Wednesday, November 30, 2011

glee "Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album, Vol. 2"


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After last year's first edition of "Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album" -- which featured Darren Criss and Chris Colfer's adorable "Baby It's Cold Outside" duet -- sold 931,000 copies (according to Nielsen SoundScan), those crazy McKinley kids return for round two. Out Nov. 14, "Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album, Vol. 2" features Mercedes (Amber Riley) belting out a stellar "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and a more traditional "Little Drummer Boy" (by Artie/Kevin McHale) than the, um, interesting rap redo on Bieber's Christmas album. "Glee" also gives its original songs another go on this 12-track Christmas compilation, nestled up alongside Santana (Naya Rivera)'s sexy "Santa Baby." -- Jillian Mapes

She & Him | "A Very She & Him Christmas"

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If sweet-voiced, throwback acoustic covers of well-known holiday ditties gets you in the mistletoe mood, then Zooey Deschanel has you covered with "A Very She & Him Christmas." Her third album as She & Him -- alongside folk singer-songwriter M. Ward -- arrived last week and features covers like "Blue Christmas," "I'll Be Home Christmas" and a fitting Beach Boys ode with "Little Saint Nick." Sure to warm the Grinch-like heart of the hipster on your Christmas list. -- Jillian Mapes

Justin Bieber: The Billboard Cover Story

Justin Bieber is going bells to the wall this Christmas. That's right, bells -- jingle bells.



But the Biebs, who released "Under the Mistletoe" today (Nov. 1), isn't the only one getting in on the holiday album action this year. From "Glee" to Carole King, She & Him to Michael Buble -- even rapper Ginuwine and wild Stone Temple Pilots frontman Scott Weiland aren't above their own form of caroling. Check out 10 holiday albums not to miss this Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa.

biebsJustin Bieber | "Under The Mistletoe"
Between last year's breakout release "My World 2.0" and next year's sure-to-be-huge follow-up album, Justin Bieber has headed home for the holidays (with some very special guests) for his first Christmas release, "Under The Mistletoe." The R&B-heavy album features a mix of original cuts and holiday classics, as well as collaborations with Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, Usher and The Band Perry. However, the Biebs can still command an audience on his own -- first single "Mistletoe" flew into the Top 20 on the Hot 100, and its music video has 27 million views on YouTube. Read our track-by-track review. -- Jason Lipshutz

'Party Rock Anthem' Singer Lauren Bennett Joins The Pussycat Dolls



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You heard Lauren Bennett with LMFAO & GoonRock on Billboard's No. 1 Song of the Summer, "Party Rock Anthem," now you're about to hear her with a new entourage: The Pussycat Dolls.


Talking to Billboard.com on the red carpet at the American Music Awards earlier this week, Bennett confirmed herself as a part of the newly regrouped recording group. This makes her the first member of a brand new lineup that creator Robin Antin confirmed to Billboard was in the process of being built.


"We're currently figuring out who's in the group and we're working on an album," Bennett says of the Pussycat Dolls. This will not be Bennett's first girl group: She was once a part of the ill-fated Paradiso Girls under Interscope.
In the meantime, fans can hear the future Doll on her own with solo single, "I Wish I Wish," or see her as a part of the touring Pussycat Doll burlesque troupe.

Interview by Billboard's Keith Caulfield.

M.I.A. Confirms Collaboration with Madonna and Nicki Minaj



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After releasing third album "/\/\ /\ Y /\" to mixed reviews last year, M.I.A. has been missing in action for most of 2011. However, the electro-dance artist confirmed a juicy collaboration for 2012 over the weekend by announcing that she was joining Madonna and Nicki Minaj in New York, presumably to contribute on Madge's in-the-works new album.

"Summond to NYC by bitchesses > MADONNA and @NICKIMINAJ," M.I.A. posted on Twitter on Saturday (Nov. 26). "cofffffiiiiiiieeeeeeeeee it iz a good day to get me tho trustttt bitches."

Madonna, Manager Respond to 'Give Me All Your Love' Single Leak



Earlier this month, the first taste of Madonna's follow-up to 2008's "Hard Candy," a demo of an uptempo single called "Give Me All Your Love," leaked in full online. Madonna responded to the leak by telling manager Guy Oseary, "My true fans wouldn't do this."

"The plan was for new music to come out in the new year, and yet someone leaked a demo version of a song yesterday. I'm very happy with the positive reaction to the demo, but we are very upset with whoever leaked the song!!!" Oseary posted on Twitter on Nov. 9. At that time, Oseary said that Madonna's new album would be completed "in the next month or so," and while rumors persist that the pop star will play the Super Bowl halftime show in February, the performance has yet to be confirmed.

