Music News with Katy Perry, Liam Payne and Lea Michele

KATY PERRY SAYS SHE AND TAYLOR SWIFT WANTED TO SET AN EXAMPLE FOR YOUNGER FANS BY ENDING THEIR BEEF: In a new episode of the Ellen Degeneres Show, Katy Perry revealed that she and Taylor Swift wanted to set an example for their younger fans by ending their beef. She said, “It was actually just a misunderstanding but we have such big groups of people that like to follow us, and so they kind of started turning against each other a little bit too.” She continued, “It was really unfortunate, but we made amends and I’m all about redemption and forgiveness and for setting an example for those younger people that it can be cool to ask for forgiveness and confront someone that you may have an issue with or a problem with and talk it out.”

LIAM PAYNE SHARES NEW SINGLE ‘STACK IT UP’: Liam Payne has released the new single “Stack It Up,” featuring rapper A Boogie with da Hoodie. Payne shared a clip of the single on Twitter and celebrated the song’s release in the caption. “It’s finally here! #StackItUp ft. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie @Artist HBTL is available now everywhere,” he wrote. “It feels good to share new music with you again.” “Stack It Up” is Payne’s first new single since “Polaroid” with Jonas Blue and Lennon Stella, which debuted in October 2018. Payne came to fame with One Direction, which has been on an indefinite hiatus since 2015. He released his debut solo album, First Time, in August 2018.

LEA MICHELE ANNOUNCES HOLIDAY ALBUM, ‘CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY’: Lea Michele is releasing her very first Christmas album, Christmas in the City. The 33-year-old singer/actress took to Instagram on Wednesday to share the exciting news with fans. “#ChristmasInTheCity coming soon,” she wrote along with the artwork and tracklist. “Can’t wait to get into the holiday spirit with you guys.” Michele will cover the yuletide classics, including “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Silent Night,” “Silver Bells,” “O Holy Night” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” from Frozen. She recruited her fellow Glee cast member (and the voice of Kristoff in Frozen) Jonathan Groff for her cover of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” while another former Glee co-star Darren Criss will join Michele for “White Christmas” and singer-songwriter Cynthia Erivo will sing “Angels We Have Heard on High” with her.

FENDER TO RAISE $3M FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS VIA NEW NON-PROFIT: Fender plans to raise $3 million for young musicians via a new non-profit. The company has announced the launch of the Fender Play Foundation. The new organization will provide resources and music education opportunities to equip, educate and inspire young people to play music. The Fender Play Foundation intends to raise $3 million for educational institutions and organizations over the next three years. Fender is kicking off its efforts by donating $1 million. Chris Stapleton, Avril Lavigne, Ashley McBryde, Panic! At the Disco’s Brendon Urie, Green Day’s Mike Dirnt and Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz will serve as ambassadors in 2019-2020. The stars will inspire youth to play music through surprise instrument drops, meet and greets, donating signed gear and memorabilia for auction, gala appearances and other efforts.