Love The Music

Red Hot Chili Peppers announce U.S. tour dates

2011-12-02T01:44:00.001-08:00

The Red Hot Chili Peppers hold their Grammy awards for Best Rock Performance By A …

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers on Monday announced six new dates beginning in January for the North American leg of their "I'm With You" world tour.

Concerts in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee have been added to the tour, according to a posting on the band's website. The tour kicked off in Bogota, Columbia in September and is expected to continue throughout 2012.

The "I'm With You" tour supports the Los Angeles band's tenth studio album, released in August this year, which includes singles such as "The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie" and "Monarchy of Roses."

The latest tour also features the band's newest addition, guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, who replacedJohn Frusciante. Klinghoffer joined frontman Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea and drummer Chad Smith in 2010 for their latest album.

Tickets for the new U.S. shows are due to go on sale on December 3, and the band's official website said more shows and ticket sale dates would be announced in the coming weeks.

Bieber Fever dominates online search engine: survey

2011-12-02T01:42:00.001-08:00

Singer Justin Bieber performs on NBC's "Today" show in New York November 23, 2011. …

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Teen singing sensation Justin Bieber was named the most searched person this year on Internet search engine Bing on Monday, edging out reality TV star Kim Kardashianand "Friends" actress Jennifer Aniston.

In a survey conducted by the search engine, Bieber fever took over Bing in 2011 as the Canadian singer, 17, moved from last year's No. 6 position to become the most searched name and musician, based on billions of search queries during the year.

Bieber was the only male to feature in the top 10 list, as Kardashian fell from last year's No. 1 position and Aniston moved from last year's No. 9 position to No. 3 this year, with her rising profile attributed to a burgeoning film career and highly-publicized private life.

Actresses Lindsay Lohan and Megan Fox and singers Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Katy Perry,Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus rounded out most searched names.

Despite "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1" taking in $489.3 million at global box offices so far, the vampire flick was beaten by the latest installment of the "Mission Impossible" franchise as the most searched film of the year, with "Ghost Protocol" due for release in December.

"American Idol" was the most searched TV show and reality TV show this year, while Britain's royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton in April was the most searched celebrity event of the year.

Bing's survey also highlighted the most searched news stories this year, with the "Casey Anthony Trial" topping a list of high-profile events from around the world, including "Osama Bin Laden Death," "Michael Jackson trial/Conrad Murray" and "Japan Earthquake/Tsunami."

Michael Buble steals Rihanna thunder on U.S. album chart

2011-12-02T01:39:00.001-08:00

Singer Michael Buble arrives at the 2010 American Music Awards in Los Angeles November …

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Michael Buble's album "Christmas" topped the U.S. Billboard 200 album chart on Wednesday, against stiff competition from new releases by Nickelback, Rihanna,Daughtry and Mary J. Blige.

Buble's "Christmas" was released in late October ahead of the holiday season. But it saw a rise in sales over the Thanksgiving weekend, outselling "Here And Now," the seventh studio album by fellow Canadians Nickelback, by a mere 419 units to reach No. 1, with Nickelback at No. 2.

Buble's resurgence to the top spot from last week's No. 2 position may be replicated by other releases from earlier this year, ahead of Wednesday's Grammy nominations concert.

"With the Grammy nominations concert airing live tonight, there should be renewed interest in some of the top releases from earlier this year, as well as current and upcoming new recordings, taking us through December," said Jim Donio, president of the National Association of Recording Merchandisers.

Despite Rihanna's album topping the iTunes chart even before its release last week, "Talk That Talk" debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, while the album's first single, "We Found Love" featuring Calvin Harris, dropped to No. 2 in the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.

Last week's chart topper Drake fell to No. 4 with "Take Care," while Mary J. Blige's "My Life II: The Journey Continues, Act I" entered at No. 5, while Justin Bieber's "Under The Mistletoe" fell to No. 6 despite a gain in sales from last week.

Adele's "21" dropped to No. 7, the first the time album has dropped out of the top 5 since it entered 40 weeks ago. The rest of the top 10 are rounded out by Daughtry's new release, "Break the Spell," at No. 8, Scotty McCreery's "Clear As Day" at No. 9 and Coldplay's "Mylo Xyloto" at No. 10.

LMFAO's "Sexy And I Know It" edged out Rihanna for the top spot on the Hot 100 singles chart, while Bruno Mars's "It Will Rain" from the "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1" soundtrack held steady at No. 3 as the film broke the $500 million worldwide box office benchmark earlier this week.

Eminem Critiques B.o.B's Strange Clouds

2011-12-02T01:28:00.001-08:00

B.o.B

's first album, B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray,featured plenty of guest appearances, but arguably the biggest wasEminem's feature on "Airplanes Part II." Em is not exactly ubiquitous, but he found his way onto the up-and-comer's track. So, it shouldn't be much of a surprise that they'd team up again.

When Bobby Ray dropped his newest mixtape, E.P.I.C. (Every Play Is Crucial),seemingly out of nowhere Monday, it featured an older track with Eminem, titled"Things Get Worse." Though the track leaked in February, B.o.B decided to not let it go to waste.

