Nick Cannon to Fill In as Beat Shazam Host – With Jamie Foxx sidelined by a serious, unspecified medical condition, Nick Cannon has stepped in to host the popular FOX music game show Beat Shazam. The series, which challenges contestants to identify songs from short clips of lyrics spanning multiple genres, had to delay production shortly after Foxx was hospitalized. Sources confirm Cannon has taken over hosting duties while Kelly Osbourne will serve as the show’s DJ for the upcoming episodes. Corinne Foxx, who normally holds the DJ role, is on leave to assist with her father’s recovery. Production resumed this week and Cannon and Osbourne began filming on Wednesday. The temporary change aims to keep the show on schedule while allowing Jamie Foxx time to recover.
How to Watch the Drag Isn’t Dangerous Telethon and What to Expect – The Drag Isn’t Dangerous Telethon brings together drag performers and celebrity allies in a streamed fundraiser designed to raise awareness and funds for LGBTQ communities under threat. The event features performances and appearances—both live and pre-recorded—from a wide-ranging lineup that includes Charlize Theron, Melissa McCarthy, Billy Eichner, Ali Wong, Adam Lambert, Amy Schumer, Jesse Eisenberg, Leslie Jones, Margaret Cho, Elizabeth Banks, Kelly Osbourne, Orville Peck, David Cross, Amber Tamblyn, Whitney Cummings, Marcia Gay Harden and Sarah Silverman. Organizers say the goal is to “raise awareness and funds to make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ people who are under attack.” The telethon streams online beginning Sunday at 7 p.m. EDT at dragisntdangerous.com; tickets are available on the site for $20.
The Voice Winner Bryce Leatherwood to Open for Dwight Yoakam – Bryce Leatherwood, who won Season 22 of The Voice, announced that he will join country music legend Dwight Yoakam on tour this summer. Leatherwood shared the news on Instagram, saying he’s “proud” to be part of the dates that kick off June 22 in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Fans can expect Leatherwood to bring his soulful, country-leaning sound to Yoakam’s audience as he opens several shows on the tour.
Instagram post by Bryce Leatherwood
Lauren Spencer Smith to Release Debut Album Mirror on July 14 – Lauren Spencer Smith, who reached the Top 20 on American Idol Season 18 and is signed to Island Records, will release her debut album Mirror on July 14. On Instagram she wrote that the record reflects years of personal growth and healing: it’s been “with me through so much in my life, the highs and the lows,” and she hopes it offers listeners reflection and comfort. The album is described as a deeply personal collection that traces themes of recovery, self-examination and emotional resilience.
Instagram post by Lauren Spencer Smith
Lauren Spencer-Smith at the Center of a $45M Libel Lawsuit – Former manager David Ehrlich has filed a $45 million lawsuit alleging libel, slander and tortious interference with contract against UMG Recordings, Island Records and Republic Records. According to reporting, Ehrlich claims the labels made “defamatory, false, and malicious statements” to Spencer-Smith about his conduct, including allegations of inappropriate behavior toward women. Ehrlich says those statements led Spencer-Smith to end her relationship with his firm, costing him professional opportunities and causing reputational and economic harm. The suit names the record companies as defendants; Spencer-Smith is not listed as a defendant in the complaint.
Lauren Alaina Says Her Next Album Will Be “A Whole Lot More Country” – Country star Lauren Alaina says her forthcoming album returns to a more traditional country sound, with acoustic-driven ballads and themes that feel rooted in her hometown. Alaina described the new material as different from her past power-pop-leaning work but authentic to her identity: “It feels like my hometown, it feels like where I came from.” Among the new songs is “Walk in the Bar,” a spirited breakup anthem co-written with Lydia Vaughan, Casey Brown and Parker Welling; the title riffs on the phrase “a walk in the park.”
Syesha Mercado Emphasizes Natural Healing Two Years After Custody Battle – Two years after a high-profile custody dispute that involved temporary foster-care placements for her infant son and protective custody for her newborn daughter, American Idol alum Syesha Mercado says her family is rebuilding and healing. Mercado reports that her children—Amen’Ra, age 3, and Ast, about 20 months—are happy and thriving. She’s marking this new chapter with the Syesha Day Celebration on May 6 at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park in Sarasota. Mercado says she uses music and nature-based songs to teach children about nutrition, anatomy and their connection to the environment, and that those lessons are central to the event.
Voice Alum Ricky Duran Returns to Massachusetts for Local Shows – Since finishing as the runner-up on The Voice in 2019, Ricky Duran has toured nationally and remained connected to the Massachusetts music scene. Duran recently returned to rehearse in Beverly for “SPLASH,” Express Yourself’s 29th annual performance—a benefit supporting youth with mental and behavioral health challenges through arts engagement. For the show he’s scheduled to perform Prince’s “Purple Rain,” among other songs, and he’s taking part in local performances at venues including the Hanover Theatre and the Wang Theatre as part of the region’s concert calendar.