Chicago’s B96 - 96.3 FM

X Factor Announces New Judges

Rebecca Ortiz — Tue, 21 May 2013 05:30:36 +0000

Just like American Idol and The Voice, X Factor has switched up their line-up of judges for their upcoming season. So who will be filling the chairs of Britney Spears and LA Reid?

Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio!

Really?

Here’s what Simon [Cowell] had to say about his choices:

It’s taken more than a decade but I’m delighted to finally be on a panel with three girls (I think!). Paulina and Kelly both have great taste and massive experience in the music industry and together with Demi, this is going to be a fun panel. It just feels like the time to do something different.

Kelly was a judge on season 8 of X Factor UK, and of course with her solo stuff and Destiny’s Child experience she can definitely help the contestants – but does she have the personality for it?

Now as for Paulina, she’s a Latin artist and was in a girl group growing up and then went solo, but when was her last US hit?

If you’re still scratching your head about who she is, she’s best known here for this 2002 song:

Now, I LOVE that song, but same thing as with Kelly – does she have the personality for it?

I think Demi Lovato is a great fit and her and Simon have great chemistry. Mario Lopez (host) is also returning (with no Khloe Kardashian) but will the 2 new judges make it better or worse? Stay the same?

What do you think?

X Factor will premiere in the fall on Fox. For audition information check out: X Factor 2013 Auditions

Billboard Music Awards: Miguel Kicks A Fan

Rebecca Ortiz — Mon, 20 May 2013 03:57:39 +0000

Miguel was performing his song “Adorn” at the Billboard Music Awards Sunday night and got caught up in the moment and didn’t quite make the stage dive he attempted and kicked the crap out of a fan!

Check out the video here:

Yikes!

While the twitter world was a buzz with jokes, Miguel was ok, as was the girl who accidentally got kicked.

Check out the tweet he sent to let everyone know:

got caught up in the moment, thank goodness Khyati is okay

— Miguel (@MiguelUnlimited) May 20, 2013

Gotta give it to him though he recovered like a pro!

For a list of winners and highlights from the 2013 Billboard Music Awards click here: BBMA2013

Jason Derulo Headed To Pine Valley!

Rebecca Ortiz — Wed, 15 May 2013 05:23:46 +0000

As if the excitement of the return of All My Children after being canceled 2 years ago wasn’t enough (well for me anyway ha ha) they’re getting some B96 artists stopping by!

Hot Chelle Rae has already been there, and now Jason Derulo will be doing it too!

Jason will be visiting Pine Valley (the fictional town where the show takes place) on July 3rd so make sure to watch!

Catch episodes on Hulu for free at: All My Children

If you missed Hot Chelle Rae on the show check it out below:

What other artists would you like to see on the show?

Is American Idol Going To Fire Mariah Carey?

Rebecca Ortiz — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:00:28 +0000

New American Idol judges Keith Urban, Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey all seem to be well liked by fans, but producers of the show were hoping they would smoke everyone in the ratings instead of continuing to go down… so who’s to blame?

Is the show just played out?

Do they need a different A-List line-up of judges?

According to sources the 2nd one!

Rumors are flying that American Idol producers think Mariah Carey is “boring/has no opinion” and they’re so disappointed that she alone isn’t bringing in the ratings that they want to replace her ASAP with last year’s judge (who left on her own) Jennifer Lopez!

Word is Mariah’s people caught wind of the plan and threatened legal action so AI called it off.

MC wasn’t the only name in the mix though! Nicki Minaj was thought to be “too harsh” and all over the place for a majority of the viewers so she was out too – but they were at least going to let her finish the season.

So what the heck is going on??

While American Idol hasn’t said anything about replacing either of the ladies, they did say they reached out to JLO but only to get her to perform at the show’s finale on 05/23/13.

Mariah’s people responded this morning saying that there is “no truth” to any of the replacement/firing rumors and that they [Mariah and Nicki? American Idol?] just laugh off the ridiculous rumors.

Do you think Idol is going to hang on to Mariah & Nicki another season? Should the ladies leave?

You know I love me some Wendy Williams so I HAD to post her thoughts on this because I think she’s spot on:

Justin Bieber’s Tour Bus BUSTED For Drugs!

