Music News

Katy Perry appearance in Las Vegas

2012-01-30T00:47:00.000-08:00

Katy Perry is sensation a slight less blue most recently. The pop star started swinging an electric-blue bob not extended after news bankrupt that husband Russell Brand had cased for divorce late last year. But Perry, who steps out in Las Vegas this weekend, seems to have dipped her hair in the dye once again.

On Friday night, KP hit a charity event dressed in a beaded frock, her razor-cut 'do colored in a rich turquoise. The party at the Vegas outpost of nightspot 1OAK was hosted by GiveLove.org, an organization devoted to improving public health in Haiti.

But although newly separated Perry reportedly put on a good face, one source told amNewYork the "Waking Up in Vegas" singer seemed "subdued." The pop star "pretty much sat in the same spot the whole night" as her friends danced, according to the source.

While Katy has always been adventurous about her hair hues, post-split, she seems, anecdotally at least, to be hitting the bottle — of dye — with increasing frequency.

Brand and Perry announced the end of their marriage on December 30, after 14 months together. The exes have been a keeping a rather low profile ever since. The comic is set to perform on March 4 at New York's Radio City Music Hall as part of an Amnesty International benefit, while Perry may turn up next at the Grammy awards on February 12, where she's up for two statues. She was spotted earlier this month shooting an Adidas ad, not long after wrapping two concert dates in Indonesia and the Philippines.

Lady Gaga aids her father to open Italian restaurant

2012-01-27T01:18:00.000-08:00

Lady Gaga opened a new restaurant named “Jonnae trattoria” with her father on Wednesday. This eatery named as Jonnae in remembrance of her late aunt. The humble Italian region eatery on West 68^th street in New York as having a well stocked bar, a comfortable back terrace and seating for about 70 people. The walls are covered with scenes of the Tuscan countryside and near a fireplace at the entrance diners will see some Germanatto family photos hanging by a front booth.

The restaurant will be run by Joseph and Gaga's mother, Cynthia, and her proud pop admitted that his daughter "just generates a lot of sizzle," helping to get the word out about the venture. The chef and partner in the business is Art Smith, who met Gaga at a taping for the "Oprah Winfrey Show." Smith was Winfrey's personal chef for several years.

Steven Tyler Bad performance at AFC Championship game

2012-01-22T23:05:00.000-08:00

Steven Tyler performed his national anthem at AFC championship game on January 22. ‘American idol ‘who came for the show as the judge group commented his performance very badly.

One of those who crashed the front man of Aerosmith was Jason Whitlock. The writer for FOX Sports contrasted his Sunday night presentation to Janet Jackson's notorious pinch fall at the wonderful Bowl XXXVIII halftime show. "Steven Tyler far more obscene than Janet Jackson's t*tty," so the reporter wrote on his Twitter.

The Press in addition remarked that the performance "wouldn't get him to Hollywood." Yahoo added, "He most definitely would not have made it to the next round on the show and I am sure Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson would have had some interesting words to say had he been singing in front of them."

Tyler performed the patriotic song at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts before the game between the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens. He wore a long coat and a scarf with the Patriots logo in red, white and blue sequins. In its criticism, Yahoo mocked that his scarf was better than the national anthem rendition.

Madonna statemented on Lady Gaga’s album “Born This Way”

2012-01-13T04:37:00.000-08:00

When Lady Gaga debuted "Born This Way," many commenters’s noticed striking similarities to Madonna's 1989 hit "Express Yourself." Now the Material Girl herself has weighed in, telling Newsweek the critics weren't alone.

"I thought, 'What a wonderful way to redo my song,'" she told the magazine for a profile set to run on Jan. 30."I mean, I recognized the chord changes. I thought it was… interesting."

Madonna also talked Gaga in an interview for "The Graham Norton Show" set to air on the BBC Friday.
"When I first saw her [Gaga] I was really impressed by her and she was cool. She did remind me of me back in the day," she said. "I do think she is very talented."

As previously reported, Madonna's next album, "M.D.N.A.," is expected in March. The pop icon is set to perform the M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj-aided lead single "Gimme All Your Luvin,'" among other songs, at the Super Bowl halftime show on Feb. 5.

Katy Perry won the People’s choice Awards 2012

2012-01-11T23:31:00.000-08:00

Katy Perry selected as the top nominees for the People’s Choice Awards 2012 on Tuesday in Los Angeles at the Nokia Theatre. Other big names on the initial list of nominees include LMFAO, Maroon 5, Lady Gaga, Adele and Beyoncé. Perry was just behind with seven nods, including Favorite Female Artist, Favorite Song of the Year “E.T.”, Favorite Pop Artist, Favorite Animated Movie Voice “The Smurfs”and Favorite Music Video for “Last Friday Night "T.G.I.F..”

In the music categories, the Favorite Male Artist race includes Eminem, Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber, Enrique Iglesias and Blake Shelton, while Perry will be fighting Adele, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift for Favorite Female Artist. The Song of the Year race includes Gaga’s “The Edge of Glory,” Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem,” Maroon 5′s “Moves Like Jagger” and Perry’s “E.T.” Album of the Year includes discs from Adele, Beyoncé, Gaga, Britney Spears and Lady Antebellum, while Favorite Hip Hop Artist is a battle between Eminem, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Pitbull and B.o.B.

Justin Beiber and Lil Twist joining for new album

2012-01-10T21:31:00.000-08:00

Justin Bieber’s 2012 will soon include a Lil Twist collaboration. Bieber returned to the studio today to begin work on his own album Believe, reportedly stacked with help from Drake and Kanye West, yet has already lent his swag and increasing maturity which doesn’t necessarily include a new vocabulary to a track with the 18-year-old Young Money artist. Twist told MTV News that he’s prepared to release their finished product, “Wherever You Are,” shortly. “Y’all will have that real soon,” he said of high powered collaboration, off his debut album Don’t Get It Twisted. “It’s a fun record. Justin killed it. He’s, like, rap singing on it; another different sound for Justin.”

Yet the Bieb has been slowly chipping away at making a place for himself in hip hop for the better part of a year, answering every BET cypher snub with a new freestyle attempt or big-name collaboration partner. He kicked off the new year by teaming up with pal Jaden Smith for the holiday-appropriate “Happy New Year,” a song which definitely featured some singing, rapping and inspirational spoken word, and this longstanding collaboration tour shows no signs of slowing down at this point, we’re prepared to see every name from Adele to Odd Future on Believe‘s tracklisting. ”Just me and Justin, people been waiting on that,” Twist added. “That’s my brother right there. It’s just been a long time coming.”

Katy Perry reveals about her divorce with Russell Brand

2012-01-08T20:51:00.000-08:00

A week after news insolvent that Katy Perry and Russell Brand are breaking up after a year of marriage; the pop singer has broken her silence.

On Saturday, she took to twitter to open up publicly for the first time since the split.

"I am so grateful for all the love and support I've had from people around the world," she wrote. "You guys have made my heart happy again."

In another tweet minutes later, she addressed the tabloid chatter that has been swirling around since Brand filed for divorce in Los Angeles on December 30. Concerning the gossip, I want to be clear that NO ONE speaks for me, she said, "Not a blog, magazine, 'close sources' or my family."

The tweets come days before Perry is set to make her first public appearance at the People's Choice Awards on Wednesday where she's up for a number of awards.

The People's Choice Awards marks the beginning of a slew of expected appearances from the singer. She's also slated to make two appearances on her California Dreams Tour later this month, one on January 19 in Jakarta, Indonesia, and another on January 22 in the Philippines.

Perry's next awards show appearance could take place February 12 at the Grammys, where she's up for two awards: Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for "Firework."

Brand released a statement at the time of the announcement, saying, "Sadly, Katy and I are ending our marriage. I will always adore her and I know we'll remain friends."

Adele keeps holding her first position in 2012 billboard albums

2012-01-04T21:29:00.000-08:00

Adele's inexorable 21 sold more than 144,000 copies to claim the top spot on the first Billboard albums chart of 2012, easily outpacing Drake's Take Care, which landed at #2 with sales of nearly 72,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

As it approaches the one-year anniversary of its release, 21 — which was 2011's biggest seller by a huge margin — shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, with this week's numbers, it has now sold some 5.8 million copies in the U.S., making it the best-selling album since Usher's massive Confessions, which moved 7.9 million copies in 2004.

Young Jeezy's TM 103: Hustlerz Ambition holds strong at #3 on this week's chart, selling more than 67,000 copies in its second week. Lady Antebellum's Own the Night is up next at #4 with sales of nearly 54,000 copies. And buoyed by the chart-topping success of single "Sexy and I Know It," LMFAO's Sorry for Party Rocking leaps from #16 all the way up to #5.

Singer, actress Kaye Stevens dead on Wednesday

2011-12-30T21:52:00.001-08:00

Kaye Stevens, who acted upon with the Rat Pack and was a common visitor on Johnny Carson's "The Tonight Show," has died at a central Florida hospital. She was 79.

Close friend Gerry Schweitzer established that Stevens died Wednesday at the Villages Hospital north of Orlando subsequent a fight with breast cancer and blood clots.

Stevens, a longtime South Florida resident, presented with Rat Pack associates counting Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Joey Bishop. She also sang alone at locations like Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas and the Plaza Hotel's Persian Room in New York City.

Throughout the Vietnam War period, Stevens acted upon for American soldiers in the war region with Bob Hope's USO trip.

According to a newsletter from friend Rhonda Glenn, Stevens was born Catherine Louise Stephens in Pittsburgh. Her family eventually moved to Cleveland, where a teenage Stevens got her start as a drummer and singer. She later married now deceased bandleader and trumpet player Tommy Amato, and the couple performed throughout the eastern U.S.

During a gig in New Jersey, Stevens was discovered by Ed McMahon, Carson's longtime sidekick, which led to new bookings. Her big break came when she was playing a lounge at The Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas. Debbie Reynolds became ill and was unable to perform in the main room. Stevens filled in and was an instant hit.

Besides singing, Stevens also acted in film and television. She appeared in six movies, earning a Golden Globe nomination in 1964 for "The New Interns." She was a regular celebrity player on game shows and appeared as a regular on "Days of Our Lives" from 1974-79.

During the past two decades, Stevens started her own ministry and began performing only Christian and patriotic music. She staged benefits to help build St. Vincent Catholic Church in her longtime home of Margate, Fla., where city officials named a park in her honor.

Justin Bieber's Grandparents all right later than Car Collide

2011-12-29T03:22:00.000-08:00

Ontario police established Wednesday that pop star Justin Bieber's grandparents were in a car crash but say they are both fine.

Constable Kees Wijnands said Bruce and Diane Dale drove into a ditch Tuesday afternoon after hitting a patch of slushy snow on a road near Stratford, Ontario, Bieber's hometown.

Wijnands said the car rolled over and struck a small tree before landing back on its wheels.

