JESSIE J’S ALBUM IS OUT IN THE U-S TODAY
Today (4/12) marks the American release of Jessie J’s much anticipated debut album Who You Are. It’s been out in her native U-K since late February, but Jessie told us that just based on the sheer size of America, releasing a record here is a completely different experience. Pick up Who You Are in stores and online now.
JESSIE J DEALS WITH DRUNKEN IRISH STUDENTS
According to ContactMusic.com, Jessie J had a hard time dealing with drunk fans at a show at the University of Ireland recently. The singer, who does not drink alcohol due to a medical condition, was surprised to see girls unconscious and people being trampled during her set. She took to Twitter and wrote that she was shocked to see how intoxicated they were and that she was worried for them.
NICKI MINAJ TO TOUR WITH BRITNEY SPEARS
TMZ reports that Nicki Minaj will join Britney Spears on her upcoming tour, which gets underway on June 17th in Sacramento. The fem-cee recently told us why going out to perform for her fans is such a rewarding experience (See Related Cut #2). Minaj replaces Enrique Iglesias, who pulled out of the tour shortly after it was announced.
BRITNEY CO-WROTE SONG FOR SELENA GOMEZ
According to AceShowbiz.com, Britney Spears co-wrote a song called “Whiplash” for Selena Gomez’s new album. We caught up with Gomez recently, who told us she is working hard to get the album ready for release (See Related Cut #3). Selena Gomez’s new album is due out in June.
GAGA WORKED WITH MUTT LANGE ON BORN THIS WAY
Lady Gaga has revealed some info about her highly anticipated forthcoming album Born This Way. According to GagaDaily.com, Gaga said that a “power ballad” titled “You & I” was produced by Robert “Mutt” Lange, who has worked with everyone from Maroon 5 to Shania Twain. Born This Way is due out on May 23rd.
NEW DETAILS ON BEYONCE’S NEW VIDEO
According to PerezHilton.com, new details have surfaced about the first single off Beyonce’s fourth studio album. The first cut from the disc is called “Girl” and the video for it is expected to be handled by director Francis Lawrence. So far, nine choreographers have contributed to the dance sequence in the clip, which includes over 100 female extras on set. Details are sparse but the diva’s forthcoming disc is slated for a June release.
GAGA, MADONNA, & CATHOLICISM
It was reported over the weekend that the Catholic League is upset with Lady Gaga over her forthcoming music video for “Judas,” in which she will play Mary Magdalene. Well this isn’t the first time that an artist has come under fire for things that members of the church have considered blasphemous. You’ll remember that in 1989, Madonna’s video for her hit song “Like a Prayer” was condemned by Catholic leaders because of the imagery in it, which included a black Jesus and statues that were crying blood. Jog your memory by checking the out the video for “Like a Prayer” on YouTube.
DIRECT LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA983t3Rdzs
MORE UPDATES FROM MB20
Another week, another update from matchbox twenty about meeting up to work on their next album. Frontman Rob Thomas wrote on his Twitter page that band member Paul Doucette was coming over to his house in New York to do a little music. Still no word on when the album is due out, but we’ll keep you posted.
MAROON 5 ENJOY BARBADOS
Maroon 5 have been in Barbados and frontman Adam Levine has been tweeting some pretty funny stuff about their trip. The best one would probably have to be that everyone on the island “sounds like Rihanna,” who is of course from the Caribbean country. Read more from Adam at Twitter.com/AdamLevine.
CATCH USHER’S SOLD-OUT TOUR ON EPIX
Did you miss Usher’s OMG Tour because it was sold-out? Well the TV network EPIX is giving you the chance to watch the “More” singer perform all of his hits at his sold-out show that took place at London’s O2 Arena. The concert is set to premiere on EPIX and EPIXHD.com this fall.
GOO GOO DOLLS TAKE BRANCH, PARACHUTE ON ROAD
The Goo Goo Dolls have just confirmed even more tour dates for their summer trek in support of their most recent album, Something for the Rest of Us. And not only that, but the band announced that it will be taking out Michelle Branch and Parachute with them on the majority of the dates. Head to GooGooDolls.com to see when they’re coming to a town near you.
KANYE WEST GRABS O MUSIC AWARDS NOD
According to MTV News, Kanye West has received another nomination for this year’s O Music Awards. The rapper’s candid Twitter messages have helped him get recognized for the OMA category: Best Tweet. The ceremony is scheduled to air Thursday, April 27th at 11 PM Eastern but for now, you can check out the full list of nominations at OMusicAwards.com.
MARY J BLIGE HONORS CEREMONY COMING SOON
Anita Baker, Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera and many more are scheduled to perform at the 2nd Annual Mary J. Blige Honors Concert. The Queen Latifah-hosted event raises money for MJB’s FFAWN organization, which gives four-year scholarships for young women who want to attend college. Jill Scott and Corinne Bailey Rae are also expected to showcase their talents when the concert takes place on May 1st at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York.
PRINCE READIES 21-NIGHT RESIDENCY IN L-A
Prince has announced that his Welcome 2 America tour will now include a 21-night showing, with many concerts taking place at the L-A Forum. The stand will begin on Thursday and the icon promises to “blast the roof off the place.” Visit Billboard.com to learn more.
JANET JACKSON EXPANDS TOUR
According to her official fansite, Janet Jackson has decided to extend her Number Ones: Up, Close, & Personal — World Tour. Due to numerous sold out shows, the icon’s outing will now travel until the fall. Janet, who has been on tour since February, will take her show overseas to in London, Paris and Monte Carlo. Visit JanetJackson.com to learn more.
WAKA FLOCKA TO BE ON RAPFIX
Waka Flocka Flame is expected to chat with Sway this Wednesday on MTV’s RapFix Live. Be sure to tune in at 4 PM Eastern on MTV.com.
ADELE SETS U-K ALBUM CHART RECORD
Adele’s new album, 21, has been number one on the U-K chart for 11 straight weeks, making it the longest consecutive run at the top for a studio album by a solo artist in British chart history. Meanwhile, Jennifer Lopez’s “On The Floor” featuring Pitbull claimed a second week at number one on the singles chart. It marks her third U-K number one and her first to spend more than one week at the summit.
JASON CASTRO’S WIFE IS PREGNANT!
Former American Idol contestant Jason Castro is going to be a dad. The singer-songwriter took to his official blog to say that he and his wife Mandy are expecting a baby girl in the coming months and that he “cannot wait.” Read more at JasonCastroMusic.com.