Celebrity Bug - Curing Your Celebrity Craving

CARRIE UNDERWOOD TACKLES 'LOW' BY FLO RIDA

2012-06-01T00:59:00.000-05:00

Can Carrie Underwood really sing anything? During her recent interview with 'Dateline', the country beauty tested out the theory as she braved a bull-riding and karaoke session that included Flo Rida's smash "Low". Watch it beneath:

MIRANDA LAMBERT GOES RETRO FOR 'W' MAGAZINE

2012-06-01T00:42:00.000-05:00

Country star Miranda Lambert, who is currently touring in support of her latest 'Four the Record' album, is featured in the pages of the June 2012 issue of W magazine, where she sounds off on her tough image and superstar Taylor Swift.

When she speaking of her rival, Lambert says: “Taylor Swift is a pop singer. But she really helped country music. I thought if they are looking for Taylor’s videos or songs, they might see or hear other people they like. If her fans are watching for her, they might like me too.” Santiago & Mauricio shot the retro-styled shoot.

CIARA REVEALS ALBUM & FIRST SINGLE TITLES

2012-05-31T14:58:00.000-05:00

R&B entertainer Ciara has revealed that the title of her upcoming Epic Records debut is 'One Woman Army' and the first single "Sweat", will be released soon.

The project will mark a (big) test for the singer as her last two albums, 'Fantasy Ride' and 'Basic Instinct', were (both) critical and commercial failures, and led to the star departing Jive Records to reunite with her longtime mentor L.A. Reid.

VIDEO: CHRIS BROWN, BIG SEAN & WIZ - 'TILL I DIE'

2012-05-31T01:30:00.001-05:00

R&B star Chris Brown continues to test out his abilities as a rapper, alongside Big Sean and Wiz Khalifa, in the official video for "Till I Die", one of the many singles from his forthcoming album 'Fortune', due on July 3rd. Watch it beneath:

VIDEO: TANK FEATURING T.I. - 'COMPLIMENTS'

2012-05-31T01:15:00.000-05:00

R&B stud Tank links up with T.I. and newcomer Kris Stephens, in the visual for "Compliments", the newest release taken from his 'This is How I Feel' album.

Watch the newly-released video, which was crafted by Juwan Lee, after the cut:

VIDEO: THE THRONE - 'NO CHURCH IN THE WILD'

2012-05-31T01:00:00.000-05:00

Hip-hop titans Jay-Z and Kanye West, collectively known as 'The Throne', has released the official visual for "No Church in the Wild", the latest single taken from their Grammy-winning album 'Watch the Throne'. Watch the clip beneath:

NEW MUSIC: J. HOLIDAY - 'SIGN MY NAME'

2012-05-31T00:33:00.000-05:00

After a two year absence, J.Holiday, who rose to success with the urban smash "Bed", returns with his lead single "Sign My Name". The single will be appear on his upcoming third studio set, which is due out later this year. Listen beneath:

TRACK LIST: CHRIS BROWN - 'FORTUNE'

2012-05-30T19:32:00.001-05:00

R&B star Chris Brown has unveiled the official tracklist for his upcoming album 'Fortune', which is scheduled to arrive in retailers and digital outlets on July 3rd.

Preceded by the hit single "Turn Up the Music" and "Till I Die", the album will be available in standard and deluxe editions. Peep the official track list beneath:

OFFICIAL TRACK LIST

01. Turn Up The Music
02. Bassline
03. Till I Die (featuring Big Sean & Wiz Khalifa)
04. Mirage (featuring Nas)
05. Don’t Judge Me
06. 2012
07. Biggest Fan
08. Sweet Love
09. Strip (featuring Kevin Mccall)
10. Stuck On Stupid
11. 4 Years Old
12. Cadillac (featuring Sevyn)
13. Don’t Wake Me Up
14. Trumpet Lights (featuring Sabrina Antionette)

Deluxe Edition
15. Tell Somebody
16. Free Run
17. Remember My Name (featuring Sevyn)
18. Wait For You
19. Touch Me (featuring Sevyn)

NEW MUSIC: JUSTIN BIEBER - 'DIE IN YOUR ARMS'

2012-05-30T00:52:00.000-05:00

Pop superstar Justin Bieber follows up his first single, "Boyfriend", with "Die In Your Arms", the second single from his new album 'Believe', due June 19th.

