With two awards each, the Netflix series “Stranger Things”and the action comedy film “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” were the top winners at Nickelodeon’s 31st annual Kidsâ Choice Awards, took place , March 24, 2018, at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif., and was telecast by Nickelodeon.  WWE Superstar John Cena returned to host the show for the second consecutive year.
Performers at the ceremony were JoJo Siwa (who sang “Boomerang”/”Hold The Drama”/”Kid In A Candy Store”) and N.E.R.D., which performed “Lemon.”
Presenters included Kristen Bell, Grant Gustin, Nick Cannon, Channing Tatum Zendaya, Yara Shahidi, Chloe Kim, Jack Griffo, Kira Kosarin, Mel B, Heidi Klum, Ben Schwartz, Kat Graham, Brandon Mychal Smith, Laurie Hernandez, Lilimar, Owen Joyner, Daniella Perkins and Jaden Smith.
The Kids’ Choice Awards show is famous for pouring green slime on unsuspecting celebrities. This year, the stars who got “slimed” were Cena, Liza Koshy, Cree Cicchino, Mel B, Klum, Siwa, Hernandez and Shawn Mendes.
Nickelodeonâs 2018 Kidsâ Choice Awards was produced by Nickelodeon Productions. Elizabeth Kelly, Michael Dempsey, Shelly Sumpter Gillyard and Jay Schmalholz were executive producers.
Sponsors of Nickelodeonâs 2018 Kidsâ Choice Awards included BarbieÂź, Cinnamon Toast Crunch âą, LysolÂź, SwifferÂź, Toyota and Walmart. The presenting international sponsor for the 2018 Nickelodeonâs Kidsâ Choice Awards is Heelys.
Stay up to date on all Kidsâ Choice Awards news by liking Nickelodeon on Facebook and following @Nickelodeon on Twitter and Instagram.
The winners and nominees for Nickelodeonâs 2018 Kidsâ Choice Awards are:
*=winner
FILM:
 Favorite Movie
Beauty and the Beast
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle*
Pitch Perfect 3
Spider-Man: Homecoming
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
The Greatest Showman
Wonder Woman
 Favorite Movie Actor
Ben Affleck (Batman, Justice League)
Chris Hemsworth (Thor, Thor: Ragnarok)
Chris Pratt (Peter Quill/Star-Lord, Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 2)
Dwayne Johnson (Dr. Smolder Bravestone, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle)*
Kevin Hart (Moose Finbar, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle)
Will Ferrell (Brad, Daddyâs Home 2)
Favorite Movie Actress
Anna Kendrick (Beca, Pitch Perfect 3)
Daisy Ridley (Rey, Star Wars: The Last Jedi)
Emma Watson (Belle, Beauty and the Beast)
Gal Gadot (Diana Prince/Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman & Justice League)
Zendaya (Anne Wheeler, The Greatest Showman & Michelle, Spider-Man: Homecoming)*
Zoe Saldana (Gamora, Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 2)
The following is a press release from the Soul Beach Music Festival
The 18th Annual Soul Beach Music Festival hosted by Aruba is sure to have you seeing stars, Memorial Day weekend, May 23-28, 2018 with main stage concert headliners Alicia Keys, Maxwell and Marlon Wayans.
 Alicia Keys, a 15-time GrammyÂź Award-winning singer/songwriter/producer, an accomplished actress, a New York Times best-selling author, an entrepreneur and a powerful force in the world of activism will set the stage on fire with her effortless grace and musical virtuosity to headline Saturday, May 26. In 2016, Keys released her critically-acclaimed sixth studio album, “Here.” Featuring a composition of 16 songs, the album raises awareness around pivotal human rights issues at the forefront of controversy and debate. Keys launched We Are Here, a movement that empowers the global community around a host of issues and initiatives building a better world where all people are heard, respected, equal, and treated with dignity. She also co-founded Keep a Child Alive (KCA) and serves as Global Ambassador for the organization.
Maxwell, three-time GrammyÂź Award-winning, singer, songwriter, producer and actor will bring the heat with his sumptuously anointed vocals and cosmic conveyance to headline Sunday, May 27. Maxwell has artfully managed to transfix music lovers for more than two decades. The Grammy winner’s latest album “blackSUMMERS’night,” the second installment of his musical trilogy encompassing his 20+ year career, garnered praise from Rolling Stone, NPR, SPIN, Complex, and more, and earned him his third-Grammy (Best R&B Song for “Lake By The Ocean“), an NAACP Image Award (Outstanding Male Artist), a Soul Train Award (Best R&B/Soul Male Artist) and a 2018 NAACP Award nomination in the Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album category for “Gods.”
Comedy night headliner Marlon Wayans is an actor, producer, comedian, writer and film director phenomena known for the WB sitcom The Wayans Bros. and film credits Scary Movie, Scary Movie 2, White Chicks, Littleman, Dance Flick and G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra to name a few. With no shortage of ingenuity, Wayans throws down in a new stand-up special filmed in Washington D.C. for Netflix. He continues to light up the screen, starring on a new hit NBC sitcom “Marlon,” which debuted last summer as the #1 scripted series on the Big 4 networks and has been renewed for a second season. Ripping the audience with his audacious stage presence and comedic genius, Wayans’ will deliver uproarious flames of pure brilliance on Friday, May 25.
“Now in its 18th year, The Soul Beach Music Festival has become one of Aruba’s most sought-after events, bringing together world-renowned musical artists and comedians over a span of five days,” said Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, CEO of Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA). “The One happy island welcomes visitors and locals alike to indulge in Aruba’s natural beauty, including Eagle Beach, the No. 4 beach in the world, and cutting-edge arts scene.”
A true cosmopolitan oasis with a mix of modern luxury and cultural charm, Aruba is a world-class destination where happiness is more than a buzz word, it’s a driving force. Soul Beach Music Festival Hosted by Aruba, previously named #4 by USA Today readers’ choice “10 Best Caribbean Celebrations” and #1 “Caribbean Summer Festival” by Jetsetter Magazine, boasts a truly unique and unforgettable three-in-one experience featuring live music performances, comedy shows and beach parties. Aruba knows how to bring the WOW factor from cutting-edge entertainment, to award-winning cuisine, to upscale retail, to over-the-top-scenic views from a variety of impressive settings. For the discerning traveler, Aruba is the perfect option putting both serenity and adventure at their doorsteps. Soul Beach is more than a music festival, it boasts the trifecta of a visually stunning atmosphere, a multifaceted event and the energy that comes with camaraderie of people across the globe who glow up together under a common theme; to make the heart sing and illuminate a joyful echo of oneness. It’s no wonder festival goers return year after year to indulge the electric collaboration of Soul Beach Music Festivals’ mega gathering and the incomparable experience of Aruba’s paradise.
“We are thrilled to be back in Aruba with an impressive lineup featuring Alicia Keys, Maxwell, and Marlon Wayans,” said Mark Adkins, Executive Producer of Soul Beach Festival Productions. “Soul Beach continues to provide an amazing time to hang out with friends and create memories that will last a lifetime. The island of Aruba elevates this event from a Music Festival to a Music Paradise.”