When MTV News caught up with Bob on Tuesday evening, he said the track was recorded in Detroit around the same time as the "Airplanes" sequel. He also said he relished the opportunity to work so closely with two artists — B.o.B is signed to T.I.'s Grand Hustle — that were already legends.

"Working with artists like Tip and Eminem, you really learn a lot from people who have put out countless albums," he said. "Being that I'm fresh in the industry and really eager to learn and really show people everything I can do musically, they kind of help me. I remember Tip telling me, 'I'm with you. I support everything you do.' "

B.o.B revealed that he and Em have been in touch, and he had a chance to play Slim Shady his new record, Strange Clouds. Bobby Ray said it was still surreal to sit down with Em and have the rapper critique his work, especially since Em has been supportive of what he's already done. "I grew up listening to Eminem, so to be able to work and get advice on your music from him is a dream come true," he said. "It was free, a free environment. It really wasn't rigid, just real free with the music, no ego."

David Guetta to play London's Alexandra Palace

2011-12-01T23:16:00.001-08:00

Two-time Grammy winning internationally respected artist/producer/DJ David Guetta has announced a massive headline, bank holiday weekend show at London's Alexandra Palace on Friday 1st June 2012.

DJ Magazine's Number 1 DJ in World David Guetta cemented his status with 2009's multi-platinum One Love; a genre-busting hitmaker whose in-your-face fusion of electro and hip-hop beautifully warps the pop landscape.

Now, with his fifth studio album Nothing But The Beat (out now), Guetta builds on that breakthrough momentum and takes his decades-spanning career to a frenetic new level marked by bigger hooks and more brain-bending beats.

For help in blowing up those musical boundaries, Guetta assembled an A-team of collaborators sure to thrill enthusiasts from all ends of the pop spectrum. Nothing But The Beat features no fewer than 17 guest artists, from hip-hop royalty (Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, Timbaland) and game-changing rappers (Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne) to R&B superstars (Usher, Chris Brown, Akon) and breakout pop acts (Dev, Jessie J). Rounded out by Jennifer Hudson, Flo Rida, Taio Cruz, Sia, and Guetta's 'fellow mad scientist' Will.I.Am., that roster was carefully culled to guarantee a filler-free album destined to deliver hit after hit.

Following a massive tour around the world David Guetta is coming back to the UK for his biggest headline show:

Fri 1st June 2012 - London Alexandra Palace
(Bank holiday weekend)
Tickets are £36.50 adv

New album 'Nothing But The Beat' - includes the smash hits "Where Them Girls At" feat. Flo Rida & Nicki Minaj, and the killer new single "Little Bad Girl" feat. Taio Cruz & Ludacris.

DJ Yoda to headline free gig in Glasgow

2011-12-01T23:15:00.001-08:00

Globally renowned scratch extraordinaire, DJ Yoda, is set to headline a free gig in Glasgow courtesy of leading streetwear brand, Gio-Goi.

As part of the Christmas celebrations at the Gio-Goi store on Buchanan Street, music and fashion fans in Glasgow are being given chance to get their hands on free tickets to catch the king of cut-and-paste mixing in action at Sub Club on Thursday December 8th 2011.

One of Britain's most admired and original club DJs, DJ Yoda has evolved in the past ten years using his turntable skills and diverse influences as varied as Hip-hop, Funk, B-more, Kuduro, Reggae, Drum 'n' Bass and even Big Band Swing and Country & Western.

An audio-visual pioneer, DJ Yoda uses cutting edge technology that he has been instrumental in developing, to scratch and mix visuals on top of his DJ sets in clubs and festivals. And now for an intimate Glasgow crowd.

The vinyl virtuoso will be joined by two local favourites, Boom Monk Ben and Mr Mafro.

Worn by rock royalty, Gio-Goi is the fashion brand that key figureheads in music actively seek out. Born out of the Manchester Hacienda club scene in the early 90s, Gio-Goi is now worn by the likes of Plan B and Deadmau5.

A limited amount of free tickets are up for grabs. Visit www.gio-goi/djyoda to enter the free prize draw for tickets.

Jonquil announce new album in March

2011-12-01T23:14:00.001-08:00

Jonquil are, as of 2011, four men from Oxford ' Hugo Manuel, Sam Scott, Robin McDiarmid and Dominic Hand ' and 'Point Of Go' is their third (and yet, in a way, their first) record; an evolution, a transformation and a new start simultaneously.

Until last year the band were a working six-piece with two albums under their belt ' 2006's 'Sunny Casinos' and 2008's 'Lions'. Then half the band splintered off to form Trophy Wife, leaving the remaining trio with a very prominent question mark hanging over their heads. 'It was very touch and go whether we were even going to carry on,' explains vocalist and songwriter, Hugo. 'There was a lot of debate as to what we should do and whether we should get three extra people in, but in the end we ended up making three people into one person to give it a new lease of life. Once we'd decided not to give up we thought 'Let's make it different'. The idea was to minimise what we need.'

