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AMAs Get Stars Competing for Spotlight: Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Adam Lambert

Emma Renda — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:41:59 +0000

The American Music Awards had all the ingredients for success this year: Taylor Swift beating out a pop mogul for a major award, lots and lots of Michael Jackson shout-outs, a Whitney Houston comeback performance and both Lady Gaga and Rihanna wearing next to nothing.

The major shock of the evening was Taylor Swift’s award for Artist of the Year, snagging the posthumous nomination from the King of Pop himself.

“I just want to say that music has never been ultimately about competition,” Swift said in her acceptance speech via video from London, England. “To even be mentioned in a category with Michael Jackson, who will be missed and loved forever, is an unimaginable honour.”

Swift won four other awards, of six nominations, including Pop/Rock Female Artist, Adult Contemporary Artist, Country Female Artist, and Favourite Country Album.

Jackson did pick up a few awards in the end, including Favourite Pop/Rock Male Artist as well as Soul/R&B Male Artist, and set the record most American Music Awards won by any artist with a whopping 23 awards.

Jermain Jackson was present to accept the awards, and Janet performed the show’s opening number.

“We love you, Michael,” Jermaine Jackson said as he accepted one award. “It’s not just about winning the award; it’s mainly the message. The message Michael had will live on forever and that’s that he saw good in everyone.”

Whitney Houston’s performance was another emotional moment, receiving a standing ovation for her rendition of “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength”. Samuel L. Jackson presented Houston with the International Artist Award of Excellence.

As per usual, Lady Gaga’s performance made a splash. Sporting a vulcan-inspired headdress and a vest filled with lights, Gaga burst on stage, shattering the class case around a grand piano with her microphone. When she sat down to perform a medley of songs from her new album, The Monster Show, the piano burst into flames.

Rihanna didn’t need to do more than strut around on stage partially naked to garner as much of a reaction. Performing her new singles from Rated R, “Wait Your Turn” and “Hard” ft. Young Jeezy, Rihanna wore nothing more than a body suit made of strips of white fabric and heeled white leather boots. The performance kept with the theme of the morbid videos she has released lately, Rihanna started her performance with a video of a masked woman on a medical table being electrocuted to life.

Adam Lambert, the most recent American Idol winner, closed the show with his performance of “For Your Entertainment” in which he shoved a male dancer’s face into his crotch.

The full list of winners at the 37th Annual American Music Awards:

Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift
Pop-Rock (Male): Michael Jackson
Pop-Rock (Female): Taylor Swift
Pop-Rock (Band, duo, group): Black Eyed Peas
Pop-Rock (Album): Michael Jackson Number Ones
Soul-R&B (Male): Michael Jackson
Soul-R&B (Female): Beyonce
Soul-R&B (Band, duo, group): Black Eyed Peas
Soul-R&B (Album): Michael Jackson Number Ones
Rap-Hip-Hop (Artist): Jay-Z
Rap-Hip-Hop (Album): Jay-Z Blueprint 3
Country (Male): Keith Urban
Country (Female): Taylor Swift
Country (Band, duo, group): Rascal Flatts
Country (Album): Taylor Swift Fearless
Adult Contemporary: Taylor Swift
Alternative Rock: Green Day
Latin: Aventura
Contemporary Inspirational: Mary Mary
Soundtrack Album: Twilight Soundtrack
T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist Award: Gloriana
International Award of Excellence: Whitney Houston

Rihanna Box Set to Hit Shelves

Vanessa Baker — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:31:26 +0000

Singer Rihanna is releasing a box set containing her first three hit albums, Music of the Sun, A Girl Like Me and Good Girl Gone Bad, reports Perez Hilton.

The collection will hit shelves Dec. 15, while her latest album, Rated R, is scheduled for release Nov. 23.

Rihanna’s Risque New Single for ‘Russian Roulette’

Emma Renda — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:00:40 +0000

Rihanna’s triumphant return to the industry just got a little more risque with clips of her new video, “Russian Roulette” surfacing online. The video, directed by Anthony Mandler, depicts Rihanna undergoing a collage of violence, including images of her underwater riddled with bulletholes.

Mandler says it’s all a metaphor, but eyebrows are naturally being raised in the wake of the Chris Brown abuse scandal.

“I think that with this song and the meaning of this song and how loaded it all is, no pun intended, how much imagery and perhaps symbolism that is loaded in this song, the only way to do it was to do something that was visually challenging,” Mandler told MTV News.

The video premiered on 20/20, this following a series of public appearances from Rihanna who avoided the spotlight since the February incident. Rihanna appeared in a candid interview with Diane Sawyer, in which she revealed details of the attack and the affect it had on her life. Earlier this month, she was recognized by Glamour Magazine as the Woman of the Year.

