Music News From ABC News Radio

Taylor Swift Leads Country Nominees for 2013 Teen Choice Awards

2013-05-22T17:19:15Z

Photo Credit: Sarah BarlowA few country stars are included in the first wave of nominees for the 2013 Teen Choice Awards, including Taylor Swift. She's up for Choice Female Artist and Choice Female Country Artist. Jana Kramer, Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves and Carrie Underwood are also nominated in the Female Country Artist category.

The nominees in the Choice Male Country Artist category are Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Hunter Hayes and Blake Shelton. The Choice Country Group nominees include Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, The Band Perry and Thompson Square.

The ABC country music drama Nashville is also up for Choice TV Show: Drama. Country stars also contributed in a big way to three of the nominees in the Choice TV: Reality Competition: Kellie Pickler just won the latest season of Dancing with the Stars, Blake Shelton coaches on The Voice, and Keith Urban served as a judge on American Idol this past season.

Teens ages 13 to 19 can now vote for their favorites once a day at TeenChoiceAwards.com. The show airs Sunday, August 11 on FOX.

Blake Shelton Putting Together Televised Benefit Show for Oklahoma Tornado Victims

2013-05-22T16:58:31Z

Warner Music NashvilleBlake Shelton is putting together a benefit concert for the victims of Monday's deadly Oklahoma tornadoes. He tells Billboard the show will air on NBC, and that more details will be announced very soon.

Blake grew up in Ada, OK, which is just 75 miles from the tornado-ravaged town of Moore, OK. He says of the special, "I'm hoping it will raise a lot of money."

Look for Blake to call on some of his fellow coaches on The Voice to appear on the special. Blake and his wife Miranda Lambert opened Tuesday night's edition of The Voice singing "Over You," in honor of those who lost their lives in the tornadoes.

"American Idol's" Kree on Nicki's Nicknames & the One Person She Was "Floored" to Meet This Season

2013-05-22T16:02:16Z

Ray Mickshaw / FOXEach year on American Idol, at least one contestant ends up with a nickname, usually bestowed upon them by Ryan Seacrest or, occasionally, one of the judges. This year, it was runner-up Kree Harrison who hit the nickname jackpot: She'll now and forever be known as "Kreedom," thanks to judge Nicki Minaj. Kree says she doesn't mind -- and she also likes all the other variations she's heard on her unusual name this season.

"I think all of the Kree nicknames are funny," she told ABC News Radio backstage at Live with Kelly & Michael. "There's, like, 'Kree-per,' that's my favorite. 'Kree-ture,' 'Kree-ation,' 'In-Kree-Dible,' there's so many. But yeah, my family calls me Kree-dom now! I'm like, 'What?'"

As for whether or not she felt honored that she was the only contestant who Nicki proposed to, and the only one the judge called her "wife," Kree laughed and said, "Of course! Yeah, we've been engaged since Vegas!"

While Kree says that singing in front of the likes of Nicki, Mariah Carey and Keith Urban every week was great, she wasn't necessarily starstruck by them. In fact, she says there's only one person who appeared on Idol all season who she truly couldn't believe she got to meet: Motown legend Smokey Robinson.

"I was geeking out," Kree said of meeting Smokey. "I've never been starstruck in my life. I've lived in Nashville for 13 years; I've met a lot of people. I got to stand in front of Mariah Carey and she literally told me [she liked my singing]...I don't know, that was weird." But meeting Smokey, Kree says, was different.

"I was just, I was floored by what was happening. Yeah, I'm a huge fan," she says.

While Kree was also a fan of all four judges, and is happy she was one of the last two people ever to be critiqued by the departing Randy Jackson, she says she has no clue who should join the panel next season.

"I don't know. I mean, just the fact that, like, those four, this last season [were] so different, I feel like [the producers] know what they're doing. I think it's going to be awesome to figure out who it's going to be."

You can catch Kree on the upcoming American Idols Live tour, which kicks off at the end of next month.

K. Michelle Takes Fans Behind the Scenes of Rebel Against Campaign

2013-05-22T16:01:05Z

AtlanticK. Michelle wants to give women a voice, and she's doing that through a special campaign called Rebel Against. The singer, whose upcoming album is titled Rebellious Soul, is the latest celebrity to team up with Saving Our Daughters, an organization that works to stop bullying and domestic violence.

In a video behind the scenes of her Rebel Against photo shoot, K. Michelle talks about her new partnership, explaining, "I teamed up with Saving Our Daughters to just empower women on different things that might make them feel inferior, whether it might be violence, racism, or anything that they may be struggling or facing from day to day."

