Music news

• Bassnectar Is ‘Stepping Back’ From Music Career After Allegations of Sexual Misconduct

  05-07-2020 23:56
  
  Bassnectar announced on Friday (July 3) that he’s taking a step back from his career. The DJ and artist, whose real name is Lorin Ashton, shared the news after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced in a Your EDM story as well as on Instagram, where an account has been collecting allegations. Some of the allegations appear to go back years.
  “I am stepping back from my career and I am stepping down from my position of power and privilege in this community because I want to take res
  
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• £1.57 billion investment to protect Britain’s world-class cultural, arts and heritage institutions

  05-07-2020 23:48 via music-news.com
  
  Britain’s globally renowned arts, culture and heritage industries will receive a world-leading £1.57 billion rescue package
  
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• Government announces £1.57billion support package for UK’s arts industries

  05-07-2020 23:30 via nme.com
  The government have announced plans to fund the UK’s arts, culture and heritage industries with £1.57billion to help them “weather the impact of coronavirus”.
  The support package, which was announced today (July 5), will provide music venues, independent cinemas, museums, galleries, theatres and heritage sites with emergency grants and loans.
  Read more: Primal Scream’s Simone Marie Butler on the #LetTheMusicPlay campaign: “We need you all to come together&rdqu
  
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• Kanye West Shares a Look at His ‘YZY SHLTRS’ as Part of #2020VISION Campaign

  05-07-2020 23:17
  
  A day after Kanye West announced a 2020 presidential run, his #2020VISION campaign is underway.
  The rapper, and apparent political candidate, returned to Twitter on Sunday (July 5) with a photo of some innovative dome-like structures in development.
  “YZY SHLTRS in process #2020VISION,” he captioned the picture.
  West offered no further context to explain the new image, but the update continues the “building our future” theme of his Fourth of July message, when he said
  
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• Ryan Adams Sorry for How He ‘Mistreated’ Women: ‘I Will Never Be Off the Hook’

  05-07-2020 22:40
  
  More than a year after The New York Times published a report of alleged sexual misconduct by Ryan Adams, the singer has written a lengthy apology for his past behavior.
  “There are no words to express how bad I feel about the ways I’ve mistreated people through my life and career,” the singer-songwriter began in his open letter, which he shared with the Daily Mail. “All I can say is that I’m sorry.”
  “I’ve gotten past the point where I would be
  
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• Lil Baby’s ‘My Turn’ Hits Fifth Week at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Chart

  05-07-2020 22:00
  
  Lil Baby’s My Turn holds steady at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, earning a fifth total week at the top of the chart. It sits tight for a fourth straight week with 70,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. in the week ending July 2 (down less than 1 percent), according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. It spent its first week at No. 1 when it debuted atop the chart dated March 14.
  With five weeks at No. 1, the set now owns the most weeks at the top in 2020 for any album, and the
  
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• Netflix Greenlights Pharrell Williams Gospel Docu-Series ‘Voices of Fire’

  05-07-2020 21:52
  
  Netflix is teaming up with Pharrell Williams on a new unscripted project.
  The streamer has ordered docu-series, Voices of Fire, that will explore the singer’s hometown community of Hampton Roads, Virginia as it builds one of the world’s most inspiring gospel choirs. The project is set to premiere on Netflix later in 2020.
  In Voices of Fire, Bishop Ezekiel Williams — Pharrell’s uncle and a well-respected musician in the area — and his core team of influential gospel
  
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• The Streets’ Mike Skinner says he “shouldn’t have played” Bristol’s Colston Hall

  05-07-2020 21:49 via nme.com
  
  The Streets’ Mike Skinner has said he “shouldn’t have played at” Bristol venue Colston Hall.
  Read more: An exclusive essay from Bristol City Poet Vanessa Kisuule: “Edward Colston does not represent us”
  The space is named after former slave owner Edward Colston, but is set to be renamed later this year.
  Speaking to the Independent, Skinner said he felt “a bit guilty” about performing at the venue. “Massive Attack haven’t been playin
  
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• Hilary Duff Embarrassed for U.S. Response to COVID-19, Jokes She’s Running for President

