"Born This Way" Lyrics and Release Date

I'm beautiful in my way,
'cause God makes no mistakes,
I'm on the right track baby,
I was Born This Way.

Don't hide yourself in regret,
just love yourself and you're set.
I'm on the right track baby,
I was Born This Way.

THE SONG 2 13 11
THE RECORD 5 23 11

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New Britney single being distributed on the radio!

The New Single From Britney Spears is Being Distributed in The Radio!

Today, Jive has been sending the digital single to major U.S. radios! On Monday January 3rd, they will make a bigger distribution in other radios in America to prepare everything the day of the official radio release. You know what that means? That day could filter the song!

The New Single Will be Out late January in Latin America

The new single from Britney Spears will be officially launched late January 2011 in Latin America. With the exception of Mexico, where its release will be made simultaneously with all iTunes stores. Germany and Australia will hear the single before everyone.

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Music Video: Miley Cyrus - "Who Owns My Heart" [Static Revenger Controversy Mix]

The Most Anticipated Albums of 2011

With the end of 2011 drawing near, we have compiled a list of the most anticipated albums of 2011. There are plenty more albums on the way, of course, but our pick is from what we've seen on gossip blogs, opinion pieces, etc.

Pictures from Nicki Minaj's "Moment 4 Life" featuring Drake

Source via AllThings-Fresh.net

Stunt Queen: Lauryn Hill Makes Brooklyn Fans Wait Hours, Then Shades The Agitated Crowd

Let’s see. If you a person attending a Lauryn Hill live performance (bless your heart and ear drums) chances are you are apart of the small percentage of dedicated and forgiving fans who remain in her corner despite her vocal shortcomings as well as multiple personalities. Not only do you deserve a cookie but a glass of milk would be cool.

Before kicking her show a couple nights ago in Brooklyn off Ms. Hill addressed her tardiness, justifying it as her being “worth the wait.” Girl, good day! This is not 1999. Your presence is not a present going into 2011.

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Artists to Perform at Dick Clark's New Year’s Rockin’ Eve

New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys will perform together live from Times Square on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2011,” on Friday, December 31 on the ABC Television Network. They join previously announced acts Ke$ha and Taio Cruz in Times Square as well as Los Angeles-based performers including Jennifer Hudson, Willow Smith, Ne-Yo, Avril Lavigne, Drake, Jason Derulo, La Roux, Mike Posner, Natasha Bedingfield, Far East Movement and Train.

Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest will host the specials from New York beginning at 10 p.m. ET on Friday December 31st on the ABC Television Network and will be joined by Times Square Correspondent Jenny McCarthy. Fergie of The Black Eyed Peas returns to host the Los Angeles party portions of the specials.

The bi-coastal celebration will include three and one-half hours of special performances and reports on New Year’s celebrations from around the globe, as well as the American tradition of Dick Clark counting down to midnight from Times Square in New York City.

The festivities will kick off with “Dick Clark’s Primetime New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2011” from 10:00-11:00 p.m., ET, featuring the only live performances from New York’s Times Square as well as multiple performances from the Los Angeles celebration.

During “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2011, Part 1” (11:30 p.m. - 1:08 a.m., ET), in addition to reporting on the final minutes of 2010 and the traditional Times Square countdown to midnight, the show will feature music performances from both Los Angeles and Times Square in New York.

Wrapping the night’s activities will be “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2011, Part 2” (1:08-2:11 a.m., ET), when musical acts will continue the party into the early hours of the New Year with additional performances from Los Angeles.

"We couldn't think of a better way to kick of the New Year than with our friends BSB at New Year's Rockin' Eve. Performing together on one stage in the middle of Times Square is epic. And it's all possible because of our fans. They're excited, we're excited and the heat they keep putting on us is what allows us to be a part of these monumental events. The excitement of this is just a glimpse of what our upcoming tour will be." -- NKOTB

"The NKOTBSB just keeps snowballing, getting bigger and better everyday. And nothing is as exciting as Times Square's New Year's countdown. We never dreamed we would be performing for New Year's Rockin' Eve in the middle of it for the millions of people there and all over the world. Just proves that anything is possible thanks to all of our fans." -- BSB

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New Kids on the Block/Backstreet Boys Rehearsal Photos:

Source 1/Source 2/Source 3 via Twitter

Official Confirmation: New Britney Spears single on January 7

Speculation About Britney Spears' New Album and Single

From noted fansite BritneySpace.Com, translate to English:

A person close to me could hear the new single from Britney.

It is a question many of Hold It Against Me

I report to you what he said:

The sound of the single is very innovative and hard to describe because it's a sound that Britney has never operated. There are jerks in the Freakshow and Get Naked Music style but did nothing to do with Blackout. At one point near the end, it is believed that the song is over, there is a white, then it takes a huge hit with low back. In the lyrics to the chorus is the word Guilty (style: people say I'm guilty), and the title is repeated several times in the chorus.

Some extra info, I do not know if this will be confirmed but I repeat only what is said (I agree), Fake or not:

* The working title for the album would be LOVED (hence the message of LOVE in the Britney on Twitter) and is scheduled for mid-March (the date could be advanced).

* The U.S. radio broadcasting is scheduled for January 7 and the song will be sent to French radio on Jan. 15 [date seems late compared to the USA].

Again, I repeat the news, for once I post without checking, but given the reviews I've seen, next time, I would keep the scale and proportions that it takes. A word ...

(FYI, this same person had revealed early October that the video shoot of the new single is scheduled for January 2011, which is the case, and I had only revealed to some fans who will testify.)

New Rumored Britney Spears Songs

HE ABOUT TO LOSE ME
BMI Work #12151521
Songwriter/Composer Current Affiliation CAE/IPI #
JERKINS RODNEY BMI 185580443
WROLDSEN INA CHRISTINE PRS 407543666

Publishers
NETTWERK ONE B MUSIC US BMI 489675088
Additional Non-BMI Publishers


TROUBLE FOR ME
BMI Work #11245115
Songwriter/Composer Current Affiliation CAE/IPI #
BRIGHT HEATHER DAWN DAWN ASCAP 468894191
FRANC LIVVI BMI 575171537
SMITH FRASER T PRS 0

Publishers
CHRYSALIS SONGS BMI 223437395
SONY/ATV SONGS LLC BMI 187062752
UNDERGROUND SUNSHINE MUSIC BMI 561876126
Additional Non-BMI Publishers

Source 1/Source 2

New Leak: Eminem - "Difficult"

New Leaks: Justin Timberlake - "Take You Down"

Cee Lo Is Recording Music With Gwyneth Paltrow

How much did Cee Lo like Gwyneth Paltrow's cover of his song "F**k You" on Glee? This much: "We're actually working on something [together]," he told E! "We've been considering a few things actually. You know, we'll see what pans out. It's a little too early to commit to a statement and I won't ruin the surprise because whatever we're going to do is going to be extra cool ... keep your toes crossed." In fact, Cee Lo says he'd love to appear on Glee himself, but only if things can get significantly less kid-friendly in his episode. "They gotta keep it real with me. If they're ready to go there and get down and dirty, then we got ourselves a deal!"

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M.I.A. releases Vicki Leekx Mixtape

M.I.A. released her new "Vicki Leekx" Mixtape today at 12AM GMT. It is available as a free download.

Download Here

 

 

Cover/Parody of the Week: Dude Sings "Teenage Dream"

Cher Lloyd 'signs to Jay-Z's record label'

Cher Lloyd has signed a deal to join Jay-Z's record label, it has been reported.

The X Factor singer, who came fourth overall in the ITV reality show, has joined Jay-Z's Roc Nation, which currently houses artists such as Willow Smith and Lil' Kim.

"Even though Cher didn't do terrifically well in the X Factor finals, there's been a hell of a lot of interest in her," a source told The Sun. "All the labels are on the lookout for sassy, young female artists with bags of attitude, and Cher fits that bill perfectly."

Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am previously revealed that he wanted to take Lloyd "under his wing", but it now appears that he has lost out on her signature.

"Will.i.am's backing only intensified the battle to get her signature," the source added. "After weighing up the pros and cons, it was thought that the team at Roc Nation would be best placed to turn her dreams of stardom into a reality."

Jay-Z was first linked with a move for the 17-year-old in November after admitting that he was a fan of her X Factor performances.

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Music Video: Kanye West - "Monster" ft. Rick Ross, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Bon Iver [Unfinished]

New Music: Katy Perry - "Part of Me"

Kanye West Shoots Music Video with Kim Kardashian

Kanye West is keeping up with Kim Kardashian. The rapper was spotted outside a studio in Los Angeles on Tuesday (Dec. 28), reportedly where Kim was shooting a music video for her forthcoming single. According to TMZ, the “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” star worked with Kanye on the closed set for the Hype Williams-directed clip.

