JESSICA SIMPSON DEBUTS NEW SONG
Jessica Simpson has debuted a new song titled “Who We Are.” The tune will also serve as the theme for her new series, Jessica Simpson’s The Price of Beauty, which premieres on Vh1 Monday at 10 PM Eastern. The song was inspired by Jessica’s travels around the world with her show to discover what beauty is and what it means to other cultures. Jessica co-wrote the song with Evan Bogart, Shari Short and Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan. In the new Vh1 docu-series, Jessica heads to Thailand, France, India, Uganda, Japan, Brazil, Morocco, and then back home to Los Angeles to meet every day women and local icons. There, Jessica examines the local fashions, dietary fads and beauty regimes and even participates in some extreme practices in order to reveal what constitutes beauty in these foreign cultures. Jessica Simpson’s The Price of Beauty premieres on Monday at 10 PM on VH1. “Who We Are” is currently available for download at JessicaSimpson.com.
TAIO CRUZ TO DEBUT AT NUMBER ONE!
British newcomer Taio (Tie-Oh) Cruz sets the record for largest jump to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 by an act with its first charting single as “Break Your Heart,” featuring Ludacris, which leaps 52 spots to the summit. The song shifts 273-thousand downloads in its first full week of availability, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The record for largest climb to number one on the Hot 100 by an artist’s premiere single had belonged to Kelly Clarkson’s American Idol victory song, “A Moment Like This,” which flew 51 spots to the top spot back in October 2002. Clarkson still retains the mark for biggest jump to the summit with “My Life Would Suck Without You,” which leapt 96 spots to number one, just over a year ago.
LADY A BACK ON TOP
Lady Antebellum’s Need You Now returns to number one on the Billboard album chart, bumping Sade’s Soldier of Love down to number two. (Related Audio Cut #2) After a three-week run at number two on the chart, Lady A returns to top selling over 126-thousand copies, marking its third total week atop the list. Blake Shelton’s Hillbilly Bone bows at number three, American Idol’s Danny Gokey debuts at number four with My Best Days and Almost Alice, a soundtrack/companion set to the new Johnny Depp film Alice in Wonderland, debuts at number five. Lifehouse’s Smoke and Mirrors starts at number six, Lady Gaga’s The Fame slips two rungs to number seven, while the Black Eyed Peas slide four slots to number eight with The E.N.D. Raheem DeVaughn debuts at number nine with The Love and MasterPeace and Easton Corbin arrives with his self-titled full-length debut album at number 10.
LIFEHOUSE DEBUTS AT NUMBER SIX
Lifehouse’s highly anticipated new album, Smoke & Mirrors, debuted at number six on this week’s Billboard 200 chart, selling just under 55-thousand copies. A main reason why the album opened so well is because the strength of the first single, “Halfway Gone.” Frontman Jason Wade spoke with us about the tune (See Related Cut #3). Smoke & Mirrors is available everywhere now.
T.I. AND B.O.B. COLLAB COMING SOON
It looks like B.o.B will return the favor after collaborating with T.I. on his debut album, B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray. The Grand Hustle artist told Rap-Up.com that he might be included on Tip’s comeback album on a track titled “Dream Me Up.” Though we will have to wait until August 24th to see if Bobby Ray will be on T.I.’s next album, fans can expect to hear the duo on a song called “5th Dimension” off B.o.B’s disc, which arrives April 27th.
JENNIFER HUDSON’S “ONE SHINING MOMENT”
Jennifer Hudson’s version of “One Shining Moment” will be played at the end of the CBS broadcast of the NCAA men’s basketball championship game. According to the Associated Press, Hudson will be the first woman to sing it following in the footsteps of Teddy Pendergrass and Luther Vandross, who have performed previous renditions of the song. The tune by folk singer David Barrett has been a March Madness staple since 1987, played over highlights of the tournament.
SARA BAREILLES IS IN THE STUDIO
Sara Bareilles is in the studio recording the follow-up to her hit album Little Voice, and Billboard.com came in for a visit. In the interview, the singer-songwriter talks about the first time she heard her single “Love Song” on the radio, how it’s been tough writing for the new record, and much more. Watch the video now at SaraBMusic.com.
SEE ORIANTHI PERFORM FOR FREE
If you’re in L-A today, you can see Orianthi perform for free! The singer-songwriter will be playing at the Avalon Hollywood at 4 PM. It’s first come first serve, so get there when doors open at 3:30. For more info, head to Orianthi.com or AvalonHollywood.net.
LIFEHOUSE WANT YOU TO PICK THEIR NEXT SINGLE
Lifehouse are still going strong with their first single, “Halfway Gone,” off their latest record Smoke & Mirrors, but the band is getting ready for the next one. The “First Time” rockers took to their Twitter to ask their fans what they think the next single off the album should be. Let them know by writing them at Twitter.com/LifehouseMusic.
COULD AMY AND BLAKE REMARRY “WITHIN WEEKS?”
There has been much talk about Amy Winehouse and ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil getting remarried, but could it be happening “within weeks?” According to British paper The Sun, multiple sources have said that the troubled couple will tie the knot in Las Vegas sooner rather than later. A source said that Winehouse “can’t stop talking to people about their future together.” Blake has been recently quoted as saying that he won’t get back with Amy until she checks herself into rehab for alcohol addiction.
