After a Malawian judge denied Madonna's request to adopt three-year-old Mercy James, the singer's lawyer, Alan Chinula, filed an appeal with the country's Supreme Court. The appeal reportedly will be heard within a few weeks. Meanwhile, the Malawi Human Rights Commission has gotten involved in the case. Chinula says, "We believe the honorable judge erred in her ruling because we believe the rights of the child were not fully considered." Grace Malera, who heads the Human Rights Commission's legal services, added, "We want to make sure that the rights of the child are fully protected." In other news, according to Madonna's spokeswoman, Liz Rosenberg, the singer has made a "substantial donation" for relief efforts in central Italy. A major earthquake there killed more than 285 people. Madonna's paternal grandparents lived in Pacentro, which is 60 miles south of L'Aquila, the epicenter of the April 6 earthquake. "I am happy to lend a helping hand to the town that my ancestors are from. My heart goes out to the families that have lost loved ones or their homes," Madonna said.
Singer Chris Brown entered a not guilty plea at his arraignment on April 6. He's charged with assaulting and threatening his girlfriend Rihanna. According to the Associated Press, Rihanna's attorney, Donald Etra, said his client "is hoping for a deal before a preliminary hearing or trial in the case but that she will testify if required to."
Saxophonist Jeff Coffin was recently added as a touring member of the Dave Matthews Band. Last year, he filled in for original saxophonist LeRoi Moore, who was seriously injured in an all-terrain-vehicle accident. Moore later died from complications related to his injuries. Coffin is a three-time Grammy Award winner who performs with Bela Fleck & the Flecktones. He also conducts clinics at high schools and universities to teach saxophone and performing techniques. (Find more Dave Matthews Band information in the Tours section).
The week ending April 18, Country star Keith Urban scores his first Number One on the with . 171,000 copies of the album were sold its first week of release. also debuted in the top spot on the Country Albums chart to become his third Number One release on that list.
The Black Eyed Peas sold over 400,000 digital downloads of "Boom Boom Pow" its first week of release to earn a Number One entry on the Hot 100 chart. The song will be included on the band's upcoming album, , which will be out on June 9. The Black Eyed Peas plan to perform a concert tour in support of the collection.
Arizona native Scott MacIntyre was voted off on April 8. The visually impaired 23-year-old performed Survivor's "The Search Is Over." Musical guests on the elimination show included Frankie Avalon and former finalist Kellie Pickler, who sang her latest hit, "Best Days Of Your Life." April 14, the remaining seven contestants will perform songs from motion pictures.
"Forever In A Day" - Day26
"Moving Forward" - Bernie Williams
"One Hundred Years From Now" - Dennis DeYoung
"California Years" - Jill Sobule
"Little White Lies" - Fastball
"Live 1969" - Simon & Garfunkel
The 10th annual Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival will take place April 17-19 in Indio, California. Headliners include Paul McCartney, the Killers and the Cure. McCartney said, "I've heard that Coachella is one of the greatest festivals in the world. I'm really excited to get out there and rock!" Other performers will include Franz Ferdinand, M.I.A., Morrissey, Leonard Cohen, My Bloody Valentine and Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
