Katy Perry to headline amfAR event in Cannes

Katy Perry to headline amfAR event in Cannes

NEW YORK

Katy Perry will be lighting up the French Rivera like fireworks next month: The singer will perform at amfAR’s annual “Cinema Against AIDS” event, the glitzy A-list fundraiser that takes place annually during the Cannes Film Festival.

The fundraiser, which takes place just outside of Cannes in Antibes, France, will again feature Sharon Stone, amfAR’s global campaign chairwoman; the actress had to bow out last year. Other stars set to attend include Kevin Spacey and Heidi Klum.

The May 19 event raises money for AIDS research. More than $30 million was raised last year, according to amfAR.

Neon Trees singer slams Mormon religion

SALT LAKE CITY

Two years after coming out as gay and praising the Mormon church for offering support, Tyler Glenn of Neon Trees is denouncing his faith in his latest music video.

The lead singer of the Provo-based band released the video Friday for a single titled “Trash,” in which he appears to be trashing the church. The video includes images related to the church and shows Glenn drinking alcohol.

Glenn told Rolling Stone magazine that his belief in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints changed about six months ago.

In November, the church announced that people in same-sex couples could be excommunicated. The rules also said children of those couples must disavow homosexual relationships and cannot be baptized until they are 18.

Sweden toasts king’s 70th with ABBA song

STOCKHOLM

Royals from around the world flew in, loyal Swedes lined the streets of Stockholm and the sounds of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” rang out from an army band Saturday as Sweden celebrated King Carl XVI Gustaf’s 70th birthday.

After a service in the palace chapel attended by the king’s family and royal visitors from Japan, Spain, the Netherlands and Denmark, the outdoor pomp and celebrations for Sweden’s monarch of 43 years included a tightly choreographed military parade.

At Stockholm City Hall, the king was visibly moved when he was greeted by a choir singing the Beatles hit “All You Need Is Love” – with the guests joining in.

Associated Press