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Linda Ronstadt Makes Rare Public Appearance to Honor Dolly Parton, Who Was Serenaded by Miley, Katy, Garth and Trisha at MusiCares Dinner

Roger Friedman
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Linda Ronstadt Makes Rare Public Appearance to Honor Dolly Parton, Who Was Serenaded by Miley, Katy, Garth and Trisha at MusiCares Dinner

The big surprise of the MusiCares Person of the Year dinner last night was the appearance at the very end of the evening of Linda Ronstadt with Emmylou Harris. They presented their old pal Dolly Parton with the Grammy honor following three hours of performances by music’s best of Dolly’s hits.

Nearly three thousand people jammed the LA Convention Center and raised $6.7 million for the music industry charity that supports musicians with human resources that cover everything from physical illness to addiction to recovery and so on.

Among the performers  were Pink, Miley Cyrus with Mark Ronson and Shawn Mendes, Chris Stapleton, Katy Perry and Kacey Musgraves, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, Norah Jones, Don Henley and Vince Gill, Mavis Staples with Leon Bridges and Dave Baustiste, Lauren Daigle, and actress Reese Witherspoon for no apparent reason. (She did not sing.)

Willie Nelson dueted with Brandi Carlile and it was magic. But it was Yolanda Adams, out-Whitneying Whitney, on “I Will Always Love You,” that will resonate in our minds forever. Yolanda Adams is simply not getting the sales and airplay she deserves. She is a magnificent singer.

The four members of Little Big Town were the hosts, and they were wonderful, funny, and good sports as the show was long and often not timed right. There was a lot of ad libbing as the quartet was asked to “stretch” between numbers.

It was kind of a goofy night with a lot of excitement in the air as Neil Portnow had Nancy Pelosi at his table. There were politicians and elected officials mixed in with the crowd that also included Katy with boyfriend Orlando Bloom, actor Rupert Friend, and even Sammy Hagar who brought his family and just chilled.

It was a country music night, though, since Dolly– unbelievably– is the first country artist to be named Person of the Year. That was a surprise, even to her.

These sorts of nights, where it’s all leading to an honoree, can sometime go wrong. But in this case the cumulative effect of Dolly’s story, her own charming acceptance speech and performance, with producer-songwriter Linda Perry, was disarmingly sweet and profound. Dolly Parton is a self made success who hasn’t let anything stop her. Thank goodness.

I’ll have some more photos and video later in the day.

PS Kudos to Greg Phillanganes and his superb band, orchestra, whatever you want to call them. Their versatility was tremendous.

Also, during the live auction, Miley won a private tour of Dollywood for $90,000. That’s right — 90 thou. A competing bidder drove her crazy and she asked him to stop bidding! In the end, Dolly offered them each the same prize, so the whole lot went for $180K!

One more thing: Katy Perry could not be nicer. Orlando Bloom, as well.

 

Clive Davis’s 43rd Annual Pre-Grammy Show Is the Hottest Ticket in Hollywood This Weekend

Leah Sydney
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Clive Davis’s 43rd Annual Pre-Grammy Show Is the Hottest Ticket in Hollywood This Weekend

Clive Davis is back in Hollywood! His 43rd annual pre-Grammy party is once again rocking LA! Yesterday he fielded questions with the media, and multiple Grammy nominee Brandi Carlile was at his side at the Beverly Hilton. Last year’s party was in New York, which means that Davis’s team has been deluged with requests for tickets now that the gang is back in the right place. As usual, this is the hottest ticket of Grammy weekend.

After Carlile left, Clive and team checked out one of the secret performers’ rehearsals in the Ballroom. (We’re not allowed to divulge who it is, but this one is of the moment and hot hot hot.)

Just before rehearsal, I sat down for a quick chat with the music business’s legendary champion.

I asked Clive how it felt for him this year?

He answered, “Each year the challenge is special and unique. How do you, in front of the most glittering audience in the world, sharing one common language, a love of music. How do you keep them coming back every year? How do you top the previous years show which is always wonderfully referred to as the best ever. So
it has its challenges, but it’s invigorating. Now the guest list, on my God, it is the most sparkling guest list one could ever hope to see. I’m pinching myself that all all those people , not just from music or film, but from politics or sports and the arts, are all coming together in one ballroom to see what’s up this year. It’s a great feeling.”

I wondered how he maintained his 100% excitement and enthusiasm after all these years?

He replied, “It never gets jaded. I love music, I love the challenge and I’m committed to great artistry. So it’s a natural love and passion for me. The word ‘jaded’ is not in my vocabulary. I’m not performing the same repertoire into the 43rd year, it’s different.”

