Billboard.biz - Top Stories

John Mayer, MercyMe, Slash, Sara Bareilles On Course for Top 10 on Billboard 200

Keith Caulfield, Los Angeles — 2012-05-25 17:09:00.0

John Mayer seems far and way the likely next act to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, as his "Born and Raised" set should easily debut atop the list next week. As for the rest of the top 10 next week, Christian band MercyMe seems on course for its second top 10 album. And guitar god Slash may be in line for the third-highest bow with "Apocalyptic Love."

Indian Copyright Act Amendments Give Music Artists Ownership Rights

Nyay Bhushan, The Hollywood Reporter — 2012-05-25 15:56:00.0

The long-debated amendments – for which the late Robin Gibb had also campaigned with the Indian government - give copyright ownership to artists replacing the earlier work-for-hire system where film producers held that right.

Business Matters: Google Shines a Light on Huge Effort to Fight Piracy at Google Search

Glenn Peoples, Nashville — 2012-05-25 13:59:00.0

Google has lifted the veil on its anti-piracy efforts by launching an online Transparency Report that offers details on the issuers and targets of removal requests for Google’s search results. Also, guitar dealers suffer collateral damage from the Gibson Guitars v. Lacey Act battle; and Tom Silverman says monetizing passive fans is a way forward for the music business.

Why Skrillex, David Guetta, Deadmau5 Aren't Playing This Weekend's Detroit Movement Fest

Andy Gensler (@andygensler), New York — 2012-05-25 13:15:00.0

Detroit's annual Movement Festival, widely considered the U.S.'s most prestigious and well-curated electronic dance music event, kicks off Saturday with over 100 artists performing for roughly 100K fans over three days. Yet, just as “The Summer of EDM” gets underway, one wonders why the year’s biggest dance artists – Skrillex, David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia, Deadmau5, Kaskade, Avicii, Tiesto and others - are nowhere to be found...

Eurovision Song Contest Promotes the Wacky and the Exotic

Peter Leonard, Associated Press — 2012-05-25 11:22:00.0

A memorable melody. Distinctive stage presence. Some horse-trading of votes. Those are secrets to success in the annual Eurovision Song Contest, a televised pan-European extravaganza viewed by some 125 million people worldwide that is now entering its 57th year. Here's a look at favorites and wacky wonders.

Justin Bieber, Carly Rae Jepson, Nelly Furtado to Perform at MuchMusic Video Awards

Karen Bliss, Toronto — 2012-05-25 10:54:00.0

Canadians Nelly Furtado, Justin Bieber and rising pop singer Carly Rae Jepsen — who all performed on last weekend’s Billboard Music Awards — have been added to the MuchMusic Video Awards lineup, along with pop band Marianas Trench.

Chart Moves: Garbage Returns to Billboard 200 Albums Chart, 'Newsies' Cast Recording Rebounds

Keith Caulfield, Los Angeles — 2012-05-25 10:24:00.0

Garbage returns to the Billboard 200, while Pantera, Michael Jackson, Guns N Roses, and Journey all make gains.

Chart Moves: Rihanna Rises on Hot 100, Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw's 'Star' Fades

Gary Trust, New York — 2012-05-25 09:00:00.0

Beyond Carly Rae Jepsen and Gotye owning the tops of the Hot Digital Songs and Billboard Hot 100 charts, respectively, there's lots of lower echelon machinations brewing: Songs by Rihanna, David Guetta featuring Sia, Grouplove, and Gym Class Heroes featuring Ryan Tedder all make gains while Kenny Chesney & Tim McGraw's latest flags.

Daddy Yankee Named Face of Verizon's 'Mis Fabulosos Quince' Campaign

Leila Cobo (@Leilacobo), Miami — 2012-05-25 08:47:00.0

Urban star Daddy Yankee is the face of Verizon’s new Mis Fabulosos Quince (My Fabulous Quince) campaign. The contest aimed at Latina teenagers will have 15-year-olds submitting essays to win an all-expenses paid Quinceañera party for 100 guests, plus a $5,000 college scholarship and a private performance from Yankee.

Doc Watson, Legendary Folk Musician, Master Flatpicker, In Critical Condition

Martha Waggoner, Associated Press — 2012-05-25 08:10:00.0

Grammy-winning folk musician and master flatpicker Doc Watson was in critical condition Thursday at a North Carolina hospital after falling at his home in Deep Gap earlier this week. The blind singer and guitarist has won several Grammys, including a lifetime achievement award. He also received the National Medal of the Arts.