K. Michelle's Rebel Against campaign with Saving Our Daughters will include speaking events and more. More information will be shared on K. Michelle's website.

John Fogerty Joins Interlocken Festival Lineup; Furthur to Play Full Grateful Dead Album During Event

2013-05-22T16:00:43Z

Facebook.com/InterlockenFestivalNew details have been revealed about the recently announced inaugural Interlocken Music Festival, which is scheduled to take place September 5-8 at Oak Ridge Farm in Arrington, Virginia.

A new addition to the bill is John Fogerty, who will join veteran jam band Widespread Panic to perform a set of his classic Creedence Clearwater Revival material. Widespread Panic also is slated to play a second night at the festival without Fogerty.

Meanwhile, Grateful Dead spinoff group Furthur, which previously was announced as part of the Interlocken lineup, has been confirmed to perform on three of the festival's four days. During one of its sets, Furthur will play the Grateful Dead's classic 1970 album Workingman's Dead in its entirety.

Another previously revealed performer, The Black Crowes, now is confirmed to perform on two nights during the musical extravaganza.

Other artists who were part of the Interlocken fest's initially reported lineup include Neil Young & Crazy Horse, The String Cheese Incident and country star Zac Brown. Early bird general admission tickets and VIP packages will go on sale Thursday, May 23, at 10 a.m. ET. Visit InterlockenFestival.com for more details.

Chris Young Enlists the Fans to Help Him Announce Details on His Fourth Album

2013-05-22T16:00:42Z

Monarch PublicityChris Young will release his fourth studio album this year, and he wants you to help him announce all the details. Between now and Friday, May 31, fans can go to ChrisYoungCountry.com to take part in the announcement.

He says, "I feel like this new record really captures my live show for the fans and so I want them to be part of revealing info about this new album."

Chris's new album features his latest single, "Aw Naw," which is now available for digital download.

Jared Leto Says "Love Lust Faith + Dreams" Is a "New Chapter" for 30 Second to Mars

2013-05-22T16:00:42Z

Jared LetoFrontman Jared Leto says he feels 30 Seconds to Mars’ recently-released album, Love Lust Faith + Dreams, is the beginning of a new musical direction for the group.

“This album is a new chapter,” he tells Rolling Stone. “It feels like a new band, like we let go a lot of the past. It's not just a rock record -- it's more expansive, it digs deeper. It gets a lot more involved.”

Leto adds that he's happy with the band’s new sound, which is “more focused and decisive” than the group’s previous three albums. "I feel like we've made the best album of our lives, hands down, because we've learned a lot about who we were," he explains.

30 Seconds to Mars will be promoting Love Lust Faith + Dreams when the band drops by TBS’ Conan on Wednesday night.

Rihanna Working on a New Album Already?

2013-05-22T13:00:48Z

PR NewswireRihanna may already be working on the follow-up to her latest studio album, 2012's Unapologetic. In an interview with The Source, producer and songwriter Rodney Jerkins reveals that he's been cooking up material for some major stars, including Rih.

"There’s a lot of good stuff happening," Rodney tells The Source, explaining that he has plans to work with Britney Spears, and he's got some stuff going with Mariah Careyand Jennifer Lopez. "I also wrote a couple of songs that are being considered for Rihanna’s new album," he says.

Unapologetic arrived in stores only six months ago, but Rihanna tends to work fast. She's released seven albums in less than eight years. For now though, Rihanna is busy on her Diamonds world tour, which wraps up in November.

Germany Has "Officially Confiscated" Bieber's Pet Monkey, Says Customs Spokesman

2013-05-22T13:00:44Z

Courtesy Justin Bieber via InstagramLet's hope Justin Bieber wasn't too attached to his pet monkey, Mally.

A spokesman for the Munich Customs office says Germany has "officially confiscated" the capuchin monkey, which was seized by Customs officials in the European country from Justin in March because he failed to provide the proper paperwork required to bring the animal there. Mally has been residing in a shelter based in Munich.

Customs office spokesman Thomas Meister tells E! News, "Justin Bieber has six weeks to bring more papers or contest this decision, but if we don't hear from him, the decision to confiscate the monkey will be legally binding." Meister adds that the office has not heard from Justin's camp since the monkey was taken away from him.

Meister says the plan is to move Mally, who is said to be in good health, to an undisclosed location -- it won't be a zoo -- next week.