For Minaj, a collaboration with Madonna and M.I.A. would cap off a year in which she added guest vocals to songs by David Guetta, Drake and Birdman, among others. Meanwhile, production duo the Cataracs (Far*East Movement's "Like a G6") confirmed to Billboard.com in April that they had been working with M.I.A. on new material, which they thought would be for "a mixtape, and she wants it to be like an album."

Red Hot Chili Peppers Announce First 2012 Tour Dates

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Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers have announced the first half-dozen dates over their 2012 world tour in support of their 10th studio album, "I'm With You."

The band's first large-scale U.S. tour since 2007 will kick off Jan. 25, 2012 in Charlotte, N.C. Tickets for the six shows go on sale on Saturday (Dec. 3).

"I'm With You," which follows the 2006 double-album "Stadium Arcadium," debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 albums chart upon its August release. Its second single, "Monarchy of Roses," rises to No. 23 on this week's Rock Songs chart.

Here are the first dates of RHCP's 2012 tour:

Jan. 25: Charlotte, N.C. (Time Warner Cable Arena)
Jan. 27: Raleigh, N.C. (RBC Center)
Jan. 28: Columbia, S.C. (ColonialLife Arena)
Jan. 30: Duluth, Ga. (Gwinnett Arena)
Jan. 31: Greensboro, N.C. (Greensboro Coliseum)
Feb. 3: Memphis, Tenn. (FedEx Forum)

Strictly smashes X Factor - again: ITV show has lost 3m viewers since last year



After feuds and fighting, the X Factor suffered another blow this weekend as it was again trounced in the ratings war by Strictly Come Dancing.
The ITV show’s quarter-final on Saturday was watched by three million fewer viewers than last year. It attracted an average audience of 10million, peaking at 11.3million.
But Strictly, its long-standing BBC rival, drew as many as 11.7million, with an average of 10.6million.
Winning combination: Holly Valance and Artem Chigvintsev wowed the audience with a well-performed Foxtrot on Saturday night
Winning combination: Holly Valance and Artem Chigvintsev wowed the audience with a well-performed Foxtrot on Saturday night
Although Strictly’s audience was down from the previous week, when the number tuning in peaked at 12.5million, it still left X Factor trailing behind.
A BBC spokesman said: 'We are delighted that viewers keep tuning in each Saturday. We were the  most watched programme of the evening again.'

More...

  • Feeling the strain? Anita Dobson looks tired without her Strictly war paint to hide behind
  • Remembering the lyrics may have helped? Janet Devlin loses place in semi-final as she becomes the latest X Factor casualty
  • X Factor crew wrecked our wedding day: Pair's reception is ruined by catering errors and starstruck guests as show takes over hotel
  • Twitter fury as T'Pau's Carol rants at X Factor Gary for calling her tuneless
  • 'We're beautiful, no matter what they say': Jesy Nelson puts insecurities to rest on X Factor as Little Mix cover Christina Aguilera
  • 'I am just so glad I did it': Anita Dobson leaves Strictly Come Dancing with no regrets
  • A Strictly sleepover? Married Robbie Savage and dancer Natalie 'share a hotel bedroom'

However, the tables were turned on Sunday with X Factor bringing in 2.5million more viewers than Strictly Come Dancing's results show with a peak of 14.1million


.
While Strictly's results show is pre-recoded on Saturday night, X Factor goes out live, which heightens the tension.
Once the star of the Saturday night schedule, X Factor has lost out to Strictly on several occasions this year, with its audience dipping below the 10million mark.
Top marks: Strictly is constantly pulling in top viewing figures
Top marks: Strictly is constantly pulling in top viewing figures
In contrast, last year’s X Factor quarter-final drew a peak of 14.6million viewers. The ratings slump will come as a blow to show boss Simon Cowell, who quit the judging panel to focus on the U.S. version of the series.
The 52-year-old was followed out of the door by Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue, and since their departure ratings have plummeted.
Strictly host Sir Bruce Forsyth claimed  the X Factor’s ‘scripted’ rows are putting viewers off, while others have blamed the new judging panel, made up of Take That star Gary Barlow, N-Dubz singer Tulisa Contostavlos and former Destiny’s Child star Kelly Rowland.

Strictly contestant Harry Judd also claimed the X Factor isn’t as good without Cowell and Miss Cole on the judging panel


.
He said: ‘I used to watch X Factor but I don’t think it’s very good this year. To be honest, Simon Cowell to me is X Factor and without him it just seems like something’s missing.
‘Last year you had really exciting artists and all of them really different. This year it just doesn’t seem the same.’
‘Almost immediately Miss Decker, 54, took to Twitter to criticise him, writing: ‘I had to suffer a Take That concert for the sake of my kids this summer. What’s your problem? I actually have perfect pitch.’
Humble: Janet gives rival Misha B a hug as she's voted off the show
Humble: Janet gives rival Misha B a hug as she's voted off the show
Irish teenager Janet Devlin was voted off the show last night, while Anita Dobson became the latest celebrity to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing.
The EastEnders actress had danced with Brendan Cole on Saturday night because her regular partner, Robin Windsor, was suffering from a foot infection. They had performed a cha-cha-cha to Uptown Girl by Billy Joel, but received a mixed reception from the judges. All the couples then took part in a ‘swingathon’, taking to the floor to swing dance and being eliminated one by one by the panel.
Miss Dobson said last night: ‘Robin and Brendan are both talented guys but have a very different method of teaching. Robin is much more gentle and more humorous, Brendan is always pushing you.
‘I’m extremely tired though. I’d love to think I would carry on dancing because it gave me such joy.’