The 2018 Soul Beach Music Festival, #SBMF18, will roll out more highly anticipated announcements of main stage performing artists in the weeks to come. For information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest updates sign up for CLUB SOUL BEACH, by visiting www.soulbeach.com.
Join the Soul Beach Music Festival community: follow us on Twitter and Instagram @SoulBeachMusic and become a fan of the 2018 Soul Beach Music Festival on www.Facebook.com/soulbeach.
The 2018 Soul Beach Music Festival is sponsored by Aruba Tourism Authority; additional sponsors include Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association, Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, Divi Resorts, Tamrijn Aruba All Inclusive, Tropicana Aruba Resort & Casino and The Mill Resort & Suites Aruba.
Aruba As one of the most revisited destinations in the Caribbean, Aruba â One happy island â is an island of contradictions, where pristine turquoise waters collide against the desert-like terrain of the north shore; where peace and relaxation coexist with wild and rugged adventures; where Dutch influence meets American ease and where a diverse history parallels a bright future. Nestled in the southern Caribbean outside the hurricane belt, the island is just a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Miami, a four-hour flight from New York City and boasts year-round cooling trade winds with an average 82-degree temperature. Aruba offers beach-lovers, adrenaline junkies, relaxation-seekers and everyone in between a slice of paradise with breathtaking beaches, a booming culinary scene of over 200 restaurants with 25+ located ideally on the water, world-famous festivals and events, exciting land and water activities, art galleries and museums, sumptuous spas, championship golf, exclusive shopping and signature experiences such as cooling off in Conchi, Aruba’s natural poolâ accessible only by foot or off-road vehicle. With all-inclusive options, boutique properties in charming Eagle Beach, high-rise branded resorts in Palm Beach and cosmopolitan city hotels in Oranjestad, the island of contradictions provides the perfect getaway for both first-time guests and loyal visitors. www.aruba.com
With two awards each, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, the Chainsmokers, Harry Styles, Niall Hiran, BTS and Luis Fonsi were among the top winners at the Fifth Annual iHeartRadio Music Awards, which was held on March 11, 2018, at the Forum in Los Angeles. The award show gives prizes based on work released by the artists in the previous year. Thanks in large part to their smash hit “Despacito,” Fonsi and Daddy Yankee were the leading nominees, with seven nominations each. In non-competitive categories, Bon Jovi received the IHeartRadio Icon Award, while Chance the Rapper was given the iHeartRadio Innovator Award.
The 2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards show simulcast live on TBS, TNT and truTV at 8 p.m. Eastern Time/5 p.m. Pacific Time; on iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide; and the iHeartRadio app, the free all-in-one digital music, podcasting and live streaming radio service. TV subscribers could also watch the iHeartRadio Music Awards on the truTV, TNT and TBS Apps. Most of the winners did not attend the show, which featured performances from Camila Cabello, Cardi B, Sheeran, G-Eazy, N.E.R.D., Maroon 5 and Charlie Puth.
For the first time ever, this year iHeartRadio presented seven awards in the seven nights leading up to the Sunday, March 11 telecast. Fan voting determined this yearâs Best Fan Army presented by Taco Bell, Best Lyrics, Best Cover Song, Best Music Video, the Social Star Award, Best Solo Breakout and the first-ever Cutest Musicianâs Pet, Best Boy Band and Best Remix awards. In addition, fans got to vote on social media during the show for winners of the Best Performance and Best Dressed awards.
For the second year, the 2018 Best New Artist awards will be grouped by music format and format winners will then become finalists for the top title of Best New Artist.
Additional categories include Biggest Triple Threat, Best Tour, Label of the Year, Most Thumbed Up Artist of the Year and Most Thumbed Up Song of the Year. For a full list of categories visit iHeartRadio.com/awards.
The following is a press release from the Academy of Country Music:
The host and nominations were announced today for the 53RD Academy of Country Music Awards, Country Music’s Party of the Year(R), honoring country music’s superstars and hottest emerging talent. Multimedia superstar and 16-time ACM Award(R) winner Reba McEntire will return to host live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Sunday, April 15 (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network. This year’s show will mark Reba’s 15th time hosting the ceremony, last appearing in 2012 with Blake Shelton.
In addition to surprising audiences with the news that she will host, Reba appeared live today on “CBS This Morning” to announce this year’s ACM Award nominees for Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Vocal Duo of the Year and Vocal Group of the Year, as well as nominees for Song of the Year on Facebook Live. “Entertainment Tonight” host Nancy O’Dell announced additional nominees on ETonline.com.
Chris Stapleton leads with eight nominations in five categories, including his first nod for Entertainer of the Year. Stapleton is also nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year, and twice, as both artist and producer, in both the Album of the Year and Single Record of the Year categories; he received the Album of the Year nod for From a Room: Volume 1, and the Single Record of the Year nod for “Broken Halos.” He is also nominated twice in the Song of the Year category, both as artist and songwriter, for “Whiskey and You.”
Reigning Male Vocalist of the Year Thomas Rhett earned six nominations, including his second in the Male Vocalist of the Year category. Rhett is also nominated twice, as an artist and producer, for Album of the Year for Life Changes and Vocal Event of the Year for “Craving You” (featuring Maren Morris). Lastly, he is nominated for his first Music Video of the Year award for “Marry Me,” along with director TK McKamy and producer Dan Atchison.
Keith Urban earned five nominations including his eighth nod for Entertainer of the Year and 11th nod for Male Vocalist of the Year. Urban is also nominated for Song of the Year for “Female,” and twice, as both artist and producer, in the Vocal Event of the Year category for “The Fighter” (featuring Carrie Underwood). Urban won Top New Male Vocalist of the Year in 2000 and Top Male Vocalist of the Year in 2004 and 2005. A win in the Entertainer of the Year category would also make him the eighth-ever ACM Triple Crown winner.
Songwriter Shane McAnally received five nominations. He is nominated as Songwriter of the Year, and twice as songwriter in the Song of the Year category for Sam Hunt’s “Body Like A Back Road” and Keith Urban’s “Female.” McAnally is also nominated in the Album of the Year category for Old Dominion’s album Happy Endings, and in the Single Record of the Year category as a producer on Midland’s single “Drinkin’ Problems.”
Reigning Female Vocalist of the Year Miranda Lambert received four nominations, including her 12th nod for Female Vocalist of the Year. If she wins, it will be her ninth consecutive win in this category. She is the current record holder for most consecutive wins in the Female Vocalist of the Year category. Miranda currently is tied for the winningest artist in ACM history with 29 awards along with Brooks & Dunn. This year, she is also nominated twice, both as artist and songwriter, in the Song of the Year category for “Tin Man,” and for Video of the Year for “We Should Be Friends.”
Reigning New Female Vocalist of the Year Maren Morris received four nominations, including her second nod in the Female Vocalist of the Year category. Morris is also nominated twice, as an artist and producer, in the Vocal Event of the Year category for “Dear Hate” (featuring Vince Gill). She is nominated again in the category with Thomas Rhett for “Craving You.”