  05-07-2020 21:23
  
  Hilary Duff is calling out her fellow citizens who aren’t protective wearing masks amid the coronavirus pandemic.
  The 32-year-old singer and actress took to Instagram on Saturday (July 4) to express her frustration after driving by a party in Los Angeles where people did not have their faces covered.
  “Drove by a raging house party on Mulholland. A–holes. No masks (of course). Girls in bathing suits and louboutins waiting to get in like a line at a club,” Duff captioned a
  
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• DaBaby show criticised as social distancing measures don’t appear to be enforced

  05-07-2020 21:08 via nme.com
  
  Concert promoters have been criticised after footage from DaBaby’s Fourth Of July show appears to show social distancing measures weren’t enforced.
  Read more: Live after lockdown: venues on the idea of gigs with social distancing
  The star performed at Cosmopolitan Premier Lounge in Decatur, Georgia last night (July 4), despite coronavirus cases in the state rapidly increasing.
  Ahead of the show, organiser MyDJDre told TMZ that the venue would only be filled to 40 percent of its usual
  
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• Pharrell Williams Explores Hometown Gospel in New Netflix Series

  05-07-2020 21:03 via rollingstone.com
  
  Voices of Fire follows producer's uncle, Bishop Ezekiel Williams, as he seeks undiscovered choral talent in Hampton Roads, Virginia
  
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• Taylor Swift Fans Call for Singer to Run for President Amid Kanye West’s White House Bid

  05-07-2020 20:05
  
  Taylor Swift for president in 2020? Her fans sure hope so.
  Swifties around the nation took to social media on Saturday (July 4) to call for the pop superstar to run for president following Kanye West’s announcement that he’ll be running for commander in chief in the 2020 election.
  “We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future. I am running for president of the United States,” West tweeted Saturday night, adding an
  
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• Axl Rose says his political tweets come “from a sense of outrage, obligation n’ responsbility”

  05-07-2020 20:04 via nme.com
  
  Axl Rose has defended his politically outspoken tweets in a new post, saying they come “from a sense of outrage, obligation n’ responsibility”.
  Read more: Sublime, meet ridiculous: Guns N’ Roses’ Download headline set reviewed
  The Guns N’ Roses frontman has often used his Twitter account to criticise Donald Trump and yesterday (July 4) spoke out against the US Surgeon General.
  “My disdain 4 current administration n’ what I perceive as its threat to
  
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• AJ Tracey and Mabel set for the highest new entry on this week's singles chart with 'West Ten'

  05-07-2020 19:55 via music-news.com
  
  The Official Chart: First Look, which airs on BBC Radio 1 today between 6pm – 7pm, offers a first glance of the Top 20 ahead of Friday’s
  
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• Rewinding the Country Charts: In 1980, George Jones’ Iconic ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today’ Hit No. 1

  05-07-2020 19:28
  
  On July 5, 1980, George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today” rose 2-1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
  The legend earned his eighth of 13 No. 1s with the song, which Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman co-wrote. Reportedly on the day that Jones recorded the single (Feb. 6, 1980) at Columbia Recording Studio in Nashville, he bet producer Billy Sherrill that it would not make it to No. 1.
  The ballad was named song of the year at the Country Music Association Awards in bo
  
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• Tiffany Haddish, Eric Balfour & More React to Kanye West’s Presidential Run: ‘This Is the Height of Privilege’

  05-07-2020 19:18
  
  On Independence Day, Kanye West tweeted that he’s running for president. It’s not the first time the rapper has declared an interest in taking over the Oval Office. At the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards, he announced at the end of his 11-minute Video Vanguard Award acceptance speech that he’s aiming for the highest office: “I have decided in 2020 to run for president.”
  It’s no surprise that wife Kim Kardashian is showing her support after his latest announcement.
  
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• Bassnectar ‘Stepping Back’ From Music After Sexual Misconduct Allegations Surface

  05-07-2020 19:01 via rollingstone.com
  
  "The rumors you are hearing are untrue, but I realize some of my past actions have caused pain, and I am deeply sorry," EDM star says
  
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• Patti LaBelle Gives Awe-Inspiring ‘Over the Rainbow’ Performance for ‘A Capitol Fourth’ PBS Special

  05-07-2020 18:38
  
  Patti LaBelle delivered a powerful rendition of “Over the Rainbow” during PBS’ A Capitol Fourth special on Saturday (July 4).
  Standing next to the Liberty Bell at Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park, the 76-year-old “Godmother of Soul” gave an awe-inspiring performance of the Wizard of the Oz classic ballad, originally performed in the film by Judy Garland.
  “God bless America,” LaBelle proudly proclaimed after the performance.&ldqu
  