Anita brought a touch of class CLAUDIA CONNELL: VIEW FROM THE SOFA



As if we hadn’t had enough excite- ment already. With barely enough time to catch our breath following the Wembley spectacular, suddenly Strictly hits us with the unimaginable thrill that is the swingathon!
It came as the grand finale to the show but before that we had to get through the dances of the remaining seven contestants, starting with Anita Dobson and her stand-in partner Brendan Cole.
It’s only two weeks since Brendan had to be called upon to squire Holly Valance around the dancefloor when Artem was injured. 
And they're off: Anita Dobson and Brendan Cole were finally voted off Strictly this week
And they're off: Anita Dobson and Brendan Cole were finally voted off Strictly this week
The knight in shining armour is a role that Brendan seems to relish. So much so that I now picture him tip-toeing around the Strictly studio greasing floors and leaving cunningly placed banana skins, just so he can swoop in and become the hero of the hour. 
Unfortunately, despite Brendan’s gallantry, Anita became the latest to leave the show following her perfectly competent but rather flat cha-cha-cha danced to Uptown Girl.
Anita may have a few more miles on the clock than Christie Brinkley did back then but she’s still a very elegant and gracious lady who  brought a touch of class to the show.
Somebody who could never be accused of bringing a touch of class to anything is footballer Robbie Savage, who dances every number like he’s performing at a hen night.

He never misses an opportunity to beat his chest, crotch thrust and buttock wiggle and, on Saturday, he took things a step further by ripping his trousers off to reveal his blue number eight shorts underneath – much to judge Craig Revel Horwood’s disgust.



Classy? Crotch-thrusting Robbie Savage might lack sophistication, but he's always entertaining
Classy? Crotch-thrusting Robbie Savage might lack sophistication, but he's always entertaining
Robbie has taken an especially hands-on approach to his dancing, as we saw at the weekend when he ‘accidentally’ placed his hand on Ola’s chest rather than her waist before she swiftly moved it.
Their samba was performed to Hot Chocolate’s You Sexy Thing, a track chosen by him (of course). The man is so vain that the only reason he’d want to win the glitterball trophy is so that he can admire himself in the reflection.
Having said all that, I still look forward to his routines more than anybody else’s and the fact that he is always way down the leaderboard but constantly escaping the bottom two in the Sunday night results show means the public must have a soft spot for him also.
Holly found herself in the bottom two for the second week running and, unless she raises her game and comes out of her coma, is unlikely to make it to the Blackpool final in three weeks’ time.
Her bump ‘n’ grind, saloon girl style foxtrot seemed to win approval from the judges but her slightly sulky ‘whatever’ approach is starting to wear a bit thin.
While Chelsee turned in an excellent Argentine tango, the dance of the night went to Harry the Hottie and his amazing quickstep which pulled in a score of 39 from the judges.
He never misses an opportunity to beat his chest, crotch thrust and buttock wiggle and, on Saturday, he took things a step further by ripping his trousers off to reveal his blue number eight shorts underneath – much to judge Craig Revel Horwood’s disgust. 
Classy? Crotch-thrusting Robbie Savage might lack sophistication, but he's always entertaining
Classy? Crotch-thrusting Robbie Savage might lack sophistication, but he's always entertaining
Robbie has taken an especially hands-on approach to his dancing, as we saw at the weekend when he ‘accidentally’ placed his hand on Ola’s chest rather than her waist before she swiftly moved it.
Their samba was performed to Hot Chocolate’s You Sexy Thing, a track chosen by him (of course). The man is so vain that the only reason he’d want to win the glitterball trophy is so that he can admire himself in the reflection.
Having said all that, I still look forward to his routines more than anybody else’s and the fact that he is always way down the leaderboard but constantly escaping the bottom two in the Sunday night results show means the public must have a soft spot for him also.
Holly found herself in the bottom two for the second week running and, unless she raises her game and comes out of her coma, is unlikely to make it to the Blackpool final in three weeks’ time.
Her bump ‘n’ grind, saloon girl style foxtrot seemed to win approval from the judges but her slightly sulky ‘whatever’ approach is starting to wear a bit thin.

While Chelsee turned in an excellent Argentine tango, the dance of the night went to Harry the Hottie and his amazing quickstep which pulled in a score of 39 from the judges.