“OMG u guys have no idea what I’m doing today! You are gonna DIE!!!!” tweeted Kim, later writing, “What should my alter ego name be?”

The socialite has been in and out of the studio recording her debut album with another hitmaker, The-Dream. No release date or record label has been announced for the project.

Meanwhile, Kanye was photographed with Kim’s mother Kris Jenner at the Lakers vs. Heat game on Christmas Day. He gave her a first listen to his joint album with Jay-Z, Watch the Throne. “Listening to NEW JayZ and Kanye West album with @kanyewest!!” she tweeted. “Doesn’t get any sweeeeeeeter!! He is AMAZING wait till you guys here! Out soon!”

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Lady Gaga's ‘Alejandro’ Tops Two Million Downloads Mark

This week, Lady Gaga’s single “Alejandro” tops the two million mark in paid downloads in the U.S., becoming the singer’s seventh consecutive song to reach the milestone. Gaga is the only artist in digital history to amass seven 2-million sellers as a lead act.

Take a look at the sales of Lady Gaga’s songs, as well as their peak positions on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, after the jump…

Singles:
“Just Dance” feat. Colby O’Donis – 5,844,000 copies (No. 1)
“Poker Face” – 5,722,000 copies (No. 1)
“LoveGame” – 2,258,000 copies (No. 5)
“Paparazzi” – 2,776,000 copies (No. 6)
“Bad Romance” – 4,414,000 copies (No. 2)
“Telephone” feat. Beyoncé – 2,643,000 copies (No. 3)
“Alejandro” – 2,000,000 copies (No. 5)

Non-Singles:
“Starstruck” – 625,000 copies
“Beautiful, Dirty, Rich” – 275,000 copies
“Boys Boys Boys” – 233,000 copies
“Monster” – 207,000 copies
“Speechless” – 197,000 copies
“Dance In The Dark” – 120,000 copies
“So Happy I Could Die” – 114,000 copies

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"Never Say Never" Preview: Justin Bieber playing drums

Britney Spears' "Hold It Against Me" to be released on Jan. 7

Music Video: Nick Carter - "Just One Kiss"

DJ Earworm's 2010 Mash-Up

Katy Perry's "E.T." remix featuring Tinie Tempah

Avril Lavigne Offers Free Download Of 'What The Hell'

Avril Lavigne is poising herself for a comeback. Not only will the pop-punk princess debut her brand-new single, "What the Hell," on "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2011," but she's also treating fans to a free download of the tune on New Year's Day.

In order to get the freebie, fans will need to head to the Avril's official Facebook page and "like" the starlet on January 1. As of now, the singer/songwriter has uploaded a 21-second video titled "Knock! Knock!" to the social media site to tease the premiere. The clip begins with the song's flashing title before a cameraman walks up to Lavigne's trailer and knocks on the door. The clip ends with the 26-year-old starlet opening the door and proclaiming, "What the hell?"

Earlier this month, the Canadian songstress described the lead single off Goodbye Lullaby, which hits stores March 8, as "an unabashed embrace of fun and freedom." However, Lavigne has stressed in numerous interviews that the rest of the LP will have a raw essence to it. Among other tunes featured on the new album are "Smile," which she described on her website as a rocker in which she "expresses her gratitude for special people in her life," the ballad "Wish You Were Here" and the song she told Entertainment Weekly was the album's most personal track, "Goodbye."

During the making of "Goodbye Lullaby", the singer worked with producer/songwriter Butch Walker, pop innovator Max Martin, her former guitarist Evan Taubenfeld and even ex-husband, Sum 41's Deryck Whibley.

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What Could Lady Gaga's New Year's Eve Announcement Be?

The year may be ending in only a matter of days, but Lady Gaga — MTV News 2010 Woman of the Year — is going to cram in one last splash before the dawn of 2011. The Mother Monster announced via Twitter that she would be making a major announcement regarding her upcoming album Born This Way on December 31. "Merry Christmas little monsters!" she tweeted over the weekend. "I love you with all my heart. My gift to you is a BORN THIS WAY announcement Midnight on NEW YEARS EVE."

There have been scant few details regarding Born This Way so far, though Gaga did debut a few new songs over the course of her Monster Ball tour (including the new staple "You And I"), sing a bit of the title track at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards and she claims the album has been finished (or almost finished) for some time. We also already know that the album's first single will be hitting in February, with the album coming shortly thereafter (most have speculated March). With those facts and clues in mind, what will the big announcement be? Here are some possibilities, along with their chances of success.

The Title of the First Single (3:2)
We already know what the album title will be and we know a pair of song titles, but what will the single be called? That seems like as good a way as any to start off the new year, especially considering said track already has a tentative release date.

The Official Album Release Date (2:1)
Though the speculation has been upgraded from "some time in 2011" to "some time in early 2011" in the past few months, there is still no concrete release date for Born This Way. Gaga could easily announce the date and begin the countdown to the big day.

A New Video (5:1)
As her dominance at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards illustrated, Lady Gaga is the current queen of the music video scene. So any time she has another clip on the way, it's always going to be a big story, and her fans gobble up new material with a wolf-like hunger. Could New Year's Eve be the continuation of the greatness first established with "Paparazzi," "Bad Romance" and "Telephone"?

A New Collaborator (12:1)
You would think that an artist as singular as Lady Gaga wouldn't make for a great tag-team partner (much in the same way that Hulk Hogan never did), but her hook-ups with the likes of Beyoncé, Elton John and New Kids on the Block have proven differently. Born This Way could be a collabo-heavy release, but who could be on it? Maybe New Year's Eve will be the forum for the revelation of a big-time duet.

A New Tour (20:1)
Though the money probably hasn't been fully counted on her massive Monster Ball tour yet, Gaga seems to be at home on the road and especially comfortable on stage. Could she be getting herself ready for another trek to coincide with the release of Born This Way? Tickets would have to go on sale by January for a tour that began in March or April, so the timing would be about right.

The Fact That Born This Way Is a Double Album (20:1)
Gaga has noted in interviews that Born This Way came "very easily," which could mean that she has a large stockpile of songs that she wants to put out. Could Born This Way be a double-disc extravaganza? It would make sense that one of the biggest personalities in music would put out the album to match, but it also seems a little premature in her career to be going the two-disc route. Still, nothing about Gaga is typical, so it wouldn't necessarily shock anybody.

That 2011 Will Officially Be Known as 20GAGA (150:1)
She certainly has some sway, though we're not sure she can actually influence the calendar. Still, if anybody could do it, it's her.

The Fact That Born This Way Is Her Retirement Album (1,000:1)
Because that's even less likely than the calendar thing. Gaga is too good and loves her fans too much to bow out now.

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New Music: Alicia Keys - "Speechless" feat. Eve

Lady Gaga and Eminem Top Best Selling Albums of 2010 list

01. Lady GaGa - The Fame (Monster)
Interscope - 5,8 million copies
02. Eminem - Recovery
Aftermath / Interscope - 5,7 million copies
03. Justin Bieber - My Worlds (My World+My World 2.0)
Island - 5,6 million copies
04. Lady Antebellum - Need You Now
Capitol Nashville - 3,6 million copies
05. Taylor Swift - Speak Now
Big Machine - 3,5 million copies
06. Susan Boyle - The Gift
Syco Music / Columbia - 3,0 million copies
07. Black Eyed Peas - The E.N.D.
Interscope - 3,0 million copies
08. Michael Bublé - Crazy Love
Reprise - 3,0 million copies
09. Sadé - Soldier Of Love
RCA / Epic - 2,3 million copies
10. Alicia Keys - The Element Of Freedom
J Records - 2,3 million copies

Full list at the source.

45 Christmas Songs by Modern Artists

What's a better way to start off the holidays than with music by your favorite artists?

Lady Gaga will make an announcement about "Born This Way" on Dec. 31

Michelle Branch 'returning to pop music'

Michelle Branch has revealed that her new album will mark a return to her pop roots.

The singer, whose last studio release was a country record as part of the Wreckers, said that she has been writing a "fun" and "creative" LP in the vein of her debut The Spirit Room in London with producers Jim Irvin and Julian Emrey.

Irvin and Emrey are best known for their work with McFly, Boyzone and David Guetta.

In a Ustream chat, she said: "I was in London - I've been working on a new record Julian Emrey and Jim Irvine, who are these two writers I met in LA. The first song we wrote together is a song called 'Spark', and we were so excited about it - it was the best writing day possible!

"It's great because they're writers and also producers. My favorite song that we wrote together was called 'The Story Of Us'. It's a song that's really personal to me."

She continued: "I have 11 or 12 songs ready to go right now and I'm going to go in studio in January and start recording them. I'm really confident I will have this record out by next summer."

On the album's sound, she said: "I hate putting labels on it because a good song is a good song. This record is more in the vein of my first record, which I would say was a pop record.