Troy Carter, Lady Gaga's Manager, Says Singer Won't Change Show For Protests

Associated Press — 2012-05-25 07:57:00.0

Lady Gaga's manager Troy Carter says the pop diva has no plans to tone down her act, even if that prevents her from performing in some countries on her Asian tour. A report quoted Carter as saying Lady Gaga is not being "provocative for the sake of being provocative."

Lady Gaga's 'Simpsons' Appearance, Tour Controversy Spark Billboard Social 50 Chart Gain

William Gruger, New York — 2012-05-24 22:09:00.0

Lady Gaga rises makes a big jump back into the top 10 of Billboard's Social 50 chart (climbing 14-5), thanks to the momentum generated by her guest appearance on Fox TV's "The Simpsons" on May 20. Bit it was controversy surrounding her most recent tour dates in the Philippines and Indonesia that became the focal point for online activity pertaining to Gaga towards the end of the charting week.

Pub Briefs: Spirit Music Group Buys Jimmy Sturr Catalog, Imagem Music USA Signs John Shanks, and More

Ed Christman, New York — 2012-05-24 21:00:00.0

Spirit Music Group has purchased the complete song catalog of polka icon Jimmy Sturr as part of a joint venture with with Lauren Keiser. Also, Imagem Music USA (IMU) has signed of a worldwide, multi-year co-publishing agreement with Grammy winning writer/producer John Shanks. And ASAP will honor composer Trevor Rabin at the 27th annual ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards. Click through to read more publishing news.

M.I.A. Signs With Roc Nation Management

Billboard staff — 2012-05-24 19:24:00.0

Sri Lankan MC M.I.A. has signed with Roc Nation management, the company announced on its website today.

Business Matters: Yahoo! Music Says 'Yoo-Hoo!'

Glenn Peoples (@billboardglenn), Nashville — 2012-05-24 18:42:00.0

What has 27 million U.S. visitors each month and seems to get less attention in the music business than many music blogs? Yahoo! Music. Also, two recent NME.com stories are the perfect example of why you should be careful about what you read/pass on as news; and Pandora's good day or two...

Sony Overtaking Universal in Market Share? It Already Happened in March

Ed Christman, New York — 2012-05-24 18:25:00.0

If the media wants to write about the possibility of Sony Music Entertainment overtaking Universal Music Group in U.S. market-share rankings, maybe they should have done so when Sony actually accomplished that feat back in March, as detailed in Billboard’s April 14 issue. Here's a look at 2012 so far, and which releases will influence the battle for the rest of the year.

Lionel Richie's 'Tuskegee' Becomes Year's Second-Biggest-Selling Album

Keith Caulfield (@keith_caulfield), Los Angeles — 2012-05-24 17:29:00.0

One of 2012's biggest surprise success stories just got even more surprising and successful: This week, Lionel Richie's smash "Tuskegee" album becomes the second-biggest selling album of the year with a total of 789,000 sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

BMG Rights Management and Germany's GEMA Sign 'One-Stop' European Digital Licensing Deal

Wolfgang Spahr, Berlin — 2012-05-24 15:34:00.0

BMG Rights Management and the German collection society GEMA reached an agreement that will simplify the licensing and administration of online rights for BMG's Anglo-American repertoire across Europe. The partnership will begin July 1, 2012.

AKB48 Sweeps Japan Society of Songwriters, Authors and Composers Awards

Rob Schwartz, Tokyo — 2012-05-24 15:02:00.0

The J-Pop mega-idol group AKB48 is continuing its dominance of the Japanese music industry. The act grabbed the top four spots in JASRAC’s (Japan Society of Songwriters, Authors and Composers) Awards for the tracks that earned the most copyright royalties in fiscal 2011.

'American Idol' Has Lowest-Rated Finale Ever, Down 32% From 2011

THR & Billboard Staffs — 2012-05-24 13:59:00.0

The "American Idol" finale scored a sizable victory on Wednesday night, pulling a 6.1 rating among adults 18-49 and 20.7 million viewers, according to fast affiliate ratings. But the finale's numbers were the lowest of any previous "American Idol" finale and a 32% drop from last season.

Vevo's Numbers Climb in First Quarter With Facebook Integration

Glenn Peoples (@billboardglenn), Nashville — 2012-05-24 13:15:00.0

Vevo’s recent integration with Facebook appears to have helped increase usage at both Facebook and Vevo.com, according to numbers the company released today. Vevo launched a new interface with tighter Facebook integration in March and immediately saw a numbres boost, including a 600% increase in videos viewed or published at Facebook and 500,000 new user registrations via Facebook (a 142% increase).

