F**CK You Goes Grammys

yes...I'm late with this news, yet I still wanted to address it! CeeLo's utter uptempo "F**ck You/Forget You" single is now certified Grammy-friendly. After slow build up, it's finally made a name for itself to the larger mass by being sung by Gwyneth Paltrow and the Glee bunch last month. The track is nominated for Song and Record of the Year.

Original/Unedited version -


Glee version -

Mariah and her mom duet - finally...

After 20 years in the business, Mariah Carey finally faces her fiercest competitor - her mother, Patricia. The duo performed "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" for Carey's ABC Christmas Special last nite. Check it out.

Gwyneth Paltrow - Country's Next Superstar? Just maybe...

I didn't watch this week's Country Music Awards in protest for not showing Modern Family (ABC couldn't air the awards ANY other night??) and because I don't want to watch Taylor Swift win any more awards. I did opt to go on youtube this morning to catch the much-talked about debut of actress Gwyneth Paltrow's country performance. I must say...she may just be able to add singer to her credits.

Here she is performing a duet with Vince Gill to "Country Strong" -

Rihanna knows how to rock SNL

Thank you DVR. I finally got to watch SNL's Halloween episode featuring Jon Hamm and musical guest, red hot Rihanna. I got to admit,  she's got a certain sexy swag and can still make a jam rock so well. Just sayin'.

Here's a cool and hilarious musical skit from the show:



"Only Girl (in the World)" performance -


"What's My Name?" performance -

Mariah finally brings more Christmas Cheer!

Mariah's new Christmas album, Merry Christmas II You, debuts at #4 on next week's Billboard Charts, surpassing first week sales from her previous Christmas album released way back in 1994.

On top of the great news, there will be an ABC Christmas Special on Dec. 15th as well.

Here's the video for her new Christmas classic, "Oh Santa!" -

New Michael Jackson song - UTTER FAKENESS!

Wow, Sony...you really take Michael's fans for fools, utter fools. I was really eager and excited for the new upcoming album (out Dec. 15th), but with this new piece of "Michael" material as a single released this week, I really am questioning the entire project altogether. The vocals on the new track "Breaking News" (really?) is something even Milli Vanilli can do a better job on. Why!

What do you think? Here's "Breaking News" -

GLEE's OMG moment...and a fresh face

So, this week's Glee episode actually struck a cord with a lot of viewers. Not only for the OMG! boy on boy kiss between one of the football jocks and main character Kurt, played brilliantly by actor Chris Colfer. The other was the addition of Darren Criss to the cast as Kurt's new friend, admirer and supporter.

Here's his debut performance on this week's Glee:

Mariah's Pregnancy OUTED on LIVE TV!

Thandie Newton just outed Mariah Carey's pregnancy on ABC's The View as a reason for Carey bailing out of the film For Colored Girls. Newton took over Carey's role in the film. The pregnancy rumor mill is at high speed with reports saying Carey will be announcing her baby bounce on Oprah and the View soon. Her fellow Lambs are rejoicing with the potential news.

In other Carey news, Simon Cowell has put her name out there as an excellent choice for judge on his upcoming American version of The X-Factor - how her pregnancy and unsettling music career play out with this new development will be foreseen.

Mariah's new Christmas album, Merry Christmas II You, is due out next week.

Fall Music 2010 - DISAPPOINTMENT!

Last year we were abuzz with new tracks from Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Carrie Underwood, Rihanna, Alicia Keys and a slew of other hitmakers. This year, do you hear any major buzz on any new singles? It's getting closer to Thanksgiving, and still nothing really spectacular. Yes, new singles from the bitter duo of Kanye and Taylor Swift, but it's been relatively quiet. At least we got a Glee and Mariah Carey Christmas album to look forward to. LOL.

Oddly, I didn't care for Rihanna's new track at first but now it's growing on me.

Florence and the Machine deserve Best New Artist 2010 - period.

2010 is coming to an end with the holidays right around the corner. Looking back it's been a rather ho-hum music year. A few new artists made some movements - Bruno Mars, B.O.B., and a few others. Please don't get me started on my love/hate with Justin Bieber or Ke$ha. In the end, I think Florence + the Machine have made a tidal wave of authenticity and creativity.

Here's "Dog Days are Over" -

Early Christmas present from Mariah!

