Gary Barlow "devastated" after daughter stillborn

n">(Reuters) - British singer and "The X Factor" UK judge Gary Barlow and his wife, Dawn, said on Monday their baby daughter was stillborn, leaving the couple devastated.

"Dawn and I are devastated to announce that we've lost our baby. Poppy Barlow was delivered stillborn on August 4th in London. Our focus now is giving her a beautiful funeral and loving our three children with all our hearts. We'd ask at this painful time that our privacy be respected," Barlow said in a statement.

Barlow, 41, and wife Dawn wed in 2000 and have three children: Daniel, 11, Emily, 10, and Daisy, 3. In February This year Barlow announced on Twitter that they were expecting their fourth child.

Barlow, who rose to fame as the lead singer of 1990s British boy band Take That, has forged a successful solo career in music and television.

He received an Order of the British Empire award at Queen Elizabeth's annual birthday honors this year, and played a key part in organizing a star-studded pop concert as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations in June.

(Reporting By Piya Sinha-Roy; Editing by Jill Serjeant and Steve Orlofsky)

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Little Big Town's 'Pontoon' Shows No Sign of Sinking

"Who would have thought a song about motor boating at this point in our career would cause such a ruckus?" Little Big Town's Karen Fairchild said backstage after a recent performance in New York.

Hailed by many as the "song of the summer," just last week "Pontoon" jumped from No. 13 to No. 9 on the Hot Country Songs Chart, making it their first Top 10 since "Little White Church" in 2010. The quartet expressed their excitement to Billboard upon learning of their latest Top 10 single.

"We knew it was special when we cut it," Kimberly Schlapman said. "The timing of it has been so great. We're on the road with Rascal Flatts so everybody's really beginning to hear it now because it's getting played more and more. Every show is more fun because of it."

Bandmate Phillip Sweet agreed.

"I think the more people hear it, the more momentum it grows and builds," Sweet said. "It's one of those things you can't write it out and say, 'This is going to be a big ol' smash.' You just hope and we do our best at making a fun record that we are moved by and enjoy."

Little Big Town shared their appreciation to the fans for initially showing an interest in the song.

"People want to have fun," Fairchild said. "That's the main thing: people want to have a good time. So if you're making a playlist and you're going out to the lake for the weekend or the beach, I think it just fits people's lives right now."

The band admits they initially gravitated to the song that Natalie Hemby, Luke Laird and Barry Dean wrote but never dreamed of its steady rise up the charts.

"Natalie sang the demo and we thought, 'Man, that's a song that you've never heard.' First of all, who's ever written a song about a pontoon? Never heard that. But having a chick sing it? I don't know," Fairchild confessed. "There's something weird about the delivery when we heard Natalie sing it. And so we thought, 'This song is cool. It sounds like something country fans will really love if they could get a chance to hear it.'"

A song they could relate to themselves having spent many hot summer days on pontoons, Little Big Town's busy schedule keeps them off the water and on the road. In fact, the last time they were on a pontoon was at the CMT Awards in June.

"CMT let us have that pontoon and we couldn't fit it into the storage space that we keep so we had to cut it into four pieces," Fairchild confessed.

The group planned a trip to the lake on their day off in Detroit to rent pontoons but time slipped away from them.

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Gibson Guitar settles probe into illegal wood imports

A Chinese rock fan sits in front of a Gibson guitar poster during the four-day MIDI Music Festival at Haidian Park in Beijing May 4, 2006 as the week-long Labour Day holidays continue.

Credit: Reuters/Claro Cortes

By Tim Ghianni

NASHVILLE, Tennessee | Mon Aug 6, 2012 5:36pm EDT

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (Reuters) - Gibson Guitar Corp, which makes some of the world's most prized guitars, will pay a $300,000 penalty under a criminal enforcement agreement with federal prosecutors, after it admitted to possible illegal purchases of ebony from Madagascar, authorities said on Monday.

The agreement, announced by Justice Department officials in Washington, caps a probe into the Nashville-based guitar maker that began in 2009 when it came under suspicion of importing banned or protected wood from both Madagascar and India.

"As a result of this investigation and criminal enforcement agreement, Gibson has acknowledged that it failed to act on information that the Madagascar ebony it was purchasing may have violated laws intended to limit over-harvesting and conserve valuable wood species from Madagascar, a country which has been severely impacted by deforestation," said U.S. Assistant Attorney General Ignacia Moreno of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division.

"Gibson has ceased acquisitions of wood species from Madagascar and recognizes its duty under the U.S. Lacey Act to guard against the acquisition of wood of illegal origin by verifying the circumstances of its harvest and export, which is good for American business and American consumers," Moreno said.

The century-old Lacey Act, originally passed to crack down on a booming trade in bird feathers used to adorn hats, was amended in 2008 to require that U.S. companies make detailed disclosures about wood imports.

Apart from the $300,000 penalty slapped on Gibson as part of the agreement, the legendary guitar maker will forfeit wood valued at $261,844 that was seized in the course of the investigation.

The Justice Department said Gibson would also pay $50,000 to the U.S. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation "to promote the conservation, identification and propagation of protected tree species."

Gibson Chief Executive Officer Henry Juszkiewicz was not immediately available for comment, the company said.

(Editing by Tom Brown and Stacey Joyce)

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'Fifty Shades of Grey' Classical Album Coming in August

by THR & Billboard Staff  |   August 07, 2012 5:10 EDT

"Fifty Shades of Grey" enthusiasts still struggling to find the proper playlist for their own "Red Room Of Pain," take note: E L James' bestselling S&M book series is releasing a soundtrack to listen to while reading the first three novels -- or reenacting their favorite passages.

Much like the books before it, "Fifty Shades of Grey: The Classical Album" gets a digital release (Aug. 21) ahead of the CD's arrival in stores (Sept. 18).

EMI Classics, which is releasing the album, credits the books with a recent classical music sales boost, particularly for the 16th century "Spem in Alium," which rose on the charts after being referenced in "Fifty Shades."

Peter Phillips & the Tallis Scholars' version of the song is the 29th biggest selling classical digital song this year (11,000) according to Nielsen SoundScan. Available since 2006 digitally, the track hadn't ever more than a negligible number of downloads in any given week until earlier this year. Since May, it's been selling about nearly 1,000 downloads a week. It debuted on Billboard's weekly Classical Digital Songs chart on June 2 at No. 19 and has since rose to a peak of No. 5 (chart dated July 28).

"I am thrilled that the classical pieces that inspired me while I wrote the 'Fifty Shades' trilogy are being brought together in one collection for all lovers of the books to enjoy," said James of the album.

Other efforts on the 15-track compilation include familiar works from Chopin, Debussy and Bach -- as well as that quintessential kinky sex anthem, Pachelbel's "Canon in D."

See the full tracklist and listen to a stream of the album below:

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Marvin Hamlisch's Impact: From Ragtime to Broadway Riches

Scott Joplin was a footnote in American musical history before Marvin Hamlisch got ahold of his ragtime music from the 1890s and early 20th century.  Hamlisch arranged Joplin piano rags for "The Sting" to create a song-based score that connected with American audiences in a way instrumental music rarely does. His take on "The Entertainer," which hit No. 3 on the Billboard 200 in 1974, was ubiquitous on radio in its day, much like Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy" or OutKast's "Hey Ya."

It was 72-year-old song and everyone could hum Hamlisch's version.