Exclusive: Rdio Working on Plan to Directly Compensate Artists

Glenn Peoples (@billboardglenn), Nashville — 2012-05-24 09:32:00.0

Music subscription service Rdio is formulating a plan to directly compensate recording artists for bringing it new subscribers, according to a source within the company and two managers who have discussed the program with Rdio. The plan comes at a time when subscription services are fighting for market share and against negative publicity over royalty payments.

Kip Moore's 'Truck' Chugs To No. 1; Kenny Chesney, Willie Nelson Debut on Country Charts

Wade Jessen, Nashville — 2012-05-24 09:05:00.0

Newcomer Kip Moore becomes the fourth artist this year to reach No. 1 for the first time on Country Songs, as “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck” (MCA Nashville) rises 3-1 in its 33rd chart week. Meanwhile new songs by Kenny Chesney and a new album by Willie Nelson make impressive debuts.

Phillip Phillips Wins 'American Idol' Season 11 as Show's Ratings Dip

Kevin Rutherford and Billboard Staff — 2012-05-24 08:30:00.0

Philip Phillips, the Leesburg, Ga. native, became the 11th winner of American Idol last night beating out California's Jessica Sanchez after a record 132 million votes were cast. The record number of votes, however, may be something of a pyrrhic victory as the hugely successful singing contest franchise's ratings have dropped nearly 25% this season.

Viacom Increases Quarterly Dividend

Georg Szalai, THR and Billboard Staff — 2012-05-24 07:45:00.0

Viacom said Wednesday that its board has approved a 10 percent increase in its quarterly dividend to 27.5 cents per share from 25 cents. Viacom reported earlier this month that its net income rose 56 percent this past quarter thanks to higher revenue from its TV networks.

Donald 'Duck' Dunn Remembered During Memphis' Beale Street Funeral March

Adrian Sainz, Associated Press — 2012-05-24 07:30:00.0

The late bass player Donald "Duck" Dunn was honored Wednesday in the city where he performed on some of R&B's best-known hits, with musicians leading a lively funeral march down Memphis' Beale Street.

Justin Timberlake Making Music Return with 'The Devil in the Deep Blue Sea' Score

David Greenwald, Los Angeles — 2012-05-23 21:49:00.0

Justin Timberlake will compose the score, his first, for the film "The Devil in the Deep Blue Sea," according to The Hollywood Reporter. The New Orleans-set drama will feature Jessica Biel (Timberlake's fiancé), Chloe Moretz and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and is expected to start shooting in the fall.

John Mayer Going for Third No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart

Keith Caulfield, Los Angeles — 2012-05-23 21:18:00.0

John Mayer's new album "Born and Raised" is heading for No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart next week. Industry sources suggest it could sell around 220,000 to 240,000 copies by week's end on May 27. The new Billboard 200 chart's top 10 will be revealed on the morning of May 30.

Pandora Beats Guidance for Quarter, Raises Guidance for Fiscal Year

Glenn Peoples, Nashville — 2012-05-23 19:03:00.0

Pandora Media pleased investors by beating estimates for its fiscal first quarter revenue and increasing its guidance for the fiscal year. Revenue grew 58% to $80.8 million, easily beating the company’s guidance of $72 million to $75 million.

Michael Rapino, Perry Farrell Added to Insomniac's EDMBiz Conference in Las Vegas

Dan Rys, New York — 2012-05-23 17:25:00.0

Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino and Lollapalooza founder/Jane's Addiction frontman Perry Farrell are among the latest big names to be added to Insomniac's EDMBiz Conference, set for June 5-7 in Las Vegas in the buildup to the city's Electric Daisy Carnival.

Donna Summer's Album Sales Skyrocket 3,277% Following Death

Keith Caulfield (@keith_caulfield), Los Angeles — 2012-05-23 17:13:00.0

The late Donna Summer impacts Billboard's music charts this week, following her death on May 17. Billboard's new sales charts reflect only four days since Summer's passing, but in that time the Queen of Disco had four albums enter the Billboard 200 up 3,277% from the week before; and 187,000 song downloads (up from 4,000) topped by "Last Dance" and "On the Radio.”

Business Matters: Is Vevo Considering An IPO?

Glenn Peoples (@billboardglenn), Nashville — 2012-05-23 16:42:00.0

Vevo is seeking new investors to help fund its international expansion, according to two reports -- and one claims the video streaming company is considering an initial public stock offering. Also, mobile-first social apps could be hurting YouTube; and Flurry, a new social startup, is launching with partners Live Nation and BandPage.

ICM Finalizes Equity Firm Buyout, Excludes Former CEO Jeffrey Berg

Daniel Miller, The Hollywood Reporter — 2012-05-23 16:28:00.0

International Creative Management has finalized its deal to buy out majority owner Rizvi Traverse Management and has formed a new partnership structure for the agency, the company said Wednesday. Control of the firm will now rest with its agents and executives.

Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne on Attempt at Record For O Music Awards, 'Great' Relationship With Warner Bros.

Andrew Hampp, New York — 2012-05-23 16:05:00.0

When the Flaming Lips set out to break Jay-Z’s world record for most live concerts in multiple cities in 24 hours as part of MTV’s O Music Awards on June 27th, it will probably look like a scene straight out of “The Magical Mystery Tour.”

Music Apps For the Summer Time -- Last.fm Festivals, Blog DJs, Chart Playlists, More

Knar Bedian, Evolver.fm — 2012-05-23 14:48:00.0

As the thermometer consistently tops 70 degrees here in New England, it's safe to say summer is coming in. For music lovers, that means music festivals. This week's batch includes Last.Fm's Festivals app, designer playlist apps, and chart-based apps that allow you to stream some of the most popular music on the U.S. charts.

Carly Rae Jepsen Jumps to No. 1 on Digital Songs, No. 2 on Hot 100

Gary Trust, New York — 2012-05-23 13:47:00.0

The pick-up line anthem ascends to No. 1 on Hot Digital Songs, but couldn't unseat Gotye for No. 1 on the Hot 100. On the Hot 100, the song claims top Digital and Airplay Gainer honors.

The Great GoogaMooga Fest to Refund 'Extra Mooga' Tickets Amid Attendee Backlash

Dan Rys, New York — 2012-05-23 13:07:00.0

Complaints against the inaugural Great GoogaMooga festival, held in Brooklyn last weekend, said the event was marred by impossibly long lines, nonexistent cell phone service, food and drink running out, and a breakdown of the wine and beer tent payment system. Now the fest's promoter, Superfly Presents, is issuing full refunds for the $250 'Extra Mooga' tickets (general tickets were free). The event included performances by the Roots, Hall & Oates, Fitz & The Tantrums, James Murphy and others.

Adam Lambert Scores First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 With 'Trespassing'

Keith Caulfield (@keith_caulfield), Los Angeles — 2012-05-23 11:00:00.0

For the first time, one "American Idol" replaces another at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 as Adam Lambert's "Trespassing" debuts atop the list with 77,000 sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan. His arrival bumps last week's leader, Carrie Underwood's "Blown Away," down to No. 3 (54,000; down 55%).

What to Expect from Pandora's Earnings Release Today

Glenn Peoples, Nashville — 2012-05-23 10:03:00.0

Look for continued, strong listener growth to be the theme when Pandora Media reports its fiscal first quarter earnings today after the end of the trading day. The company’s shares are down 30% to $9.98 since first fourth quarter earnings were released March 6.

Fool's Gold's Nick Catchdubs on The Goldmine, Indie Label's New Premium Digital Service (Q&A)

Emmanuelle Saliba (@ignitethesound), New York — 2012-05-23 08:05:00.0

Fool’s Gold, the Brooklyn-based indie label, just launched The Goldmine, a premium digital subscription service. Here, label co-founder Nick Catchdubs explains the service's genesis; the challenge of translating the label's physical retail experience to digital ("you're not going to see A-Trak"), and how the Holy Ship! cruise inspired the first release.

Surreal 'Holy Motors' Film With Kylie Minogue Receives Rapturous Cannes Reception

Jill Lawless, Associated Press — 2012-05-23 08:00:00.0

The most rapturous audience reception at the Cannes Film Festival has gone to "Holy Motors," a disorienting, whirling dream of a movie by French director Leos Carax. Starring Denis Lavant as a man who adopts a dozen wildly different personas during a long Paris day, the film includes surrealist scenes, tender moments, pop star Kylie Minogue and bonobo monkeys.

Richard Lom promoted to VP at SBS Entertainment

Leila Cobo (@leilacobo), Miami — 2012-05-23 07:55:00.0

Richard Lom has been promoted to VP of SBS Entertainment, the live entertainment and management arm of media company Spanish Broadcasting System.

Mercury Prize Announces New Venue, Live Gigs, Broadcast Partner

Paul Sexton, London — 2012-05-23 07:53:00.0

The U.K.'s Barclaycard Mercury Prize has announced a number of significant changes for it upcoming Nov. 1 awards: This includes a new location, a series of gigs featuring nominees for the prestigious award and a new television partner in Channel Four after the BBC hosted the awards for the past fifteen years.

Lady Gaga Tweets Indonesia 'Born This Way' Show Still Up In The Air

Associated Press — 2012-05-23 07:24:00.0

Lady Gaga is as confused as anyone about whether she'll be allowed to perform in Indonesia with protests, censorship and permits clouding the situation. And the superstar's tweets on the matter didn't clear things up.

