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As Grammy Deadline Looms, Laufey and Lady Gaga Look Ready for a Fight In Weak-ish Year, Elton John and Brandi Carlile Underdogs

Roger Friedman
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As Grammy Deadline Looms, Laufey and Lady Gaga Look Ready for a Fight In Weak-ish Year, Elton John and Brandi Carlile Underdogs

The deadline for 2026 Grammy eligibility is this Friday, August 29th.

Already we know that Morgan Wallen is a problem. His “I’m the Problem” isn’t being submitted for anything. Why should it? Wallen isn’t liked by the record biz despite having the biggest selling record of the year. Better just to count his money.

There aren’t a lot of strong candidates for Album of the Year. So far, Lady Gaga is ahead with “Mayhem,” which got great reviews and has been a consistent seller. Certainly, Gaga’s “Abracadabra” will be a Best Record and Song nominee.

But coming up fast is jazz pop singer Laufey. The Icelandic-Chinese singer’s third album, “A Matter of Time,” is in the top 5 and also has garnered rave reviews. She also sings on Barbra Streisand’s “Partners 2” album. Laufey is ready made for the Grammys. She’ll be nominated in a lot of categories.

A dark horse: Elton John and Brandi Carlile’s “Who Believes in Angels?” This is definitely a candidate for Album of the Year, with rock tracks and ballads to fill out other categories. There’s a song on there called “When This Old World Is Done with Me” that is the actual Best Song of the year, hands down. It’s an actual Song. I hope this is kept in mind.

Who else? Teddy Swims, of course, for “I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy, Pt. 2.” Sabrina Carpenter’s new album comes right at the deadline this week. I can’t imagine it won’t be on the list. Bad Bunny’s 2025 album will surely take a spot.

There are also albums left over from last fall after the 2025 deadline, including Keith Urban, Coldplay, and Tyler the Creator, among others.

So stay tuned…The campaigning, elbowing, and insider trading begins next Tuesday, right after Labor Day.

PS Don’t sleep on Jon Batiste’s “Big Money,” which came out Friday with literally no publicity.

Box Office Crash and Burn Weekend: Sydney Sweeney Really Needs “Euphoria” Now as “Americana” AND “Eden” Are DOA Thanks to Bad Jeans

Roger Friedman
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Box Office Crash and Burn Weekend: Sydney Sweeney Really Needs “Euphoria” Now as “Americana” AND “Eden” Are DOA Thanks to Bad Jeans

Look, it’s one of the two or three worst weekends anyway for box office. The movies are weird, people are away, or they’re getting kids off to school.

And so it was this weekend with a bunch of dead on arrival offerings.

Start with Sydney Sweeney. That jeans/genes commercial didn’t help her movie “Americana,” which had a 67% critics rating. This the second weekend for “Americana,” which already died last weekend.

“Americana” debuted with $500,000 and had a 30 day theater guarantee. Alas, Lions Gate pulled it from almost every theater this weekend. It’s gone, gone, gone. It was a bad movie that no one liked, with an actress at the center of a controversy.

How things change! Sweeney was the IT girl just 18 months ago as her romantic comedy, “Anyone But You,” was such a hit with Glenn Powell. But this weekend she also opened in “Eden,” sadly one of Ron Howard’s lesser works. “Eden” was cajoled into 664 theaters and didn’t make red cent. Last September, it opened the Toronto Film Festival and was panned, so I’m not surprised.

Sweeney really needs the third and final season of “Euphoria” to be a smash hit.

Also on the skids this weekend: Ethan Coen’s “Honey Don’t” didn’t, with just $3 million. Pretty much panned, “Honey Don’t” is supposed to be the middle of a trilogy that began with the equally unappreciated “Drive Away Dolls.” You know, you don’t have to make the third movie. You can let it go.

Bleecker Street had something called “Replay,” which I didn’t know existed until I saw it on the box office list. I guess they were keeping it quiet. The result is $1.9 million. Bleecker next has the “Spinal Tap” sequel, which opens September 12th. No one knows anything about it beyond the trailer. No screenings, no responses. Uh oh. But it sounds like it will be popular on streaming.

After Glitch Last Season, “Waltzing with Brando” Finally Coming Next Month with “Titanic” Star Billy Zane, Richard Dreyfus

Roger Friedman
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After Glitch Last Season, “Waltzing with Brando” Finally Coming Next Month with “Titanic” Star Billy Zane, Richard Dreyfus

It’s not easy releasing an indie movie.

“Waltzing with Brando,” directed by Bill Fishman, was supposed to be released last year.

But then the movie about Marlon Brando in Tahiti won awards at various festivals and didn’t have distributor.

Now, at last, the film — starring Billy Zane, Richard Dreyfus=, Jon Heder, and Tia Carrere is heading to theaters.