So Jonquil went from six, to three to four. Then came the challenge of, essentially, changing the entire way they functioned as a band. Having previously shared a recording and rehearsal space with Foals which enabled them to write and edit in a predominantly live capacity, the band had to re-think how they would work both as a reduced quartet and without their established base. As Hugo elaborates: 'We thought, well, let's stop and go back to how we used to work - recording in my bedroom and being a bit more abstract about it. Rather than all of us being in a room saying 'Let's write a song', we'd just get some interesting textures and drumbeats and build from there.' And yet, despite some factors suggesting otherwise, 'Point Of Go' emerged as a glimmeringly positive step in a new direction, a record that is, in their own words, 'far more poppy and accessible' than anything they've previously written.

Recorded over a six-week period at the farmhouse studio of Andrew Halford ' guitarist with Trophy Wife's live band - it takes the band's summery, afro-beat flourishes and delicately intricate guitars and strips them back to a set of immediate, direct pop songs. From 'History of Headaches' - a low-slung slow-builder with a celebratory pay off for which Hugo's solo project Chad Valley - whose two EPs to date garnered widespread critical acclaim and radio support ' provided the blueprint, to the guitar-led, nostalgic vibes of 'Real Cold' and 'Run' ' the result of wanting to write 'one really, all out big song', 'Point Of Go' is both thrillingly new and firmly still Jonquil. Perhaps the best example is even the most obvious- the album's two-part title track; one half a subtle, bare-bones ballad of utmost restraint, the other a more familiar, upbeat and technical offering, a sprightly yin to its introverted yang.

With influences rooted firmly in the past ' from Fleetwood Mac to The Smiths, Chic and Earth, Wind and Fire to Arthur Russell ' the quartet's third LP is an exercise in classic pop sensibilities held up by a modern backbone. It's an album that fully embraces what the 70s and 80s understood, and what seems to have been slowly lost in progressive cynicism and enforced complexity. 'I've always found it very hard to write things that don't seem to be... obvious' shrugs Hugo. 'To me it's obvious because it's good; people are expecting certain chords because it should happen. Pop is popular, and popular describes what people want to hear.' Crucially, however, it's an album that takes all these building blocks and assembles them into more than the sum of their parts, creating something that's fundamentally clever in its very simplicity.

Tracklisting:

1. Swells
2. Getaway
3. It's My Part
4. Point Of Go (Part 1)
5. Point Of Go (Part 2)
6. Run
7. This Innocent
8. Real Cold
9. Mexico
10. History Of Headaches
11. Psammead

With the album in the bag and plans afoot to record with Trophy Wife, now is the point where it all starts to go very, very right indeed.

'Point Of Go' will be released on Oxford's Blessing Force label ' newly set up by and for a burgeoning community of musicians & artists from the area and one which also involves the Jonquil boys' other projects (Chad Valley, Solid Gold Dragons and Pocket House).

Jonquil play two Blessing Force multimedia events in London and Oxford in December.

Dec 15th ' Corsica Studios, London
Dec 17th ' O2 Academy, Oxford

Chord Overstreet returning to Glee

2011-12-01T23:13:00.000-08:00

Chord Overstreet is excited to 'jump back' into filming Glee.

The 22-year-old actor and musician will return to Glee this season after declining an offer to appear on the show earlier this year.

Since this summer Chord, who plays Sam Evans on the TV series, was spending most of his time working on his solo album.

'I wanted to do a bunch of recording and take time to do that,' Chord told Entertainment Weekly. 'Luckily, everything kind of opened back up [in my schedule] so I could jump back in.'

Producers are planning to reintroduce Chord's character Sam in the show at a time when the glee club needs to be galvanised.

'Finn [Cory Monteith's character] and Rachel [Lea Michele's character] are looking for somebody to help them with sectionals. So they bring [Sam] back to school,' Chord explained.

'He tries to kind of pick everything back up where he left off and he realises that everything has changed a little bit since he's gone. He has to kind of re-adapt a little bit.'

Chord is not planning to return to the show indefinitely. He wants to keep his creative options open.

'Right now, we're playing it by ear, having fun and [I'm] just enjoying doing that and doing music also.'

Chord will reappear in the season on the episode scheduled to air in America on December 6. Glee is currently in its third season.

Kelly Osbourne: Jack will be fantastic dad

2011-12-01T23:12:00.000-08:00

Kelly Osbourne believes her brother Jack will be the 'best dad in the world.'

Jack announced in October that he is expecting his first child with fiancée Lisa Stelly.

Kelly is convinced that Jack will be an incredible father to his new baby.

"He''s going to be the best dad in the world," Kelly told E! Online.

"Not a lot of people know this about my brother, but this is what my brother has wanted for a really, really long time."

Jack and Kelly are the children of Black Sabbath star Ozzy Osbourne and America''s Got Talent judge Sharon Osbourne.

Although the Osbournes are a loving family, Kelly thinks that Jack is insistent on setting a better example for his child than his dad Ozzy ' who battled with drink and drug problems - did for him.

"It''s no secret, growing up we didn''t have the world''s greatest father,' Kelly explained. 'We had the most loving father, who then turned into the best father in the entire world, but there was a time when he wasn''t. And I think for Jack... he wants to make a family, and he wants to be the best dad in the world.'

Kelly is elated that her brother is happily in love.

"It couldn''t have happened in a better way,' she gushed.

'[Jack] met the most amazing girl, they fell in love, they''re getting married and they''re having a baby. It''s like a fairy tale."

With the holiday season coming up, Kelly will purchase gifts for her whole family, including her unborn niece or nephew.

