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Jay-Z and Beyonce Surprise Fans at Alicia Keys New York Concert

andPOP Staff — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:48:06 +0000

Talk about one hell of a bang for your buck! All in one concert - Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Robin Thicke, Melanie Fiona, and Jermaine Paul. Wow!

That’s what New York City fans were treated to last night at the Alicia Keys concert at Madison Square Gardens, reports MTV News. Before Keys hit the stage, fans were treated to Thicke, Fiona and Paul. Then Keys hit the stage appearing in a chain-wrapped cage, amidst the smoke that slowly flooded the stage.

After a few songs Beyonce surprisingly joined her fellow diva on stage for “Put It in a Love Song” that got fans riled up. And if that wasn’t enough, Jay-Z hit the stage later for “Empire State of Mind.” (see clip below)

That’s a lucky group of fans!

Lady Gaga’s ‘Telephone’ Video is Not Banned From MTV

Sam Rashid — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 01:45:48 +0000

Over the weekend, many reports surfaced claiming that MTV had banned Lady Gaga’s latest video, “Telephone.”

But, a spokesperson for the channel cleared up the situation, reports MTV News.

“MTV did not ban Lady Gaga and Beyoncé’s ‘Telephone’ video – in fact, we premiered it on Friday,” MTV Executive Vice President of Music and Talent Amy Doyle said. “Fans can continue to catch the video as we repeat it on-air and online.”

For those wondering, MTV typically airs music videos between 3 a.m. and 10 a.m. on weekdays.

The rumour reportedly began with a segment that aired on CNN this past Sunday. Reporters Fredricka Whitfield and Jacqui Jeras discussed the video and claimed that MTV had banned it.

However, this segment does not appear on the CNN web page.

The epic “Telephone” music video is already a fan favourite. It includes Gaga and Beyoncé, as well as a head-spinning variety of pop-culture references.

Based on the new video, Gaga says that she’s “always trying to convolute everyone’s idea of what a pop music video should be.”

Beyonce Funds Beauty School

Angelina Irinici — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:29:18 +0000

If Beyonce isn’t flawless enough, she is now. On Friday she and her mother, Tina Knowles, unveiled a project they have been working and dreaming about for years: the Beyonce Cosmetology Center. She spoke in downtown Brooklyn, New York, at the Phoenix House, which is a nonprofit recovery centre for drug and alcohol addiction, reports MTV News.

The press release states that the program is “a seven-month cosmetology training course for adult men and women.” L’Oreal will be donating all of the products used, as the superstar is a spokeswoman for the beauty company. The star and her mother have pledged to donate $100,000 annually to the program.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg attended the unveiling and after remarks from him, Tina and others, Knowles gave a gracious speech explaining both her ties to the house and her hopes for the program. In 2007, she first visited the house while researching for her role in “Cadillac Records”, where she played Etta James, a legendary blues, R&B, rock and roll, gospel and jazz singer/songwriter.

The Phoenix House provides vocational training, but the 28-year-old still wanted to fund the beauty school while looking to the future.

“I felt like they needed something that was geared towards women — something that would teach them skills that would give them hope even after the Phoenix House,” she said.

Her mother was an influence as she owned and operated a salon in their hometown of Houston.

“I saw that a salon was a place for women to socialize, share stories, cry, laugh and get advice,” she explained of her growing up around a beauty parlor. Almost shedding a tear she said, “Most importantly, I saw the joy it brought my mother, knowing she was a part of their transformation.”

The successful singer/songwriter, actress, spokeswoman and model admires the strength of the people who’ve chosen to attend Phoenix House. She believes that none of them chose to be addicts, but have all “chosen to get better.” The “Single ladies” singer ended after photo ops and cutting the ceremonial ribbon with an honest statement.

“It’s a very proud day for me and my mother,” she said.

Jay-Z’s BRIT Bash Reportedly Refused White People

Angelina Irinici — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:17:41 +0000

Mega-rap star Jay-Z may be in some hot water – in London, England. Perez Hilton.com reported that the 40-year-old rapper’s security would not allow white people in the VIP area at his BRIT awards after party.

The long-time rapper won a BRIT for Best International Male Solo; he and the Mrs. (Beyonce Knowles) threw a bash at Merah nightclub. Apparently while African American guests were let through the VIP entrance no problem, white people didn’t find it that easy.

Britain Daily Star Music Reporter Kim Dawson was among guests who tried to enter the VIP area but got denied, and was less than happy about it.

“I’ve been to countless showbiz bashes but never have I met meatheads like those at the Jay-Z do (party). Jay-Z is a megastar and yet it was clear white people were not welcome in his VIP area. While the red rope was lifted for black guests to breeze through, let’s just say it stayed down if your face didn’t fit. I have never felt so intimidated. It left me feeling like a mauled dog,” she said.

Jay-Z’s reps claim that the club hired the security not allowing admittance. Of course, club Merah’s owners claim they had no idea there was an issue. I guess we’ll never know. But it is clear that Jay-Z has had loads of success in his lifetime.

The rapper has released a total of 11 studio albums in his music career and has accepted 10 Grammys for his musical success. Not only a successful rapper, Jay-Z is a businessman; he owns The 40/40 Club, and NBA’s New Jersey Nets, he also is the creator of clothing line Rocawear and is the former CEO of Def Jam Recordings. He is one of three founders of Roc-A-Fella Records and is the founder of Roc Nation.

Beyonce’s Dad Matthew Knowles a Daddy Again?

andPOP Staff — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:34:15 +0000

Looks like Beyonce’s Dad Matthew Knowles maybe a Daddy again.