That was the magic of Hamlisch, whose talents came into public view in 1973 with the films "The Sting" and "The Way We Were." His nerdy appearance suggested professor or critic, his writing spoke to a love of classic melodies that fell easy on the ears. As evidenced by  versions of "The Way We Were" by Barbra Streisand (No. 1 in 1973 for three weeks)  and Gladys Knight, he provided great singers with a tune to sink their teeth into.

Hamlisch died Monday at the age of 68. He was one of fewer than a dozen people how have won an Oscar, a Grammy, an Emmy and a Tony; only Hamlisch and Richard Rodgers have that quartet of awards plus a Pulitzer.

Hamlisch's wins, though, were for landmark works that penetrated the American consciousness. His Tony and Pulitzer were for "A Chorus Line," the 1975 Broadway show that rewrote the rules for American musicals. His Emmys were for Streisand's HBO concert in 1994 - a taping of a show that Time magazine named "The Music Event of the Century" - and "AFI's 100 Years … 100 Movies."

One of his  Grammys was for best new artist; his three Oscar wins were all for his 1973 work on "The Sting" and "The Way We Were."

Viewing Hamlisch through an awards lens suggest a Zeitgeist moment where the American mainstream was in a state of unprecedented disruption. The Vietnam War's conclusion, Watergate, Nixon's resignation, New York City's financial crisis, the energy crisis and the dawning of disco.

Hamlisch  offered a musical respite, a retreat to the familiar -- nostalgia without specific, if you will, memories. Examinations of romantic relationships seemed to be his forte - "They're Playing Our Song," written with Carole Bayer Sager, is one of the theater's great two-hander musicals; his scores for "Ordinary People," known for its use of Pachelbel's Canon in D, and "Sophie's Choice" display his finesse with the darker side of reality.  Not surprisingly, Hamlisch's music could be frequently heard in the plays and films of Neil Simon, the theater's comedic genius of the '70s and '80s.

Hamlisch's career stretched from the mid-1960s when a song he co-wrote for Lesley Gore, "California Nights,"  made it into an episode of the TV show "Batman" and to the score of  HBO's upcoming Liberace biopic with Matt Damon, "Behind the Candelabra." He was working on a new musical "Gotta Dance" and had planned to fly to Nashville this week to see "The Nutty Professor," his musical written with Rupert Holmes,  in its pre-Broadway run.

For all of his success as a composer, Hamlisch relied on another talent as a performer - conducting. Principal pops conductor for symphony orchestras in Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Dallas, Pasadena, Seattle and San Diego, he would soon have a similar position with the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Those roles were perfect for Hamlisch, an amiable presence at the podium that thrilled audiences without pandering to the musicians. Baton in hand, Hamlisch seemed to take into consideration the people he was facing and those behind him, tackling the American songbook and his own work with serious intent and consistently pleasing audience by bringing out the joy written in the classics.

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M.I.A. Shares Album Details: New Disc Out in December

by Jason Lipshutz, N.Y.  |   August 07, 2012 12:25 EDT

In an impromptu Twitter chat with fans on Tuesday (Aug. 7), M.I.A. unveiled a few cryptic details of her still-untitled fourth album, which follows 2010's "/\/\ /\ Y /\." The disc will apparently be released in December, along with an autobiographical book announced earlier this year, a documentary, and art exhibition, setting up what will surely be a Very M.I.A. Christmas.

"if you want to know about LP = ask me questions and ill choose 10 to answer," M.I.A. posted on Twitter on Tuesday morning. Among the information M.I.A. chose to share was that the album is "still in the making," with no track list set; "could be 5 [songs] it could be 15 depends on what sounds good in my bros CAR," she wrote.

M.I.A. Releasing 'Bad Girls' Remixes on USB Necklaces

Also, the album features "no collabs," and producers "that don't act like fame whore coloniser," which may be construed as a shot at her estranged former collaborator, Diplo. M.I.A. also clarified that "Bad Girls," her single released earlier this year and remixed alongside artists like Missy Elliott, Rye Rye and Azealia Banks, will appear on the forthcoming album.

After achieving new stardom with her 2007 single "Paper Planes," M.I.A.'s third album, "/\/\ /\ Y /\," received mixed reviews, and was criticized for flipping the middle finger during Madonna's Super Bowl halftime show performance in February. However, the Sri-Lankan born singer is apparently tuning out her critics after a tumultuous period in her career: "No one in the industry collected blows in the last 3 years as much as me , this is a fuck you to them and a thank you to you," M.I.A. told a fan that asked if the new album was going to be "FIERCE."

In March, M.I.A. announced plans to release an autobiography titled "M.I.A.," incorporating previously unreleased photos and testimonies, this fall. Details behind the singer's upcoming documentary and art exhibit are unknown.  

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Singer Stevie Wonder files for divorce

Stevie Wonder poses with the Billboard Icon Award backstage at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada May 20, 2012.

Credit: Reuters/Steve Marcus

LOS ANGELES | Fri Aug 3, 2012 5:58pm EDT

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Veteran singer Stevie Wonder has filed for divorce from his second wife, fashion designer Kai Millard Morris, according to court papers filed in Los Angeles on Friday.

Wonder, 62, real name Stevland Morris, cited irreconcilable differences and listed the couple's date of separation as October 2009.

The papers obtained by Reuters showed that the "Superstition" singer was asking for joint custody of the couple's two boys, 10-year-old Kailand and seven-year-old Mandla.

The singer, who has been blind from birth, signed the papers using two fingerprints and agreed to pay spousal and child support. He also requested that all his earnings after the separation were kept separate from the couple's assets.

Wonder and Millard Morris were married in September 2001. The singer was previously married to Motown singer Syreeta Wright from 1970 to 1972, and has had several relationships since, from which he has seven children.

Wonder rose to fame as a child musical prodigy in the 1960s and has since won 22 Grammy awards and a Grammy lifetime achievement award for his work.

(Reporting by Piya Sinha-Roy, editing by Jill Serjeant and Marguerita Choy)

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Jeremih Raises the Temperature With 'Late Nights' Mixtape: Listen

by Brennan Carley, N.Y.  |   August 07, 2012 3:25 EDT

Jeremih wants to get cozy with listeners on his new mixtape, "Late Nights."

Featuring a who's who of the rap world, "Late Nights" showcases 18 tracks produced by big names like Tricky Stewart, Yonny, and even Jeremih himself. Guest rappers include 2 Chainz on a far too short verse, as well as Twista, Fabolous, Gucci Mane and more.

The R&B singer's vocals are on point. Songs like "Ahh Shit" and "Rated R" mine the depths and heights of Jeremih's malleable voice. Listen for yourself, below, and tell us what you think.

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Conor Maynard storms into UK charts with debut album

LONDON | Sun Aug 5, 2012 2:54pm EDT

LONDON (Reuters) - Pop singer Conor Maynard, hailed as Britain's answer to teen sensation Justin Bieber, charged to the top of the British charts with his debut album "Contrast" on Sunday.

Maynard, 19, shot to fame earlier this year with his debut single "Can't Say No". His first album snatched the top spot from last week's charts leader "Ill Manors", the soundtrack from a crime film of the same title by London singer Plan B.

Also riding high was "Our Version Of Events" by Zambian-British songwriter Emeli Sande, who grew up in Scotland and sang "Abide With Me" during the 2012 London Olympic Games opening ceremony.

Other new album entries included Delilah's "From the Roots Up" at No. 5, legendary British musician Mike Oldfield's greatest hits collection "Two Sides - The Very Best Of Mike Oldfield" and U.S. rapper Rick Ross's "God Forgives, I Don't" in sixth and eighth places, respectively.

