Music News for Tuesday

INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED AFTER HOSPITAL STAFF ASKED ED SHEERAN FOR PHOTOS: Hospital staff in Suffolk, England, were in hot water last year after it was reported that some members of the team asked Ed Sheeran for autographs and photos when the artist was treated for a broken arm. Ipswich Hospital launched a review into its policy for the care of “high-profile” patients shortly after Sheeran’s visit to the hospital in October 2017, it has now been revealed. Sheeran broke his right wrist and left elbow following a cycling accident in October, and was subsequently admitted to Ipswich Hospital. The injuries were severe enough for Sheeran to cancel a number of dates of his Asia tour. A spokesperson for the hospital said that a review into the hospital’s care of “high-profile” patients was launched the following month – although they maintained that the review in question had already been due to take place in November 2017. The review covered “confidentiality, privacy of the patient and their loved ones and practical considerations,” according to the spokesperson.

ARIANA GRANDE SETS RELEASE DATE FOR FIRST SINGLE FROM NEW ALBUM: Ariana Grande is releasing the first single from her new album on April 27th, Variety reports. She has collaborated with Max Martin, Savan Kotecha, and Pharrell Williams on the project. It is reportedly very personal and inspired by her experiences from the past two years, including the tragic bombing at her concert in Manchester, England, last May 22nd. Ariana has kept a fairly low profile since wrapping up her Dangerous Woman tour in September, following her One Love Manchester benefit concert. She also performed “Be Alright” at the March for Our Lives rally in Washington D.C. last month, and at a benefit concert in Charlottesville, Virginia, in September.

CHANCE THE RAPPER TO SERVE AS COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER AT DILLARD UNIVERSITY: Chance the Rapper is headed to Dillard University in May to address the graduating class of 2018. The New Orleans university announced the news on its Twitter account. Dillard president, Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough, says Chance’s inclination to “openly talk about faith while being in hip hop” is one of the many reasons the rapper was chosen to be this year’s commencement speaker. “He’s not signed, but [he’s] a multiple Grammy winner. He’s the artist that your grandmother would love.” Kimbrough adds, “I thought he made for a great commencement speaker because of his spirit of being entrepreneurial and authentic.” “But his civic engagement, including encouraging people to vote and willingness to speak out on issues, like his recent opposition to a Heineken ad, are just as paramount.” Chance’s commencement speech will take place Saturday, May 12 at 8 a.m. ET.