Lukewarm reception for Boyle

Fri., Jan. 22, 2010

From Wire Reports

Women are dominating the nominations for Britain’s leading music awards – the Brits – but Internet sensation Susan Boyle was snubbed.

Quirky chanteuses Florence and the Machine, Pixie Lott, Lily Allen and Lady GaGa all have three nominations.

Other British contenders include boy band JLS, Leona Lewis, Bat for Lashes, Paolo Nuttini and Dizzee Rascal.

Nominees in the international categories include Bruce Springsteen, Eminem, Jay-Z, Michael Buble and Shakira.

The awards are the British equivalent of the Grammys.

Jay-Z flies Coachella

Jay-Z will bring his “Empire State of Mind” to the West Coast for Coachella this year.

The Brooklyn-born rapper will headline the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, which starts April 16 in Indio, Calif.

Rock acts Muse and Gorillaz are set to headline on April 17 and 18, respectively.

The three-day festival – with more than 130 acts – also includes Thom Yorke, David Guetta, MGMT, Phoenix, Vampire Weekend and Wale.

Sweet Baby James relief

James Taylor is giving a benefit concert today to aid earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.

Proceeds from the concert in Great Barrington, Mass., will go to Partners in Health.

The Boston-based group has been working in Haiti for more than 20 years.

Taylor says he and his wife, Kim, will match proceeds from sales of tickets. Prices range from $100 to $1,000.

The birthday bunch

Actress Piper Laurie is 78. Actor John Hurt is 70. Singer Steve Perry (Journey) is 61. Actress Linda Blair is 51. Actress Diane Lane is 45. DJ/actor Jazzy Jeff is 45. Actor Balthazar Getty is 35. Actor Christopher Kennedy Masterson (“Malcolm in the Middle”) is 30.

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