The Official Charts Company said Justin Bieber's "Believe" was this week's top climber, jumping 17 places to No. 24.

East London rapper Wiley topped the singles chart with the new song "Heatwave", scooping his first ever solo No.1.

He was followed by "We'll Be Coming Back" by Scottish DJ and songwriter Calvin Harris, featuring Example.

English rock band Florence and the Machine's "Spectrum" - last week's chart topper - slipped to third place, while American pop rockers Maroon 5 were at No. 4 with "Payphone" - the group's lead single from their fourth studio album "Overexposed".

(Writing by Maria Golovnina; Editing by Andrew Osborn)

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Rep: No New Justin Timberlake Album

by Billboard Staff  |   August 07, 2012 1:30 EDT

For a hot minute, it looked like Justin Timberlake was finally in the studio working on his much-much-much-anticipated third album. Producer Jim Beanz, who notably co-wrote Britney Spears' "Gimme More," updated UK site Digital Spy about progress being made on Timbaland's "Shock Value 3," a project that Timberlake is helping with.

"It's still in the early stages, but they have a lot of tracks," Beanz stated. "While I've been over here in the UK they've been working, so by the time I get back they'll have a whole load of ideas and I'm going to have to catch up!"

However, the headline "Justin Timberlake working on 'crazy' new album" caused mass head-scratching. New album by the man behind "FutureSex/LoveSounds"? Nope.

Timberlake's publicist tells Billboard that while it's true the superstar is collaborating with Timbaland, there are no plans for a third solo album. Further, Timberlake is currently shooting a movie, "Runner, Runner," in Puerto Rico.

Upon its release in 2006, "FutureSex/LoveSounds" peaked at No.1 on both the Billboard 200 and R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. Timberlake's solo debut, "Justified," peaked at No. 2 on both charts.

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Dr Dre beats any Olympic rap with headphone tactics

Record producer Dr. Dre speaks at the 24th annual ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) Rhythm and Soul Music Awards in Beverly Hills, California June 24, 2011.

Credit: Reuters/Mario Anzuoni

By Belinda Goldsmith

LONDON | Fri Aug 3, 2012 12:05pm EDT

LONDON (Reuters) - American rapper Dr. Dre has hip-hopped over strict Olympic marketing rules by giving his high-end headphones to athletes, with officials on Friday ruling this did not breach guidelines.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) forbids athletes from taking part in advertising for anyone except the 11 international companies that pay around $100 million each for four years of global rights to sponsor the Olympics.

The rules are designed to prevent "ambush marketing", or non-sponsors getting free publicity on the back of the Games.

Officials became suspicious as an increasing number of athletes from Britain, China and other nations, appeared at events sporting Beats by Dr. Dre in their national colors.

A spokeswoman from the trendy private members' club, Shoreditch House, near the Olympic Park in east London, confirmed the Beats brand had set up a collection point there for invited athletes.

IOC spokesman Mark Adams said officials were aware of Dr. Dre's offer to athletes from about 20 nations but stressed it was up to each national Olympic team to ensure athletes protected the sponsors.

"We have to take a commonsense approach," Adams said. "There is a difference between someone using equipment with a logo and someone promoting the brand."

Marketing experts said the tactics used by Dr. Dre raised questions about the rigidity of the IOC rules which have come under attack from athletes at London angered they cannot show support for the companies that back them out of Olympics.

"The IOC cannot control everything," said Rupert Pratt, managing director at sponsorship agency Generate.

"You are going to have athletes wearing the brands of companies that sponsor their national teams or themselves for the 3.5 years out of the Olympics. The IOC has got to relax."

CELEBRITY MODELS

Targeting Olympic athletes is in line with the marketing strategies used since the Beats headphones were pioneered in 2006 by Dr. Dre in partnership with music producer and entrepreneur, Jimmy Iovine, of Interscope/Geffen/A&M Records.

Their joint company, Beats Electronics, ensured celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber and sports names such as LeBron James were spotted wearing the large headphones with the trademark "b" and the headphones often appear in music videos.

Dr. Dre, born Andre Young, knows the celebrity game well. He found fame with the gangsta rap group N.W.A. in the 1980s and went on to produce albums and oversee the careers of many rappers, including Snoop Dogg, Eminem, 50 Cent and Game.

These celebrity endorsements helped spark a craze for the high performance and high price headphones, even in a sluggish economy.

Beats captured 53 percent of the $1 billion headphone market in 2011, according to market researcher NPD Group.

Beats sell for 135-340 pounds ($210-530) in the Westfield shopping centre next to the Olympic Park.

Athletes have used headphones and earphones ever since the advent of the Sony Walkman back in the late 1970s.

Sports psychologists say blocking out distractions can help athletes focus and get into "the zone" while listening to the right kind of music before a big race can also help psyche athletes up to go for gold.

A host of athletes have arrived at their events in London sporting Beats, including British diver Tom Daley and Chinese gold medalist swimmer Sun Yang.

British footballer Jack Butland tweeted: "Loving my new GB Beats by Dre #TeamGB #Beats."

This prompted a warning to British athletes.

"We have reminded them of the importance of protecting our sponsors," a spokesman for the British Olympic Committee said.

The one official sponsor that makes headphones, Panasonic, had no comment to make on the Beats marketing campaign.

No one was available at Beats Electronics to comment on the marketing strategy at the Olympics.

The Dr Dre campaign emerged as dozens of athletes launched a Twitter protest against the IOC's Rule 40, which forbids competitors from mentioning their own sponsors during an Olympics and can lead to disqualification if breached.

U.S. sprinter Manteo Mitchell summed up the view of many Olympians when he tweeted: "I am PROUD to represent my country ... But at the end of the day ... THIS IS MY JOB!!!!"

(Additional reporting by Kate Kelland; Editing by Alison Williams)

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Five Finger Death Punch Keeping 'Creative Muscle' Sharp on Tour

by Gary Graff, Detroit  |   August 07, 2012 10:00 EDT

As it nears the one-year anniversary of its third album, "American Capitalist," Five Finger Death Punch is putting on the gloves in preparation for its follow-up.

Guitarist Jason Hook tells Billboard.com that the headbanging quintet has "probably six to eight songs worked up," with a ProTools rig and portable studio on the road during its current Trespass America tour. "The idea behind that is just to keep the creative muscle worked out," Hook explains. "It's just like going to the gym; if you stop for a year, you lose all your strength. It's easy to get lazy and get sort of soft. We're in the business of making music; touring is great, but we should always be prepared and always exercising that creative muscle -- in my opinion, anyway."

Five Finger Death Punch Fights Suicide

Hook predicts that the group is "probably going to be working on new material all the way up until the new year, and then we'll start tracking in mid-January, maybe." By then, he hopes, FFDP will have more than enough material for a fourth album.

"It's just like anything: if you come in unprepared you get what you get, but if you do a decent amount of preparation, then at least you have options," Hook explains. "The records are the launch pad for everything else, and I want to make the records great. If we need 10 killer songs, I'd rather have 30 songs to pick from than have eight and need two desperately at the end. I don't want to make records in a panic."

"American Capitalist," which came out in October of 2011, gave FFDP its highest chart debut yet, at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Top Independent Albums chart. The group is currently working the album's fourth single, "Coming Down," which Hook says he actually felt "pretty insecure" about when it was initially introduced. "I wasn't sure anyone was going to go for it because it had acoustic guitar. It was kind of a different flavor, y'know?" he says. "I was almost positive that this one was going to go into the Save It For Your Soul Album file, but everyone said, 'No, that's cool, man,' so it shows what I know."