“Domestic violence is a big secret,” she told Glamour. “My story was broadcast all over the world for people to see, and they have followed every step of my recovery. The positive thing that has come out of my situation is that people can learn from that. I want to give as much insight as I can to young women, because I feel like I represent a voice that really isn’t heard.”

Rihanna’s new album, Rated R, will be released on Nov. 23.

Chris Brown is also premiering a video today for “Crawl”, a song he tells MTV is not only about Rihanna.

The chorus talks about “crawling back to love”, but Brown says it’s a universal concept.

“When I heard the whole concept and everything I was like, ‘Yo, this is crazy,’ ” Brown told MTV. “So being able to express the feelings, it was like, probably one of the best [records I've done.] But it was more than me trying to do a record that meant crawl to love, crawl back to love. Meaning whether it’s from your negative situations, whether it’s from any problems you’ve dealt with, like anybody’s situation. Mine being my personal situation with shorty, but for anybody, for being inspired as far it being the war or a death in the family, whether it’s anything, anybody just crawl back to love. ‘Cause love conquers everything. Love, at the end of the day, makes everybody happy.”

Brown has frequently told media he thinks the details of his relationship with Rihanna should be private, but he has not shyed away from offering several public apologies.

Chris Brown Debuts New Video ‘Crawl’

Joelle Tomlinson — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:58:57 +0000

Would you crawl back to Chris Brown?

In the lyrics to the R&B-singer’s song, “Crawl,” Brown seems to be calling for the return of his ex-girlfriend Rihanna, with whom he has apparently finally split in the aftermath on his assault on her in February,

“So we’ll crawl, until we can walk again,” Brown sings on the tune. “Then we’ll run, until we’re strong enough to jump/Then we’ll fly, until there is no wind/So let’s crawl, crawl, back to love.”

But, according to mtvnews.com, Brown told them that the song isn’t just about his own relationship. He said “Crawl” is more of a universal message dedicated to moving on past any type of heartache. The video debuted on “The Wendy Williams Show” on Friday (November 13).

“When I heard the whole concept and everything I was like, ‘Yo, this is crazy,’ ” Brown said about the track. “So being able to express the feelings, it was like, probably one of the best [records I've done.] But it was more than me trying to do a record that meant crawl to love, crawl back to love. Meaning whether it’s from your negative situations, whether it’s from any problems you’ve dealt with, like anybody’s situation. Mine being my personal situation with shorty, but for anybody, for being inspired as far it being the war or a death in the family, whether it’s anything, anybody just crawl back to love. ‘Cause love conquers everything. Love, at the end of the day, makes everybody happy.”

Chris Brown Talks About The Assault Aftermath

Joelle Tomlinson — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:26:34 +0000

Chris Brown opened up about his assault on former girlfriend Rihanna during the MTV News special “Chris Brown: The Interview” on Friday (November 6), elaborating on his destructive behavior, explaining his previous apologies and describing his ongoing therapy sessions.

According to mtvnews.com, Brown told MTV News correspondent Sway that he has finally come to terms with the fact that he was capable of such violence.

“I think you’d be in denial and be totally naive not to,” he said. “And not being able to realize and own up to the fact of your own wrongs. I mean, me, I’ve come to terms with it and I’m working on it. … For that moment or whatever had me at that place, I want to erase that from what my character is. I want to be totally different from now on. I don’t want to be that person.”

“I’m confused right now as far as the public perception [of me],” he said. “Like, I think with my fans, they still love me, they support me, definitely. You have those people who will support you. So it’s kinda like 50/50 for me. I got the people that will come out and support and then the people that don’t wanna see me do anything. They basically want me in jail.”

Brown said he hasn’t been able to maintain a thick skin when it comes to receiving negative comments in public. During a trip to an amusement park, Brown described hearing cries of “women beater.”

“I’m human, so when I hear certain things that they say or if I go somewhere and I hear somebody be rude about it, it’s just like, ‘Man, it’s a mistake,’ ” Brown said. “I made a big mistake. I’m learning from it. Like, I’m not saying, ‘Who are they to judge?’ because, I mean, everybody’s entitled to their own opinion on how they feel, but it hurts.”

Rihanna and Ne-Yo Collaborate On ‘Russian Roulette’

Joelle Tomlinson — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:23:02 +0000

When Ne-yo and Rihanna collaborate on tracks, the result is usually pretty spectacular.

Apparently, fans can expect nothing less with their new collaboration, “Russian Roulette.” The Barbadian beauty used the help of co-producer Chuck Harmony for the latest single on her upcoming Rated R album.