Second Annual Rock'n'Blues Fest Tour to Feature Edgar Winter, Rick Derringer, Ten Years After & More

2013-05-22T13:00:43Z

The Albright Entertainment GroupThe Edgar Winter Band and Rick Derringer will return to take part in the second annual edition of the Rock'N'Blues Fest tour, which will feature a variety of veteran artists who showcase the merger of rock 'n' roll and the blues. Joining Winter's group and Derringer on this year's lineup will be two Woodstock legends -- Ten Years After and Canned Heat -- as well as Canadian guitar whiz Pat Travers.

The 2013 Rock'N'Blues Fest tour is scheduled to get under way on July 27 in Las Vegas and currently is plotted out through an August 24 stop in Clearwater, Florida. A total of 19 shows have been confirmed, although more dates are expected to be announced for the trek soon.

Ten Years After's current lineup features three of the group's four original members -- drummer Ric Lee, bassist Leo Lyons and keyboardist Chick Churchill. Sadly, founding singer/guitarist Alvin Lee died in March at the age of 68. Speaking about the upcoming outing, Ric Lee says in a statement, "We are…excited to tour the U.S. as we pay tribute to band-mate Alvin Lee, while igniting a new wave of youthful excitement and appeasing long-term fans."

Winter, meanwhile, promises that his band "will be doing a new and very different show" from last year's Rock'n'Blues concerts. He adds that because 2013 marks the 40th anniversary of the release of The Edgar Winter Group's classic album They Only Come Out at Night, "we intend to celebrate the occasion by playing some of the songs from that album I haven't done in years."

Here are all of the announced Rock'n'Blues Fest tour dates so far:

7/27 -- Las Vegas, NV, The Cannery Casino
7/28 -- Saratoga, CA, The Winery
7/30 -- San Diego, CA, Humphrey's by the Sea
8/2 -- Anaheim, CA, The Grove
8/3 -- Flagstaff, AZ, Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill Park
8/4 -- Tucson, AZ, Fox Tucson Theatre
8/7 -- Minneapolis, MN, The Zoo
8/9 -- Chicago, IL, Country Club Hills Theater
8/10 -- Sterling Heights, MI, Freedom Hill Amphitheater
8/11 -- Yonkers, NY, Empire City Casino
8/13 -- Westbury, NY, NYCB Theatre
8/14 -- Glenside, PA, The Keswick Theater
8/15 -- Providence, RI, The Park Theater
8/16 -- Englewood, NJ, Bergen Performing Arts Center
8/17 -- Rama, Canada, Casino Rama
8/18 -- Kettering, OH, Fraze Pavilion
8/21 -- Hampton, NH, Hampton Beach Casino
8/22 -- Hyannis, MA, Melody Tent
8/24 -- Clearwater, FL, Ruth Eckerd Hall

Country Star Trivia

2013-05-22T13:00:43Z

Comstock/ThinkstockWhich member of The Henningsens recently tied the knot on the family's farm in Illinois? ANSWER: Clara Henningsen.

Blake Shelton and Sheryl Crow to Perform on "The Voice" May 27

2013-05-22T13:00:42Z

Facebook.com/TheVoiceBlake Shelton and Sheryl Crow are taking a break from guiding the singers on The Voice to get behind the microphone themselves next week. Look for Blake to sing his latest hit, "Boys 'Round Here," on the May 27 edition of The Voice. Sheryl will also sing her debut country single, "Easy," that night.

"Boys "Round Here" is the second single from Blake's latest album, Based on a True Story…. It's also his fastest-rising single at radio to date.

Michael Buble Was "Not a Happy Man for Many Years"

2013-05-22T13:00:42Z

Facebook.com/MichaelBubleMichael Buble's been famous for 10 years now, and you'd think that all that fame -- and fortune -- would have brought him contentment. But while he's deliriously happy now, thanks to his marriage and his baby on the way, he tells Vanity Fair that for a long time, he was extremely unhappy, mostly due to his insecurity.

"I was not a happy man for many years. Insecure. I never thought I could hold a relationship. No way," he reveals. "Because how could anyone love me if I didn’t? That sounds like a shrink would say it, but it’s the truth."

So what changed? Michael points to a "harsh public breakup" -- possibly referring to his split with actress Emily Blunt -- as forcing him to wake up and realize that he needed to pull himself together. "I was f***ing heartbroken; I had no confidence," he reveals.

Michael admits, "I kept saying to myself, 'You're young, Mike. You're young, and you'll make mistakes and you'll have time to change these things.' Then I started to realize, 'You know what, dude? You're not a kid anymore. You're now in your mid...30s. You have these things inside you, but you ignore them. You push them aside, and you don't want to admit these things to yourself.'"

Eventually, Michael says, it was reading a book called The Power of Now that changed his life.

