andPOP » nelly furtado

Performers Leaked for Vancouver 2010: Nelly Furtado, Sarah McLachlan, Bryan Adams

Angelina Irinici — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:44:49 +0000

Performers for the 2010 Winter Olympics opening-ceremonies were meant to be kept under wraps. But, thanks to spies at the rehearsals and a commercial for the games that aired during Saturday Night Live, certain secrets are spilled, People.com reported.

Canadians like Nelly Furtado, Sarah McLachlan and Bryan Adams are the lucky celebs that are planned to perform at the opening-ceremonies Friday night in Vancouver. The legendary band Rush and jazz singer Nikki Yanofsky is also expected to perform, both who are Canadians. Devo, the ‘80s band is among the bands planned to perform at the Games’ medal ceremonies.

If you are wondering about famous Canadian singers like Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne or Celine Dion, there is no word as of yet. Shania Twain won a PEOPLE poll as first pick with 62 per cent of readers, Lavigne for 24 per cent, Dion had 7 and Furtado got a mere 2 per cent in the poll.

Vancouver 2010 is the second time Canada has hosted the games, the first being in Calgary in 1988.

Nelly Furtado Does a Musical

Vanessa Baker — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 01:07:50 +0000

Nelly Furtado will have a supporting role in Michael McGowan’s musical film Score: A Hockey Musical, reports CBC. Furtado, from Victoria, B.C., will play a zealous fan.

Olivia Newton-John will also star in the movie, which begins filming this week in Toronto. Canadian singer Hawksley Workman will also make an appearance.

“Nelly is an incredible entertainer and, after speaking with her, I realized that she fully relished embracing her inner hockey fanatic,” McGowan said.

The film is planned to hit theatres Oct. 22.

Canada for Haiti Raises $16 Million

Vanessa Baker — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 22:21:57 +0000

The Canada for Haiti telethon and its French counterpart, Ensemble Pour Haiti, both held Friday, raised $16 million for earthquake relief efforts in the country, reports CBC.

Canada for Haiti was held in Toronto and created by CBC, CTV and Global. The funds will go to a group of Canadian charities working in Haiti.

Governor General Michaelle Jean, who was born in Haiti, made an appearance in Montreal for Ensemble Pour Haiti.

“It’s very important to take this time to put our hearts together and put our heads together and see what we can do to support Haiti in this ordeal,” she said. “We are in an era where civil society is big and international and what Haiti has experienced has touched everyone on this planet. Breaking down solitudes is my motto and that is what I hope to do here.”

George Stroumboupolos co-hosted the event and said “now is the time for Canada to take the next step” in giving to relief efforts.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper appeared on the show, promising the federal government would match contributions from individuals up to a maximum of $50 million.

“Our humanitarian workers are already on the ground and Canadians, renowned for their generosity, have already given,” Harper said. “Together we can make a difference so the hope can return to Haiti.”

Several Canadians appeared on the show including Alex Trebek, Joshua Jackson, Sandra Oh, William Shatner and Eugene Levy. Celine Dion and Michael J. Fox spoke on live video feed, while Rachael McAdams made a live appearance at the event.

Nelly Furtado, K’naan, Metric and the Tragically Hip all performed at the event.

Timbaland’s ‘Shock Value II’ Promises Big Collaborations

Joelle Tomlinson — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:09:44 +0000

Timbaland has always been known for big-star collaborations, and his upcoming studio album Studio Value II is no exception. The roster features an abundance of guests, with the biggest surprise being Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger.

According to chartattack.com, Kroeger, Drake, Nelly Furtado, Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Chris Daughtry, Brandy, The Fay and Keri Hilson make guest appearances on Timbaland’s radio platform-spanning follow-up to 2007’s Shock Value, which is out Nov. 23 through Universal Music.

Furtado guests on the album’s first single, “Morning After Dark,” which will be available to buy on iTunes beginning this coming Tuesday (Oct. 27). Furtado previously guested on Shock Value, as did Timberlake and Hilson.

“I’m so fortunate and blessed to be able to create a Shock Value II,” Timbaland says. “I’m really proud of the calibre of artists on this album and all the work they put into making it a success. I can promise that no one has ever heard Katy Perry, The Fray or Brandy sound like this before.