Sam Hunt received three nominations for his hit “Body Like A Back Road”: one nod in the Single Record of the Year category, and two, both as artist and songwriter, in the Song of the Year category.
Reigning Vocal Group of the Year Little Big Town earned their 12th nomination in the category. This would be their fourth consecutive win and fifth overall. They are also nominated for Album of the Year for Breaker and Single Record of the Year for “Better Man.”
First-time Academy of Country Music Award nominee Midland received three nominations for Vocal Group of the Year, New Vocal Duo/Group of the Year, and Single Record of the Year for “Drinkin’ Problem.”
Eighteen-time ACM Award winner Tim McGraw and 16-time ACM Award winner Faith Hill received their first-ever nomination as a duo in the Vocal Duo of the Year category.
Reba McEntire received her 16th nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year. This would be her eighth win in the category.
The following is the list of final nominees. The Academy of Country Music’s professional membership selects the nominees and winners of the Academy of Country Music Awards. The full list of nominations is available on ACMcountry.com and CBS.com.
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Jason Aldean
Garth Brooks
Luke Bryan
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Reba McEntire
Maren Morris
Carrie Underwood
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Jason Aldean
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban
Chris Young
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
LOCASH
Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Lady Antebellum
LANCO
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion
NEW FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Lauren Alaina
Danielle Bradbery
Carly Pearce
RaeLynn
NEW MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Kane Brown
Luke Combs
Devin Dawson
Russell Dickerson
Brett Young
NEW VOCAL DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR
High Valley
LANCO
LOCASH
Midland
Runaway June
ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company-Label(s)]
Breaker – Little Big Town Producer: Jay Joyce Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville
California Sunrise – Jon Pardi Producers: Bart Butler, Jon Pardi Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville
From A Room: Vol. 1 – Chris Stapleton Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton Record Label: Mercury Records
Happy Endings – Old Dominion Producer: Shane McAnally Record Label: RCA
Life Changes – Thomas Rhett Producers: Julian Bunetta, Jesse Frasure, Dann Huff, Joe London, Thomas Rhett Record Label: The Valory Music Co.
SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company-Label(s)]
“Better Man” – Little Big Town Producer: Jay Joyce Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville
“Body Like A Back Road” – Sam Hunt Producer: Zach Crowell Record Label: MCA Nashville
“Broken Halos” – Chris Stapleton Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton Record Label: Mercury Records
“Drinkin’ Problem” – Midland Producers: Dann Huff, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne Record Label: Big Machine Records
“I’ll Name The Dogs” – Blake Shelton Producer: Scott Hendricks Record Label: Warner Bros.
SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
“Body Like a Back Road” – Sam Hunt Songwriters: Zach Crowell, Sam Hunt, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne Publishers: Universal Music Corp./Sam Hunt Publishing, Highly Combustible Music/I Love Pizza Music,/Songs of Southside Independent Music Publishing/Who Wants to Buy My Publishing/Atlas Music Publishing, Anderson Fork In The Road Music/Smackville Music/Smack Songs LLC, Smack Hits
“Female” – Keith Urban Songwriters: Ross Copperman, Nicolle Galyon and Shane McAnally Publishers: EMI Blackwood Music Inc./Rezolant Music/Plain Jane Songs, Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./A Girl Named Charlie (BMI), Smack Hits/Smack Songs LLC (GMR)
“Tin Man” – Miranda Lambert Songwriters: Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert Jon Randall Publishers: Sony/ATV Tree Publishing/Pink Dog Publishing (BMI), Beat Up Ford Publishing (BMI), BMG Platinum Songs (BMI)/SWMBMGBMI/Lonesome Vinyl Music
“Whiskey And You” – Chris Stapleton Songwriters: Lee Thomas Miller, Chris Stapleton Publishers: WB Music Corp./New Sea Gayle Music (ASCAP), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./New Sea Gayle Music (BMI)
VIDEO OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]
“Black” – Dierks Bentley Director: Wes Edwards Producer: Max A. Butler
“It Ain’t My Fault” – Brothers Osborne Director: Wes Edwards, Ryan Silver Producer: Tiffany Davies
“Legends” – Kelsea Ballerini Director: Jeff Venable Producer: Ben Skipworth
“Marry Me” – Thomas Rhett Director: TK McKamy Producer: Dan Atchison
“We Should Be Friends” – Miranda Lambert Director: Trey Fanjoy Producer: April Dace
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR*(Off Camera Award)
Rhett Akins
Ashley Gorley
Hillary Lindsey
Shane McAnally
Josh Osborne
VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company-Label(s)]
“Craving You” – Thomas Rhett Featuring Maren Morris Producers: Julian Bunetta, Dann Huff, Joe London, Thomas Rhett Record Label: The Valory Music Co.
“Dear Hate” – Maren Morris featuring Vince Gill Producers: Brad Hill, Maren Morris Record Label: Columbia Nashville
“Funny (How Time Slips Away)” – Glen Campbell And Willie Nelson Producer: Carl Jackson Record Label: Universal Music Enterprises
“The Fighter” – Keith Urban featuring Carrie Underwood Producers: Busbee, Keith Urban Record Label: Capitol Nashville
“What Ifs” – Kane Brown Featuring Lauren Alaina Producer: Dann Huff Record Label: RCA Nashville
IMPORTANT NOTE: Award counts for artists reflect categories in which they have been recognized as individuals or as part of their duo or group. In some cases, an artist may receive more than one nomination which factors into their official count.
Multimedia entertainment mogul and mom, Reba McEntire has become a household name through a successful career that spans across music, television, film, theater and retail. She capped off 2017 with the newly-packaged album “My Kind of Christmas,” featuring collaborations with Vince Gill and Amy Grant, Darius Rucker, Lauren Daigle, Kelly Clarkson and Trisha Yearwood. McEntire also marked her 13th summit as “Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope” topped both the Billboard Country and Christian/Gospel charts, bolstering her successful record of 35 #1 singles and over 56 million albums sold worldwide. The double-disc collection, released jointly on Nash Icon Records/Capitol Christian Music Group, earned her a GRAMMY(R) Award for Best Roots Gospel Album and her first GMA Dove Award for Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album of the Year. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member has won 15 American Music Awards, 16 ACM Awards, 9 People’s Choice Awards, 6 CMA Awards and 3 GRAMMY Awards, in addition to other philanthropic and leadership honors, such as the Horatio Alger Association and induction alongside her mom in the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.
During her 2011 All The Women I Am Tour, Pollstar and Billboard’s Boxscore named McEntire the #1 female country touring artist with a combined total of over nine million tickets sold in her career. She is part of the longest-running country act in the history of the Colosseum at Caesars: Reba, Brooks & Dunn: Together in Vegas, which returns in March 2018. In 2005 McEntire partnered with Dillard’s to launch her own lifestyle brand, and she separately launched the REBA by Justin(TM) collection at select retailers nationwide. She most recently has been named the first woman and musician to portray KFC’s iconic founder, Colonel Harland Sanders, in the brand’s celebrity colonel campaign to launch KFC Smoky Mountain BBQ fried chicken. The Oklahoma native is an acclaimed actress with 11 movie credits to her name, a lead role on Broadway in “Annie Get Your Gun,” and starred in the six-season television sitcom, “Reba.”