"I started reading it, and I believed in it," he explains. "I started practicing it, and it was as simple as just being in the moment and being thankful for what I had and every day trying to be grateful and to try to work on myself. It was such a slow process, but it changed my life."

The book, once recommended by Oprah Winfrey, advises readers that they can be transformed simply by becoming deeply conscious of the present moment, or what the author calls "the Now."

Michael tells Vanity Fair, "Literally, if you talk to my mom and dad, they'll tell you that I'm a different son. I'm present."

Drummer Travis Barker Promises “Harder” Songs on Upcoming Transplants Record

2013-05-22T13:00:40Z

Facebook.com/TransplantsOfficialTransplants drummer Travis Barker says that the band’s upcoming album, In a Warzone, will feature some heavier themes than their previous releases.

“It’s probably a bit harder than some of our other albums, a lot more straightforward punk rock album,” he tells Billboard in a video interview. “It’s up and down like every Transplants album. There are songs that make you want to smack the s**t out of somebody and there are songs that are just good driving songs.”

In a Warzone will arrive at all the usual outlets on June 25. You’ll get your first taste of the new songs performed live when the band hits the road with Rancid for a co-headlining North American tour next month. That outing kicks off on June 11 at The Fillmore in Detroit MI. Visit TheTransplants.com to view the full itinerary.

One Direction Releasing New Book

2013-05-22T10:40:53Z

HarperCollinsOne Direction has got a new book on the way this summer.

Titled Where We Are: Our Band, Our Story, the publisher's description calls it “the only official book from 1D, charting their journey over the past year-and-a-half -- from the places they’ve visited and fans they’ve met, to their thoughts and feelings, hopes and dreams, highs and lows. It has been a phenomenal year – and this is a phenomenal story.”

1D has released three previous official books through HarperCollins, the most recent being One Direction: Dare to Dream.

Where We Are: Our Band, Our Story goes on sale August 27, three days before the debut of the group's movie, This Is Us.

Keith Richards Could Owe Thousands of Dollars in Overdue Library Fines

2013-05-22T10:25:37Z

Jane Rose/KeithRichards.comA public library in Dartford, England, apparently can’t get satisfaction from Keith Richards.

The veteran rocker admits he still owes fines for books he borrowed and failed to return to the library decades ago, the Mirror reports. The newspaper quotes Richards as saying, “I’ve still got overdue fines from about 50 years ago. They must be astronomical by now.”

The Mirror estimates that with a 15 pence a day fine, plus interest and administrative fees, Richards could be facing a library bill of about 3,000 pounds, approximately $4,547.

The 69-year-old Richards says he felt right at home in the quiet atmosphere of the library in Dartford. “To me it was a place where you get a hint there was somewhere called civilization.” The hard-living guitarist adds, “It was the only place where I would willingly obey the laws, like silence. It was somewhere I could find out about things I was interested in.”

When contacted by the newspaper, a receptionist at the Dartford Library was unable to determine quickly how much Richards owes in fines. “For fines going back 50 years, it’s going to be tough to work out exactly how much is owed,” says the receptionist, adding, “We’d have to check the archives.”

Meanwhile, the U.K. tabloid The Sun cites experts who estimate that Richards actually owes the library around 20,000 pounds in overdue fines. That’s approximately $30,000.

Carole King Honored at the Library of Congress

2013-05-22T10:16:54Z

Kris Connor/Getty ImagesCarole King will receive the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song at the White House on Wednesday. On the eve of that event, she was celebrated at the Library of Congress with a concert featuring Colbie Caillat and other artists.

King remarked at the Tuesday night concert, “The greatest joy for me is to hear someone interpret my song.” She performed herself, too, entertaining those in attendance with “Now and Forever” and “You’ve Got a Friend."

King also acknowledged the victims of the Oklahoma tornado, saying she would "keep them in our prayers."

On Wednesday night, President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama will salute King as part of the latest edition of the “In Performance at the White House” series. King, Billy Joel, James Taylor, Gloria Estefan and Trisha Yearwood are among the artists who will perform. The concert will be streamed live on WhiteHouse.gov/Live beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern time.

Kelly Rowland's "Talk a Good Game" Track List Revealed

2013-05-22T10:00:44Z

RepublicThe track listing for Kelly Rowland's Talk a Good Game album has made its way online. The 15-track set is available for pre-order from iTunes, which means there's finally a little more information about Kelly's much-anticipated track with her Destiny's Child pals Beyonce and Michelle Williams.

