Here's the Scoop...

Today's issue features a pair of stories about the Billboard Music Awards. First off, I have no idea what the Billboard Music Awards are. Second, how many music award shows are there these days? Too many! That was rhetorical. And lastly, does not knowing about this stuff make me old? I think it does.

Be Well,
Steve

Comments? Questions? Nooz? Email Steve

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Kesha cover's Bob Dylan's 'It Ain't Me' at Billboard Music Awards, receives standing ovation
Kesha returned to the stage Sunday for a heartfelt cover of Bob Dylan's "It Ain't Me Babe' at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards.

Donning a white suit and a tie plastered with broken heart, star and tree symbols, Kesha was joined onstage by pianist Ben Folds and violinist Rob Moose.

"You say you're lookin' for someone/Who's never weak but always strong/To protect you an' defend you/Whether you are right or wrong... But it ain't me, babe... It ain't me you're lookin' for," pop star sang stunning audiences with her smooth rendition of the 1964 classic.

As a standing ovation erupted throughout the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Kesha was seen holding back tears, soaking in her first televised performance since entering into her ongoing legal battle with producer Dr. Luke, real name Lukasz Gottwald.

Initially, Dr. Luke's record label, Kemosabe Records blocked the performance but then went back on their decision stating that the performance was "always approved, in good faith."

"Approval was only suspended when Kemosabe learned Kesha was to use the performance as a platform to discuss the litigation. Now that Kemosabe has obtained assurances, that it is relying upon, from Kesha, her representatives and Dick Clark Productions that neither Kesha nor her supporters will use the performance as such a platform, the approval has been restored," the label said in a statement.

In April, New York Supreme Court Justice Shirley Kornreich threw out a majority of Kesha's counterclaims against Dr. Luke in their ongoing lawsuit citing a failure to present facts proving Dr. Luke's alleged actions were discriminatory based on gender.

Kornreich originally denied Kesha's injunction against Dr. Luke keeping her contractually bound to the producer amid allegations that he sexually, physically and verbally abused her. Dr. Luke has denied any wrongdoing in the matter.


??? Guess Who ???
Which singer cried when her son presents her with the Billboard Icon Award?


Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum join 'Thor: Ragnarok' cast
Cate Blanchett and Jeff Goldblum have joined the cast of Thor: Ragnarok.

Marvel announced the 47-year-old actress and 63-year-old actor for the Thor: The Dark World sequel Friday, along with Tessa Thompson and Karl Urban. Avengers star Mark Ruffalo is also confirmed for the film.

Blanchett will play the new, "mysterious and powerful" villain Hela, with Goldblum as the "eccentric" Grandmaster. Thompson and Urban will portray Valkyrie and Skurge, while Ruffalo will reprise his role as the Hulk.

"The continuation of the epic Thor franchise will be powerful and unique, and with the additions of Cate, Jeff, Tessa, Karl and Mark to the cast we have the makings of his most dangerous and heroic adventure yet," producer Kevin Feige said in a statement.

"The sheer, raw talent each of these actors brings to the screen can't be quantified," he said. "Having any one of them join the Marvel Cinematic Universe would be an honor, and having all of them is incredible."

The newcomers join returning star Chris Hemsworth as Thor, in addition to Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Idris Elba as Heimdall and Anthony Hopkins as Odin. Natalie Portman, who played Jane Foster in the first two films, will not return.

In the comics, the Grandmaster is an ancient being who once possessed one of the six Infinity Gems. Valkyrie, meanwhile, is an Asgardian warrior and love interest to Thor, while Skurge is a villain with a double-bladed battle axe.

Thor: Ragnarok opens in theaters Nov. 3, 2017. The first two movies, Thor (2011) and Thor: The Dark World (2013), earned a combined $1.09 billion at the box office.


??? Guess Who ???
Which singer cried when her son presents her with the Billboard Icon Award?

Celine Dion's 15-year-old son Rene-Charles Angelil presented the recording superstar with the Billboard Icon Award in Las Vegas Sunday night.

Dion, 48, had just finished a powerful rendition of her poignant song "The Show Must Go On" when presenter Seal told her the eldest of her three children was coming out to hand her the statuette.

"I'm so sorry. I'm sorry for crying. I want to be so strong for my family and my kids and I didn't expect that. I am so sorry. I don't want to cry in front of you. You make me so happy," she told her son. "Do you mind just standing next to me?"

"Sure, yeah," the boy replied, holding her hand.

"Thank you very much," she said, before paying tribute to violinist Lindsey Stirling, who performed alongside her during the awards ceremony.

"This is such a tremendous honor, of course. You know, music has been my passion since before I can almost remember. So many people have helped me get where I am today. I cannot name them all, obviously," said the star, who was wearing a stunning, gold and silver, metallic, one-shouldered gown.

"Most especially, I want to thank the fans for traveling through music with me in good and bad times," she went on. "My friends. All the people who believed in me. My family. My mom, who wrote my first song. My children -- Rene Angelil, Nelson and Eddy -- and, most importantly, my beloved husband, whom I know will continue to watch over me from up above. Thank you, Billboard Music Awards for honoring me. ... Rene, this one's for you. The show must go on."

Rene Angelil, Dion's husband and manager, died in January of complications from cancer. He was 73.