Alicia Keys celebrates 10th anniversary of Songs in A Minor release

Thursday, 14 April 2011 15:51

Alicia Keys celebrates 10^th anniversary of Songs in A Minor release

Alicia Keys is planning a one-off gig at the Royal Albert Hall to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of debut album Songs in A Minor.

“It’s incredible that I’ve been able to make it 10 years and here we are celebrating that,” the singer told BBC Newsbeat. “London is so good to me. I want to show my gratitude.”

The singer will perform solo at the London show, accompanying herself on piano – an emotional throwback to a time when she says it was “just me and the keyboard.”

She told the news source: “I think back to a time when I barely thought an album would be able to come out just because there were so many trials and tribulations. When the record did finally come out and was able to be heard and people fell in love with it it was a testament to doing great music and not allowing people’s negativity stop you from what you dream.”

Keys plans to release a deluxe edition of Songs in A Minor featuring 10 never-before-heard tracks she’d written around the time the album first appeared. Additionally, the “Falling” singer is working on a new album in Los Angeles, which she describes as coming along “incredibly well.”

The R&B star will also try her hand at directing, as part of a project put together by Jennifer Aniston. Keys will direct one of five 30 minute films that center on the issue of breast cancer.

“The five stories surround five different women from five different backgrounds and how it affects their families, their lives, their work, their jobs, their self-esteem… everything,” Keys said of the venture. “After those five stories have been directed they all connect to be one incredible story where all the characters are intertwined. It’s pretty amazing.”

Cheryl Cole’s American ambitions hindered

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 19:32

Cheryl Cole’s American ambitions hindered by family’s criminal past?

The American producers who aren’t so sure about putting Cheryl Cole on the new X Factor show may not be all that’s holding the star back from her goal of breaking the States. Her family’s criminal history – and her own less-than-perfect record – may be what will eventually put an end to the star’s Stateside ambitions.

Hollywood PR expert Rob Shutter told the Daily Mail that he believes her brother’s criminal past and Cheryl’s own criminal history may be what ruins her for American audiences.

“The amount of drama that seems to follow this young lady around could make any career opportunity in America almost impossible,” Shutter told the news source.

He added: “She has shown no remorse over the mistake she has made. If she was already a star in America and we found out all this troubling information, she might have a chance. But as no one knows her here in the USA, all this drama could define her. You only get to make a first impression once and this isn’t the one you want to make.”

Andrew Tweedy, Cheryl’s brother, is currently serving a sentence for the role he played in a post office robbery.  He was previously incarcerated for four years after mugging a teenager, and did another six years after stabbing two students in a bar. When he was only 13, Andrew was convicted of street robbery. Thus far he has spent one third of his life behind bars.

And in 2003, the Girls Aloud star was found guilty of assaulting toilet attendant Sophie Amogbokpa at a Surrey nightclub. The judge presiding over the case noted that Cheryl “showed no remorse whatsoever” over the incident, and ordered her to pay £500 and to serve 120 hours of community service for her crime.

The star’s sister Gillian and younger brother Garry have also had trouble with the law. And cousin Paul Tweedy was jailed last year after fracturing the skull of a policewoman.

