Mariah Carey Debuts New Song for the President

Facebook.com/MariahCareyMariah Carey debuted a new song during her performance at a swanky fundraiser for President Barack Obama in New York City Thursday night.

Mariah tweeted fans on Thursday that she had "Just finished performing Hero, We Belong Together and BRING IT ON HOME - a song I wrote especially for the event."   She noted that she wished she could release the song before tweeting what presumably are some of the tune's lyrics, "Strength is what we need and love keeps us alive..."  as well as a picture of herself in a black gown.  A video snippet of the performance was posted to YouTube by one attendee.

The 250-person dinner at New York's Plaza also featured an appearance by first lady Michelle Obama and comments from Alicia Keys, the Huffington Post reports, and raised at least $2.5 million for the president's campaign.

According to a tweet from the "Team Mariah" official account, the singer wore a Vera Wang gown and earned a standing ovation for her performance.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Thailand Government Complains About Lady Gaga's Use of Country's Flag

ChinaFotoPress/ChinaFotoPress via Getty ImagesFirst, Lady Gaga's concert in Indonesia was canceled by the national police due to protests from religious hardliners.  Now, she's managed to tick off the government of Thailand.

The news agency AFP reports that Thailand's culture ministry has complained to the police that Gaga used Thailand's flag in her concert there last month in an "inappropriate" manner.  According to the ministry, Gaga wore a traditional Thai headdress paired with a skimpy outfit, and sat on a motorcycle with the Thai flag trailing behind it.  The ministry said that Gaga's actions "hurt Thai people's sentiment."

A senior ministry official said, "We are not asking police to prosecute her but it's our normal procedure to file complaints to concerned agencies when we receive them."

This is actually the second time Gaga has angered the people of Thailand.  When she arrived in that country, she tweeted about wanting to buy a fake Rolex, which some locals felt cast them in a bad light.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Papa Roach Gives Update on New Album in Online Chat with Fans

Tyler Clinton/DoNotResist.comNew details have been revealed about Papa Roach’s next album.  During an online chat with fans on Thursday, the band announced that they will be releasing their eighth studio album on October 2.  Frontman Jacoby Shaddix says that the songs on the new album were heavily influenced by his struggle to become sober and from dealing with the pain of his wife leaving him.

“We wanted to make a dynamic and explosive record that captures the raw emotions of life,” explains Shaddix. “We also wanted to incorporate the biological sounds of rock with a digital edge to have a fresh sound. This is the soundtrack to my life and once again I went through some dark s**t and came through thanks to the music.”

In addition, the band listed a number of song titles that are expected to be a part of the upcoming album’s track list, including “Before I Die,” “Still Swinging,” “Where Did the Angels Go,” “Wish You Never Met Me,” “Not That Beautiful” and “Leader of the Broken Hearts.”

In other Papa Roach news, the band is gearing up to hit the road with Shinedown, Godsmack, Staind and P.O.D. for the third annual Rockstar Uproar Festival.  That outing kicks off on August 17 at Capitol Federal Park at Sandstone in Kansas City, MO.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Barbara Streisand Gets Women's Heart Center Named in Her Honor

Columbia RecordsBarbra Streisand has given her heart and soul to fighting heart disease in women, and now that's paid off in a big way.  On Thursday night, it was announced that Cedars-Sinai's Heart Institute in Los Angeles has now named The Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center after the legendary entertainer. 

La Streisand personally donated $10 million to help fund research and treatment at the center, and hosted a star-studded fundraiser at her home in Malibu on Thursday night that included entertainment by Josh Groban and Streisand herself, plus a special appearance by President Bill Clinton.  The event, the highest-priced ticket to which cost $100,000 per couple, raised more than $20 million dollars for the facility.

According to an article in the Los Angeles Times posted on Streisand's website, the diva's next projects include making a movie about the romance between the real life photojournalist Margaret Bourke-White and writer Erskine Caldwell.  Cate Blanchett and Colin Firth are attached to star.  In addition, she plans to put out an album of older, unreleased material in the fall, perform a sold-out concert in her native Brooklyn and, in December, star in a comedy called The Guilt Trip.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Justin Bieber Discusses His Legacy on NBC's "Today"; New Perfume Set to Debut on Monday

Facebook.com/JustinBieberJustin Bieber may be legal, but he's still not an adult, the singer said on Friday's Today show while talking to NBC's Matt Lauer.  The Bieb is set on debuting a new more adult sound with his upcoming album Believe, but he still has a way to go in real life.

"I'm at a place where I'm 18.  I'm still growing up.  I'm still learning about different things -- girls, my music -- so it's like I'm not all the way there," Justin admitted.  "I'm at a stage where I'm growing.  My fans are growing with me, and I just want to make music that reflects that."