Business Matters: Pre-release File Sharing Helps Album Sales, Says a Study. So Why Not Replicate This Legally?

Glenn Peoples, Nashville — 2012-05-22 21:17:00.0

A study by an assistant professor at North Carolina State University posited that file sharing before an album's release date helped boost sales for established and popular artists, rather than hurt them. So, how can the music industry take advantage of this data in a legal way? Elsewhere, Facebook's stock dropped again, and opinions differ as to its value.

Premios Juventud VIP Tour to Feature 3BallMTY, Luis Enrique, Others

Leila Cobo (@leilacobo), Miami — 2012-05-22 18:13:00.0

3Ball MTY, Jerry Rivera, Larry Hernandez, Luis Enrique, Plan B and Sensato will perform as part of the 2012 Premios Juventud VIP Tour. The series of private concerts leading up to “Premios Juventud," will kick off June 7 in Miami and hit five cities.

Kanye West, Beyonce, Jay-Z Lead BET Award Noms; Samuel L. Jackson Tapped As Host

Associated Press — 2012-05-22 17:59:00.0

It's a family affair at the upcoming BET Awards: Kanye West has the most nominations with seven, while his mentor, Jay-Z, earned five, and Jay-Z's wife, Beyoncé, received six. Samuel L. Jackson will host the July 1 award show.

'Polka King' Eddie Blazonczyk Dies At 70

Caryn Rousseau, Associated Press — 2012-05-22 17:00:00.0

Grammy Award-winning polka great Eddie Blazonczyk, who began playing the lively music in the 1950s and went on to earn the nickname "Polka King" after starting his own band and label, has died. He was 70.

Sony Music Unlimited, More Open Than Ever, Takes the iOS Plunge on Friday

Eliot Van Buskirk, Evolver.fm — 2012-05-22 15:08:00.0

Sony Music Unlimited is dipping into the iOS, expanding its service to Apple's iPhones from its previously Android-only model. It's service, which contains over 15 million songs, can also be synched across all Sony devices.

Billboard Music Awards Win Night for ABC Among Key Demographic

Andrew Hampp, New York — 2012-05-22 14:25:00.0

Sunday night’s Billboard Music Awards won the night for ABC among adults 18 to 49, according to fast affiliate numbers from Nielsen Media Research. The three-hour telecast was watched by 7.4 million total viewers, with a 2.7 share rating in the 18-to-49 demo, enough to handily beat NBC’s finale of “The Celebrity Apprentice” (5.6 million viewers, 1.6 share of 18-to-49-year-olds.)

Michael Jackson's 'Bad' Turns 25; Epic/Legacy to Release 3-CD, Concert DVD Box Set This September

Dan Rys, New York — 2012-05-22 14:03:00.0

Epic/Legacy Recordings will be re-releasing Michael Jackson's iconic 1987 album "Bad" as part of a 3-CD, 1-DVD box set with remastered tracks, unreleased demos, and the first DVD of Jackson's July 16, 1988 performance at London's Wembley Stadium ever released.

Dwight Yoakam Announced For Billboard Country Music Summit

Ray Waddell, Nashville — 2012-05-22 13:30:00.0

Grammy-winning country star Dwight Yoakam, an artist who has transcended the country music genre to become a multi-slash innovator, entrepreneur and actor, will be the Superstar Keynote Q&A at the 3rd Annual Billboard Country Music Summit, set for June 4-5 at the Cannery Ballroom in Nashville. He joins a growing slate of announced BCMS attendees, including Luke Bryan, Willie Nelson, Shooter Jennings, Thompson Square and CAA's Rob Light.

Jamaican Artist Busy Signal, With Top 10 Album on Reggae Charts, Arrested on Extradition Warrant

Patricia Meschino, Kingston — 2012-05-22 12:34:00.0

Jamaican sing-jay Busy Signal was arrested on May 21 in Kingston by members of the Fugitive Apprehension Team on a provisional extradition warrant; he had abandoned his European tour after learning that an extradition warrant was issued for him by the United States Government on a conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine charge.

CAA's Rob Light to Take Part in Executive Q&A at Billboard Country Music Summit

Billboard Staff — 2012-05-22 10:55:00.0

Rob Light, head of the Music department, a partner, and Managing Director of Creative Artists Agency (CAA), will sit with veteran Billboard live entertainment writer Ray Waddell for an in-depth discussion at the Billboard Country Music Summit at the Cannery Ballroom June 4-5. CAA's Nashville's roster includes Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Lady Antebellum, Shania Twain, Alan Jackson, Shooter Jennings, Kings of Leon, Brantley Gilbert, Martina McBride, My Morning Jacket, Trace Adkins, and Willie Nelson.