Produced by Rodney 'Darkchild Jerkins, the single works and strategically, it stands as a good move from the teen star as he tries to transition into adulthood.

Not only will it please his core audience, but even older listeners will appreciate it.

REVIEW: KRIS ALLEN - 'THANK YOU CAMELLIA'

2012-05-28T18:01:00.000-05:00

With his southern charm and boy-next-door good looks, Kris Allen was the last man standing on the eighth season of ‘American Idol’, and while his runner-up Adam Lambert has had a more successful career; Allen is still the better artist.

On his sophomore album, ‘Thank You Camellia’, Allen continues to rely on the lush harmonies and predominant melodies that clouded his debut disc, and this time out, Allen takes a heavier hand in writing each of the album’s eleven entries.

The giddy “Better With You” kicks the set off as he sings of a girl, who regardless of the situation, simply makes it better, while the uplifting first single “The Vision of Love” sees the crooner dip in and out of his stunning falsetto, a skill that is toyed with perpetually throughout the disc.

In fact, a bulk of the songs on the disc would fade into oblivion if it weren’t for Allen and his virtuoso ability to transform them into something more than just the lyrics that grace the page by forming a connective thread that transcends through his delivery.

Whether he champions love (“Rooftops”) or plays the undercover villain (“Monster”), Allen is believable and despite his warnings, there’s no escaping his allure.

Still, he is at his best on sweeping jams like the whistle-laced “My Weakness” and “Blindfolded”, as well as, delicate ballads like “You Got A Way” and the apologetic “Leave You Alone”, which bring out the soulful highlights in his voice as he takes the tender approach.

In the midst of the disc are a couple of moments that pull back from the overall tone of the disc like “Out Alive” and the solid “Teach Me How Love Goes”, which simply feels ill-positioned.

“Love Me Not”, his duet with Meiko, is filled with uncertainty and would have benefited greatly from a guest with bigger stature, but Allen’s decision to go with the feature that made more sense for the actual record than the publicity that a more-known artist would bring is just one of many qualities that sets him apart from other artists.

Final Verdict

With his sophomore album, Kris Allen places forth a cohesive set that covers a range of emotions without feeling as monogamous as his self-titled debut. Sonically, it is an upgrade and the approach is more personal and thought-out, given the flexibility of time.

The set does, however, lack a radio single that will propel it any higher (in terms of results) than his debut disc, but quality triumphs quantity and the disc continually reiterates three things: Allen is back, he’s as confident as ever and he’s never sounded better.

4 OUT OF 5

Celebrity Bug’s Key Tracks

“Better With You”, “My Weakness”, “Monster”, “Rooftops”, and “You Got A Way”.

MADONNA READIES LADY GAGA DISS FOR TOUR

2012-05-28T14:35:00.000-05:00

It's widely known that Lady GaGa has imitated a lot of Madonna's work through -out her short career, none more noticeable than her hit "Born This Way", and its undeniable similarities to "Express Yourself", one of Madge's iconic songs.

Well, Queen Madge is gearing up to show you just how similar the songs are by performing a mashup of the two hits on her upcoming world tour. Watch beneath:

ASHANTI DEBUTS NEW SONG 'MINE' IN WASHINGTON

2012-05-28T13:55:00.000-05:00

Clad in a barely there cat-suit, Ashanti treated her fans in Washington to a new song, "Mine", which was originally entitled "She Can't" and is slated to appear on her upcoming studio album 'BraveHeart'. Preview the infectious cut beneath:

VIDEO: MARY J. BLIGE - 'DON'T MIND'

2012-05-28T13:10:00.000-05:00

R&B veteran Mary J. Blige has released the video for "Don't Mind", the song that was originally altered for controversial and canned Burger King commercial.

Peep the video for the song, which is taken from her 'My Life II' album, beneath:

BEYONCE WOWS AT FIRST POST-BABY CONCERT

2012-05-28T12:38:00.000-05:00

This weekend, Beyonce returned to the stage for the first time since giving birth for her sold-out Revel Beach comeback concert series at Ovation Hall in Atlantic City, which saw the diva cover iconic hits by Lauryn Hill and Whitney Houston.

