Singer Shelton plans benefit for victims
Blake Shelton and NBC are putting together a benefit for Oklahoma tornado victims. Shelton told reporters about the fundraising effort after Tuesday night’s episode of “The Voice.”
Shelton, an Oklahoma native, paid tribute to the thousands affected by Sunday and Monday’s tornadoes by performing an acoustic version of the hit “Over You” with wife Miranda Lambert. He said the benefit would be held soon in nearby Oklahoma City.
At least 24 people, including nine schoolchildren, were killed Monday afternoon in Moore, Okla., when an F-5 tornado with 200 mph winds touched down for 40 minutes and destroyed entire neighborhoods.
Toby Keith, a native of Moore, also is planning a benefit. His sister’s house was hit by the tornado.
‘Idol’ winner Glover not idle
Candice Glover spent more time on season 12 of “American Idol” than she will on creating her debut album. The 23-year-old, who won the Fox singing series last week after competing for four months, is set to release “Music Speaks” on July 16.
Past “Idol” champs released their debut albums in the fall after winning the contest in the spring, but Glover said she’s ready to capitalize on the insta-fame “Idol” has given her. Glover said she’s heading to Los Angeles this week to begin work on her album.
“I’ve built a fan base being on this show, and my fan base is interested in me now and they won’t see me every Wednesday and Thursday anymore to admire my singing, so I think it’s a good thing it’s coming out this summer,” she said in an interview this week.
“It’s crazy that I’m even talking about an album because last year I was working at a resort,” she added, laughing.
Franklin to break for treatment
Aretha Franklin is taking off the month of June. A spokesman for the 71-year-old singer says Franklin will reschedule two shows and resume her touring schedule in July.
Franklin announced earlier this month that she would cancel scheduled performances in Chicago and Connecticut this week to undergo medical treatment. She did not specify what type of treatment she was receiving.
Franklin appeared on the season finale of “American Idol” last week via satellite, singing a medley of her hits with the show’s female finalists.
The birthday bunch
Actress Barbara Barrie is 82. Actress Joan Collins is 80. Actress Lauren Chapin is 68. Actor-comedian Drew Carey is 55. Singer Jewel is 39. Game show contestant Ken Jennings is 39.