FFDP's other recent release was its cover of Faith No More's "From Out of Nowhere," which it initially recorded as a bonus track for its 2007 debut album "The Way of the Fist" and found its way onto the soundtrack album for "The Avengers."

"The label called us up and said, 'Hey, we have an opportunity to get a song on this soundtrack. Do you guys have any unreleased material that we could use?' " Hook recalls. "Unfortunately we had used every last song that we had recorded for ('American Capitalist'), and the only thing we could think of was that cover song. I don't think it was on any official release, therefore it was eligible. In a perfect world we would have an abundance of leftover stuff laying around that's a little more current, but in this particular circumstance we did not."

For his part, however, Hook says he's more into "military history, documentaries and stuff like that." Therefore being part of "The Avengers" didn't mean a great deal to him. "I follow all that stuff, but I'm not really the comic book guy or the super hero guy. That's never been my zone. I'm not sure who that guy in our band would be... but we appreciated the opportunity."

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Marc Anthony, Chayanne & Marco Antonio Solis Deliver Once-in-a-Lifetime Sets at Gigant3s Tour

by Leila Cobo, Miami  |   August 07, 2012 11:20 EDT

In a world of showy tours and staging one-up-manship, music often seems to take second place to just about everything else. Not so with Gigant3s, the joint tour by Latin stars Marc Anthony, Chayanne and Marco Antonio Solís that launched Aug. 2 with two sold-out dates at the American Airlines Arena.

Gigant3s features three of the top selling male acts in Latin music, all dominant in specific subgenres (Marc Anthony in tropical and pop, Chayanna in ballads and up-tempo pop and Solís in Mexican ballads and pop) and all arena headliners in their own right.

Which means sharing a bill could have been a complex diplomatic mission. Instead, what audiences saw was democracy at its best: A single stage and a single set-up with just the musicians -- bands and headliners -- changing places. It made for smooth sailing, with each change-over taking no more than three minutes (seriously) and with singular focus on the musical performance rather than the props.

Little more was needed to keep this audience singing along and mostly on its feet for three hours, roughly one per act with added duets (Solís and Marc Anthony and Marc Anthony with Chayanne) and a grand finale with all three artists onstage as a bonus.

Gigant3s' Miami stops kicked off with Solís (although the order will change according to market), backed by a far bigger production than we've seen him tour before with, including a string orchestra and troupe of dancers in addition to his 13-piece band. Solís, who navigates both regional Mexican and pop waters, struck a middle ground, performing a more stylized version of Mexican hits like "Más Que Tu Amigo" and donning a cowboy hat for his Mexican repertoire. But overwhelmingly, his sound and presence was that of a pop star, albeit a philosophical one who likes to pepper his performances with little nuggets of wisdom on tolerance and world peace.

That we can swallow this, along with sometimes over-the-top choreography that looks taken out of a Mexican soap opera, is a testament to Solis' uncanny ability to control his audience and to a plaintive voice that seems to get even better with age. Solís may have sung "Si No Te Hubieras Ido" thousands of times but still imparts the track with an emotional charge that makes it new again and reminds us why he's still relevant after more than 30 years.

Marc Anthony followed, performing mostly tropical hits with his full band, a dynamic performer whose sheer energy, coupled with a prodigious voice, may be unparalleled, in any language. Pacing the length of the stage tirelessly back and forth, Anthony performed each song with the expressiveness and clarity of an actor, making each song a story, including tracks like "Estás arrepentida," with apologetic lyrics that could well be autobiographical. His set also brought the highlight of the evening: A breathtakingly beautiful duet version of "Y Quien Es El" with Solís.

The show ended with Chayanne, performing with a more pared-down band and a team of dancers who ran the gamut from Broadway to burlesque, with Chayanne part of every move. The Puerto Rican singer went deep into his catalogue, mining tracks like "Dejaría Todo" and re-purposing "Lola" in a 1950s rock 'n' roll version. Most satisfying, though, was the maturing of Chayanne's voice, which has come to its own in both expression and body.

Gigant3s wrapped up with all three singers together on stage, performing each others' hits. It was heartfelt and well executed, and, in a rare instance of living up to the billing, it really was once-in-a-lifetime. For a full schedule, go to gigantestour.com.

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Hit-Boy Debuts 'HITstory' Mixtape: Listen

by Brennan Carley, N.Y.  |   August 07, 2012 5:30 EDT

Rapper/producer Hit-Boy leaves "Paris" behind and takes his music to a new level on his mixtape, " HITstory."

Q&A: Hit-Boy on 'Ni--as in Paris' Success & His Own Rap Career

Though best known for working with Nicki Minaj, Drake, Rihanna, Kanye West and Jay-Z ("Ni**as in Paris) -- the G.O.O.D. Music artist has no trouble captivating listeners on his own.

His first full-length project as a rapper, "HITstory," showcases the producer's signature beats in addition to some fine-tuned rhymes. Songs like "Brake Lights" and "She Belongs To The City" crackle with well-deserved bravado. The rapper proves his potency as a rapper in a matter of minutes.

Guests on the mixtape include Big Sean, Kid Cudi, John Legend, and Chip Tha Ripper, but Hit-Boy is at his finest on solo tracks like "Fan," the track sonically similar to "Ni**as in Paris."

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Milo Greene, '1957': Live Backstage at Lollapalooza

by Carolyn Menyes, N.Y.  |   August 07, 2012 2:30 EDT

Rising indie rock stars Milo Greene have created a buzz around themselves lately, with a TV debut on David Letterman, a tour with The Civil Wars and a Lollapalooza set after the now infamous Saturday "Storm-apalooza."

And the buzz is well deserved. The energetic live act stopped by Billboard's red couch during Lollapalooza to demonstate their vocal talents. The Los Angeles quintet's rich harmonies created an ethereal exprience as they played through their single "1957." Watch the performance, above.

The hype surrounding Milo Greene comes not only from their musical chops, but also from the group's cunning. It explains how they got their name.

"Individually, we created a booking agent named Milo Greene, and he would book our respective bands, be our manager and call venues on our behalf so it wasn't just like 'Hey, I'm the singer in this band and will you let my band play?' When you have a British, monocle, three-piece suit guy calling 'Can I book this band? I'm Milo Greene!' People are going to take this call," the band told Billboard during their break from the music festival.

Their debut album also sports Milo Greene's moniker, and is making its mark on the Billboard charts. "Milo Greene" debuted at No. 1 on the Heatseekers Albums chart last week.

Milo Greene are keeping busy. During their month off, the group wrote, directed and produced a movie featuring their music, which their blog describes as "a 36 minute music video." Milo Greene will also be on a headlining tour throughout the fall.

Check out their interview with us below.

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"A Chorus Line" composer Marvin Hamlisch dies at 68

1 of 6. Award-winning composer Marvin Hamlisch is shown in this publicity photo released to Reuters August 7, 2012. Hamlisch, who earned acclaim and popularity for dozens of motion picture scores including ''The Way We Were,'' has died in Los Angeles August 6, 2012 at the age of 68.

Credit: Reuters/Len Price/Handout

By Christine Kearney

NEW YORK | Tue Aug 7, 2012 5:41pm EDT

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Marvin Hamlisch, the award-winning composer of "A Chorus Line" and "The Way We Were", has died suddenly at the age of 68, prompting warm tributes from Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli, former U.S. first lady Nancy Reagan and dozens of stage and screen stars.