"Lisa gets her gift, Jack gets his gift and, even though the baby''s not born yet, the baby''s getting their gift, too."

Jack rose to fame in the family''s reality show The Osbournes.

He and Lisa are expecting their baby in 2012.

Britney Spears fires trainer

2011-12-01T23:11:00.000-08:00

Britney Spears has parted ways with her physical trainer.

The 30-year-old singer is currently performing her final Femme Fatale tour dates in Latin America.

The strenuous stage performances coupled with the rigorous workouts from her former trainer Derek DeGrazio proved to be too much stress for the songstress.

'It was [an] amicable [split],' an insider told In Touch magazine.

Britney is thought to have been unhappy with the restrictions Derek placed on her diet.

'Britney doesn't want to worry about every single thing that goes into her mouth anymore,' the insider explained.

There is no hostility between Britney and Derek, whom she originally hired in May of this year. The fitness trainer does believe the singer was not forthcoming about what she was eating.

'[Britney] knows Jason loves her no matter what and he has encouraged her not to stress about it,' the source explained.

'But Derek felt Britney made him look bad when she cheated on her diet.'

Britney has spoken previously about why she finds fitness such a difficult activity.

'[My biggest daily challenge] is trying to get up and go work out in the morning. I haven't worked out in, like, two weeks,' she told Stylist magazine this month.

'Sometimes it's hard to be motivated. But once you get up and do it you feel like you've conquered the world.'

Britney's Femme Fatale tour ends in San Juan, Puerto Rico on December 10.

Lady Gaga: I am fearless

2011-12-01T23:10:00.000-08:00

Lady Gaga says she has 'no fear'.

The eccentric singer says she is not scared to do anything and that is part of the reason why she is such a successful artist.

Gaga relies on her lack of worry to confront ideas that others wouldn't dare to do.

'I don't regret anything,' she said in an interview with the British edition of Elle magazine.

'If I'd known things back then I wouldn't be where I am now, because so much of who I am is based on a lack of fear. I have no fear. It's like jumping off buildings completely blindfolded and I don't know where I am going to land and I don't care.'

Gaga thinks that the key to creativity is to have faith in your own ability. She also believes that people must believe in the existence of art itself.

'You have to trust the art,' she explained.

'If you don't trust the art, it's not going to trust you to be its fuse. It's not inanimate. The art has to trust me or it's not going to invite me to be it's messenger.'

Bruno Mars proud of Grenade success

2011-12-01T23:08:00.001-08:00

Bruno Mars is thrilled his track Grenade is being 'recognised' because he worked on it for so long.

The singer received six Grammy Awards nominations last night, with Grenade in the running for the Record of the Year and Song of the Year. The track also won Bruno a mention in the Best Pop Solo Performance category.

Bruno is particularly thrilled to be vying for the gongs as the tune is one of his favourites.

'I think [the company we're in is] all that matters right there, that's the win for us. Especially with Grenade actually, we worked really hard on the song for like three months, tearing up pieces of paper, trying to get that song to where it is today and it's nice that that's being recognised,' he said. 'We're proud of that song and we hope that we remain victorious the night of the Grammys.'

Bruno will battle it out against acts including Adele, Katy Perry and Mumford & Sons for the Record of the Year Prize.

Actress-and-singer Taraji P. Henson was delighted to be at the event, which took place in Los Angeles and was broadcast on television.

She revealed some of the award nominations and said the only letdown of the evening what that she didn't get to spend time with Lady Gaga.

'It's a lot of fun. My only disappointment is that I didn't get to Lady Gaga because my dream is to be one of her dancers,' she laughed backstage to ET. 'She is like a movement and I just love everything she represents, she's amazing for me. If this acting thing doesn't work out look for me on the Lady Gaga tour, I'm a monster.'

The official awards ceremony will be held on February 12 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Justin Timberlake: Learn to accept yourself

2011-12-01T23:07:00.001-08:00

Justin Timberlake says the secret to a successful relationship is self-belief.

The singer-and-actor has dated a string of beautiful women including Britney Spears and Cameron Diaz. Justin is currently in an on-off romance with Jessica Biel and insists you need to love yourself before you can commit to someone else.

"Believe in yourself! That''s one the most important premises to be happy,' he told German magazine In when asked for the secret to a good relationship. "Yes, I do believe in true love. Absolutely!"

There have been rumours Justin and Jessica are planning to get married. Although it appears the heartthrob may be considering tying the knot, he still doesn't feel ready to start a family just yet.

Many of his childhood friends are now settled down, but Justin wants to focus on his career.

"Well, I''m not one of these people who got together with their partner when they were very young. Some of my high school friends who stayed in Tennessee have three kids already,' he revealed. 'But I have a different lifestyle."

Justin has remained close to many people he grew up with. However, the star admits he faced adversity for expressing an interest in a certain genre of music.

"I grew up in a very bigoted parish. In Tennessee, we almost had a kind of apartheid. The other kids treated me like a freak,' he explained. 'The white ones hated me because I sang black music. And the black ones hated me for the exact same reason. But still, it was the music I loved."

The 30-year-old has had a busy year, promoting the movies Bad Teacher, Friends with Benefits and In Time.

