New this week: John Legend, 'Serpent Queen' and 'Pinocchio'
This weekโs new entertainment releases include fresh music from John Legend and Kane Brown, Samantha Morton stars as the 16th-century queen Catherine de Medici in an edgy Starz series and a race between two upcoming โPinocchioโ films begins with Robert Zemeckisโ adaptation.
Ariana Grande joining 'The Voice' for season 21 as a coach
FILE - In this Dec. 6, 2018 file photo, Ariana Grande attends the 13th annual Billboard Women in Music event in New York. NBC said Tuesday that Grande will join the Emmy-winning series "The Voice" for its fall 2021 cycle. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK โ โThe Voice" is switching their positions for Ariana Grande: the pop star is taking her seat in the coach's chair later this year. NBC said Tuesday that Grande will join the Emmy-winning series for its fall 2021 cycle. The 20th season of โThe Voice" is currently on air and features those three singers along with Nick Jonas.
Kyle Larson celebrates return with 1st win since suspension
LAS VEGAS โ Kyle Larson wasn't sure he'd ever race again in NASCAR, and if he could, he didn't know who would even hire him. On Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Larson raced to his first NASCAR victory since he was reinstated from a nearly yearlong suspension. โThanks Mr. H. for believing in me,โ Larson radioed to boss Rick Hendrick after crossing the finish line. Larson is considered one of the top talents in NASCAR but won just six times in six seasons with Chip Ganassi Racing. โHe got in a great car, he's a great driver and he's going to make things happen,โ runner-up Brad Keselowski said.
NASCAR to hold pre-race Daytona 500 concert with Luke Combs
NASCAR will attempt some normalcy at the season-opening Daytona 500 with a live pre-race concert featuring country music star Luke Combs. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)CHARLOTTE, N.C. โ NASCAR will attempt some normalcy at the season-opening Daytona 500 with a live pre-race concert โ the first big performance at a track during the pandemic โ featuring country music star Luke Combs. Born in Charlotte but raised in Asheville, Combs made NASCAR races a weekly viewing staple alongside his grandfather. โIf you wouldโve told me back then that Iโd be performing at the Daytona 500 one day, I wouldnโt have believed you,โ said Combs, a longtime fan of Dale Earnhardt Jr. Live music is a way for us to be able to disconnect from everything else, and just be there in the moment,โ Combs said.
'Voice' co-stars Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani engaged
FILE - Gwen Stefani, left, and Blake Shelton arrive at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Jan. 26, 2020. Shelton and Stefani posted a picture on Tuesday announcing their engagement.A representative for Shelton confirmed the couple recently got engaged while in Oklahoma, where Shelton lives. The two stars met as judges on the singing competition show years ago. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)
'Voice' co-stars Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani engaged
FILE - Gwen Stefani, left, and Blake Shelton arrive at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Jan. 26, 2020. Shelton and Stefani posted a picture on Tuesday announcing their engagement.A representative for Shelton confirmed the couple recently got engaged while in Oklahoma, where Shelton lives. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)NASHVILLE, Tenn. โ โThe Voiceโ co-stars Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani are engaged and sharing the good news on social media. Shelton and Stefani posted a picture Tuesday announcing the engagement between the country star and the pop singer. A representative for Shelton confirmed the couple recently got engaged while in Oklahoma, where Shelton lives.
Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs top CMT noms
NASHVILLE, Tenn. โ Ashley McBryde, Dan + Shay, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Sam Hunt and Thomas Rhett top the 2020 CMT Music Awards nominations with three each. In nominations announced Wednesday for the pandemic-delayed show, 14 videos are vying for the top prize of video of the year. The fan-voted show will air on CMT and other networks on Oct. 21 with outdoor performances. The Highwomen, a group made up of Maren Morris, Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby and Amanda Shires, also got their first nomination for group video. Electronic producer and DJ Marshmello also earned a nomination in collaborative video for the crossover hit โOne Thing Right" with Kane Brown.
Country's night to party sobers up amid pandemic
This combination photo shows, from left, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett and Carrie Underwood, nominees for entertainer of the year at the 55th ACM Awards. (AP Photo)NASHVILLE, Tenn. โ In a pre-pandemic world, the Academy of Country Music Awards advertised itself as country musicโs night to party with gambling, after-parties and a Las Vegas-style attitude. This year the red carpet, crowds and gambling are all r eplaced with COVID-19 tests, temperature checks and face masks. Swift, who makes her first return to the ACM stage in seven years, was the last female artist to win ACM entertainer of the year in 2011. โI certainly believe that sheโs been an entertainer of all entertainers and brought so much grace and class and elegance to country music,โ said Bryan.
