newsmakers

newsmakers

Aretha Franklin calls off wedding

NEW YORK

Aretha Franklin won’t be getting fitted for a wedding gown after all: She’s called off her engagement.

A statement released Monday by her representative said Franklin’s wedding to Willie Wilkerson wasn’t going to happen.

“Will and I have decided we were moving a little too fast, and there were a number of things that had not been thought through thoroughly. There will be no wedding at this time,” Franklin said. “We will not comment on it any further because of the very personal and sensitive nature of it. We appreciate all of the many well wishes from friends.”

Franklin, 69, announced shortly after New Year’s Day that she was getting married.

Razzies awards shift to April Fool’s

LOS ANGELES

Hollywood’s award season is going to linger on through April Fool’s Day this year.

Organizers of the Razzies have changed the schedule for their nominations and prize ceremony. The spoof on the Academy Awards picks the year’s worst films.

The Razzies used to announce contenders the night before the Oscar nominations, which are coming today.

Razzies founder John Wilson announced Sunday that nominations this season will be released Feb. 25, the eve of the Oscar ceremony. Winners of the Razzies will be announced April 1.

Wilson says Razzies organizers have long wanted to have their awards coincide with April Fool’s Day.

A news release announcing the change also notes that it will give the 600 Razzies voters “additional time to see the dreck they will eventually nominate.”

Vindicator wire services