Clive and his son Doug Davis, along with Ken Ehrlich, recently executive produced a TV tribute to his beloved Aretha Franklin. “A Grammy Celebration for the Queen of Soul,”  will
Air on CBS March 10th, hosted by Tyler Perry. Clive’s party will also have a tribute to her.

Clive told me that, “From Jennifer Hudson, to Celine Dion, Alicia Keys, Rob Thomas, Fantasia, Patti LaBelle, Janelle Monae, SZA, HER, Alessia Cara, Brandi Carlile, Andra Day, Shirley Caesar, Bebe Winans, Common with Yolanda Adams, all gave the performances of their lives. John Legend performing “Bridge Over Trouble Water,” so special. A once in a lifetime concert.”

Well Clive, all of Hollywood is looking forward, most especially to you holding court on the podium of the ballroom Saturday night.

UPDATE- HBO Schedules Michael Jackson Documentary Despite Complaints from King of Pop’s Estate, Upset Fans

Roger Friedman
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UPDATE- HBO Schedules Michael Jackson Documentary Despite Complaints from King of Pop’s Estate, Upset Fans

UPDATE After seeing our story, HBO has decided to schedule the doc for March 3 and March 4th. Disappointing, but we’ll live.

EARLIER “Leaving Neverland” may not be ready for prime time, after all.

I’m hearing that Dan Reed’s controversial documentary that portrays Michael Jackson as a pedophile may not show up on HBO’s schedule as planned.

Apparently Jackson’s estate lawyer Howard Weitzman, according to sources, has sent HBO very tough communications about the downside of libeling the King of Pop even in death.

The documentary is incredibly one-sided according to those who saw it at Sundance. It gives only specious claims by Wade Robson and James Safechuck, includes no defense of Jackson or any kind of counterbalance.

HBO’s documentary division is so well respected that I’m told Weitzman’s criticisms, as well those voiced in other places including this column, may wind up killing the doc’s presentation.

No one would accuse HBO of caving in, but rather having a thoughtful re-evaluation of the material at hand. Robson and Safechuck could not find a court of law to help them. An unbalanced documentary would cause damage to Jackson’s reputation that the Estate would have to spend a lifetime correcting.

Also, there may be interference from HBO’s new owner, AT&T.  They may not be so keen to see lots of bad press from claims that can’t be backed up. So far the only endorsements the doc is getting are from completely discredited former Neverland employees who were also bounced out of court in the 90s after selling their stories to the tabloids.

I saw revived claims yesterday from Adrian McManus, one of the infamous former Neverlanders who thought they could cash in after Jackson’s payoff to Jordan Chandler was revealed in the 90s. They are, like the stories made up by other staff who were kicked out at that time, ridiculous. Some of them testified against Jackson in 2005, and they were completely unbelievable. If HBO is going to rely on that gang, they should definitely reconsider.

 

“Song of Parkland” Tries to Find Some Harmony After Last Year’s Senseless Tragedy at Florida High School

Regina Weinreich
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“Song of Parkland” Tries to Find Some Harmony After Last Year’s Senseless Tragedy at Florida High School

When we ran into Melody Herzfeld at the Tony Awards, she seemed stunned at the place history had taken her. This week at a special screening of “Song of Parkland,”  an HBO documentary directed by Amy Schatz, she had her Tony Award by her side, still stunned, and feeling guilty. She would have preferred a prize for merit, she said. Instead she was honored for her heroism in a tragedy, coolly ushering 65 students into a back storeroom closet for two hours as a gunman murdered 17 at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida where she taught drama. At HBO, dozens of her former students attested to her epic qualities as a teacher. While she was not falsely modest, part of her charm is a self-effacing humor worthy of Joan Rivers. Then again, as she told us at the Tony’s, she was from these parts, from New Jersey.

 

While “Song of Parkland” does not shy away from the graphics—we do see iPhone footage of the massacre as well as students taken out of the building shielded by police, the purpose is not to dwell on the horror but rather to note the bravery of simply healing. As we know from the headlines in the aftermath, some students have taken the road of activism for sensible gun reform, advocating for background checks, and getting more young people to vote.  As student Alex Wind, said, “We’re trying to make activism cool again.”

 

This half hour film focuses on the continued work in theater, kids coming back to the show: students rehearse for a musical for children called “Yo, Vikings,” that has sustained them through song, community, and shared grief. In rehearsal, when they go slack, Herzfeld shouts, “Game of Thrones,” exhorting them to give greater voice. Song of Parkland asks, how does anyone survive such a dire moment? Featured are songs composed by Herzfeld’s students, seen as well put together, articulate high schoolers. As student Ashley Paseltiner reminded everyone, “We’re just teenagers.”