"The last record became so exhausting that this one is all about having fun and being creative again and not feeling like I have to write a specific way for a specific genre."

The 'Everywhere' star's last solo studio LP was 2003's Hotel Paper, which peaked at number 35 on the UK album chart and number two in the US.

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Music Video: Chimpunk - "Champion" (feat. Chris Brown)

Nirvana's Surviving Members Reunite at 'Secret' Foo Fighters Show

According to a report by Spin Magazine, the surviving members of Nirvana regrouped for the first time in more than a decade at a "secret" Foo Fighters show in Los Angeles on Tuesday night. Of course, being that Nirvana was officially just a trio, all that means is that Foo Fighters' frontman Dave Grohl (pictured) was joined by original Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic. However, the duo were also joined by Nirvana's touring guitarist Pat Smear. Grohl, who sings and plays guitar for the Foos, played drums for Nirvana. The hugely influential group disbanded in 1994 following leader Kurt Cobain's suicide.

To those paying close attention, Tuesday night's reunion, while unexpected, should come as little surprise -- it's been widely reported that Grohl recently employed his old bassist's services for a track which will appear on the new, forthcoming Foo Fighters album. That album, incidentally, is also being produced by Butch Vig, who masterminded Nirvana's 1991 seminal breakthrough, 'Nevermind.'

While the Foo Fighters used the intimate show to showcase some of their new material, the short Nirvana segment saw Novoselic and Smear join Grohl on stage to perform 'Marigold' -- originally a b-side for the hit single 'Heart Shaped Box,' it's the only original composition that Grohl contributed to Nirvana. While many celebrities were allegedly spotted in the audience, we're guessing that Courtney Love was not one of them.

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Preview of Willow Smith's "Rockstar"

Cover/Parody of the Week: Daughtry Covers "Poker Face"

"Born This Way" Cover to Be Revealed on Christmas

The above screencap is from an e-mail that SHOWstudio are sending out today. The e-mail announces that a “new image of – and from – Lady Gaga” shot by Nick Knight will be revealed at an undisclosed time on Christmas Day. It goes on to say that Gaga herself will also tweet the image from her account simultaneously with SHOWstudio’s reveal. Fans are speculating that it could be the first promotional image from Born This Way. What do you think it is? Either way, we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us!

Music Video: Enrique Iglesias - "Tonight" feat. Ludacris

Avril Lavigne Reveals Goodbye Lullaby Tracklisting

After revealing the title of her new album Goodbye Lullaby earlier this month, Avril Lavigne has now named which songs will make the record.

The singer's fourth studio album includes 13 songs - although Alice from this year's Alice in Wonderland soundtrack appears as a hidden bonus song at the end of the CD.

Goodbye Lullaby will be released March 8, 2011 and includes the lead single What The Hell - which will get its premiere in the US on Dick Clark's New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.

Goodbye Lullaby Tracklisting:

1. Black Star
2. What The Hell
3. Push
4. Wish You Were Here
5. Smile
6. Stop Standing There
7. I Love You
8. Everybody Hurts
9. Not Enough
10. 4 Real
11. Darlin
12. Remember When
13. Goodbye
14. Alice (Hidden Track)

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Music Video: "Hands All Over" - Maroon 5

Justin Bieber to Record With Rascal Flatts

Dig the cowboy boots out of the closet, true Beliebers; Justin Bieber is going country!

The 16-year-old "Baby" singer will be recording with "These Days" group Rascal Flatts for the upcoming follow-up to his My World 2.0 album. Rascal Flatts vocalist Gary LeVox told Nashville radio station WSIX that the group was asked to collaborate by the singer personally, noting,

"(Justin) asked us to do a duet with him on his next record. It's actually a really good song!"

The singer himself confirmed the news on his Twitter account, raving,

"I love @RascalFlatts and I'm honored that they are making music with me."

Bieber capped the confirmation with a link to the video for the group's song "My Wish."

LeVox and company won't be the only ones helping the Biebs make his next album a star-studded extravaganza; Ne-Yo is also reportedly collaborating with the singer.

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Gorillaz – The Fall (Tracklist)

After the title has been unveiled, the official tracklist of Gorillaz’ iPad-created album The Fall follows suit and appears within the blogosphere. The band’s website has further mentioned that the record will be available as a stream on Gorillaz.com, but will only be offered in limited availability for members of Sub Division. As indicated earlier, frontman Damon Albarn explained that the music was inspired by the frequent travels as part of the 2010 North American Tour.

“I did it because there’s a lot of time that you just spend staring at walls essentially. And it was a fantastic way of doing it. I found working in the day, whether it’s in the hotel or in the venue, it was a brilliant way of keeping myself well…like a diary, I literally wrote everything on the day in each place and there’s a strange sort of sound of America and its musical traditions that comes through. It feels like a journey through America.”

The Fall will begin to stream on December 25th (download-option for Sub Division-members) whereas the physical release will be sometime in 2011. Check out the official tracklist below and find a teaser for the album’s lead single “Phoner To Arizona” above.

The Fall (Tracklist):

01. Phoner To Arizona
02. Revolving Doors
03. HillBilly Man
04. Detroit
05. Shy-town
06. Little Pink Plastic Bags
07. The Joplin Spider
08. The Parish of Space Dust
09. The Snake In Dallas
10. Amarillo
11. The Speak It Mountains
12. Aspen Forest
13. Bobby In Phoenix
14. California And The Slipping Of The Sun
15. Seattle Yodel

Lady Gaga reveals plans for Born This Way album

Lady Gaga has told Newsbeat her new album, Born This Way, will be her "most innovative" work so far

Speaking backstage on the final night of her UK Monster Ball tour, she confirmed an as-yet-untitled new single would be released in February 2011, with the album arriving "shortly after".

She described the album as "a marriage of electronic music with major, epic, dare I even say, metal or rock 'n' roll, pop, anthemic style melodies with really sledge-hammering dance beats."

"It's finished and all, it's just fine-tuning everything," the pop megastar added.
'More poetic'

"It's kind of like the post-operative stage of the album. I've already done the full heart surgery. I'm just sewing myself back up again," she laughed.

During the gig she showcased one new song set to appear on the album, You And I, a piano-led rock song featuring a Guns N' Roses-style guitar solo.

"I think that lyrically this album is more poetic," she explained.

"It's really written by the fans, they really wrote it for me because every night they're funnelling so much into me.
'Mother monster'

"So I wrote it for them. Born This Way is all about my little monsters and me, mother monster," she continued.

Gaga said she would perform her new single on UK TV in 2011.

The London gig rounded off a very successful 2010 for the singer, which saw her winning three Brit awards, two Grammys and eight prizes at the MTV Video Music Awards.

And with the Monster Ball tour due to resume in north America, Canada, and Mexico from February to May 2011, Gaga is not expected to tour with a new production in the UK again until 2012.

"It's the last time I'm going to perform here until you guys hear Born This Way," she said before the gig. "It's very exciting,"

But the pop megastar revealed she will be in the UK "between February and March 2011" to debut her as-yet-untitled new single on TV.

Source

Cheryl Cole calls Beyonce the female Michael Jackson

Album Cover for Ricky Martin's "Music+Soul+Sex"

Ciara backs Kim Kardashian pop career

Ciara has revealed that her close friend Kim Kardashian is planning a new career in pop music.

The singer confirmed various rumors linking the reality TV star with a move to pop, saying that Kardashian is "fascinated" with the music business.

The 'Goodies' star told MTV: "I told her if she needs me, I'm here. She really, really is fascinated with the music video process and stuff like that. She's a very, very glamorous girl.

"She really loves that whole idea, and so she joked about it like, 'I wanna shoot a music video, but I don't want people to take it too serious. I would just like to have fun with it'."

Kardashian recently praised her latest E! reality show Kourtney And Kim Take New York!.

Source

Janelle Monáe: why she made the headlines in 2010

Standing just over five feet tall in her trademark saddle brogues, Janelle Monáe has achieved a cultural impact in 2010 that is disproportionate to her size.

On stage, the Kansas-born singer is a blur of black and white. Her signature Afro quiff routinely comes undone. She flings off a black, grim reaper cowl to reveal a white, high-necked, Victorian, ruffed shirt paired with tuxedo trousers. It's a smart retro look utterly at odds with the hyper-sexualised standard for female R&B acts, one that has made her a favourite on the pages of Vogue. But has anyone – stylists, photographers – tried to change her?

"This year? No," she smiles. when we met after her show at Shepherd's Bush Empire last month. "Previous years? Absolutely! They want to be the ones to get Janelle Monáe in a mini and stilettoes. But that's not the point of Janelle Monáe."

Monáe is one of the few artists who can get away with talking about herself in the third person. She is the frontperson of an Atlanta-based ideas collective, the Wondaland Arts Society, whose mission statement mixes mischief with high ideals. "We believe truth can be broken down with the following formula – "Truth = Love x Imagination. We believe songs are spaceships. We believe music is the weapon of the future. We believe books are stars."

