Music

Avril Lavigne and Mod Sun grabbed dinner together in West Hollywood, and afterward, the whole scene looked very much like a night out in 2019 ... plus face masks.

The musicians were leaving BOA Steakhouse Thursday night when they were swarmed by photogs and fans, just like the old days. Avril even signed some autographs and took selfies.

Again, everyone was wearing face coverings -- but it was the first strong visual of L.A. reopening for outdoor dining after months of strict COVID shutdowns.

Mod and Avril being out together is also interesting because they just worked together on his new track, "Flames" -- which he's said came about "like magic" -- and rumors are starting to circulate there might be some magic between them.

Watch the video and decide for yourself if that's what's going on. We did ask Mod, and his response was pretty coy.

Dr. Anthony Fauci's urging to "lay low" for Super Bowl weekend didn't get to Tory Lanez or a few hundred others partying hard in Tampa ... with zero distancing or masks.

The rapper held a pre-Super Bowl soiree Thursday night at WTR Pool in Tampa where fans packed in and swarmed around the stage where Tory was performing -- loudly singing along to his hits.

What pandemic, right?

Now, Tory's event isn't the only game in town when it comes to crowded parties -- and everyone knows Florida's been wide open for months. Even though it was held outdoors ... health officials have insisted for some time now that even while outdoors, social distancing and face coverings are essential.

It's interesting though ... promotions for the bash noted, "Social distancing and mask guidelines will be strictly enforced as per city guidelines."

As we reported, Dr. Fauci urged Americans earlier this week to cancel Super Bowl LV parties ... fearing nationwide super-spreading events.

The Weeknd's guaranteeing he'll be the MVP of his halftime show at the Super Bowl ... because he's not bringing any special guests to join him.

The singer went on NFL Network Thursday and explained that in order for his vision to play out properly and for him to include all the songs he wants, it doesn't make sense for other entertainers to be involved in the performance.

We're told the chatter about The Weeknd venturing into the stands at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium is true, but it's part of a pre-built set ... not like he'll be mingling with random fans in the seats.

Our sources say this plan was put into place with COVID precautions in mind, and to cut down on the number of people involved in the stage construction and removal.

Another fun fact, The Weeknd is the first Canadian performer to solo headline the halftime show, a major feat considering heavyweight Canadian talent like Justin Bieber, Drake and Rush.

As we reported ... The Weeknd also promised at Thursday's media event to try his best to keep his show PG-rated, saying he wants to be respectful to families watching all around the world.

Canadian artist Ed Robertson shot to international fame as the fast-talking frontman and grooving guitarist for the '90s pop-rock band, Barenaked Ladies ... who peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with their 1998 album "Stunt" which had the stellar singles "One Week" and "It's All Been Done."

Although Barenaked Ladies no longer plays with the founding member, Steven Page ... they continue to hold on to much of the OG bandmates including Tyler Stewart on the skins, Kevin Hearn on the keys and Jim Creeggann slapping the bass.

Here's a story with some meat on it -- a "stylish and shapely" bovine, much like her namesake, mooed down the competition for a world record! Oh yeah, and she's a Spice Girl.

The heifer's name is "Posh Spice," and she sold at auction in the U.K. city of Carlisle for a whopping £262,000 ... which is more than $358k.

The sale doubled the previous record, set in 2014, and the breeder, Christine Williams, compared the sum to winning the lottery ... though she says she knew the 1-year-old cow had the "x-factor" to make it happen.

Apparently, Spice's characteristics of larger loin depth, reduced-fat cover and greater meat tenderness turned the auction into a real cattle battle ... resulting in the record-setting price.

Phil Collins' ex cleaned up good at an auction for all of her jewelry and clothing ... including a $22k score for the singer's gold records and awards that had a severely low opening bid.

The folks over at Kodner Galleries in Florida auctioned off Orianne Cevey's collection of jewelry and clothing on Wednesday for a whopping $2,165,592. That number also included $22k for multiple gold LPs and "Assorted Phil Collins Awards."

We're told the first four auction lots -- the awards and gold records -- drew an extraordinary level of interest ... with more than 350 phone and online bids recorded. The final bidding price for those items -- which included a gold record of Robert Plant’s "The Principle of Moments" -- was a cool $6,325. Remember ... the opening bid was just one hundred bucks.

Because we know you're curious ... her fine jewelry collection netted $1,694,000. Five of her watches -- including 3 Rolex's and 2 Patek Philippe -- hauled in $235,572. And, some of her designer purses and clothing brought home $61,435. What's she gonna do with all the money? We're told a portion of the sales will be donated to Orianne's charity, Never Give Up Foundation.