Britney Spears joins Rihanna for duet

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 17:56

Britney Spears joins Rihanna for ‘S&M’ duet Last weekend, Britney Spears and Rihanna confirmed that a duet between the pair was underway. The pop superstars revealed that they would be recording an extra-risqué version of Rhi Rhi’s raunchy hit “S&M.” A few days back, Rihanna asked her Twitter followers who they’d most like to see her collaborate with. And, apparently, the unanimous response was that they’d love to hear her and Britney Spears singing together. Rihanna tweeted back: “I got a #SEXY collabo comin your way supa dupa soon!!!! OH YEAH!!! By popular demand…it’s Britney bitch!!” Britney was quick to respond, writing: “You’re such a tease! I like it, like it…. You think they’re ready Ri Ri?” No word yet on when and where the pair recorded the song’s new remix, but it hit radio airwaves shortly after the pair announced its existence. The “S&M” featuring Britney is already a chart success – which must please Rihanna, who had said she would only remix the track to make it better than the original. The “Only Girl in the World” singer spoke to New York City radio station Z100 about the collaboration, saying: “At first, we didn’t know what the song was going to do because of the lyrics, but it became really big on radio and it’s number one at Pop this week. In order to do a remix, it had to be major, I asked my fans last week who they wanted me to collaborate with, and Britney was one of the most popular names.” Rihanna couldn’t have been happier when Brit Brit consented to appear on her track, as the “Hold it Against Me” singer doesn’t often work with other pop singers. Rihanna added: “It’s very strange – Britney never does features. It was really amazing that she really wanted to be part of this song. She really liked the song to begin with, but it was a different story when she had to sing it; she really wanted to be a part of it. It made it really special, because you never see two pop female artists doing songs together anymore. Just call us ‘RNB.’”

Liam Gallagher opts for the quiet, godly life

Tuesday, 12 April 2011 15:41

Now that Oasis is kaput, Liam Gallagher reckons his partying days are well behind him. Nowadays the musician doesn't desire anything more than some golf, religion and the sound of tweeting birds.
The 38-year-old rocker told the Daily Star: “In me pram I was a rock star. But I’m older now. I don’t wanna grow up like a d**k.”
Liam’s new life harks back to the days when he attended church with his mum Peggy – he’s officially turned to God.
He told the paper: “I’m a spiritual kinda guy. I’m not wearing a sheet and walking down the street banging a tambourine. And I’m not turning into f***ing Bono. It’s private. But I’m connected, man. To something.”
His current regime involves proper diet and exercise, as he attested: “I don’t want to sound like a hippy but it’s great. I run. World to myself. Birds. Trees. No hassle from eejits. With golf, I love making proper contact with that ball. I’m still on the fish. Sardines or salmon. Salad. I feel good. It’s only the ciggies that really stand in me way.”
In the past Liam has had quite the rock ‘n roll life – he’s been outspoken (famously calling Robbie Williams a “drama queen” and referring to the England football team as “gay boys”) and he’s been in his share of public brawls (with footballer Gazza, and with brother Noel just before Oasis called it quits).
But the singer says he’s had enough of those moments, and wants to clean up his act before he turns 40. Twice wed and the father of three children, Liam is perhaps a bit late in turning to a life of responsibility – but better late than never.
 

Fergie to sign on for X Factor?

Monday, 11 April 2011 21:06

According to reports, Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas is being considered for a judging role on the upcoming US X Factor series. The pop singer - born Stacey Ferguson - is one the final few stars contending for a spot on the panel.
Simon told BANG Showbiz: “Her name was put forward. But like with a lot of other people we have spoken to, we have to check out everyone’s availability. There is a lot of time you have to put into this show. It is not a two or three day a week job.
“We are still having nightly arguments with everyone, trying to get everyone to agree. If you asked everyone involved on this show who they would like on the panel, you would have 25 different opinions. It does show publicly our complete and utter indecisiveness.”
Other names being thrown around for the job include that of country singer Julianne Hough, singer-songwriter Jesse McCartney, Jessica Simpson, Katy Perry, Nicole Scherzinger and Cheryl Cole.
The only judge confirmed thus far in the show’s planning stages is former head of Island Def Jam label LA Reid.
The new X Factor is set to premiere on American network Fox this fall. Because he has been busy making arrangements, Cowell is no longer acting as a judge on American Idol, which is currently airing with newbies Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler acting in his and Paula Abdul’s stead on the judging panel.
Without Simon the show has become a much friendlier place. Asked whether he was in sync with the “lovefest” the show has become without him, Simon told New York magazine: “If I was on the show, I don’t’ think I’d be on the same page as the other three. I’m happy doing something new, and so is everyone else. One of Idol’s producers made it clear he’s thrilled I’m not on anymore, the contestants are happy, the judges are happy.”
 