Rebecca Ortiz — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:37:30 +0000

Trouble in Bieberville!

Justin is on tour right now in Sweden and last night cops smelled pot coming from the bus so they searched it!

No one was on the bus at the time (they searched it while the concert was going on) and Stockholm police are confirming they found “a small amount of unnamed narcotics and a taser”.

Right now, there’s been no news of an arrest and the bus has not been impounded – which definitely is good news for Justin.

Sources say that Justin was hanging out with Lil Za before the show who has a rep for the “herbal lifestyle” lol

Do you think the drugs were from Justin & his crew, OR is he being set-up?

some of the rumors about me….where do people even get this stuff. whatever…back to the music

— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) April 25, 2013

Happy Birthday Kelly Clarkson!!

Rebecca Ortiz — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:27:37 +0000

Wishing the HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY EVER to B96 artist Kelly Clarkson who turns 31 today!

Check out some of her b-day tweets:

**Loving the flowers from her fiance

Today is my 31st birthday! I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life and my career has never been stronger Thank… say.ly/Kni5Ft0

— Kelly Clarkson (@kelly_clarkson) April 24, 2013

I woke up to sunflowers and a red velvet cake that my baby made me I’m so in love I’m annoying myself ha! say.ly/SEv5Fwf

— Kelly Clarkson (@kelly_clarkson) April 24, 2013

Did Justin Bieber Make Selena Gomez Permanent? See His Tattoo Of Her!

Rebecca Ortiz — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:37:32 +0000

Today they’re on, tomorrow they’re off – but if this is true she’ll be on FOREVER!

Sources are saying that Justin Bieber got a tattoo of Selena on his arm!

BUT, before everyone loses their minds….

Some of his Belieber’s think it may be a fan of his (Avalanna Routh) who passed away last year from brain cancer – which I’m hoping it is…because that would be very sweet…as for the Selena tattoo, if it IS her, everyone knows getting a tattoo of that person/their name is relationship suicide!!

Take a look and decide if you think it’s her.

justin bieber selena gomez new tattoo looks like it@selenagomez @justinbieber twitter.com/Jusssssssssttt…

— AMAZİNG BOY JUSTİN (@Jussssssssstttt) April 24, 2013

Or if you think it’s someone/something else!

Justin Bieber’s new tattoo. Is it for Selena Gomez?! twitter.com/justinslips_/s…

— Berfin Biebs.(@justinslips_) April 24, 2013

**No comment from Justin or his people to explain.

B96 Cares : Illinois Lottery’s MS Project Ticket

Rebecca Ortiz — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 17:14:44 +0000

For some people, charity might not be “their thing,” and that’s their prerogative – but the Illinois Lottery makes it SOOO easy to give back that some might not even realize they’re helping with the fight for so many important causes!

Did you know that right now, for just $2, you could win $20,000 AND help to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis?

Find out what the Superintendent Michael Jones had to say to Chicago Connection about how to make it happen!

CHICAGO CONNECTION – ILL STATE LOTTERY

JLO’s Diva Ways Shown The Exit

Rebecca Ortiz — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 12:16:37 +0000

Oh course she’s fabulous dahhhhling, but not fab enough for her outrageous rider!

**A rider is the legal/official documentation of what the performer wants in their dressing room and “needs” to fulfill their obligation

Jennifer Lopez was in the running to be the opening act for India’s Premier League cricket tournament (an event that has about 60 million people) and word is her demands were so ridiculous and getting worse that they gave her the old heave ho!

So what was she asking for that was so nuts?

JLO has been known in the past to ask for all white couches, white candles, all white food (like fish) and all white flowers thru out her dressing room – but this was waaaaay beyond that!

Sources say that organizers were getting non-stop calls adding things, but the biggest being from her manager (Benny Medina) saying Jen required a private plane and several hotel rooms for all of her stylists, (hair/make-up/clothing) personal chef and misc. crew. Keep in mind this is probably a performance that’s only a few mins long!

Needless to say since organizers thought her demands were too much so the deal fell thru, and now PITBULL is going to be taking her place at this Tuesday’s tournament/show.

Do you think JLO was asking for too much?

