What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
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T4 WHATS UP! March 26 - April 1, 2023 REAL TV BY ALEX HENDRY TV Media An icon honored: An assem- bly of the music industry's great- est singers, songwriters and dig- nitaries gather to honor legend- ary Canadian-American musi- cian Joni Mitchell as the 2023 re- cipient for the Library of Con- gress Gershwin Prize for Popu- lar Song. This illustrious, invite- only concert special airs Friday, March 31, on PBS. The Gershwin Prize for Pop- ular Song is awarded annually to an artist whose contributions to popular music in American culture are profound and last- ing, and the "Big Yellow Taxi" singer, now 79, certainly fits the bill, having been touted by mu- sic critics as one of the 20th century's greatest singer-song- writers. The star-studded event celebrates the life and career of the acclaimed artist, whose folk music career spans decades and is highlighted by the 1971 album "Blue," a critical masterpiece. This year, Mitchell makes histo- ry as the third woman to ever receive the honor and as the first Canadian artist to be rec- ognized by the Library of Con- gress. The concert event, located at the DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., is rounded out by an impressive lineup of performances, featuring Annie Lennox ("Here Comes the Rain Again"), Marcus Mumford ("Lit- tle Lion Man"), Cyndi Lauper ("Time After Time"), Brandi Carlile ("The Story") and Mitch- ell herself. Though Mitchell's re- cent years have been plagued with health issues, including a brain aneurysm affecting speech and movement that had prevent- ed Mitchell from performing for many years, this event was dif- ferent. Speaking at the concert (which took place March 1), Mitchell thanked her fans and peers for their unwavering sup- port, basking in the admiration after a long struggle that left many fans worried about her performing future. "So many people I care about are here tonight," Mitchell said. "New friends, old friends. It's kind of thrilling." Tune in to PBS for the two- hour concert event celebrating the life of a true artistic icon. "Joni Mitchell: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song" airs Friday, March 31. 'iHeart' music: Awards sea- son is chugging along at full speed, and the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards are keeping right up: this annual celebration of the music industry's best and bright- est airs Monday, March 27, live on Fox. Celebrating the most popular artists and albums from the past year while looking forward to the future hits of 2023, this com- petitive field is out in full force. Pop superstars Harry Styles ("As It Was") and Taylor Swift ("Anti- Hero") are leading the pack this year, tied with eight nomina- tions apiece. Nominations for both artists include Song of the Year, Artist of the Year and Best Music Video. Swift currently holds the record for Most Wins at the event with 13, while Cana- dian-born rapper Drake is the most nominated artist of all time with 44 nods. Other nominees highlighted at this year's iHeart Radio Music Awards include Lizzo ("About Damn Time"), Jack Harlow ("First Class"), Justin Bieber ("Ghost"), Doja Cat ("Woman"), Lil Nas X ("INDUSTRY BABY") and Beyonce ("SUMMER REAISSANCE"). Entering its 10th year, the iHeartRadio Music Awards se- lects nominees based on a vari- ety of criteria, including radio airplay, digital media, clicks on social media and streaming downloads, to properly engage with the growing and changing world of the music industry. Fan voting on social media can be a big influence on who takes home a prize, making it truly an awards show for the times. And the em- bracing of social media and the influence of digital communities is reflected in the awards pre- sented at this event. Added to the list of traditional categories, this year's event includes new additions such as TikTok Bop of the Year, Best Fan Army, Social Star Award and Favorite Use of a Sample. Featuring live musical perfor- mances, celebrity presenters and a theater filled with music's hottest current acts, the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards show is a night for all music fans to catch. The event airs live on Fox, Monday, March 27. Legendary laughter: Come- dy superstar, generational icon, basketball super-fan and movie critics' most polarizing target Adam Sandler is the recipient of comedy's most prestigious hon- or at the 24th annual Mark Twain Prize for American Hu- mor, airing Sunday, March 26, on CNN. One of America's finest arts awards, named after the ac- claimed humorist Mark Twain (the pen name of Samuel Clem- ens), recognizes individuals who have had an impact on American society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th-century nov- elist and essayist. This year it's Sandler, one of Hollywood's most successful co- medic actors with a diverse range of on-screen roles from family entertainment to serious dramas, who is being celebrated for his profound influence on American comedy culture. The leading man of hit comedies such as "The Waterboy" (1998), "Happy Gilmore" (1996), "Mur- der Mystery" (2019) and many others has grossed over US$3 billion globally. Despite polariz- ing reception from critics, at times, for his comedic output, Sandler has consistently won praise for his dramatic efforts, highlighted by films including "Punch-Drunk Love" (2002), "The Meyerowitz Stories" (2017) and "Uncut Gems" (2019). "Adam has created characters that have made us laugh, cry and cry from laughing," Kennedy Center president Deborah F. Rutter said in a statement prais- ing Sandler. "We are looking for- ward to celebrating his career at a ceremony that is sure to bring together the best in comedy and provide all the laughs." And a true lineup of comedy superstars are on hand to cele- brate the star's career and work, including former (and current) co-stars Jennifer Aniston ("Mur- der Mystery 2," 2023), Drew Bar- rymore ("The Wedding Singer," 1998), Steve Buscemi ("Air- heads," 1994) and David Spade ("The Do-Over," 2016). Don't miss this emotional and hilarious celebration of a come- dy icon when the 24th Mark Twain Prize for American Hu- mor airs Sunday, March 26, on CNN. Joni Mitchell is the recipient of the 2023 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song