Justin realises it is important to take time out to relax and enjoys spending time with his loved ones or playing his favourite sports.

"I play golf and it''s good to know that I won''t up the next day with my back aching. But I need to have fun, too - good wine and good food are important to me,' he added. 'And breaks! Just like now for example, I''m gonna be off for the whole winter."

Green Day musical to premiere in the UK

2011-12-01T23:06:00.001-08:00

Green Day's explosive, award-winning Broadway rock musical AMERICAN IDIOT, will get its premiere in the UK in 2012 with a major national tour featuring a thrilling American tour cast, culminating in a run at London's legendary HMV Hammersmith Apollo.

The story of three boyhood friends, each searching for meaning in a post 9-11 world, AMERICAN IDIOT, will open at Southampton's Mayflower Theatre (October 9 - 13) then tour to Cardiff's Millennium Centre (October 15 - 20); Edinburgh Playhouse (October 22 - 27); Glasgow Clyde Auditorium (October 29 - November 3); Dublin Grand Canal Theatre (November 5 - 10); Manchester Palace Theatre (November 12 - 24); Birmingham Alexandra Theatre (November 26 - 30) and then London's HMV Hammersmith Apollo (December 4 - 9).

Tickets go on sale 10.00am Friday 9th December.

AMERICAN IDIOT features the music of Green Day with the lyrics of its lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong. The book is by Armstrong and Michael Mayer and direction is by Tony AwardÂ®-winner Mayer ('Spring Awakening'). Its hit songs include 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams,' '21 Guns,' 'Wake Me Up When September Ends,' 'Holiday' and the blockbuster title track 'American Idiot' from Green Day's 2004 Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum album. Also included are several songs from Green Day's 2009 release '21st Century Breakdown,' and an unreleased love song, 'When It's Time.'

"We're excited to be bringing the US stage production of American Idiot to the UK and Ireland," said Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong. "We played to some of the most insane crowds when we toured the album there, and we can't wait for our friends across the pond to see the musical."

The acclaimed creative team includes choreography by British Olivier Award-winner Steven Hoggett ('Black Watch'), and music supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Pulitzer Prize-winner Tom Kitt ('Next to Normal'). The Tony AwardÂ®-winning scenic design by Christine Jones and the Tony AwardÂ®-winning lighting design by Kevin Adams will also be featured in the tour.

Winner of two Tony AwardsÂ® and the 2010 Grammy Award winner for Best Musical Show Album, AMERICAN IDIOT premiered at Berkeley Repertory Theatre in September 2009. In April 2010, the musical opened on Broadway where reviews were unanimously positive and it ran for over a year.

Lady Gaga 'humbled' by Grammys nod

2011-12-01T23:05:00.000-08:00

Lady Gaga is 'humbled' by her three Grammy Award nominations.

Stars in the running for the prestigious prizes were announced last night at the Grammy Nominations Concert Live!

Lady Gaga's newest record Born This Way is up for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album.

She was also recognised for Best Pop Solo Performance for Yoü and I.

The star took to her Twitter account to express her gratitude at being nominated for the gongs.

'I'm humbled + honored to have a Trinity of nominations from the Grammy's, including Album of the Year for Born This Way. I love u so much (sic),' she wrote.

Pink will compete alongside Lady Gaga for Best Pop Solo Performance for her track F**kin' Perfect.

The singer admitted she was shocked to be in the running for anything.

'ha! honestly so surprised and grateful for the Grammy nom for 'Perfect'. such a treat. thanks for the love and support everyone. Blessed (sic),' she Tweeted.

Rihanna was also delighted with her nominations.

Her record, Loud, is a contender for Best Album of the Year and Best Vocal Pop Album.

The star is also competing with herself for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

Her single What's My Name with Drake is up against Kanye West's All of the Lights which she provided the vocals for.

'This year keeps getting better and better!#LOUD up 4 Album of the year is so #MAJAH (sic)' she exclaimed.

However, Rihanna wasn't just thrilled for herself.

The 23-year-old was also supportive of the other acts that have been recognised.

'#GRAMMYS2012 Congratulations to all the other nominees!' she wrote.

Kanye West leads the pack with seven nominations.

The ceremony will be held on February 12 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Drake 'makes management decision'

2011-12-01T23:03:00.001-08:00

Drake has reportedly parted ways with his managers in order to 'streamline' things.

The Canadian hip-hop star has a management team from his home country but also started working with other people as his career progressed.

Last week, he decided to cease contractual obligations with Kyambo Joshua, Gee Roberson, Al Branch and Bryant Cortez. They all work for management and production company Hip Hop Since 1978, which was started by Gee and Kyambo in New York City.

'[Drake] was getting pulled in too many different directions,' a source told New York Post. 'His team from Canada is trying to wrestle back control. He may go back to them to streamline things.'

It's also reported Drake has decided to work with new agents. He's said to have called time on his relationship with International Creative Management, and is moving in another direction.

Drake is now being represented by William Morris Endeavor, with an assistant there confirming the move.

The hip-hop star is now being looked after by Brent Smith, who also works with Snoop Dogg.

Drake's spokesperson hasn't commented on the report.

The star's second studio album Take Care was released earlier this month and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart.