About the Academy of Country Music Awards
The 53RD ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS(TM) is dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in the country music industry. The show is produced for television by dick clark productions. Allen Shapiro, Mike Mahan, R.A. Clark, Barry Adelman and Mark Bracco are executive producers. Pete Fisher is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.
Tickets to the ACM Awards are now on sale at www.axs.com. For more information on the ACM Awards and all ACM events including ACM Party for a Cause(R), visit www.ACMcountry.com and www.PartyForaCause.com. You can like Academy of Country Music on Facebook or follow on Twitter at @ACMawards and Instagram @ACMAwards for more immediate updates.
RATING: To Be Announced
Official CBS website: http://www.cbs.com/shows/academy_of_country_music/
Nickelodeon star and social media sensation JoJo Siwa will perform a medley of hits, including her triple-platinum smash âBoomerang,â with has garnered over 500 million views on YouTube.
Said Siwa, âI am so excited about this yearâs Kidsâ Choice Awards. Not only will I be performing for the first time at the KCAâs, but I am also super excited about my nomination for Favorite Musical YouTube Creator. Bring on the slime, I am soooooo ready!!â
Beginning today, Nickelodeon will roll out a brand-new, four-week voting wave, where new categories will be revealed each week leading up to the show. Kids can cast their votes on Nickelodeonâs digital site kidschoiceawards.com, using special KCA hashtags and the hashtag of their favorite nominee. In addition, kids will have the chance to influence the show in real time with all-new live votes.
Fans can go to kidschoiceawards.com, the official destination for everything Kidsâ Choice Awards, for hilarious videos, trivia, polls, word scrambles, and photos, and to get the latest KCA news on this yearâs show, nominees and attendees.
Sponsors of Nickelodeonâs 2018 Kidsâ Choice Awards include BarbieÂź, Cinnamon Toast Crunch âą, LysolÂź, SwifferÂź, Toyota and Walmart. The presenting international sponsor for the 2018 Nickelodeonâs Kidsâ Choice Awards is Heelys.
Stay up to date on all Kidsâ Choice Awards news by liking Nickelodeon on Facebook and following @Nickelodeon on Twitter and Instagram.
The nominees and categories for Nickelodeonâs 2018 Kidsâ Choice Awards are (*new categories):
FILM: (Voting for the film categories begin Feb. 26)
 Favorite Movie
Beauty and the Beast
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Pitch Perfect 3
Spider-Man: Homecoming
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
The Greatest Showman
Wonder Woman
 Favorite Movie Actor
Ben Affleck (Batman, Justice League)
Chris Hemsworth (Thor, Thor: Ragnarok)
Chris Pratt (Peter Quill/Star-Lord, Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 2)
Dwayne Johnson (Dr. Smolder Bravestone, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle)
Kevin Hart (Moose Finbar, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle)
Will Ferrell (Brad, Daddyâs Home 2)
Favorite Movie Actress
Anna Kendrick (Beca, Pitch Perfect 3)
Daisy Ridley (Rey, Star Wars: The Last Jedi)
Emma Watson (Belle, Beauty and the Beast)
Gal Gadot (Diana Prince/Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman & Justice League)
Zendaya (Anne Wheeler, The Greatest Showman & Michelle, Spider-Man: Homecoming)
Zoe Saldana (Gamora, Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 2)
 Favorite Animated Movie
Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie
Cars 3
Coco
Despicable Me 3
Ferdinand
Smurfs: The Lost Village
The Emoji Movie
The Lego Batman Movie
 MUSIC: (Voting for the music categories begins March 5)
Nickelodeonâs 2018 Kidsâ Choice Awards is produced by Nickelodeon Productions. Elizabeth Kelly, Michael Dempsey, Shelly Sumpter Gillyard and Jay Schmalholz are executive producers.
In addition to his hosting duties, Cena is also breaking new ground at Nickelodeon with two firsts: he will get into character by lending his voice to an original villain named Baron Draxum in the brand-new 2D animated series Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, premiering late 2018; and he is executive producing the brand-new competition series, Keep It Spotless, where teams of kids go head-to-head in a battle to stay clean.
Nickelodeon, now in its 38th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeonâs U.S. television network is seen in more than 90Â million households and has been the number-one-rated kidsâ basic cable network for 22 consecutive years.
With two prizes each, Dua Lipa and Stormzy emerged as the top winners at the annual 38th Annual Brit Awards, which were presented at London’s O2 Arena on February 21, 2018. Jack Whitehall hosted the ceremony, which was televised in the U.K. on ITV. The awards are from the British Phonographic Industry. Dua Lipa won the awards for British Female Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act, while Stormzy received the prizes for British Male Solo Artist and British Album of the Year (for “Gang Signs & Prayer”).
Performers at the event included Lipa; Stormzy; Justin Timberlake with Chris Stapleton; Ed Sheeran; Liam Payne with Rita Ora; Rag’n’Bone Man with Jorja Smith; Foo Fighters; Sam Smith;Â Kendrick Lamar with Rich the Kid; and Liam Gallagher. Ariana Grande had been scheduled to perform a tribute to the victims who were killed at her 2017 Manchester concert, but she cancelled due to illness and was replaced by Payne and Ora.
Award presenters included Elton John, Ronnie Wood, Sheeran, Jennifer Hudson, Olly Murs, Tom Jones,, Nile Rodgers, Little Mix, Kylie Minogue, Millie Bobby Brown, Dermot O’Leary, Emma Willis, Hailey Baldwin, Luke Evans, Alice Levine, Ciara Amfo, Camila Cabello, Harry Kane, Rag’n’Bone, Anna Friel, Damien Lewis, Adwoa Aboah and Ellie Goulding.
Here is the complete list of winners and nominations for the 2018 Brit Awards.