TMZ is reporting that Alexsandra Wright claims to have had an 18 month affair with Matthew Knowles. She filed a paternity suit in October and gave birth February 4. Knowles has yet to take a paternity test nor has he paid any child support.

For the full TMZ story visit http://www.tmz.com/2010/02/16/beyonce-mathew-knowles-baby-love-child-paternity/

A Complete List of Grammy Results

Graham Slaughter — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:55:43 +0000

The results are in! Last night, the music industry celebrated artist’s achievements at the 2010 Grammy Awards.

Miss the show? Check out the list of winners below, courtesy of the Grammy website.

Record of the Year – Use Somebody, Kings of Leon

Album of the Year – Fearless, Taylor Swift

Song of the Year – Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it), Beyonce

Best New Artist – Zac Brown Band

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance – Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it), Beyonce

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance – Make it Mine, Jason Mraz

Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals – I Gotta Feeling, Black Eyed Peas

Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals – Lucky, Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat

Best Pop Instrumental Performance – Throw Down Your Heart, Béla Fleck

Best Pop Instrumental Album – Potato Hole, Booker T. Jones

Best Pop Vocal Album – The E.N.D., Black Eyed Peas

Best Dance Recording – Poker Face, Lady Gaga

Best Electronic/Dance Album – The Fame, Lady Gaga

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album – Michael Bublé Meets Madison Square Garden, Michael Bublé

Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance – Working on a Dream, Bruce Springsteen

Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals – Use Somebody, Kings of Leon

For full results, check out http://www.grammy.com/nominees .

Beyonce Taking a Break

andPOP Staff — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 23:43:38 +0000

Beyonce is taking a little break reports USA Today. After an amazing 2009 in which she performed at President Obama’s inauguration, collaborated with Alicia Keys, an amazing tour and other notable events, Beyonce has said she needs some R&R.

After she performs at the Grammy Awards on January 31, she plans to do a whole lot of nothing. “I’ve always worked hard, but I feel like I worked harder this past year than I have since I was just starting out. I just had all these great opportunities. … It’s definitely time to take a break, to recharge my batteries,” the singer told USA Today. “I’d like to take about six months and not go into the studio. I need to just live life, to be inspired by things again.”

Beyonce has been nominated for 10 Grammy Awards. We have a feeling she won’t be going home empty handed.

Kate Winslet Has the Most Desirable Celeb Body

Sara Harowitz — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:04:43 +0000

British actress Kate Winslet, known for her starring roles in such blockbusters as “Titanic,” ”Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” “Revolutionary Road,” and “The Reader,” has been voted as having the most desirable celebrity body, reports perezhilton.com.

According to a recent YouGov poll, the stunning star with her post-children body is the number one most desired. Also included on the list are other beauties such as Halle Berry, Cheryl Cole, Beyonce, Megan Fox and Lily Allen.

Perhaps most surprising (and pleasing) is the fact that celebrities at the bottom of the list include the ultra skinny Kate Moss, Katie Price and Victoria Beckham, all with only a 1 per cent desirability.

Dr. Jacquie Lavin, who commissioned the poll, says that “it shows a positive shift that women are more likely to see Kate Winslet and Kelly Brook as the ideal body shape rather than Kate Moss or Victoria Beckham.”

Sorry Posh Spice, guess you’re no longer the face of Girl Power…

Beyonce Knowles Parents Call It Quits

Joelle Tomlinson — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:46:34 +0000

It looks like Kelly Rowland isn’t the only diva who’s had enough of Matthew Knowles.

Beyonce’s mom (who also happens to be her costume designer), Tina Knowles, has filed divorce papers against Matthew (Beyonce’s manager). According to mtvnews.com, TMZ says that she filed the divorce papers last month in Texas, calling an end to a 29-year marriage.

Matthew is known for his powerful promotion of Beyonce, and he quit his job at IBM after a 20-year long career to manage the group of girl’s that would eventually become Destiny’s Child. He is known to have had a pivotal role in making Beyonce’s solo career the success story that it is, and has producer credits on the 2009 thriller “Obsessed.” Yet he’s not the only parent thoroughly engaged in the Sasha Fierce spectrum. Known for her fierce costumes and performance gowns, Beyonce has been dressed by Tina, who is a stylist and principal in House of Dereon (launched in 2004). Beyonce is almost as esteemed for her clothing line as for her incredible performance talents.

According to The Insider, Tina and Matthew have not been living together since Janurary of this year (2009). In the article, the petition for divorce states that, “The marriage has become insupportable because of discord or conflict of personalities … that destroys the legitimate relationship and prevents any reasonable expectation of reconciliation.”

Destiny’s Child Sued For Copyright Infringement

Joelle Tomlinson — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 20:51:24 +0000

Not only is Kelly Rowland infuriated with Matthew Knowles (Beyonce’s father), but it seems as though the ultimate punishment is having to head to Chicago on Tuesday for a lawsuit against the former Destiny’s Child group.

The lawsuit, citing copyright infringement on the hit single “Cater 2 U” is Matthew’s fault, according to Rowland. According to people.com, Rowland states that Matthew has a long history of trying to get songwriters to add Beyonce’s name to songs she didn’t compose, just so she gets publishing royalties, and not it’s coming back to haunt all three former members of the girl group.

The girls, who had remained close for several years, have distanced themselves from each other. Rowland fired Matthew as her manager earlier in 2009. A source had this to say about Beyonce and Rowland’s relationship:

“She and Beyoncé remained cordial at first. But things have gotten tense since Kelly griped that Matthew is the cause of this lawsuit.”

This reeks of familiarity. According to perezhilton.com, Beyonce was called out by Ne-Yo for her declaring that she wrote the hit Irreplaceable, and he issued a statement that said she was not involved in the lyrics and was barely involved in the accompanying music.