Leona Lends a Hand to Sports Relief

Unlike the Sport Relief singles of years past like McFly ('06) and Rachel Stevens ('04), Leona Lewis slowed things down a bit with a power ballad that could melt your hearts instead of pump you up.


And here's her new single, Better in Time.

Idol Contestant Taps into His Inner John Lennon

Can Elevator Rise Like Those Boots with the Fur?

Flo Rida is still hot on the Billboard 200 with Low and will soon be dropping his album on March 18. But can he follow the success of his first single? Take a peek at Elevator.

Gap Goes Viral

Gap's decided to join the cyber marketing world with its new campaign, Sound of Color. Give 5 musicians (The Blakes, Swizz Beats, Marié Digby, Ravonettes and Dntel) 5 colors to inspire them to write original songs. Then those 5 songs were sent to 5 directors to create their own music videos. Here's Swizz Beats' Green Candy.

Mariah's New Goods

JT the Baller and the Spokesman

Justin Timberlake already has his music gig, the new record label, the denim brand, the restaurant, budding acting career, plays to a 6 handicap and now perfume spokesperson?

Justin Timberlake has been chosen to star in the French fragrance company Gievenchy's ad campaign due out this fall. Also keep a look at for Justin's new movie, The Open Road, playing fictional character Carlton Garrett. The film started filming in Louisiana last week.

2008's Academy Award for Best Score

CONGRATULATIONS to Dario Marianelli for winning the Oscar for Original Score for Atonement.

Best Song Goes To

In case you missed it, CONGRATULATIONS to Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová (aka The Swell Season) for winning the Oscar for Best Song!


Just like I promised, the Oscar performance...

Joe And Rob Have Fun With YouTube

So the Look Me in the Eyes tour has in full swing, and Joe of the Jonas Brothers and Rooney frontman Robert decided to celebrate the tour by doing a quick little video. And because both are known to produce their own YouTube videos, this quick little clip is pretty entertaining.

Songbird on the Rise

Welsh breakout Duffy has been selling out shows all over the UK and will be hitting the States with a show in NYC on March 17 as well as All Points West in August. Here's her new single, Mercy.

Hayley Sets the Record Straight

(CREDIT)
Since Paramore's announcement to cancel the rest of their European dates, rumors spread like crazy about the band's split. But not to worry Paramore fans, frontgirl Hayley Willaims has set the record straight on the band's blog.

hello everyone…

since we posted the last entry, we’ve gotten tons of phone calls and people posting things on websites saying that we are breaking up. i just want to make it clear, though, that by posting two nights ago we weren’t saying the band was over. we posted because we are going through hard times and we felt that because we have a really good support system in you guys, our fans, it would be better for us to just be honest about what’s going on - even though, it was a pretty vague explanation. man, some of the rumors that i’ve heard going around are insane! it’s weird how out of hand things can get even when you just try to tell a simple truth. (for the record, my eggo is not preggo). anyway, we just need to take time to make this band the best it can be… and we are doing that now.

Paramore will be back on the stage in time for their Orlando gig on March 27.

Common Rocks the Mic with Your Lyrics

Want to do some good and help others? Well, you can help Common spread the word about getting tested by coming up with some sick lyrics that he could perform on MTV. For more details visit, aminutecontest.com.

Kelis' Greatest Hits

Sexy songstress Kelis is getting ready to release her greatest hits album, which drops on March 11. Included in this compilation the ever-so-popular Milkshake, the Ol' Dirty Bastard collab Got Your Money, and fun catchy tune with Cee-Lo Lil Star.

All is a Go with All Points West

Unlike Vineland's fallout this year, Jersey City's All Points West is going strong. Radiohead has been confirmed to headline the show for the first two nights (Aug. 8-9), and surfer-turned-singer-songwriter Jack Johnson will be closing the festival and headlining the final night (Aug. 10).