*=winner
British Male Solo Artist
Ed Sheeran
Liam Gallagher
Loyle Carner
Rag ‘N’ Bone Man Stormzy*
British Female Solo Artist
Paloma Faith
Dua Lipa
Laura Marling
Kate Tempest
Jessie Ware
British Group
Gorillaz*
London Grammar
Royal Blood
Wolf Alice
The xx
British Breakthrough Act
Dave
J Hus Dua Lipa*
Loyle Carner
Sampha
Critics’ Choice
Mabel Jorja Smith*
Stefflon Don
British Single
Jonas Blue featuring William Singe – Mama
Clean Bandit featuring Zara Larsson – Symphony
Dua Lipa – New Rules
Calvin Harris featuring Pharrell / Katy Perry / Big Sean – Feels
J Hus – Did You See
Jax Jones featuring Raye – You Don’t Know Me
Little Mix – Touch
Liam Payne featuring Quavo – Strip That Down Rag ‘N’ Bone Man – Human*
Ed Sheeran – Shape of You
British Album of the Year
Dua Lipa – Dua Lipa
Ed Sheeran – Divide
J Hus – Common Sense
Rag ‘N’ Bone Man – Human Stormzy – Gang Signs & Prayer*
British Artist Video of the Year
Anne-Marie – Ciao Adios
Calvin Harris featuring Pharrell / Katy Perry / Big Sean – Feels
Clean Bandit featuring Zara Larsson – Symphony
Jax Jones featuring Raye – You Don’t Know Me
Dua Lipa – New Rules
Ed Sheeran – Shape of You Harry Styles – Sign of the Times*
Little Mix – Touch
Liam Payne featuring Quavo – Strip That Down
ZAYN and Taylor Swift – I Don’t Wanna Live Forever
International Male Solo Artist
Beck
Childish Gambino
DJ Khaled
Drake Kendrick Lamar*
International Female Solo Artist
Alicia Keys
Bjork Lorde*
Pink
Taylor Swift
International Group
Arcade Fire Foo Fighters*
Haim
The Killers
LCD Soundsystem
The following is a press release from the Academy of Country Music:
The Academy of Country MusicÂź announced the full schedule of events and performances for the 6th Annual ACM Party for a CauseÂź set to take place at select venues across the Las Vegas Strip on April 12-15, 2018. More than 40 of country musicâs most celebrated artists as well as emerging talents have been revealed today as performers, including headlining artists Kelsea Ballerini, Lee Brice, Chris Lane, Kip Moore, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, Thomas Rhett, and Chase Rice.
Portions of all event proceeds will benefit ACM Lifting LivesÂź, the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music, which works to lift lives through the power of music.
This yearâs ACM Party for a Cause will consist of fan events leading up to and immediately following the 53rd Academy of Country Music Awardsâą, Country Musicâs Party of the YearÂź, which will broadcast LIVE from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 8:00 PM ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.
The full schedule of events is listed below. For additional details and ongoing updates including ticket sale information and the most updated lineup of country superstars set to perform at each event, please check back often at www.PartyForaCause.com.
6THÂ ANNUAL ACM PARTY FOR A CAUSE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018
6:00 PMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 95.5 The Bullâs 10th Annual All-Star Guitar Pull
Location: The Pearl, Palms Resort
Performers: Kelsea Ballerini, Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Russell Dickerson, Chris Lane, Midland, Justin Moore, and Tyler Rich
10:00 PMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â ACM After Party for a Cause: Stoneyâs Rockinâ Country
Location: Stoney’s Rockin’ Country
Performer: Russell Dickerson
FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018
11:00 AMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â ACM Party for a Cause: Tailgate Party
Location: Stoneyâs Rockinâ Country
Performers: Kip Moore and Aaron Watson with Cale Dodds, Stephanie Quayle, Smithfield, Alex Williams, and more
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6:00 PMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â ACM Party for a Cause with Old Dominion
Location: Sandbar Pool at Red Rock Casino Resort
Performers: Old Dominion with Michael Ray
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7:00 PMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â ACM Stories, Songs & Stars: A Songwriterâs Event Benefitting ACM Lifting Lives
Location: The Joint, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Performers: Lee Brice, Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally, Lori McKenna, Thomas Rhett, and more
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7:00 PMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â WMEâs Bash at The Beach
Location: Mandalay Bay Beach, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
                               Performers: To Be Announced
10:00 PMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â ACM After Party for a Cause: Stoneyâs Rockinâ Country
Location: Stoney’s Rockin’ Country
Performer: Montgomery Gentry
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10:00 PMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â ACM After Party for a Cause: Nashville Unplugged
Location: Rhythm & Riffs Lounge, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
Performers: To Be Announced
SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2018
8:30 AMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â ACM Workout for a Cause: Erin Oprea Unleashed Tour
Location: Stoneyâs Rockinâ Country
Talent: Celebrity Trainer, Erin Oprea, and special guests to be announced
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10:00 AMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â ACM Lifting Lives Topgolf Tee-Off Hosted by Charles Kelley & Darius Rucker
Location: Topgolf, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
Performers: Chris Lane, Tegan Marie, and more
11:00 AMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â ACM Party for a Cause: Tailgate Party
Location: Stoneyâs Rockinâ Country
Performers: Jon Pardi with Jimmie Allen, Walker Hayes, High Valley, Lucas Hoge, Tony Jackson, Austin Jenckes, Brandon Ray, Jake Rose, Tenille Townes, and more
12:00 PMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â ACM Pool Party for a Cause
Location: Flamingo GO Pool, Flamingo Las Vegas
Performers: Chase Rice and more
7:00 PMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â WMEâs Bash at the Beach
Location: Mandalay Bay Beach, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
                               Performers: To Be Announced
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10:00 PMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â ACM After Party for a Cause: Nashville Unplugged
Location: Rhythm & Riffs Lounge, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
Performers: To Be Announced
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10:00 PMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â ACM After Party for a Cause: Stoneyâs Rockinâ Country
Location: Stoney’s Rockin’ Country
Performers: Craig Wayne Boyd, Josh Gracin, The Swon Brothers
SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2018
8:00 PMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â ACM Awards Official After Party
Location: The Joint, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Performers: Lee Brice, High Valley, Home Free, Tracy Lawrence, Jerrod Niemann, Cassadee Pope, and more
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About ACM Lifting LivesÂź
ACM Lifting LivesÂź is the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. Through partnerships with artists and strong ties in the music industry, ACM Lifting Lives develops and funds music-related therapy and education programs, and serves members of the community who face unexpected hardships through its Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund. Generous donations and the support of artists and fans ensure ACM Lifting Lives is able to fund everything from disaster relief and helping communities in need, to music education in schools and music camps for those with disabilities, to supporting programs that use music therapy as a means to help our veterans and wounded warriors, while providing grants to help them ease back into life. For more information, please visit www.ACMLiftingLives.org.
The following is a press release from the Songwriters Hall of Fame:
Musical titans Bill Anderson, Robert âKoolâ Bell, Ronald Bell, George Brown & James âJTâ Taylor P/K/A âKool & The Gang,â Steve Dorff, Jermaine Dupri, Alan Jackson, John Mellencamp and Allee Willis will become the latest inductees of the Songwriters Hall of Fame at the organizationâs 49th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner. These legendary songwriters wrote mega-hits such as, “Mama Sang a Song,” âCelebration,â âThrough The Years,â âAlways Be My Baby,â âChattahoochee,â âJack And Diane,â and âIâll Be There For You.â  The star-studded induction event is slated for Thursday, June 14, 2018, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. Additional special award honorees will be announced soon.
âThe 2018 roster of Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees is a prodigious representation of creators of cross-genre hits, certain to resonate with everyone,â said SHOF co-chairs Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff and president/CEO Linda Moran. âEach year, the slate of songwriters we induct is more diverse and illustrative of the history and contributions that we strive to acknowledge and honor. We could not be more excited to preside over this yearâs event and to give these songwriters their due respect.â
Established in 1969, the Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF) serves as a vital bridge between musicâs past and future. In the Hall, musical pioneers are enshrined and celebrated, while the organizationâs outreach to the music community grooms the next generation of troubadours. To qualify for induction, a songwriter must be a published writer for a minimum of 20 years with a notable catalog of hit songs.