New this week: Alicia Keys, 'Filthy Rich' and the Emmys
This cover image released by RCA Records shows "Alicia" the latest release by Alicia Keys. The album, out Friday, features several guest stars, including Jill Scott, Miguel, Khalid, Snoh Aalegra, Sampha, Diamond Platnumz and Ed Sheeran, who co-wrote the single Underdog. (RCA Records via AP)
New this week: Alicia Keys, 'Filthy Rich' and the Emmys
This cover image released by RCA Records shows "Alicia" the latest release by Alicia Keys. The album, out Friday, features several guest stars, including Jill Scott, Miguel, Khalid, Snoh Aalegra, Sampha, Diamond Platnumz and Ed Sheeran, who co-wrote the single Underdog. (RCA Records via AP)Hereโs a collection curated by The Associated Pressโ entertainment journalists of whatโs arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. It lands on HBO and HBO Max on Saturday at 8 p.m.โ AP Film Writer Jake CoyleMUSICโ Piano-playing pop star Alicia Keys is putting out her seventh album on Friday. โ Kim Cattrall is at the center of Foxโs โFilthy Rich,โ a prime-time soap opera loaded with money and betrayal that debuts 9 p.m. EDT Monday, Sept. 21.
Taylor Swift returns to ACM Awards for "Folklore" premiere
NASHVILLE, Tenn. โ Country-turned-pop star Taylor Swift is coming back to her roots with a performance at this yearโs Academy of Country Music Awards. The nine-time ACM award winner will perform from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, where the awards show will be broadcast Wednesday on CBS. Swift will perform โbettyโ from her new album โFolklore,โ which has held the top spot on for six weeks on the Billboard 200 Albums chart. 6 on Billboard's Hot Country song chart. This marks the first time in seven years that the two-time ACM entertainer of the year has performed at this awards show and will be her world premiere performance for any song from her โFolkloreโ album.
NBC sets November return for 'This Is Us,' 'Chicago' dramas
LOS ANGELES An optimistic NBC said Thursday it will bring This Is Us and other scripted series back in November despite the TV industry's coronavirus-caused production shutdown that's only beginning to ease. Broadcast TV's usual robust September start to the new season has already bowed to the pandemic, with NBC and other networks relying heavily on reality and acquired series that month. This Is Us, the family drama starring Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia, will kick off its fifth season on Nov. 10, the network said. That will be followed by the Nov. 11 return of the Chicago drama franchise: Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med.The Mariska Hargitay-led Law & Order: SVU will start its record-building 22nd season on Nov. 12, followed by The Blacklist," starring James Spader and Megan Boone, on Nov. 13. Connecting, a new comedy about friends using video chats to remain bonded despite pandemic isolation, will debut Oct. 1.
Now playing at the mall parking lot: movies, drag shows
This photo provided by Polk Imaging shows Drive 'N Drag at Westfield Garden State Plaza, in Paramus, N.J. After being closed for months due to the pandemic, malls are bringing all types of drive-in entertainment to their massive parking lots, hoping to lure people back to their properties. (Dave Kotinsky/Polk Imaging for Westfield via AP)
Now playing at the mall parking lot: movies, drag shows
(Dave Kotinsky/Polk Imaging for Westfield via AP)NEW YORK Angel Dougherty went to the mall last month not to shop, but to watch a drive-in drag show in the parking lot. Westfield says it has been using its parking lots to draw crowds for years, with circuses, ice skating rinks and car shows. Kilburn Live, another production company, has turned five mall parking lots into drive-ins and is adding others. Walmart, noticing the trend, added drive-in movies to 160 of its parking lots where people can order snacks ahead of time from the store. And its also considering renting out parts of its parking lots to companies that want to hold drive-in meetings with their employees.
Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Trace Adkins concert heading to Stars and Stripes Drive-In in New Braunfels
SAN ANTONIO An exclusively filmed concert featuring Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani and Trace Adkins is coming to a drive-in theater in New Braunfels. The three music stars will perform in the concert that will play at the Stars and Stripes Drive-In on July 25. Encore Live is presenting the virtual show following the heels of Garth Brooks, who put on digital concerts for the Stars and Stripes Drive-In and Six Flags Fiesta Texas in June. This summer, drive-in shows emerged as entertainment destinations because they allow social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. The show with Shelton, Stefani and Adkins is also playing at several other drive-ins across Texas on July 25.