What do you think Pitbull wants in his dressing room?

B96 Cares : Ladybug Bash & B96 Summerbash Tickets!

Rebecca Ortiz — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 06:01:50 +0000

Want to have a good time for great cause?

Do it with me this weekend at the 3rd Annual Ladybug Bash with Atia’s Project Ladybug!

Project Ladybug raises money for pediatric cancer (Atia’s is the Chicago branch) and they have a huge party/fundraiser planned this Saturday, March 23rd, 2013 at the Chicago Cultural Center!

Aside from the amazing cause, they’ll be great food, awesome music from DJ Meg, and some of your fave reality stars like Dina Manzo (founder of Project Ladybug and former Real Housewives of New Jersey/ “Dina’s Party” on HGTV), Peach Carr (Project Runway) Meg Caswell (HGTV’s “Meg’s Great Rooms” and winner of Season 6 Design Star) and more!

I’ll be hosting along with Ted Brunson (WGN’s “Chicago’s Best”) so grab your friends and come join us! Buy your tickets here: Ladybug Bash 2013

PLUS – For the silent auction B96 has donated 2 tickets to the B96 Pepsi Summerbash on 06/15/13! You can’t even BUY tickets yet! But they could be yours if you have the winning bid

For more information about Project Ladybug and their 3rd annual Ladybug Bash, check out this interview with Chicago director Laura Lutarewych:

Atia’s Project Ladybug on Chicago Connection

B96 Cares : Illinois EPA

Rebecca Ortiz — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:00:41 +0000

Just because we can’t crack the windows open to get some fresh air doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be aware of protecting it! Special Programs Coordinator Kim Biggs from the Illinois EPA gave tips to Chicago Connection on how to help the environment by keeping the air clean!

CHICAGO CONNECTION – ILLINOIS EPA INTERVIEW

B96 Cares : The Sheilah A. Doyle Foundation

Rebecca Ortiz — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 15:00:10 +0000

The Sheilah A. Doyle Foundation not only helps the children of homicide victims plan for their future, but also for the present. Find out what Founder Kevin Doyle had to say to Chicago Connection about their summer camps and how you can help!

CHICAGO CONNECTION – SHEILAH A DOYLE FOUNDATION INTERVIEW

A Spears Wedding Is On The Way Ya’ll

Rebecca Ortiz — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 16:52:32 +0000

Britney Spears just broke off her engagement and is rumored to have a new man…but are they walking down the aisle already?!

No silly!

Brit’s kid sister (not so kid anymore she’s 21) is engaged!

Jamie Lynn is engaged to her boyfriend of 3-years Jaime Watson (30-years-old)!

He popped the question last night and baby Spears immediately instagrammed the ginormous rock! GET IT GIRL! Ha ha

Take a peak here: Jaime Lynn Spears Engagement ring

Engagement announcement

Hasn’t she grown-up to be so pretty?

No word on a date or more details since it just happened last night.

Jaime lives in Louisiana with her 4-year-old daughter Maddie and is working on getting her country music career off and running.

In case you were wondering, this is NOT her baby’s daddy. His name was Casey Aldridge and they were also engaged, but broke-up in 2010.

CONGRATS ON YOUR ENGAGEMENT JAMIE!!!

Rihanna and Chris Brown Parents?

Rebecca Ortiz — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 16:27:20 +0000

If you thought Rihanna getting back together with Chris Brown was a bad idea, you better sit down. THIS takes it to a whole new level!

Rihanna is on the cover of Elle UK for April (due out March 7th) and inside talks about how she and Chris Brown have reached a balance and…well here are her exact words:

I will probably have a kid. And I’m praying I can go on vacation for a good month.

And I’ll have set some things up so I don’t have to tour for the rest of my life, even though I love touring. I want health and happiness in five years. I want to be healthy and happy.

Say what?!

Happy, healthy, vacation…all good. But baby with CB?!

There seems to be no “balance” with these 2 as she says – it seems to be really good or really bad and a baby will only amplify that.

True, kids have been know to change people, but do you think it would change Chris Brown for the better IF they really did have a baby?

Justin Bieber’s Worst Birthday Ever!

