Candice Glover was crowned the new “American Idol” on Thursday after defeating country singer Kree Harrison. The booming 23-year-old R&B vocalist from St. Helena Island, S.C.David Bowie is celebrating his birthday by releasing new music.
The English singer announced Tuesday, his 66th birthday, that he has released his first song in 10 years titled “Where Are We Now?”
A new album, “The Next Day,” will be out March 11 and 12 in the United Kingdom and the United States, respectively.
Bowie’s last album was 2003’s “Reality.”
Cause confirmed
Amy Winehouse died from accidental alcohol poisoning when she resumed drinking after a period of abstinence, a second coroner’s inquest confirmed Tuesday.
Coroner Shirley Radcliffe ruled that the 27-year-old soul singer “died as a result of alcohol toxicity” and recorded a verdict of death by misadventure. She said there were no suspicious circumstances.
Tuesday’s verdict was identical to that produced by a first inquest in 2011. But the result of that hearing was annulled after the original coroner was found to lack the proper qualifications for the job.
Bryan to co-host
Luke Bryan is joining Blake Shelton to co-host the 2013 Academy of Country Music Awards.
The academy also said in a Tuesday news release that this year’s show will be April 7 and Brad Paisley will host the ACM Fan Jam, a satellite event held simultaneously with the awards show.
Bryan replaces Reba McEntire who had served as host for more than a decade.
Festival rebrands
The Essence Music Festival is dropping the music – from its name, that is.
The festival held in New Orleans every July 4th weekend for the past 18 years has rebranded itself The Essence Festival. Organizers say the change is designed to showcase the event as more than a music festival.
Still, music will remain a focus for the 19th annual festival, which is July 4 to 7.
On the roster are Jill Scott, Maxwell, New Edition, Charlie Wilson, Keyshia Cole, LL Cool J and Brandy.
Happy birthday
Among celebrity birthdays today: Author Judith Krantz is 85. Sports announcer Dick Enberg is 78. Singer Joan Baez is 72. Guitarist Jimmy Page is 69. Singer Crystal Gayle is 62. Actress Joely Richardson is 48. Singer Steve Harwell is 46. Singer Dave Matthews is 46. Singer A.J. McLean is 35. Actress Nina Dobrev is 24.