Lil' Wayne visa application rejected

Monday, 11 April 2011 14:26

Rapper Lil' Wayne was forced to cancel a string of European dates when his UK visa was rejected, NME reports.
The rapper was released from prison last year after having served time for possession of an illegal handgun. According to Stereoboard, British immigration cited Wayne’s criminal convictions as the reason for the visa rejection.
The tour dates he was subsequently forced to cancel included a stop at Cork, Ireland’s Marquee venue. Tickets for the show were supposed to have gone on sale Friday, with dates in the UK set to have been confirmed afterward.
Weezy was supposed to have not only toured all of Europe, but performed at several summer festivals as well.
In related news, the rapper recently spoke to MTV about the success of protégé Nicki Minaj, whose triumphs he called “beautiful.” The pair toured together on Weezy’s I am Still music tour.
He told MTV in the US of the experience: “I promise to God, you know what I thought about? When I saw her up there just walking and everybody singing her stuff and she making all those facial expressions, I was just like, ‘I remember watching that DVD.’”
“When shorty was in the tub,” he continued. “I remember watching that and where she came from and just to know not that I did that, [but] that she did that. I mean, it’s a beautiful thing.”
The hitmaker signed Minaj to his Young Money label in 2009, and has since watched her progress from featuring on street DVD The Come Up to becoming a global superstar, a growth he feels “honored” to have witnessed.
Wayne’s latest album, Tha Carter IV, is set for release on May 16.

Burglars target newlywed Michael Buble

Monday, 11 April 2011 14:21

Michael Buble and his new wife Luisansa Lopitato may have been smiling when they tied the knot, but their happiness received quite a blow when it was discovered that thieves had broken into their home in Buenos Aires. It's believed that the house was broken into while the pair attended their wedding celebration elsewhere in the city.
Argentine actress Lopitato told a television program of the burglary: “I will not let this ruin the happiest day of my life.”
Burglars are supposed to have entered the home around 6am on Sunday, when they cut off alarms and covered security cameras.
 Bublé and his bride returned to the scene of the crime post-nuptials in order to find out what had been taken.
 The crime occurred after the pair had already enjoyed several days of wedding celebrations late last week. Bublé and Lopitato complied with Argentine tradition and were wed during a religious ceremony Saturday night, attended by 300 friends and family members.
Bublé’s publicist told CNN that he sang “Haven’t Met You Yet,” at the ceremony. The singer wrote had written the song for his bride-to-be, who appears in the video. The pair danced their first dance as a married couple to Dean Martin’s “Everybody Loves Somebody.”
Lopitato wore a tiered gown by Sylvie Burstin – also of Argentina – at Saturday’s ceremony.
The pair also exchanged vows at a civil service last Thursday in Buenos Aires, for which the actress donned a lilac-colored mini-dress.
Posing for pictures at their wedding, the pair couldn’t have looked happier. However, after arriving at their home to take damage inventory, the pair – Bublé especially – couldn’t help but look miffed.
 