According to MTV News, Ne-yo explained that Rihanna specifically requested the song’s somber vibe. “She wanted it to be dark, but not just dark for the sake of dark [...] dark with a kind of meaning, dark with some kind of thing to it.”

The ominous Russian roulette theme is something new for the soulful singer. He called the track “my first ventures off into the fictitious.”

“I’m listening to the track, and all I can see is Rihanna and some random person sitting across from each other at the table with a gun sitting in the middle of the table and playing Russian roulette,” he explained. “And I just started thinking, ‘What would go through your mind if you was in that situation?’ It just all started coming together, and Rihanna has never been one to be afraid to take a chance, especially with me. She’s always game to do something a little different. I played it for her, and she loved it — went in and knocked it out. The rest is history.”

The unearthly ballad is representative of both artists growth in the industry, says Ne-yo. With a lack of newer material from both artists, “Russian Roulette” is a greatly anticipated track with new roots. “I trust Rihanna to be Rihanna, and she trusts me to be me,” he said. “That’s the coolest thing about our relationship. I don’t expect anything more from her. I must say this song is a step in somewhat of a different direction for both of us. We kind of both took a chance.”

September Means Business for Jay-Z

Emma Renda — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 20:55:20 +0000

The wait for Jay-Z’s much-hyped new album will be over sooner than expected thanks to an Internet leak, according to NME.com.

The Blueprint 3 will now be released tomorrow (Sept. 8), three days earlier than plan. This will mark Hova’s third album following his alleged retirement in 2003 and the third instalment in his critically-revered Blueprint series. The Sept. 11 release was originally planned to fall eight years to the day following the 2001 release of Blueprint.

Despite being overshadowed by the 9/11 attacks, Blueprint still sold 426,000 copies in its first week and has since been named a must-have album by nearly every music critic out there. It even squeezed into Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list at #464.

The online leak of the much-awaited Blueprint 3 was a minor hitch in Jay’s plan.

“I may be the most bootlegged artist in history,” he told MTV News. “It’s a preview. I’m excited for people to hear the album. I’m very proud of the work I’ve done, so enjoy it.”

The album, produced by Kanye West, will feature the already chart-topping single “Run This Town” with West and Rihanna. It hit number one in the UK Singles Chart this week, marking Jay’s first UK single in the top spot, according to MTV UK. Clearly he has won over the oft-pop-dominated UK music world, as he is scheduled to support Coldplay at their Wembley Stadium show later this month.

A North American tour has also been announced in support of the album, including an impressive road trip through the Great White North. Aside from the mandatory stops in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, Jay will play shows in Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, London, and Ottawa (much to my delight.) No details about supporting acts have been released, although rumours flew about Eminem joining him on the road.

As unlikely as that roster would be, Jay does have a show scheduled for Sept. 11 at Madison Square Garden in NYC as a charity event for New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund. Jay’s retirement concert at MSG in 2003 was a historical affair, in support of another of his acclaimed albums, The Black Album, and featuring every special guest from The Roots (his frequently employed backup band), Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, Beyonce, Pharrell Williams to the mothers of both Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G.

In his 40th year, Jay has a vice-like handle on the rap game and his plans for this fall only attest to it. Stay tuned to see how it pans out.

Under The Rock: What Do You Get When You Cross – Bob Dylan, Nike, Weezer

Emma Renda — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:53:19 +0000

There’s little in the music world that excites me more than a good collaboration. Be the unlikely pairing of Eminem and Elton John, or inevitable power tracks from Jay-Z, Kanye and Rihanna (check out “Run This Town” if you haven’t already heard it.)

Recently, though, more than just musical minds have been getting together. So here’s the news.

It seems early to be looking forward to the holidays, but this year I actually have a reason to get excited. Bob Dylan is releasing a Christmas album, according to Pitchfork. No longer will I have to sit through the intolerable holiday stylings of Michael Buble, Destiny’s Child, or Jessica Simpson. At first I was hesitant, imagining his raspy, sarcastic attempts at “Santa Baby” or “Deck the Halls.”

But Dylan’s official website confirmed a more appropriate set list, including “Here Comes Santa Claus,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”, “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, “Winter Wonderland”, “Little Drummer Boy”, and “Must Be Santa.” The album artwork for Christmas in the Heart is also pure class, and will surely stand out amongst the glittery fare normally on the shelves around the holiday time. The album is set for release on Oct. 13 – a little on the early side but knowing Dylan, it will be worth much more than just holiday cheer.

