By Mariel Turner
7:59am PDT, Jul 19, 2019
R. Kelly denied bail, "happy" to be in solitary confinement
At a federal court hearing in Chicago on July 16, R. Kelly was ordered to be held without bail. The disgraced singer, who's been charged with 18 counts of sexual misconduct, is reportedly "happy" to be in solitary confinement right now, according to his attorney. Nicole Blank Becker told TMZ on July 18 that the R&B star prefers to be alone because he fears for his life in general population.
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Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr reunite at L.A. concert
Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr thrilled Beatles fans on July 13 when they performed together during the final stop of Paul's "Freshen Up" world tour in Los Angeles. The duo sang "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)" and "Helter Skelter," two of The Beatles' most memorable songs.
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Meek Mill requests new trial with support from DA's office
In a Philadelphia courtroom on July 16, Meek Mill's legal team asked three judges to throw out his 2008 conviction on gun and drug charges and order a new trial. Meek is supported in his request by the Philadelphia District Attorney's office, which agrees that the police officer who provided the testimony used to convict Meek in 2008 is an unreliable witness due to a history of misconduct. "I have been in criminal justice for 25 years, and I have never seen a district attorney's office be calling for a new trial at the same time the defendant is calling for a new trial," said REFORM Alliance CEO Van Jones, who spoke for Meek. "We are one step closer to justice. This hearing was an extraordinary moment where you have attorneys on both sides saying that a new trial should go forward."
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Alabama, Don Everly to be inducted into Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum
Alabama and Don Everly, who's half of famed duo the Everly brothers, are among the 2019 inductees into the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, it was announced on July 17. They as well as country singer Steve Wariner and others will be honored with a concert at Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Oct. 22.
Celebrity deaths
South African singer Johnny Clegg (pictured), who broke racial barriers with his performances during apartheid, died on July 16 after battling pancreatic cancer. He was 66. Russell Smith, singer and co-founder of roots-rock band Amazing Rhythm Aces, died on July 12 after a cancer diagnosis. He was 70.
Janet Jackson, Chris Brown and 50 Cent to perform at Saudi Arabia concert
Janet Jackson, Chris Brown, 50 Cent, Future and Tyga were all announced as performers for the Jeddah World Fest in Saudi Arabia on July 17 just a few days after Nicki Minaj pulled out of the concert, citing human rights concerns. Event planners posted photos of the newly added acts on the festival's website alongside previously announced performers Liam Payne and Steve Aoki.
Harry Styles in talks for Prince Eric role in "Little Mermaid" remake
Harry Styles might be soon ready to "kiss the girl." The One Direction alum is reportedly in talks to play Prince Eric in the upcoming "The Little Mermaid" live-action film. Chloe X Halle singer Halle Bailey has already been cast as Ariel, and Melissa McCarthy is in talks to play Ursula the sea witch.
The Black Keys share LOL career secrets in Funny or Die "MasterCourse" parody video
The Black Keys brought the funny to Funny or Die. The rock band released a hilarious video on the comedy platform on July 15 in which they jokingly dish on their egotistical career goals and show off their pricey musical instruments. "Every song on a record is trying to accomplish something," Dan Auerbach says in the clip. "That song, in particular, was trying to get me a new pool."