Hamlisch, the musical force behind "The Sting" and numerous other movies and Broadway shows, died in Los Angeles on Monday, a family spokesman said. He collapsed following what was called "a brief illness". Details were not made public.

Streisand, a friend of 45 years and star of romantic movie "The Way We Were", said she was "devastated" at his death and recalled how he had played at her 1998 wedding.

"When I think of him now, it was his brilliantly quick mind, his generosity and delicious sense of humor that made him a delight to be around ... He was a true musical genius but above all that, he was a beautiful human being. I will truly miss him," she added in a statement.

Hamlisch, who was working until days before his death, earned the rare distinction of winning Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards.

Minnelli said she had been friends with Hamlisch since the age of 13 and recalled he arranged her first and second albums.

"I have lost my first lifelong best friend, and sadly we have lost a splendid, splendid talent," the singer and actress said in a statement.

STARTED CAREER AS REHEARSAL PIANIST

In a 2010 interview Hamlisch told Broadway World that in writing "The Way We Were" he was trying to match "a very yin-yang sort of movie."

He explained: "I wanted to write something that was uplifting and positive; on the other hand, there is a tremendous amount of bitter-sweetness to that film - and bittersweet romance - so it's a real duality. And that's why I think the song - though it's in the major mode - is quite sad," he said.

The New York City-born composer, raised by Jewish parents and showing an early ability to mimic music as a young child, started out his professional career as a rehearsal pianist for "Funny Girl," beginning a long history of working with Streisand. He said Streisand "has the best voice there is".

His collaborations included musical director and arranger of Streisand's 1994 U.S. concert tour, for which he won two Emmy Awards, and writing the score for Streisand's 1996 film, "The Mirror has Two Faces," for which Hamlisch earned an Oscar nomination for Streisand's and Bryan Adams duet, "I've Finally Found Someone."

His other film scores included "Sophie's Choice" and "Ordinary People" and he co-wrote the ballad "Nobody Does It Better" for the 1977 James Bond film "The Spy Who Loved Me".

Nancy Reagan on Tuesday recalled Hamlisch as a frequent entertainer at White House parties in the 1980s, and how he wrote a 77th birthday song for her late husband, former U.S. President Ronald Reagan.

Hamlisch was "a dear friend and I am truly stunned by his death at such a young age ... I don't think you could ever find a more contemporary and talented musician," Reagan said in a statement.

Actress Debra Messing, star of the TV shows "Smash" and "Will & Grace", said on Twitter; "The GREAT Marvin Hamlisch passed away... What a loss. What a talent. What contributions."

Starting with 1969 film "The Swimmer," Hamlisch scored films for the next several decades, including Woody Allen's "Take the Money and Run" and "Bananas", "Save the Tiger," "Ice Castles," right up to Steven Soderbergh's "The Informant!" in 2009. He had recently been writing the score for a new Soderbergh movie based on the life of the pianist Liberace.

A CHORUS LINE

On Broadway, he won a Tony award and a Pulitzer Prize for the 1975 musical "A Chorus Line," which at the time became the most successful show on the Great White Way. He also wrote the scores for musicals "They're Playing Our Song," (1978), "The Goodbye Girl" (1993) and "Sweet Smell Of Success" (2002).

He also won four Grammy Awards including two for "The Way We Were."

Press representatives said he was scheduled to leave for Nashville later this week to see the Jerry Lewis stage-adapted comedy, "The Nutty Professor," for which he wrote the score. He had been working on a new Broadway musical called "Gotta Dance."

Hamlisch said he believed in the power of music to connect people.

"Music can make a difference. There is a global nature to music, which has the potential to bring all people together," he said on his website.

At the time of his death, he was principal pops conductor for several U.S. symphony orchestras and was scheduled to conduct the New York Philharmonic in this year's New Year's Eve concert. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Terre.

Songwriters Alan and Marilyn Bergman, who wrote the lyrics for "The Way We Were" and worked with Hamlisch on many other projects, called him "our beloved friend. He was family. The world will miss his music, his humor, his genius. We will miss him every day for the rest of our lives."

(Editing by Jill Serjeant and James Dalgleish)

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Kanye West Wrote 'Perfect B**ch' Song About Kim Kardashian

by Tyler K. McDermott, N.Y.  |   August 07, 2012 4:10 EDT

Kanye West has the perfect chick and he's not afraid to brag about it.

After previewing unreleased music at NYC's PH-D Rooftop Lounge early Saturday morning ("around 1:30 a.m."), West took to Twitter to confirm one song in particular, reportedly named "Perfect Bitch," is about his girlfriend Kim Kardashian.

"I wrote the song Perfect Bitch about Kim," 'Ye tweeted.

According to the New York Daily News, once source said the song, which contained the chorus, "my perfect bitch," was the most talked about track of the evening. A second source revealed to the news organization that many references were made not only to Kim, but also to West's ex-girlfriend, Amber Rose.

A looped sample of German composer Carl Orff's 1937 composition "Carmina Burana," can be heard throughout the chorus as well. The song was previously sampled on Nas' "I Am…" anthem, "Hate Me Now."

While there isn't any word to whether or not "Perfect Bitch" will be released on an upcoming project, songs West premiered during his DJ set in London last December eventually became "Way Too Cold" and compositions slated to be featured on the upcoming G.O.O.D Music compilation album, "Cruel Summer."

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Listen To Mumford & Sons' First 'Babel' Single, 'I Will Wait'

by Brennan Carley, N.Y.  |   August 07, 2012 4:35 EDT

In typically folksy fashion, Mumford & Sons have returned with "I Will Wait" the debut single off the band's upcoming sophomore effort, "Babel," that was unveiled online on Tuesday afternoon (Aug. 7).

At times both hopeful and hopeless, "I Will Wait" showcases bandleader Marcus Mumford's maturation both in terms of songwriting and singing. It fits in comfortably with the songs on the band's debut album, "Sigh No More," yet signals a concerted and promising step forward into heavier territory.

Mumford & Sons Debut New Songs at Tour Kickoff

"I feel heavy into your arms," he sings, before optimistically rhapsodizing about how "these days of darkness which we've known / will blow away with this new sun."

The band performed "I Will Wait" and a handful of other new songs at its tour kickoff in Hoboken, N.J. last week. Their trek continues with their first "Gentlemen of the Road" stopover in Bristol, Conn. this Saturday.

Meanwhile, "Babel" is set to be released on Sept. 25 on Glassnote Records. "Sigh No More," which earned the group a Grammy nod for Best New Artist, has sold 2.4 million copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

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Take That Singer Gary Barlow and Wife Lose Baby

by The Associated Press  |   August 06, 2012 10:05 EDT

Musician Gary Barlow and his wife Dawn say their daughter was stillborn, and are asking for privacy.

In a statement released Monday, the couple said they were devastated by the loss of Poppy Barlow, who was delivered stillborn on Saturday.

They said their focus is "on giving her a beautiful funeral and loving our three children with all our hearts."

They also said, " We'd ask at this painful time that our privacy be respected."

The couple have a son and two daughters.

Barlow, a member of Take That and judge of TV talent show "The X Factor," was organizer of June's huge Buckingham Palace concert celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.

Take That had been rumored to be among the acts performing at the closing ceremony of the London Olympics on Sunday.