Bill Anderson
Bill Anderson is the rare songwriter whose first major label cut went to No. 1 on the charts, was named Song of The Year, and sparked a writing career that is currently in its seventh decade. The song, “City Lights,” was written when Anderson was a 19-year old Georgia disc jockey and became a career-defining hit for Ray Price in 1958. The song opened doors for him in Nashville, leading him to signing with BMI and Tree Publishing.
Anderson was far from a one-hit wonder. He followed “City Lights” with country standards like “Tips Of My Fingers,” the GRAMMY-nominated “Once A Day,” “Saginaw, Michigan,” “That’s What It’s Like To Be Lonesome,” “I Missed Me,” “Cold Hard Facts Of Life,” which earned him another GRAMMY nomination, “Mama Sang A Song,” the crossover smash, “Still,” and countless others. He was voted country Songwriter Of The Year six times during his first decade in Music City.
His success continued into the seventies with award-winning hits like “Slippin’ Away,” “The Lord Knows I’m Drinking,” “I May Never Get To Heaven,” and the disco-flavored, “I Can’t Wait Any Longer.” The eighties saw Anderson’s chart-topping career take a hiatus as he became a TV network game show host, spokesman for a national restaurant chain, and a nonstop touring Grand Ole Opry performer. In the nineties he came roaring back with a vengeance, however, as he seriously turned to co-writing for the first time.
 Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001, his collaborations with the newer generation of Nashville tunesmiths resulted in hits like “Wish You Were Here,” the GRAMMY-nominated “Two Teardrops,” “A Lot Of Things Different,” for Kenny Chesney, “Which Bridge To Cross (Which Bridge To Burn),” for Vince Gill and two Song Of The Year awards for “Whiskey Lullaby,” with Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss and George Straightâs “Give It Away,” in 2005 and 2007 respectfully. He continues to write today with songs like Brad Paisleyâs “Dying To See Her.â
Robert âKoolâ Bell, Ronald Bell, George Brown & James âJTâ Taylor P/K/A âKool & The Gangâ
In 1964, Robert âKoolâ Bell and his brother, Ronald Bell joined George Brown and other Jersey City neighborhood friends to create a unique musical blend of jazz, soul and funk. After performing for five years under various monikers, Kool & The Gang officially launched in 1969 with the release of their self-titled debut album, which was an introduction to their signature sound.
The bandâs stellar reputation grew with each album, but 1973âs gold disc âWild & Peacefulâ took Kool & The Gang to another level, spurred by the immortal party anthems âFunky Stuff,â âHollywood Swingingâ and the platinum smash âJungle Boogie.â The 1970âs brought hits like âHigher Plane,â the classic âSummer Madnessâ (featured on the GRAMMY-winning movie soundtrack Rocky) and âOpen Sesame,â which was featured on the top-selling movie soundtrack of all-time, Saturday Night Fever, earned the group a GRAMMY.
In 1978, James “JT” Taylor, joined Kool & The Gang. His distinctive voice was discovered at age seven, leading him to start a band and perform at the Apollo Theater by age thirteen. As a songwriter and lead vocalist, his appreciation for all music led him to numerous bands and, ultimately, the group as lead vocalist/songwriter. JT’s contributions made an instant impact. In 1979, the group unveiled a smooth new sound with Ladies Night, their first platinum album, produced by the legendary pop/jazz musician and mentor Eumir Deodato, which heralded an unprecedented decade of mainstream domination, creativity, and innovation.
In 1989, JT pursued a solo career. His first release, the Diane Warren-penned duet with Regina Belle, âAll I Want Is Forever,â was featured in the film, Tap. JT’s uninhibited 1st album, Master of the Game, steered him towards industry giants like Teddy Riley, Jeff Lorber, Barry Eastman, Whitney Houston, and George Benson. His next endeavors included projects, such as “The Promised Land” for Ghostbusters II with Bobby Caldwell and Jeff Porcaro, the Simon Law-co-produced Feel the Need album featuring “Long Hot Summer Night,” as well as âBaby I’m Back,â and âA Brand New Meâ. Today, JT continues to develop projects, always reaching for new horizons.
Kool & The Gangs iconic songs, including âCelebration,â which was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame and remains de rigueur at joyous occasions worldwide, have earned two GRAMMY Awards, 25 Top Ten R & B hits, nine Top Ten Pop hits, 31 gold and platinum awards, 5 American Music Awards, and numerous Grammy nominations. Marking their 50th anniversary this year, they were honored with a BET Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award and a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame and continue to tour the world.
Steve Dorff
Steve Dorff’s career as a songwriter spans five decades and includes more than forty BMI awards, twenty Top 10 hits, twelve No. 1 hits, and an American Music Award. The GRAMMY- and Emmy-nominated songwriter and composer has had songs recorded by more than four hundred artists from all genres of music, as well as twenty-eight movie scores and numerous theme songs and placements on TV series.
Dorff’s songs have been recorded by iconic artists such as Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Kenny Rogers, Anne Murray, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Dusty Springfield and countless others. A few chart hits include Rogersâ âThrough the Years,â Murrayâs âI Just Fall in Love Again,â Straitâs âI Cross My Heart,â and Eddie Rabbittâs âEvery Which Way But Looseââthe title track from Clint Eastwoodâs 1978 film.
Dorff has composed TV music for shows such as Murphy Brown, Growing Pains, Murder She Wrote, Columbo, Reba, Spenser: For Hire, Just the Ten of Us, and The Singing Bee. His film contributions include songs and scores for Pure Country, Bronco Billy, Rocky IV, Tin Cup and Honky Tonk Man. Branching into stage productions, he wrote the music for the theatre production, Josephine. Dorff published the 2017 memoir, I Wrote That One Too…A Life in Songwriting from Willie to Whitney, and he enjoys performing his best-loved songs at venues across the country.
Jermaine Dupri
Jermaine Dupri wrote his first song âSingleâ at the young age of 15, then his first platinum selling single a mere four years later with the mega hit âJumpâ (Kriss Kross) and he hasnât stopped writing hits since.
Dupriâs songwriting accomplishments have continued for over two decades with over 30 number one hits including âMy Booâ (Usher featuring Alicia Keyes) âNice & Slowâ (Usher), âDonât Forget About Usâ (Mariah Carey), âGrillzâ ( Nelly featuring Paul Wall), âConfessions Part IIâ (Usher), âBurnâ (Usher), âYou Got It Badâ (Usher), âThe First Nightâ (Monica), âJumpâ (Kriss Kross) and âWe Belong Togetherâ (Mariah Carey). His songwriting transcends across all genres of music, with hits âShake It Offâ (Mariah Carey) and âMoney Aint A Thangâ (Jermaine Dupri feat Jay Z), âGive it 2 Uâ (Da Brat),âJust Kicking Itâ (Xscape) and âWhere The Party Atâ (Jagged Edge).