He said Bruce Dale was treated in the hospital and that both are fine.

Bieber's mother, Pattie Mallette, broke the news on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon, setting off an outpouring of support online.

"My parents got into a car accident today. They flipped into a ditch & totaled the car but thank God they are alive! My dad has broken ribs. Please pray 4 him 4 quick healing! Count your blessings & forgive your parents always. U never knows what tomorrow holds!!!" she tweeted.

Top 12 best Christmas pop songs

2011-12-26T20:54:00.001-08:00

"Mistletoe," Justin Bieber
Bieber's modern-day missive about kissing under the mistletoe certainly harks back to carols of days gone by, but he updates the narrative using his own fly-boy language, referring to his girl as his "shawty." Awww!

"All I Want for Christmas Is You," Mariah Carey
Perhaps the most ubiquitous pop song of the last 20 years, Carey's iconic single may have been remained by Bieber, but it will forever be associated with Carey, her skimpy Santa suit and her desire to be reunited with her boy.

"Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays," *NSYNC
Spunky and funky, *NSYNC's 1998 track is all about getting together with your friends and family and wishing them "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" — a fitting sentiment for folks of all persuasions.

"My Only Wish (This Year)," Britney Spears
Like Carey before her, Britney uses her sugary sweet, incredibly innocent ode to the holidays to pine away for the one thing she hopes Santa can get her: her one true love.

"Last Christmas," Wham!
George Michael had one message for that ex-special someone: This year, to save him from tears, he'll give his heart to someone special. After it was released, the song immediately became a Christmas staple with radio and local malls playing it endlessly through the season.

"Do They Know It's Christmas?" Band Aid
while many Christmas songs focus on chestnuts roasting on an open fire, 1984's A-list-filled charity single reminded the world that not everyone has chestnuts or an open fire.

"Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town," Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
This song had already been recorded and re-recorded, but when Springsteen put his Jersey sass on the Christmas classic, it became the type of jovial, rocked-out tune cool enough to top the lists of his fans.

"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)," U2
Darlene Love may have recorded the track in 1963, but Bono and his boys put their own spin on the song when they released it in 1987. It's all about wanting your baby to come home to you on Christmas. And, really, who doesn't want that?

"Baby, It's Cold Outside," Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson
In a world where these two are still together, it would actually be a cute idea to have this real-life couple sing about wanting to stay warm with one another on a chilly winter night.

"Don't Shoot Me Santa," The Killers
Every Christmas playlist needs a kooky take on the holidays, and the Las Vegas band's spin on pleading with Santa to cut them a break is a bit country, a bit rock and roll, and all fun. See also: Blink-182's "I Won't Be Home for Christmas."

"I'll be Home for Christmas," Michael Bublé
Bublé's Christmas album has been sitting at the top of the charts for weeks, and this particularly stirring Christmas ballad is all about making sure you're with the people you love for the holidays.

"Santa Baby," Madonna
Cooing and gushing about what she wants from her Santa Baby for Christmas is an incredibly decadent idea full of incredibly lavish gift ideas. Pretend like there's no recession, blast this one and imagine a world where cars and jewels are totally affordable Christmas gifts.

Mariah Carey released “When Christmas Comes” – A latest album

2011-12-21T22:01:00.000-08:00

Mariah Carey has joined with John Legend who was the winner of Grammy Award to release the new album fro Christmas. Initially released as a path on the Merry Christmas II You album, Mariah has at the present re-concerned the celebratory song as a duo for the 2011 season. John plays a impressive piano throughout the whole path, and adheres in performance with Mariah throughout various sections. The significance of the song is obvious: give the gift of love - as repeated in the lyrics, "I can't wait to unwrap your love until Christmas comes."

The music album is filmed in Mariah Carey's Beverly Hills mansion, performance the many joys of Christmas Day with family. The clip shows children liking each other's company, eating Chrissy indulgences, laughing and having fun. Snippets of a Charlie Brown Christmas cartoon feature throughout the video as a reminder that this special season is celebrated everywhere. More scenes follow showing family and friends enjoying the festive spirit of the special day. Mariah has stated that she is a good cook, and loves preparing all the Christmas goodies herself just to make the day extra special.

Mariah has said that Christmas has to be celebrated in the snow - even though she lives in Beverly Hills. Last year she wanted to go to Aspen for Christmas but was unable to fly due to health reasons with the twins on the way. However she still went away to a closer snow area just for the day.

Breaking music achievements of Katy Perry

2011-12-20T01:46:00.000-08:00

Katy Perry’s inexorable achievements of these days had made her to hold record in Music Industry. Her album “The one that got away” has put her in record asset situation.The singing sense joins Janet Jackson and George Michael as artists to make six top-five hits from a single album on the Hot 100 chart list in Billboard history!
Her latest single along with chart toppers “Last Friday Night,” “California Gurls,” “Teenage Dream,” “Firework” and “E.T.” have earned Ms Perry the mentionable respect.

She said that this song shows a very different side of her that she hasn’t shown with her past singles on this record. And also she added that she think that everyone can relate to this song. She wrote this song about when you promise someone forever, but you end up not being able to follow through. It’s a bittersweet story confidently; the listener hears from consideration it and not at all has to speak they had 'The One' get away."

Lady Gaga captured the first top most earning women in 2011

2011-12-15T03:58:00.000-08:00

Lady Gaga captured the first position of top most earning female musicians in 2011 of year income of $90 million, this survey released by Forbes.com on Wednesday. The nearest competitor for Gaga is Taylor Swift who earned $45 million in this year for her album “Speak now” and third competitor is Katy Perry who earned $44 million in this year for the album “Teenage Dream”. Beyonce is one of the fourth competitor who bearned $35 million in this year for her new album “4” and her touring also made her to come in 4^th place.

Fifth place is won by Rihanna, who earned $29 million fro her album “Loud” and her supports of Cosmetics Company. Lady Gaga stands first among all these competitors due to her big album “Born This Way and various others contracts with companies like Polariod and virigin mobile. The other singer who have listed in the top ten lists are, 6^th place was got by pink $22 million, 7^th place was won by Carrie Underwood$20 million, Celine Dion won the 8^th place who earned $19 million, Adele won the 9^th place and Britney Spears won the 10^th place.

Taylor swift succeeded the Award “Artist of the Year”

2011-12-13T23:12:00.000-08:00

Taylor Swift, 22-year-old won the CMT Artist of the year at very young age. She got her Award for “Speak Now” album with gratitude and humbleness and also she felt that she was blessed. She kindly accepted the honor at a special celebration in Nashville. She was wearing a strapless red gown and lipstick in red when gathering her special prize form faith hallwho called her a “bad romantic”. She also thanked member’s winners Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley and Kenny Chesney when conveying her approval speech.

The pop singer as well thanked the crowds for helping the country, and uttered her thankfulness for having an astonishing year counting performing with Nicki Minaj and Justin Bieber in her "magical" tour. Talking regarding what she has on her sleeve for next year, she said, "I just can't wait for people to hear new music. And hopefully it will be good.

Previous to the section was enthused to the other honorees, Katy Perry becomes visible on the big screen to show support for Swift. "I love that you wrote every lyric and every single note off of 'Speak Now’ that says tons about you as an artist" the West Coast singer gushed. "You're really aspiring." The "Teenage Dream" singer ended her video message with a joke, "I still want your cat."

MTV’s New Year’s Eve party on December 31st

2011-12-12T23:04:00.000-08:00

MTV is conducting special live show “on December 31^st to celebrate the upcoming New Year “NYE in NYC”. They invited Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato to celebrate the New Year in this special show. Both of them booked for their performance on this live show.

Also they invited other performer such as Mac Millter, J.cole and Jason Derulo “Teen Wolf” star Tyler Posey is going to count up the minutes to midnight with Demi and also the special appearances of Vanessa Marano and Katie Leclerc of “Switched at Birth”.

This show preparation starts on Wednesday, December 14, where fans can also participate by voting their favorite songs of 2011. The songs selected will be presented by "America's Best Dance Crew" champions the Jabbawockeez throughout the festivity.

Embellished effort of Lady Gaga in “Born this way” album

2011-12-08T22:44:00.000-08:00

When Lady Gaga released her music album “Born This Way” she had enfolded up the huge globe expedition. Now she is ready to launches her next stage show, since this year “2011” is coming to an end.

Fernando Garibay said that this music album was the most special because the music is fully filled with her style and emotion. He also added that each song in this album was a story in the directions of the Born This Way theme.

Recently Lady Gaga is engaged in playing smaller radio shows, her producer reported. She said that she would love to go there and do her entire new album, but each one out there wants to hear the songs that radio has made hits for her over the years, so she wanted to honor the radio station as well as the fans tonight and give them a little bit of her new record, but also all the songs from the past three years.

Justin Beiber released his second album for Christmas

2011-12-07T21:31:00.000-08:00

Justin Beiber came back again with his new album ‘Santa Claus is coming to town’. This is said to be his recent music video for Christmas. Before this album he already released ‘Under the Mistletoe’ album following ‘mistletoe’, ‘Fa La La’, and ‘All I Want fro Christmas is You' for Christmas. This recent dance oriented video sees Beiber act as an elf, building toys in Santa’s workshop before the toys start coming to life, dancing with the other elves.

The dance oriented video sees Beiber act as an elf, building toys in Santa’s workshop before the toys begin coming to life, dancing with the other elves.

This is the second music video Bieber has made for ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’, one of the most widely recorded Christmas standards. An animated version of the video was displayed before screenings of hit children’s Christmas movie – Arthur Christmas. The song also featured in the movie’s official soundtrack.

Selena Gomez paid a tribute to Katy Perry

2011-12-04T20:59:00.001-08:00

Selena Gomez recently paid tribute to one of her idols, Katy Perry, in a live concert. The "Wizards of Waverly Place" star delivered a rendition of Katy's latest single "The One That Got Away" when performing at Jingle Ball concert in Sacramento, California.

"One of my inspirations is Katy Perry," Selena told the crowd before covering the song. "She's been really wonderful and just really good as a person to me I think, she's given me like two songs of hers and she's been great so in honor of Katy we wanted to do this song for her."

The concert took place at Power Balance Pavilion on Thursday, December 1. Joining the "Who Says" singer on the performer line-up were the likes of JoJo, Breathe Carolina, Cobra Starship, Gym Class Heroes and Neon Hitch.

Recent music album of Amy Winehouse groups, Robin Thicke, Lana Del Rey, Trent Reznor

2011-12-02T20:42:00.000-08:00

Probable to be the last music released from the Amy Winehouse tomb, Lioness: Hidden Treasures hits stores on Monday.

A pair of paths has faces previous to the release, the most recent being “Halftime” created by Winehouse’s long-time partner Salaam Remi.

The occupied flow of the new idea album by Philadelphia hip-hop group The Roots permitted ‘undun,’ centering on the life and death of the imaginary nature Redford Stephens is now obtainable at NPR.

