CEE-LO GREEN TALKS GRAMMYS
Cee-Lo Green scored four GRAMMY nominations including ones for Song and Record of the Year for his viral hit “F**k You.” Green has won some hardware in the past, back in 2007 he took home two awards with Gnarls Barkley for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for their breakthrough hit “Crazy” and Best Alternative Music Album for St. Elsewhere. That same year, “Crazy” was up for Record of the Year, but lost to The Dixie Chicks’ “Not Ready to Make Nice.” Cee-Lo told he really felt that the group deserved the award. (See Related Cut #1) Cee-Lo is up against B.o.B & Bruno Mars’ “Nothin’ on You,” Eminem & Rihanna’s “Love the Way You Lie,” Jay-Z & Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind” and Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now.” See who wins when the 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards air live from on February 13th on CBS at 8 PM Eastern.
TAYLOR SWIFT TOPS 2010 AIRPLAY CHARTS
Taylor Swift ruled the radio airwaves as the most-played artist in 2010, scoring over 1.1-million plays, according to Nielsen SoundScan figures. Lady Antebellum came in at number two, followed by Lady Gaga, Ke$ha, the Black Eyed Peas, Rihanna, Train, Jason Derulo, Kenny Chesney and Nickelback.
LADY A SCORES MOST-PLAYED SONG OF 2010
Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” was the most played song of 2010, getting over 600-thousand spins on the airwaves, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Train’s “Hey Soul Sister” comes in at number two followed by Katy Perry’s “California Gurls” featuring Snoop Dogg, B.o.B’s “Nothin’ on You” featuring Bruno Mars ,and Usher’s “OMG” featuring will.i.am.
2010 MUSIC INDUSTRY TIDBITS
33% of all albums purchased were at a mass merchant outlets like Wal-Mart and Target.
26% of all albums were purchased through a digital services such as iTunes, Amazonmp3, eMusic, etc.
23% of all albums were purchased at chain outlets like Best Buy.
8% of all albums were purchased at independent music stores.
7% of all albums were purchased through e-commerce retailers, such as Amazon and many others.
All figures courtesy of Nielsen SoundScan
GAGA’S CAMERA GLASSES, CHANGES SINGLE RELEASE DATE
Lady Gaga had a very busy end to last week. First, the pop star, who was named Creative Director for Polaroid last year, announced the newest product from the company: Camera Glasses. Gaga was on hand at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Thursday to introduce the glasses, which can take photos of whatever the user is seeing. Polaroid says users can instantly capture or upload photos with the built-in camera and then display them on the glasses’ LCD screens for others to see, and that they’ll be available later this year. Also, PerezHilton.com reported that Gaga’s single “Born This Way,” will actually be released on February 11th, as opposed to the 13th. No new word on if she’ll still be performing the song at the GRAMMYs that night, as has been rumored.
STATEMENT! Polaroid released this statement: “Only Lady Gaga could create a hybrid that’s part fashion statement, part revolutionary technology and part tool for self-expression.”
EMINEM SIGNS ON FOR NEW FILM
Billboard.com has learned Eminem is expected to appear in a new film project called Random Acts of Violence. The 20th Century Fox motion picture is being described as a crime thriller that follows an ex-con who is trying to live right and is also being recruited by the FBI for an operation. Slim Shady hasn’t starred in a movie since his critically acclaimed 8 Mile flick, which opened nine years ago. No further details are known at this time.
Random Acts of Violence will be directed by David Von Ancken, who is responsible for Showtime’s Californication.
WATCH BRUNO MARS ON ELLEN
As we reported last week, Bruno Mars performed his hit single, “Grenade,” on The Ellen Degeneres Show, and if you missed it, footage is now available online. Head to Ellen.WarnerBros.com to check out Bruno doing a stripped down version of the tune.
THE SCRIPT TEAM UP WITH B.o.B.
The Script have a song on their forthcoming Science & Faith album titled “Walk Away.” It has the Irish rockers’ signature sound, and features a guest appearance from none other than B.o.B. Head over to PerezHilton.com to listen to the track before it’s released in America. Science & Faith comes out in the states on January 18th.
DIRECT LINK:
http://perezhilton.com/2011-01-06-the-script-featuring-bob-walk-away
SALE ON MICHAEL FRANTI GEAR
Michael Franti has a New Year’s present for all of his fans out there. The singer-songwriter announced on his Twitter that if you use the coupon code “New Year” to purchase some merch on his official website, you’ll receive 15-percent off your order. Head to MichaelFranti.com now to start shopping.
ICONIC DURAN DURAN OUTFIT STOLEN
In the iconic video for Duran Duran’s song “Rio,” lead singer Simon Le Bon wore a yellow getup that he affectionately calls his “banana suit.” Well apparently, he no longer has any idea where it is. Simon told Q magazine that the threads were stolen and that he hasn’t “seen that suit for two decades.” As for naming his outfit, Le Bon said that he used to give all his clothes names, and that while “some men give their penis a name, I used to name my suits.”
WANNA SMELL LIKE RIHANNA?
According to People.com, Rihanna has announced that she’s releasing her first perfume line next month. Ri Ri decided to name the scent after a childhood nickname her grandmother used to called her, “Rebel Flower.” Fans can now smell like the pop princess when they pick up Reb’l Fleur, available this spring in department stores for 49 dollars.