Glasvegas working on another new album

Monday, 04 April 2011 14:38

Glasvegas are set to release their latest record this week, but the band says they're already working on the album's follow-up. Frontman James Allan told The Razz: "I am just laying foundations for new stuff. It is not really about finding a new direction for the band."
Latest album Euphoric/// Heartbreak\\\ hits stores on Monday, but Allan is spending his free time working on even newer music.
“Writing again is something I would not have planned on doing so quickly after Euphoric/// Heartbreak\\\,” he continued. “I can’t help it; it is my passion for good and bad. A lot of it is messing about but that is how the band and a lot of our songs came about. The best things normally come from no grand plans. I wrote the last song ‘Change’ in December. I have just felt the time is right to start messing about again now.”
Now that he’s put his drug problems behind him, the singer has been enjoying his time back on tour. Glasvegas wrapped up finished a short European jaunt recently, and will return to the road for more UK dates by the month’s end.
“It is something I want to put behind me. I’m looking to the future these days and don’t feel as lost as I did before,” Allan said. “It’s not all roses and, like everyone else, I have my ups and downs. Two years ago, I was in a very dark place. I made decisions I regret but, more than anything else, I want to play my music to people. I get to do my passion in life – play in a band. I’m the luckiest guy I know. That all happened a long time ago and I feel stronger than I’ve ever been. I hope I enjoy it all more and deal with it better.”
 The band will play a free promotional gig on the steps in front of the Royal Concert Hall at 12:45pm on Monday.
“It was Rab’s idea,” the frontman said of the show. “We just wanted to do something different. He thought a record shop gig was a bit boring so we should make it special for the fans.”
 

Jennifer Lopez poised to end Adele's chart reign

Friday, 01 April 2011 21:08

Armed with new single "On The Floor" (featuring Pitbull), American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez has reached the summit on the midweek chart, pushing Adele's "Someone Like You" to the No. 2 spot.
This release is the first from Lopez since her 2008 UK single “Hold It, Don’t Drop It.”
On Wednesday MTV reported that the follow up single from Lopez, “I’m Into You,” featuring the talents of Lil Wayne, previewed on the Ryan Seacrest radio show. 
The song apparently leaked online ahead of its official release, so many have already heard these lovelorn lyrics from Lopez: “When I look into your eyes, it’s over/ You got me hooked with your love controller/ I’m tripping and I could not get over/ I’m feeling lucky like a four-leaf clover/ I’m into you.”
Aside from teasing listeners with a snippet of her new song, Lopez discussed last week’s Idol episode, during which the judges opted to save “dynamic performer” Case Abrams – a move no one was expecting.
“It was crazy,” she told Seacrest of the judges’ move. “We knew that it was kind of a radical decision because it was so early in the season, but to be quite honest… that is one decision that I haven’t lost one ounce of sleep over.
“[Casey] is one of our most dynamic performers. He’s so interesting and so talented. I know it’s crazy, but we had to do it!”
Elsewhere on the midweek UK singles chart, Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” and Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” have exited the top ten, now respectively listed at Nos. 12 and 13.
Black Eyed Peas are holding on to the No. 3 slot with their hit “Just Can’t Get Enough.”
 

Glee's Matthew Morrison hoping for Adele episode

Friday, 01 April 2011 16:06

British singer Adele may find herself among the big name American acts whose music has been showcased on the musical television series Glee.
Actor Matthew Morrison, who plays glee club organizer and high school teacher Will Schuester on the show, wouldn't mind an episode of the show being dedicated to Adele’s music.
The 32-year-old told Metro: “I love Adele. ‘Turning Tables’ is one of my favorite songs right now. I don’t know if she’s an actress but I’d love to hear her music on Glee.”
The “Someone Like You” singer is currently both No. 1 and No. 2 on the UK album chart, with her latest release 21 closely followed by her debut album 19.
“It would be my extreme honor to work with her,” Morrison added. “I think her voice is from another planet. She’s so amazing.”
And it seems the 22-year-old songstress wouldn’t mind working with him, either. Adele recently described the show as “really important.”
The “Chasing Pavements” singer, who has said that she loves Glee, told The Sun: “It’s a really important show – funny, but quite serious too.”
According to The Sun, Adele failed to make a cameo on the series after stage fright got the better of her. Not only that, but the singer claimed she would never act again after appearing on Ugly Betty in 2009, because she thought she looked like “a mug.”
In his exclusive interview with Metro, Morrison discussed another honor he recently experienced – working with Sir Elton John.
“Working with Elton is like watching David Beckham play soccer,” the actor told the news source. “It’s like watching someone do what they do. He’s such a student of music. He’s so smart with music and he knows so much.”