Robin Thicke was the topic of a funny article by his father, famed actor Alan, earlier this week where he honors his son’s melodic talent. Many people are aware of Robin Thicke’s aptitude previously but the scraps of his newest contribution ‘Love and War’ also due out December 6, it seems that enthused by his wife, actress Paula Patton sound as if he may have made his most excellent album yet.

Lana Del Rey reasoned a bit of kafuffle in Toronto earlier this week when she executed her first performance in the city. The much-hummed about “Video Games” singer has just falled the Audi for a new single acceptable “Born to Die,” the name path from her future album due to be released in January.

Trent Reznor, who won a Grammy for his album for The Social Network, is return back with one more album this time from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. It seems that the entire obsession is over three hours extended. And last, but surely not smallest amount. El Camino, by blues-infused rock duo The Black Keys is one more high-profile December 6 make public.

Jennifer Lopez planning to make a huge hits Album

2011-11-30T02:25:00.000-08:00

Jennifer Lopez indeed has had several huge hits. As releasing her debut album, On the 6, in 1999, she has domination pop radio with paths like "If You Had My Love," "I'm Real," "Love Don't Cost a Thing" and "Jenny From the Block."

And she hasn't blocked. This year, she released Love? Characterizing association bangers like "On the Floor." Now, she have an idea to provide her fans a good greatest-hits music album.

Vocal producer Kuk Harrell told that she is going to release the greatest hits album Harrell has certainly been busy this year. He worked with Rihanna, Justin Beiber and now he is planning to work with Jennifer Lopez. And also he added that he is grateful to work with all these superstars.

While he didn't have too many information about what fans be supposed to wait for on the album, Harrell did share who else Jenny is hitting the studio with. "I think [when] I find out what the direction is, I will certainly go in the lab. I will find in the lab with Tricky Stewart and The-Dream and see what we can come up with for it."

Murray’s final judgment for his involuntary manslaughter

2011-11-29T00:17:00.000-08:00

Dr .Conrad Murray’s sentencing today for involuntary murder is the final step in the criminal case began within days of Jackson’s sudden death in June 2009. The legal representatives want a judge to punish the 58-year-old Murray to the maximum 4- year prison term. Defense lawyers oppose that Murray already faced his lifetime of shame and shrunken opportunities and should obtain probation.

How long Murray may stay following bars depends on the Los Angeles Sheriff's section, which would found the decision on high-quality performance and other issues.

Even devoid of congestion and a new state law that will send Murray to province jail rather than prison, a four-year punishment could be cut in half by good quality behavior.

It stayed indistinct Monday whether Jackson's family will talk during the verdict investigation. His mother Katherine and several siblings regularly be presented at the six-week examination that ended with the confidence on Nov. 7.

Legal representatives represented Murray as an useless doctor who directed propofol - an awfully powerful painkiller usually used during surgical treatment - in Jackson's bedroom without sufficient defends and failed his care when effects went wrong.

The trial is also are looking for compensation for Jackson's three children and filed a statement from the singer's estate stating the cost of the singer's funeral was more than $1.8 million. The letter also notes that Jackson would have earned $100 million if he had performed a planned series of comeback concerts in London.

Rihanna latest ‘Talk That Talk’ album

2011-11-23T04:02:00.000-08:00

Rihanna is an attractive energetic on Talk That Talk. She sings fairly honestly about what she likes (and doesn't like) between the pages on her new album, which depends deeply on dance and house authorities.

All through her Loud Tour, Rihanna passionate up with common vocal producer Kuk Harrell and establish her voice for the just-released music album.

Rihanna has indeed trialed with dance music in the past, particularly on paths like "Only Girl (In the World)," but she went bottomless into the type on this album. It didn't change the way Harrell and Ri had put effort together very much, the creator said.

Rihanna appears to be approaching herself these days also. She now exposed on Twitter that she's set to effort on her second Talk That Talk video, for the path "You Da One."

To prove himself-Justin Beiber took DNA test

2011-11-22T00:28:00.000-08:00

Justin Bieber took a DNA test on Friday in his continuing fatherhood fight, it is reported.

TMZ declares that the Baby singer presented to a laboratory in New Jersey and it is at the present downward to Mariah Yeater to give her child's DNA.

The 20-year-old California woman claims that she had a '30-second' meeting with Justin offstage at one of his performances in Los Angeles last year that resulted in her getting pregnant.

Justin it seems that took the test under much forbidden situation and it would be very hard for Mariah or her lawyers to confront it if it approaches rear that he is not the father.

The rumors that Justin and his groups will not even talk about a resolution with Mariah unless fatherhood is confirmed.

The singer has sweared to case a claim against Mariah and her lawyers once he begins that he is not the father of baby Trystan.

Mariah has crashed her first court case against Justin but he it seems that required to do the DNA test to quiet argument nearby the subject once and for all.

A music record has been released to honor Amy Winehouse

2011-11-20T21:00:00.000-08:00

Following the untimely death of singer Amy Winehouse, a music album has been released in respect of her role to music. It goes with the song “Our Day Will Come” and features a variety of shorten of the late singer in the tallness of her career. You’ll see footage of her during live presentations, and offstage indications which depicts the remembrance of how we should all keep in mind Amy.

It is also reported that this song is the part of her song which will be released on December 6 and also they added that Amy has a lot of unreleased work, however we are going to miss all her unreleased songs. She even planned to release her album after finishing all her work with the “supergroup” Saalam Remis said. He also said that there is also another song about her ex-husband’s unfaithfulness and ‘Best Friend’.

On July 23 of this year, Amy Winehouse was dead in her London apartment house and it was afterward reported that she had died from harsh alcohol toxic. Her untimely death was a overwhelming instant for her fans and music lovers. And in hold up of Amy, this music video is just what fans require to celebrate Amy for her expressive music and famous role to the music industry.

All of us need to reward ourselves over a time for the stress toll taken both physically and mentally by us. One of the best ways to chill out is to take a vacation and here are some amazing worldwide vacation rentals you can consider booking for your vacations.

Funeral of famous rap singer”Heavy D” took place in Mount Vernon

2011-11-18T22:28:00.000-08:00

The famous rap singer Heavy D funeral was took place in his home town of Mount Vernon on Friday. This funeral service was held at the Grace Baptist Church in Heav’s hometown, where guests included Jay-Z, Will Smith, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Mary J. Blige and previous Heavy D & the Boyz group members, DJ Eddie F and G-Whiz.

Throughout the ceremony Rev. Al Sharpton called Heavy’s 11-year-old daughter Xea Myers to the stage, before reading a poem that President Obama devoted to the dead performer.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time,” the note from Obama read. “He will be kept in mind for his infectious brightness and many donations to American music. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.”

Grace Baptist Church was so packed that an overflow area was set up. Among those in attendance were Usher, Queen Latifah, Don King, Q-Tip, John Legend and Rosie Perez. A wake held on Thursday attracted famous friends including Chris Rock, Flavor Flav and Russell Simmons.

Idressonline conducting Thanksgiving Sale with special offers

2011-11-17T22:30:00.000-08:00

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Justin Bieber fatherhood court case crashed or Still On?

2011-11-16T21:47:00.000-08:00

Opposing to previous information’s, Mariah Yeater is still set to follow her fatherhood action against Justin Bieber.

The 20 year old has changed public prosecutors and her latest spokesperson, Jeffrey Leving, is actually eager to consult out of court with Bieber’s personal legal representatives.

Yeater declares that Bieber is the father of her 4 month old son. Her latest legal representative is not permitting her to talk to the press. He has said that this case is totally out of powerand he also added that he don’t want somewhat horrible to occur to her client or her child.

Bieber has deprived of the claims and exposed he was ready to take a DNA test to invalidate the story. TMZ state that Yeater's new legal representatives Lance Rogers and Matt Pare quit the case after Bieber's organization in danger them with lawful act of their own for creating a false assert.

Scottish singer Jackie Leven is fatally sick with cancer

2011-11-15T01:08:00.000-08:00

Jackie Leven one of the famous Scottish singer-songwriters is suffering from cancer was reported yesterday.

In a line of business extending above forty years, Jackie Leven has imprinted an imposing standing as an exclusively talented singer-songwriter. From his appearance as head of the undervalued DOLL BY DOLL in the 70’s, during well recognized habit troubles which Leven defeated with extraordinary power of determination, end in a alone renaissance during the 1980s to the here and now, Jackie has combined an amazing stiff of effort ' the creator of above 400 songs, counting debatably his most song ' 'Call Mother', from the album 'Mystery of Love'.

If auctions didn't always return the overpoweringly optimistic dangerous response his albums expected, he however leftovers a sensitive writer and singer. Jackie was instilling with a fidgety originality, and always penetrating for new locations for his ruminative poetic in his journey, fastened with comedy and musical elegance.

Lady Gaga preparation to open a new orphanage in India

2011-11-14T10:30:00.000-08:00

Lady gaga the most female singer has an idea to adopt the three Indian orphans according to sensationalist news of November 13.

Before choosing other orphans around the world she planned to select three orphans first from the India. She decided to open the new orphanage in India by adopting every orphan around the world.

Her team told that she has a desire to open an orphanage in India from her childhood. And also they added that she born on this planet for some reason and as achieving celebrity she observes it as a symbol that she has to provide reverse the good luck that she is acknowledged.

They also said that she already opened her Born This Way Foundation in India and visited two orphanages to open her new orphanages during her last visit. She wants atleast three Indian and one American orphans.

She is not like other celebrities who forgot their own country said by her team. Her plan to open an orphanage takes time since she is in her music career.

First two awards of CMA won by Jason Aldean

2011-11-10T10:30:00.000-08:00

Jason Aldean won two awards from the Country Music Association (CMA) on Wednesday after a year. He won the award “best album of the year“for the album “My Kinda Party” and also won the” best musical affairs of the year” for the “Don’t You Wanna Stay”. He also selected as a nominee for “best male singer of the year”. He was surprised, became over cheerful and said “what a year!.

The judges of this show are Keith Urban, Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton. The award “Single of the year” won by The Band Perry fro “If I Die Young” and also she won another award “Song of the year”.

Lady Antebellum -the winner of the award”best vocal group of the year”. The performances and appearances of pop stars and celebrities also took place in front of CMA. Shelton- who won the male vocalist of the year sang a duet song with Kenny Loggins of the song “Footloose”. Paisley and Singer Carrie Underwood performed the show by contrasting president Obama to Adolf Hitler.

The famous rapper “Heavy D” was dead on Tuesday

2011-11-09T10:30:00.000-08:00

Heavy D the famous performer of rap music was passed away on Tuesday at the age of 44.

The original name of this singer is Dwight Arrington Myers.

Monday midnight he was taken to the hospital and he was in conscious and talking to his family members when the emergency service arrived and an hour later after went to nearby hospital he passed way .