Exclusive: Starbucks To Release 'Cafe Con Musica,' Nacional Records Latin Alt Compilation

Leila Cobo (@Leilacobo), Miami — 2012-05-22 09:36:00.0

Starbucks, which rarely carries Latin music in its stores, has partnered with Latin indie label Nacional Records to release an exclusive compilation of Latin alternative music. “Café con Música" will feature such Nacional artists as Aterciopelados, Diego García, Ana Tijoux and Nortec Collective and will be available only at Starbucks beginning June 19.

Hip Hop Hall of Fame Finds NYC Home

Associated Press — 2012-05-22 08:53:00.0

Organizers say the Hip Hop Hall of Fame Museum has found a home in midtown Manhattan, which will reportedly include a restaurant, arcade, concert lounge, television studios, marquee, community and corporate rooms and gift shop. An awards show will return to television in November that will be broadcast from the Apollo Theater.

Rusty Walker, Country Radio Hall of Famer, Dead at 59

Chuck Dauphin, Nashville — 2012-05-22 08:32:00.0

While the average country music fan might not have been familiar with the name Rusty Walker, there were few figures more beloved in the industry than the veteran programmer and consultant. Walker, who died Monday, enjoyed a long an illustrious radio career both behind the mic and helping others program stations to record successes all from his perch in Iuka, Mississippi.

Alliance Entertainment Acquires Audiolife

Ed Christman, New York — 2012-05-22 08:15:00.0

Alliance Entertainment has acquired Audiolife in a move to expand its direct-to-consumer fulfillment business. Audiolife's clients include such artists as Paul McCartney, Beastie Boys, Eminem and Leann Rimes as well as companies like Topspin, ReverbNation and LMFAO’s Party Rock clothing.

Whitney Houston's Final Recording 'Celebrate' Released (Listen)

Jason Lipshutz, New York — 2012-05-22 07:00:00.0

Whitney Houston's final recording is being released. The song "Celebrate," a duet between Jordin Sparks and Houston from the "Sparkle" soundtrack, comes just after Sparks performed a heart-wrenching performance of "I Will Always Love You" at Sunday night's the 2012 Billboard Music Awards.

Doobie Brothers' Michael McDonald Files Royalty Lawsuit Against Warner Music Group

Ed Christman, New York — 2012-05-21 21:55:00.0

King & Ballow’s Richard S. Busch continues his assault upon the major label tradition of paying standard artist royalties for downloads instead of a 50% licensing royalty. The attorney has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Doobie Brothers singer Michael McDonald against the Warner Music Group in the U.S. District Court of Middle Tennessee in Nashville.

Pearl Jam to Headline Jay-Z's Made in America Festival

David Greenwald, Los Angeles — 2012-05-21 20:58:00.0

Pearl Jam will be joining Jay-Z at the Made in America Music Festival. The rockers will headline one night of the Philadelphia event, set for Sept. 1 and 2 at Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Fairmount Park.

Singer/Songwriter Robi 'Draco' Rosa Signs With SESAC, Preparing New Album

Justino Aguila (@musicscribeLA), Los Angeles — 2012-05-21 18:08:00.0

Latin Grammy-winning singer/songwriter/producer Robi 'Draco' Rosa has signed with SESAC. His impressive, multi-faceted career includes membership in the boy band Menudo and alt-rock band Maggie's Dream, co-writing Ricky Martin's "Livin' La Vida Loca" and Sisqo's "Thong Song'" and an upcoming duets album that includes Calle 13, Tego Calderón, Ricky Martin, Juanes, Rubén Blades, Maná, Marc Anthony and Shakira.

Business Matters: Triton Media Helping Pandora Seem More Like a Radio Company

Glenn Peoples, Nashville — 2012-05-21 17:48:00.0

Pandora is now being measured by Triton Digital, giving it information it can provide to advertisers that speaks the same language as terrestrial radio companies, allowing Pandora to sell to more easily to advertisers. Elsewhere, Hastings is the latest company to blame low quarter earnings on the weak CD release schedule, and the Financial Times thinks Sony undervalues Sony Music and Pictures.

Spotify to Launch in Australia and New Zealand Tuesday

Glenn Peoples (@billboardglenn), Nashville — 2012-05-21 17:00:00.0

Spotify will launch in Australia and New Zealand Tuesday, giving the leading on-demand music service its first presence outside Europe and the United States and its 14th and 15th overall markets. The service’s catalog will have 16 million tracks in each country.