They are also something she calls "thrivals". "A thrival is what I consider myself to be, and everyone [who is] a part of the Wondaland Arts Society," Monáe clarifies, "individuals who won't allow race or gender to be a barrier to them reaching their goals."

How does the collective, responsible for all her videos and a forthcoming graphic novel, work? "The best idea wins," Monáe replies, in a southern molasses purr. "Egos, they go on vacation."

In her debut album, The ArchAndroid, released in May, Monáe channels the playful sass of Outkast's Andre 3000 with the righteousness of Lauryn Hill. The ArchAndroid is an ambitious work, an extended sci-fi fantasy, that has ended the year with a Grammy nomination and a Soul Train award (it also topped the Guardian's poll of albums of the year). As Monáe's profile has grown, she has jammed with Prince and played with Stevie Wonder.

It was at a Thrivals event that she met one of her biggest heroes, the tightrope walker Philippe Petit, whose story was told in the film Man on Wire. "He came to my soundcheck looking for me," she beams. "And his pants were like, way up here, and they were stripy! He had heard of me from a Parisian fan – 'Do you know Janelle Monáe? She has a song called "Tightrope".' He's one of the most fearless men to exist."

Monáe was in Dublin when she heard about her Grammy nominations for "Tightrope" and The ArchAndroid, having just arrived after a trip to Moscow at the invitation of designer Karl Lagerfeld. "I was glad, 'cause it is always something on an artist's mind. Not when I'm creating, though. I don't think, 'I wanna create because I want to win an award.' Those aren't my goals."

When you ask what those goals might be, Monáe sounds more like an activist than a pop star. "What I'm focused on is uniting people. When I looked out on to the audience tonight I saw so many different shades of people out there. That's what I want to create – something like what Barack Obama says, a purple state. Not just catering to a red or a blue state but combining those colours," she says, warming to her subject. "Music is the common denominator that brings us together. I want to celebrate our differences more. And do away with these categories! When I have children I really want them to live in a world where menswear and womenswear don't exist. If my son wants to put on a skirt, I don't care."

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British Pop Group Blur To Record New Album

Britpop group Blur will spend some time in a recording studio in January 2011 and hope to release a new album by the end of the year.

Blur will record a new album in 2011.

Although the Britpop group had previously played down rumours they would record an album after reforming for a number of shows in 2009, they have now scheduled recording sessions for January, and hope to release new material by the end of next year.

A source said of the band: "The lads will be getting in the studio early next year. There's no concrete plans regarding what they will do with the material, but if they're all agreed it could become the first full Blur album to feature all four members in over a decade."

The 'Song 2' group - frontman Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, drummer Dave Rowntree and bassist Alex James - have reportedly been considering the reunion for some time after they got together to record a limited edition single, 'Fool's Day' earlier this year, but Damon's world tour with his other band, Gorillaz, meant they had to be put on hold.

The source added to The Sun newspaper: "When they went into the studio earlier this year everyone was pleased to discover that the old magic was still there.

"They would have liked to have done more, but Damon could not take part due to his commitments with Gorillaz. Now that he's finished touring he has more time on his hands."

Damon last week confirmed he will work on other projects in 2011, saying of Gorillaz: "I'm putting it back in a box for a while. Just putting it back on the shelf. I've got other stuff."

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Kelly Clarkson debuts new song and announces completion of CD

Preview of Avril Lavigne's new song

Neil Diamond, Alice Cooper to Join Rock Hall

Neil Diamond, Alice Cooper, Tom Waits, Dr. John and Darlene Love are the latest inductees to the pantheon of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the organization will announce on Wednesday morning.

Ms. Love, the go-to backup singer in the 1960s who sang on many of Phil Spector’s biggest hits — sometimes as the lead, but not always with credit — had been nominated twice before, but all of the other performers had been nominated for the first time. In addition, Leon Russell is being honored with the award for musical excellence (formerly known as the sidemen award), and nonperformer honors will go to Jac Holzman, who founded Elektra Records, and Art Rupe, who created the Specialty label.

As always, who didn’t get in says as much as who did. A look at the nominees who didn’t make the cut suggests that the Hall of Fame voters played it safe, after some criticism last year when Abba, the epitome of 1970s disco-pop, was admitted in favor of Kiss. This year, on the other hand, the disco-affiliated nominees (Donna Summer, Chic) were shut out, as well as anyone who could have added to the Rock Hall’s limited hip-hop roster (LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys).

Also shut out was Bon Jovi, whose nomination stirred some debate, as well the singer-songwriters Donovan and Laura Nyro, and the R&B singers Joe Tex and Chuck Willis.

Artists become eligible for nomination 25 years after the release of their first single or album, and the awards are voted on by more than 500 music professionals. The 26th annual induction ceremony will be held on March 14 at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York.

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Ricky Unveils Music+Soul+Sex

Get ready for new music from Ricky Martin.

The Latin pop star has unveiled the title of his first studio album in six years — Musica+Alma+Sexo (Music+Soul+Sex) will be released February 1. The album features tracks in both Spanish and English, and its first single is “The Best Thing About Me Is You.”

The Spanish version, “Lo Mejor de Mi Vida Eres Tu,” is already number one on the Latin charts.

Martin will kick off his promotional tour for the album with an appearance on the CBS special A Home for the Holidays, appearing with stars including Katy Perry and Melissa Etheridge

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Single Cover for Avril Lavigne's "What the Hell"

Kimberley Walsh for Ne-Yo collaboration?

Kimberley Walsh is to feature on a song with US singer Ne-Yo, reports claim.

The Girls Aloud star, who has landed a number of TV presenting jobs since the band's hiatus last year, will reportedly provide guest vocals on an upcoming track by the 'Closer' singer.

The Sun reports that the pair met while recording a new ITV2 program, when Ne-Yo asked Walsh if she would feature on a future single.

The Suck My Pop presenter recently unveiled a collaboration with I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! alumnus Aggro Santos, called 'Like You Like'.

The news comes after bandmate Nicola Roberts signed a solo record deal, while Sarah Harding is rumored to be releasing an LP next year after recording a track with DJ Roger Sanchez.

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Jessie J Is Behind Britney Spears's Comeback Single

The UK's latest critically acclaimed singer Jessie J will pen Britney Spears' new comeback record.

The Essex-born Brit School graduate has revealed to The Sun, that the new Britney single will have a distinctly British flavour.

She said: "It's more British than you would expect but with the Britney swag. People will be surprised. It could be the most amazing thing I've done."

The "Do it Like a Dude" singer admitted that she was shocked to see a request from the iconic US singer despite the fact that she was responsible for writing Miley Cyrus' number one smash "Party in the USA."

Jesse J who was an impressive musical resumé has written songs for the likes of Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, Willow Smith and Chris Brown. JT was so impressed by her talent that he later heralded her "the best singer in the world."

She said: "It's a great feeling knowing that what I'm writing might be heard by people from all over the world."

But then later added that writing material for such a huge star still caries huge pressure.

"It's like getting an A star in your first exam when you're four years old and then panicking. Now I have to revise for everything," she said.

Her fierce début single "Do it like a Dude" which is set for release in January 2011, has already drawn some attention from males who are apprehensive about her feisty lyrics.

"Everyone thinks I'm this really scary Mystic Meg lookalike.I'm not scary at all. I just like to express myself on stage and feel free. It's just a bit of fun."

She added: "The song has prompted a lot of insecure guys to surface on my Twitter. There are no hidden lyrics. It's me taking the mickey out of all the guys that feel they are using you like a bit of meat."

"Girls can be powerful enough to say: 'don't mess with me'."

Amen sister! Make sure you watch out for this girl in 2011, there's definitely going to be huge things coming from her camp.

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Christina Aguilera and Rihanna perform on the X-Factor

Preview of Shakira's "Sale el Sol"

Mariah Carey's 'Oh Santa!' Tops Adult Contemporary

Mariah Carey's new holiday track "Oh Santa!" dashes all the way from No. 12 to No. 1 in just its second week on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart, to be refreshed on Billboard.com Thursday (Dec. 9).

The coronation is the quickest by any title since the survey adopted Nielsen BDS-monitored radio airplay data in 1993. In that span, eight previous songs soared to the summit in as little as three chart weeks. (Seven of those songs were holiday-themed, as a majority of adult contemporary stations segue to yuletide fare each holiday season).

"Oh Santa!" is the lead single from Carey's second holiday album, "Merry Christmas II You," which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 dated Nov. 20 and has sold 165,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Carey's prequel holiday set, 1994's "Merry Christmas," has totaled U.S. sales of 5.1 million. That collection's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" peaked at No. 6 on the Jan. 7, 1995, Adult Contemporary chart and has sold 1.6 million downloads. The cut additionally crowns Billboard's tally of the 100 top-selling and most-played holiday songs last year.