Katy Perry: Life's not a soap opera

2011-12-01T21:56:00.000-08:00

Katy Perry has compared the divorce speculation surrounding her to a television soap opera.

Yesterday, the internet and social networking site Twitter were rife with reports that the American songstress was separating from her husband of 13 months, Russell Brand.

The break-up speculation follows rumours that Katy was expecting her first child with Russell.

Katy took to her personal Twitter page earlier this morning to refute such claims. The star compared the stories surrounding her personal life to those featured on American soap Opera All My Children.

'First I'm pregnant & then I'm divorced. What am I All My Children?! #ericakane #pshhh #ifihadadollarforeverytime ...(sic)' she wrote on her personal page.

Katy and Russell tied the knot in a "private and spiritual ceremony" in India last October. Their relationship has been dogged with rumours of an impending break-up over the past few months, with many sources reporting that their conflicting work schedules are driving a wedge between them.

Meanwhile, Katy has added a new tattoo to her body. The stunning star had a smiling peppermint sweet inked on her foot, while Russell Brand had the name of his favourite soccer team, West Ham United, tattooed on the back of his arm.

The body art was created after one of Katy's concert in Los Angeles last week by artist Bang Bang.

Katy, 27, then gave the tattoo guru ' real name Keith McCurdy' the same design on his leg.

Lady Gaga's 'Marry the Night' video to premiere

2011-12-01T21:50:00.001-08:00

The premiere of Lady Gaga's groundbreaking music video for Born This Way's "Marry the Night" is finally here. We've already seen the teaser trailer and the The Prelude Pathétique clip, and now the 13 minute video - directed by Lady Gaga herself - will premiere this Thursday December 1, at 8:00pm EST/PST exclusively on E!.

The "Marry the Night" video marks the directorial debut for Gaga, and will air throughout the weekend as part of a half hour special that includes an exclusive interview. The video will be up on Eonline.com starting Thursday night, and will be released on VEVO and iTunes Friday night. The VEVO premiere will also feature additional interview content.

For more information on Gaga's latest releases, including Born This Way: The Collection, the Lady Gaga x Terry Richardson photo book, and A Very Gaga Holidayy, visit LadyGaga.com.

Justin Bieber premieres Mariah promo

2011-12-01T21:49:00.001-08:00

Justin Bieber premiered his new music promo with Mariah Carey last night.

The teen pop star showed some early festive spirit as he watched the lights being turned on at the Christmas in Rockefeller Center event in New York City.

Before the impressive Christmas tree was lit, stars including Michael Bublé, Katharine McPhee, Big Time Rush, Tony Bennett, Carole King and Neil Diamond all sang.

Justin then took centre stage as he sent the crowd wild by performing his hip-hop rendition of Little Drummer Boy alongside Busta Rhymes.

The 17-year-old heartthrob was next joined by his mentor Usher for a mellower tune The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire).

As Justin wished the audience a Merry Christmas, the All I Want for Christmas video came on the screen. The clip features Mariah dressed in a sexy Santa Claus outfit as she dances around a department store. Justin is seen browsing the aisles with some friends, before the pair hand out an array of gifts to lucky shoppers during a yuletide party.

Mariah and Justin then enjoy a spot of flirting as people begin to unwrap their presents.

Justin re-recorded Mariah's classic Christmas song for his new festive album Under the Mistletoe. Other stars to feature on the record include Boyz II Men and The Band Perry.

Lady Gaga performs twice for Grammys

2011-12-01T21:47:00.000-08:00

Lady Gaga wore skeleton make-up as she performed at the Grammy Nominations Concert Live! last night.

The outrageous singer was on hand to open and close the television show. Gaga is renowned for her well-thought-out stage shows and yesterday was no different.

She opened the programme boasting skeleton face make-up and a long black coat as she sang her new song Marry the Night. The set was made to look gothic, with metal and pipes strewn across it and dancers moving around her.

As the track speeded up the star threw off her coat and danced around in thigh-high boots and her underwear.

'Then the whole thing gave way to a particularly fierce dance segment, which brought the performance to a close and earned a standing ovation from the industry-heavy crowd (David Guetta seemed particularly pumped, it should be noted),' reports MTV.

Next up the nominations were revealed, with Adele and Kanye West up for the most gongs.

Gaga came back to close proceedings, surprising many with a duet of her track Yoü and I with country musicians Sugarland.

The star played the piano as she sang and also altered several lines in honour of her collaborators. 'Oh Sugarland, it's been six whole years,' she crooned.

The skeleton make-up was replaced by smoky eyes and a slash of red lipstick. Short, bouncy, blonde curls and a black evening dress completed the look.

The duet went down well with the crowd, who jumped to their feet to give a standing ovation.

Gaga wasn't the only big name performer, Rihanna also wowed the audience. She is currently completing her tour in London so her act was beamed in to Los Angeles via satellite.

The star belted out her track We Found Love wearing a striped top and shorts. She strutted around the stage and danced to the electro-pop song, before encouraging the crowd to 'make some f**king noise'. They did, with many members of the audiences jumping to their feet and bopping along to the track.

The end of her performance saw her disappear under the stage as confetti fluttered down from the ceiling.

Jackson's children enjoy X Factor tribute

2011-12-01T21:46:00.000-08:00

Michael Jackson's children sat in front row seats as the US X Factor celebrated the music of their father last night.

Michael left behind sons Prince, 14, and nine-year-old Blanket and 13-year-old daughter Paris when he died of acute Propofol intoxication in June 2009.

His three young children were joined by their grandmother Katherine and Michael's brothers Jackie, Tito and Marlon on the hit talent show.

The Jackson family watched the themed night and saw the remaining seven contestants pay tribute to Michael by performing a range of his record-breaking hits.

Wednesday also happened to be the 29th anniversary of Michael's record Thriller.

The 1982 album is the best-selling of all time and includes popular tracks including Billie Jean, Beat It and Thriller.

Michael's former physician Dr. Conrad Murray received the maximum sentence available for his involuntary manslaughter earlier this week.

The 58-year-old was ordered by Judge Michael Pastor to spend four years in the Los Angeles County Jail.

Despite receiving the harshest punishment for his crime, Katherine insisted it wasn't adequate.

"Four years is not enough for someone''s life. It won''t bring him back but at least he got the maximum. I thought the judge was very, very fair and I thank him,' she said after the verdict was announced.

Rihanna put on '24-hour health watch'

2011-12-01T21:44:00.001-08:00

Rihanna is apparently being watched around the clock so remains in great shape for the remainder of her tour.

The 23-year-old singer has had to cancel dates due to illness in recent weeks and is said to be extremely exhausted.

Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper now claims that the Barbadian starlet has been put under 24-hour surveillance and given a curfew by her record label ahead of this weekend's Capital Jingle Bell Ball event.

'She's filming her Loud tour DVD in December and her team is determined that she looks, acts and performs at her best,' a source told the publication.

'They are currently in talks with Mariah Carey's trainer, Patricia Gay, to fly in and start training.'

Rihanna apparently had a tearful exchange with her mentor Beyoncé Knowles last week because she hasn't been feeling well for a while and is finding her ten-month, 101-date world tour arduous.

The pregnant singer is said to have advised Rihanna to complete her tour and then take a year off to relax to prevent burn out.

'She's just a young woman who just wants to have fun, but she was feeling pretty low,' a source told British newspaper The Sun.

'It's a mix of exhaustion and stress. She's been partying hard to take her mind off things, but there are days when she wakes up and doesn't even know where she is because of the travelling. It's no wonder she is feeling down."

Rihanna has 16 more dates until her Loud tour is officially complete. Her final performance will take place in London on December 22.

Kanye West leads Grammy nominations

2011-12-01T21:42:00.000-08:00

Kanye West and Adele lead the nominations for the 2012 Grammy Awards.

Kanye scooped seven nods during yesterday's Grammy Nominations Concert Live! including Song of the Year for All of the Lights. He also received two Best Rap Album nods-for his critical smash My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and his much-hyped collaboration with Jay-Z, Watch the Throne.

Kanye has two songs in the Best Rap Song category for All of the Lights and Watch's Otis.
Adele is just behind Kanye with six nominations at the 54th Grammy Awards.

The British star was recognised in the Best Album category for her second album 21 and Song of the Year and Record of the Year for Rolling in the Deep.

She also received nods for Best Short Form Music Video for Rolling in the Deep, Best Pop Solo Performance for Someone Like You and Best Pop Vocal Album.

The Foo Fighters and Bruno Mars also received six nominations and their respective albums Wasting Light and Doo-Wops & Hooligans will compete for Best Album along with Lady Gaga's Born This Way and Rihanna's Loud.
Lil Wayne and dub-step specialist Skrillex are next in line with five nominations each.

Skrillex are nominated in the Best New Artist field alongside Nicki Minaj, country trio the Band Perry, rapper J. Cole and Bon Iver.

Bon Iver also nabbed Song and Record of the Year nominations for Holocene, as well as one for Best Alternative Rock Album for their self-titled second album.

The official awards ceremony will be held on February 12 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Album of the Year:
Adele - 21
Foo Fighters - Wasting Light
Lady Gaga - Born This Way
Bruno Mars - Doo-Wops & Hooligans
Rihanna - Loud

Record of the Year:
Adele - Rolling In The Deep
Bon Iver - Holocene
Bruno Mars - Grenade
Mumford & Sons - The Cave
Katy Perry - Firework

Best New Artist:
The Band Perry
Bon Iver
J. Cole
Nicki Minaj
Skrillex

Song of the Year:
Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi and Fergie - All of the Lights
Mumford & Sons - The Cave
Bruno Mars - Grenade
Bon Iver - Holocene
Adele - Rolling In The Deep

Best Pop Solo Performance:
Adele - Someone Like You
Lady Gaga - YoÃ¼ and I
Bruno Mars - Grenade
Katy Perry - Firework
Pink - F***in' Perfect

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance:
Tony Bennett & Amy Winehouse - Body and Soul
The Black Keys - Dearest
Coldplay - Paradise
Foster The People - Pumped Up Kicks
Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera - Moves Like Jagger

Best Dance Recording:
deadmau5 & Greta Svabo Bech - Raise Your Weapon
Duck Sauce - Barbra Streisand
David Guetta and Avicii - Sunshine
Robyn - Call Your Girlfriend
Skrillex - Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites
Swedish House Mafia - Save The World

