Katy Perry surprises mudslide survivors at benefit concert – Katy Perry made an unannounced appearance on Sunday to perform a short set at a benefit honoring first responders and survivors of the deadly January mudslide in Montecito, California. More than 2,000 people attended the “One 805 Kick Ash Bash,” a fundraiser named after the local area code, which organizers say raised nearly $2 million to support recovery efforts.
Perry, who grew up in nearby Goleta, told CNN that the event held deep personal meaning for her. “This means the world to me,” she said. “This is where I flourish. My heart was broken by the tragedy, the mudslide. I’ll do anything to help this community.” Her surprise performance joined a lineup of artists with local ties who contributed to the evening.
The benefit featured performances by Katharine McPhee, Wilson Phillips, Alan Parsons, Dishwalla, Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket, Kenny Loggins and Richard Marx, among others. Each act contributed to an atmosphere of solidarity and support, with proceeds directed to relief organizations and direct aid for families affected by the disaster. The event underscored how artists and community members rallied to assist Montecito’s recovery in the months following the mudslide. – Read more at CNN
Reigning American Idol Winner Trent Harmon Shooting Music Video
Trent Harmon has been on set filming a music video for his new single, “You Got Em All.” The singer shared a behind-the-scenes update on social media, noting that the shoot began with scene footage and crediting the creative staff from his label for support. His post captured the start of production and offered fans an early look at the project as he moves forward promoting the single and connecting his television success with a developing recording career.
Trent’s original social post read: “Video shoot day for ‘You Got Em All’ begins the scene footage with the @BigMachine creative staff. -RB.” (Tweet posted February 26, 2018.)
The Voice: Kelly Clarkson on Coming Full Circle, Battling with the Other Coaches, and More – Kelly Clarkson discussed her role on The Voice and reflected on how her career has come full circle. Asked about reports that American Idol reached out to her for the show’s revival, Clarkson acknowledged being contacted frequently for various projects but emphasized her enthusiasm for The Voice. She described how personal circumstances—particularly difficult pregnancies—kept her from working for several years, and said she has long admired the show’s team and had hoped to collaborate since learning about one of its international versions while traveling.
In a conversation about switching networks and roles, Clarkson also addressed concerns from some fans about loyalty to her roots on American Idol. “I love that show,” she said, expressing gratitude for the platform that launched her career and clarifying that joining The Voice was not meant as a slight to Idol’s revival. – Read more at Parade
‘Idol’ Kelly Clarkson switches teams to ‘The Voice’ – With The Voice scheduled to premiere weeks before ABC’s reboot of American Idol, Clarkson addressed perceptions about her move to NBC. She said she hoped fans wouldn’t think she was abandoning Idol, praising the original show for launching her career and expressing excitement about Idol’s return. Clarkson also shared a personal ambition: she would like to appear in one of NBC’s live musical productions and has her sights set on performing “White Christmas,” taking on the role associated with Rosemary Clooney. She described a lighthearted moment meeting George Clooney, who mentioned his aunt, comparing her to that family member. – New York Post
Chris Daughtry Returns With a New Tour, New Album, and Thoughts on the New American Idol – Chris Daughtry announced that his band recently completed a new record and prepared to return to touring. He joked about wrapping the album and clarified a playful comment about “rapping” by explaining he meant the album’s completion. Daughtry described the project as long-awaited, and noted a personal pact to keep his beard until the record was finished, a promise he kept until completion.
Reflecting on his time on American Idol, Daughtry called it a formative experience and said he holds fond memories of the show. He also addressed rumors about becoming a judge on the revived Idol, explaining he hadn’t been contacted and didn’t have concrete information about those reports. – Read more at Miami New Times
Kane Brown and Lauren Alaina celebrate “What Ifs” – Country artists Kane Brown and Lauren Alaina celebrated the success of their duet “What Ifs.” The collaboration reunited two childhood friends who grew up near Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia; both have gone on to build careers in Nashville from different paths. Alaina said she sometimes feels emotional reflecting on their shared journey from a small town to national stages and chart success. To mark the achievement, the pair hosted a celebration that included a surprise visit from their former school choir director, Lamar Gillespie, a poignant reminder of their musical beginnings and local support. – Read more at WRCB.TV