Still, Justin is nervous about making the transition and failing to meet his fans' expectations.  "I think it's about proving people wrong and going out there and making that good music," the "Boyfriend" singer said.  "Or else, I'm going to be another teen heartthrob, but I want to be remembered."

Justin also addressed his recent backstage mishap, when he ran into a glass wall during a concert performance in Paris.  "I really actually hit it hard.  I got a concussion and everything," Biebs said.  He also revealed he's used to dealing with concussions thanks to his days playing hockey.  "I got hit in the boards all the time," he added.

Meanwhile, the New York Daily News reports that Justin's brand-new perfume, Girlfriend, will debut at Macy's on Monday, June 18.  It comes in a pink and purple bottle that's "wrapped" in a swirl of pink, purple and gold-colored metal.

Justin's latest album Believe hits shelves on June 19 and his sold-out Believe North American tour, with Carly Rae Jepsen opening, kicks off September 29 in Glendale, Arizona.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Jason Aldean Reveals What He'd Do if Elected President

James Minchin IIIUnlike some other country stars, Jason Aldean has no political aspirations.  He does have a few ideas about what he'd do if he were elected president though.

Jason tells CNN, "I'd probably do away with, try my best to do away with taxes, but I know every politician says they're going to do that, and they're all liars."

If he couldn't do away with taxes completely, Jason would try to make sure everybody paid their fair share with a flat tax across the board.  He explains, "Everybody pays, you know whatever, 20 percent."

If Jason were president, he'd do some redecorating at the White House too.

"There'd be deer heads hanging off the wall, in the Oval Office," Jason says.  "It'd be cool."

Jason Aldean gets back on the road next month and has tour dates through an October 27 show in Dallas.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

ZZ Top Schedules Co-Headlining Dates with Lynyrd Skynyrd in September

ZZTop.comZZ Top continues to extend their tour schedule deeper into 2012.  The Texas blues rockers have just added a handful of September co-headlining gigs with frequent tour mates Lynyrd Skynrd to their itinerary.  So far, five confirmed new shows have been announced, running from a September 7 concert in Scarborough, Maine, through a September 16 stop in Sevierville, Tennessee.

ZZ Top is selling special VIP packages to these show that offer fans a meet-and-greet with Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, a personal photo with the group, an autographed lithograph, premium seats and more.

Here are all of ZZ Top's confirmed new tour dates with Lynyrd Skynyrd, according to ZZTop.com:

9/7 -- Scarborough, ME, Scarborough Downs
9/8 -- Mansfield, MA, Comcast Center
9/14 -- Cincinnati, OH, Riverbend Music Center
9/15  -- Maryland Heights, MO, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
9/16 -- Sevierville, TN, Smokies Park

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

"The Voice" Season Two Winner Jermaine Paul Releases Father's Day Single, "Butterfly Kisses"

NBCIn May, Jermaine Paul won the second season of NBC's The Voice.  He doesn't want folks to forget about him while he's busy recording his debut album, so this month, he releases a new single.  Timed to coincide with Father's Day, it's a cover of Bob Carlisle's moving ode to the love between daddies and daughters, "Butterfly Kisses."  It's at iTunes now.

"It's a good time to put out something that people are familiar with," Jermaine tells ABC News Radio, explaining why he chose to release a cover of an already-popular song.  "Also it'll give me the time to work on my album, and really, really, focus on the project."  He adds that "Butterfly Kisses" is a good placeholder, to keep him top of mind.

"This song is just really to..kind of follow up what I did on the show, and keep everyone with me...I don't wanna lose those fans and lose those ears," he explains.

Of course, it wasn't hard for Jermaine to relate to the song, since he's got four kids, and two of them are daughters, aged 10 and 11. "It was pretty much easy for me because...my daughters were right there, you know, and I was really able to connect with our relationship, and make sure that came through throughout the song," he tells ABC News Radio.

Jermaine says he felt the track was a way to do something "really classic and monumental" for his daughters, adding, "You know, it'd be something that later on, that they can look back and maybe I'll do a father-daughter dance with them at their wedding [to the song]."

As for his Father's Day plans, Jermaine says he's not sure what he'll do, but it'll definitely be a big celebration: his four kids are all young, and range in age from 10 to 13.  He calls it a "stair-stepper" family, since he says, "every year, we had one [baby], for four years."  Finally, Jermaine says his wife got tired and said, "OK, no more babies."  He says, "I was like 'Maybe one more?' and she was like, 'Noooo!'"  