"Oh Santa!" had previously topped Billboard's Holiday Digital Songs list, where it debuted at No. 1 the week of Oct. 30.

The new carol is Carey's seventh Adult Contemporary chart-topper and first in more than 14 years. She reigned with her debut single "Vision of Love" and follow-up "Love Takes Time" in 1990 and again ruled with "I Don't Wanna Cry" (1991), "Can't Let Go," "I'll Be There" (1992) and "One Sweet Day," with Boyz II Men (1995-96).

Carey ends the longest gap between Adult Contemporary No. 1s since the Eagles waited 20 years between the commands of "Best of My Love" (Dec. 14, 1974) and "Love Will Keep Us Alive" (Dec. 17, 1994).

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The Top 25 Tours of 2010

1. BON JOVI
Total Gross: $146,507,388 Number of Shows: 69
Total Attendance: 1,591,154 Number of Sell-Outs: 69

2. U2
Total Gross: $131,502,369 Number of Shows: 22
Total Attendance: 1,312,784 Number of Sell-Outs: 22

3. AC/DC
Total Gross: $122,633,027 Number of Shows: 28
Total Attendance: 1,155,998 Number of Sell-Outs: 19

4. LADY GAGA
Total Gross: $116,227,987 Number of Shows: 122
Total Attendance: 1,362,993 Number of Sell-Outs: 101

5. BLACK EYED PEAS
Total Gross: $81,579,114 Number of Shows: 82
Total Attendance: 1,263,625 Number of Sell-Outs: 82

6. JAMES TAYLOR & CAROLE KING
Total Gross: $62,326,410 Number of Shows: 54
Total Attendance: 693,271 Number of Sell-Outs: 23

7. EAGLES
Total Gross: $62,166,344 Number of Shows: 40
Total Attendance: 587,165 Number of Sell-Outs: 12

8. METALLICA
Total Gross: $61,947,556 Number of Shows: 33
Total Attendance: 700,219 Number of Sell-Outs: 13

9. DAVE MATTHEWS BAND
Total Gross: $61,247,906 Number of Shows: 57
Total Attendance: 1,052,312 Number of Sell-Outs: 25

10. PAUL McCARTNEY
Total Gross: $55,760,403 Number of Shows: 21
Total Attendance: 394,186 Number of Sell-Outs: 20

11. MICHAEL BUBLE
Total Gross: $52,887,642 Number of Shows: 60
Total Attendance: 650,223 Number of Sell-Outs: 4

12. TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA
Total Gross: $47,395,108 Number of Shows: 134
Total Attendance: 1,061,120 Number of Sell-Outs: 51

13. TIM McGRAW
Total Gross: $44,782,598 Number of Shows: 71
Total Attendance: 880,688 Number of Sell-Outs: 29

14. TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS
Total Gross: $44,696,605 Number of Shows: 46
Total Attendance: 657,610 Number of Sell-Outs: 16

15. TAYLOR SWIFT
Total Gross: $40,312,810 Number of Shows: 47
Total Attendance: 643,168 Number of Sell-Outs: 45

16. ANDRÉ RIEU
Total Gross: $39,992,285 Number of Shows: 86
Total Attendance: 444,996 Number of Sell-Outs: 10

17. BRAD PAISLEY
Total Gross: $38,638,839 Number of Shows: 62
Total Attendance: 842,679 Number of Sell-Outs: 32

18. GEORGE STRAIT & REBA McENTIRE
Total Gross: $36,666,304 Number of Shows:27
Total Attendance: 439,698 Number of Sell-Outs: 13

19. JUSTIN BIEBER
Total Gross: $35,600,276 Number of Shows: 62
Total Attendance: 739,533 Number of Sell-Outs:57

20. NICKELBACK
Total Gross: $35,035,196 Number of Shows: 41
Total Attendance: 497,072 Number of Sell-Outs: 16

21. PHISH
Total Gross: $33,240,962 Number of Shows: 43
Total Attendance: 658,243 Number of Sell-Outs: 21

22. MILEY CYRUS
Total Gross: $33,126,226 Number of Shows: 23
Total Attendance: 337,408 Number of Sell-Outs: 13

23. RASCAL FLATTS
Total Gross: $31,465,481 Number of Shows: 54
Total Attendance: 630,126 Number of Sell-Outs: 14

24. CARRIE UNDERWOOD
Total Gross: $29,743,522 Number of Shows: 81
Total Attendance: 608,319 Number of Sell-Outs: 39

25. TIËSTO
Total Gross: $28,626,366 Number of Shows: 110
Total Attendance: 525,894 Number of Sell-Outs: 45

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MTV's Top Song of 2010

The week-long countdown to the number one spot on the MTV News Top 25 Songs of 2010 countdown has come to a close, and when the dust cleared and the last vote was counted, Usher's "OMG" ended up at the top of the heap. The key single from Usher's monster album Raymond Vs. Raymond, "OMG" fought its way to the top by being both unbelievably catchy and extremely versatile. It was a huge pop song, a gigantic R&B hit, an instant dance floor classic and easily one of the best will.i.am productions in years. Everything about it just works, and that's why it ended up being at the top of the list.

The rest of the top 10 shook out with a pair of Kanye West songs ("Runaway" and "Power"), Rick Ross' "B.M.F. (Blowin' Money Fast)," Cee Lo Green's "F--- You," Robyn's "Dancing On My Own," Drake's "Fancy," Jay-Z's "On to the Next One," Eminem's "Love the Way You Lie" and Lady Gaga's "Telephone." When finally broken down, that's a pretty good summation of the year in music (even though it doesn't have a single rock song represented, which drives home how weak a year guitar-based music had on the large pop landscape).

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Video: Dr. Dre f/ Akon & Snoop Dogg – ‘Kush’

Dre Day is finally upon us. Over a decade in the making, the hip-hop icon delivers the first visuals from his long-awaited album Detox. The West Coast veteran links up with Snoop Dogg and Akon in the Joseph Kahn-directed clip for his smokers’ anthem “Kush.”

“It’s a fun song, it’s hot, and people seem to be loving it, and that’s an exciting thing because I know if people are loving this song, they’re going to really get into the record because this is just the tip of the iceberg,” stated Dre.

Snoop didn’t hesitate when his mentor asked him to be part of the song. “Dr. Dre, that’s my big homeboy, that’s my big brother,” he said. “He gave me my start, so whenever he calls me to come through and do what I need to, I’m there for him. Akon’s part of the family too so this is what we do, we just make great music.”

Blaze up the video below.

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Ke$ha and friends cover Rolling Stone's "Dead Flowers"