Harry and Aliona win tonights Swingathon
Harry and Aliona win tonights Swingathon
Swing-a-thon: Harry and Aliona proved they have stamina after scoring the highest in the group dance off
Only Craig failed to deliver a ten but then Craig never gives a ten. I’m sure if he had to score Fred Astaire he’d mark him down because his shoulder was raised a tenth of an inch higher than it should have been.
Poor Harry and Aliona then only had a couple of minutes to change before the mighty swingathon.
Having been promised ‘war on the dancefloor’ and warned that ‘the only rules are that there are no rules’, I was expecting a ballroom version of Fight Club.
Of course all that actually happened was that the seven couples all did the twist for three minutes with a few lifts thrown in.
I have to say though, it was far more entertaining than the chaos of the previous year. In the end, Harry won the swingathon too – I’ve no idea how he kept going. I’m beginning to think he must be bionic.

The New Orleans Suspects, Flow Tribe and more music for Friday and beyond



ex-Radiators bassist Reggie Scanlan and Neville Brothers drummer Willie Green — as well as keyboardist Joe Krown’s Trio, with Walter “Wolfman” Washington on guitar and Russell Batiste on drums.
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The New Orleans Suspects feature, from left, Willie Green, CR Gruver, Jake Eckert, Kevin Harris and Reggie Scanlan. They perform at Tipitina's on Friday, Nov. 25, 2011 with the Joe Krown Trio.
Pianist Michael Wolff and percussionist Mike Clark kick off a two-night stand at Snug Harbor as the Wolff & Clark Expedition, with Chris Severin on bass.
Flow Tribe brings its brand of good-time funk to the Maple Leaf Bar.
South Louisiana guitarist Tab Benoit plugs in at Ruby’s Roadhouse in Mandeville.
Kermit Ruffins stages what purportedly will be his final late-night set at the Blue Nile.
The avant-jazz Illuminasti ensemble, featuring Mike Dillon and James Singleton, is upstairs at the Blue Nile.
Paul Sanchez is teamed with Alex McMurray at Chickie Wah Wah early, followed by an unplugged set from guitarist Jimmy Robinson, singer Susan Cowsill and drummer Russ Broussard.
The Molly Ringwalds kick off two nights at Southport Hall.
The Help features ex-Cold singer Barbara Menendez at Carrollton Station.
The Iguanas hold court at Irvin Mayfield’s I Club in the JW Marriott.
Drummer Shannon Powell powers a trio at Hermes Bar inside Antoine’s Restaurant.
The ever-popular Bucktown All-stars fire up at Rock
’n’Bowl.
Trombonist Rick Trolsen is on early at the Old Point Bar, followed later by Gal Holiday.
Singer-songwriter Andrew Duhon is at the Oak Wine Bar & Bistro.
Lightnin’ Malcolm is paired with Cameron Kimbrough at d.b.a.
Hear the Eric Traub Trio at Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar.

SATURDAY, Nov. 26
Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole time-travel across the spectrum of southwest Louisiana music. The ensemble draws on traditional French and Spanish melodies, West African rhythms, classic reels from the Cajun and Creole canons, and bluegrass and string band chestnuts, even as Watson churns out original compositions on his double-row Hohner accordion. Watson, a Texas native who first came to prominence in the Cajun/Creole music world as a member of the Pine Leaf Boys, self-produced his new album with Bijou Creole, “Le soleil est levé.” Expect to hear music from the new CD and more at Chickie Wah Wah on Saturday.
Also, Tab Benoit returns to Rock
’n’Bowl.
Carrollton Station hosts an all-star ensemble of ex-Radiators guitarist Dave Malone, Papa Grows Funk keyboardist John “Papa” Gros, guitarist/vocalist Eric Lindell and gutiarist Jimmy Robinson.
Fondly remembered local honky-tonk band The Plowboys reunites at Le Bon Temps Roule.
Cyril Neville is at Irvin Mayfield’s I Club in the JW Marriott Hotel.
Singer John Boutte is on early at d.b.a., followed by Paul Sanchez & the Rolling Roadshow.
Trumpeter Kermit Ruffins swings at Tipitina’s.
Pianist Michael Wolff and percussionist Mike Clark spend a second night at Snug Harbor.
The Treme Brass Band is featured at the Maple Leaf.
Dash Rip Rock hits the Rivershack Tavern.
Lil Red & Big Bad do blues at Big Al’s Deckbar on Jefferson Highway.
Clive Wilson explores the Legacy of Louis Armstrong at Preservation Hall.
Trumpeter Leroy Jones leads a quartet at Hermes Bar inside Antoine’s Restaurant.
Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone, Paula Rangell, Fingers Taylor, Ben Maygarden and others are featured for a big harmonica blowout during the free Blues Christmas at the Covington Trailhead show in Covington, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Later on Saturday, Rangell and her band, the Pontiacs, play at Landlubbers Pub in Slidell. The Soul Rebels Brass Band funks up the Blue Nile.
Trombonist Rick Trolsen fronts his Gringo do Choro ensemble at Dos Jefes. Billy Iuso hits the Oak Wine Bar & Bistro.