Jermaine tells ABC News Radio that he's going to try and get both Blake Shelton, his coach on The Voice, and Alicia Keys, his old boss, to appear on his debut album.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Newcomer Jon Pardi Throwing End of the World Bash in Chicago on December 21

Capitol NashvilleSome readings of the Mayan calendar predict the end of the world is coming on December 21, 2012.  That's why newcomer Jon Pardi has decided to thrown an "End of the World Bash" at Joe's Bar in Chicago that night.

"If the world really is going to end, I can’t think of a better place to spend what might be our last night on earth,” Jon says.   “But if we survive, we’ll party like there’s no tomorrow, all night long!”

Jon has declared 2012 to be "The Year of the Pardi," so either way, fans at his Joe's Bar concert can expect a good time.  Jon is currently climbing the country charts with his debut single, "Missin' You Crazy."

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

R. Kelly Promises to Make Up for Missing Reggae Sumfest 2011

JIVER. Kelly will headline the upcoming Reggae Sumfest, and in a video message, apologizes to fans in Jamaica for missing last year's showcase.  "I wanna extend my deepest apologies for the last time I was supposed to come out there, but I was really sick," says Kells, who underwent emergency throat surgery last summer.

Kelly will hit the Reggae Sumfest stage on Saturday, July 21, the final day of the three-day festival in Montego Bay.  "This time I'm coming out there and I'mma make up for lost time," Kelly promises. 

Trey Songz is also slated to perform during Reggae Sumfest.  He'll take the stage on Friday, July 20.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Gotye, Coldplay, fun. Compete in Second Wave of Teen Choice Awards Nominations

Facebook.com/TeenChoiceAwardsGotye, Coldplay and fun. are among the rock acts that have earned second wave nominations for next month’s Teen Choice Awards.

Gotye is up for two awards: Choice Breakout Artist and Choice Break-Up Song for his smash hit, “Somebody That I Used to Know.”  Coldplay will compete for Choice Group Summer Music Star, while fun. is a contender for Choice Breakout Group.

The Teen Choice Awards, featuring performers including No Doubt, will air live on Fox Sunday, July 22.  You can vote once a day, each day, per category at TeenChoiceAwards.com until July 21, but you must be between the ages of 13 and 19 to cast your ballot.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Katy Perry Surprises Fans at L.A. Screening of "Katy Perry: Part of Me"

KatyPerryPartofMe.comKaty Perry made a surprise appearance at a Wednesday night screening of her new 3D concert film Katy Perry: Part of Me in Los Angeles.

Just as the lights dimmed to start the Paramount documentary, Katy popped up on the mic wearing a red floral dress, according to People.

"You guys are all so cute, even all the way to the back," the "Wide Awake" singer told the audience.

A source in the theater told People, "The start of the screening was delayed a good 10-15 minutes before Katy sat down in the middle of the screaming crowd for a bit." Fans rushed up to the singer and the source says Katy even "managed to sign some autographs and pose for a few pictures before trying to disperse the massive crowd that had gathered around her."

Part of Me opens in the U.S. and U.K. theaters on July 5.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Ne-Yo "Floating" After Receiving Prestigious Award at Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala in NYC

Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty ImagesThursday night in New York City at the annual Songwriters Hall of Fame gala, Ne-Yo received the Hal David Starlight Award, which is presented by the Hall to young songwriters who are making an impact in the music industry with their original compositions. 

Ne-Yo's in good company: previous recipients of that award have included Taylor Swift, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Drake, John Legend and Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty.  Alicia's husband, producer Swizz Beatz, was on hand to present the award to Ne-Yo.

On the red carpet, Ne-Yo -- who aside from his own hits has also penned smashes for Rihanna, Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson -- told ABC News Radio the honor meant a lot to him.

"This is an award that speaks directly to my heart," he said, "I'm a songwriter before anything else, and for other songwriters -- and not just other songwriters but for other prestigious and accomplished songwriters -- to tell me I'm worthy of this award...there's nothing greater.  I'm floatin' right now."

While on the red carpet, Ne-Yo got to meet and pose for photos with some of the other inductees and presenters, including Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Stevie Nicks and Bob Seger.  Asked what it was like to encounter such legends, Ne-Yo told ABC News Radio, "I don't know what to say! I'm still in a place where I don't now what to say when I meet people I look up to.  I go 'Hi' and that's pretty much it. I hope they don't think I'm weird!" 

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

The Doors' Ray Manzarek Releasing Collaborative Album with Poet Michael McLure in August

Oglio RecordsA new live album featuring Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek performing alongside Beat-era poet Michael McLure will arrive in stores this summer.  The Piano Poems: Live from San Francisco is scheduled for an August 14 release.