Billboard Unveils the Hot 100 Songs of 2010

1. Ke$ha - Tik Tok
2. Lady Antebellum - Need You Now
3. Train - Hey, Soul Sister
4. Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dogg - California Gurls
5. Usher feat. will.i.am - OMG
6. B.o.B feat. Hayley Williams - Airplanes
7. Eminem feat. Rihanna - Love The Way You Lie
8. Lady Gaga - Bad Romance
9. Taio Cruz - Dynamite
10. Taio Cruz feat. Ludacris - Break Your Heart
11. B.o.B feat. Bruno Mars - Nothin' On You
12. Enrique Iglesias feat. Pitbull - I Like It
13. Young Money feat. Lloyd - Bedrock
14. Jason Derulo - In My Head
15. Rihanna - Rude Boy
16. Lady Gaga feat. Beyonce - Telephone
17. Katy Perry - Teenage Dream
18. Bruno Mars - Just The Way You Are
19. Mike Posner - Cooler Than Me
20. The Black Eyed Peas - Imma Be
21. Jay-Z + Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind
22. Usher feat. Pitbull - DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love
23. Travie McCoy feat. Bruno Mars - Billionaire
24. Eminem - Not Afraid
25. Iyaz - Replay
26. David Guetta feat. Akon - Sexy Chick
27. The Script - Breakeven
28. Ke$ha - Your Love Is My Drug
29. The Black Eyed Peas - I Gotta Feeling
30. Owl City - Fireflies
31. Trey Songz feat. Fabolous - Say Aah
32. Drake - Find Your Love
33. Lady Gaga - Alejandro
34. Jason Derulo - Ridin' Solo
35. Nelly - Just A Dream
36. Ludacris - How Low
37. Far East Movement feat. Dev and The Cataracs - Like A G6
38. Timbaland feat. Justin Timberlake - Carry Out
39. Michael Buble - Haven't Met You Yet
40. Flo Rida feat. David Guetta - Club Can't Handle Me
41. Jay Sean feat. Lil Wayne - Down
42. La Roux - Bulletproof
43. Jason Derulo - Whatcha Say
44. Justin Bieber - Baby
45. Adam Lambert - Whataya Want From Me
46. Taylor Swift - Mine
47. Rihanna - Only Girl (In The World)
48. Kris Allen - Live Like We're Dying
49. Rihanna feat. Jeezy - Hard
50. Jay-Z feat. Mr. Hudson - Young Forever
51. Ke$ha feat. 3OH!3 - Blah Blah Blah
52. Trey Songz feat. Nicki Minaj - Bottoms Up
53. Jay Sean feat. Sean Paul - Do You Remember
54. OneRepublic - All The Right Moves
55. Orianthi - According To You
56. Ludacris feat. Nicki Minaj - My Chick Bad
57. Taylor Swift - You Belong With Me
58. The Black Eyed Peas - Meet Me Halfway
59. Ke$ha - Take It Off
60. Drake - Over
61. Neon Trees - Animal
62. Maroon 5 - Misery
63. B.o.B feat. Rivers Cuomo - Magic
64. Lady Gaga - Paparazzi
65. New Boyz feat. Ray J - Tie Me Down
66. Nicki Minaj - Your Love
67. Miley Cyrus - Party In The U.S.A.
68. Chris Brown feat. Tyga & Kevin McCall - Deuces
69. Britney Spears - 3
70. Shontelle - Impossible
71. Drake feat. Kanye West, Lil Wayne, & Eminem - Forever
72. Boys Like Girls feat. Taylor Swift - Two Is Better Than One
73. 3OH!3 feat. Ke$ha - My First Kiss
74. Kelly Clarkson - Already Gone
75. The Black Eyed Peas - Rock That Body
76. OneRepublic - Secrets
77. Selena Gomez & The Scene - Naturally
78. Alicia Keys - Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)
79. DJ Khaled feat. T-Pain, Ludacris, Rick Ross, & Snoop Dogg - All I Do Is Win
80. Kevin Rudolf feat. Birdman, Lil Wayne, & Jay Sean - I Made It (Cash Money Heroes)
81. Sugarland - Stuck Like Glue
82. Usher feat. Plies - Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)
83. Usher - There Goes My Baby
84. Taylor Swift - Today Was A Fairytale
85. Timbaland feat. Drake - Say Something
86. Beyonce - Sweet Dreams
87. Kings of Leon - Use Somebody
88. Carrie Underwood - Undo It
89. Sean Kingston & Justin Bieber - Eenie Meenie
90. Lil Wayne feat. Drake - Right Above It
91. Miranda Lambert - The House That Built Me
92. The Band Perry - If I Die Young
93. Paramore - The Only Exception
94. Lady Antebellum - American Honey
95. Sara Bareilles King Of Anything
96. Daughtry - Life After You
97. Uncle Kracker - Smile
98. Cali Swag District - Teach Me How To Dougie
99. Alicia Keys - Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart
100. Jerrod Niemann - Lover, Lover

Lady Gaga Is Billboard's 2010 Artist of the Year, Ke$ha Takes Top New Act

This was the year everyone went gaga for Lady Gaga.

The shape-shifting pop star takes home Billboard's top artist of the year honors, just a year after she earned top new artist applause. The last time an act made a move from "new" to "top" faster was in 2006, when Chris Brown snared both titles concurrently. Before that, the last woman to graduate nearly as fast was Whitney Houston, who was our top new artist of 1985 and then became the top artist the following year.

Billboard's year-end music recaps are based on chart performance during the chart year that began with last year's Dec. 5 issue and ended with the Nov. 27, 2010, issue. The year-end Top Artists list ranks the best-performing acts of the year derived from activity on two charts: the Billboard 200 albums tally and the Billboard Hot 100 singles list.

Since we created the top overall artist category with our year-end recaps in 1981, only seven women have taken home the trophy, including Gaga. Taylor Swift nabbed it in 2009, preceded by LeAnn Rimes (1997), Alanis Morissette (1996), Mariah Carey (1991), Whitney Houston (1986) and Madonna (1985).

Gaga takes the artist of the year honor thanks in part to the chart performance of her first two albums, "The Fame" and "The Fame Monster" (both on Streamline/KonLive/Cherrytree/Interscope), which rank at Nos. 4 and 13, respectively, on the year-end Top Billboard 200 Albums tally. Four singles from those albums appear on the Hot 100 Songs roundup, led by "Bad Romance" at No. 8.

Swift is 2010's No. 2 artist of the year -- not too shabby for the Big Machine singer who was our top artist last year. With her one-two punch in 2009 and 2010, it marks the first time an act has been one of the top two artists in successive years since Destiny's Child was the top artist in 2000 and 2001. Narrowing the accolade among only soloists, Garth Brooks was the last to do so, when he was the No. 1 act in 1992 and 1993. The last woman? Mariah Carey, who was No. 1 in 1991 and No. 2 in 1992.

Swift has two albums in the top 10 of the year-end Billboard 200 tally, the first time an artist has done so since 1992. "Fearless" (2009) is at No. 7 while the just-released "Speak Now" is at No. 9. Brooks was the last to claim two albums in a year-end top 10, when he finished 1992 with "Ropin' the Wind" at No. 1 and "No Fences" at No. 6.

"Speak Now" charted for only three weeks during the 2010 chart year, making its No. 9 placing a stunning achievement. Ranking on the year-end tally is determined by a title's weekly charting sales. So, "Speak Now" made up for its short chart life in the chart year with massive sales: It moved 1.6 million units in those three weeks, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Elsewhere, neither Gaga nor Swift charted on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums tally, marking the first time neither of the top two artists of the year have done so since 1997, when Rimes and Spice Girls came in at Nos. 1 and 2, respectively, on that chart.

So, last year Gaga was our new artist and then became the top artist this year. Could Ke$ha, who snags the throne on 2010's Top New Artists list, win the big prize in 2011? This year the Kemosabe/RCA singer celebrates not just her new artist win but also her crowning of the Hot 100 Songs roundup, where her debut charting single "TiK ToK" is tops. The track spent nine weeks at No. 1 on the weekly Hot 100 list.

The last time an act's first charting single became the top song of the year was only two years ago, when Flo Rida reigned with "Low." However, since Billboard began producing year-end recaps in 1946, no woman -- until Ke$ha -- had managed the feat.

Two steps behind Ke$ha on the new artist tally is Susan Boyle, who earns her ranking mostly on the strength of her two hit albums, "I Dreamed a Dream" and "The Gift." The former spent six weeks atop the Billboard 200 and finishes 2010 as the No. 1 Top Billboard 200 album.

At No. 2 on the year-end Billboard 200 albums list is Eminem's "Recovery." All of the rapper's albums -- save for his debut, "The Slim Shady LP" -- have finished among the year-end top 10 Billboard 200 albums. He's ranked in the top two twice before: in 2005 with "Encore" (No. 2) and in 2002 with "The Eminem Show" (No. 1).

Eminem also ends 2010 as the No. 3 artist of the year, and with Gaga and Swift at Nos. 1 and 2, he's our top male artist.

Country trio Lady Antebellum is the highest-ranking group on the top artist recap, coming in at No. 4. It's the first time a country act is the biggest group of the year.

Since Billboard began compiling year-end combined pop artist categories in 1977 (for males, females and duo/groups, respectively) no country act had ever finished the year as the top overall duo/group.

Lady A also takes home the No. 2 honor on the Hot 100 Songs recap with its Capitol Nashville single "Need You Now," which spent two weeks at No. 2 on the weekly tally, but lingered for 42 weeks within the top 40 during the eligibility period. A country single last reached such heights on the year-end Hot 100 tally in 2000, when Faith Hill's "Breathe" was the top Hot 100 song.

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TIME’s Top 10 Albums and Songs of 2010

Kanye West has TIME on his side. The magazine has crowned the rapper’s fifth project My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy the best album of 2010, saying, “He delivered the musical equivalent of a one-handed back handspring.” Yeezy’s “POWER” also makes the editors’ top 10 songs, along with hits from Drake, Janelle Monáe, and Eminem, while Cee Lo Green claims the No. 1 spot with his Grammy-nominated “F**k You.” Find out who else made the lists below.

Top 10 Albums

1. Kanye West, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
2. Arcade Fire, The Suburbs
3. LCD Soundsystem, This Is Happening
4. The National, High Violet
5. Drake, Thank Me Later
6. Sufjan Stevens, Age of Adz
7. The Black Keys, Brothers
8. Yeasayer, Odd Blood
9. Big Boi, Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty
10. Beach House, Teen Dream

Top 10 Songs

1. Cee Lo Green, “F**k You”
2. Janelle Monáe, “Tightrope”
3. Kanye West, “POWER”
4. Arcade Fire, “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)”
5. Eminem featuring Rihanna, “Love the Way You Lie”
6. Yeasayer, “Ambling Alp”
7. Jónsi, “Animal Arithmetic”
8. Drake, “Find Your Love”
9. Elizabeth Cook, “All the Time”
10. Sleigh Bells, “Rill Rill”

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Black Eyed Peas Album A Flop At No. 6 on Chart

Weeks ago -- on paper, at least -- the new Black Eyed Peas album seemed a safe bet for a No. 1 debut on the Billboard 200 albums chart.