Rebecca Ortiz — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 15:58:20 +0000

So if you’re turning 19 and you’re Justin Bieber how do you celebrate proper?

The Biebs planned a killer $15,000 party at the Cirque Du Soir club in London (ahem where it’s legal to drink at 18) but when security didn’t let some important people in things got heated and the party ended before it even started!

Sources say that the club security refused to let the “underagers” in which included 14-year-old Jaden Smith!

It sounds like Justin’s people threw some weight around saying they’d leave if Jaden and the other underagers weren’t let in but the club held their ground so the ENTIRE party left and just tweeted later:

Worst birthday

The club later released the following statement:

We, like all clubs in London, operate a strict age policy. As a few of the members of the party were under the suitable age of 18, the security team at Cirque Du Soir, London, clearly explained this rule and refused entry to the club for anyone who could not provide us with adequate proof of age. Justin Bieber visits Cirque Du Soir regularly, and he and his friends are always welcome, as long the members of the group are legally old enough to enter the club. This was simply a matter of regulation that we must adhere to.”

We are very sorry, and understand it’s his birthday, but our hands are tied with local authorities and rules we need to follow as club to keep our license. We clearly didn’t want to give him the ‘worst birthday.’ He is a friend and previously was always welcomed with open arms.

Of course we want the Biebs to have the best birthday ever ALL the time, but who’s side are you on here?

Did the club do the right thing? Or, should they have made an exception for Justin?

PS – Guess who DID get in to the club though and partied with Justin until they left? The girl Justin keeps claiming is not his new girlfriend Ella-paige Roberts Clarke…who also stayed in the same hotel! OOOOOhhh scandal! #RIPSeliber

B96 Cares : Virginia’s House Inc. II

Rebecca Ortiz — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 13:30:22 +0000

Virginia’s House Inc. II helps women and children dealing with domestic violence. Learn all about them right here and a great way to get to know them with an upcoming event!

Sharon Ringer joined Chicago Connection to give us more details ~ take a listen below:

CHICAGO CONNECTION – VIRGINIA HOUSE 2 INTERVIEW

B96 Cares: Keshet

Rebecca Ortiz — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 13:00:54 +0000

They have over 3 decades of help people with individuals with developmental disabilities under their belt, and with their annual fundraiser just around the corner, you can help Keshet continue on!

Abbie Weisberg is the CEO of Keshet and chatted with Chicago Connection to tell us more!

Check it out here:

CHICAGO CONNECTION – KESHET INTERVIEW

Year Of The Goat: Best Pop Songs That Have Been “Goated”

Rebecca Ortiz — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 14:40:16 +0000

Some of the best songs by Taylor Swift, Katy Perry & Carrie Underwood were all made better…with GOATS!

Who knew right?

Check out the some of the videos below that have been “goated.”

When you’re done, tell us which one is your favorite in the comments!

Taylor Swift:

Katy Perry:

Carrie Underwood:

LMFAO:

Which is your fave?

Kelly Clarkson says she wants to get “goated”! Check out what she tweeted after watching the videos:

Laughing so hard, I’m crying! I love these vids! Goats. Are. Awesome

oh my gosh the Taylor Swift one is hilarious as well! I want one of those goats!

Who do you want to see “goated”?

B96 Cares : American Diabetes Association

Rebecca Ortiz — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 13:03:48 +0000

The American Diabetes Association has a huge expo coming to McCormick Place with free screenings and great info for those living with, and living with someone with this disease.

Christina Rodriguez from the American Diabetes Association in Chicago joined Chicago Connection to tell us more!

Take a listen below:

CHICAGO CONNECTION – AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION – EXPO – INTERVIEW

Today’s A Great Day To Make Cards For Hospitalized Kids

Staff Writer — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 20:20:32 +0000

I received an email from Cards for Hospitalized Kids saying that the Valentine’s cards I made went to kids at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago!

Today is a perfect snowy day to make cards! You can get all the info you need here.

To get an idea of what they are looking for, check out the cards I made for this Valentine’s Day.

Want to know more about Cards For Hospitalized Kids? Check out this interview with the Founder, Jen Rubino on Chicago Connection : Cards For Hosptialized Kids