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• Bassnectar “stepping back” from music following sexual misconduct allegations

  05-07-2020 18:18 via nme.com
  
  Bassnectar has said he will “step back” from music after being accused of sexual misconduct by multiple people.
  The DJ, whose real name is Lorin Ashton, responded to the claims that were made via an Instagram account called @evidenceagainstbassnectar.
  The page features screenshots of DMs and emails that are claimed to be from Bassnectar inappropriately communicating with women and girls, some of whom were underage, and allegations of grooming, coercion and more.
  In a statement shared
  
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• 2 Dead, 8 Injured After Shooting at Foogiano Concert in South Carolina

  05-07-2020 18:06
  
  A shooting at a nightclub early Sunday left two people dead and eight wounded in South Carolina, a sheriff’s official said.
  Two Greenville County sheriff’s deputies noticed a disturbance at Lavish Lounge just before 2 a.m., and saw a large crowd running out of the building, Sheriff Hobart Lewis said at a press conference. There was “active gunfire from inside the building,” Lt. Jimmy Bolt said in an initial statement, and Lewis said all the shots were fired inside.
  Both L
  
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• The Killers Honor George Floyd With ‘Land of the Free’ on ‘Macy’s 4th of July’ Special

  05-07-2020 17:22
  
  The Killers paid tribute to George Floyd with a stripped-down performance of “Land of the Free” during the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular on Saturday (July 4).
  Appearing live from their Prairie Sun Recording Studio in Sonoma, Calif., the Brandon Flowers-led group delivered an emotional performance of the 2019 one-off single. Seated at a piano in a dimly lit room, Flowers once changed up the lyrics to the song’s poignant second verse.
  “When I go out in my c
  
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• Axl Rose Defends His Political Outspokenness in July 4th Message

  05-07-2020 16:58 via rollingstone.com
  
  Guns N' Roses singer's anti-Trump tweets come from "a sense of outrage, obligation n’ responsibility to say something at times when I feel not to is being complicit"
  
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• Rapsody and Maroon 5’s PJ Morton recruit D Smoke for ‘Afeni’ remix

  05-07-2020 16:00 via nme.com
  
  Rapsody has shared a remix of her track ‘Afeni’, featuring Maroon 5‘s PJ Morton and D Smoke – listen to it below.
  Read more: Rapsody talks working on ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’: ‘Kendrick is our light, our hope’
  Taken from the critically-acclaimed 2019 album ‘Eve’, ‘Afeni’, which is produced by 9th Wonder, features a sample of 2Pac reciting the lyrics to his 1993 hit single ‘Keep Ya Head Up’. The song is named after t
  
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• Black Eyed Peas & Shakira Win Best ‘Translation’ Collaboration in Fan Poll

  05-07-2020 16:00
  
  As the Black Eyed Peas continue making the rounds with their star-studded collaborative Translation, fans officially picked the best joint on the album.
  With over 56 percent of the votes, “Girl Like Me” with Shakira takes the crown after a two-week Billboard poll circulated. The fourth track on the set is full of infectious flavors from tropical to dance to soca. She’s followed by the J Balvin-assisted “Ritmo (Bad Boys For Life)” and the “Feel the Beat”
  
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• Dexys Midnight Runners “did not and would not” approve their music for Trump rally

  05-07-2020 15:20 via nme.com
  
  Dexys Midnight Runners have issued a brief statement via the band’s official Twitter account, clarifying that they “did not and would not” give the green light for their music to be used as part of Donald Trump‘s re-election campaign.
  Read more: Trump protest anthems: Our pick of the many, many anti-Trump songs
  The confirmation comes after footage emerged of a military band performing a ska rendition of Dexys’ famous 1982 hit ‘Come On Eileen’ ahead
  
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• Listen to Russ honour his mother on new song ‘Live From The Villa’

  05-07-2020 15:16 via nme.com
  
  Russ has shared a new song that honours his mother and offers advice to upcoming artists – listen to ‘Live From The Villa’ below.
  Read more: Russ – ‘Shake The Snow Globe’ review: Atlanta rapper finds success on his own idiosyncratic terms
  The Atlanta rapper’s latest track follows the release of his third studio album ‘Shake The Snow Globe’, which features the platinum-selling hit single ‘Best On Earth’.
  Produced by Illmind, &lsquo
  