The trio collaborate on a song titled "You Changed," but since no preview is available yet, fans will have to wait and see whether the ladies are singing about a shaky romantic relationship or a rocky patch in their friendship. Earlier this month, Kelly surprised Destiny's Child fans when she revealed her frustrations after the group's split on her latest Talk a Good Game single, "Dirty Laundry."

Other guests on the album include Wiz Khalifa on "Gone" and Pusha T on "Street Life." The-Dream -- who features Kelly on his upcoming IV Play album -- drops in on her "Sky Walker" track. Talk a Good Game's title track features another collaborator, Kevin Cossom. The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter has worked with Keri Hilson, Rihanna, Chris Brown and more.

Check out the full Talk a Good Game track list here:

"Freak"
"Kisses Down Low"
"Gone" Feat. Wiz Khalifa
"Talk a Good Game" Feat. Kevin Cossom
"Down On Love"
"Dirty Laundry"
"You Changed" feat. Beyonce & Michelle
"I Remember"
"Red Wine"
"This Is Love"
"Street Life" Feat. Pusha T
"Stand In Front of Me"
"Sky Walker" feat. The-Dream
"Put Your Name On It"
"#1"

Massive Clash Box Set, "Sound System," Due Out in September

2013-05-22T10:00:39Z

Legacy RecordingsFrom punk pioneers to musical innovators who cross-pollinated rock with reggae, hip-hop and other genres, The Clash blazed a fiery trail during the 1970s and '80s that influenced and inspired countless bands that emerged in their wake.

Now, the group's surviving members have designed and compiled a massive new box set titled Sound System that collects all five of the U.K. rockers' studio albums along with a plethora of demos, singles, B-sides and outtakes; promotional videos; concert footage; memorabilia; and much more.

Scheduled to be released on September 10, Sound System features a total of 12 discs, including the three CDs of extra material and a DVD. Among the bonus tunes are previously unreleased tracks from The Clash's very first recording session at Beaconsfield Film School in 1976, demos the band laid down for the Polydor label in November 1976 and performances from a December 1978 concert at The Lyceum Theatre in London.

The DVD, meanwhile, contains interview and concert footage shot by director Julien Temple and frequent Clash collaborator Don Letts, unreleased performances from a 1977 show at England's Sussex University, footage from the band's famous spring 1981 run of shows in New York City and a career-spanning selection of promo clips.

Sound System comes housed in a boom box-shaped case that also features a booklet, fanzines, a poster and collectible dog tags, badges and stickers. In celebration of the box set, Clash guitarist Mick Jones, bassist Paul Simonon and drummer Topper Headon have lent their voices to a quirky video in which they discuss the concept behind Sound System.

In conjunction with the arrival of Sound System, The Clash also is putting out CD and vinyl box sets featuring just the remastered versions of their studio albums. In addition, a compilation called The Clash - Hits Back, featuring 33 of the group's most popular songs, will be issued as a two-CD set and a three-LP vinyl collection on September 10. The retrospective's track list is based in part on a set that the band played at a famous 1982 concert held at London's Brixton Fair Deal venue.

To find out more details about the upcoming Clash releases, visit TheClash.com.

Elton John to Headline Concert at London's Hyde Park with Ray Davies, Elvis Costello & Others

2013-05-22T10:00:39Z

Facebook.com/EltonJohnElton John joins a growing list of famous rockers, including The Rolling Stones and Bon Jovi, who will perform headlining sets at London's famous Hyde Park this summer.

Elton and his band will serve as the main attraction at a July 12 concert that also will feature Kinks frontman Ray Davies, plus Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe and several other artists. The event, part of Hyde Park's British Summer Time series, will showcase singer/songwriters.

"I am truly honored to be headlining the Songwriters evening of the new British Summer Time series," says John in a statement. "This will be the first time in eight years that I have played with a band at Hyde Park…The audiences there are always amazing, and to be sharing the bill with two of Britain's great songwriters, Ray Davies and Elvis Costello, will only make the night that much more special."

Tickets for the concert will be available for purchase by the general public at BST-HydePark.com starting this Thursday at 4 a.m. ET.

The Rolling Stones are scheduled to play Hyde Park on July 6 and 13, while Bon Jovi's show is slated to take place on July 5.

Nashville Notes

2013-05-22T10:00:38Z

Burke/Triolo Productions/ThinkstockTaylor Swift and Kacey Musgraves were spotted eating together at Nobu Restaurant and Lounge in Las Vegas Sunday night following the Billboard Music Awards according to the Las Vegas Informer.

Darius Rucker stops by ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live Wednesday.