“It’s exciting because not only am I giving fans the best of me on each track, I’m giving them a glimpse of their favorite artist in a completely different light. This is an album that can be listened to from start to finish every single time because each song is so unique and the range of artists is so diverse. I can’t wait for my fans to hear the collaborations.”

Nelly Furtado Makes North American History With Single “Manos Al Aire”

Jeremy Singer — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:11:42 +0000

With her first full length Spanish album Mi Plan debuting September 15, Grammy Award winning Canadian-Portuguese singer Nelly Furtado has already made it into the history books.

Manos Al Aire, the album’s first single, has pegged the no. one spot on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, which makes her the first North American artist to reach that feat with a song that was originally written in Spanish- and not a translated version of an English song.

The single is also a massive success internationally, grabbing the no. one spot in Italy, Colombia, Chile and Central America, while settling in the top five spots in Mexico, Spain, Argentina and Germany.

Known for her broad spectrum of musical interests, Furtado invited internationals artists Alejandro Fernandez, Josh Groban, Juan Luis Guerra, Julieta Venegas, La Mala Rodriguez, Buika and Alex Cuba to give the record a unique touch.

Furtado will also begin a promo tour for the album on September 13, which will take her to the top Latin and American TV shows across the U.S., as well as a visit to European countries such as Germany, France, Spain and England.

The artist has sold over 18 million albums in her career, with close to ten million in sales from her previous album Loose- which was the no. one global album in 2007.

Rant ‘N Rave: James Morrison

Irene Ogrodnik — Sat, 09 May 2009 22:40:48 +0000

I know what you’re thinking.

James Morrison

Since when do I rave more than rant? It appears that my admiration for certain figures in the pop-culture world outweighs my dislike for others. Odd but true. However, I assure you one thing:

It won’t last long.

But the reason for my back-to-back raves is due to one celebrity in particular—singer James Morrison (please note: not to be mistaken with Jim Morrison from ‘The Doors’).

James Morrison, the 24-year-old English singer-songwriter and guitarist, surely knows how to melt my heart. In 2006, his debut single “You Give Me Something” became a hit in Australia, Japan and Europe. His first album “Undiscovered” debuted at the top of the UK Album Chart and made Morrison the best selling male solo artist of 2006 in the UK.
Like most successful international artists, he has a massive fan base overseas.

But while his critically acclaimed single, “Broken Strings,” (featuring Canadian artist Nelly Furtado) plays like a broken record on the radio, James has yet to truly succeed in the North American market. And frankly, I’m baffled as to why.

He’s the perfect mixture of Coldplay’s Chris Martin (I blame his hair) and Bryan Adams (I blame his ability to serenade me in two seconds). His songs are mellow, passionate and raw. His past single “Wonderful World” is easily a favourite track of mine, while his newest single “Please Don’t Stop the Rain” plays on repeat in my head (not like there is much going on in there anyway).

But even though he’s undeniably talented, what makes James so damn special?

It’s simple.

He sings the words that women want to hear their lover say, minus the BS or fluff.

He isn’t afraid to tell you he loves you or, like “Broken Strings” explicitly states, that he no longer does. How many male artists are this genuine without a cocky image surfacing close behind? Enrique Iglesias is most definitely not one of them.

Last week, James performed at The Opera House in Toronto—a show that I was fortunate enough to attend. And, of course, he blew me away. There’s something to be said about an artist who receives piercing cheers and applause from men.
Men who were accompanied by their girlfriends.

See, when a male artist knows how to serenade straight men–you know that’s talent.

Nelly Furtado Switches Tongues

Jennifer Brooks — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:35:31 +0000

Nelly Furtado is sticking close to her multi-cultural roots and exploring creating music and lyrics that are laced with Portuguese and Spanish. Although Furtado has always been influenced by her background and experimented with Portuguese influences and Spanish lyrics in her 2003 Folklore album and her 2006 Loose project, she is now jumping into both languages with two feet and has proclaimed that she is diving full force into the language and music.

“I am currently recording two new exciting albums- one in Spanish and one in Portuguese,” Furtado reported on her website on Tuesday. “Stay tuned and I will give you a sneak peak really soon.”