Police were shocked to believe the sudden death of Heavy D and the investigation of his death will be beginning by them. Four weeks ago he performed at the Michael Jackson Tribute performance with La Toya Jackson.

The rapper gave many hit songs more than a year and he also gave the theme song for one of the show. He also acted in the movies like Life and Big trouble. Now only he began the live performance after 15 years. But unfortunately he was dead that makes music industries in mourning.

Nichols establish a new album “It’s All Good”

2011-11-07T21:17:00.000-08:00

Joe Nichols shows his unique style of composing music in two ways. The guy who is the best among the traditional singers and also he is the one who sings the funny song. In this way he shows his unique among all singers.

He made his sixth album “It’s All Good” which is the collection of 10 songs. These songs represented as the best songs in this year which is full of humorous tunes that direct to be amusing new style without being old.

He proved himself in traditional side that he is equal to George strait at combination tone and rhythm to entirely bring an enduring nation song.

On the modern side, Nichols fetches a flash to the macho swagger of optimistic, guitar-and-drum cuts like the hearty "The More I Look" and the latest hit, "Take It Off," which proposes hire go of fears by fetching adaptable top down, placing the boat in the water and trailing some clothes as long as the day went on. Still enhanced, his bottomless, easy singing style preferably hysterics a contemporary love song like "ICan’t Take My Eyes off You."

Lady Gaga won the four awards at MTV Europe Music Awards

2011-11-06T21:42:00.001-08:00

MTV Europe Music Awards was held on Sunday night in Belfast city. Lady Gaga did her beautiful performance and won the greatest female singer award, biggest fans group award, best video, best song award. On MTV music awards she sang a song called ‘Marry The Night” with a satellite theme costume on top of the giant moon carving. She thanked everyone for believing in her vision and also added that this show has changed her life.

Justin Beiber won the best male and best pop awards. He performed “Under The Mistletoe” as a opener and also he sang another song “Never Say Never”. Katy Perry won the best live act award and Linkin Park won the best rock act award. Cold play was the first performances at the Belfast with an extremely highly excited performance of “Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall” and Jessie bursted out her show with her performance of “Marry You”.

Jackson’s first day of case discussions ends

2011-11-04T22:43:00.000-07:00

The case against Michael Jackson’s doctor finished their first day discussions Friday exclusive of reaching a decisions or asking any questions representing how extreme they have gotten in their deliberations.

The seven-man, five-woman group was given statements and empty forms to ask for proof after opening discussions around 8:30 a.m.

They were finished their discussion around 4 p.m. and were put to start again deliberations Monday.

The judges have to arrive at a common decision to either punish or release Dr. Conrad Murray of instinctive murder in Jackson's death.

After having the overdose of propofol which was given by Murray, the Jackson dead this is the case developed against the Jackson’s doctor. But Murray has opposed that he gave propofol only to make him sleep. The judges not ready to hear the words of him and end of the discussion was reached.

Rihanna show in Sweden was cancelled

2011-11-03T22:22:00.000-07:00

Rihanna is going to take rest since she doesn’t feel well after canceling a music show in Malmo, Sweden which is to be held on Monday. The speaker for tour advertiser Live Nation told the press that her ill is not proper before her performance on Wednesday night in Stockholm so the show was stopped after discussing with doctor. Advertiser said that they plan to postpone the show but they didn’t say about when they will begin show.

Last Monday she asked sorry to people who are waiting for her show in Malmo from Swedish hospital bed. And also she added that she was eagerly waited for her performance in front of all people in Malmo. She felt sad for her absent on Monday. She decided to go tour for to take rest.

Rihanna is on the Europe for her universal Tour, which began in the States in the summer. The tour is decided to continue until the end of the year.

Michelle group returning to Pop Music

2011-11-02T22:02:00.000-07:00

Michelle group developed big talented pop career after a few albums. This groups planning to release the pop music West Coast Time after her long time interval. Michelle group said that this album represent as like as her most adult work, but she told all magazine that this album is most youthful humming album and also she said that she came back to pop music again to prove her after long time.

Michelle also explains that she is more relaxed in her own skin now. She also added that she wish to be free to other writers and paying attention to their ideas, whereas before she was going through her trouble teen years during creation of records.

Video recording in London, group worked together with Jim Irvin and Julian Emory, who wrote more than half the songs and formed a handful. West Coast Time is likely to emerge some point in 2012. Currently, group wants to conclude recording.

Jackson doctor's justification comes out in trial's 4th week

2011-11-02T12:56:00.000-07:00

The trial of Michael Jackson's special doctor will go into a new stage this week, with the doctor's lawyers trying to oppose three weeks of damaging witness and trying to confirm that the lead singer by some means caused his own death.

Legal representatives for Dr. Conrad Murray have told jurors that the instinctive murder case will pivot on the knowledge of what killed Jackson in June 2009. They will call their individual specialists to oppose examination witnesses who have frequently told the section that Murray was careless and further than the bounds of drug when he governed the general anesthetic to help Jackson sleep.

It was not obvious when the justification would get to found its appearance. Monday's witness was canceled because the government's last witness, Dr. Steven Shafer, will be engaged. Judge Mary Hearn said Sunday the trial's recommencement would be proclaims when more gathered facts becomes obtainable.

The Houston-based cardiologist has appealed not responsible and his lawyers persist to uphold that Jackson someway gave himself the deadly dosage of medicine. They have discarded the guess that Jackson died following taking propofol, but at the present compete he was killed after swallowing more than a few tablets of the narcotic lorazepam and perhaps giving himself a turn of propofol following Murray left the singer's bedroom.

Murray's justification plan also comes into view to engage calling antagonistic witnesses, counting police officers who lawyers did not call throughout their case. The argument scored some points near the beginning in the trial by receiving a coroner's examiner to recognize that she stimulated a number of proofs about in Jackson's bedroom earlier than photographing it and that she didn't carry on all her comments. The officers would expect go through the alike cruel questioning concerning their conclusions.

They might also call doctors who before take care of Jackson but have never been properly blamed of wrongdoing. They are disqualified from calling one doctor whose name has been frequently revealed throughout the trial.

The trial, which is inflowing its fourth week, has moved quickly, with 33 witnesses so far and both sides giving more than 250 pieces of proof. At its present pace, judges are supposed to get the case next week.

Miranda Lambert bestow “Four the Record”

2011-11-01T20:49:00.000-07:00

Miranda Lambert was a vicious Nashville nonentity gripped with firearms and comeuppance. She was a clear successor of the legacies of generations of tough female singers: Loretta Lynn, Jessi Colter, firebrand-era Dixie Chicks, even Reba McEntire in her saucy early years.

Lambert’s most recent album “Revolution” showed, she was more than proficient of successive in Nashville’s restrictive skeleton without deviating too far beginning her own.

The “White Liar” and “The House That Built Me,” songs to terminate made Lambert a country big name and earned her best female singer plaudits at the Country Music organization and Academy of Country Music awards.

“Four the Record”, her fourth album, she has profusion of brand new capital to spend. She do consequently in daring and perplexing style. In these album of Lambert’s career, at times a celebration of left-field country styles and approaches. The twists on “Four the Record” be aware of almost investigation.

Energetic Life at Koh Samui, Thailand

2011-08-16T22:40:00.000-07:00

Koh Samui Thailand has an excellent sightseeing that includes all the aquatic features like white sandy beaches, delicious fresh seafood’s, hotels and tourist spots. Samui has the super entertaining nightlife which everybody will definitely enjoy. From the difficult epicurean restaurants to the well known full moon parties, the island has a quality of the finest in Thailand. Night time entertainment includes discos, club, music venues, bar beers, classical Thai dancing, mud wrestling, and Thai lady boxing are alive and set to amuse everyone.

This island is an ideal place for vacation to round within one or two days. The Na Muang waterfall is a very attractive because of its staircase going directly to a large pool at the base of the waterfall. There, you can go for swimming and diving too but be careful at the shallow part, some sharp rocks are hidden. The Hin Ta and Hin Yai are the stones that represent the male and female genitalia.

It is one of the favorite destinations of every vacationer in Samui. Just near this attraction, gift shops are accessible where you can buy beautiful bowls and vases. Another cool place and enjoyable is the Hin Lad Waterfall. A swimming pool under this waterfall is made just to add the beauty of the place. You can also see the Hin Lad monastery at the foot of this waterfall. If you have an idea to visit Thailand, you can easily look for beach vacation rentals in this islands.

Day and night, Koh Samui, Thailand is such a great place to wander. A reward for your self will become easier to achieve even if you have hectic schedule through the availability of this wonderful place.

Hawaiian Musicians Objection Grammys

2011-07-03T23:16:00.000-07:00

Boycott of awards based on removal of ethnic music categories picks up steam

A group of musicians are intimidating a boycott of CBS after the Recording Academy sliced 31 awards from this year’s Grammys, according to the Associated Press. An official Grammy press release said the result to lessen the categories from 109 to 78 “carry on evolution” for the Recording Academy, but Grammy-nominated Latin jazz percussionist Bobby Sanabria, who is leading the alliance, says the reform is a racist decision that unfairly shorts ethnic music. Specific categories like best Zydeco or Cajun music album, best Latin jazz and best classical crossover all got the axe in favor of more universal ones.

Support for the society is growing. This morning, the Honolulu Star Advertiser reported that Hawaiian musicians like slack-key king Dennis Kamakahi support the boycott after that Hawaiian music was bumped into a vague “regional roots" category alongside Native American music and polka.

On Thursday, the Academy subjected the following statement: "The Recording Academy's board of trustees and its committees — made up of chosen, qualified voting members from The Academy's 12 chapter cities around the country and a broad range of music makers — spent two years researching and eventually making the decision to restructure the Grammy Awards categories for reasons that had everything to do with recognizing fineness in music and the integrity of our awards and nothing to do with ethnicity or race."

Rihanna, Britney kick off invigorated Billboard Awards

2011-05-22T22:23:00.000-07:00

After five years of dormancy, the Billboard Music Awards were invigorated Sunday with a major dose of star power.

Rihanna got the show off to a steamy start, wearing a skimpy leather outfit for her hit song "S&M," and was joined at the end of the number by Britney Spears, who came into view on a remix on the track.

Taylor Swift won the evening's first award, as top album artist, at the back the multimillion sales for "Speak Now."

"The impact of an album is all resolute by the fans," she told the audience. "You've just given me another reason to be completely in love with you."

Other award winners built-in Justin Bieber (digital artist) and the Black Eyed Peas (top duo/group).

Beyonce conventional a special Millennium Award for her career achievements: The 29-year-old phenomenon was lauded in a video by an array of legends and luminaries, as well as Stevie Wonder, Barbara Streisand, Bono, Lady Gaga and First Lady Michelle Obama.

