PERFORMERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2014 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS – Dick Clark Productions and Billboard, the definitive authority on music and the home of the iconic Billboard charts, today revealed the first wave of performers set to appear at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards. Country superstar Luke Bryan, rock-pop phenomenon Imagine Dragons, soulful pianist-vocalist John Legend and chart-topping pop-rock band OneRepublic will perform, joining previously announced artist Jason Derulo in the live telecast. The show is scheduled to air SUNDAY, MAY 18 on ABC from 8:00–11:00 p.m. ET and will be broadcast from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. These high-profile additions reflect Billboard’s focus on mainstream chart success and mass-appeal performances, and promise a mix of country, rock, R&B and pop for viewers. The announcement underscores the Billboard Music Awards’ role in highlighting current chart leaders and delivering major live performances that mirror trends across the Billboard charts. Source: TVByTheNumbers
Maroulis, Reed Join UNSELFIE to Help Abandoned Kids – Tony Award–nominated rock vocalist Constantine Maroulis, known for his work in Rock of Ages and Jekyll and Hyde, has teamed up with fellow performer Angel Reed and showband singer-graphic novelist Arnel Arcedo to support the UNSELFIE campaign. The initiative is organized to raise funds for a sibling group in need: 13-year-old John Carlo Zaparita and his brothers Angelo, 11, and Adrian, 6. The UNSELFIE campaign combines entertainment community outreach with grassroots fundraising to assist abandoned and vulnerable children, and the involvement of established theater and music professionals helps raise public awareness and donor participation. Maroulis and Reed’s participation highlights how artists can leverage their public profiles to draw attention to humanitarian causes and local family crises, while Arnel Arcedo’s dual role as performer and graphic novelist gives the campaign a creative and community-centered voice. Source: BroadwayWorld.com
Cook Report gives Clay Aiken breathing room – The Cook Political Report, a respected nonpartisan analyst of electoral trends, has adjusted its assessment of the 2nd Congressional District race, moving the seat from “solid Republican” to “likely Republican.” While U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers remains favored for re-election, the change reflects growing recognition of challenger Clay Aiken’s campaign strength. According to the Cook Report, after meeting with Aiken, analysts were impressed by his command of the issues, evident passion and pragmatic approach to politics, which prompted the precautionary shift in their rating. That move signals a tightening race relative to earlier expectations and suggests increased attention from political observers and potential donors. The Cook Political Report’s revised categorization does not predict an outcome but indicates that the contest warrants closer scrutiny as it develops. Source: the News Observer
Kylie Minogue QUITS The Voice after just one series… and blames tour clash for her decision – Pop star Kylie Minogue has announced she will not return as a coach on The Voice UK after just one series, citing a scheduling conflict with her upcoming Kiss Me Once tour. Minogue, who stepped in to replace coach Jessie J for the program’s third series, explained in a message on her official Facebook page that the demands of touring and promoting new music made it impossible to continue in the television role. The decision reflects the common tension artists face when balancing major live performance commitments with television and media appearances; high-profile tours often require extended travel and rehearsal time that conflict with the heavy schedule of a broadcast talent show. Minogue thanked fans for their support during her stint on the show and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work with contestants and fellow coaches while prioritizing her tour plans. Source: The Daily Mail