Mariah is sticking to what she's good at with her newest album release, Merry Christmas II you, being released on Nov. 2. Her Christmas album is the long-awaited sequel to the hugely popular (and one of my all time favorite holiday albums) 1994 Merry Christmas. In a time when the music industry seems to be lacking in every way, it's good to remember back to my own childhood. I'm hoping Mariah sticks to the classics and creates new holiday classics, NOT hip hop! Here's the newest holiday single from MC.

"Oh Santa"

GLEE-FUL!

GLEE is back on the tube with new performances, and a special Britney-inspired theme on this week's episode. While some of the plot development needs work, I do still think they are doing an incredible job of performing some of pop culture's songs.

Here are two of my favorite performances from the last two episodes.

"Telephone", Lady Gaga



Britney Spears video montage to "I'm a Slave for You"

MTV Video Awards - Gagalicious...and meat.

It's the day following the infamous MTV Video Music Awards (right, MTV don't play videos, but I've digress). Besides the shorter-2.15 hr time frame (isn't it usually 3 hours of frolic?), the 2010 VMAs were actually a very cleaned up, well-orchestrated (almost Grammy-like) piece of awards show. The very few performers did very well (Usher, Florence + the Machine, Drake/Mary J. Blige, Taylor Swift vs. Kanye West Pt. 2, Eminem/Rihanna, Robyn, Deadmaus 5, and even Justin Bieber). I am still a bit surprised Lady Gaga was the Queen of the Night, and she didn't even perform??? Chelsea Handler only really gave enough chops at the very beginning with that Gaga-House inspired piece and the Lohan intro. WIth the little time on the clock, we didn't get to hear too much profanity from the always foul Handler. Now back to Gaga, yes...she made quite a statement with three different costume changes - and the "it" or rather "WTF" dress/piece at the very end when she won Video of the Year (for "Bad Romance" along with 7 other awards) - the bit she wore was made of meat...yes, I said MEAT. The stuff we eat, cows, steaks, burgers, filet mignon, whatever u wanna call it. MEAT. And she certainly caused a stir as only Gaga could - along with giving her meat purse to an amazingly youthful unchanged Cher (wearing her "If I Could Turn Back Time" outfit).

Alas, congrats to Lady Gaga for capping off an achievement with 8 awards for "Bad Romance" and wearing an outfit we all know only Hannibal Lector may see as pleasing to the eyes, and taste perhaps.

Here is Gaga on today's Ellen explaining the beef.

Feeding my hunger for a hot dance love song....

Ahhh, I love when I fall into a mess of greatness. This gem of a dance track from Armin Van Buren came out in 2008. However, it seems to be hitting the right notes with me. My headphones are staying on ALL DAY for this track.

"In and Out of Love" feat. Sharon Den Adel.

Maroon 5, get my groove back please

Let's see...it's the middle of August. I am suffering from the summer blues. I'm still in this melancholy fixture of trying to find a change in life that will leave me content for much more than I can imagine.

While I ponder on that thought, I am so enjoying the love angst from Maroon 5's "Misery"...how I can so relate.

Hot and sticky...summer in full effect

Being in New Orleans, there is never a dull moment - really. It seems each weekend or even during the week there is something to peak someone's interest. This past weekend, there were two significant events: Dirty Linen Night and the Red Dress Run. The latter being where both women AND men dress in red dresses for a run (most walk) as they pull a pub crawl throughout the quarter and downtown all in the name of charity. Dirty Linen Night is the equivalent to last weekend's White Linen NIght (held in the Warehouse District). Dirty is held along the artsy Royal St. galleries in the quarter. Being that it's August, these events certainly bring much flair, but in the midst of August heat, it's just simply HOT.

In honor of summer in NOLA, here's a dance hit that's always been a favorite of mine.

PAUL OAKENFOLD (TIESTO REMIX)'s "Southern Sun"

You've Got the Love...music for the soul

I've been feeling TOO MUCH that is. I guess thinking about where I'm at in my life right now. In terms of who I am, where I'm heading, and the people in my life. Yes, very melancholy. In fact, this song kept hitting me real close today. I also didn't realize there was a new version by the incredible new group, Florence & the Machine. I remember hearing the song from the final episode of Sex & The City (the final scene if you will). Therefore, for your viewing pleasure. Here's the song I am referring to that's hitting home for me today.

THE SOURCE feat. CANDI STATION's "You've Got the Love"


SEX & THE CITY VERSION (2004) - This version includes NUDITY (duh) - so please don't click if you're not into that sort of stuff.


FLORENCE & THE MACHINE'S VERSION (2009) - love love the ending

British Diva anyone?

