Gig canceled

TAYLOR SWIFT is no longer performing at the 2019 Melbourne Cup. The controversial horse racing event in Australia announced the Grammy winner, 29, would be headlining in early September but revealed Saturday she pulled out.

The musician’s decision comes after animal rights activists criticized Swift on social media for “endorsing animal abuse” by agreeing to perform.

Batman turns 80

THE night lit up Saturday around the world with the famous bat signal to mark a special anniversary for Batman.

DC Comics carried off a celebration of Batman Day to mark the 80th anniversary of the appearance of crimefighter Bruce Wayne and his masked hidden identity. Fan gatherings happened all over the world. But the most ambitious party plan was the illumination of the bat signal. It started at Fed Square in Melbourne, Australia. It also appeared in 13 other cities, including Tokyo, Berlin, Rome, Paris, London, Montreal, Sao Paulo and Johannesburg. The signal lit up at the Domino Sugar Refinery in New York City before making its final appearance in Los Angeles at City Hall.

Awardee

THE American Film Institute has announced that Julie Andrews will receive its annual AFI Life Achievement Award, to be presented at a Gala Tribute on April 25 next year in Los Angeles.

Andrews’ acting career has spanned several decades, winning an Academy Award in 1965 for her starring role in “Mary Poppins.” She also starred in “The Sound of Music” and “The Princess Diaries.”

This year’s award honoree was Denzel Washington. Recent recipients have included George Clooney, Diane Keaton, John Williams, Steve Martin, Jane Fonda, Mel Brooks and Shirley MacLaine. (SD-Agencies)