But no, the funk group could manage only a No. 6 start for "The Beginning," which sold just 119,000 copies during the week ended December 5, according to Nielsen SoundScan data issued Wednesday. That's a sharp drop from the launch of its previous album, "The E.N.D.," which debuted at No. 1 in June 2009 after selling 304,000 copies in its first week.

Chalk up some of "The Beginning's" soft start to the good-but-not-great response to its lead single "The Time (Dirty Bit)," which jumped five places to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Last year when "The E.N.D." came out, the Peas were basking in the glow of "Boom Boom Pow," which was spending its 11th week at No. 1 on the Hot 100.

Meanwhile Susan Boyle returned to No. 1 with "The Gift," which sold 272,000 copies. Last week's champ, Kanye West's "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy," slid to No. 7 with 108,000 copies, a hefty drop of 78%.

The other newcomer in the top 10 was the "Glee, the Music Volume 4" soundtrack at No. 5 with 128,000 copies. Further down, Jazmine Sullivan's second album "Love Me Back" came in at No. 17 and Chrisette Michele's third effort "Let Freedom Reign" launched at No. 25.

Taylor Swift's former chart-topper "Speak Now" rose two to No. 2 with 182,000, Jackie Evancho's "O Holy Night" was also up two, to No. 3, with 145,000, and the "Glee" Christmas album soared six to No. 4 with 129,000.

Nicki Minaj's "Pink Friday" dropped six to No. 8 with 103,000 in its second week. Josh Groban's "Illuminations" jumped three to No. 9 with 78,000 and Rihanna's "Loud" rose four to No. 10 with 77,000.

Overall album sales totaled 9.22 million units, off 10% from the previous week and down 9% compared to the comparable sales week of 2009. Year to date album sales stand at 281.24 million, down 13% compared to the same total at this point last year.

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Kanye West Previews Monster Video Featuring Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z

Yes, 'Monster': the wildest and most action packed song on Kanye's masterpiece is set for release and the trio of Kanye. Jay-Z and Nicki Minaj have been hard at work creating a video for the track.

We'll have to wait a little while to see the full thing but a preview of the video, which sees Kanye getting up close and personal with waif-like models and Nicki Minaj crawling around on all-fours looks set to maintain Yeezy's current run of arthouse insanity.

Watch the 'Monster' promo preview below:



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Katy Perry's 'Firework' Shines Over Hot 100

Katy Perry becomes the first female artist in 11 years to take three straight radio singles from an album to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, as "Firework" lifts 2-1. She first topped the chart in June for six weeks with "California Gurls," featuring Snoop Dogg. That was followed by a two-week stay at the top in September with "Teenage Dream," the title track from her former No. 1 Billboard 200 set, which was recently bestowed a Grammy nomination for album of the year.

Monica was the last female to scale the Hot 100 with three consecutive radio cuts from one album, when title cut "The Boy Is Mine," featuring Brandy, "The First Night" and "Angel of Mine" all hit No. 1 between June 1998 and February 1999.

"Firework" is Perry's fourth overall Hot 100 No. 1, as she also led the list for seven weeks in the summer of 2008 with "I Kissed a Girl," her first chart entry.

"Firework's" ascension to No. 1 means that six different songs in the past six weeks have claimed the top Hot 100 ranking, extending a turnover ratio not seen in more than 20 years.

"Firework" sizzles at the top of Digital Songs for a second week with 212,000 downloads (down 9%), according to Nielsen SoundScan, while ranking as the week's top Airplay Gainer with a 12-8 lift on Radio Songs, up 25% to 83.3 million listener impressions, according to Nielsen BDS.

Last week's No. 1, P!nk's "Raise Your Glass," drops to No. 2, while Rihanna continues to climb back up the list (5-3) with her former chart-topper "What's My Name?," featuring Drake.

The Black Eyed Peas improve 9-4 with "The Time (Dirty Bit)" as the title moves into the runner-up slot on Digital Songs with 198,000 (up 10%). Their new album "The Beginning" starts at No. 6 on the Billboard 200, with 119,000.

Bruno Mars continues his upward trajectory with "Grenade" (10-5), while his "Just the Way You Are" slips 4-7. In between Mars's two tracks is Rihanna's "Only Girl (In the World)" (3-6).

Ke$ha stumbles 6-8 with "We R Who We R", Nelly falls 8-9 with "Just a Dream" and Trey Songz comes back into the top 10 with "Bottoms Up," featuring Nicki Minaj (11-10). The title has now spent seven weeks in the top 10.

"Glee" contributes to the Hot 100's Digital Gainer and Hot Shot Debut awards, as the cast's cover of Florence and the Machine's "Dog Days Are Over" is the top new entry at No. 22, selling 98,000 (No. 8 on Digital Songs). The song is one of five new entries by the "Glee" Cast this week.

Meanwhile, Florence and the Machine's original recording jumps 58-21 on the Hot 100 and 40-11 on Digital Songs, matching its previous best peak on the former list and achieving a new peak rank on the latter, moving 90,000 downloads (up 121%). The song reached its previous best rank following the band's head-turning performance on the MTV Music Video Awards in September.

The holiday season is in full swing, as the chart hosts its first two seasonal entries, both by top-selling alternative bands. Coldplay opens at No. 25 on the Hot 100 and No. 12 on Digital Songs (90,000) with "Christmas Lights," while topping the Holiday Digital Songs chart with the track.

The Killers enter at No. 79 on the big chart and No. 43 on the sales list (34,000) with "Boots." The band has released a holiday single each year since 2006, with its first offering, "A Great Big Sled," having been the only one to have previously charted on the Hot 100 (No. 54 peak).

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Willow Smith to Tour with Justin Bieber in Europe

Jessica Simpson’s Xmas album tanks as her clothing line nears $1 billion in annual sales

Jessica Simpson’s pop career continues to slide further into oblivion as her holiday LP Happy Christmas tanks in the charts. Despite a heavy promotional schedule, which included a PBS TV special, the disc debuted at #123 with sales of just 10,000 on last week’s Billboard chart. Compare that to Susan Boyle’s reign at the top with The Gift and Mariah Carey’s top five debut for Merry Christmas II You, and you get the picture.

Jessica’s recording career may be in the dumps and her last reality show The Price of Beauty may have bombed in the ratings, but that’s OK because the Simpson sister is about to become a billion dollar baby when her clothing line makes history by becoming the first ever celebrity fashion line to reach annual sales of $US1 billion. Yup, you read that right — ONE BILLION DOLLARS. That’s what fashion industry bible Women’s Wear Daily are predicting that The Jessica Simpson Collection will make in annual sales within the next two years after netting an astonishing $750 million this year alone, driving Simpson’s net worth up to $100 million. The line, which produces everything from clothing, jeans, perfume, cosmetics, luggage, handbags and shoes, will be expanding next year by launching a sportswear line, which WWD estimate will rake in between $150-200 million over the next two years.

So as you can see, Jessica Simpson can have all the flops she wants because with a billion dollar business behind her she can afford to make mistakes. That next mistake will most likely be her next “pop album”, which she’s hoping to have produced by The-Dream & Tricky after being impressed by their work on her Happy Christmas LP.

Who would’ve ever thought that Jessica Simpson’s little clothing empire would be making more than celebrity lines from the likes of Britney Spears, Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez?

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Announcements on new Avril Lavigne CD

Two years in the making, singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne's fourth studio album, Goodbye Lullaby, will be released by RCA Records on March 8, 2011. Lavigne will debut the first single "What the Hell" on New Year's Eve during "Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve."

Lavigne worked with longtime collaborators Deryck Whibley, Evan Taubenfeld and Butch Walker, as well as songwriter/producer Max Martin. Lavigne continues to share her personal experiences through her writing and music, and Goodbye Lullaby is a further evolution of this, propelled by a more raw and organic sound.

Among its upbeat tracks are "What the Hell," an unabashed embrace of fun and freedom, and "Stop Standing There," fueled by an early-‘50s girl-group feel. The album runs the gamut of emotions: Lavigne expresses her gratitude for special people in her life in the rocker "Smile," explores the dynamics of a relationship in "Push," shows her vulnerable side in "Wish You Were Here," and finds the strength to close one chapter of her life and move on to the next in the title track "Goodbye."