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• Watch the second episode of The Libertines’ new puppet show ‘Skint And Minted’

  05-07-2020 14:39 via nme.com
  
  The Libertines have shared the second episode of their online puppet show – watch the new episode of Skint And Minted below.
  Read more: Every Libertines song ranked in order of greatness
  In the latest episode, Pete Doherty and Carl Barat tell the story of the time Doherty skipped out on the band’s Japanese tour and while they were away broke into Barat’s flat.
  The four and a half minute episode, complete with canned laughter and voiceovers from the band, begins with drummer Gar
  
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• Evanescence share trippy new video for ‘The Game Is Over’

  05-07-2020 13:18 via nme.com
  
  Evanescence have shared a music video for new single ‘The Game Is Over’.
  The freaky visual for their latest release, which follows ‘Wasted On You’ from earlier this year, is directed by P.R. Brown, who has previously created music videos for Green Day, Slipknot, My Chemical Romance, and more.
  The video features the band’s faces being distorted and blurred, and appears to have been recorded during lockdown, with each member filmed separately.
  In a press release for &
  
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• Godsmack’s Sully Erna on Joe Biden: “Do not let him control this country”

  05-07-2020 12:53 via nme.com
  
  Godsmack‘s Sully Erna has spoken out about 2020 US presidential candidate Joe Biden, saying that if he gets in office “we’re gonna be really close to losing this country.”
  Read more: Trump protest anthems: Our pick of the many, many anti-Trump songs
  Speaking on an episode of his Hometown Sessions internet show, Erna discussed what the United States could look like if Biden, who became the Democratic candidate in April when rival Bernie Sanders suspended his camp
  
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• The 8 Can’t-Miss Moments From ‘Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular’

  05-07-2020 12:50
  
  On Saturday night (July 4), NBC celebrated America’s 244th birthday with its annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular.
  Hosted by Today anchor Craig Melvin and meteorologist Dylan Dreyer, the special featured socially-distanced performances by everyone from Black Eyed Peas and John Legend to The Killers, Lady A and Brad Paisley at venues throughout the country. Despite the truly unprecedented times surrounding the national holiday, Melvin promised “If there was ever a tim
  
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• Tina Knowles-Lawson defends Beyonce amid cultural appropriation claims

  05-07-2020 12:00 via music-news.com
  
  The project is based on her 2019 album The Lion King: The Gift.
  
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• Kelly Rowland 'almost lost everything' due to overspending

  05-07-2020 12:00 via music-news.com
  
  The singer believes giving back helped her appreciate the value of money and turn her situation around.
  
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• Justin Bieber urges fans to turn to God amid Covid-19 pandemic

  05-07-2020 12:00 via music-news.com
  
  The Yummy hitmaker and his model wife Hailey are both avid churchgoers.
  
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• Nancy Sinatra says her father “loathed” Donald Trump

  05-07-2020 11:42 via nme.com
  
  Frank Sinatra‘s daughter has revealed that her father “loathed” Donald Trump after the president paid tribute to the singer in a recent speech.
  Read more: Trump protest anthems: Our pick of the many, many anti-Trump songs
  On Friday (July 3), Trump actioned an executive order giving a new task force 60 days to present plans, including a location, for a National Garden of Heroes.
  It will feature statues of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and African Ameri
  
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• Karen Elson responds to Ryan Adams apology: “He has not reached out to me since 2018”

  05-07-2020 11:24 via nme.com
  
  Karen Elson has spoken out about Ryan Adams‘ recent public apology, saying the disgraced musician needs to “contact women he has hurt” privately.
  Back in February 2019, the artist denied claims from several women – including one who was underage at the time – of emotional and psychological abuse, harassment, inappropriate and manipulative behaviour.
  In a letter penned to The Daily Mail and published yesterday (July 4), Adams apologised for how he has &ldqu
  
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• Adele is reportedly working with Raphael Saadiq on her new album

  05-07-2020 10:42 via nme.com
  
  As Adele readies her upcoming new album it’s being reported that she’s working on it with Raphael Saadiq.
  Read more: Raphael Saadiq: “I hear a lot that I’m underrated, so I must be”
  The pop star’s last album was 2015’s ’25’, which is the UK’s fastest selling album of all-time, having sold over 800,000 copies in its first week.
  Earlier this year, Adele said that its follow-up would arrive in September. Speaking at a weddin
  
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• Lizzo joins vegan bandwagon

  05-07-2020 10:40 via music-news.com
  
  Lizzo is following in the footsteps of Pamela Anderson, Erykah Badu, and Miley Cyrus by adopting a vegan diet.
  
