Pride leads sing-along

Pride leads sing-along

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Country music singer Charley Pride dropped by the Arkansas Senate to lead lawmakers in a sing-along, and to praise the Little Rock hospital that removed a tumor from his vocal cords 10 years ago.

In town for a routine check of his vocal cords, Pride dropped by the Senate on Wednesday and sang five of his hits including “Crystal Chandeliers” and “Is Anybody Going to San Antone.”

Pride said he was grateful to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where he had surgery in 1997 to remove a tumor from his right vocal cord.

‘Idol’ contestant booted

LOS ANGELES — One of the contestants on “American Idol” who made the top 36 has been disqualified.

“American Idol” has issued a statement saying Joanna Pacitti of Philadelphia is ineligible to continue but without saying why. Felicia Barton of Virginia Beach, Va., has replaced Pacitti in the top 36.

Today’s birthdays

Actress Kim Novak is 76. Singer-bassist-actor Peter Tork of The Monkees is 67. Actress Stockard Channing is 65. Jerry Springer is 65. Singer Peter Gabriel is 59. Singer Freedom Williams (C&C Music Factory) is 43.