Janet Jackson to Open the American Music Awards

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Awards, Performances, Pop

Janet Jackson is set to open the upcoming American Music Awards (AMAs).

The “All For You” hitmaker will sing a medley to start the November 22 ceremony, which sees her late brother Michael Jackson nominated in five categories.

“We’re thrilled about having Janet Jackson open this year’s show,” American Music Awards producer Larry Klein said. “She is an incredibly dynamic performer and I think the audience will be excited to see what she has in store.”

This will be the fourth AMAs performance for the Janet, who has won nine of the awards in previous years, and follows her moving tribute to her brother at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards in September. On November 18, Jackson will also be featured in a primetime interview with ABC’s Robin Roberts.

Other stars to perform at this year’s AMAs at Los Angeles’ Nokia Theatre include Lady Gaga, Eminem, Jay-Z, Shakira, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Green Day, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.

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Tour Notes: Bob Dylan, Snoop Dogg, Aerosmith and More

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Concerts / Tours, Alternative, Hip-Hop & Rap, R&B / Soul, Rock

A number of acts will be hitting the road this year. Here’s hoping one of them comes your way:

• Aerosmith: The band will rock it out with ZZ Top later this summer. The tour begins June 10 in St. Louis.
• Austin City Limits: You can expect a number of big names at this October festival. Pearl Jam, Kings of Leon, Lily Allen, the Dave Matthews Band and the Beastie Boys represent just a sampling.
• Blazed and Confused Tour: Snoop Dogg, Slightly Stoopid and Stephen Marley will be trekking the country together starting on July 10.
• Bob Dylan: Beginning July 2, Willie Nelson and John Mellancamp will join the legendary folk singer during a 22-city tour of minor league baseball parks.
• Green Day: After a three-year hiatus, the group will resume touring this year. The 38-city journey starts July 3 in Seattle.

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Green Day Album Evolves Into Musical

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Artist News, Release Dates, Upcoming Releases, Rock

Early next year, U2’s Bono and The Edge will officially be listed as the composers for Broadway’s Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. But those unable to make it to New York can get an entirely different rock opera experience on the West Coast.

Beginning this fall, the Berkeley Repertory Theater in California will feature American Idiot, a stage musical based on Green Day’s 2004 album of the same name. The production is being directed by Tony winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening) and co-written by the band’s lead singer, Billie Joe Armstrong.

The 2004 album, which included such songs as Boulevard of Broken Dreams and Wake Me Up When September Ends, followed the story of Jesus of Suburbia, a disaffected suburban kid-turned-drug dealer. Idiot went on to win several Grammys (Best Rock Album, Record of the Year) and sell 12 million copies.

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Read More | Variety

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