SUNDAY, Nov. 27
Gleason Gras takes over Champions Square outside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome with Better Than Ezra, Papa Grows Funk, Kyle Turley, Paul Varisco & the Milestones, Theresa Andersson and more.
The Hi-Ho Lounge hosts Mardi Gras Indian practices by the Skinz & Bonez and 7th Ward Creole Hunters.
Bassist Jim Singleton leads a quartet at Snug Harbor.
Mas Mamones does the late set at d.b.a.
The Joe Krown Trio features Walter “Wolfman” Washington and Russell Batiste at the Maple Leaf.
The Yat Pack and the Wiseguys team up for a Sunday evening gig at Rock
’n’Bowl.

TUESDAY, Nov. 29
The Columns Hotel hosts the New Orleans Guitar Masters featuring John Rankin and Phil DeGruy at 8.
The Bridge Trio does modern jazz at Snug Harbor.

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 30
The ’80s metal survivors of L.A. Guns rock One Eyed Jacks.
Alex McMurray hosts his Old Timey Revue at d.b.a. early, followed by Walter “Wolfman” Washington & the Roadmasters.
Catch Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes at the Maple Leaf.
Irvin Mayfield’s NOJO Jam features the music of Charles Mingus at the Jazz Playhouse in the Royal Sonesta.
Defeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra swing at Snug Harbor.
Singer Meschiya Lake and pianist Tom McDermott team up at Chickie Wah Wah.
The Devil Wears Prada headlines the House of Blues.
Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. joins the Topcats at Legends in Metairie.

THURSDAY, Dec. 1
Rootstock aims to re-create a night at a south Louisiana roadhouse: Cajun music, dancing and beer. The event, featuring the Lost Bayou Ramblers and Corey “Lil Pop” Ledet & His Zydeco Band at Rock 'n' Bowl, benefits the nonprofit Louisiana Folk Roots organization, which perpetuates indigenous south Louisiana music and culture. Rootstock also serves as a coming-out party for the new CD “En Français: Cajun
’n’Creole Rock’n’Roll,” on which various bands remake classic rock and pop songs in French, and for two new beers from Bayou Teche Brewing’s LA-31 series. On “En Francais,” the Lost Bayou Ramblers cover the Who’s “My Generation” and Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock’n’Roll,” translated as “Moi J’aime Rock’n’Roll.” Lil Pop Ledet takes on “Roadhouse Blues” and “Hey Joe.” Elsewhere on the disc, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys cover “Down by the River,” Feufollet revisits Big Star’s “In the Street,” and Isle Derniere remakes Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man” as “L’Homme en Fer.” The Rootstock show at Rock 'n' Bowl kicks off around 8 p.m.
Also, trumpeter Maurice Brown is back in town for two sets at Snug Harbor.
Saxophonist Loren Pickford visits Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar.
Trumpeter Jeremy Davenport logs his early evening Thursday gig at the Davenport Lounge in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
Reel Big Fish and Streetlight Manifesto headline the House of Blues.
Next door, The Parish of the House of Blues hosts a CD release party for “The Sounds of Daniel Bashta.”

Exclusive X Factor Live Show Gossip: Week 8



Teenager Janet Devlin is now OUT of the show after losing to Misha B in the sing-off, but judge Kelly Rowland vowed to support her in an emotional meeting backstage.  Kelly hugged and kissed Janet, mopping up her tears, and promised her that she would do all she could to help her crack the charts and fulfil her dreams.  The fact that Janet Devlin forgot her words to two songs on Saturday night was a major flaw and a reason for lack of votes. She said she felt sick during Hanson’s Mmmbopp, poor girl.
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Misha B is lucky to still be in the competition as it’s the third time she’s been in the sing-off. Very can exclusively reval that this has damaged her confidence and she was also in tears backstage, asking why the public don’t seem to like her. Hopefully she’ll do better next week?
IN : Misha B
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There was no crying for the gorgeous Marcus Collins as he sailed through to the semi-finals. However, he’s not without controversy as Very can exclusively reveal he’s at the centre of botox rumours and it’s affected his confidence. We hear he had botox in his dressing room before going on stage. This is bad enough but people found out about it and the Twitter world is criticising him, leaving him fearful about the public vote next week. DRAMA!
IN: Marcus Collins
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Little Mix had most of the nation in tears on Saturday night as they sang Beautiful by Christina Aguilera. After the show there was a treat in their dressing rooms as Spice Girl Mel C popped in to say hello. How cool is that? A future Little Mix/ Spice Girls collaboration maybe?
IN: Little Mix
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Amelia Lily is now the youngest in the X Factor competition and is coping well through the pressure this week. There have been no mid-week tears from her unlike in previous weeks. However, Very can exclusively reveal that her family have given her strict rules while in the X Factor , warning that if they see her drinking they’ll pull her out of the competition. Sounds harsh, but quite refreshing to see that her parents keep her grounded.
IN: Amelia Lily
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In the meantime, she can express herself with her wardrobe. Look closely at her boots – similar to the Love Label LA kitten heel boots from Very. Wild!