Iconic Pictures is releasing this comedy on September 18th. They’re small, but they’ve had a couple of recent successes with David Byrne’s “American Utopia” directed by Spike Lee, a handful of horror films, and anniversary releases of classics like “Dogma” and “Babadook.”

“Waltzing” was shot in Tahiti and around where Brando lived in the South Pacific. It includes his shooting “The Godfather,” and winning his Oscar, as well as his commitment to the environment. He had big plans and dreams for Tahiti, many of which were not doable. But he gave it his all.

PS Making a rare appearance in “Waltzing with Brando” is James Jagger, the talented son of Mick and Jerry Hall.

Zane, meantime, has long lists of credits in TV and movies, but he will forever be remembered as Caledon Hockley, the villain of “Titanic.”

“Waltzing with Brando” has some strong buzz so far which may mean Zane finally gets his due three decades later. From the trailer, it looks like he has Brando in hand quite capably.

Justin Bieber Sold Only 246 Paid Downloads Last Week of His “Swag” Album, the Rest — Not Much — Came from Streaming

Roger Friedman
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Justin Bieber Sold Only 246 Paid Downloads Last Week of His “Swag” Album, the Rest — Not Much — Came from Streaming

Justin Bieber’s “Swag” album has been problematic all summer.

This past week, according hitsdailydouble.com, “Swag” sold just 246 paid downloads. That’s it. Everything else came from streaming — 32,941.

That Bieber’s reliable old crowd has moved on is an understatement. By taking so much time between releases, and not touring, or even appearing on TV, Bieber is slowly turning himself into an oldies act. He’s 32 now. Most of his fans will move on completely over the next five years.

We always say, Well, at least he’s rich. But after his contentious split from manager Scooter Braun, Bieber is definitely hobbled financially. Luckily, his wife Hailey has made a fortune with her cosmetics company. So they’ll be ok, whether on or off the charts.

Trump Is Blasting Pop Music Outside on New White House Plaza Like the Beatles and Lee Greenwood: He Needs A Broadcast License

Roger Friedman
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Trump Is Blasting Pop Music Outside on New White House Plaza Like the Beatles and Lee Greenwood: He Needs A Broadcast License

Few music stars like Donald Trump to play their music at his rallies. But they want to be paid for it.

It seems Trump is blasting music at the White House on the ugly new plaza where he’s paved over the beautiful Rose Garden.

We’ve seen clips of him playing “Let it Be” by the Beatles, and Lee Greenwood’s “I’m an American.”

But is he paying the music publishers? You need a broadcast license to play music outside.

He may think it’s his right as a dictator. But he’s wrong.

ASCAP, BMI, and other licensing entities may be asking questions this week. The White House is no different than a restaurant, drug store, mall or other places where you would hear music.

The White House is not a small business. As many as 6,000 people could be exposed to their new outdoor disco. A public performance license is necessary to keep that show going.

Trump would have to go by the copyright law of 1976.

Of course, it’s possible the White House is tuned to Spotify or Pandora, and they would still have to be paid. But it’s likely they’re using their own playlist and not just a prepackaged station.

Greenwood won’t care if he’s ripped off by the White House. They have a mutual understanding for his faux patriotic anthem. But the Beatles are another story. They’re pretty litigious. Apple (not the computers) might be the only company gutsy enough to go after Trump for their dough.

Again: ASCAP, BMI, Sesac– who’s gonna make the call?

Trump Suggests He’ll Change Name of Kennedy Center to His Own — Which He Can’t — to Distract Reporters from Epstein Scandal

Roger Friedman
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Trump Suggests He’ll Change Name of Kennedy Center to His Own — Which He Can’t — to Distract Reporters from Epstein Scandal

Donald Trump tries out some crazy diversion several times a day and no one calls him on it.

Everything is to keep reporters and media from discussing Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Mawell.

He’s an expert at this, and succeeds every time.

Today he suggested he might rename the Kennedy Center the Trump Center. He might do it next week.

Of course, he can’t do that, even with an Executive Order.

The Kennedy Center has a charter. It was named as a tribute to President John F. Kennedy, who actually enjoyed the arts and culture. He brought them to Washington.

Trump would have to put a vote through Congress. There would be legal ramifications. As much as Trump wants to trash the Kennedy legacy, he won’t be able to get away with it.

Yadda, yadda, yadda. Blah blah blah. Why do none of the media mention this during these idiotic sessions?

Listen, Donald, just put in the Cracker Barrel and the water slide. We’re waiting.

Kanye West’s Memecoin Crashes 73%, Reaping Small Profits for His Inner Circle, Stiffing Investors

Roger Friedman
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Kanye West’s Memecoin Crashes 73%, Reaping Small Profits for His Inner Circle, Stiffing Investors

It wasn’t so Yeezy after all.

Kanye West’s YZY memecoin has dropped 73% in value since it arrived three days ago.

YZY opened at $3 billion, quickly fell to $1 billion, is now worth less than $800 million.