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• Cardi B choses to cover up ex-boyfriend's name with butterfly tattoo

  05-07-2020 10:31 via music-news.com
  
  Cardi B has finally covered up the name of an ex-boyfriend with a huge butterfly tattoo.
  
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• Dua Lipa testing new hair colours every week during lockdown

  05-07-2020 10:27 via music-news.com
  
  Dua Lipa's boyfriend Anwar Hadid has been dyeing her hair a new colour every week during lockdown.
  
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• Miley Cyrus criticises July 4 parties in US: “Fuck the fourth until there is freedom”

  05-07-2020 10:03 via nme.com
  
  Miley Cyrus has spoken out against celebrations of the US national holiday Independence Day on social media.
  Read more: How to support Black Lives Matter and anti-racist organisations if you can’t protest
  “This was in 2017,” the singer wrote on Instagram and Twitter, referring to a video link for a ‘Party in the U.S.A.’ performance on July 4 three years ago. “Feels EVEN MORE relevant right NOW. It ain’t a Party In The USA until we see #LibertyandJus
  
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• Stella McCartney looks to avoid ordering new fabrics for Spring 2021 collection

  05-07-2020 09:45 via music-news.com
  
  Stella McCartney has been trying to avoid ordering new fabrics as she creates her Spring/Summer 2021 collection.
  
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• It’s official: Kanye West says he’s running for President in 2020

  05-07-2020 04:19 via nme.com
  
  Kanye West has long teased the possibility of running for US President, but in a new tweet, the rapper finally made the announcement: he’s running in the 2020 election.
  Posted on Independence Day in the US (July 4), West said, “We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future. I am running for president of the United States!” along with the hashtag #2020VISION.We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unif
  
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• Kanye West Announces 2020 Presidential Run

  05-07-2020 03:08
  
  Kanye West has returned to headlines recently, whether for his 10-year deal with Gap (Yeezy Gap will arrive next year) or for his latest surprise single “Wash Us In the Blood” featuring Travis Scott.
  But Saturday night, on the Fourth of July, West shared his most important news to date: he’s running for president in 2020.
  “We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future. I am running for president of the United State
  
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• John Legend Joined by Socially-Distanced Choir on ‘Never Break’ for ‘Macy’s 4th of July’ Special

  05-07-2020 02:43
  
  John Legend brought his emotional ballad “Never Break” to the 2020 Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular on NBC on Saturday (July 4).
  Seated at the piano in a holiday-ready red suit, Legend crooned the Bigger Love track, which he also recently performed for the BET Awards.
  He seemed to be solo until he got to the chorus of the song, when a choir — safely spaced apart — joined him on vocals.This year’s 4th of July TV special was based in New York City b
  
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• John Legend Joined by Socially-Distanced Choir on ‘Never Break’ & ‘Glory’ for ‘Macy’s 4th of July’ Special

  05-07-2020 02:43
  
  John Legend brought his emotional ballad “Never Break” to the 2020 Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular on NBC on Saturday (July 4).
  Seated at the piano in a holiday-ready red suit, Legend crooned the Bigger Love track, which he also recently performed for the BET Awards.
  He seemed to be solo until he got to the chorus of the song, when a choir — safely spaced apart — joined him on vocals.Later in the show, Legend returned with “Glory.”
  As part
  
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• Brad Paisley Kicks Off ‘Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular’ With ‘American Saturday Night’

  05-07-2020 02:18
  
  Brad Paisley opened 2020’s re-imagined Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular on NBC with a good dose of country, performing “American Saturday Night” live from the Grand Ole Opry.
  “American Saturday Night,” off of Paisley’s 2009 album of the same name, set a feel-good tone for the night’s program, which was hosted in New York City but featured musical performances from artists around the country. Paisley, on stage at the Opry, appropriately
  
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