SEATFILLER: SWIFT AND ELTON ARE PROFESSIONAL
A seatfiller at Wednesday night’s People’s Choice Awards says Taylor Swift made one of the biggest impressions on him. Mike Vulpo, a columnist for the Annenberg Digital News, said the moment when Elton John presented Swift with her award for Favorite Country Artist was the most “professional” moment of the night. He wrote on his blog, “The respect to one another was truly visible from the audience.” When Taylor took the stage she told Elton, “I’m so honored to get an award from you.” The blogger also commented that some of the strongest and most-realistic performances of the evening came from Selena Gomez and Kid Rock.
NEW KRIS ALLEN MERCH
Kris Allen has just added some brand new merch to his online store. Head to KrisAllenOfficial.com to check out new t-shirts, hoodies and more.
SARA BAREILLES’ ALBUM FOR FIVE BUCKS
If you haven’t already downloaded Sara Bareilles’ new album Kaledioscope Heart, then January is definitely the time to do so. That’s because for the rest of the month, the singer-songwriter’s latest effort is available for just five-bucks. Head to Amazon.com now for the limited-time deal.
SARA B ANNOUNCES SUMMER TOUR
Sara Bareilles just announced some great news for her fans. The “Love Song” singer posted on her official Twitter page that she’s going to be heading out on tour with Sugarland for a summer tour beginning in mid-June. That’s all the details that are available now, but we’ll keep you posted when we learn more.
CIARA, FLO RIDA REMINISCE ON SONGS IN 2010
It’s hard to believe that we’re already a full week into 2011. Ciara recalled the top three songs of last year (See Related Cut #2). Flo Rida also spilled on some of the memorable tunes in 2010 (See Related Cut #3). Both artists were promoting their respective albums, Basic Instinct and Only One Flo (Part 1), both available in stores now.
PRODUCER TALKS WATCH THE THRONE
Producer Lex Luger has revealed some good news regarding Kanye West and Jay-Z’s highly anticipated joint album, Watch The Throne. The hitmaker confirmed to MTV News that he has contributed to the project. While he’s keeping mum about the disc, he stated, “A lot of people been saying that ‘Lex Luger only got that [Waka Flocka Flame] sound’ so I’m trying to take it somewhere else because I do have another sound, and that’s where I want to take it for 2011.” In related news, there are rumors that Lex produced the first single, “H.A.M.,” off Watch The Throne — which will now arrive in March.
GREEN DAY LIVE ALBUM OUT ON MARCH 15TH
Green Day fans only have a few more months till the release of the band’s live album. MTV News reports the collection, a live CD/DVD, comes out on March 15th. Green Day’s last live album, Bullet in a Bible, came out back in 2005. The band has not yet revealed the new live album’s tracklist, but we’ll keep you posted.
KINGS PLAY PING PONG WITH PRINCE HARRY?
Have Kings of Leon been hobnobbing with royalty? According to a report in British tabloid The Sun, the band’s drummer, Nathan Followill, played a game of ping pong with Prince Harry backstage at one of their concerts. Followill says he beat the prince, as you would expect from a King!
LINKIN PARK TO PLAY LONDON’S ITUNES FESTIVAL
Linkin Park are headed to London this summer for the annual iTunes festival. The band will play the free festival at London’s Roundhouse on July 4th. Duran Duran is also set to take part in the event. Visit iTunesFestival.com for more.
PARAMORE SAY BRAND NEW EYES WAS MOSTLY ABOUT BREAK-UP
During the live stream on MTV.com on Friday, Paramore fans learned a lot more about the band’s recent split with guitarist Josh Farro and his brother, drummer Zac Farro. In the interview, singer Hayley Williams admitted that much of their latest album, Brand New Eyes, was written about her romantic break up with Josh, which ended in 2009. Fans can learn more at MTVNews.com now.
KANYE, JAY-Z LEAK “H.A.M.” COVER ART
So here’s the bad news: we’ll have to wait until March 1st for Kanye West and Jay-Z to release their joint album, Watch The Throne. However, the good news is that the rap stars intend to release the first single, “H.A.M,” tomorrow (1.11.11)! In fact, the duo have leaked the official artwork for the lead offering, which can be viewed via ‘Ye’s Twitter page. Only a matter of hours now!
IMAGE: http://twitpic.com/3npgu2
MORE DETAILS ON 50 CENT’S HEADPHONES
We previously reported 50 Cent has announced that he’s releasing his own line of wireless headphones called Sleek by 50 Cent. After debuting the earphones during a special event in Las Vegas at the Consumer Electronic Show last week, we’ve learned that the fancy headphones, which offer Wireless Hybrid technology with military-grade metals, will reportedly retail for 350 dollars. Expect Sleek by 50 Cent to hit stores this spring.
http://hiphop-n-more.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/50-cent-sleek.jpg
MADONNA TO OPEN NIGHTCLUBS & BARS?
Madonna is rumored to be opening a string of nightclubs and bars. A source told British paper the Evening Standard that “things are just at the discussion stage” right now for the Queen of Pop, but that “it would involve opening bars, restaurants and nightclubs in London and across the world.” This shouldn’t come as a shock as Madonna has been expanding her empire outside of music by planning to build fitness centers all over the globe, the first of which just opened up in Mexico City.
