Aguilera releases CD through one retailer

September 7, 2008 at 12:00a.m.

NEW YORK — Christina Aguilera has become the latest musical act to release an album exclusively through one retailer.

The multiplatinum singer announced Wednesday that her greatest hits CD “Keeps Gettin’ Better — A Decade of Hits” will be released only at Target. The CD, out Nov. 11, will feature two new songs as well as rerecorded versions of two other hits, “Genie in a Bottle” and “Beautiful.”

Aguilera is following a growing list of acts who have struck exclusive deals with retailers.

Wal-Mart has had huge success with similar deals with The Eagles, Journey and Garth Brooks; AC/DC’s October release of “Black Ice” will be available only at Wal-Mart, its affiliated Sam’s Club and the band’s Web site.

Library of Congress to honor Stevie Wonder

WASHINGTON — The Library of Congress will honor Stevie Wonder with its second Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

Librarian of Congress spokesman James Billington, who announced the prize last week, noted that the prize honors an artist whose work transcends musical styles to bring diverse listeners together and foster mutual understanding. It recognizes a musician’s lifetime of work.

Wonder, 58, will receive the award Feb. 23. The first Gershwin Prize was awarded in 2007 to Paul Simon.

Met conductor Levine will return to podium

BOSTON — Conductor James Levine is on track to return to the podium this month at New York’s Metropolitan Opera after cancer surgery.

Levine is music director of the Met and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The BSO’s managing director, Mark Volpe, said that Levine has “great energy” and is “rarin’ to go.”

The 65-year-old Levine had a kidney removed in July because of a malignant tumor. The BSO says no further treatment is needed.

Levine will conduct Verdi’s “Requiem” on Sept. 18 at the Met in honor of the late Luciano Pavarotti.

He’s also scheduled to conduct the opening nights of the Met and the BSO the following week.

Kathy Griffin will bring her act to the Emmys

LOS ANGELES — Kathy Griffin, who shook up an Emmy ceremony last year with her rowdy acceptance speech, is bringing her act to this year’s prime-time awards show.

Griffin and Don Rickles, a comedian who’s legendary for his combative style, will team up as presenters at the Sept. 21 ceremony airing on ABC, the TV academy says.

“As we near the telecast, there will be more sets of presenters that will surprise almost everyone,” executive producer Ken Ehrlich said in a statement.

Kristin Chenoweth and Neil Patrick Harris, who helped announce the Emmy nominations in July, will join again to present an award, the academy said.

Conan O’Brien of NBC’s “Late Night,” Christian Slater (NBC’s upcoming “My Own Worst Enemy”) and Kate Walsh (ABC’s “Private Practice”) also were included in the third set of presenters selected for the ceremony.

Today’s birthdays

Pianist Arthur Ferrante is 87. Jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins is 78. Singer Gloria Gaynor is 59. Singer Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders is 57. Actress Julie Kavner (“The Simpsons”) is 57. Actor Corbin Bernsen is 54. Actor Michael Emerson (“Lost”) is 54. Pianist Michael Feinstein is 52. Actor Tom Everett Scott (“ER,” “That Thing You Do!”) is 38. Actress Evan Rachel Wood (“The Upside of Anger,” “Thirteen”) is 21.