How To Improve Music Discovery and Sales On TV: A Billboard Special White Paper

Glenn Peoples (@billboardglenn), Nashville — 2012-05-21 16:45:00.0

This special Billboard white paper was undertaken as a joint project among Billboard, NARM’S DigitalMusic.org division and TAG Strategic towards developing steps to improving music discovery on TV. The content is based on a session at the National Assn. of Recording Merchandisers (NARM) conference, Music Biz 2012, titled “Music & TV: Enabling Discovery for the Connected Consumer” that was organized by DigitalMusic.org and TAG Strategic.

Backbeat: Billboard Music Awards' Raging Afterparty, With Stevie Wonder, Jordin Sparks, Wiz Khalifa, Far East Movement, More

Jem Aswad, Las Vegas — 2012-05-21 14:31:00.0

For many decades, Billboard has been known for its sober and succinct analysis of the music business and its related personalities and activities. By that metric, the official 2012 Billboard Music Awards afterparty at 1OAK in the Mirage absolutely raged.

Justin Bieber, Usher, Chris Brown Generate Most Social Activity During Billboard Music Awards

Glenn Peoples (@billboardglenn), Nashville — 2012-05-21 13:35:00.0

Chris Brown, Usher, Justin Bieber, Lil Wayne, Katy Perry and Jordin Sparks generated the most Twitter activity during the broadcast of Sunday night’s Billboard Music Awards, according to differing analysis by two different social media measurement companies.

Tim McGraw Signs With Big Machine Records

Chuck Dauphin, Nashville — 2012-05-21 13:00:00.0

Big Machine Records has signed Tim McGraw to a worldwide recording deal, adding the country superstar to Big Machine Label Group's already star-filled lineup of artists that includes Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, The Band Perry, Reba McEntire, and Martina McBride, among others. Big Machine is distributed by Universal Music Group.

AEG Live Leads Bidding for UK's HMV Live (Report)

Richard Smirke, London — 2012-05-21 12:05:00.0

AEG Live is leading the race to acquire HMV’s profitable live division, according to a reports. AEG Live has been granted preferred bidder status to purchase the HMV-owned Mama Group, which trades under the name HMV Live and comprises 13 U.K. venues

Supreme Court Refuses To Hear Joel Tenenbaum's Appeal of $675K Fine For Illegal Music Downloading

Associated Press — 2012-05-21 11:48:00.0

The Supreme Court has refused to take up a Boston University student's constitutional challenge to a $675,000 penalty for illegally downloading 30 songs and sharing them on the Internet. A federal judge called that unconstitutionally excessive, but the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston reinstated the penalty at the request of Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Warner Brothers Records Inc. and other record labels represented by the RIAA.

Wiz Khalifa, Robin Thicke On Robin Gibb, 'Duets,' and Wedding Plans

Gail Mitchell, Las Vegas — 2012-05-21 11:30:00.0

Wiz Khalifa and Robin Thicke stopped by to speak to Billboard.biz backstage at last night's Billboard Music Awards, and shared thoughts on Robin Gibb's death, Thicke's new television show "Duets," and whether Wiz and fiancee Amber Rose have concrete wedding plans yet.

Robin Gibb Q&A as President of CISAC

Karen Bliss, Toronto — 2012-05-21 11:06:00.0

While many are mourning Robin Gibb for his immense work with the Bee Gees, the musician also served an important role as president of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), where he fought for copyright and intellectual property law. Last June he sat down with Billboard.biz during the World Copyright Summit in Brussels to talk about his work.

Jasper Donat On Music Matters 2012: Troy Carter, Growing Asian Touring Market, Music Publishing In 53 Countries

Karen Bliss, Toronto — 2012-05-21 10:45:00.0

Music Matters 2012, the music industry one-stop covering “all that matters” (as their catchphrase declares) in the Asia Pacific region, kicks off its second year in Singapore this week (after six in Hong Kong). Billboard.biz spoke to Jasper Donat, Music Matters president about this year's speakers (Lady Gaga's manager Troy Carter, producer Bob Ezrin, AEG's John Meglen), the growing Asian touring market and "publishing, publishing, publishing."

