andPOP - Pop Culture With Substance

Before Susan Boyle became an international star when millions checked out her voice in a YouTube video, Priscilla Renea was using the site to sing covers, showcase original songs and even sing the dictionary to Fergie’s “Glamorous.”

One of her videos has even been viewed 1.7 million times – and counting.

Renea’s debut album Jukebox comes out October 20th (also you can check out her first single Dollhouse here: http://bit.ly/hjHzL.

andPOP: When did you first get into music?

Priscilla Renea: From what I can remember I’ve always been into music. My birth father played the trumpet and my mother was the lead singer in several bands. As far as music as a profession goes, I just recently decided to pursue it as a career a couple of years ago.

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Susan Boyle, who placed second in the season three competition of Britain’s Got Talent, has teamed up with American Idol judge Simon Cowell to begin recording her debut album, reports E! Online. After the songstress’ issues with hospitalization, stress and exhaustion, Cowell and Sony Music are putting no pressure on her to record. Her contract allows her to walk away at any time.

“She sounds fantastic on record,” Cowell told People. “She’s so good, the album is not just going to be show tunes.”

Boyle is currently touring the United Kingdom on the Britain’s Got Talent tour.

During a stop in Hong Kong to promote her latest album “All I Ever Wanted,” first “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson shared her thoughts on YouTube sensation and “Britain’s Got Talent” contestant Susan Boyle.

“I think it’s awesome,” Clarkson told The Associated Press. “I’m bawling whenever I hear her sing.”

But not everyone is praising 48-year-old Boyle. “Smile” singer Lily Allen doesn’t see why there’s so much hype surrounding the Scottish singer. Allen wrote, “Susan Boyle is so overrated,” on her Twitter account over the weekend.

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5. 186,000,000 views: Susan Boyle of Britain’s Got Talent

This never-been-kissed sweetheart of Britain has supposedly got talent. In fact, I won’t ruin it for you. Go watch this clip, and you can be the judge of Boyle and her presentation.

4. 196,500,000 views: Jeff Dunham – Achmed the Terrorist

Who doesn’t appreciate a touchy subject ripped to shreds? If you are offended by terroist humor, this isn’t the youtube video for you. Between the “I KILL YOU” dialogue and puppet mastery, it is safe to assume that this idiocy is popular due to its context.

3. 230,200,000 views: Touch My Body music video by Mariah Carey

Yet another suggestive music video from Mariah Carey, and yet another hit on youtube. If you enjoy watching Carey frolicking around touching herself, this is the youtube video for you. In fact, just type in Mariah Carey, every result won’t let you down.

2. 266,500,000 views: Twilight, the movie trailer

The first time I heard about Twilight, it was through the movie trailer on youtube. A friend, terminally in love with Edward, proudly showed me the preview, and I’ll admit to being excited. Yes, it’s about vampires and werewolves, but don’t be too quick to judge, at least the movie trailer was great.

1. 356,300,000 views: Crank Dat music video by Soulja Boy

Without youtube, the world would be deprived of this oh-so-original rap artist. Soulja Boy demonstrated the power of online networking through this youtube phenomenon, and had people on their feet within minutes. For those of you who don’t know the steps to Crank Dat, it’s time to crawl out of that dark hole you have been living in, and ” Superman that Hoe”.

Music artists and movie stars never fail to entertain me (however, I do get easily amused). Whether I laugh with them (or, in most cases, at them) or actually pity their heartaches and failures (which doesn’t happen often)—I always look forward to the next celebrity hook-up/screw-up.

And the month of April did not disappoint. Here are the five best and worst moments in pop culture that made me grateful that such somewhat petty life moments in my life aren’t publicized for the world:

BEST:

5) Pink Reunites with H(e)art:

One can’t help but assume the following:

a) Pink’s estranged husband Carey Hart decided to give his relationship another try after watching the boyfriend/husband torturing, knee-breaking video his wife created for her single ‘Please Don’t Leave Me.’

Or

b) Pink and Carey realized that they are meant to be with one another, at least for another year.

Either way, I’m happy.

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