Producer: Justin Bieber's Next Album to Focus on 'Transition


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Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber's growing up, but vocal producer Kuk Harrell says he's not ready for "the adult game" just yet.

"The only conversation we've had about Justin's album that we're about to do is it's really important that it's the proper transition because we've seen him [with] 'Baby,' now we're watching him grow up," he told MTV News. "There's a record in between."

However, he said the 17-year-old star's current release -- the Christmas album "Under the Mistletoe," which bowed at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 -- is an "important" preview of what fans can expect from the next album.

"It gave everybody the opportunity to hear him, see him and get used to his voice changing," Harrell said. "That was a huge thing going into this album. We were able to get a running start on where he's at vocally 'cause it's a natural thing. When his proper album comes out, everybody's going to really be looking at that."

Bieber's next album, dubbed "Believe," is expected next summer. His manager, Scooter Braun, told the Hollywood Reporter last month that the teen star would be taking a hands-on approach to his new material.

"He's pretty adamant about writing a lot of [the album]," Braun said. "And he played me some stuff that he's been doing on his own. He wrote this amazing song that sounds like a Jodeci record. I'm really excited for him. This kid can sing his ass off. He's coming into his own."

Album Review: Ginuwine - A Ginuwine Christmas

Recommended R&B Christmas Albums
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R&B albums featuring new and/or classic holiday songs is a tradition that dates back almost as far as R&B itself. Over the years there's been literally hundreds of R&B and Soul artists who've remade traditional Christmas and holiday songs, including Patti LabelleBrian McKnight, Mariah Carey and the Isley Bros., among others. And there's also been hundreds of Christmas albums recorded with an R&B twist. While we can't go back and revisit every great R&B Christmas album of the past 50 years, this list of a dozen recommended R&B Christmas Albums is dedicated to some of the best R&B-flavored Christmas and holiday albums of the past and present.
years, this list of a dozen recommended R&B Christmas Albums is dedicated to some of the best R&B-flavored Christmas and holiday albums of the past and present.

Album Review: Ginuwine - A Ginuwine Christmas



Recommended R&B Christmas AlbumsAs far as holiday albums go, A Ginuwine Christmas by R&B singer Ginuwine is all over the map. The album, which was released by Notifi Music on Oct. 11, 2011, has songs ranging from traditional holiday music, to warm love songs, to mildly inappropriate sexual jams. And oddly enough, the best of the 10 tracks isn't even a Christmas tune at all, but a song about kicking a lousy girlfriend to the curb. The lack of focus would be easier to handle if the songs themselves were tight, but unfortunately Ginuwine's knack for making hits, which was at its height during the mid-to-late 1990s, has pretty much abandoned him in recent years. And this release makes that painfully obvious. For more, click the link to read the full review of Ginuwine's A Ginuwine Christmas.
  • Album Review: Ginuwine - A Ginuwine Christmas
  • R&B Artist Bio: Ginuwine

Kylie Minogue Enters ARIA Hall of Fame



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Kylie Minogue
Kylie Minogue was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame at the 25th annual Australian awards ceremony on Sunday night.

The pop star, who has earned 16 ARIA awards over her lengthy career, told the audience she was "a very proud Australian."

"I'm always bragging about our country wherever I am in the world and tonight's award means so much to me," she said.

The singer's award was presented by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who dubbed Minogue "so famous, we only need to say her first name."

Children's group the Wiggles joined Minogue in the Hall of Fame. Other honorees included Boy & Bear, who won five awards including Album of the Year and Breakthrough Artist Album; and Gotye, who took home three awards, including Best Male Artist and Single of the Year for the track "Somebody Tha

Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles Marries Longtime Boyfriend



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C Flanigan

Artists in this Article

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Sugarland
Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles celebrated more than just Thanksgiving this past weekend: the country star tied the knot with longtime beau Justin Miller.

According to People, the 37-year-old singer married Miller in a Tennessee chapel on Saturday (Nov. 26). Kristian Bush, Nettles' Sugarland band mate, was reportedly in attendance at the intimate ceremony.

Nettles and Miller had been dating for over two years. The former model appeared in the music video for the band's 2006 single, "Want To."