Willie Nelson Honored on Historic Night as Grammys Kick off 5 Day Celebration featuring Dave Matthews and Willie’s Sons

Roger Friedman
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Willie Nelson Honored on Historic Night as Grammys Kick off 5 Day Celebration featuring Dave Matthews and Willie’s Sons

Jeff Greenberg’s Village Studios was booming last night in West Los Angeles. Once a year Greenberg  cleans out all the furniture in the multi-level recording space so the Grammy Awards’ Producers and Engineers Wing can honor a Big Star. Last night it was vibrant 85 year old Willie Nelson, and this was maybe the best ever in a decade of celebrations.

Willie himself hit the stage for a few songs with his sons, Lukas and Micah (who are also Neil Young’s backing band, the Promise of the Real), and another superstar, Dave Matthews. Willie was introduced by NARAS chief Neil Portnow, as well as new star Kacey Musgraves (who was very funny and sweet), and P&E Wing head honcho Maureen Droney.

Meanwhile, the green room off the side of the stage filled up with the likes of songwriter Diane Warren, movie star Dennis Quaid, and musicians like Ziggy Marley and the great Peter Asher, with his rocker daughter Victoria, among others.

Everyone was focused on one thing, though– meeting Willie Nelson, who’s like the missing person from Mt. Rushmore. Portnow quoted Carlos Santana to the effect that if America had one voice, it would be Willie Nelson’s.

Willie finally got to meet Warren, who wrote a song he sang for last year’s “The Last Movie Star,” Burt Reynolds’s final movie, who came with writer and director Adam Rifkin. Our very own Leah Sydney, who was the instigator behind their collaboration, introduced the Warren and Rifkin to Nelson, who was thrilled. (You can stream this lovely movie now on all platforms.)

On stage, Willie was as alive as ever, singing “On the Road” again with his well-regarded musician kids. I talked to Lukas and Micah about their now legendary shows this past fall with Neil Young at the Capitol Theater in Port Chester, New York. People are still talking about them. Both boys, as it were, are steeped in their own projects too.

Justin Bieber’s Year of Celibacy Led to Quickie Marriage to Hailey Baldwin Following Abuse of Xanax and Much Promiscuity

Roger Friedman
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Rob  Haskell’s extraordinary Vogue interview with Justin Bieber and his newlywed Hailey Baldwin is quite the headline maker.

It turns out that Justin had year of celibacy after a period of abusing Xanax, much promiscuity, and depression. He admits to cancelling the last 14 dates on his most recent tour because he was lonely and depressed.

Even though he says he’s not “religious,” Bieber has spent a lot of time finding God and living with or depending on self-appointed pastors of huge pay as you go churches like Carl Lentz’s Hillsong and Churchome, Judah Smith’s Seattle-based ministry. Haskell’s story is of a kid who is a mess, basically. He was also suffering from anxiety attacks.

He tells Haskell: “I found myself doing things that I was so ashamed of, being super-promiscuous and stuff, and I think I used Xanax because I was so ashamed. My mom always said to treat women with respect. For me that was always in my head while I was doing it, so I could never enjoy it. Drugs put a screen between me and what I was doing. It got pretty dark. I think there were times when my security was coming in late at night to check my pulse and see if I was still breathing.”

Justin also got involved with another wacky, Scientology like group called The Hoffman Process, which is trying to spread its influence in Hollywood among more insecure, uneducated actors and singers. He was smart enough to reject it. “There were these séances,” he explains. “Or not really séances but these traditions. They light candles, and it kind of freaked me out. You sit on a mat, you put a pillow down, and you beat your past out of it. I beat the fact that my mom was depressed a lot of my life and my dad has anger issues. Stuff that they passed on that I’m kind of mad they gave me.”

Haskell’s story is not funny, it’s sad. It’s about a kid whose mother turned him over to celebrity after the father abandoned them. Bieber has no education, no foundation, is unsophisticated about the world, has a fortune, and no clear path forward.

But one funny thing, vis a vis Vogue, is his description about being so isolated that he’d taken to wearing sunglasses at night, and inside. Sound like someone we know? I wonder if Anna Wintour read that line, the one laugh out loud moment.

It’s a little unclear why Bieber (and presumably manager Scooter Braun) went for this Vogue cover now. Bieber hasn’t had an album in 4 years, there’s no sign of one on the horizon. He’s had scattered hit singles as a guest on other people’s records, but that’s it. For Haskell and Vogue, it’s a scoop interview, however. Congrats to them.

Grammys: Lady Gaga In, Ariana Grande Out, and It’s All Good

Roger Friedman
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Grammys: Lady Gaga In, Ariana Grande Out, and It’s All Good

Lady Gaga has chosen the Grammys over BAFTA. She’ll perform Shallow because she isn’t shallow.

Ariana Grande is shallow, however. She’s off the show because she wouldn’t compromise on her song choices. It’s Ken Ehrlich’s show. He’s the producer. So thank you, next.