Blake Shelton Is Doing Drive-In Concerts With Gwen Stefani and Trace Adkins
Fans of Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani will get the concert experience from the comfort of their vehicles. Shelton, with the help of Stefani and Trace Adkins, will be showing performances at drive-ins and outdoor theaters across the United States and Canada on July 25. This is such a great way to enjoy music with your family and friends and stay safe, said Shelton. Shelton's events come after the Garth Brooks: A Drive-In Concert Experience was such a success. Here's a look at Brooks' drive-in concerts:RELATED CONTENT:Gwen Stefani Thanks Blake Shelton for 'Helping Me Raise These Boys'Here's Where Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton Stand on MarriageGarth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood Get Emotional in Live TV Musical Special
Gwen Stefani Thanks Blake Shelton for 'Helping Me Raise These Boys' in Sweet Father's Day Post
Blake Shelton has been there to support Gwen Stefani and her kids over the last five years -- and she couldn't be more grateful. "Happy fathers day @blakeshelton," Stefani captioned a slideshow that included pics of Shelton with her kids throughout the years. Just three days earlier, Stefani and her sons helped Shelton celebrate his 44th birthday. The No Doubt singer shared cute pics from the celebration on her Instagram Story. RELATED CONTENT:Gwen Stefani Wishes 'Best Friend' Blake Shelton Happy BirthdayGwen Stefani is Over the Moon About Her Return to 'The Voice'Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani Supporting Kelly Clarkson After Her Split
Gwen Stefani Wishes 'Best Friend' Blake Shelton Happy Birthday
Gwen Stefani is making boyfriend Blake Shelton feel special on his special day. The songstress took to Instagram to commemorate Shelton's birthday with a super sweet message. "Happy birthday @blakeshelton thank u for being my best friend," Stefani wrote, alongside the hashtag "#luckyme." As for the relationship status of her longtime romance with fellow judge Shelton, Stefani isn't rushing anything. RELATED CONTENT:Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani Supporting Kelly Clarkson After Her SplitBlake Shelton Showers Gwen Stefani's Son With Kisses on His 14th Birthday'The Voice' Finale: Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani Perform 'Nobody But You'
Where Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton Stand on Marriage and Her Return to 'The Voice'
Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton have a lot of exciting together time to look forward to, but that doesn't mean we can expect to see them heading down the aisle anytime soon. "Gwen is over the moon she's back on The Voice! As for the relationship status of her longtime romance with fellow judge Shelton, Stefani isn't rushing anything. Back in June 2019, Shelton spoke with ET about how he and Stefani would reveal a potential engagement. -- Reporting by Adriane SchwartzRELATED CONTENT:Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani Supporting Kelly Clarkson After Her SplitBlake Shelton Showers Gwen Stefani's Son With Kisses on His 14th Birthday'The Voice': Blake Shelton Jokes Gwen Stefani Is His 'Most Expensive Hair and Makeup Artist'
Gwen Stefani to Return for 'The Voice' Season 19
Gwen Stefani is set to return as a coach on season 19 of The Voice, reuniting her with Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson and John Legend in the red chairs when the NBC singing competition show returns sometime this fall. Last September, Stefani opened up to ET about juggling the demands of The Voice and her Las Vegas residency, Just a Girl. Even though Stefani wasn't a regular presence on the recent season of The Voice, Shelton couldn't help but keep her spirit alive, cracking jokes about her absence. The Voice returns this fall on Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. RELATED CONTENT:'The Voice' Finale: Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani Perform 'Nobody But You''The Voice' Coaches Share How Their Significant Others Are Helping During Remote Live ShowsBlake Shelton Showers Gwen Stefani's Son With Kisses on His 14th Birthday
NASCAR ready for long-term commitment in Nashville
Convincing its star drivers the trip to Nashville Superspeedway in 2021 is the spark of a motorsports rebirth in the area and not just another lazy ride on an intermediate concrete track. Theres little sense now debating which track is worthy of the renovations and safety upgrades necessary to hold Cup Series races at least through 2024. The TV numbers also showed there was a demand for NASCAR in Nashville. Nashville Superspeedway held Xfinity and Truck events, as well as IndyCar races, from 2001 until 2011. But the track has never held an elite Cup Series race.
NASCAR City USA: Cup Series set for 2021 return to Nashville
Its music to NASCARs ears: the stock car series is set to return to Nashville, Tennessee in 2021. Nashville Superspeedway will hold a Cup race for the first time next season, ending NASCARs decade-long absence from the track. The Nashville track is owned by Dover Motorsports, Inc., which has held Cup race weekends each year since 1969. The idea to return NASCAR to Nashville took root after a successful blowout last December for its season-ending awards celebration. The Cup Series ran 42 times at the old Fairgrounds from 1958 through 1984, and the lower-level Xfinity and Truck Series last raced there in 2000.
'The Voice' Season 18 Premiere: Blake Shelton Brings Out a Secret Weapon to Steal a Singer From Nick Jonas
When both Shelton and newcomer Nick Jonas turned their chairs at the last moment of Brusa's cover of Ed Sheeran's "Perfect," the "Nobody But You" singer could feel his chances slipping away almost immediately. ๐ #VoicePremiere pic.twitter.com/BliOReHs9Q โ The Voice ๐ค #1 Nick Jonas Stan Account (@NBCTheVoice) February 25, 2020"I feel like I'm at a disadvantage," Shelton lamented. "He replaced my girlfriend and that's unacceptable...We're gonna settle this on the stage, coach to coach." RELATED CONTENT:'The Voice': Watch New Coach Nick Jonas Get Blocked in Season 18's First Blind Audition! 'The Voice' Sneak Peek: Nick Jonas Brings a New Coaching Strategy to Season 18 (Exclusive)'The Voice': Why Kelly Clarkson Chose Dua Lipa as a Team Mentor (Exclusive)