The next commercial collabo is even more unsuspecting than Bob Dylan and Santa Claus – Nike and Sub Pop Records. Nike is releasing a shoe designed for the Quickstrike SB Blazer Elite series, whatever that is, and has pasted the black-and-white SubPop label discretely on the tongue. Sub Pop, the record label home to everyone from Fleet Foxes and Wolf Parade to Nirvana and Sunny Day Real Estate, have not posted any information on their website about the shoe. But I’m sure some diehard will be willing to shell out $150 for the black-and-yellow sneaker this fall.

Pending the release of their latest album, Weezer was caught in the crossfire of some harsh words about their choice of title. Raditude made it on Spin’s “20 Worst Album Titles of 2009″ before it was even released, and topped Rolling Stone’s list of “Dictionary-Defying Album Titles” (a very fun list, for those with time to spare or a computer at work).

Anyway, back to the point. Weezer dodged the bullet by informing the furrowed brow of the public that Rainn Wilson (The Office’s Dwight and a recent comic darling) was responsible for the title.

“[Wilson] has a super-rock persona,” Rivers said, according to Pitchfork. “When it came time to find a title for the Weezer album, I asked him what he thought the ultimate album title would be, and he said ‘Raditude.’”

Naturally. The rest of the titles aren’t any more innovative – including singles “The Girl Got Hot” and “I’m Your Daddy.”

Weezer has never been one for album titles (see The Blue, Green and Red albums) or breaking boundaries, for that matter, considering they specialize in three-chord pop-punk about falling in love with Japanese teenagers. But for the group responsible for “My Name Is Jonas”, a cult-favourite and soundtrack to my youth, I hoped for something more. I won’t be able to weigh in until Raditude hits shelves Oct. 27, but expect disenchantment and some good puns. So far, all I have is “Baditude”.

Update: Chris Brown Shows No Shame

Emma Renda — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:04:18 +0000

Chris Brown should be having a bad day. In fact, he should be having a bad life considering the fire he has come under since he assaulted Rihanna in February. But despite his sentencing yesterday (five years probation, a restraining order from Rihanna, domestic violence courses, 6-months community service), and the release of the official police report from the incident (a brutal account of his relentless attack on Rihanna), Brown has still found time to dress up, hit the recording studio and party.

First, Brown was seen entering the Record Plant Recording Studio in L.A. yesterday shortly after his hearing. Pictures on TMZ.com show Brown had changed from his three-piece suit into a hip vest and oversized yellow heart broach. Not exactly non-chalant.

In the same outfit hours later, Brown was seen partying at Guys and Dolls in Hollywood. The photos on TMZ.com show Brown surrounded by several women – shockingly – and actually enjoying himself. This comes after a statement from the probation report in which Brown said he has been “depressed” since the February incident.

Questionable, considering two other reports of his domestic violence with Rihanna have come to the surface in the wake of his sentencing. The court documents in Brown’s case reveal two separate complaints from Rihanna, according to TMZ.com.

The first incident happened in Europe during an argument between the two, in which Rihanna slapped Brown and he retaliated by shoving her into a wall. The second happened in Barbados, when, during another argument, Brown became so enraged he smashed the driver and passenger side windows of the Range Rover they were driving in. Both incidents happened before the February attack, and though rumours circulated the press, neither were publicly reported.

Rihanna has kept quiet over the last few days. She did not release a statement following Brown’s sentencing, but her attorney did say she did not object to the result. In fact, Rihanna is going about her business as usual, or better. She is scheduled to perform on the series premier of the Jay Leno Showon Sept. 14 alongside Jay-Z and Kanye West, to promote Jay’s new album, The Blueprint 3. It will be her first public performance since the attack.

Chris Brown Sentenced for Assaulting Rihanna

Emma Renda — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:09:36 +0000

Chris Brown was sentenced today to five years probation and six months hard labour for assaulting Rihanna earlier this year, according to TMZ.com. Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault.

Judge Patricia Schnegg ruled Brown must stay 100 yards away from Rihanna at all times, in the exception of entertainment events where he must stay 10 yards away. This ruling extends for five years. According to TMZ.com, Public Information Officer Sandi Gibbons said Judge Schnegg also told Brown the sentence is not a slap on the wrist and she is aware of his celebrity status. She said she will sentence him to prison time if he violates his probation.

Brown will complete his community service hours at the Commonwealth Catholic Charities in Richmond, VA. He is also required to take a 52-week domestic violence course. Besides not being allowed to possess any weapons, Brown must get permission before leaving the country and will have to pay a series of probation expenses and restitution.

Rihanna’s attorney, Donald Etra, said Rihanna does not object to the sentencing but refused to speak about the details of their personal relationship.

Brown has not yet released a statement, but check back for more details.