For those who missed out on this auction ... ya need not worry. Kodner is holding a second auction featuring similar items from Orianne next month.

Don't worry, moms and dads -- The Weeknd says his Super Bowl halftime show will be a family-friendly event ... vowing to keep Sunday's performance "rated PG."

At least, he's gonna try.

Of course, the super-popular singer is known for his mature content -- drugs, sex, violence ... all the stuff that makes parents freak out.

When Abel was asked about his graphic content during Thursday's media event, the guy promised to try his best to keep things appropriate for all ages.

"For sure, I definitely want to be respectful to the viewers at home," the 3-time Grammy winner said.

Remember, people were PISSED following Jennifer Lopez and Shakira's halftime show last year ... with 1,300 complaints filed to the FCC over their provocative dance moves.

While we may not have to worry about sexy dancing this time around, The Weeknd says the show will follow the storyline of his "After Hours" album ... but "definitely will keep it PG for the families."

"I'll try my best."

Prince is having a reunion right now ... one of the original white doves that lived with him at Paisley Park has flown off to heaven.

The rock legend's dove, a female named Divinity, died peacefully Tuesday following a decline in health due to her old age ... Prince's Paisley Park Estate announced Wednesday.

The executive director of Prince's estate, Alan Seiffert, says ... "Divinity’s beautiful coo has welcomed visitors since Paisley Park first opened its gates to the public in October 2016."

He adds ... "She was one of the enduring links to Prince for thousands of fans. She will be missed."

According to the estate, Divinity surpassed the average lifespan of doves, and although she's the last of Prince's OG white doves ... a new generation will continue to grace his former home-turned-museum.

Divinity was 28.

Morgan Wallen's been denounced and rebuked by the country music industry by and large for using a racial slur, but one group's not turning its back on him -- the NAACP.

Sheryl Guinn, President of NAACP Nashville, tells TMZ ... it seems to her Morgan's oblivious to the white supremacy that exists in this country -- despite all the recent examples, including the Capitol riots -- and she'd like the opportunity to educate the country singer.

Guinn says Wallen apologizing is a good start, but saying sorry doesn't mean a thing if he doesn't work to fix the issue that led to him dropping the n-word so casually.

The NAACP leader says some people are under the impression they can use the n-word if they think it's not being used in an offensive manner ... but obviously, that's not the case.

Guinn says the word needs to be removed from everyone's vocabulary, even if they're just talking to family, or in Wallen's case ... shooting the breeze with friends.

So, NAACP Nashville's inviting Wallen to have a conversation about what went down, and help him learn why his actions are hurtful. Guinn says the meeting would not be about condemnation ... but about love.

She adds that she'd be willing to meet with the country star privately or in a group setting -- whatever's more comfortable -- because she understands these talks are difficult to have.

Guinn tells us she also believes this could be a huge turning point for Wallen, and he could use his celebrity status for something truly progressive and impactful ... especially during these trying times.

We broke the story ... Wallen was recorded by a neighbor saying the n-word after coming home from a night out in Nashville. He apologized and took responsibility for it, but the fallout's been swift and significant.

Cardi B says it's hard to do TikToks, but she appears to be right in her element joining the latest craze -- the Silhouette Challenge.

The rapper shared her entry late Wednesday night, which starts with her walking into frame wearing a kimono with her hair in curls ... and revealing a stripper pole in the background.

As those who are familiar with the challenge know -- as a mash-up of Paul Anka's "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" and Doja Cat's "Street" plays ... the beat drops, screen goes red and it's sexy silhouette time.

Cardi, of course, was a stripper before she was famous, so even though she claims this challenge was challenging ... she nailed it.

Marilyn Manson's home was swarming with cops after a worried friend called concerned for the singer's well-being... saying they'd been unable to get in touch with him for hours.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ they received a call Wednesday for a welfare check by someone who said they hadn't heard from the singer and were worried something may have happened to him.

We're told several officers hit the Hollywood Hills home and made several attempts to get Manson to come and speak with them to no avail. At one point, an LAPD helicopter circled overhead, shining a spotlight onto the property.

Our sources say Manson never answered, but after some time, cops were able to get in touch with a rep for the singer who said everything was fine, and that Manson simply didn't want to come out ... cops left shortly after.

The visit comes just days after actress Evan Rachel Wood made claims Manson abused her over the course of their relationship, saying Manson, "started grooming me when I was a teenager and horrifically abused me for years. I was brainwashed and manipulated into submission. I am done living in fear of retaliation, slander, or blackmail."