The rest of the lineup, released a few days ago, includes Underworld, Kings of Leon, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Cat Power, The Roots, The New Pornographers, Youssou N'Dour, Animal Collective, Andrew Bird, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Metric, CSS, Girl Talk, Chromeo, The Go! Team, Amadou & Mariam, The Black Angels, Sia, The Felice Brothers, K'Naan, Jason Isbell, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Alberta Cross, The Virgins, Black Kids, Mates of State, Duffy, Forro in the Dark, Nicole Atkins, Juana Molina, Little Brother, Rogue Wave, Neil Halstead and Your Vegas.

Tickets go on sale on Friday, Feb. 29 at noon via Ticketmaster. Single day passes go for $89 while the three-day pass is $258. Part of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to Friends of Liberty State Park—helping the park stay green. And Jack Johnson will also be helping with the green movement with All At Once—promoting carpooling to the venue and recycling during the concert experience.

AE: Not Just Your Typical Clothing Spot

First starting with Mall World, American Eagle has decided to move toward the music route with its addition to 77E. You can listen to unreleased tracks by bands like the Ravonettes, watch music videos and even download free music. And just in time for spring break, the site will present performances by today's big artists starting with Gym Class Heroes on March 1st.

A Night with the Beatles

(CREDIT)
If you love the Beatles as much as I do, then you'd be happy to hear that Liverpool is finally opening the long-awaited Hard Days' Night Hotel. Just in time to celebrate being named 2008's "Capital of Culture" by the EU, the four-star hotel is housed in the Beatles Quarter close to the famed Cavern Club. And in case you're planning to be in town for Beatle Week or just to visit the city, you can take advantage of one of the two travel packages the hotel offers for around $800 for two people. Either way it's definitely a good time for any big fan.

Nylon Gets in Bed with The Kills

BRITS '08 in Review

Since the Brit Awards are already over (remember the time difference), I'm sure they're partying it up in London—rockstar style, of course.

The Foo Fighters, who rocked Madison Square Garden last night (stay tuned for coverage of last night's festivities), swept the international awards taking Best International Group and Album.

(CREDIT)Old school boy group Take That still knows how to bring it to the new school crowd by taking two of the three awards voted by the people—British Single and British Live Act.

Mika picked up the third people's choice award, better known as British Breakthrough Act. It must be that infectious falsetto.

The Arctic Monkeys took British Group and British Album (big surprise...). Who could say no to the catchy Teddy Picker?


Sir Paul was honored with the Oustanding Achievement in Music Award.


Kate Nash and Mark Ronson took the British Solo Artist nods. Mark gave a performance for the Brit history books by bringing a bunch of his friends onstage for one kick ass collab.


The Klaxons didn't fail to deliver on their big surprise—Rihanna. I don't think I need to let you know what she sang.


And Leona may not have picked up a statue, but we all still love her.


For the entire list of winners and more coverage of the awards show, hit up the site.

The Many Voices of John Mayer

Tony Award-winning singer and actress Audra McDonald performs Stupid Mouth from John Mayer's first album Room for Squares.


Featured for another cover, Alejandro Manzo is back with his version of Say—John Mayer's theme track to The Bucket List.


With these two and many others covering John Mayer's songs, did you ever wonder who John would cover himself? Well, here's his version on a great Def Leppard track.

Get Kanye Tix While Their Hot

(CREDIT)The dates have dropped. L.A.'s already sold out. And Nokia's presale for the MSG show starts at 5 p.m. today. This looks is probably one of the hottest shows in the spring.

04.16.2008 Seattle, WA KeyArena at Seattle Center
04.18.2008 Sacramento, CA ARCO Arena
04.19.2008 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion at San Jose
04.20.2008 San Diego, CA San Diego Sports Arena
04.21.2008 Los Angeles, CA NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE
04.24.2008 Tucson, AZ McKale Memorial Center
04.25.2008 Las Vegas, NV The Red Rock Mansion
04.26.2008 Albuquerque, NM Journal Pavilion
04.27.2008 Denver, CO Pepsi Center
04.29.2008 Oklahoma City, OK Ford Center
04.30.2008 Austin, TX Frank Erwin Center
05.01.2008 Dallas, TX Superpages.com Center
05.02.2008 The Woodlands, TX The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
05.04.2008 Duluth, GA The Arena at Gwinnett Center
05.05.2008 Tampa, FL Ford Amphitheatre at the Florida State Fairgrounds
05.06.2008 West Palm Beach, FL Cruzan Amphitheatre
05.08.2008 Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - Charlotte
05.09.2008 Raleigh, NC Walnut Creek Amphitheatre
05.10.2008 Bristow, VA Nissan Pavilion at Stone Ridge
05.11.2008 Virginia Beach, VA Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - Virginia Beach
05.13.2008 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
05.15.2008 Mansfield, MA Tweeter Center
05.16.2008 Hartford, CT New England Dodge Music Center
05.17.2008 Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center
05.18.2008 Scranton, PA Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain
05.20.2008 Montreal, Qu Bell Centre
05.21.2008 Toronto, On The Molson Amphitheatre
05.22.2008 Auburn Hills, MI Palace Of Auburn Hills
05.23.2008 Chicago, IL United Center
05.24.2008 Minneapolis, MN Target Center
05.27.2008 Saskatoon, Sa Credit Union Centre
05.29.2008 Edmonton, Al Rexall Place
05.30.2008 Calgary, Al Pengrowth Saddledome
06.12.2008 Manchester, TN Bonnaroo Music Festival

Jimmy Eat World|Paramore Dates Are Out

(CREDIT)Sorry for the delay. But here's are the long awaited dates for the Jimmy Eat World|Paramore tour...
April 1st – San Antonio, TX – Freeman Coliseum
April 2nd – Lubbock, TX – Lonestar Amphitheater
April 3rd – El Paso, TX – El Paso County Coliseum
April 5th – Irvine, CA – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater (Bamboozle West)
April 6th – Bakersfield, CA – Rabobank Arena
April 8th – San Jose, CA – Event Center at San Jose State
April 9th – Sacramento, CA – Sacramento Memorial Auditorium
April 10th – Salem, OR – Salem Armory
April 12th – Pocatello, ID – Holt Arena
April 14th – Orem, UT – McKay Events Center
April 16th – Council Bluffs, IA – Mid America Center
April 17th – Springfield, MO – The Shrine Mosque
April 18th – Des Moines, IA – Val Air Ballroom
April 19th – DeKalb, IL – Convocation Center
April 22nd – Dayton, OH – Hara Arena
April 25th – Rochester, NY – Gordon Field House
April 26th – Washington, DC – Bender Arena
April 28th – Albany, NY – Washington Avenue Armory
April 30th – Lowell, MA – Paul E. Tsongas Arena
May 2nd – Atlantic City, NJ – Taj Mahal Mark G. Etess Arena

Bamboozle Left tix are available now, and Ticketmaster is offering a presale for the other dates starting tomorrow.

Foo & Fuse Rock the MSG

For those of you who can't make it to the Foo Fighters gig on Tuesday or we snubbed out of tickets, you can catch the show on Fuse TV on 11 p.m. that night. This will kick off the channel's new series of live concerts online, and what better way to start?

Public Displays of Thriller

Yes, this really happened. Sony/BMG UK is holding a competition in honor of the Thriller re-release and is asking locals to choreograph, videotape and post a public display of the dance. For those who do live in the UK, here are the contest rules, which ends on Feb. 24. But for all of you who can't show your zombie dance moves, you can enjoy the contestants on YouTube.

Kanye Lights Up the Screen

Step Up 2 Premieres Tomorrow

In honor of tomorrow's release of Step Up 2, here's some of my favorite dance sequences on the silver screen.

Let's kick it off with a classic...

And I couldn't resist adding this clip. Look at those leg extensions and that split.

Even though this is my favorite clip from Center Stage, this is a close second.

Then there's that school dance at Rydell High...

Tapping into my inner ballroom...

This could be a fun line dance...

This is a fun line dance...

And of course, I couldn't end the post without some Hip Hop...

New (Sort of) from Jason Mraz

Although Jason Mraz's new single I'm Yours dropped on iTunes yesterday, the song isn't really as new you may think. Here's his acoustic performance of the song on AOL Sessions.

Either way, the recorded version is just as good (or some may say better). And don't forget to mark you calendars—We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. releases on May 20.

McFly Drops the Drumsticks for Trainers

(CREDIT)Despite news of plans to leave Island Records and recording the new album Down Under, McFly drummer Harry Judd has been training to run in the Flora London Marathon on April 13. And he needs your support as he's running to help out the Teenage Cancer Trust and The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust (BIRT). You can make a donation on harryrunsthemaraton.com, and yes, even those of us on the Stateside can make donations, too.

Some Songs Just Never Die

Canadian breakout Basia Bulat gives us her take on Someday by New York rockers, The Strokes.


Most people think that Celine Dion was the original singer of It's All Coming Back to Me Now but actually Elanie Caswell does the vocals on the Jim Steinman track. However, Meatloaf has been wanting to record the song for years. And finally in 2006 he recorded it with ex-M2M member Marion Raven, and here's their version.


And finally, it seems that Umbrella is the song that just keeps on giving—covers, that is. Pop-punkers All Time Low and rockers Linkin Park recently did their own takes on the summer '07 song.

Nine in the Afternoon

Finally...Panic's full-length video for Nine in the Afternoon.


And for all of you looking for more of the NME interview with Ryan and Jon of Panic at the Disco, here's part 2.

Spicing Up Snowy Newark

On Feb. 10, Frigid temperatures, gusting winds and bouts of snow couldn't stop fans from heading to Newark's (NJ) Prudential Center to see the Spice Girls. Here's a photo rundown and the fashion lengths fans would go through to show their devotion these five British lasses.

Let's start with what fans wore to the big girl power fest...






And now onto the show...







Here's Mel C performing in New York's Grand Ballroom (thanks Kyle James!) on Feb. 9.

Star-Studded Tiny Masters of Today Video

Here's the latest from Brooklyn's own Tiny Masters of Today have just dropped their new video directed Karen O and Barney Clay, which is chock full of greats like Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Mike D, Gibby Haynes, Russell Simins, and Sammy from the Mooney Suzuki.

Enjoy!

Get Under Rihanna's Umbrella

Since Rihanna's Umbrella was such a big hit, Totes couldn't help but jump in on the opportunity to co-create a line of umbrellas that are not only adorable and are pretty durable, too. Last week, Rihanna dropped by Macy's Herald Square to introduce the line, where all of you could pick up one of these lovely rain shields.

And the accessories don't stop there. Marc Jacobs has designed a handbag just for the Barbados songbird. For just $1,650, you can sport metallic leather bag.

And this just in...
It looks like Rihanna was involved in a car accident just hours after the Grammys. According to her people, the singer and her diver not unharmed.

Classic MJ Drops Tomorrow

Don't for get to get your copy of the 25th Anniversary Edition Of Michael Jackson's Thriller tomorrow. Epic's best selling album of all time, this offers remixed and covered versions by today's popular artists like Fergie, Akon and Kanye West.

In honor of the album's release, here's the classic that's made its imprint in history along with tons of versions.


The movies have used it...


It's great for weddings...


And even the Super Bowl couldn't resist...

Now That the Golden Phonographs Have Been Handed Out

Depending on how you feel about the music industry, Grammys night be a hit or miss on your list. And although there are people who completely detest last night's showcase, I thought it was a great evening for music. Amy Winehouse and Kanye West did come out the top winners with Miss Winehouse grabbing 5 and Kanye taking 4 home. But it wasn't the wins that really made them shine that night (although they couldn't hurt) but it was their stage presence last night.

Kanye not only gave a heartfelt performance to honor his mother but started of his set with a sick rendition of Stronger and even brought none other Daft Punk.


And who could forget Amy's acceptance speech. Being in her native England, she definitely gave it up for London and showed her Brit pride.


The Foo Fighters rocked to hordes of their fans outside the Staple Center, collabing with the brilliance of Zeppelin's John Paul Jones' orchestral arrangement, My Grammy Moment winner Ann Marie Calhoun and even former Foo guitarist Pat Smear supported the performance.


Idol vet Carrie Underwood vamped up her set complete with pyro and dancing mechanics holding car pieces.


Beyonce and Tina Turner tore it up with Proud Mary.


The Liverpool boys were honored with a performance by Cirque de Soleil and cast members of Across the Universe.


And finally the performance that gave me the chills—Josh Groban and Andrea Bocelli's ode to the late Luciano Pavarotti.


For more videos and a complete list of all the winners, head over to the Grammys.com.

Paramore takes on Rocklouder

If you want to see more, go to Rocklouder. And if you're wondering about the dates for the Jimmy Eat World/Paramore tour, the schedule will hopefully be out soon...
But if you're in the Irvine area, you can catch both of them at Bamboozle Left (the west coast version of the Jersey's Bamboozle). You can get your tickets here.

Name Missy's New Album

Not only did she drop a new video, which is part of the Step Up 2 soundtrack out now...

...But she's also asking her fans to name her new album that will be out in May of this year. Hit up her site to sign up and get a chance to have a credit on the 7th album and an Adidas-Respect Me Prize Pack.

And here's a tip, The French Fry just ain't gonna cut it.

Rooney Videos and Tour

Let's continue this Rooney ride with two new videos that the band's release on their site.

I Should've Been After You

A bit poppy with a 60s vibe.

Are You Afraid?

Just think if the characters of Interview with the Vampire lived now and walked around with an 80s soundtrack in the background, you'd have this video. And Wildfire's Genevieve Cortese (who plays Kris Furillo on the show) plays Robert's girl in the video.

And it's official! Rooney will be joining the Jonas Brothers on their arena tour this spring. Fine fine, if you read the previous post, the boys may have poked fun at pop music, but it doesn't mean they hate them. Although both do know how to rock out (in their own ways, of course), it'll be interesting to see how screaming tweens will react to Rooney's California-throwback-pop/rock sound.

Girls Aloud Says No to Indie

(CREDIT)
Pop sexpots Girls Aloud have been said to push the envelope of pop music (and no it's not just their tight-skin-bearing-outfits). But now they're planning to release a song that comes as a low blow to the indie scene, primarily Hoxton and Primrose Hill. Set to be the B-side of their new single, Can't Speak French, on March 17, the Girls take jabs at the hipsters with lyrics like...

You’re off your face like you’re no one/How many tracks have sold hmm none/Walk round the place like you’re number one/So why don’t you write a tune that we can hum.
A snippet of the song can be found on their MySpace.

But this isn't the first jab at a music scene. Rooney's 2003 self-titled album included a track that poked fun at the popstars. Playing on the lyrics of Britney Spears and *NSYNC, the song (cleverly written) didn't get the backlash that it looks like these Girls are. I guess we'll have to see what happens in March.

Here's the Rooney video for Popstars, which is featured on the band's DVD, Spit & Sweat.

Countdown to the Grammys

In less than 72 hours and counting, the Grammys will be live in LA and looks like it'll be a bigger show than it's been in years. As Grammy night gets closer, artists including Fergie, John Legend, John Mayer and Aretha Frankin have been added to the bill. Multi-nominated Kanye West will also be gracing the stage. But one star won't be making an appearance is Amy Winehouse (even though she's already been approved for a visa to come to America). But not to worry, she'll be performing live via satellite from a London studio. So don't forget to set your TIVO or get in front of the small screen on Sunday, Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. on CBS. And Grammys.com is offering a pre-show live online starting at 4 p.m. EST.

Apple Sweetens iPods

Time is ticking. If you haven't gotten your loved one a Valentine's present yet. Here's an array of new products that could make the perfect gift.
Apple finally decided to increase the space with 32 gig iPod touches and 16 iPhones. And they've released a hot pink version of the generation 3 iPod nano.
(CREDIT)

And here's an item that may a bit hard to find but would make one interesting gift.
Yep, it's an iPod bra. Called the iPop Bra, this dropped in the UK in 2006 and may not really be available anymore. But if you're lucky enough to find it, do let me know how well it works.

Evolution of a Pop Girl

Remember this song?


What about this?


In '97, Swedish pop singer Robyn came on the scene. And all though she's been a bit MIA in the States, she's been cranking out hits in the Europe. Well on Feb. 5, she took the stage at NYC's Highline Ballroom, but would you expect her busting out with a track like that?

Billy Joel Makes the Last Play at Shea

Maybe you've already heard that Shea Stadium, home of the New York Mets, will be closing its doors. And to make the farewell even more special, Billy Joel will have the honor of closing the stadium with Last Play at Shea. The show will take place on July 13 and will make him the first artist in history to play at Shea Stadium, Yankee Stadium, Madison Square Garden and Giants' Stadium.

This closing performance marks an end of a musical era for Shea. Not only did the Beatles open their US tour in 1965 making it the first major outdoor stadium show, but the legendary Rolling Stones and even the Boss rocked out there.

Here's a clip of the legendary Beatles' performance...

60 Seconds of Panic

And here's a clip of their new video Nine in the Afternoon...

Paramore Pays Homage

The year's just started, but it doesn't look like Paramore are taking a break anytime soon. Finishing up their European tour, Hayley and the boys stopped by Radio 1 and did a set for the Live Lounge.

Here's their cover of Love's Not a Competition (But I'm Winning) by the Kaiser Chiefs.


After their gig at Glasgow's Academy with New Found Glory, the band is supposed to be teaming up with Jimmy Eat World on one amazing tour. Their cover of Sweetness clearly shows how much Paramore loves their soon-to-be tour mates.


And just for kicks, here's their cover of I Write Sins Not Tragedies by Panic at the Disco. As you can tell, these kids always want to have fun!

Foo Fighters Call All LA Fans

(CREDIT)
The Foo Fighters are giving their LA fans a chance to attend an exclusive outdoor gig that'll broadcast live on Sunday at the Grammys on CBS. But here's the catch you and your guest must be 18 or older and available to in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday (Feb. 10) from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. If you fit the bill, then you can send your full name, age, phone # and e-mail address to rsvpfoofighters@sammusicbiz.com. All winners will win a pair of tickets and will be contacted with the other details. Good luck!

And you can still vote for your favorite instrumentalist for the Foo Fighters' My Grammy Moment.

After Hours with We Are Scientists

Hot Rod director and member of The Lonely Island Akiva Schaffer did another collaboration with Brooklyn band We Are Scientists and directed After Hours. Enjoy!

Yes We Can

Since the polls open in just a few hours, here's will.i.am's Yes We Can. Hardly do speeches and music come together in this way...

Across the Universe DVD Release

Don't forget to get your copy of Across the Universe. Should be a jolly good viewing time! And remember the cast will be performing on Sunday at this year's Grammys.

And this just in...
NASA sends Beatles' peace anthem to other live forms

Heidi and Spencer Home Video

Ok fine. It's really the Spencer-directed music video for Heidi's single, Higher.

But I think Perez said it all. And I'll let you be the judge.

Counting Crows Comeback

After six years of waiting, Counting Crows fans won't have to wait any longer as their new album, Saturday Nights, Sunday Mornings, will be out in the US on March 25, in the UK and Australia on March 24 and the Netherlands on March 21.

And if you can get to a TV tomorrow afternoon, you can catch them on Fuse TV's The Sauce at 6 p.m eastern time.

Marié Unfolds

After months of waiting, Marié Digby's full-length studio album drops on April 8. But for those of you who can't wait or aren't into walking into the stores, then you can pre-order the album online. And all pre-order come with a DVD of her live performances.

Here is the track list:
Fool
Better Off Alone
Say It Again
Miss Invisible
Stupid For You
GirlFriend
Traffic
Voice On The Radio
Spell
Beauty In Walking Away
Unfold
Umbrella

Pop Culture Sacks the Super Bowl

In honor of the big game on Sunday, here are some of the anticipated commercials. Of course, I couldn't resist starting with the one with the popstar.


Sunsilk busts out with the major females in music. Take a look.


While YouTube may not be able to show, I'd like to thank MTV for showing Jeter's spot.

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

And for those of you who don't run to refill the pretzel bowl or take a bathroom break during Halftime, here's a sneak peak at this year's headliner.

One Fine Parody

As good as the original is, you can't deny that the lyrics in this version are pretty clever.

Another Panic Alert

Fueled by Ramen just posted this on YouTube. Enjoy!