Sugarland will perform at the "Grammy Nominations Concert Live!" ceremony on Wednesday (Nov. 30) and host the CMA Country Christmas special on Thursday. Sugarland was recently named in a lawsuit filed by survivors of the Indiana State Fair stage collapse in August, which seeks unspecified damages for breach of reasonable care to the victims of the tragedy.

Producer: Justin Bieber's Next Album to Focus on 'Transition'



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Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber's growing up, but vocal producer Kuk Harrell says he's not ready for "the adult game" just yet.

"The only conversation we've had about Justin's album that we're about to do is it's really important that it's the proper transition because we've seen him [with] 'Baby,' now we're watching him grow up," he told MTV News. "There's a record in between."

However, he said the 17-year-old star's current release -- the Christmas album "Under the Mistletoe," which bowed at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 -- is an "important" preview of what fans can expect from the next album.

"It gave everybody the opportunity to hear him, see him and get used to his voice changing," Harrell said. "That was a huge thing going into this album. We were able to get a running start on where he's at vocally 'cause it's a natural thing. When his proper album comes out, everybody's going to really be looking at that."

Bieber's next album, dubbed "Believe," is expected next summer. His manager, Scooter Braun, told the Hollywood Reporter last month that the teen star would be taking a hands-on approach to his new material.

"He's pretty adamant about writing a lot of [the album]," Braun said. "And he played me some stuff that he's been doing on his own. He wrote this amazing song that sounds like a Jodeci record. I'm really excited for him. This kid can sing his ass off. He's coming into his own."

Hot Chelle Rae Heats Up With Sophomore Set, T-Swift Tour



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"One of the main reasons we were getting turned down [by labels] was because we didn't have enough Myspace friends," vocalist/guitarist Ryan Follese says of the band's early days. "It was like, 'Oh, you only have 30,000 Myspace friends. That's only 30,000 albums. I'm sorry.' We knew we needed to get the attention of a label that didn't care about that."

To say that Sony's now-defunct Jive Records didn't care about Internet buzz may be a stretch, but in 2008 the label did see something in the then-unknown act, and it wasn't its Myspace friends. Three years later, Hot Chelle Rae is far from an online nobody. With the band's sophomore set, "Whatever," set to arrive Nov. 29 on RCA, the Nashville pop act has more than 60,000 Twitter followers, 300,000-plus likes on Facebook, an American Music Award (AMA) for new artist of the year and, perhaps most important, a hit. Released in March, lead single "Tonight Tonight" peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August and has sold 2.3 million copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The video has racked up more than 21 million views on YouTube.



"'Tonight Tonight' was really all it took to change the trajectory into something more rapidly upwardly rising," says RCA VP of marketing Dan Mackta, who has worked with the band since its 2009 Jive debut, "Lovesick Electric" (20,000 units, according to SoundScan). "We had slowly and steadily been building for three years, and then we had a massive hit record over the summer. That changes the complexion of things considerably."

Formed in 2005, Hot Chelle Rae is no stranger to the industry. Follese and his brother Jamie (drums) are sons of songwriters Keith and Adrienne Follese ( Tim McGraw's "Something Like That," Faith Hill's "The Way You Love Me"); lead guitarist/vocalist Nash Overstreet is the son of singer/songwriter Paul Overstreet ("Daddy's Come Around," the Judds' "Love Can Build a Bridge"); and bassist Ian Keaggy's father, Phil, is a Grammy Award-nominated guitarist. "We're songwriters, not just a band," Ryan Follese says. "We grew up on the radio. We've always loved pop music. It's a genre we really love, and we wanted to touch that same audience."

In addition to "Tonight Tonight" and second single "I Like It Like That," which features New Boyz and is No. 25 on Billboard's Mainstream Top 40 airplay chart, the band fully explores its pop potential on the 11-track "Whatever"-tailor-made for a young demographic at radio. Producer Emanuel Kiriakou ( Clay Aiken, Backstreet Boys), songwriter Evan "Kidd" Bogart ( Beyoncé, Rihanna) and production/songwriting team S*A*M & Sluggo (Metro Station) contributed to the project.

With radio already onboard, Hot Chelle Rae is amping up its online presence: The video for "I Like it Like That" clocked more than 1 million views in the three days following its Oct. 7 Vevo debut, and the group has been active on Spotify, with ad placement targeting specific playlists.

The band performed Nov. 20 during the AMAs' preshow (the broadcast's only live performance) and picked up the Sprint new artist of the year award. TV appearances are also lined up for "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno," "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon," "Today" and "Live! With Regis and Kelly" during release week. On Dec. 9, Hot Chelle Rae will share a bill at New York's Madison Square Garden with Lady Gaga, Pitbull, Kelly Clarkson, David Guetta and others, as part of WHTZ New York's Jingle Ball. The group will also open for Taylor Swift in March during her arena tour of Australia. "This is going to be massive for them, and it's going to have an echo effect around the world," Mackta says of the tour.

