newsmakers

newsmakers

Bareilles happy with song’s success

NEW YORK

Sara Bareilles says although she doesn’t think Katy Perry’s “Roar” steals from her song “Brave,” she’s enjoying her tune’s new-found success because of the chatter.

“I was stoked. I was like, ‘Great,’” Bareilles said in an interview. “I was like, ‘You guys want to go get [mad] about something and buy my music, that’s great.’”

Music fans caused a stir when Perry released “Roar” last month, claiming she stole the song’s melody from Bareilles’ “Brave,” released in April. “Roar” currently is No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and Bareilles’ song shot to the Top 40 after the Internet drama. “Brave” has reached gold status and so far has peaked at No. 31.

Bareilles said she and Perry are good friends and that they spoke when the comparisons were made.

“I don’t feel like anything was taken from me artistically. I wasn’t the one having any problems with it,” she said. “I’ve known Katy a long time. We are friends, and she and I spoke about it. I look at it as two female artists who are releasing a message of empowerment.”

The 33-year-old singer-songwriter said she’s upset with some of the fans, though.

“To be totally honest, I was sort of disappointed in how aggressive fans were being about it,” she said. “I don’t promote drama in my life and competition and stuff like that.”

Johnson launches program for kids

CHICAGO

Earvin “Magic” Johnson is getting a little help from Chicago rapper Common for his newest off-court endeavor.

The former NBA star launched his “Friends of Magic” initiative this week. The idea is to help at-risk students, including dropouts, graduate from high school.

Johnson, Common and Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn attended the event at Magic Johnson Bridgescape Academy in Chicago, an education facility backed in part by Johnson’s business enterprises.

An emotional Johnson spoke after listening to one of the students who has had success in the academy’s education programs.

Wiping away tears, Johnson said he’s trying to give back and felt gratified by his organization’s work. Magic Johnson Bridge-scape Academy contracts with Chicago Public Schools to help dropouts.

Common is a Grammy-winning artist and actor.

Associated Press