Watch footage from her triumph comeback concert series at the Revel beneath:

"End of Time"

"Get Me Bodied"

"Baby Boy"

"Crazy in Love"

"Naughty Girl"

"Run the World (Girls)"

"Freakum Dress"

"1 +1"

"If I Were A Boy"

"Ex-Factor" (Lauryn Hill Cover)

"Flaws & All"

"Irreplaceable"

"I Will Always Love You"/"Halo"

"Single Ladies"

VIDEO: CHRIS BROWN - 'SWEET LOVE'

2012-05-28T11:50:00.000-05:00

R&B star Chris Brown has premiered the official video for "Sweet Love", the latest single release from his forthcoming studio project 'Fortune', due July 3rd.

Watch the newly-released video, which was directed by the singer himself, below:

BRITNEY SPEARS BEGINS WORK ON 'THE X FACTOR'

2012-05-24T19:02:00.000-05:00

Showing up for her first day of work as a judge on the upcoming season of 'The X Factor', pop superstar Britney Spears was welcomed by a excited crowd as she hit the Erwin Center in Austin, Texas on Thursday (May 24th), for auditions.

Dressed in a plunging pink mini dress, the judge is already getting good reviews from media in attendance, who have said B.Spears was "articulate, encouraging and even funny at times". Looks like Spears will prove her haters wrong AGAIN!

VIDEO: KELLY CLARKSON - 'DARK SIDE'

2012-05-24T17:28:00.000-05:00

Kelly Clarkson has unveiled the video for her latest single "Dark Side", which is the third release from her 'Stronger' album, and will impact radio on June 5th.

Watch the newly-released visual, which was directed by Shane Drake, beneath:

NEW MUSIC: JENNIFER LOPEZ - 'GOIN' IN'

2012-05-24T16:56:00.000-05:00

After premiering the song on last night's 'American Idol' finale, Jennifer Lopez has released the studio version of her new single "Goin' In", featuring Flo Rida.

Produced by GoonRock for the 'Step Up Revolution' soundtrack, the release embodies the winning formula that we've seen artists like the Black Eyed Peas utilize on their hit singles and once again, it works. Radio is going to eat this up!

'AMERICAN IDOL': PHILLIP PHILLIPS WINS; RIHANNA, JENNIFER LOPEZ, FANTASIA, REBA & MORE PERFORM

2012-05-23T23:30:00.001-05:00

After a record-breaking 132 million votes, 21-year-old Phillip Phillips prevailed over 16-year-old Jessica Sanchez to become the champion of 'American Idol'.

The two-hour finale featured big performances from Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, past 'Idol' winner Fantasia, the top 12 finalists, and concluded with an heartfelt performance from winner Phillips, who we had predicted to win. Peep it all below:

Phillip Phillips & John Forgety

Joshua Ledet & Fantasia - "Take Me To The Pilot"

Top 12 Girls with Chaka Khan

Rihanna - "Where Have You Been"

Skylar Laine & Reba Mcintire – "Turn On The Radio"

Jessica Sanchez – "I Will Always Love You"

Top 12 Guys With Neil Diamond

Jennifer Lopez - "Goin In" & "Follow the Leader"

Hollie Cavanagh & Jordan Sparks - "You’ll Never Walk Alone"

Former Contestants Ace Young & Diana DeGarmo Get Engaged

Jessica Sanchez & Jennifer Holliday - "And I Am Telling You"

Aerosmith

Jessica Sanchez & Phillip Phillips - "Up Where We Belong"

Phillip Phillips Wins (& Performs "Home")

VIDEO: OMARION FEAT. RICK ROSS - 'LET'S TALK'

2012-05-23T22:18:00.000-05:00

Maybach Music reintroduces Omarion in the new video for "Let's Talk", which features Rick Ross and is scheduled to be featured on his forthcoming (EP) set

Unfortunately, the video represents what has become a standard in music today: Sexy girls, shining diamonds, fancy automobiles and no storyline. Watch it below:

JUSTIN BIEBER GRADUATES ON 'ELLEN DEGENERES'

2012-05-23T21:41:00.000-05:00

Justin Bieber made a appearance on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show', to chat about his forthcoming 'Believe' tour, his girlfriend Selena Gomez and more. He also celebrated his recent graduation and perform "Boyfriend". Watch it below:

"Boyfriend"

JUSTIN BIEBER ANNOUNCES 'BELIEVE' WORLD TOUR

2012-05-23T20:36:00.000-05:00

Justin Bieber is gearing up to hit the road. The teen heartthrob has revealed that he will embark on a world tour to support his forthcoming project, 'Believe'.