"This is a moment I have to immerse in because it's gonna be -- and it is -- one of the best moments of my life," said Beyonce after getting the award from her mother, Tina Knowles. Beyonce also did her new song, "Run the World (Girls)."

This year marks the Billboard Awards' rebirth. The Billboard Awards had been a yclip since 1989, but gave out what came into view to be its last award in 2006. This year, the show was brought back.

It was held in Las Vegas, broadcast live on ABC and hosted by "The Hangover 2"' star Ken Jeong.

The Billboard Music Awards are given out to music's most popular artists. The finalists and winners are strong-minded by their rank on the Billboard charts and their "social and streaming activity."

Rihanna is the top finalist, competing in 18 categories. Among the awards she's up for take in top artist, top female artist, and top radio songs artist.

Eminem's name appears in 16 categories, counting top artist. He's also vying for top male artist as well as top social artist.

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Rachel Zoe sparks the dazzling 10carat diamond ring

2011-05-18T05:34:00.000-07:00

Some new mothers are happy with maybe a good night's sleep or a bunch of flowers after giving birth.

But for celebrities like Rachel Zoe, 39, they take delivery of a whole lot more in the form of a 'push present'.

Rachel Zoe was presented with a huge 10-carat Neil Lane diamond ring from her husband Rodger Berman.

The couple celebrated the birth of their son Skyler Morrison six weeks ago and are enjoying in being new parents.

But Berman it seems that wanted to give Zoe amazing special to thank her for giving birth to their son.

And at nearly $300,000 - it is a a very special gift certainly. Skyler weighed in at 6lb 12oz which means the 'push present' was more than a carat a pound.

She flashed the enormous ring yesterday while celebrating her first Mother's Day with Berman during an outdoor meal.

Live Music helps disabled children to socialize

2011-05-09T03:09:00.000-07:00

SINGING, dancing, drumming and playing the guitar to children with disabilities helps perk up their social and motor skills, Australian therapists have found.

For one hour each week, Queensland University of Technology's Kate Williams and a team of music therapists would sit on the floor with a group of immobilize children under five years old, joined by their mothers.

"We have a guitar and we use our voice ... and bring along a whole lot of instruments that are easy to get to and motivating," said Ms Williams.

"We're using some familiar, early childhood repertoire - Twinkle Twinkle and Baa Baa (Black Sheep) and what not - to get them at ease and using their hands for doing events.

"But we also compose and write a lot of our own songs because we want to be targeting particular aspects of the family relationship."

The Queensland University of Technology-based researcher interviewed the mothers of the 201 participants, who had a variety of disabilities including autistic disorders, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy.

The parents said they had learnt to use music to sidetrack and calm their children, and noticed their own mental health had improved.

Ms Williams also made clinical observations over the course of the study.

"We were observing really positive changes in parenting behaviors and the relationships between the parents and children," she told AAP.

"It's very easy to see what these children can't do and where they're lacking in their development but, I think we found in music therapy sessions, parents are really confident to see what (the children) actually can do with motivation.

"Even children who couldn't talk would vocalize.

"The focus is really strength, based on what people can do."

Taylor Swift to Close Down CMA Music Fest

2011-05-02T22:19:00.000-07:00

Taylor Swift will bring the drape down on this year's CMA Music Fest.

Swift has been added to the Sunday lineup of the Nightly Concerts at LP Field for the June 9-12 fair in Nashville, Tenn.

Fans in Swift's hometown will get to see a bit of the live show the 2009 Country Music Association performer of the year has been dispersal around the globe on tour this coil. Swift has been concerned in some way with the festival every year since 2006.

Sunday will be a runaway success night with Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton and Darius Rucker among the performers on the agenda.

Other performers scheduled Thursday through Saturday include Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Zac Brown Band, Rascal Flatts, Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban and Sheryl Crow.

'How Great Thou Art' - Carrie Underwood's

2011-04-26T22:11:00.000-07:00

It's no surprise that country music fans were expecting the TV special Girls Night Out: Superstar Women of Country, which was ribbon at the 2011 Academy of Country Music Awards weekend earlier this month and aired Friday night on CBS. However, it was a gospel song do at the show that unexpectedly crossed all boundary lines and created a viral sensation over the weekend.

Carrie Underwood was just one of many enormous names in the all-star lineup, but her duet with Vince Gill of the classic normal "How Great Thou Art" managed to bring down the entire house--and internet, at that.

If that weren't enough, the video of the presentation has received nearly a million views, and has drawn extraordinarily high praise--with comments ranging from "Wow! God was in the house," "I am not a Christian but this is truly good-looking," "She is an angel" to "This is the most moving version of that song I have ever heard," "She rocks 'em and socks 'em," "I'm speechless."

One user even went where most dare not tread, and contrasted Underwood to the King himself--"I thought that nobody could come shut to live this song like Elvis did during hisconcerts. I was wrong; Carrie put her heart and soul into this amazing version!"

Underwood and Gill's fellow stars in the audience appeared moved by the presentation, as well. Martina McBride stares fascinated at the stage, the ordinarily humorous Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert watch respectfully, while Sugarland's Kristian Bush nods his head and Jennifer Nettles mouths "What a voice."
After drumming the final, climactic notes, Underwood wrapped the powerful presentation up with a hug for Gill. Then, she wiped away a few tears...and faced a standing ovation from her peers. How great, indeed.

Mechanical Animal: Lady Gaga's Insane Album Wrap Is the Best Part of 'Born This Way'

2011-04-18T21:20:00.000-07:00

Steppenwolf's "Born to Be Wild" is very closely linked with the motorcycle road movie Easy Rider. That's the main clue we're working with today in our study into why Lady Gaga decided to make her Born This Way album wrap an odd mix of a calendar hanging in a mechanic's office crossed with the roaring jaguar on the cover of Roxy Music's For Your Pleasure.

Obviously some of Gaga's fans don't care for the cover, but it's our favorite part of Born This Way yet by a long shot. Little Monsters are so upset, there's in fact a theory circulating that Gaga is revealing her fans three times, and that the cover she tweeted is a fake.

Here are their primary complaints:

It looks like it Cost $2 and a Photoshop Intern to Make: "Love you Gaga-always will but this album cover is just........cheap looking," tweeted Cristink3. "Gaga I really love u but this cover is awful, very mediocre and unprofessional...I'm in shock. Please do not dissapoint your fans," added Iotiprego.

It Lacks Certain... Je Ne Sais Quoi: "wait, is this serious? With all due respect, i expected something ... classier?" complained Cglink. "I think this looks like random fan ar," Alan_PB wrote.

It doesn’t seem to relate to the Music: "Gaga I'm so disappointed! I love u but this cover is not pop, rock or even 70's metal. It sucks. :S," sniffed Thisislordl. "No graphic designer in their right mind would approve of such an atrocious font, and not only that, It has an awful metallic- looking bevel and emboss! It is terrible," wrote bleakc.

Gaga tweeted the artwork with a note that referenced a "highway unicorn" and implored fans to "'get your hot rods ready to rumble." Make of that what you will. But the good news is plenty of people are making something out of that ludicrously incredible album cover, like Rolling Stone did when Adam Lambert released his similarly wackadoo For Your Entertainment artwork. Gawker put together a small gallery of great Born This Way parodies, and we highly recommend you check that out.

Rihanna a finalist for 18 Billboard Music Awards

2011-04-14T21:43:00.001-07:00

Rihanna is leading the set as a finalist for the 2011 Billboard Music Awards.

The finalists were proclaimed Wednesday, and Rihanna got herself into 18 spots including Top Hot 100 Artist and Top Female Artist. Love the Way You Lie, her collaboration with Eminem, makes her a force to be reckoned in six song categories.

Eminem isn’t far behind; he’s a finalist in 16 categories. Lady Gaga is up for 12 awards and Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber are up for 11 each.

The Billboard Music Awards show will air May 22 on ABC, when winners in all 46 categories will be proclaimed. Chart-topper Rihanna will perform, as will the Black Eyed Peas, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum and more.

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra was back.

2011-04-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

The men and women in black and white come into view in Orchestra Hall on Saturday night for the first time after a corrosive six-month strike, having reached an agreement with management last week.

Detroiters broke up free tickets for the hastily arranged reunion. People stood in the back of the hall and a screen was set up for the run over. Dozens were turned away. Many appeared to be newcomers to the hall, and dress was a mix of ties, bandannas, pearls and T-shirts. Couples clutched hands and some in the audience teared up. Shouts of “Yeah!” and whoops and whistles sounded in the middle of the applause.

“Welcome home,” said the music director, Leonard Slatkin. “It’s been the longest six months,” a period to be and put in the past, he said. “This evening is about celebration. It’s about you.”

The moment was about amazing more than the end of a bitter labor argument. The sounds of music at the hall (along with the Tigers’ victory in their home opener on Friday) were like the chirpings of a bird in the bleak days of late winter. It finally meant some good news in a town so often explained as hollowed out, shriveled up and deserted.

The census figures in March were the latest dark development. They showed that over the past decade the population fallen by a quarter in Detroit, where a fifth of the lots are vacant, and the city’s leaders are knocking down 10,000 empty residential buildings.

At the least the orchestra stays alive, albeit with the phrase “near-death experience” repeated often. Detroiters are used to seeing businesses go bust, leaving workers — on strike or not — without jobs. The strike played out, sometimes cruelly and to a large degree over Facebook, as the governor in nearby Wisconsin sought to cut back on collective bargaining rights, fueling a national debate over the place of unions in society.

The strike ended a dispute over pay cuts that the players said would turn them into a second-class orchestra, along with changes in work rules that they said would detract from the mission of presenting top symphonic performances. Management said Detroit had simply run out of money to pay for an orchestra at its old level of spending.
A number of other major orchestras — including those in Philadelphia, New York and Boston — are facing or undergoing negotiations for new contracts, and the outcome here will be scrutinized by musicians and their employers.

Despite the Saturday night love fest serious problems remain. Even with the cost savings, the symphony is projecting a yearly deficit of $3 million and labors under a $54 million debt from the music center that was built to supplement its hall, a 1919 gem that seats 2,000 people.

Miley Cyrus and Charlie Sheen Trade Flattering Tweets

2011-04-05T22:24:00.000-07:00

Miley Cyrus has only been back on Twitter for a few days, but she has already revealed strange obsessions with both mustaches and Charlie Sheen.

When Cyrus rejoined the service a few days ago -- she had quit in October 2009 -- she listed the factors at the back her return, which we're hoping she doesn't weight equally in meaning:

"'Do not fear...the Sheenius is here!' I'm not gonna lie. I came back to twitter for 2 reasons. My fans and to follow @charliesheen #winning," she wrote.

Well, now the Twitter love affair has urbanized.

Sheen, never missing an opportunity to self-promote, wrote the following to Cyrus:

"Dear Miley, Welcome back to Twitter! Always felt you were epic... Now you proved it! Thanks for the love! ybh c @gypsyhearttour."