The most iconic singers/rappers of the past quarter-century have recorded his songs: Usher, Aretha Franklin, The Notorious B.I.G., Ludacris, Bow Wow, Aaliyah, 3LW, Destinyâs Child, 112, Anthony Hamilton, Nelly, Fabulous, Lil John, Alicia Keyes, Master P, Da Brat, Jagged Edge, Xscape, Run DMC, Isley Brothers, Mase, TLC, New Edition, Tamia, Monica, Janet Jackson, and Mariah Carey amongst others.
Now in his third decade of writing and producing songs, GRAMMY award-winning Jermaine Dupri shows no signs of slowing down as he continue to pen his way to the top.
Alan Jackson
Recently inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Alan Jacksonâs membership among country musicâs all-time greats is the latest in a long line of career-defining accolades that include three CMA Entertainer of the Year honors, more than 25 years of membership in the Grand Ole Opry, a 2016 Billboard ranking as one of the Top 10 Country Artists of All-Time, induction to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Heritage Award as the most-performed country songwriter-artist of ASCAPâs first 100 years.
Jackson is one of the most successful and respected singer-songwriters in music. He is in the elite company of Paul McCartney and John Lennon among songwriters whoâve written more than 20 songs that theyâve recorded and taken to the top of the charts. Beginning with his first hit, âHere in the Real World,â Jacksonâs pen has given us some of country musicâs most-memorable songs of the past 30 years âthe immediately-recognized âChattahoochee,â the haunting âMidnight in Montgomery,â the touching âRemember When,â the autobiographical âLivinâ On Love,â âDrive,â and âChasinâ That Neon Rainbowâ and the inspired âWhere Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).â Jackson is one of the best-selling artists since the inception of SoundScan, ranking alongside the likes of Eminem and Metallica. Heâs also the man behind one of Nashvilleâs most-popular new tourist stops, AJâs Good Time Bar, a four-story honky-tonk in the heart of downtown (along a stretch of Broadway known as the âHonky Tonk Highwayâ) featuring daily live music and a rooftop view of Music City.
The man from rural Newnan, GA has sold nearly 60-million albums worldwide and ranks as one of the 10 best-selling male vocalists of all-time in all genres. He has released more than 60 singles â registering 50 Top Ten hits and 35 #1s (including 26 Billboard chart-toppers). He has earned more than 150 music industry awards â including 18 Academy of Country Music Awards, 16 Country Music Association Awards, a pair of GRAMMYâs and ASCAPâs Founders and Golden Note Awards.
John Mellencamp
John Mellencampâs career in music, spanning more than 35 years, has seen him transition from pop star to one of the most highly respected singer/songwriters of a generation.  He is an authentic voice of American music and master storyteller with a commitment to creating traditional rock & roll, bittersweet songs of happiness and melancholia, inequality and fervent political dissent. With dozens of hits to his credit, the singer has taken on the plight of the family farmer, issues with authority figures and, of course, his own musings on relationships. Throughout his prolific career, John Mellencamp has written more than twenty Top 40 hits, Hits like “Jack and Diane,” “Small Town,” “Crumblin Down,” “The Authority Song,” “Rain On The Scarecrow,” “Lonely Ol Night,” “”R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A.,” “Paper In Fire,” “Check It Out,” “Pink Houses,” “Pop Singer,” and “Jackie Brown.” These iconic American songs have played an important role in defining Midwestern music and developing the rock genre.
Mellencamp is incredibly acclaimed; he is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a GRAMMYÂź winner, a recipient of the John Steinbeck Award, ASCAP Foundationâs Champion Award, The Woody Guthrie Award and Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and more recently, the Founders Award, the top honor assigned by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.  He is also one of the most successful live concert performers in the world.  The social activism reflected in his songs helped catalyze Farm Aid, the concert series and organization that has addressed the struggle of American family farmers for more than 25 years.
His latest song, âEasy Targetâ offers a raspy diagnosis of America’s current political ailments. John wrote the title song for the 2017 film, The Yellow Birds, an American war film directed by Alexandre Moors and based on the novel The Yellow Birds by Kevin Powers. The film debuted at Tribeca Film Festival and aired on the Nat Geo Channel.
John continues to focus on another facet of his artistic expression: painting. His style has progressed over the years as evidenced by several museum shows and published portfolios, and in recent years, he has increased his output by completing over 100 new works. He was also involved with an extraordinary collaboration for The Ghost Brothers of Darkland County, a musical with music and lyrics by John Mellencamp, a libretto by author Stephen King and production by T Bone Burnett.
Allee Willis
Allee Willis is a one-woman creative musical think-tank – a multi-disciplinary artist and visionary thinker whose range of imagination and productivity knows no bounds and whose songs integrate into all fields she works in. The GRAMMY Âź, Emmy, and Tony award-winning and nominated songwriterâs hits include the seemingly ubiquitous “September,” “I’ll Be There For You (the Friends theme), “Boogie Wonderland,” “Neutron Dance,” “What Have I Done To Deserve This,” âLead Me On,â âStir It Up,â âIn The Stone,â and âYouâre The Bestâ. Willis also co-authored the Oprah Winfrey-produced Tony and GRAMMY-winning musical The Color Purple.
Willis, who writes both music and lyrics, has written for artists across many genres, including Earth, Wind & Fire, The Pointer Sisters, Pet Shop Boys, Justin Timberlake, Patti LaBelle, Bonnie Raitt, Jimmy Cliff, Debbie Harry, DMC, Bette Midler, Aretha Franklin, Cyndi Lauper, Herbie Hancock, Toto, Bryan Adams, Diana Ross, Chaka Kahn, Jennifer Hudson, Ray Charles, Weather Report, Dusty Springfield, Fantasia, Kirk Franklin, Tina Turner, Taylor Dane, The Emotions, Boy George, Cher, Ashford & Simpson, Thomas Dolby, Dionne Warwick, Herb Alpert, Gladys Knight, and more.
Willis began writing songs in 1972 when she worked at Columbia/ Epic Records writing ads, radio commercials, and liner notes for the artists including, Laura Nyro, Barbra Streisand, Santana, Simon & Garfunkle, and Earth, Wind & Fire.
Willisâs first song was recorded in 1974 by Bonnie Raitt. But her big break came in 1978 when Patti LaBelle started regularly recording her songs. LaBelle placed Willis with Herbie Hancock, who she wrote three songs with. A few months later she began collaborating with Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire who introduced her to his brother Maurice, founder and lead singer of the band. Within five minutes of meeting they started writing âSeptemberâ.
In 1997, representing 3 million BMI songwriters, Willis became the first pop artist to address Congress on artist rights in cyberspace.  Throughout the 90âs she consulted with tech and media companies including Microsoft, Intel, AOL, Fox, Disney and Warner Bros. on their music and entertainment web strategies.
Willis most recently completed writing, recording producing, directing, and animating âThe D,â a song for her hometown of Detroit. It features 5000 vocalists, more people in history than have ever been on a record before. Willis also started performing a series of sold-out one-woman shows, combining her songs with her comedy, art, videos and technology.