In a statement about the album, McLure explains that it was recorded "on a cold, foggy night…after a great Japanese meal."  He adds about the performance, "The stage was on fire with poems and piano improvisations.  The symbiosis and the synergy made lights."  The album also features jazz flutist Larry Kassin on select tracks.

Other collaborative live recordings Manzarek and McLure have released include 1993's Love Lion and 2001's There's a Word! 

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Pearl Jam Partners with Montana Senator for Concert Giveaway

Kevin Mazur/WireImageHow would you like to win a free pair of special VIP tickets to a Pearl Jam concert and have dinner with bassist Jeff Ament?  That’s exactly what Montana Democratic Senator Jon Tester is offering to those who donate to his campaign.

The politician is currently running a contest where you can get to view PJ’s September 30 concert at the Adams Center in Missoula, Montana, in a pair of recliner seats on the stage and get the chance to dine with Ament and Tester.  Round-trip travel and hotel accommodations are also included.  To enter the contest, you’ll need to contribute some money to Tester at his official website.    

“Jon is a hardworking Montana farmer who has never forgotten who he works for or where he comes from, and he brings the responsible leadership America needs to the U.S. Senate," said Ament in a statement on the band’s website.  "Pearl Jam looks forward to joining folks from across Montana in support of Jon to build momentum and re-elect him in November."

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Wyclef Jean Headlining the Keep the Promise AIDS March

Columbia RecordsWyclef Jean is adding his voice to a worldwide call for universal access to AIDS care and treatment.  He'll join civil rights leader and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young on stage at the Washington Monument grounds in D.C. on July 22, and together, Wyclef and Young will rally thousands of people for the Keep the Promise march. 

Wyclef will perform on the day of the special event, which precedes the opening ceremonies of the XIX International AIDS Conference in Washington D.C.  Thousands of people from 98 countries are expected to support the Keep the Promise march, which highlights the need for lowering the price of AIDS drugs and demands more efficient use of funding set aside for the fight against AIDS.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Country Star Trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockWhat is Carrie Underwood's youngest dog's name? ANSWER: Penny.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Rascal Flatts Ready for the Fans After Rehearsing Changed Tour in Mississippi

Big Machine RecordsRascal Flatts launches their Changed tour Friday night in Hartford, CT after going through rehearsals in Mississippi last week. Everything seems ready for the big opening night.

Lead singer Gary LeVox says, "The set looks amazing and all the video stuff looks great.  Set list is done.  Now, we just have to remember what we played in rehearsal."

Little Big Town, Eli Young Band and Edens Edge are also on the bill for this tour, and the Flatts are happy to have all these bands on board for the summer.  Most of all, Rascal Flatts is ready to present this show to their fans after months of planning for it.

"It sure is a lot more fun to perform with people in an arena than it is without," says Gary.

Rascal Flatts is touring in support of their latest album, Changed, which features the #1 hit "Banjo" and their new single, "Come Wake Me Up."

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Jason Mraz Teams with Daryl Hall for "Live from Daryl's House" Concert

Photo: Mark MaglioHere's a great double bill: Daryl Hall and Jason Mraz.  The two singers are teaming up for the latest installment of Daryl's acclaimed web series Live from Daryl's House, which premieres Friday night at 8 p.m at LFDH.com.

In the episode, Daryl and Jason team up for six songs, including Jason's hits "I Won't Give Up," "I'm Yours," "You and I Both" and "The Remedy."  From Daryl's catalog, they sing the 1990 Hall & Oates hit "So Close," and one of Daryl's recent solo singles, "Eyes for You."

In a statement, Jason says of his experience filming the show, "I think visiting Daryl’s house will probably put more soul into my shows.  I’ve always loved his voice from way back...As a singer, you look forward to singing with other singers, and there’s no one better than Daryl Hall.”

As for Daryl, he says, "Jason has a high, clear voice and contributes great harmonies.  I really enjoyed singing the verses of his songs, too.  It was a lot of fun.”

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Jimmy Buffett, Aerosmith's Joe Perry to Be Featured on New Bret Michaels Solo Album

Facebook.com/BretMichaelsJimmy Buffett and Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry are among the many stars who will be featured on a new solo album from Poison frontman Bret Michaels that's slated to arrive late next month. Bret Michaels and Friends: Get Your Rock On also will include guest appearances from Lynyrd Skynyrd's Rickey Medlocke and Peter Keys, country legend Loretta Lynn, founding Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley, ex-Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony and Def Leppard's Phil Collen.

Speaking with Billboard about the album, Michaels says, "I have either jammed with, partied with, or hung out with every friend that joined me on this album.  There is such an awesome and diverse mix of talent on this record…It was truly one of the highlights of my career."

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio