By Mariel Turner
8:42am PDT, Jul 12, 2019
Taylor Swift beats Kylie Jenner for world's highest-paid celebrity
Taylor Swift is officially the world's highest-paid celebrity, according to Forbes. The magazine announced the pop queen's No. 1 ranking–with an estimated $185 million in earnings–on July 10.
Aretha Franklin to have Detroit freeway named after her
Aretha Franklin will be honored in her hometown of Detroit with her very own freeway. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer approved a bill on July 10 to name a portion of the M-10 highway in Detroit as the "Aretha L. Franklin Memorial Highway." The R&B icon died in August 2018 after battling pancreatic cancer.
Whitney Houston charts on the Hot 100 for the first time in 10 years
Whitney Houston is back on the charts. The late singer posthumously debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Higher Love," featuring Kygo, entering the charts at No. 63. Whitney's estate provided Kygo with an archival recording of the song, which was previously released in Japan only on her 1990 album "I'm Your Baby Tonight."
Stevie Wonder to have kidney transplant in September
Stevie Wonder revealed that he will be undergoing a kidney transplant this fall. The legendary singer shared the news at the British Summer Time Hyde Park music festival in England on July 7. "So what's gonna happen is this: I'm going to have surgery. I'm going to have a kidney transplant in September of this year," Stevie told the audience. "You aint got to hear no rumors about nothing; I told you what's up — I'm good."
Brazilian musician Joao Gilberto dies at 88
Brazilians around the world are remembering Joao Gilberto, one of the originators of bossa nova music. The 88-year-old musician died from natural causes at his home in Rio de Janeiro on July 6.
A$AP Rocky reportedly being held in "inhumane," "horrific" Swedish jail
A$AP Rocky is reportedly dealing with "inhumane conditions" at a Swedish jail where he is being held. The rapper was arrested on July 2 for suspected assault after allegedly being involved in a street brawl. "The conditions of the facility are horrific," a source told PEOPLE on July 9. "Some of the inhumane conditions Rocky and his colleagues are facing at the Stockholm Detention Center include 24/7 solitary confinement, restriction of amenities for the most basic of human functions, access to palatable and life-sustaining food as well as unsanitary conditions."
Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson reunite at London concert
Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson thrilled "A Star is Born" fans at a London concert on July 7. The co-stars performed a duet of "Lost Inside of You" (a song from the 1976 film) at British Summer Time, a music festival Barbra headlined.
Jay Z enters cannabis industry as chief brand strategist at Caliva
Jay Z is adding a new business venture to his very diverse portfolio. The hip-hop billionaire announced that he will be partnering with Caliva, one of the largest cannabis companies in California, on July 9. Jay will serve as the Chief Brand Strategist for the company, "a crucial role driving creative direction, outreach efforts and strategy for the brand," according to a statement.