The 30-year-old mother of one, who married Cuban sound engineer Demacio “Demo” Castellón last July, has also dabbled in acting. She’s appeared on the One Life To Live and CSI: NY televison shows and had a role in last fall’s film adaptation of the Max Payne video game, as chartattack.com reports.

Canucks Appear On Lennon Tribute DVD

Eva Lam — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 03:04:30 +0000

Nelly Furtado, Alanis Morissette and Rufus Wainwright make up the Canadian contingent in a live John Lennon tribute DVD that will be released next month.

“Come Together: A Night for John Lennon’s Words & Music” was filmed at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall Oct. 2, 2001, less than a month after the Sept. 11 attacks.

All proceeds from the event, which had been planned ahead of the attacks, were donated to 9/11 recovery efforts.

For the concert, performers were given free reign to reinterpret songs from Lennon’s catalogue.

Furtado teamed up with Dave Stewart for “Instant Karma,” Morissette covered “Dear Prudence” and Wainwright put his own spin on “This Boy” with Sean Lennon. The latter two also team up with Moby for “Across the Universe.”

As well, the 90-minute DVD features commentary from actors James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Steve Buscemi, Kevin Bacon and Kevin Spacey, who share their memories and speak about Lennon’s message of peace. Spacey contributes his own rendition of Lennon’s “Mind Games.”

Proceeds from the DVD’s sale will go to the Robin Hood Foundation.

Here are the performances featured on the “Come Together” DVD:

John Lennon, Yolanda Williams and Billy Preston — “Imagine”
Dave Matthews — “In My Life”
Stone Temple Pilots — “Revolution”
Alanis Morissette — “Dear Prudence”
Moby, Sean Lennon and Rufus Wainwright — “Across The Universe”
Cyndi Lauper — “Strawberry Fields Forever”
Marc Anthony — “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds”
Shelby Lynne — “Mother”
Nelly Furtado and Dave Stewart — “Instant Karma”
Lou Reed — “Jealous Guy”
Natalie Merchant — “Nowhere Man”
Kevin Spacey — “Mind Games”
Craig David — “Come Together”
Sean Lennon and Rufus Wainwright — “This Boy”
Sean Lennon — “Julia”
Everybody — “Give Peace A Chance” / “Power To The People”

Another Award For Nelly Furtado

Eva Lam — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:48:27 +0000

Juno and Grammy winner Nelly Furtado has another accolade to add to her list: the Honorary Fellowship from the Royal Conservatory of Music.

The organization announced Wednesday they were awarding the singer-songwriter its most prestigious award, which is given to artists who have made a lasting contribution to Canadian music and the arts.

Past winners include rock veterans The Tragically Hip, musical theatre actress Louise Pitre, jazz great Oscar Peterson, country-rockers Blue Rodeo and soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian.

Furtado will receive the award during the conservatory’s annual gala on May 28, where she will also perform a short acoustic set with guitarist James Bryan.

In a press release, the 29-year-old singer said she was “grateful and humbled” by the honour.

“Music has been both my saviour and statement since I was three years old,” she said.

In other Nelly news, Furtado recently re-recorded “In God’s Hands,” off her third album “Loose,” as a duet with country singer Keith Urban.

Nelly Furtado To Headline Earth Hour Concert

Eva Lam — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 19:22:08 +0000

Nelly Furtado will mark the upcoming Earth Hour event with a free show in Toronto.

The Juno and Grammy Award-winning Victoria native has been named Canada’s first Earth Hour ambassador and will perform an unplugged concert at Nathan Phillips Square on March 29.

The World Wildlife Fund of Canada, who is organizing the event, says it will make the campaign as carbon-neutral as possible by taking steps such as powering the event with green, renewable energy.

Earth Hour, an effort to raise awareness about climate change, has cities around the world planning to turn their lights off from 8 to 9 p.m. on March 29.

The inaugural Earth Hour was held last year in Australia, where an estimated 2.2 million Australians took part to reduce demand on the power grid by 10 per cent.

This year, Canada is leading the way with more than 20,000 people, 1,000 businesses and 50 cities signed up so far.

Millions more are expected to participate around the globe.