Outside the recording studio, Lavigne is a successful entrepreneur who continues to design and direct her lifestyle apparel brand, Abbey Dawn, which has expanded its worldwide footprint and will be shipping to 50+ countries beginning this month. Along with her popular fragrance Black Star, she recently introduced Forbidden Rose and is launching a third fragrance in 2011. This September, Lavigne's past charitable work also inspired her to create The Avril Lavigne Foundation. The Foundation works in partnership with leading charitable organizations to design and deliver programs, raise awareness, and mobilize support for children and youth living with serious illnesses or disabilities.

Avril Lavigne has made an indelible mark on the music community, selling more than 30 million albums worldwide, earning eight Grammy nominations and seven Canadian Juno Awards. She burst onto the music scene in 2002 with the critically acclaimed Let Go, featuring the smash singles "Sk8r Boi" and "Complicated." Her 2004 release, Under My Skin, debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts, as did her third album, The Best Damn Thing, which produced the irrepressible #1 single "Girlfriend" and logged more than 130 million views on YouTube! Lavigne also wrote the song "Alice" for Tim Burton's critically acclaimed Disney Film Alice in Wonderland.

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Tesco 'disappointed with Coyle's sales'

Tesco's have revealed that they a disappointed with the sales of Nadine Coyle's debut album.

The Girls Aloud star's debut album Insatiable was released exclusively via the supermarket last month, where it charted at a disappointing 47 despite a hefty promotional campaign across its 2,500 branches.

The Telegraph reports the supermarket is blaming an "anti-Tesco" campaign from the music label heads, who are said to be unhappy that the chain is breaking into the industry.

A spokesperson said: " We’re obviously disappointed that Nadine’s album hasn’t got off to the start we all hoped for, but it’s a great record from a brilliant artist and once we start getting some proper airplay I think a lot more people will discover this for themselves.

"Tesco is used to facing tough competition and we’ll be getting right behind Nadine’s second single in the New Year."

Insatiable is reported to have sold 10,000 copies to date.

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Mandy Moore to work with husband

Mandy Moore wants to make a record with her rocker husband Ryan Adams.

The singer and actress is currently earning plaudits for her voice work in the latest Disney film Tangled.

And, although there is nothing in the pipeline at the moment, Mandy has revealed her desire to combine her talents with Ryan on an LP.

She says they already have a proven combination - and this will work even if the project is not a traditional collaboration.

"I don't know about a duet," Mandy told E! Online. "But I would love to work with him on the next record. I'm sure he'll be involved in some way. We work well together."

The 26-year-old, who has released six studio albums, says she is getting inspiration from various classic artists before recording her next release. As well as Ryan, 36, Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney is on her radar.

"I'm listening to McCartney right now and a lot of Gram Parsons. My hubby, too. It's hard to ignore that influence in the house," she explained.

The pretty brunette also revealed her Tangled auditions were drawn out. Yet she was able to perform a tune by one of her idols. "It was singing and singing and singing," Mandy said. "I got to go in and sing Joni Mitchell's Help Me. I mean, how often do you get to read a scene and sing a Joni Mitchell song in an audition?!"

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M.I.A. Announces Release of Mixtape on New Year's Eve

Controversial singer/rapper M.I.A. has announced that she was will be releasing a new mixtape to ring in the new year. "Vicky leekx mixtape coming new years eve!" the electro-pop star tweeted on Friday (Dec. 3). "Layin bad minds to rest 2010!" Though details regarding the mixtape are scarce, the "XXXO" singer reportedly found time to record it in between tour dates, as she has been on the road for much of 2010, and will be making her last stop in Paris on December 12.

M.I.A. previously released her breakthrough 'Piracy Funds Terrorism, Volume 1' tape back in 2004, a collaboration with ex-boyfriend Diplo, which garnered her critical acclaim and commercial attention, before the release of her debut.

The 'Vicky Leekx' mixtape follows the July release of M.I.A.'s third album /\/\/\Y/\, her highest charting LP, which featured the controversial "Born Free" video, and is in stores now.

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All The Beatles ‘Live and Dead’ to perform at Hollywood Bowl

Legendary quartet The Beatles might once again go on stage in full strength. This show by all the stars Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, and George Harrison in Los Angeles Hollywood Bowl will be possible thanks to modern digital technologies.

Participants of the legendary group The Beatles once again find themselves on the same stage in its entirety. This will happen in Los Angeles in the Hollywood Bowl. Still alive Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr will personally take part in the show, and John Lennon and George Harrison will be “enlivened” using the latest technology, musicians will be recreated in the form of digital images. As reported by Some Kind of Awesome with reference to information obtained from the British tabloids, this unique presentation is to be held on August 27, 2011-year. It is also reported that the proceeds from the show will go to charitable foundations working for peace and for the study of breast cancer.

It should be noted that so far there is no official information about the upcoming Los Angeles event. Are the reports about ‘unification’ of The Beatles true or rumors, fans of the group will probably learn a little later. It must be recalled that The Beatles performed twice in Hollywood Bowl, once in 1964, and later in 1965.

The famed quartet from Liverpool won extraordinary popularity in the sixties of last century, broke-up in 1970. After that, each of the ex-Beatle decided to go solo.

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Hilary Duff 'wants musical return'

Hilary Duff has revealed that she will return to music when she feels "really inspired".

The singer and actress, whose last album was 2007's Dignity, said that she is keen to release more music but is undecided on what her future record would sound like.

"You know what, I want to and I think that until I feel really inspired by something that I wanna do, like a way I want to go, I couldn't do it," she told Maney and Riley.

"I think one day I'll wake up and I'll say, 'That's exactly it!' you know, and then I could do it. But right now, I'm not focused on that."

Duff is currently promoting her first novel, called Elixir.

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New Britney Spears Album in March!

Taylor Swift is EW's Entertainer of the Year: This week's cover

Taylor Swift kicked off 2010 with a No. 2 single debut (“Today Was a Fairytale”), a hit movie (Valentine’s Day), and four Grammy wins, including Album of the Year. She then spent months headlining arena concerts and big-ticket awards shows. But there was one achievement — the Oct. 25 release of her third record, Speak Now — that topped everything. Buoyed by strong reviews and the radio-friendly hit “Mine,” Speak amassed a jaw-dropping 1,047,000 units in first-week sales, the highest tally for any release in five years. For all that, the confidently sweet 20-year-old who was only 2 months old when Entertainment Weekly launched in 1990 is now our youngest-ever Entertainer of the Year.

In our interview, Swift talks about all the speculation surrounding the subjects of the songs on Speak Now, understood to include ex-boyfriends Taylor Lautner, Joe Jonas, and John Mayer. “Sometimes I would laugh because I would see it in print and it would say, ‘This song, which is written about her ex, so-and-so…’ And they would write about it as if it was fact. The fact is, I haven’t ever confirmed that any song is about any particular person. There’s something kind of freeing about that. As far as I’m concerned, it’s all still up in the air.” She also explains how she decided to perform her song “Innocent,” which sure seems to be about Kanye West, at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards. “I had decided that I didn’t want to perform on the show. Or even go. Then I woke up in the middle of the night and I realized that I had to, and that I wanted to perform that song.”

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Grammy nominations 2011: Katy Perry uses blasphemy after 'Teenage Dream' Album of the Year nod

Apparently using blasphemy as entertainment isn't so cheap after all.

Katy Perry was so surprised by her Grammy nomination for Album of the Year for "Teenage Dream" that she issued a religious expletive when the host of "The Grammy Nominations Concert Live!!" questioned her during the show Wednesday night.

"Are you feeling some Grammy love tonight?" LL Cool J asked Perry, who was seated in the audience wearing a revealing metallic gold dress.

"Hell yes!" she blurted out, before adding, "Excuse me, sorry CBS."

She then held her hands up in a prayer motion and thanked her peers for the nomination.

During the concert, the 25-year-old pop star didn't shy away from impious behavior, engaging in some graphic choreography while performing "California Gurls." While singing the line "so hot/will melt your Popsicle," she gesticulated wildly towards her groin area.

Pulling an about-face after the ceremony, Perry ended her post-Grammy tweet fest with the simple hashtag "#GOD."

Perry's behavior comes as a surprise after she tweeted over the summer that "using blasphemy as entertainment is as cheap as a comedian telling a fart joke."

The post came after Lady Gaga's sexy quasi-religious video for "Alejandro" -- in which she wore a latex nun's habit and was ravaged by a group of scantily clad men -- was released, though Perry denied the two events were related.


Katy Perry performs 'California Gurls' during the Grammy nominations concert. (AP)

Perry, who was raised by Christian pastors and first started singing in church, said she took issue with blasphemous behavior regardless of the perpetrator.

"You know, when Madonna was on a cross, and sometimes my boyfriend will say things that are little bit 'eh' for me from where I come from," she told a French radio station.

Incidentally, Gaga is also nominated for Album of the Year for “Fame Monster,” as are Arcade Fire for "The Suburbs," Eminem for "Recovery” and Lady Antebellum for "Need You Know."

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