New country trio The Henningsens visited the chorus at PS22 in New York City to perform their debut hit, "American Beautiful," as well as a cover of Justin Timberlake's #1 pop hit, "Mirrors."

Florida Georgia Line Cruises to New Heights Thanks to Nelly and Taylor Swift

2013-05-22T10:00:37Z

Republic NashvilleFlorida Georgia Line's hit single "Cruise" is now crossing over to the pop world thanks to a remix with rapper Nelly. So, how did they get this unique pairing come about? The country duo's Brian Kelley tells ABC News Radio it was actually Nelly who got the ball rolling.

Brian says, "When we heard that he was interested and that would have been an option, we freaked out and jumped at it. I don't think there could have been anyone better for that song. It just made sense."

Brian and his duo partner, Tyler Hubbard, love how Nelly sounds rapping on the track, too.

"It's a very special song, and to have him a part of it takes it to another level for sure," Brian says.

"Cruise" earned its initial pop cred when Taylor Swift gave a ringing endorsement of the song last year on Twitter. She mentioned her love for the song again recently in an interview with Billboard and even brought Florida Georgia Line out on her RED tour this year.

Says Brian, "We love her and what she's doing and very thankful for her having us out on tour and being so good to us."

Florida Georgia Line opens for Taylor Swift on Wednesday night in San Antonio, Texas, before playing a sold-out headlining show Thursday at the House of Blues in Houston.

SkyBlu Says New LMFAO Music May Be Coming "in the Near Future"

2013-05-22T10:00:36Z

Albert Ferreira/Startraks Photo via ABCLMFAO may not be currently working together, but that doesn't mean there's any drama between Redfoo and SkyBlu, who in real life are uncle and nephew, respectively. In fact, even though SkyBlu is readying a solo album, he says an LMFAO reunion may take place sooner than you think.

"We're family. I love Foo; he loves me," Sky told ABC News Radio at the Billboard Music Awards. "We see each other at Christmas and everything, and we're good...you guys might see something from LMFAO in the near future, so it's all good."

In the meantime, Sky's first solo album is coming out July 4, and he says he has three, count 'em, three singles out: One's called "Pop Bottles," another's called "Alcohol," and another one is a Spanish song he did with actor Wilmer Valderrama called "Salud," which means "Cheers" in Spanish. And if you're sensing a common theme here, Sky says don't worry: His album won't consist of only songs about partying.

"It really shows the spectrum of who I am," he says of the solo disc. "And so yeah, I release a lot of drinking songs and stuff, but I really want to [use these songs to] transition my fans into my record and make them comfortable. So when they hear it, it's like, 'Wow, I didn't see this coming, but I understand,' you know what I mean?"

While Sky's working on his music, Redfoo is also keeping busy. He just signed on to be a judge on the Australian version of The X Factor, and he's also working on his tennis career, attempting to qualify for the 2013 US Open as a wild-card entry. The qualifying tournament takes place next month, and Sky says his uncle's the real deal on the court.

"Yeah, he's been a great player," he tells ABC News Radio. "I remember seeing him win first place in, like, a few contests. He's awesome."

Longtime Pals Kacey Musgraves and Kree Harrison Explain How They're "From the Same Tribe"

2013-05-22T10:00:35Z

FOXKree Harrison may just be starting out on her country career after scoring the runner-up slot on American Idol this season, but she's not going into the country music world blind. Kree has lived in Nashville for 13 years now and counts country star Kacey Musgraves as one of her best friends.

The two native Texans met through a mutual Nashville songwriter friend, who told them both before meeting, "Y'all are from the same tribe."

Kree tells ABC News Radio, "We went and hung out one night, me and her and our friend Elice and literally have been inseparable ever since."

You may have seen Kacey in the audience at American Idol this season cheering Kree on, and Kree is incredibly proud of Kacey's success on the country charts.

"It's really hard to find good girls that are supportive and not competitive, and she and I are the epitome of that," Kree says of Kacey. "If you can't tell, we just support each other so much."

Kree even supported Kacey by singing background vocals on her debut album, Same Trailer, Different Park. Kree hopes Kacey returns the favor for Kree's upcoming debut album, too. While Kacey would love for Kree to record some of her songs on that album, Kacey tells ABC New Radio that Kree can write a mighty fine tune herself.

"Kree's an amazing songwriter in her own right, and she can just sing the absolute pants off anything she chooses," Kacey says, adding, "I want the world to hear her songs."

Kree is now headed out on the road with the rest of the American Idol finalists this summer. She's also set to make her Grand Ole Opry debut on June 4 before really starting to work on her debut album.