The 45-city tour is slated to begin on September 29th in Glendale, Arizona, and will conclude in Miami, Florida on January 26th. Peep the full list of dates below:

Official Dates for the 'Believe' Tour

Sept.29 – Glendale, AZ at Jobing.com Arena
Sept.30 – Las Vegas, NV at MGM Grand

Oct.02 – Los Angeles, CA at STAPLES Center
Oct.03 – Los Angeles, CA at STAPLES Center
Oct.05 – Fresno, CA at Save Mart Center
Oct.06 – Oakland, CA at The Oracle Arena
Oct.08 – Portland, OR at Rose Garden
Oct.09 – Tacoma, WA at Tacoma Dome
Oct.12 – Calgary, AB at Scotiabank Saddledome
Oct.15 – Edmonton, AB at Rexall Place
Oct.16 – Saskatoon, SK at Credit Union Centre
Oct.18 – Winnipeg, MB at MTS Centre
Oct.20 – Minneapolis, MN at Target Center
Oct.21 – Milwaukee WI at BMO Harris Bradley Center
Oct.23 – Rosemont, IL at Allstate Arena
Oct.24 – Rosemont, IL at Allstate Arena
Oct.26 – Kansas City, MO at Sprint Center
Oct.27 – St. Louis, MO at Scottrade Center
Oct.29 – Dallas, TX at American Airlines Center
Oct.30 – Houston, TX at Toyota Center

Nov.01 – Memphis, TN at FedExForum
Nov.02 – Louisville, KY at KFC Yum! Center
Nov.04 – Philadelphia, PA at Wells Fargo Center
Nov.05 – Washington D.C. at Verizon Center
Nov.09 – East Rutherford, NJ at IZOD Center
Nov.10 – Boston, MA at TD Garden
Nov.12 – Brooklyn, NY at Barclays Center
Nov.20 – Pittsburgh, PA at CONSOL Energy Center
Nov.21 – Auburn Hills, MI at The Palace of Auburn Hills
Nov.23 – Kanata, ON at Scotiabank Place
Nov.26 – Montreal, QC at Bell Centre
Nov.28 – New York, NY at Madison Square Garden

Dec.01 – Toronto, ON at Rogers Centre

Jan.05 – Salt Lake City, UT at EnergySolutions Arena
Jan.07 – Denver, CO at Pepsi Center
Jan.09 – Tulsa, OK at BOK Center
Jan.10 – N. Little Rock, AR at Verizon Arena
Jan.12 – San Antonio, TX at AT&T Center
Jan.15 – New Orleans, LA at New Orleans Arena
Jan.16 – Birmingham, AL at BJCC Arena
Jan.18 – Nashville, TN at Bridgestone Arena
Jan.19 – Greensboro, NC at Greensboro Coliseum
Jan.22 – Charlotte, NC at Time Warner Cable Arena
Jan.23 – Atlanta, GA at Philips Arena
Jan.25 – Orlando, FL at Amway Center
Jan.26 – Miami, FL at American Airlines Arena

KELLY CLARKSON PERFORMS ON 'DANCING' FINALE

2012-05-23T19:48:00.000-05:00

"Stronger" is the biggest-selling single of her career, and Kelly Clarkson was front and center last night for a performance of the single, as well as, her latest release, "Dark Side". Watch Clarkson's performance on the show after the cut:

NEW MUSIC: LUDACRIS - 'JINGALIN'

2012-05-23T19:13:00.000-05:00

Ludacris makes his big return on "Jingalin", the new single off his forthcoming studio album 'Ludaversal', due out later this year. Listen to the anthem beneath:

KRIS ALLEN SOARS ON 'LIVE! WITH KELLY'

2012-05-22T18:56:00.000-05:00

Earlier today (May 22nd), Kris Allen appeared on 'Live! With Kelly', to deliver the best performance yet of his first single "The Vision of Love", which is lifted from his newly-released album 'Thank You Camellia'. Watch Kris soar beneath:

Be on the lookout for our review of Allen's latest album 'Thank You Camellia', in the next couple of days and be sure to pick up a copy in stores or online, iTunes.