Copyright 2012, The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Tens of thousands evacuated as high winds threaten music fest

By Karen Brooks

Sun Aug 5, 2012 7:33am EDT

n">(Reuters) - The Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago was suspended and tens of thousands of fans were evacuated to shelters on Saturday as the city braced for dangerous storms with high winds, organizers said.

Organizers were working with emergency management officials to determine if the event could resume on Saturday. The three-day music festival is scheduled to end on Sunday evening.

"Our first priority is always the safety of our fans, staff and artists," said Shelby Meade, communications director for C3 Presents, the promoter behind Lollapalooza. "We regret having to suspend any show but safety always comes first."

The National Weather Service office in Romeoville, Illinois, which covers Chicago, recorded wind gusts up to 55 miles per hour on Saturday and had reports of gusts up to 70 mph, some measured, some estimated, said meteorologist Ben Deubelbeiss.

"Heavy rains, wind and lightning are the main threats from these storms," he said.

The worst of the severe weather powered through Chicago late Saturday afternoon and headed over Lake Michigan and northern Indiana.

Festival-goers were evacuated from Grant Park in downtown Chicago and directed by police and staffers to three shelter sites along Michigan Avenue in underground garages.

The festival draws nearly 200,000 people to the park each year, and this year is headlined by music acts including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Sabbath and Jack White.

A year ago, seven people died and 40 were injured when a huge temporary stage at the Indiana State Fair came crashing down amid high winds just before the country duo Sugarland was to begin performing.

Poor communication about predictions of stormy weather approaching the area ahead of the Sugarland concert was among the factors cited in the stage collapse by consultant studies commissioned by the state.

On Saturday, Lollapalooza organizers were directing fans and the public to check the festival website for updated information.

Lollapalooza, initially organized in 1991 by Jane's Addiction singer Perry Farrell, began as a traveling music festival with several dates all summer. After a six-year hiatus starting in the late 90s, the popular alternative music festival began holding its annual concerts only in Chicago in 2005.

(Additional reporting by David Bailey; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Bill Trott)

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Chart Highlights: Gotye Extends Multi-Format Chart Success

Chart Highlights offers a sneak peek at a select group of Billboard charts every Monday. Find out the top songs, Greatest Gainers and debuts on the surveys listed below.

All our charts are refreshed on billboard.com every Thursday.

Pop Songs
*** No. 1 *** "Wide Awake" Katy Perry
Greatest Gainer No. 20 "One More Night" Maroon 5
Hot Shot Debut No. 38 "Vegas Girl" Conor Maynard
Debut No. 40 "Get It Started" Pitbull Featuring Shakira

Adult Contemporary
*** No. 1 *** "Somebody That I Used To Know" Gotye Featuring Kimbra

Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know" adds another chart-topping feat under its belt, as it rises to No. 1 on Adult Contemporary. In May, it became the first song to hit No. 1 on Alternative Songs, Dance Club/Play Songs and the Billboard Hot 100. Thus, "Somebody" is now the only tune to have topped all four of the above-mentioned tallies.

Hot Shot Debut No. 26 "Magic" Smash Mouth Featuring J. Dash
Debut No. 29 "Lights" Ellie Goulding
Greatest Gainer No. 7 "Payphone" Maroon 5

Adult Pop Songs
*** No. 1 *** "Payphone" Maroon 5
Hot Shot Debut No. 35 "Want U Back" Cher Lloyd
Debut No. 39 "Let's Go" Calvin Harris Featuring Ne-Yo
Greatest Gainer No. 6 "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)" P!nk

Dance Club/Play Songs
*** No. 1 *** "Goin' In" Jennifer Lopez Featuring Flo Rida

Just two weeks after Katy Perry set the mark for the most No. 1s in a row on Dance Club Songs (with 10), Jennifer Lopez ties that feat with her latest leader, "Goin' In." Lopez's current No. 1 streak began in 2007 with "Que Hiciste."

Greatest Gainer No. 8 "Turn Up The Radio" Madonna
Hot Shot Debut No. 43 "Pound The Alarm" Nicki Minaj
Debut No. 46 "Whistle" Flo Rida
Debut No. 47 "Come Back From San Francisco" Cherry Cherry Boom Boom
Debut No. 48 "Boys Will Be Boys" Paulina Rubio
Debut No. 50 "This Is Love" will.i.am Featuring Eva Simons

Rap Songs
*** No. 1 *** "Mercy" Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T, 2 Chainz
Hot Shot Debut No. 23 "I Wish You Would" DJ Khaled Featuring Kanye West & Rick Ross
Debut No. 25 "Get Low" Waka Flocka Flame Featuring Nicki Minaj, Tyga & Flo Rida"
Greatest Gainer No. 7 "Amen" Meek Mill Featuring Drake

Rock Songs
Greatest Gainer/*** No. 1 *** "Oh Love" Green Day
Hot Shot Debut No. 36 "Still Swinging" Papa Roach
Debut No. 48 "Top Of The World" Slightly Stoopid
Debut No. 50 "Like I Roll" Black Stone Cherry

Alternative Songs
*** No. 1 *** "Some Nights" fun.
Greatest Gainer No. 3 "Oh Love" Green Day
Hot Shot Debut No. 35 "Top Of The World" Slightly Stoopid
Debut No. 39 "Here And Now" Seether

Country Songs
*** No. 1 *** "Come Over" Kenny Chesney
Greatest Gainer No. 5 "Pontoon" Little Big Town
Hot Shot Debut No. 57 "Anywhere" Sara Evans
Debut No. 59 "The Countdown" Lonestar
Debut No. 60 "Summer Back" Andy Gibson

Latin Songs
Greatest Gainer/*** No. 1 *** "Bebe Bonita" Chino & Nacho Featuring Jay Sean
Hot Shot Debut No. 39 "Te Quiero" Ricardo Arjona
Debut No. 42 "Balada (Tcherere Tche Tche)" Gusttavo Lima
Debut No. 45 "En El Amor Hay Que Perdonar" Belinda
Debut No. 46 "Te Voy A Amar" Axel
Debut No. 47 "365 Dias" Los Tucanes de Tijuana
Debut No. 49 "Algo Me Gusta De Ti" Wisin & Yandel Featuring Chris Brown & T-Pain

Regional Mexican Songs
*** No. 1 *** "Sin Respiracion" Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizarraga
Greatest Gainer No. 2 "Mirando Al Cielo" Roberto Tapia
Hot Shot Debut No. 38 "San Lunes" Banda La Trakalosa

Latin Pop Songs
*** No. 1 *** "Hasta Que Salga El Sol" Don Omar
Hot Shot Debut No. 31 "One More Night" Maroon 5
Debut No. 39 "Algo Me Gusta De Ti" Wisin & Yandel Featuring Chris Brown & T-Pain
Greatest Gainer No. 7 "Bebe Bonita" Chino & Nacho Featuring Jay Sean

Tropical Songs
Greatest Gainer/*** No. 1 *** "Bebe Bonita" Chino & Nacho Featuring Jay Sean
Hot Shot Debut No. 18 "Esta Noche Si" Rey Ruiz
Debut No. 21 "Algo Me Gusta De Ti" Wisin & Yandel Featuring Chris Brown & T-Pain
Debut No. 24 "Diosa De Los Corazones" La Formula
Debut No. 32 "El Carino Es Como Una Flor" Andy Andy & Alex Matos
Debut No. 33 "Como Yo" Los Cadillacs
Debut No. 35 "No Me Compares" Alejandro Sanz
Debut No. 37 "Mi Vida Eres Tu" N'Klabe
Debut No. 38 "Te Quiero" Ricardo Arjona

Christian Songs
*** No. 1 *** "10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)" Matt Redman
Greatest Gainer No. 3 "Losing" Tenth Avenue North
Hot Shot Debut No. 44 "One Thing Remains" Passion Featuring Kristian Stanfill

Gospel Songs
*** No. 1 *** "Awesome" Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago
Hot Shot Debut No. 23 "God's Got It" J Moss
Debut No. 28 "I Know You're Gonna Make It" Norman Hutchins

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Huey Lewis Talks 'Frightening' New Song

by Gary Graff, Detroit  |   August 07, 2012 5:33 EDT

Huey Lewis & the News are starting to think about new music -- and even have something in their pocket already.

"We wrote a new song, one very good new song -- which is pretty frightening," Lewis tells Billboard with a laugh. It's called "While We're Young," and Lewis describes it as "a little tongue-in-cheek thing. I think it's fabulous. But now we need nine more. And I think we're going to try. The band is playing really great now, so I think it's a good time to get something going."

Huey Lewis & The News Live in Boston, 8/1/12

The group's last album, the Stax/Volt tribute "Soulsville," came out in 2010 and was recorded at Ardent Studios in Memphis, while it's been 11 years since the Lewis and company's last set of original material, "Plan B." The band is also in a period of transition, having split from longtime manager Bob Brown. "It wasn't right for a long time, in my mind, and you don't want to work when you don't feel right about it," Lewis explains. "So we feel much better right now. We're booking a lot of shows, working hard this year and re-establishing some ties."

Lewis has also been in touch with EMI's catalog division and is in talks for a 30th anniversary edition of the band's seven-times platinum album "Sports" next year.

"They want to make a big deal out of it, so I'm listening," he says.

The News' other new development is a new office and studio complex in a space owned by Grateful Dead alumnus Bob Weir in the San Francisco Bay Area. "It's perfect. It's got everything we need," says Lewis, who's thinking about hosting performances at the facility as well. "I think when we get off the road we'll take a break and then maybe go in and see what we can come up with as far as more (new) songs."

Lewis and the News are touring with Joe Cocker until Aug. 19, then has its own dates booked into November, including performances at the Snowy Range Music Festival in Laramie, Wyo., and the Spokane County Interstate Fair in Washington State.

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Barbra Streisand Announces New Fall Tour Dates

by Jason Lipshutz, N.Y.  |   August 07, 2012 11:40 EDT

After announcing a pair of October performances at Brooklyn's new Barclays Center, Barbra Streisand has plotted six additional tour dates for that month.

The trek, promoted by Live Nation and S2BN, will begin on Oct. 8 in Philadelphia and conclude with a performance at Vancouver's Rogers Arena on Oct. 29. Chris Botti and Il Volo will serve as openers on all eight October dates.

Tickets for Streisand's Oct. 17 performance in Montreal go on sale on Saturday (Aug. 11), while all other tickets can be purchased beginning next Monday.

Earlier this year, Streisand signed a new deal to remain on her longtime label, Columbia Records. Only Tony Bennett has been on the label longer than Streisand, who released her first album, "The Barbra Streisand Album," in 1963.

Here are Barbra Streisand's fall tour dates:

Oct. 08: Philadelphia, PA (Wells Fargo Center)
Oct. 11: Brooklyn, NY  (Barclays Center)
Oct. 13: Brooklyn, NY  (Barclays Center)
Oct. 17: Montreal, QC  (Bell Centre)
Oct. 20: Ottawa, ON  (Scotiabank Place)
Oct. 23: Toronto, ON  (Air Canada Centre)
Oct. 26: Chicago, IL  (United Center)
Oct. 29: Vancouver, BC  (Rogers Arena)

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Sharon Osbourne, NBC Clash Over Alleged Firing of Son

NBC defended itself Monday against Sharon Osbourne's claim the network discriminated against her afflicted son in casting a new reality show. The "America's Got Talent" judge told the New York Post that she's quitting the show because NBC fired her son, Jack Osbourne, by email two days before he was to co-star on the reality show "Stars Earn Stripes."

Jack Osbourne, 26, was diagnosed recently with multiple sclerosis.

In a statement Monday, NBC Entertainment Chairman Bob Greenblatt said the network "does not discriminate on any basis."

All potential contestants for "Stars Earn Stripes," which puts celebrities through arduous military-style exercises, had to undergo medical vetting, Greenblatt said. He cited medical privacy in declining to discuss Jack Osbourne specifically.

"Stars Earns Stripes," which debuts Aug. 13, requires "dangerous water stunts, strenuous physical activity, and uses live ammunition," Greenblatt said.

Jack Osbourne was offered two alternative roles on the show but declined both, said Greenblatt, who made an effort to smooth things over with the Osbourne clan, including patriarch-rocker Ozzy Osbourne.

"We have the deepest affection for Sharon Osbourne and consider her to be part of the NBC family," Greenblatt said. "And our hearts go out to her, Ozzy, Jack and his family at this time."

NBC declined further comment. Sharon Osbourne's publicist didn't respond to a request for comment.

A person close to the production said that, contrary to Sharon Osbourne's claim that Jack Osbourne was abruptly fired, NBC hadn't signed him to a contract and had tried to call Sharon Osbourne several weeks beforehand to discuss why her son wouldn't be on the show.

An email was sent after she didn't respond, said the person, who was not authorized to comment on the issue and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Sharon Osbourne had tweeted two weeks ago that she wanted to leave "America's Got Talent," but gave no explanation other than saying it wasn't an issue of money. She remains under contract with the talent contest, the summer's top-rated series.

Copyright 2012, The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Madonna Concerts Threatened With Violence in Russia

by Billboard Staff  |   August 07, 2012 11:55 EDT

U.S. officials in Russia have received information regarding threats of physical violence against performers and spectators at a pair of Madonna concerts this week, and are urging U.S. citizens to "remain vigilant."

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow and the U.S. Consulate General in St. Petersburg issued the warning on Tuesday for U.S. citizens in Russia that are planning to attend Madonna's concerts in Moscow (Aug. 7) or in St. Petersburg (Aug. 9). The information has been shared with Russian authorities, who have indicated they will add increased security to the events.

"While we expect that enhanced security measures will be put in place at both concerts, U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant regarding their personal security, and to be aware of their surroundings at all times, especially in crowded areas," the message reads.

It's unclear whether Madonna, on tour since late May, has been directly threatened or if U.S. officials have contacted her camp. A request for comment from LiveNation was not returned by press time.

Madonna wraps the European leg of her "MDNA" tour on Aug. 21 in Nice, France and then heads to North America to perform through mid-November. A South American leg begins in Colombia on Nov. 28 and will wrap on Dec. 22 in Argentina.

--

Read the Full Statement From the U.S. Embassy Below:

U.S. Embassy Moscow and U.S. Consulate General St. Petersburg

SECURITY MESSAGE FOR U.S. CITIZENS:
MADONNA CONCERTS

August 7, 2012

This is to alert U.S. citizens in Russia who are planning to attend the Madonna concerts in Moscow on Tuesday, August 7, or in St. Petersburg on Thursday, August 9, that the U.S. Consulate General in St. Petersburg has received information regarding a threat of physical violence against spectators and performers at the St. Petersburg concert on August 9.  The U.S. Embassy in Moscow and the U.S. Consulate General in St. Petersburg have shared the information with appropriate Russian law enforcement authorities.  Russian authorities have indicated to the Embassy that they are taking appropriate measures in light of this information.  While we expect that enhanced security measures will be put in place at both concerts, U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant regarding their personal security, and to be aware of their surroundings at all times, especially in crowded areas.

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Elle Varner & Reps Talk 'Perfectly Imperfect' Album

by Gail Mitchell, L.A.  |   August 07, 2012 4:25 EDT

What might happen if a country fiddle was used to sweeten an R&B song? "I knew people were either going to love it or hate it... but they would definitely remember it," MBK Entertainment president Jeff Robinson says of the potentially jarring combination.

People have not only remembered it, they've also clicked on it and purchased it. "Refill," the song in question, has since netted soul singer Elle Varner her first top 10 hit on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, while the accompanying video has received nearly 4 million YouTube views. The song's quirky yet contagious charm underscores the vibrant aural palette heard throughout Varner's MBK/RCA Records debut, "Perfectly Imperfect" (Aug. 7).

"I'm excited to be coming out at a time when great music is making an impact," Varner says. "It's crazy on the charts now, between artists like Adele, Frank Ocean and Gotye. Reality -- real music with heart and soul -- is cool now. People are feeling again."

Varner's heartfelt feelings about self-esteem, love and life provide the blueprint for her music. But it's her colorful wordplay and sultry rasp-coupled with a refreshing fusion of musical styles-that gives "Perfectly Imperfect" its arresting edge. The 23-year-old wrote all the songs on the album, which was produced by Pop & Oak ( Nicki Minaj, Trey Songz), as well as Varner and her father, Jimmy. The record organically integrates R&B, hip-hop, funk, pop and rock within a mosaic of ballads, uptempo numbers and midtempo tracks.

Varner's melodic new single, "I Don't Care," and the sensual, rock-vibed "Sound Proof Room" are set off by a stutter-and-beat technique, while the memorable "So Fly" recounts Varner's early struggles with weight and bullying issues: "If I had no cellulite, big breasts and pockets real wide/ Maybe I could be so fly." Leading off the charge last year was the album's debut single and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs top 20 hit, "Only Wanna Give It to You," featuring J. Cole on the album's sole cameo.

"There's a lot of quirky comedy to Elle, as well as serious, thought-provoking music," says Robinson, the former manager of Alicia Keys, and whose MBK roster also includes Jermaine Paul and Allen Stone. "She doesn't need a lot of co-signers to stand on her own or to force something that doesn't fit. This is someone who can come in and speak to a lot of people."

Varner auditioned for Robinson after his friends heard her perform at a New York club. Born Gabrielle Varner in Los Angeles to showbiz parents -- her mom sang background vocals for Barry White, while her dad played, composed and produced for the Manhattans and the Temptations -- Varner grew up listening to Ella Fitzgerald, Burt Bacharach and other '60s-era soul and pop acts. Hanging out during her parents' recording sessions, she was inspired to play guitar, drums and piano, penning her first song at 15 while attending the Academy of Music at L.A.'s Hamilton High School. A coveted invitation to attend New York University's Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music brought Varner to the East Coast, where she really blossomed.

Tapped for various TV campaigns -- including MTV's "Buzzworthy," BET's "Music Matters" and Centric's "Centric Selects" -- helped spread early awareness of Varner. Most recently, she performed on the "106 & Park" pre-BET Awards show and co-headlined the Global Fusion Festival in Philadelphia. RCA senior VP of marketing Carolyn Williams says album pre-release efforts have focused primarily on social media, with various interviews, online contests and a Facebook push to build Varner's fan base. While conventional tours and retail tie-ins are planned once the album is released, Varner has also engaged in nontraditional promos, including teaming with Interactive One for a series of performances at various subway stations around New York.

Williams explains, "There's still life left in R&B. We're not going to let radio formatting dictate how much exposure we're going to get on Elle and her music."

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Tom Waits Reveals 'Hell Broke Luce' Video After Mysterious Campaign: Watch

by David Greenwald, L.A.  |   August 07, 2012 8:58 EDT

Tom Waits' big surprise is a new video.

The veteran musician has been leading up to the release of the "Hell Broke Luce" video for a week, teasing fans with a trio of images plastered with "Coming August 7" that wound up being video stills.

Press speculation over the images, which arrived via equally cryptic emails, ranged from hopes for a U.S. tour to a Waits concert cruise, prompted by the subject line "Tom Waits: Permission to Come Aboard" and the pirate-themed images.

Waits last toured the U.S. in 2008, a trek documented on live set "Glitter and Doom."

Instead, the video for "Hell Broke Luce" is the latest from Waits' 2011 album "Bad As Me." The stylized, politically driven footage finds Waits towing a house and walking between shark-like submarines in an aquatic war zone, with direction from photographer Matt Mahurin.

Watch "Hell Broke Luce" below:

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Carly Rae Jepsen's 'Kiss' Album Due Sept. 18

by Sarah Maloy, N.Y.  |   August 07, 2012 4:45 EDT

Carly Rae Jepsen is omnipresent on TV and radio this year and has been sitting at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for weeks, but this year's breakout star has only just announced the release of her debut U.S. album.

The upcoming record, titled "Kiss," album will drop Sept. 18 on 604 Records/Schoolboy Records/Interscope Records. Its release will give fans just enough time to absorb the new songs before Jepsen kicks off her tour with Justin Bieber in Arizona on Sept. 29.

"These are lyric and song ideas that I have been collecting over the years," Jepsen said of "Kiss" in a statement. "The record is pop. It's inspired by Robyn, the Cars, Madonna, and believe it or not, James Taylor. I can't wait to share it with everyone!"

The 26-year-old pop star has been dropping hints about the album's name on Twitter all weekend, tweeting photos of her band blowing kisses and the famous kiss from "Spiderman," then finally asking fans to tell her about their first "KISS."

Jepsen's hit single, "Call Me Maybe," has already sold 4.9 million downloads in the U.S. according to Nielsen SoundScan. The track, which was released on her "Curiosity" EP and gained notoriety with Justin Bieber's support earlier this year, is the third-biggest selling song of the year. It was in its eighth straight week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 last week, tying it with Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know" as 2012's longest-running No. 1.

On her new album, Jepsen worked with Max Martin, Dallas Austin, LMFAO's Redfoo, Toby Gad, Marianas Trench singer Josh Ramsay and Matthew Koma. She also recently collaborated with Owl City "Good Time," which climbed 23-13 on the Hot 100 last week.

"I can't tell you how lucky I feel to be able to collaborate with some of my dream producers. It has been the most fulfilling experience," she said.

In anticipation of the album's release next month, Jepsen will be performing on a slew of TV shows, including NBC's "Today," "America's Got Talent," "The Tonight Show" and "Conan."

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Neil Young, Foo Fighters & Black Keys to Play Central Park

by Billboard Staff  |   August 07, 2012 2:00 EDT

Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Foo Fighters and The Black Keys will rock a free Central Park show on Sept. 29. Global Festival 2012 aims to celebrate strides made in eradicating extreme poverty around the world.

Joining the headliners on the Great Lawn will be Band of Horses and K'Naan.

While free, fans will have to "earn" tickets via an online platform called Global Citizen. Get details here.

"With at least 1.3 billion people living in extreme poverty on Earth today, there has never been a better time to become a Global Citizen and do whatever you can to make a difference for your fellow man," says Neil Young.

Foo Fighters echoed Young's commitment, saying, "We are very proud to be lending a hand to such a creative, important event and are looking forward to adding to the noise in the big park and helping the effort toward reducing the global shame of deep poverty."

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