Says Kree, "This is happening to such a deserving person, and not only that, but such a humble one. So, I'm excited for her."

Jon Bon Jovi Warns Justin Bieber Not to Be an [EXPLETIVE]

2013-05-22T10:00:35Z

Facebook.com/BonJoviJustin Bieber's recent plea at the Billboard Music Awards for people to focus solely on his music and not the other "bull" that surrounds him evidently didn't reach the ears of Jon Bon Jovi. In a new interview, the Bon Jovi frontman warns Justin that if he doesn't do right by his fans, he runs the risk of being seen as an "a**hole."

While speaking with the British paper the Evening Standard, Jon was asked to comment on the fact that Justin angered some of his fans earlier this year by showing up 40 minutes late to a London concert, blaming his tardiness on technical issues. Jon responded that artists who show up late to shows "run the risk of disrespecting their audience members who have worked hard to pay for their ticket, to give you the permission to take two or three hours of their lives -- or in that kid's case, 80 minutes of their lives."

He added, "Do it once, you can be forgiven. Do it enough times and shame on you. They won't have you back. Then it just becomes a cliché. It’s really not cool -- you're an a**hole. Go to f***in' work!"

Jon also discussed the uncomfortable situation he's currently in: having to explain why Richie Sambora has left the band's tour, with no hint as to when he'll be back.

"It’s getting more and more difficult every day to not just sit here and say something... Because all I can say is this -- it's for personal reasons," Jon told the paper. "You have a choice -- you either figure it out, go and grow, not only survive but thrive. Or, you say, 'I hate my brother and I'm gonna quit the band.' "

Volbeat's Michael Poulsen Reveals Inspiration Behind "Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies"

2013-05-22T10:00:34Z

Facebook.com/VolbeatVolbeat's latest album, Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies, has been getting some serious love on radio and on the active charts since its release last month. Frontman Michael Poulsen says that he's thrilled fans are enjoying the release, which was inspired by his love of the Old West.

“Lyrically…it was about time that something a little bit different happened, and I just started writing about these outlaws and gunslingers and shady ladies from the 1800s, because I could hear in the music I was writing that I was getting inspired by some of those old Western movies I'd been watching as a kid," he tells ABC News Radio. "Now is the right time to bring those characters to life and make that part of the whole Volbeat universe."

Poulsen adds that one of the biggest reasons for the band's successful new musical direction is the addition of former Anthrax guitarist Rob Caggiano, who officially joined Volbeat in February. "[Caggiano's] very tight, he's very solid and he definitely has his own touch when it comes to the solos, but style-wise, him and I fit perfectly," he explains. "It worked out really, really good, and I think you can definitely hear that on the record. It has a really good heavy dynamic, so I think he’s an amazing guitar player."

Volbeat is currently on tour overseas, but the band will return to kick off the next leg of its North American tour with an appearance at the Shadow Hill Ranch Festival on August 24 in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. Visit Volbeat.dk to view the full itinerary.

Hear Alabama Shakes' "Pocket Change" from Upcoming "True Blood" Soundtrack

2013-05-22T10:00:33Z

Pieter M. van Hattem/Contour by Getty ImagesAlabama Shakes is among the artists who have contributed tracks for the upcoming compilation True Blood: Music from the HBO Original Series Volume Four, due May 28. The Shakes have crafted a new song for the release, titled "Pocket Change," which you can preview now at EW.com.

Other rockers who appear on the compilation include Iggy Pop, Best Coast's Bethany Cosentino, My Morning Jacket and The Flaming Lips.

The sixth season of True Blood will premiere June 16 on HBO. Here's the complete list of songs and artists on the True Blood: Music from the HBO Original Series Volume Four album:

"Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" -- Eric Burdon with Jenny Lewis
"Let's Boot and Rally" -- Iggy Pop with Bethany Cosentino
"What Makes a Good Man?" -- the Heavy
"Smokestack Lightnin'" -- Howlin' Wolf
"Pocket Change" -- Alabama Shakes
"Authority Song" -- Bosco Delrey
"Turn Turn Turn" -- My Morning Jacket
"Your Face Can Tell the Future" -- The Flaming Lips
"The Sun" -- The Naked and Famous
"Undertow" -- Warpaint
"I Wanna Be Your Man" -- Mobley
"(She's a) Wanderer" -- Deap Vally
"Whatever I Am, You Made Me" -- Koko Taylor
"We'll Meet Again" -- Los Lobos

"The Voice" Recap: Shakira and Usher Each Lose One Artist

2013-05-22T10:00:00Z

NBCThe odds of a Shakira or Usher protégé winning The Voice are pretty slim after Tuesday night's results show.

