unprecedented ambush—paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence—leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits. There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations. Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name.”

The raid comes four months after Diddy settled a lawsuit after his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who accused him of sexual assault. In total, five women have come forward accusing the rapper of sexual assault since late 2023; Diddy released a statement denying the allegations against him.

A rep for Homeland Security Investigations confirmed that their New York branch “executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation” on March 25, with sources familiar with the investigation telling NBC News that the raid may be tied to a federal investigation regarding accusations of sex-trafficking and sexual assault, as well as the solicitation and distribution of illegal narcotics and firearms against Combs.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs speaks out after raid of his homes by federal agents

Sean 'Diddy' Combs^ Diddy at the "The Four" Season 1 Finale Viewing Party at Delilah on February 8^ 2018 in West Hollywood^ CA

The attorney for Sean “Diddy” Combs’ has released a statement after Homeland Security raided the rapper’s homes in Miami and Los Angeles on March 25.

In a statement to E! News, Diddy’s attorney, Aaron Dyer, is accusing the government of using excessive force while searching his home reportedly as part of a sex trafficking investigation in his statement. Dyer denounced Homeland Security’s use of force while searching Diddy’s homes, saying: “Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences. There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated.”

The statement said that Combs, 54, spoke to the authorities and he was not arrested, and maintained Diddy’s innocence: “This unprecedented ambush—paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence—leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits. There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations. Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name.”

The raid comes four months after Diddy settled a lawsuit after his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who accused him of sexual assault. In total, five women have come forward accusing the rapper of sexual assault since late 2023; Diddy released a statement denying the allegations against him.

A rep for Homeland Security Investigations confirmed that their New York branch “executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation” on March 25, with sources familiar with the investigation telling NBC News that the raid may be tied to a federal investigation regarding accusations of sex-trafficking and sexual assault, as well as the solicitation and distribution of illegal narcotics and firearms against Combs.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

Cardi B and Shakira team up in the video for “Puntería”

Cardi B at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party at the Wallis Annenberg Center BEVERLY HILLS^ CA. March 12^ 2023:

Cardi B and Shakira have teamed up in the music video together, “Punteria,” which appears on Shakira’s 12th studio album, Las Mujeres Ya No Llorana.  Shakira posted: “Puntería @iamcardib official video 🎯🌸 OUT NOW!”

Shakira’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran features 15 other tracks, including “Te Felicito” with Rauw Alejandro, “Monotonía” with Ozuna, “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” with Bizarrap and “TQG” with Karol G.  The video for Puntería shows the two women amongst chiseled centaurs and goddesses in a pastel, intergalactic setting.  Shakira is seen holding a bow and arrow as Cardi sits atop a half-horse, half-man, wearing a white, roped ensemble and platinum-blonde tresses.

Ahead of the single’s release, the two superstars spoke about working together. Said Cardi: “When I first met Shakira, it was in Paris at the Fendi show, and I was very, very nervous. I was nervous because I wanted to get next to her, but I was like, ‘I’m not gonna get next to her until they call me.’ I manifested it, but I didn’t know when it was coming …I knew this day would come. It came. God is good, Jesus. I don’t care if she wants me to meow — I’m doing it. Seriously, that is my dream. I always look at your videos and it’s so crazy doing a video with you because all of your videos — you could just tell you take your time from the angle, to the dancing, to the things that pop.”

Shakira added, “I wanted to do something with Cardi. We were always discussing internally if it was a good idea to put someone on this song. I always pictured Cardi on this song. I reached out, and here we are. It’s been so fun to work with you. It’s so easy, honestly. She’s like, ‘I’ll do everything.’ I’m like, ‘Are you ready to work long hours? Because I work long hours.’ She’s like, ‘I’ll be there from 6 to 6 a.m.’”

Take a look at the music video for “Punteria”here.

Editorial credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

See Lily Gladstone and Riley Keough in the trailer for Hulu’s ‘Under the Bridge’

Lily Gladstone at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York on January 11^ 2024

Hulu has shared the first trailer from the upcoming true crime drama Under the Bridge, starring Lily Gladstone and Riley Keough.

Under the Bridge is based on the true story of the 1997 disappearance of 14-year-old Reena Virk (Vritika Gupta). Gladstone plays the local police officer investigating the case. Keough plays Rebecca Godfrey, on whose book the series is based. Chloe Guidry, Javon “Wanna” Walton, Izzy G., Aiyana Goodfellow, Ezra Faroque Khan and Archie Panjabi also star.

An official series description reads: “Through the eyes of Godfrey and a local police officer, the series takes us into the hidden world of the young girls accused of the murder — revealing startling truths about the unlikely killer.”

Under the Bridge premieres with two episodes on April 17, with new episodes weekly on Wednesdays. Take a look at the trailer – here.

Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

Ryan Gosling and Kristen Wiig announced as upcoming ‘SNL’ hosts

Ryan Gosling at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara^ Santa Barbara on Jan. 13^ 2024.

NBC announced that “Saturday Night Live” will welcome former cast member Kristen Wiig, actor Ryan Gosling and comedian Ramy Youssef as hosts of upcoming episodes of “SNL” in March and April.

The March 30 episode of “SNL” will be hosted by Ramy Youssef with musical guest Travis Scott; Youssef will make his “SNL” debut to promote his upcoming HBO stand-up special, “Ramy Youssef: More Feelings,” while Scott marks his second time as musical guest on SNL. 

Wiig, who was a “Saturday Night Live” cast member from 2005 to 2012, hosts for the fifth time on April 6th, joined by musical guest Raye. Wiig stars in and executive produces the new Apple TV+ series “Palm Royale,” while British singer-songwriter Raye will make her “SNL” debut.

Gosling will mark his third time hosting “SNL” on April 13th, joined by musical guest Chris Stapleton, who also returns to the stage for the third time. Gosling will next be seen on the big screen alongside Emily Blunt in “The Fall Guy,” in theaters May 3, while 10-time Grammy winner Stapleton is currently on tour promoting his new album “Higher.”

‘SNL’: Ryan Gosling & Kristen Wiig Set As Hosts

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