Bee Gees Rank Third for Most Hot 100 No. 1s in History

Keith Caulfield, Los Angeles — 2012-05-21 09:05:00.0

The trio racked up nine Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles -- more than any other group in history save for the Beatles (with 20) and the Supremes (12). Of their chart-topping hits, their biggest is "How Deep Is Your Love," which reigned for three weeks in 1977 and spent 33 weeks on the chart

Bee Gee Robin Gibb Mourned and Hailed in Britain

Gregory Katz, Associated Press — 2012-05-21 08:54:00.0

One day after he succumbed to cancer, Bee Gee Robin Gibb was both mourned and hailed in his native Britain Monday as a master musician whose interests went far beyond the recording studio by a host of people, incuding former Prime Minister Tony Blair and the BBC's Paul Gambaccini

Keane Holds Off Tenacious D Atop UK Album Charts; Rita Ora Has No. 1 Single

Paul Sexton, London — 2012-05-21 07:53:00.0

Sunday’s new U.K. sales data from the Official Charts Company showed a second week atop the album chart for Keane’s “Strangeland” and on the singles survey for “R.I.P.” by Rita Ora featuring Tinie Tempah. The album top ten also included debuts from Tenacious D, Ren Harvieu and Garbage.

Jordin Sparks, Scooter Braun, Cherry Tree's Martin Kierszenbaum: Ten Things You Didn't See at the Billboard Music Awards

Jem Aswad, Las Vegas — 2012-05-21 00:10:00.0

As much as happened onstage at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards -- even more transpired backstage: Scooter Braun, for example, had to shuffle between clients Justin Bieber, Carly Rae Jepsen and the Wanted; Katy Perry and Zooey Deschanel being separated at birth; and Cherry Tree's Martin Kierszenbaum talks about LMFAO's forthcoming tour and a new Robyn recording.

Columbia, Interscope, Universal Republic Artists Top Billboard Music Award Winners List

Ed Christman, New York — 2012-05-21 00:00:00.0

The label competition to rack up wins at the Billboard Music Award Show tonight turned out to be a two-horse race between Sony Music Entertainment and the Universal Music Group.

LMFAO on Winning Six Billboard Music Awards, Michael Jordan Comparisons

Gail Mitchell, Las Vegas — 2012-05-20 23:55:00.0

LMFAO, who won six 2012 Billboard Music Awards, discussed winning their first major music awards, compared their performances to Michael Jordan and throw their weight behind a Denver student who was kicked out of school for playing their music.

Adele Tops Billboard Music Awards, Hot Performances By Justin Bieber, Jordin Sparks, Stevie Wonder, More

Billboard Staff — 2012-05-20 23:05:00.0

Adele had another one of those nights at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas on Sunday, taking home a whopping twelve awards including Top Artist and Top Billboard 200 Album during an evening of scorching performances by the likes of Katy Perry and Justin Bieber, a tribute to the late Whitney Houston, and a once-in-a-generation Icon Award for Stevie Wonder.

Billboard Music Awards: The Winners List

Billboard Staff — 2012-05-20 23:00:00.0

Adele was the biggest winner at tonight's Billboard Music Awards, taking home twelve trophies off the strength of her Grammy-winning album 21 and singles such as the chart-topping "Rolling in the Deep," while LMFAO were also big winners and Whitney Houston and Stevie Wonder were honored with the Millenium and Icon Awards respectively.

Jason Derulo Talks Performing Post Neck Injury, New 'American Idol' and Coke Promotion at Billboard Music Awards

Gail Mitchell, Las Vegas — 2012-05-20 22:36:00.0

Backstage at the Billboard Music Awards, Jason Derulo let Billboard in on his upcoming first performance since his neck injury, a new promotion with Coke and "American Idol" called Perfect Harmony and his plan for performing dangerous moves in the future.

Robin Gibb of The Bee Gees Dies

Gary Graff, Detroit — 2012-05-20 19:07:00.0

Robin Gibb, one-third of the Bee Gees, has died today after a series of health issues. He was 62.

2012 Billboard Music Awards Weekend Diary: Kelly Clarkson, Usher, Diplo & More

Jem Aswad, Las Vegas, With Guest Solo From Katie Morse — 2012-05-20 17:00:00.0

The days and nights leading up to tonight’s 2012 Billboard Music Awards have been action-packed: This diary recaps performances or rehearsals from and/or encounters with Kelly Clarkson, Diplo, Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood, Natasha Bedingfield, Usher and a pile of friends of .Biz old and new. The awards air tonight on ABC at 8 p.m. #BBMA

Watch the 2012 Billboard Music Awards Livestream From Backstage, Red Carpet HERE

Billboard Staff — 2012-05-20 07:46:00.0

Tonight, Sunday, May 20, Billboard.biz will host a livestream of the Billboard Music Awards beginning at 6:30 p.m. EDT, with red carpet arrivals hosted by Julie Brown where you can see the likes of Justin Bieber, Carrie Underwood, Usher, Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys and many others -- plus a large swath of the music industry. Then, a live feed at 8:00 p.m. from backstage will give viewers an unprecedented and candid look at one of pop music's biggest nights.