The two dated in 2007 when Woods was 19 and Manson was 38 ... they got engaged in 2010 but split shortly after.

JoJo Siwa's beaming after coming out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and she's giving a lot of credit to her "perfect, most beautiful girlfriend in the whole world."

The YouTube star revealed her recent decision to go public was a very scary thing, and talked about it Wednesday night on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon."

JoJo says working on a TikTok at the "Pride House" got her thinking about outing herself, and she decided to just go for it ... with some extra encouragement from her girlfriend.

She says she was FaceTiming with her GF when she posted that photo -- the one where she's wearing the "Best. Gay. Cousin. Ever." t-shirt -- and then went right back talking to her like it was no big deal.

Panic! At The Disco's original bassist is in a heap of trouble out in Sin City -- because the guy's facing multiple felonies for drugs and possession of a gun.

According to a Las Vegas Metro PD report, obtained by TMZ, Brent Wilson was pulled over on Jan. 22 after cops say he crossed 3 lanes of traffic without a turn signal, cutting off oncoming traffic.

During the stop, the officer says he saw a bag with a white substance inside sitting out in the open in Wilson's center console.

Ya know what that means ... time for a search, and cops say they discovered substances consistent with coke and heroin in his pockets and in the car, as well as a scale and a lot of little baggies.

On top of that, the police say they found a loaded handgun too. Plus, they say Wilson was already on probation for a previous offense. They hauled him off to jail, and he's been charged with possession with intent to sell and possession of a gun by a prohibited person.

His attorney, Dustin Marcello, tells us it's too early to make a call on the merits of the case.

Ice Cube is continuing his mission to help create jobs and new business opportunities for Black Americans, and he's about to chop it up with President Biden.

Cube says the Biden Administration reached out to him Tuesday, and they're hashing out a time and a place for a meeting about his "Contract With Black America" ... which Cube's been pushing since before the election.

The rapper/activist was a guest on the Ryan Cameron Uncensored radio show on Majic ATL Wednesday when he revealed his plans to sit down with the new Prez ... and he's hoping the meeting goes down this month.

Cube says he's hoping they can make it a face-to-face meeting where he can also bring in some of his experts and specialists on the subject.

The fallout continues for Morgan Wallen after hurling the n-word ... he's now ineligible for any awards from the Academy of Country Music.

The org announced Wednesday it informed Wallen it put the brakes on eligibility for this year's ACM Awards. In announcing the news, the ACM said it "does not condone or support intolerance or behavior that doesn't align with our commitment and dedication to diversity and inclusion." The ACM says Wallen will have no involvement in the awards show.

The ACM Awards are slated for April 18 in Nashville. Morgan was likely to bring home several awards. He recently dropped "Sand In My Boots" and "7 Summers" ... both receiving critical acclaim and has been #1 on Billboard for 3 straight weeks.

The news of his ouster from this year's ACM Awards comes just hours after his label dropped him ... as did major radio and streaming platforms. As we reported ... iHeartRadio and Cumulus Media -- the largest and second-largest radio broadcasters respectively -- pulled the plug on him.

Pandora also stopped streaming his music and Country Music Television shelved him as well. Many of his peers denounced him after TMZ posted video of him dropping the n-word.

Floyd Mayweather says he's ALL THE WAY DOWN to scrap with 50 Cent -- telling the rapper to get in line and he'll beat his ass at the end of 2021.

The 43-year-old boxing legend just laid out his schedule for the year ... assuring his fans the postponed exhibition bout with Logan Paul will DEFINITELY happen before the end of the year.

But, Floyd also touched on other boxing challenges ... and responded to 50 Cent who went on V-103's "The Morning Culture" last week and said he'd love a crack at Floyd.

Remember, 50 expressed concern that Floyd is too small and wouldn't agree to a catchweight -- since Floyd usually fights at 150 lbs and Mr. Cent is closer to 180.

Now, Floyd says size doesn't matter one bit -- he'll happily accept 50's challenge.

"I also heard that 50 cent would fight me but claims I'm too small," Floyd said on IG ... "If he wants to lace up at the end of the year we can do an exhibition then."

"I don't care about weight class with any of these guys. The Paul brothers will make great money with the events, but with 50 cent It has to be Winner Takes All.'"

WHO WOULDN'T PAY TO SEE THAT?!?!!

There's more ... Floyd also says he's down to fight Logan's little bro, Jake Paul, but only if he defeats his upcoming opponent, Ben Askren, when they face off in April.

Also on the schedule, 43-year-old Mayweather says he plans to take another exhibition fight in Tokyo -- just like he did back in 2018 when he beat the dog snot out of undefeated kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa.