By JM Stephens
9:06am PDT, Jun 12, 2020
Bonnie Pointer dies at 69
Sad news for music fans. On June 8, singer Bonnie Pointer — a member of the Grammy-winning group the Pointer Sisters — passed away at 69. Sister and former bandmate Anita told TMZ, "It is with great sadness that I have to announce to the fans of The Pointer Sisters that my sister, Bonnie, died this morning. Our family is devastated, on behalf of my siblings and I and the entire Pointer family, we ask for your prayers at this time." The Pointer Sisters are known for hits like "I'm So Excited," "Fire," "He's So Shy," "Slow Hand," "Automatic" and "Jump for My Love."
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Iggy Azalea confirms she's a mother
Iggy Azalea is a mom! On June 10, the rapper took to her Instagram Stories to reveal that she has a son. "I kept waiting for the right time to say something but it feels like the more time passes the more I realize that I'm always going to feel anxious to share news that giant with the world," she wrote. "I want to keep his life private but wanted to make it clear he is not a secret & I love him beyond words." Rumors had been swirling for months that the music star was expecting a child with fellow rapper Playboi Carti.
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Snoop Dogg vows to vote — for the first time — in 2020
Snoop Dogg has admitted that he's never voted in his life that he's now motivated to get involved because of his disdain for President Donald Trump. While appearing on Big Boy's Neighborhood on radio station Real 92.3 on June 11, the rapper laid into the president, saying, "I ain't never voted a day in my life, but this year I think I'm going to get out and vote because I can't stand to see this punk in office one more year." The rapper also admitted that he was ignorant about the rules of voting, explaining, "For many years they had me brainwashed thinking that you couldn't vote because you had a criminal record. I didn't know that. My record's been expunged so now I can vote."
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Garth Brooks concert to air at 300 drive-ins across the country
Garth Brooks and his team have been trying to find ways for him to perform for his fans after his 2020 concert dates were canceled amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. On June 11, the country music star announced a new plan on "Good Morning America," revealing that Garth will be "putting on a nationwide gig that will help bring everyone together." They decided that a great way to hear music while staying safe would be to have Garth perform on stage and air it live in 300 drive-in theaters around the country. The plan is to charge $100 per vehicle for the June 27 show. "We can have families jump in the car, come out on Saturday night and it's pretty cool," Garth said, adding, "I am so excited to get to play again. I have missed it so much and want to get back to it. This drive-in concert allows us all to get back to playing live music without the uncertainty of what would be the result to us as a community. This is old school, new school, and perfect for the time we are in," he said. Garth joins a number of country singers like Keith Urban who are using old-fashioned drive-ins to connect with fans during these unprecedented times.
Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals canceled for 2020 amid ongoing COVID-19 crisis
Fans patiently waiting for the postponed Coachella and Stagecoach spring music festivals to take place got some bad news on June 10: Amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Riverside County, California, public health officials announced that the 2020 festivals have been officially been canceled. Officials cited concerns over a possible surge of coronavirus cases later this year. "I am concerned as indications grow that COVID-19 could worsen in the fall," Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser explained. "In addition, events like Coachella and Stagecoach would fall under Governor [Gavin] Newsom's Stage 4, which he has previously stated would require treatments or a vaccine to enter. Given the projected circumstances and potential, I would not be comfortable moving forward." Both festivals had been rescheduled for October with Travis Scott, Frank Ocean and Rage Against the Machine set to headline Coachella and Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus, ZZ Top and Alan Jackson to headline Stagecoach.
Sex Pistols rocker Johnny Rotten reveals he's now a full-time caregiver for his wife
On June 9, Sex Pistols legend Johnny Rotten revealed that he's been taking care of his wife of 40 years, Nora Forster, full time following her Alzheimer's diagnosis, in their Los Angeles home. "I am under lockdown anyway because I am her full-time carer. I don't need to go out and socialize with b—holes. I am her full-time carer and I won't let anyone mess up with her head. For me the real person is still there. That person I love is still there every minute of every day and that is my life," he told Britain's Mirror. He added, "It's quite amazing as the alleged experts we have had to deal with at enormous expense have said that they have been very impressed that she never ever forgets me, we are constantly there with each other [in her mind] and that bit won't go. Why pay for professionals to work on this when I think the message is a bit of love goes a long way?"
Prince's estate releases letter from the late musician addressing racial intolerance
Prince might be gone, but his influence will live on forever! On June 7 — what would have been the icon's 62nd birthday — his estate released a note handwritten by the music legend that addressed racial intolerance. It read, "Nothing more ugly in the whole wide world than INTOLERANCE (between) Black, white, red, yellow, boy or girl. INTOLERANCE." Prince was known for speaking out about social issues and often used his platform to spread awareness. He finished the letter with the sentiment, "The system is broken. It's going to take the young people to fix it this time. We need new ideas, new life…"
Taylor Swift advocates for mail-in voting
On June 9, Taylor Swift took to Twitter to encourage people to vote as a means to fight police brutality and racism. The pop icon told fans, "Racial injustice has been ingrained deeply into local and state governments, and changes MUST be made there. In order for policies to change, we need to elect people who will fight against police brutality and racism of any kind. #BlackLivesMatter." The singer, who shared a link to an article written by former President Barack Obama about how to change policies at the state and local levels, also urged fans to advocate for their right to vote via mail-in ballots amid the coronavirus pandemic. "We need to fight for mail-in voting for the 2020 election," she wrote. "No one should have to choose between their health and having their voice heard."
Kelly Clarkson files for divorce
On June 11, The Blast broke the news that Kelly Clarkson had filed to divorce her husband of almost seven years, talent manager Brandon Blackstock, in Los Angeles on June 4. The duo share two children. Other outlets later revealed that she's asked the court for joint custody of their two children and to have their prenup enforced.