Cyrus responded: "@charliesheen I always felt the same about you! You have trained me everything I know about WINNING. Duh!"

And she apparently can't get Sheen off her mind, later tweeting to a friend of hers that he had been replaced by @charliesheen as her BFF, and then writing, "Makin dinner for my fam right now. Honey sesame chicken, garlic rice & salad. There's only one thing missing & that's @charliesheen YBH!"

If we were counseling Sheen, we'd try to get Cyrus to stop by his tour, which would at least renew interest in his deteriorating pop-cultural stock for a day or two.

'The Music Never Stopped' gives the healing power of rock music its due

2011-04-01T01:57:00.000-07:00

Music has charms to calm the savage breast. All kinds of music . . . even rock 'n' roll.

Especially rock 'n' roll. In the four-hankie "The Music Never Stopped," a father reconnects with his brain-damaged son by acceptance another generation's music.

Jim Kohlberg's straighting debut is based on a real-life case study travel around by neurologist Oliver Sacks in the essay "The Last Hippie." It's an audience-friendly drama about family, disagreement and the curative power of music.

Set in the mid-1980s in upstate New York, the film centers on Henry and Helen Sawyer (J.K. Simmons, Cara Seymour), who learn that their long-estranged son Gabriel (Lou Taylor Pucci) has been found living on the streets.

Now 35, Gabriel has a brain tumor. It's removed, but so is his ability to produce new memories. Sometimes he talks in old advertising slogans; often he's catatonic.

The one thing he reacts to is music. Henry engages a therapist (Julia Ormond), who discovers that the patient comes alive when pay attention to tunes popular before the tumor began its ugly work. True, he thinks it's still 1969, but he can recall tiny details, make jokes and talk continually and enthusiastically about his favorite songs.

The problem is that Henry, who loves the big-band sound, illogically blames rock music for his son's estrangement. The only way they can truly converse is for Henry to immerse himself in "that damn music" of the '60s. More specifically, the Grateful Dead.

"Music" isn't always the most elegant film writers Gwyn Lurie and Gary Marks sometimes falter when balancing the film's present with the many flashbacks but it has a huge heart and great acting.

Simmons, perennially one of the best behind actors in American film and TV, gets a rare leading role and deftly negotiates the divide between Henry's parental love and his almost ridiculous hatred of rock.

Watching this film, a boomer experiences the same alteration as Gabriel. Certain songs right away take us back to when we first heard them.

Once it's lodged in your brain, a good song isn't going wherever. It's there for the duration.

Rebecca Black has a holy place to Justin Bieber

2011-03-28T00:29:00.000-07:00

Rebecca Black has a little Justin Bieber shrine in her room, she has exposed.

The singer, who factually became an overnight sensation last week with her song 'Friday’, said in an interview with People magazine ' is so dorky when it comes to Justin Bieber. I have a little holy place in my room.'

She has before admitted to trying to get Bieber's attention on twitter in an attempt to tee up a duo.

She recently said on Good Morning America that she would 'scream at the top of my lungs and perhaps not be able to sing again' if a Bieber teamwork were to happen.

Bieber's only comment on Black was in a Twitter post reading 'Sunday comes after Saturday? Weird.'

Rihanna to carry out with Sugarland at Academy of Country Music Awards

2011-03-24T23:45:00.000-07:00

Rihanna is leaving a little bit country. The pop siren will join country pair Sugarland for a special performance at the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

Ryan Seacrest reports that RiRi and Sugarland frontwoman Jennifer Nettles will duo on a country-tinged version of “California King Bed,” a ballad from the Barbados singer’s newest album Loud.

Fellow songbirds Beyoncé and Keri Hilson have both before performed with Sugarland at the American Music Awards and “VH1 Divas greeting the Troops.”

The ACM Awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on April 3 at 8 p.m. on CBS.

Other performers comprise Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Martina McBride, Reba, Carrie Underwood, and more.

Lil Wayne Brings His 'Whole Clique' On I Am Music II Tour

2011-03-17T22:07:00.000-07:00

Lil Wayne is a superstar act, but the New Orleans MC isn't just a solo wrap up. When he hits the stage at his I Am Music II showcase, he has his Young Money crew in tow, counting Nicki Minaj, Lil Twist, Mack Maine, Jae Millz and Shanell.

It's a lesson the Cash Money Records artist erudite from watching Bad Boy and Roc-A-Fella treks in the past.

"That's where I get my little vigor from, when I bring my whole group out there, and I want them to be heard," Wayne told. "I keep in mind when [Bad Boy] had Total, Biggie, Ma$e, Junior Mafia, all of them other people. Then you think of the Roc. We're more so like the Roc. 'Cause Jay always had artists the world didn't know, but he put them on the proper song and everyone knows the song. But this time approximately, I want you to know the song, I want you to know the person, I want you to know us. And it's no secret about it; I got the toughest team in the game right now and later."

On Wednesday, Weezy kicked off the follow-up to his winning I Am Music Tour. The show is set to run for 31 days, and all through, he'll be joined by Rick Ross and Travis Barker with DJ Mix Master Mike. Drake, Tyga and the rest of Wayne's YM family are predictable to drop in for select dates.

Wayne is touring in support of his approaching Tha Carter IV album, which he says is due in stores and online May 16.

MGMT to winner the Future Music Festival

2011-03-10T22:03:00.000-08:00

New Yorkers MGMT are set to winner the Future Music Festival with their psychedelic sound. By Craig Mathieson.

Most days now, it's far easier to be in MGMT. The panic-stricken highs and unforeseen lows of 2008, when the New York duo of Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden were alternately celebrated and savaged as the future of pop music, have dissipated.

Their much-scrutinized debut, 2007's Oracular Spectacular, now has an heir, last year's gladly eccentric Congratulations, and the pair can now enjoy the prospect of a long-term career making music.

''We never determined that this is what we're going to do,'' Goldwasser says, calling from Manchester in Britain the morning after a sold-out gig. ''But something occurs and one thing leads to another and one day you realise this is your career.''

The band, who play the Future Music Festival on Saturday next last night's show at the Enmore Theatre, are comfortable in their own communal skin. Their three on the road musicians - bassist Matt Asti, drummer Will Berman and guitarist James Richardson - are now fully fledged band members, lightening the communal burden.
''We'd have driven each other wild if we hadn't added some more people to the band,'' Goldwasser sighs. ''They add to the nature of the band and we're all on the same page imaginatively.''

''One of the hardest things is that at this point in my life, I don't have that many things I feel that way about - you lose that sense of the supernatural,'' Goldwasser says.

''One of the things we do again to ourselves is that kids really do know what's going on in so many ways.

''We didn't really appreciate what Oracular meant when we put it out, or even when people started act in response. But from meeting people at shows, particularly younger people, it was clear what it meant to them.''

iTunes Unlimited Downloads May Move toward Midyear – Report

2011-03-04T23:14:00.000-08:00

Unlimited download of previously bought music from Apple’s iTunes store may be applied by midyear, reports Bloomberg.

Citing “three people with information of the plans”, the publication says that customers may gain “easier access to music they’ve purchased across multiple devices” if the deal do well.

Kind of like cloud storage of music previously purchased, Bloomberg reports that iPads, iPods and iPhones linked to the same iTunes account will be clever to download purchased media.

According to the report, Apple is at present in talks with Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group Corp., and EMI Group Ltd.

Two of the three basis of the publication had apparently said that a deal may be announced by midyear.

“A deal would give iTunes customers with a permanent backup of music purchases if the originals are damaged or lost, said the people,” Bloomberg says.

Apple, which is set to open a $1 billion North Carolina data center, is seen by analysts to move more of its armed forces to the cloud.

Hip-Hop Marketing Guru Blasts Grammys Over Bieber slight

2011-02-20T20:48:00.000-08:00

Hip-hop marketing expert Steve Stoute took to the New York Times over the weekend to blast the Grammys for slighting artists like Justin Bieber. He also spoke out against recent losses by Kanye West and Eminem.

In a full-page ad in the newspaper, Stoute wrote "I have come to the end that the Grammy Awards have clearly lost touch with modern popular culture."

He added, "The awards show has become a series of insincerity and disagreement, leaving me to question why any contemporary popular artist would even participate."

About Bieber, Stoute wrote, "How is it that Justin Bieber, an artist that defines what it means to be a modern artist, did not win Best New Artist?" Justin Bieber lost the Best New Artist Grammy to Esperanza Spalding.

Neil Young wins first Grammy for music

2011-02-13T21:28:00.000-08:00

A year after he won the first Grammy of his career, eclectic rocker Neil Young dual his tally on Sunday. The win marked the first recognition for his musical skills, since last year's honor was for his work as an art director on the wrapping of a boxed set.

This time he won a statue in the best rock song category for "Angry World," a tune from his album "Le Noise."

"This is my first Grammy for music, and it's valued greatly," Young said.
He lost another race to Paul McCartney, and remains in argument for best rock album.

Young, now 65, is often nominated 11 times since 2006 alone but his musicianship evidently was not forceful enough for Grammy voters, who now number about 12,000 music industry professionals.

Young, in turn, has made no secret of his scorn for the Grammys, declaring that he was "not Grammy material" in a 1987 interview told in the authorized biography "Shakey." But his look at both this year's and last year's events appears to point to a softening of his approach.

The Canadian singer-songwriter has confounded fans over the past 40 years with an idiosyncratic output spanning folk, rock, grime, soul and country. "Le Noise," his 31st studio let go since 1969, debuted at No. 2 on the Canadian albums chart and at No. 14 in the United States.

Black Eyed Peas underwhelm at halftime

2011-02-06T21:22:00.000-08:00

On second consideration, maybe Escort should have been the headliner for the Super Bowl halftime show.
The superstar had only a brief cameo in the glass case, but his tightly choreographed moves and acrobatics marked the brief exciting moment of a surprisingly stale medley from the normally frantic headliners, the Black Eyed Peas.

The Super Bowl presentation was debatably the biggest stage yet for the quirky quartet, whose fusion of pop, dance and hip-hop have made them global superstars. But in the huge Cowboys Arena, the group appeared to be as stiff as frontman will.i.am's plastic hair hat.

It started out with a wow factor: will.i.am, Taboo, Fergie and apl.de.ap go down from atop the stadium, outfits glittering, bewildered outfits, singing (with the help of auto-tune) the party anthem "I Gotta Feeling" with hundreds of dancers channeling in step on the field.

But the Peas didn't match the energy of the song; they seemed hesitant, and tense. It didn't help that Fergie's mic didn't kick in until she was midway through her first verse.

If the clarification for the Peas' flatness was nerves, those nerves never settled, as they trudged through such songs as "Pump It" and "Boom Boom Pow." strictly, they were fine Fergie's voice soared, the raps were performed right. They didn't excite. Even former Guns 'N Roses guitarist Slash seemed bored as he joined Fergie for a short snippet of "Sweet Child O' Mine," an needless cameo that failed to add any sizzle to the set.