Yes - if you're big on British Pop Music, you will know this artist and song came out last year. However, I heard it by accident while doing a search on Lily Allen. Thank God for mistakes.

CHERYL COLE's "Fight for This Love"

Sorry, I'm back...

Ok...yes...I wanna hear the griping, the anger, the cussing...and maybe a few punches for being gone so long. It's been a rather winding and intriguing summer. It's been fun, and also not fun. Despite the many bumps along my road, I am adamant I am gonna try to enjoy my time. So to kinda start out again with this blog, I made some layout changes (thanks blogger), and I am going to start posting more often again, even the most random thoughts. Today has been a rather slow and melancholy day. I went tubing for the first time yesterday with some good friends of mine. I realized I don't remember how to swim. On my way to the trip, I began to crank up some old dance/trance hits. This one has been sticking out.

NU ELECTRIC "No Matter What"

Janet's NASTY Performance

This is a week old, but I still can't get over how awesome Janet was at last week's American Idol finale. She looked and danced like she hasn't lost it. Hoping for a new jamming Janet album soon!

This clip features her new ballad (from her film Why Did I Get Married Too?), "Nothing" and of course her classic "Nasty" number.

Kylie Minogue's NAKED New Video

Sexy is just Kylie's middle name. Check out her new video for "All the Lovers" from her upcoming new album, Aphrodite, due out July 6.

Army Strong! Gaga's "Telephone" soldiers up

Sorry for not posting, I guess I haven't been very passionate or motivated lately about music. Nah, I just have been busy with other things. Anyhoo, this struck me as so darn unique. Soldiers in Afghanistan created their own version of Lady Gaga's "Telephone" in this rather entertaining video. Check it out:

Finally! Ricky Martin leaves the closet

After years of speculation, Latin-pop star Ricky Martin finally announced to the world via his web page that he is gay. To read more about his coming out festivities, click on the link. If you want to watch Ricky Martin of memories past, click on the clip for his famous Grammys performance of "La Copa da la Vida" from 1999.

http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/stopthepresses/132331/ricky-martin-i-am-a-fortunate-homosexual-man/

Gaga sued by ex-bf...BAD ROMANCE, there ya go!

The inspiration to a song is always something so exquisite; it entices the mind to know the very juicy details of its origins. Hence, one of the biggest, if not the biggest pop star in the world today, Lady Gaga - finally joins the many huge pop stars before her to be sued by a former flame or a former whatever - to claim their bling in making the pop star who they are. Thus, I wont' spend too much in the details.  Bottom line: her ex wants compensation for writing "Paparazzi" and "Beautiful, Dirty, Rich" and for giving her the name Lady Gaga. So while you ponder on this issue, you can read greater details of this Bad Romance at http://music-mix.ew.com/2010/03/19/lady-gaga-lawsuit-fusari/.

Mariah Carey REMIX CD CANNED

If you know me, you know I've always been a Mariah fan...but after last year's disastrous "Obsessed" shenanigans...our songstress needs to take a break and reevaluate on why we love her. She needs a total makeover and start evaluating her clothing attire. ON that note, she was planning to release a remix album called Angels Advocate with new singles and remixes of Memoirs of Imperfect Angel (released last fall to dismal sales). However, Island Def Jam (Carey's record label) won't be releasing the remix album after all but release the new singles on their own. Mariah, don't you think that's a sign?

Michael Jackson (posthumously) SIGNS biggest recording contract in HISTORY

Yes, Michael Jackson has marked another milestone (even in death) - his estate has signed a 7-yr recording deal with Sony Music Entertainment for about $250 million. The deal means we will be seeing unpublished recordings very soon - in fact, by November. There will also be a string of Michael Jackson albums to come out within those seven years. So stay tuned. And by the way, I finally got to see Michael Jackson's This Is It. Very awesome performances. He still had it! Here's an exclusive clip of "The Way You Make Me Feel" from the film.

The making of "Telephone" VIDEO

Check out footage from the making of the epic "Telephone" video from Lady Gaga & Beyoncé. And furthermore, the single will land at #1 on next week's Billboard's Pop Charts, making it Gaga's 6th #1 in a row - the first ever for a debut artist. Congrats!

EXCLUSIVE: "Telephone" - Lady Gaga feat. Beyoncé

After all the hype and hoopla, check out Gaga's raw 9-minute video, paying homage to Quentin Tarantino, AND quite a bit of other things as well (cigarette glasses anyone?). It just makes you feel like you're on drugs when you watch it. Creative, unique, and just so damn fresh. Nothing like it.

