Ricch, Balvin pulling out of VMAs
Grammy-winning rapper Roddy Ricch and Colombian superstar J Balvin will no longer perform at the MTV Video Music Awards.
Ricch announced the move in a statement posted to Instagram Live, saying: “My team and I did everything in our power to make this work, due to COVID compliance issues at the last minute, we had to call off the performance.”
The MTV VMAs will air on Sunday. The show will be held outdoors at various places in New York City.
“My team and I are safe, and everyone’s health is a main priority, as well as giving a quality performance,” Ricch said. “I appreciate MTV for the opportunity to perform, and I hope I can see y’all next year. STAY SAFE.”
A representative for Balvin confirmed on Monday that he would no longer perform at the event, but no details were provided. In a video released almost two weeks ago, Balvin revealed he contracted COVID-19 and that it impacted him heavily.
Earle dies at age 38:
Singer-songwriter Justin Townes Earle, a leading performer of American roots music known for his introspective and haunting style, has died at age 38.
A New West Records publicist confirmed his death, but did not immediately provide details.
Earle was the son of country star Steve Earle, and over the weekend, his family posted an Instagram announcement of his death, telling his fans, “So many of you have relied on his music and lyrics over the years, and we hope that his music will continue to guide you on your journeys.”
A conscious throwback to old-time country and blues music, Earle released
such albums as “Harlem River Blues” and “The Saint of Lost Causes.”
Ridley to write new Batman comic:
John Ridley will write the new Batman comic series with plans of the Dark Knight being a person of color.
The Oscar-winning screenwriter and DC publisher Jim Lee announced plans for Ridley to write the miniseries during a DC FanDome virtual panel on Saturday. The four-issue comic is scheduled for release in January. Ridley said the series will focus on the family of Lucius Fox, who is one of Bruce Wayne’s closest allies.
AGT winner earns equivalency diploma:
“America’s Got Talent” winner Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. earned his high school equivalency diploma 30 years after dropping out. With his road performances canceled, the singer took online classes during the spring
and summer. “My manager and a few close friends kind of teamed up and encouraged me to make this downtime really count for something, and I’m so glad I did,” Murphy, who dropped out in the 11th grade, said in a statement.
Michele gives birth to boy:
Lea Michele is a mom of a baby boy. A representative said Sunday that the former “Glee” star gave birth to son Ever Leo on Aug. 20. She and husband Zandy Reich, who married last year, welcomed their first child together.
Aug. 25 birthdays: Actor Sean Connery is 90. Actor Tom Skerritt is 87. Bassist Gene Simmons is 71. Musician Elvis Costello is 66. Director Tim Burton is 62. Singer Billy Ray Cyrus is 59. Singer Jeff Tweedy is 53. Chef Rachael Ray is 52. Model Claudia Schiffer is 50. Actor Kel Mitchell is 42. Actor Rachel Bilson is 39. Actor Blake Lively is 33.