Tab Benoit, a Plowboys reunion and more music for Saturday




tab benoit.jpgTab Benoit rolls into Rock 'n' Bowl on Saturday, Nov. 26.
Carrollton Station hosts an all-star ensemble of ex-Radiators guitarist Dave Malone, Papa Grows Funk keyboardist John “Papa” Gros, guitarist/vocalist Eric Lindell and gutiarist Jimmy Robinson.
Fondly remembered local honky-tonk band The Plowboys reunites at Le Bon Temps Roule.
Cyril Neville is at Irvin Mayfield’s I Club in the JW Marriott Hotel.
Cedric Watson and Bijou Creole visit Chickie Wah Wah.
Singer John Boutte is on early at d.b.a., followed by Paul Sanchez & the Rolling Roadshow.
Trumpeter Kermit Ruffins swings at Tipitina’s.
Pianist Michael Wolff and percussionist Mike Clark spend a second night at Snug Harbor.
The Treme Brass Band is featured at the Maple Leaf.
Dash Rip Rock hits the Rivershack Tavern.
Lil Red & Big Bad do blues at Big Al’s Deckbar on Jefferson Highway.
Clive Wilson explores the Legacy of Louis Armstrong at Preservation Hall.
Trumpeter Leroy Jones leads a quartet at Hermes Bar inside Antoine’s Restaurant.
Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone, Paula Rangell, Fingers Taylor, Ben Maygarden and others are featured for a big harmonica blowout during the free Blues Christmas at the Covington Trailhead show in Covington, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Later on Saturday, Rangell and her band, the Pontiacs, play at Landlubbers Pub in Slidell. The Soul Rebels Brass Band funks up the Blue Nile.
Trombonist Rick Trolsen fronts his Gringo do Choro ensemble at Dos Jefes. Billy Iuso hits the Oak Wine Bar & Bistro.
Related topics: hot picks

George Michael tour cancelled as pneumonia-hit star recovers in Vienna


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News of the pulled shows comes just a month after Michael, 48, had to cancel an appearance at the Royal Albert Hall in London because of a viral infection and a high temperature.
The singer is currently 45 shows into a tour that got underway in Prague in August and was due to include dates in the UK in the run-up to Christmas, including two in Cardiff this weekend.
The ex-Wham star is in Vienna after pulling out of a show there earlier this week.
Dr Christoph Zielinski and Dr Thomas Staudinger, who are looking after the stricken vocalist in the Austrian capital, today issued an update on his state, describing his condition as 'slowly improving'.
'George Michael has severe community acquired pneumonia and is being treated as an inpatient. His condition has stabilised and he is responding to treatment,' they said in a statement.
A promoter for the tour said organisers are working hard to rearrange as many dates as possible at 'the earliest opportunity

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Young Jeezy Brings Hustlerz Ambition to 'RapFix Live'

The Snowman will join Sway on 'RapFix Live' Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET on MTV.com.

 

It's been almost three years in the making, but on December 20, Young Jeezy will finally be releasing his long-awaited TM: 103 Hustlerz Ambition. And on Wednesday, the Snowman will be coming to "RapFix Live" to chop it up with Sway about his upcoming release. Not only that, but Young has also given RapFix an exclusive clip from the album's accompanying film.

The album boasts appearances from Lil Wayne, T.I., Jill Scott, Snoop Dogg and Devin the Dude. Last week, "I Do," a tongue-in-cheek love song featuring Jay-Z and Andre 3000, hit the Net to rave reviews. On it, Jeezy professes his love for hustling, while Jay cleverly raps about his marriage to the streets, though at times sounds like he is dedicating his bars to wifey Beyoncé.
Next week's edition of "RapFix Live" will also celebrate MTV2's upcoming Sucker Free Awards, as well the return of "Yo! MTV Raps," with a special episode dubbed "Classic Cuts." Both shows will premiere on MTV2 on December 4, and "RapFix Live" has exclusive behind-the-scenes looks.
Held at Miami's Club LIV, the Sucker Free Awards will celebrate the year in hip-hop, giving out statues for Best Crew of 2011, Rookie of the Year and the Must-Follow Person of 2011. Rick Ross, Meek Mill, DJ Khaled, Red Café and Ace Hood were all on hand as well as Birdman and his YMCMB family.
"Yo! MTV Raps: Classic Cuts" will profile three artists and their classic tracks: A Tribe Called Quest's "Scenario," Geto Boys' "My Mind's Playing Tricks on Me," and Ice Cube's "It Was a Good Day."
The special will feature discussions from former hosts Fab 5 Freddy, Ed Lover and Dr. Dre, as well as some of rap's generational heavyweights. The special will explore the way each song revolutionized the genre and impacted generations to come. In addition to the three classic cuts, the special will also feature a long list of current hip-hop artists from Common to Wiz Khalifa and Fat Joe.

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