Team Shakira’s Kris Thomas and Team Usher's Josiah Hawley were eliminated, leaving eight artists still standing in the competition. Amber Carrington of Team Adam Levine and The Swon Brothers of Team Blake Shelton were both saved in the final minutes of the results show.

Usher and Shakira's teams each have only one artist left: Michelle Chamuel and Sasha Allen, respectively. This is Usher and Shakira's first season as a Voice coach.

The telecast began with host Carson Daly again sending the show's thoughts and prayers to the victims of the Oklahoma tornado. He then introduced Blake, who was born and raised in Oklahoma, and Blake's wife, Miranda Lambert. Together, they performed a song they co-wrote and was recorded by Miranda, "Over You."

Red Cross donation information appeared on the screen during the couple's performance.

Later on in the show, Shakira joined her artists for a rendition of The Pretenders' "I'll Stand by You"; Usher took the stage with his artists for a cover of Dusty Springfield's "The Look of Love"; Team Blake, without their coach, sang Alabama's "Mountain Music"; and Team Adam, sans the Maroon 5 frontman, performed The Kiki Dee Band's "I've Got the Music in Me."

The live playoffs roll on next Monday night on NBC.

Kellie Pickler Wins "Dancing with the Stars" Mirror Ball Trophy

2013-05-22T03:27:25Z

ABC/Adam TaylorKellie Pickler and pro partner Derek Hough were crowned the winners of the 16th season of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars Tuesday night.

Disney star Zendaya and partner Val Chmerkovskiy finished in second place.

Pickler, who had been a fan favorite during ten weeks of competition, reacted to the announcement by declaring, “Oh my God. This is amazing. Oh my God.”

Pickler and Hough danced a jive for their final ballroom routine Tuesday night. Judge Len Goodman declared afterward, “You're always clean, you're precise, you're sharp, your dancing is always polished. I'm telling you, Kellie, you're the bee's knees, my mama's pajamas, my uncle's carbuncles. You're awesome.”

Pickler won after receiving the highest combined total of judges’ scores and viewers’ votes.

Backstage after the show, Kellie told ABC News Radio that the Mirror Ball trophy will probably go to her grandfather.

Kellie said, “This is his favorite show, and he talked me into doing the show in the first place. And he said he wanted that Mirror Ball trophy, if I didn't bring it home, then I wasn't his favorite granddaughter.”

Kellie adds that she’s his only granddaughter...his only grandchild. The singer says her grandfather lives with her and husband so the Mirror Ball trophy “will probably go in his bedroom on his nightstand.”

Wynonna was also one of the dancing celebrities on this season’s edition, but she was voted off a number of weeks ago. She returned Tuesday night to sing “I Want to Know What Love Is.”

George Michael Still Hospitalized Days After Car Accident for "Observation"

2013-05-22T01:00:35Z

Samir Hussein/Redferns via Getty ImagesDespite the fact that George Michael's rep said the singer only suffered "superficial cuts and bruises" in a car crash last week, he's still in the hospital, reports the BBC.

George was a passenger in a Range Rover that was involved in a car accident in the U.K. last Thursday, and he was found on the road by paramedics, the BBC says. He was then airlifted to a medical center in London.

The spokeswoman confirmed to the BBC that George was still in the hospital, and added, "We are keen to stress it's purely as a precaution for observation. He did suffer a couple of bumps and bruises to the head, and that's why they are keeping him in -- to keep an eye on him."

She added, "He is doing better. He is making good progress and is looking forward to getting out."

But the British paper The Sun paints a more serious picture of the accident, which did not involve a third party. A driver on the scene, who was forced to hit the brakes when she saw George in the road, tells the paper, "I saw blood everywhere and a man on the ground...I asked what had gone on and was told he tried to open the car door and shut it again because it wasn’t shut properly and apparently fell out at 70 mph."

She added, "There was a nasty cut on his forehead and the back of his head. There was blood all down his face and on his teeth. He was breathing and conscious but in shock...He was lucky he didn’t die.”

The hit-making singer appears to have nine lives. According to Billboard, in 2004, he was involved in two car accidents, and another one in 2006. His license was yanked in 2007, but when it was restored, he got into another accident: In 2010, the car he was driving slammed into a photo processing store in London. He was then sentenced to eight weeks in prison after a judge found he'd been driving under the influence of pot and prescription medication.

In addition, in 2011, George suffered a bout of pneumonia that nearly killed him, and then last year canceled a tour due to "major anxiety," a side effect of that near-death experience.