Alicia DOES HER THANG on OPRAH

Check out probably her best live performance of "Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart" on last week's Oprah Show. Excellent. Tear-jerker. Ok, not that bad, but still noteworthy.

Ol' Favorite: GAP, SJP and Kravtiz - can it get any better?

I stumbled upon this oldie but favorite of our girl, Sarah Jessica Parker, on a GAP commercial dancing to Lenny Kravitz's "Lady" single. Still awesome now.

GagaNews -The Making of 'Telephone' single

One more day for the HUGE HUGE, did I say HUGE world premiere of Lady Gaga's "Telephone" video feat. Beyoncé. Before then, here's a candid but brief look at the making of the song in the studio with Lady Gaga and Darkchild. The second video is a spoof making of Gaga and Beyoncé's "Video Phone" video.

Gaga's newest dress - IT MOVES!!!!

Lady Gaga has broken a new feat! I am not referring to her chart domination, but on her wardrobe. Check out this awesome performance filmed on "Friday Night" with Jonathan Ross. Gaga sings "Brown Eyes" but pay attention to her dress. It's not the fact that she moves the dress, but the dress moves for her. CLASSIC!

JAMES MORRISON IS AMAZING! Why hasn't America requested him!!?

I love when I stumble upon new music from an artist I never knew about, but I kick myself because that artist has been out for awhile. However, the silver lining is that I eventually do discover their music. So much like discovering La Roux's unique sound and look, James Morrison is another British import. He's a soulful young singer/songwriter. He's been out since 2006 with British hits, and I'm just amazed he hasn't hit it big on this side of the Atlantic. C'mon radio! Stop playing the same ol' junk. Here are two classic James Morrison songs which I think some of you may even recognize!

"You Give Me Something"


"Wonderful World"


"Broken Strings" (duet with Nelly Fertado)

LA ROUX - the next Gaga, or next original 2010 artist!

I've heard of La Roux and slightly heard their song "Bulletproof" from time to time (and it's actually their third single from their 2009 self-titled debut album) but this morning I decided to put VH1 - and to my surprise there was a video on! It was La Roux's "Bulletproof" video. It may seem like a solo act, but it's actually a duo. The British electropop and synthpop duo are made up of singer Eleanor Jackson and synthesizer player, co-writer and co-producer Ben Langmaid. According to the group, the name came from lead singer's Jackson's hair color. Their look and sound is very much along the lines of 80s synthpop...yet their style and sound reminded me of last year's breakout star, Lady Gaga. So what do you guys think of La Roux? A major artist in the making?

American Idol Recap: Guys Night - Favorite

As we start getting towards the Top 12 and to the grand finale of American Idol, I will do my best to post my favorite performances of the week. So tonight the guys actually did somewhat better than last week's dismal performances. I think their is a dark horse in the bunch, and he's the one who has a lot of anxiety on his shoulders. However, he shouldn't worry cause his voice was the only one that stood out as unique tonight in my opinion. Check out 19-year old Alex Lambert's performance of John Legend's "Everybody Knows".

Confirmed: We are the World 2 was a disaster in the making

I know the goal was to help the people of Haiti, but the disaster continues to pour in with how horrible the new version of "We Are the World" really is in comparison to the original. NBC's Saturday Night Live decided to use Jennifer Lopez to poke fun at the new version. Check it out.

Gaga's Telephone on its way...but check out the drag version

Its been known that Gaga has inspired countless of drag queens around the world with new material. Therefore, it comes with no surprise that there is a drag queen version (one of many I presume) for her much-hyped, not yet released music video for "Telephone" (duet with Beyonce), the follow up to the incredible smash "Bad Romance". Therefore, I bring you this drag version to appease your anxious heart until the real music video is released (due to come out March 3rd supposedly). Gaga did post on her web site the video will be out soon, going through final editing and is considered a "masterpiece" by Haus.

Kelis goes from milkshakes to acapella...

Check out the new release from the woman who made milkshakes go from kid-friendly to squirmish fun. Kelis is setting her aim more at dance-oriented than R&B/Hip Hop with her new track "Acapella", produced by David Guetta (known for Kelly Rowland's 2009 hit "When Love Takes Over" and Akon's "Sexy Bitch"). Her fifth studio album, Fleshtones, will be released this year but no date provided.