TAYLOR SWIFT TO HEADLINE CANADA FESTIVAL
Taylor Swift has been announced as a headlining performer at the Cavendish Beach Music Festival on Canada’s Prince Edward Island on July 10th. The music event will also include Keith Urban on July 8th and Lady Antebellum on July 11th. Single day festival tickets for Taylor’s show will go on sale Saturday at CavendishBeachMusic.com. <LR>
CARRIE UNDERWOOD GOES BACK ON THE ROAD
Carrie Underwood kicks off her highly anticipated Play On tour tonight in Reading, Pennsylvania. Scheduled to run through June 20th, the trek will feature brand new special effects and a surprise that promises to give fans in the back row, front of the house seats. This is Carrie’s first time on the road since 2008’s highly successful Carnival Ride tour.
LILY ALLEN, TELEVISION STAR
Lily Allen might be a British TV star. According to The Sun, the “Smile” singer has invited a camera crew to follow her around when she retires from performing music to work on fashion and start her own record label, with the hopes of it getting made into a television series. A source says that Allen has given the OK for cameras to record her because she thinks it will “help promote her new ventures,” as well as give people a chance to “know her a bit better.”
MADONNA HAS A “DANCE-OFF”
Madonna had a pretty good time at a post-Oscars party at the house of longtime manager Guy Oseary. According to ContactMusic.com, a source says that Madge and actor Gerard Butler were “grinding on the dance floor before getting into a dance-off” and that it was “hilarious.” The source also said that Madonna was spotted boogying with Best Actress nominee Gabourey Sidibe. The party was co-hosted by Demi Moore and attended by the like of Asthon Kutcher, Diddy and Taylor Lautner.
KATY PERRY WANTS EQUALITY
Yesterday was the first day that same-sex couples could get married in Washington, D-C, making the District of Columbia the sixth place in the U-S where gay people can legally tie the knot. Many celebs were excited about this, including Katy Perry. The “I Kissed a Girl” singer excitedly wrote on her Twitter page, “44 more states to go on EQUALITY!” Learn more at ThinkProgress.org. <ZS>
OWL CITY TO HIT THE ROAD THIS SPRING
Owl City are about to embark on a spring headlining tour in support of their album, Ocean Eyes. The “Fireflies” group will hit the road on March 30th in Boise, Idaho, and will remain out until they wrap on May 4th in Des Moines, Iowa. The band can also be proud because Ocean Eyes was recently certified Gold by the RIAA. For a complete list of tour dates, head to OwlCityMusic.com.
USHER GETS SWAGGER BACK ON NEW ALBUM
According to Billboard.com, Usher revealed that he’s on a mission to reclaim his swag on his forthcoming project, Raymond V. Raymond. The “Daddy’s Home” singer explained he “went all the way into being super husband and super dad,” adding he put his “swagger down for a minute, but I didn’t throw it away. Now it’s time to get it back.” Ush feels “rejuvenated with a new peace, confidence and energy. I’ve got fire in my eyes.” Grab your copy of Raymond V. Raymond on March 30th.
THE DREAM READIES FINAL ALBUM?
According to MTV News, The Dream is serious about making his next project, titled Love King, his final album. Christina Milian’s husband explained this will “be the last album, period” unless he signs a deal that will change his mind. He said, “I’m the best of what I am and what I can do and I can stop now and know that this album is pretty good.” The lead single off the disc is the title track, “Love King.” The album will drop this summer.
T-PAIN WANTS AUTO-TUNE FOR HIMSELF
During a recent interview on Last Call with Carson Daly, T-Pain spoke openly about wanting to use auto-tune and not share it with anymore artists. He stated, “I wanted to use it by myself. Ya know the only reason why I did it was to sound different from everybody else.” He also chatted about his first single, “Reverse Cowgirl,” his new Freaknik cartoon and about not having beef with Jay-Z. Head over to DailyMotion.com to watch the clip now.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xcisal_teddy-p-cd-int_webcam
WU-TANG CLAN HOLDING MC COMPETITION
The Wu-Tang Clan is holding an MC competition to form a new Wu-Tang group. That’s right, Wu-Tang Management will tour major cities and hold auditions for individuals, who are within the ages of 18 to 33, to be a part of what’s being dubbed The Next 9 Generals. Rappers must represent the Clan’s style through their lyrics. Visit WuCompetition.com for more information.
GET READY FOR 3/11
Today is March 11th, or 311 day according to the Nebraska band. Today, fans can head over to 311Day.com to learn more about the worldwide concert Webcast from the band, their merchandise sale and to find out their two new spring show announcements. Happy 311 day!
SPIDER-MAN LOSES ITS STAR
Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, the Broadway musical that features the music of U2’s Bono and the Edge, has lost its “Mary Jane”. According to Variety, actress Evan Rachel Wood has dropped out of the show due to scheduling conflicts. When the New York production was first announced, it was set to premiere February 25th, but due to a number of issues, it’s been delayed until late summer with an opening around Halloween. Hit up RollingStone.com for more.
LIL WAYNE TO SERVE WITH REGULAR INMATES?
Contrary to earlier reports, Lil Wayne won’t serve his one year sentence at Rikers Island under any protective custody. According to New York’s Daily News, the emcee will reportedly be treated like any other inmate and will have “general population escort” status. In addition, Weezy “has the option to socialize with the 17 other men sharing his cell block.” So far he’s been locked up for only four days now.