About The Songwriters Hall of Fame:
The Songwriters Hall of Fame celebrates songwriters, educates the public with regard to their achievements, and produces a spectrum of professional programs devoted to the development of new songwriting talent through workshops, showcases and scholarships. West Coast educational activities are held at The GRAMMY Museum, which hosts the permanent Songwriters Hall of Fame Gallery, and at the University of Southern California. Out of the tens of thousands of songwriters of our era, there are approximately 400 inductees who make up the impressive roster enshrined in the Hall of Fame. To qualify for induction, a songwriter must be a published writer for a minimum of 20 years with a notable catalog of hit songs. The list of inductees include Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil, Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller, Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier & Brian Holland, Smokey Robinson, Paul Williams, Hal David & Burt Bacharach, Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly, Bob Dylan, Isaac Hayes & David Porter, Carole King, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Jon Bon Jovi & Richie Sambora, Elton John & Bernie Taupin, Brian Wilson, James Taylor, Don Schlitz, Bruce Springsteen, Phil Collins, Alan & Marilyn Bergman, Loretta Lynn, Jimmy Webb, Van Morrison, Kris Kristofferson, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Diane Warren, Paul Anka, Stevie Wonder, Steven Tyler & Joe Perry, Mac Davis, Leonard Cohen, Ray Davies, Donovan, Cyndi Lauper, Desmond Child, Mick Jones & Lou Gramm, Chip Taylor, Elvis Costello, Marvin Gaye, Nile Rodgers & Bernard Edwards, Lionel Richie, Bill Withers, Neil Diamond, Jay Z, Tom Petty, Toby Keith, Max Martin, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Berry Gordy, Kenneth âBabyfaceâ Edmonds and Robert Lamm & James Pankow among many others.
Full biographies and a complete list of inductees are available on the Songwriters Hall of Fame website at https://www.songhall.org. Joining online is quick and easy: https://www.songhall.org/join.
Ticket Information:
Tickets for the Songwriters Hall of Fame event begin at $1,500 each, and are available through Buckley Hall Events, 914-579-1000. Net proceeds from the event will go toward the Songwriters Hall of Fame programs.  Songwriters Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 organization.  The non-deductible portion of each ticket is $170. Contributions, for which no goods or services are received in exchange, are fully tax-deductible as provided by law.
Grammy-winning singer Justin Timberlake is the headliner for Super Bowl LII’s halftime show, which is set to take place at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on February 4, 2018. NBC will have the U.S. telecast.
This is Timberlake’s third time performing at a Super Bowl halftime show. In 2001, he first performed a medley with his former group *NSYNC, Britney Spears and Aerosmith at Super Bowl XXXV. In 2004 (in what has become an infamous performance), he took the stage at Super Bowl XXXVII with Janet Jackson, who had a “wardrobe malfunction” when Timberlake ripped off part of her top, leaving her breast exposed. This led to a lot of controversy, FCC fines and apologies from Timberlake and Jackson. (At a press conference on February 1, 2018, Timberlake emphatically said that there will be not be a *NSYNC reunion at his Super Bowl LII performance. Jackson is also not expected to be there.)
Here are videos related to Timberlake’s Super Bowl LII halftime performance:
Veteran music executive Charlie Walk has been dropped from Fox’s singing competition “The Four: Battle for Stardom” after two women who used to work with him have come forward to accuse him of sexual harassment, according to a Deadline report published on January 31, 2018. In addition, Walk has also been placed on leave by the Republic Group, where he served as president. He joined the company in 2013 as executive vice president of Republic Records. Universal Music Group, the owner and distributor of Republic, issued a statement that it is investigating the allegations and will make a decision about Walk’s employment status when the investigation is completed. Walk, who is married with children, has denied all the allegations.
Walk was one of four judges on “The Four,” a talent contest in which the winner gets a record deal with Republic. Sean “Diddy” Combs, Meghan Trainor and DJ Khaled are the show’s other judges. Former Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie is the show’s host.
“The Four” (which is produced by ITV Entertainment and Armoza Formats) premiered on January 4, 2018. Walk already taped the episode that airs on February 1, 2018, but sources told Deadline that Walk will not be on the show’s season finale that airs on February 8, 2018. “The Four” has had bad reviews and mediocre ratings, averaging a little more than 3 million U.S. viewers per episode.
One of Walk’s accusers is Life Lab founder Tristan Coopersmith, who went on the Internet on January 29, 2018, to describe Walk as a “scumbag” boss who repeatedly harassed her with lewd comments, unwanted groping and sexually inappropriate text messages. In a lengthy open letter to Walk, she also described an incident in which a drunken Walk allegedly forced her onto a bed at his home with his unknowing wife in the next room. Coopersmith said she rejected Walk’s sexual advances but his alleged harassment left her traumatized. In her letter, Coopersmith did not give specific dates on when these incidents allegedly occurred, but she said that she worked for Walk for a year in the early 2000s, starting when she was 27, while he was an executive at Sony Music’s Columbia Records. She also said that she reported the harassment at the time to a senior executive at the company, who allegedly told her that there was nothing she could do about it. She later accepted a payment to leave the company. Coopersmith has not worked in the music industry since 2010, and she says that Walk was one of the main reasons why she left the industry.
The second woman accusing Walk of harassment has chosen to remain anonymous, but she has been described in reports as a former Republic employee who is currently working in the music industry as a marketing executive. She also told similar stories of Walk making lewd comments to her, sending her sexually inappropriate texts and videos, and trying to lure her into having a sexual tryst with him. After she was laid off from the company, she tried to keep in touch with Walk because she considered him to be an powerful person who could still help her career, but she cut off contact with him after he continued to make sexual advances toward her. The anonymous accuser says she rejected Walk’s advances.
At Republic, Walk had been instrumental in shaping the music careers of DNCE, Hailee Steinfeld, Julia Michaels, The Weeknd, Lorde and Ariana Grande. He also led promotion partnerships for Big Machine Label Group (Taylor Swift), Cash Money Records (Drake, Nicki Minaj) and Island Records (Shawn Mendes, Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas).
February 8, 2018 UPDATE: “The Four” has been renewed for a second season, which will air in the summer of 2018 on dates to be announced , according to a press release issued by Fox. Evvie McKinney was the winner of the show’s first season. Fox has announced that for Season 2 of “The Four,” Combs, DJ Khaled and Trainor will continue their roles as judges, while Fergie will continue to host the show. It has not yet been announced who will replace Walk.
March 28, 2018 UPDATE: Republic Records has announced that it has reached a mutual agreement with Charlie Walk to leave the company, effective immediately. Republic said it would have no further comment on the matter. The announcement came one month after Rolling Stone published a report in which several other women came forward to tell stories about Walk harassing them while he was their boss or work colleague.
April 16, 2018 UPDATE: Fox has announced that the second season of “The Four” will premiere on June 7, 2018. Combs, DJ Khaled and Trainor are the show’s only judges for Season 2. Walk will not be replaced on the judges’ panel.