The Grammy show is stuffed with stars of all genres. Alicia Keys is going to be a great host. The gun starts Sunday at 7:30pm on CBS.

A Star is Torn: Lady Gaga Must Choose Between the Grammys and BAFTA, Or Somehow Do Both

Roger Friedman
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A Star is Torn: Lady Gaga Must Choose Between the Grammys and BAFTA, Or Somehow Do Both

It’s the toughest choice a superstar must make: which awards show to appear on. And on which continent.

So far the Grammys have been mum on Lady Gaga appearing or performing on this Sunday’s show. At the same time, there’s no word from BAFTA whether the Best Actress nominee for “A Star is Born” will be with them in London on Sunday night.

For Gaga, the Grammys are important because Oscar voting begins two days later. She’s a cinch to win Best Song for “Shallow,” but nothing is written in concrete.

The BAFTAs are also important for Gaga and “A Star is Born.” Even though the movie hasn’t won any awards yet. you never know what’s going to happen. Even though Gaga has tied with or lost to Glenn Close in most settings, Olivia Colman would be the BAFTA favorite for “The Favourite.”

Bradley Cooper is going to BAFTA. But what will Gaga do?

The simple solution would be a live performance via Satellite from London for Gaga at the Grammys. That would still be very effective and allow her to be in two places at once.

Of course, a live in person performance at the Grammys can’t be equaled. And Lady G. could be with Cooper in spirit, knowing she’s unlikely to win.

What a conundrum! Wouldn’t we all like to have these problems? So stay tuned. Whichever decision is made, we will all be the better for it!

 

NBC Decides Live Naked Hippie Musical “Hair” Isn’t for Them, No Longer Mentions JLo “Bye Bye Birdie,” Aiming for Family Fare Now

Roger Friedman
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NBC Decides Live Naked Hippie Musical “Hair” Isn’t for Them, No Longer Mentions JLo “Bye Bye Birdie,” Aiming for Family Fare Now

NBC has cancelled its live musical, “Hair.” Apparently no one told them it was about hippies, and naked ones at that. It was supposed to air live on May 19th against “Game of Thrones,” which is “Hair” without music.

Whoops!

NBC’s last musical was “Jesus Christ Superstar,” from April 2018. Now they have nothing in the hopper. They were supposed to do “Bye Bye Birdie” with Jennifer Lopez until someone told them JLO doesn’t actually sing live. So they said it was postponed, and now they don’t talk about it anymore.

Part of the reason for killing “Hair” may be the low ratings and botched production on Fox of “Rent,” which modeled itself on “Hair” for a new generation.

Now NBC wants family fare. They can’t do Disney musicals, because they’re owned by ABC. They can’t do “Hello, Dolly!” unless they deliver gold bricks to producer Scott Rudin. They should do “Sweeney Todd” with Andy Lack in the title role, and Megyn Kelly as Mrs. Lovett.

AARP Names “Green Book” Best Movie, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Best Ensemble, Spike Lee, Best Director, “Roma” Best Foreign Film, Viggo Mortensen, Glenn Close Best Actors, Richard E. Grant, Judi Dench, Best Supp Actors, Best Doc “Mister Rogers”

Roger Friedman
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AARP Names “Green Book” Best Movie, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Best Ensemble, Spike Lee, Best Director, “Roma” Best Foreign Film, Viggo Mortensen, Glenn Close Best Actors, Richard E. Grant, Judi Dench, Best Supp Actors, Best Doc “Mister Rogers”

The AARP Movies for Grown Up Awards are being handed out right in Hollywood.

It’s the 18th annual edition. I’d like to say AARP is for old people, but everyone is old now. Bruce Springsteen’s been on the cover of their magazine. These awards reflect general sentiment in Tinsel Town.

So far “Roma” has won Best Foreign Film. Richard E. Grant won Best Supporting Actor for “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”

Spike Lee was named Best Director for “Blackkklansman.”

My insiders say “Green Book” will win Best Picture. Its star, Viggo Mortensen should win Best Actor. Glenn Close is a lock for Best Actress. Let’s see if they’re right.

Keep refreshing.
BEST MOVIE, Green Book
BEST ACTRESS, Glenn Close
BEST ACTOR, Viggo Mortensen, Green Book
BEST DOCUMENTARY Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Judi Dench, All is True
BEST TIME CAPSULE MOVIE If Beale Street Could Talk
BEST ENSEMBLE Bohemian Rhapsody
BEST SCREENPLAY Jeff Whitty, Nicole Holofcener, Can You Ever Forgive Me?
BEST INTERGENERATIONAL MOVIE, Mary Poppins Returns
BEST GROWN UP LOVE STORY, What They Had

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