So it fell to Usher to breathe some life into the halftime show, and he didn't let down as he appeared in all white with a side of dancers. Although Usher seemed to dance more of his No. 1 hit "OMG" with will.i.am than sing it, his syncopated moves and flips provided the power jolt that the Peas lacked.

The Black Eyed Peas brought the youth, but little else. "I Gotta Feeling" the NFL will be looking to try and find a better balance in time for Indianapolis next year.

Don't miss the 'Kids Day Out Music Festival'

2011-01-27T21:59:00.000-08:00

The Kids Day Out Music Festival features a line-up of some of Australia’s most popular children’s entertainers and live stage shows, as well as giving your children the chance to meet their favorite characters.

Held at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre on February 26, the headliners include Hi-5, Ben 10, Yo Gabba Gabba, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Bob the Builder, Go Diego Go, Nickelodeon’s Slime Time Live, SpongeBob SquarePants, The Powerpuff Girls, The Simpsons and many more.

The kids will sing and dance along with their idols in three huge stadiums, with backstage meet-and-greets included in the ticket price. There will also be action centres, workshops and rides.

We are giving away six double passes to the event. Just tell us in 25 words your child’s favorite character and why. Entries close February 8. Winners will be notified mail.

Shania Twain named into Canadian Music Hall of Fame

2011-01-12T01:32:00.000-08:00

Newlywed Shania Twain has one more reason to smile -- the Timmins, Ont., native has been proclaimed as the 2011 inductee to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

The 12-time Juno Award winner will be privileged during this year's award telecast in Toronto on March 27, marking her first return to the Junos since hosting the 2003 bash in Ottawa.

Twain married Swiss businessman Frederic Thiebaud on New Year's Day in Rincon, Puerto Rico in face of 40 family members and friends.

The 45-year-old Twain is getting ready to launch a TV show on Oprah Winfrey's cable channel, OWN, called "Why Not? With Shania Twain," and has plans to issue a memoir.

With over 80 million albums sold worldwide, the five-time Grammy-winning Twain places among the best-selling artists of all time.

The 40th Juno Awards ceremony will be hosted by 24-year-old Toronto rapper Drake. Nominations will be announced on Feb. 1.

"Shania Twain revolutionized the look and sound of country music, and truly is one of the most accomplished and famous music artists of her era," said Melanie Berry, president and CEO of Junos organizer the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, in a statement.

"Her authenticity as a songwriter and performer has made her a global basis of power, and we're so proud to honour her at home in the Canadian Music Hall of Fame."

Warner signs fresh publishing chief EMI signs Pink Floyd – again

2011-01-04T21:28:00.000-08:00

Warner Music signs issuing exec behind Cee Lo’s “F*** You”

Warner Music Group has signed up a fresh publishing chief Cameron Strang as CEO of Warner/Chappell Music, its music publishing unit. The world’s No.3 music company said David Johnson, who previously held the joint title of chairman/CEO of Warner/Chappell, will carry on as chairman until July at which point Strang will take on the additional role of chairman as well.

Johnson, who was before the company’s general counsel, has led Warner/Chappell since 2006.
Strang, 44, founded New West Records and Southside Independent Music Publishing in 1995. As part of deal Warner/Chappell has obtained Strang’s Southside whose songs include 2010 hits like B.oB.’s Nothin’ on You and Cee Lo Green’s “F*** You” (pictured left) both nominated for Record of Year 2011.

Music publishing has usually been the unfashionable arm of the music industry when compared to the label side. But in recent years it has become more and more valuable part of the business because of its steady cash flow from a variety of revenue sources beyond decrease CD sales.

Song publishers are usually run by some of the veterans of the business like Marty Bandier, 70, at Sony/ATV Music Publishing who have great skill at extracting value out of songs for decades after they were first released. Strang’s knowledge of today’s hit music could put him in good stead for both short and the long-term.

When is the new Britney Spears single being free?

2011-01-03T21:47:00.000-08:00

She’s keyed up for her new album to drop in March and in the interim Britney Spears has a hot new single on the way.

And in spite of the report from New York’s Z100 that “Hold It Against Me” was scheduled to release on January 7th, the “Baby One More Time” singer’s manager Adam Leber says nothing is in stone yet.

Leber tweeted, "Lot of misinformation out there regarding the release of Brits 1st single. Don't believe everything you read. Unless of course it's an official declaration coming in January. STAY TUNED....."

"That said, the single is absolutely coming in January. PS- happy new years people. Sorry guys, but never pay attention to unofficial announcements. Just trying to clarify. Please don't 'hold it against me.' "

Lady Gaga Publicize Release Dates For Born This Way, First Single

2011-01-02T21:59:00.000-08:00

The clock struck midnight and fetched good news for Lady Gaga fans.

As promised, the pop superstar tweeted a big statement with regard to her forthcoming album, Born This Way. While others were tasting champagne to trumpet in the New Year, the Gaga faithful were pending news from their beloved. And at midnight, the singer tweeted that her third album will be free in stores on May 23 and the first single from it will be released on February 13.

"THE SONG 2 13 11 THE RECORD 5 23 11," is all she wrote.

Along with the statement, Gaga tweeted a new black-and-white photo in which she is nude from the waist down, with her hair blowing about, and sporting a jacket with the album's title emblazoned in what look like dazed jewels.

Before she made the statement official, she teased her Twitter followers with lyrics from Born This Way, writing, "I'm beautiful in my way, 'cause God makes no mistakes/ I'm on the right track baby, I was born this way/ Don't hide yourself in regret, just love yourself and you're set/ I'm on the right track, baby, I was born this way."

This could be one more stellar year for Gaga. Her last album, The Fame Monster, was the best-selling album of 2010 worldwide, selling nearly 6 million copies. She also has had seven successive singles that have been top 10 hits, with two of them hitting no. 1.

New Justin Timberlake Song 'Take You Down' Leaks

2010-12-30T22:05:00.000-08:00

Justin Timberlake has said over and over again that he's not set to record a new album. However, that hasn't stopped the pop star-turned-actor from hitting the studio for collaborations with other artists and doing some recording here and there for him. His latest musical serving to mollify his hungry fans is a track called "Take You Down," which leaked online Thursday (December 30).

"I've seen my magic/ What's your looks and your religion?/ And I want you to understand that I can make you feel better/ So it's me and you, my place, sexiness all day/ I'mma do whatever you like, if you cater to me all night, girl," he sings during the second poetry.

In addition to production credits, various Internet blogs have reported that "Take You Down" may in fact be a demo as opposed to one of the 29-year-old's own songs.

Timberlake recently spoke to the Los Angeles Times about fans who feel like the star has neglected his musical calling. "They're looking at me like, 'Why aren't you waiting with one path?' “he said. "They look at me like I'm ungrateful for my music career because I want to do film."

Until JT feels ready to hit the studio to record the follow-up to 2006's FutureSex/LoveSounds, fans will have to make do with the singer's scarce musical ventures. His next offering may be a collaboration with Drake, who recently revealed, "I've always wanted to work with him, and it's in the works right now: Me and Justin Timberlake will probably have a song soon."

What do you think of "Take You Down"? Give us your review in the comments section below!

Billy Ray 'sad' about images of Miley smoking salvia

2010-12-28T22:10:00.000-08:00

Miley Cyrus' father Billy Ray Cyrus has expressed his displeasure with her for being seen smoking a legal high.

The 'Achy Breaky Heart' hitmaker - who is currently divorcing wife Tish - took to twitter following the video of 18-year-old Miley smoking salvia from a bong.

He wrote: "Sorry guys. I had no idea. Just saw this stuff for the first time myself. I'm so sad. There is so much further than my control right now."

Anthony Adams - a former California State Assemblyman who previously tried to ban the drug in his state - believes salvia, which is legal in a number of U.S. states, can make people do "crazy" things and has annoying her for being irresponsible to her legions of young fans.

He said: "You do very crazy things. Miley is a star and young kids are going to imitate her behavior."

In the video taken of Miley smoking the drug, she is seen confusing a party guest for 'Last Song' co-star and ex-boyfriend Liam Hemsworth as well as sniggering uncontrollably.

She said: "OK, I'm about to lose it now. I'm having a little bit of a trip right now.

"Oh my God! He looks so much like him! He looks so much like Liam. Is that me tripping? He doesn't look like Liam at all? Dude, that looks just like Liam!"

American Ballet's 'Nutcracker' Opening

2010-12-27T21:54:00.000-08:00

Just before Christmas, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, more than 100 American Ballet Theatre supporters are there a "family friendly" pre-show gala on opening night of the company's new production of "The Nutcracker." Notable guests included David Koch, Blaine Trump, Ana Gasteyer and Veronica Webb.

Many carried their children, who were well-dressed and well- behaved. They queued for a photo-op against a fake snowed-in forest with the production's adorable scene-stealer, the three-foot tall, skinny-limbed, pot-bellied mouse, played by 10-year old Raju Sawak.

No child complained of hunger, thanks to two food stations. One featured Russian-themed snacks like blinis, pierogies and chicken soup. The other: fudge, cheesecake popsicles, wrapped chocolates, and donuts. The actress Mary-Louise Parker stacked a dozen treats on a plate and brought them to her mother sitting on a nearby couch. "I mean, who doesn't like candy?" she asked. The actress had taken dance classes from the age of 4 to 17, but, she said, "I was not very good." She makes the Nutcracker an annual tradition for her two children, who were off coloring marionette.

With New York City Ballet running its own Nutcracker at Lincoln Center, who better to sift through the dissimilarities between productions than 10-year-old Sara Rose Shannon, who last year performed with NYCB and now appears in one of the irregular casts at BAM. "This one's a little more modern," she said.

"Did she tell you she's understudy for the mouse?" asked her mother, Jennifer. "And that little mouse has a very big role." When Sara Rose was then asked if she'd ever daydream about debilitating the dancer whose role she understudied, she very sweetly and firmly said no. Apparently, she hadn't seen "Black Swan."

Michael Jackson's Greatest Non-Musical Achievements

2010-12-26T22:30:00.000-08:00

The news of Michael Jackson's death rocked the world on June 25, 2009. Since his death all of the major television networks have aired special honors highlighting his musical legacy. Those tributes are fitting for the man who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice and whose 1982 Thriller album still holds the title of all-time best selling record in the world. However, Michael Jackson also had many significant non-musical achievements that are rarely mentioned.

The Michael Jackson Burn Center

On January 27, 1984, Jackson suffered second degree burns on his scalp while filming a Pepsi commercial at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. A pyrotechnics accident set his hair on fire in front of the auditorium full of fans who were there for a simulated concert. Jackson sued PepsiCo and settled out of court for $1.5 million. The settlement was donated to the Brotman Medical Center in Culver City, California, where Jackson received treatment for his burns. Using the money donated by Jackson, Brotman was able to get the best available technology for treating burn victims. The burn ward at the hospital was later named the "Michael Jackson Burn Center" to honor Jackson and his generous contribution.