According to CoinCentral.com, 13 people made $24 million right away, while all other investors lost millions. If you know anyone who did lose money, please email me at showbiz411@gmail.com.

The coin’s value is based on Kanye’s brands. So why would anyone have put money in this at all? West has lost all his fashion ties, and has no recording contract. He’s known for being antisemitic, vocally praising Hitler and the Nazis.

It doesn’t take a genius to see this thing was designed for sketchy reasons. CoinCentral says: “While insiders profited, retail investors faced devastating losses. The biggest losing wallet realized a $1.8 million loss according to Nansen data. Another wallet lost $1.2 million, and one trader held an unrealized loss exceeding $800,000.”

They advise: “Other celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Iggy Azalea, Caitlyn Jenner and Lindsay Lohan have faced allegations related to memecoin schemes. BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes commented on the YZY situation, saying retail investors should avoid trading such tokens.”

First Time Ever: Listen to the Song Bruce Springsteen Left off “Born to Run” Released Now for 50th Anniversary

Roger Friedman
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First Time Ever: Listen to the Song Bruce Springsteen Left off “Born to Run” Released Now for 50th Anniversary

So many box sets, anniversary remixes, and so on.

It’s hard to believe there was one song left that Bruce Springsteen left off the original “Born to Run” 50 years ago.

But here it is, today: “Lonely Night in the Park.”

It’s very catchy but you can see why it didn’t make the final cut. There is a neat little keyboard part that sounds like it came from Badfinger’s “Day After Day,” so that’s interesting.

I wonder why this didn’t make the “Tracks 2” box set, currently out. It would have made a perfect addition to the E Street Band disc.

Kennedy Center: Trump Loyalists Oust Dance Programmers, Censor Chinese Art Work, Consider Installing Cracker Barrel, Water Slide

Roger Friedman
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Kennedy Center: Trump Loyalists Oust Dance Programmers, Censor Chinese Art Work, Consider Installing Cracker Barrel, Water Slide

How much more damage can Trump and his lackeys inflict on the poor Kennedy Center?

In a further move to the right, Richard Grennell and his pack of thugs have fired the dance programmers. They’ve also removed the Tim Yip artwork called “China Red” from the front windows after two decades.

What’s left? Installing a Cracker Barrel restaurant and a water slide into the Potomac. Come on, Donnie, why not go all the way?

I hope all the Democrats and hidden Hollywood righties are happy about all the changes at the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian, and other arts institutions. I do mean you, Brian Grazer.

According to Kennedy Center — soon to be called “KFC” spokesperson Roma Daravi — three longtime directors were ousted including Director of Dance Programming Jane Raleigh and Assistant Manager Mallory Miller, a lead organizer in the effort to unionize staff. Miller described the dismissals as proof of why a union is needed, calling the cuts “a form of censorship.”

In case you were interested, Raleigh’s bio reads: “Jane Raleigh is the Director of Dance Programming at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. In her role at the Kennedy Center, she curates the Ballet subscription series and presents all mainstage Dance offerings as well as a variety of dance performances on the Center’s Millennium Stage and in the Center’s REACH expansion spaces. Locally, Raleigh serves as co-chair of the Pola Nirenska Award jury, and has served as a member of the Blacklight Summit Community Committee, and the board of Dance Loft on 14. Nationally, she an active member of Dance/USA and the Association of Performing Arts Professionals.”

Here’s what Miller had to say:

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Mallory Miller (@punkyp)

Trump Hallucinates That He’s Saved Washington, DC Nightlife as Restaurants Report “City Is Dead,” Latinos Fear Going Out

Roger Friedman
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Trump Hallucinates That He’s Saved Washington, DC Nightlife as Restaurants Report “City Is Dead,” Latinos Fear Going Out

Donald Trump has reached the hallucinatory stage of dementia.

He told the Washington DC press and local police that he has single handedly revived nightlife. He talks in the video below about “a man” who told him he hadn’t been out to dinner in four years until Trump unleashed the National Guard, ICE, and thugs to patrol the streets. Now this “man” has been out “four nights in a row.”

Meantime, the Washington Post reported two days ago “the city is dead.”

One restaurateur said: “If you walk on the street, there’s no feeling. People are scared … You don’t see any Latinos on the street.”

Another said: “Compared to last year’s Summer Restaurant Week reservations — and even Winter Restaurant Week in January — it’s looking like we dropped more than 50 percent.”

Fear on the streets is taking its toll on local economies. I told you yesterday, New York City tourism is struggling with at least a 20% loss this summer. Broadway ticket sales are slow. Video from Las Vegas shows a very empty city. Non white people are staying away from crowded areas lest be harassed by Trump’s gestapo.

Trump also told his listeners he’s going to replace the grass in Washington DC parks so they look like golf courses.

Sound crazy? Jake Tapper must not agree. He’s only worried about Joe Biden not remembering George Clooney’s name at a party.

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