Best Rock Performance:
Coldplay - Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall
The Decemberists - Down By the Water
Foo Fighters - Walk
Mumford & Sons - The Cave
Radiohead - Lotus Flower

Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance:
Dream Theater - On The Backs of Angels
Foo Fighters - White Limo
Mastodon - Curl of the Burl
Megadeth - Public Enemy No. 1
Sum 41 - Blood In My Eyes

Best Rock Album:
Jeff Beck - Rock 'N' Roll Party (Honoring Les Paul)
Foo Fighters - Wasting Light
Kings Of Leon - Come Around Sundown
Red Hot Chili Peppers - I'm With You
Wilco - The Whole Love

Best Alternative Music Album:
Bon Iver - Bon Iver
Death Cab for Cutie - Codes and Keys
Foster the People - Torches
My Morning Jacket - Circuital
Radiohead - The King Of Limbs

Best Traditional R&B Performance:
Eric Benet - Sometimes I Cry
Cee Lo Green and Melanie Fiona - Fool for You
R. Kelly - Radio Message
Raphael Saadiq - Good Man
Betty Wright and the Roots - Surrender

Best R&B Album:
Chris Brown - F.A.M.E.
El DeBarge - Second Chance
R. Kelly - Love Letter
Ledisi - Pieces of Me
Kelly Price - Kelly

Best Rap Album:
Jay-Z and Kanye West - Watch the Throne
Lil Wayne - Tha Carter IV
Lupe Fiasco - Lasers
Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday
Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
BeyoncÃ© and Andre 3000 - Party
DJ Khaled, Drake, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne - I'm On One
Dr. Dre, Eminem and Skylar Grey - I Need a Doctor
Rihanna and Drake - What's My Name?
Kelly Rowland and Lil Wayne - Motivation
Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi and Fergie - All Of The Lights

Best Rap Performance
Chris Brown, Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes - Look at Me Now
Jay-Z and Kanye West - Otis
Lupe Fiasco - The Show Goes On
Nicki Minaj and Drake - Moment 4 Life
Wiz Khalifa - Black And Yellow"

Best Country Solo Performance:
Jason Aldean - Dirt Road Anthem
Martina McBride - I'm Gonna Love You Through It
Blake Shelton - Honey Bee
Taylor Swift - Mean
Carrie Underwood - Mama's Song

Best Country Song:
Thompson Square - Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not
Blake Shelton - God Gave Me You
Trace Adkins - Just Fishin'
Taylor Swift - Mean
Vince Gill - Threaten Me With Heaven
Kenny Chesney (featuring Grace Potter) - You and Tequila

Best Americana Album:
Linda Chorney - Emotional Jukebox
Ry Cooder - Pull Up Some Dust And Sit Down
Emmylou Harris - Hard Bargain
Levon Helm - Ramble At The Ryman
Lucinda Williams - Blessed

Best Blues Album:
Gregg Allman - Low Country Blues
Marcia Ball - Roadside Attractions
Warren Haynes - Man In Motion
Keb' Mo' - The Reflection
Tedeschi Trucks Band - Revelator

Best Folk Album:
The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow
Steve Earle - I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive
Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
Eddie Vedder - Ukulele Songs
Gillian Welch - The Harrow & The Harvest
Clemmie Robinson
Tasha Usefnia
Lucy Gregory
Â© Cover Media

Nickelback reveal they want to write a musical soundtrack

2011-11-28T08:35:00.000-08:00

The chart-topping band Nickelback have shocked their rocker fans by revealing that they would have liked to write the musical soundtrack to the glitzy West End show Chicago, and how they now have their eyes on a theme tune for The Office.

Chad Kroeger and Ryan Peake also chatted to Absolute Radio about writing for the Spiderman movie and let slip that they count The Police as a musical influence.

VB: 2002, Chad, you teamed up with Josie Scott to do the Spiderman theme song Hero. How did that come about?

N: I think Josie teamed up with him.

VB: Ah. Josie was your shadow, following you round?

N: My manager was managing the band that he was in called Saliva and they were also signed to. Island Def Jam, then Island Def Jam had just like acquired half of our record company. They were like 'Hey, you should really do a song with Josie.'

VB: Push it out there.

N: Yeah, I mean it was, it started as one of those and then I played that and he's like 'Just a minute, let me get my A&R guys.' So he brought his A&R guy in the room and he was like 'Just give them the first verse again and a little bit of the chorus.' So I played it again for them acoustically and they just said 'Yes, that's the one we should definitely do that one together.' Then we sent the demo back to the record company just to see what they were thinking and right away they sent it over to Columbia who were doing the sound track for Spiderman and they wanted the song badly, which was really nice.

VB: So the song came first, then the sound track picked it up. It wasn't written particularly for that film?

N: No. When you start a song that says 'I'm so high I can hear heaven', you know, I wasn't really talking about.

VB: Spiderman.

N: Swinging from building to building.

VB: Are there any films that you wish you'd recorded a full sound track for? Is that something you'd like to do as a band in the future?

N: Chicago. I think we could have done the whole sound track to Chicago.

VB: Nice, bit of jazz.

N: We could have done it poorly but we could have done it.