Received Award from President Reagan

Michael Jackson was invited to the White House on May 14, 1984, where he received an award for his support of drug and alcohol abuse charities, presented by President Ronald Reagan.

The 1984 Victory Tour, headlined by the Jacksons, introduced more than two million fans to Jackson's solo material. Following the tour, Jackson donated his $5 million share from the tour's profits to charity.

We Are the World, We Are the Children

Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie wrote the charity single "We Are the World" in 1985. Both artists were among the 39 musicians who recorded the song. The single was released around the world to and proceeds went to help the needy in Africa and the U.S. Almost 20 million copies of "We Are the World" were sold, making it one of the best-selling singles of all time. The project raised millions for famine relief.

Treated Underprivileged Children to Free Shows

During the Bad World Tour, Michael Jackson played to sold out crowds and smashed Guinness World records when 504,000 fans packed Wembley Stadium for each of the seven sold out shows and the tour grossed $125 million. During all of this, Jackson invited underprivileged children to the shows and donated to hospitals, orphanages and other charities.

100 Percent to Charity

From 1985 to 1990, Jackson donated $500,000 to the United Negro College Fund.

Honored by President George H. W. Bush

President George H. W. Bush commended Jackson for his achievements and presented him with the White House's special "Artist of the Decade" award in recognition of his musical influence during the 1980s.

Heal The World Foundation

Jackson founded the "Heal the World Foundation" in 1992. The charity organization brought underprivileged children to Jackson's Neverland ranch to ride theme park rides the singer had built on the property. Heal the World also gave millions of dollars to help children around the world who were threatened by war and illnesses.

Dangerous Profits Go to Charity

Jackson started the Dangerous World Tour on June 27, 1992 and completed it on November 11, 1993, after entertaining 3.5 million people at 67 concerts. All of the profits from the concerts were donated to the Heal the World Foundation.

Publicly Pleaded for More HIV/AIDS Research

When Ryan White, a hemophiliac teen from Indiana was kicked out of school in 1985 because he contracted HIV from a contaminated blood treatment, Jackson became one of his advocates. After White's death in 1990, Jackson pleaded with the Clinton Administration at Bill Clinton's Inaugural Gala for more funding for HIV/AIDS charities and research.

Teamed with Luciano Pavarotti for Charity

Jackson and Pavarottii teamed up for a benefit concert in Modena, Italy in June 1999. The concert was focused on support of the non-profit organization Warchild. The artists raised a million dollars for the refugees of Kosovo and also donated money to help the children of Guatemala.

Michael Jackson and Friends Benefit Concerts

Also in June 1999, Jackson organized a series of benefit concerts in Germany and Korea. He recruited Slash, The Scorpions, Boyz II Men, Luther Vandross, Mariah Carey, A. R. Rahman, Prabhu Deva Sundaram, Shobana Chandrakumar, Andrea Bocelli and Luciano Pavarotti for the Michael Jackson and Friends concerts. The proceeds were donated to the "Nelson Mandela Children's Fund", the Red Cross and UNESCO.

Guinness Record for Support of Charities

Jackson was listed in the 2000 book of Guinness World Records for his support more charities than any other entertainer or personality. Jackson supported 39 charities through cash donations and sponsorships.

Moonwalk

Jackson released his first autobiography, Moon Walk, in 1988. The book took four years to write and detailed alleged abuse Jackson suffered as a child and his plastic surgeries. The book topped the New York Times best seller's list.

Support After 9/11

After the 9/11 attacks, Jackson helped organize the United We Stand: What More Can I Give benefit concert at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., which aired on October 21, 2001. Dozens of major artists performed at the concert and Jackson sang "What More Can I Give" as the finale.

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Sony launches music streaming overhaul

2010-12-23T22:21:00.000-08:00

Sony has launched a music streaming overhaul in a bid to break Apple's supremacy of the online music business.

The Japanese company's “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity” is a cloud computing-based digital music service that does not engage downloading tracks like Apple's iTunes.

Instead, a subscription gives users access to a catalogue of about six million songs, which can streamed to Sony's Internet-connected devices like the PlayStation 3, personal computers and Bravia TVs. The service can be synchronized with a user's existing music files, including iTunes, Sony said.

The service began in the UK and Ireland on Wednesday and will be revolved out in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, New Zealand and the United States next year. - Sapa-AP

Britney Spears Is A "Professional" In The Studio

2010-12-22T21:46:00.000-08:00

A producer working with Britney Spears on her new album has admired the pop star.

Swedish hitmaker Shellback - who co-wrote her song 3 - has been collaborating with the Toxic singer on the follow-up to the Circus, and admits he's impressed by her devotion to her music.

"[Britney]'s actually damn professional," he revealed. "You read a lot on the internet that Britney is not singing and mimes, but she is actually damn professional.

"She's done it since she was 16. And just rhythmic way, she is f**king awesome!," he enthused. "And you do not have to go through and talk about the rhythms and stuff that you sometimes have to do. She's very easy in the studio."

Britney releases the album in March 2011. Other producers working on the record include Dr Luke, Max Martin, Rusko, Labrinth, Chase & Status and Fraser T Smith.

Eminem - Universal Execs Challenge Eminem Royalties Suit

2010-12-21T22:03:00.000-08:00

Universal Music bosses are taking a legal battle with EMINEM's former publishing company to the U.S. Supreme Court after losing an plea in a long-running dispute over royalties.

Last year (09), FBT Productions executives claimed Universal owed the Stan hitmaker $1.47 million (£980,000) in compensation because label heads had failed to pay the star for music downloads.

The case was heard in a California court in March 2009, when a judge dismissed FBT's argument and ruled in favour of Universal.

The publishing firm's owners plea the decision in September (10) and won after Central District of California court Judge Silverman reversed the previous ruling, declaring Universal bosses will have to pay FBT a substantial amount in compensation.

But Universal executives are refusing to let the matter lie and they have appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider the case again, reports CMU Daily.

Eminem is not directly involved in the legal battle.

MJ’s estate to turn into music institute

2010-12-20T21:50:00.000-08:00

New York: Late King of Pop Michael Jackson’s famous estate ‘Neverland Ranch’ may be turned into a haven for teenage musicians. Colony Capital, which owned the ranch before the pop singer’s untimely death, reportedly wants to turn the ranch into a music organization modelled after Juilliard, a music school in New York City, according to a website.

The plan is to teach writing and performing for many different types of music to teenagers. Since the pop star’s death, many interested parties have floated different ideas for Neverland Ranch.

"I think Michael’s history is world history and I think it would become the No. 1 attraction for the state parks if we could pull it off," a daily quoted California NAACP President Alice Huffman as telling The Sacremento Bee at that time.

Before the teens start flowing back into the ranch, Santa Barbara County reportedly has to approve the plan and Jackson’s estate must allow his name to be used to endorse the institute. "It’s an interesting idea. And we’d be open to it," said a rep for Jackson’s estate.

Julianne Hough: My Music Video Was Too Hot for CMT

2010-12-19T22:13:00.000-08:00

Country singer and actress Julianne Hough’s career may be on the go up, but some say she is too hot for television, at least in one video. The 22-year-old “Burlesque” star recently revealed that her video for her single “Is That So Wrong” was dubbed too steamy to air on Country Music.

The video features the sexy star playfully dancing in her apartment and removing articles of clothing. And it was that lack of clothing that she says got the video banned from the airwaves. At the “Acoustic Christmas Concert” in Baltimore Friday, Hough introduced the song by sharing the story.

“This next song – funny story. I shot a music video for it … and [CMT] kind of banned it,” the Washington Post quoted her as telling the crowd. “Apparently I was taking off too many clothes as I was dancing across my bedroom. But I don’t know – I kind of liked it.”

CMT’s press office is staying silent on the video, but when we searched for it on YouTube, VEVO and even Hough’s own website, it was nowhere to be found. The video appeared to be removed from embedded posts Friday morning as well.

Hough has been in the news nonstop recently, especially for her May-December romance with powerhouse media personality Ryan Seacrest.

Toronto’s Marian Cheney awarded music teacher of the year

2010-12-16T21:55:00.000-08:00

Toronto citizen Marian Cheney has received the teacher of the year award from MusiCounts, a musical education charity.

For the past 20 years, Cheney has taught at Queen Victoria Public School in the Parkdale neighbourhood in Toronto's west end. Her policy is that children should be able to join band or choir regardless of musical aptitude or financial situation.

She's also credited with co-writing the school's current theme song. Hard-rockers Billy Talent presented Ms. Cheney with the award at an occasion on Thursday.

Ms. Cheney and her school each received $10,000, sponsored by the band.

“Having lived in the west end of Toronto ... this is extra special,” Billy Talent singer Ben Kowalewicz said in a release. “Having teachers like Marian gives us all hope that the kids of tomorrow are in good hands.

“Our music class in high school [where we met 17 years ago] had a huge impact on the band as we got to meet like-minded people and start the creative process of learning our instruments.”
Said Ms. Cheney: “Music has the power to change lives.”

Google Music Streaming Plans Halted Because of Internal Politics

2010-12-15T21:27:00.000-08:00

In a report by Business Insider, Google was close to buying subscription-based streaming music service Spotify or Rhapsody, but the deals were shelved because of internal politics. Three different groups were fighting for organize and ownership inside Google, and couldn't agree on an approach. Instead of a streaming service, Google is now looking to build a digital locker, which will store user-owned music and allow users to stream their own content to a device.

MTV Unveils Music Meter: A Hot 100 for the Social Media Age

2010-12-14T22:53:00.000-08:00

Today, MTV launches its Music Meter, a new artist ranking service aimed at turn over traditional music charts. Rather than simply track CD sales (who buy those anymore?) and radio airplay, Music Meter ranks the top 100 artists bubbling up on a variety of non-traditional platforms.

By tracking an artist's social media buzz (tweets, blog posts, articles) and streams (YouTube, Vevo) in addition to purchase data, MTV's chart shows a more real-time representation of up-and-coming artists. It will revive daily. The chart is based on velocity rather than total popularity, so it will only show artists who are raising quickly not those who are sitting in the No. 1 spot.

"Let's not always have the big guys on top let's invite users to discover performers that they may not know they love yet," says Shannon Connolly, VP of Digital Music Strategy at MTV Networks. "We chose to strip out the most popular artists that you see dominating all lists so you won't see Gaga or Bieber."

Instead, users will find an eclectic mix of rising stars--those buzzing on the indie scene that has yet to go main stream. Each artist is featured in a widget-style box that provides news, tweets, videos and song previews and purchases via Rhapsody.