Gaga and Lily Allen rock Brits

Yes I'm late with this...been under the weather. However, in case you missed it, Lady Gaga won three Brit awards last week, and Lily Allen finally got awarded for her critically acclaimed work on It's Not Me, It's You album as Best British Female. Great performances for both.

The Verdict continues: We are the World 25 is a TRAGEDY

Not to add insult to injury, but Haiti needs something better to inspire its heartbroken residents than the dismal and often trainwreck ride of the new remake of "We are the World". After much hype, the video premiered last week during the opening of the Olympics, and let's just say the folks that Lionel Richie and Quincy Davis got to perform some famous parts makes this generation's music industry a laughable joke. We went from having Tina Turner, Cyndi Lauper, Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, etc. to Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, T-Pain, the girl from the Pussycat Dolls??? Really. I can't even say anymore. Just a travesty and an insult to such a classic. I am not even going to post the video because i can't give it anymore hits than it deserves. Yes, it's for a good cause, but at least have people buy the original and send proceeds with that one as well. For me, I will continue to listen to my classic 1985 original.

"We Are The World 2010" - 25 yrs later

I've always enjoyed this song...always been an inspiring, uplifting and a helluva great song to sing to (in my car, during the shower, errr...don't hate). Anyway, I do get a bit nervous how the finish product will come out. A entirely new group of legends and today's music stars (and actors) joined the list of over 80 participants lending their voice for this remake to help the people of Haiti. I applaud Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones and Wyclef Jean for making this happen, and hopefully they can create a refreshing sound to a classic song. Despite being disappointed that such artists like Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake or Alicia Keys weren't involved, I am glad to mention that Janet Jackson is recording Michael Jackson's part in the song. The video will premiere Feb. 12 during the start of the Winter Olympics on NBC.

Before then, here's a little sample of what went on in the recording studio this past Monday:

Here is the 1985 original classic:

HOPE FOR HAITI NOW - Highlights & More

Friday's telecast of Hope for Haiti Now has already earned $57 million in donations. The album will be the first ever digital-only album to debut at #1 atop Billboard's Top 200 Albums Chart on Thursday. The tracks, album and video are all available on iTunes at a very excellent price. It's best to just buy the entire album for $7.99. ALL PROCEEDS GO DIRECTLY TO HELP HAITI. Therefore, if you haven't done so or want to continue to support relief efforts, purchase this great set of songs. Here are some of my favorite performances from the special.


Beyonce's "Halo" (using 'Haiti, I can see your Halo')

Justin Timberlake and Matt Morris's "Hallelujah"

Jennifer Hudson's version of the Beatles' "Let it Be"

Madonna's "Like A Prayer"

It ain't over til Simon Cowell says so...

An era is coming to an end. First it was Paula a few months ago, and now the mastermind of everything rude on American Idol, Simon Cowell has announced he is leaving the #1 rated show after this season. Cowell will switch over to The X-Factor, which is already a huge hit in Britain for an American version for Fall 2011. So if you want rude, then tune in to Idol Season 9. In my opinion, not sure if the franchise can succeed without Cowell and Abdul. Ellen can only hold much muster and attention without some diversity, and Randy and Kara don't offer it.

Badder Romance anyone? Gaga spoof

This has got to be the funniest spoof of a music video I've seen in awhile...here's "Badder Romance"...

J.LO video? Anyone seen it?

...odd, here is a video for the song "Fresh Out Tha Oven" (featuring Pitbull). This video was released last October, but since it didn't generate enough buzz, it wasn't considered her official first single from her upcoming new album, Love?, slated to be released in April. Her official first single is the "Louboutins" song she performed at the American Music Awards last November (remember, she fell for that performance). Here's hoping for better material...

Lady Gaga breaks another record....

In less than a year's time, Lady Gaga is entering familiar territory with her fifth #1 single in a row. "Bad Romance" locks in at #1 this week marking her reign on the pop charts. Almost a year ago on Jan. 24, 2009, she had her first #1 with "Just Dance", followed by "Poker Face", "Lovegame" and "Paparazzi". The reigning queen with most consecutive #1s for their first few singles is Mariah Carey, who had six #1 pop songs between 1990-1992.

Mariah is a HAPPY and THOUGHT-PROVOKING DRUNK

Ok, I hope my first post of the new decade and new year doesn't signify what's to come. However, I couldn't resist. Mariah Carey is clearly buzzed (and not to promote drinking) and tipsy as she accepts her win for Breakthrough Performance in Precious at last night's Palm Springs International Film Festival.