After their hugely successful run on The X Factor, Emblem3 are poised to become the next big thing in the world of boy bands.
They have yet to release their debut album, “Nothing to Lose,” so the band decided to tide their fans over with an acoustic cover of Mackelmore and Ryan Lewis’ smash hit, “Can’t Hold Us.”
I have to admit I wasn’t their biggest fan on the show, but this cover proves they have some serious musical chops, and makes me verrrrry interested in hearing what they have in store with the album. Not to mention they’re all pretty easy on the eyes.
*Sigh*. Add them to the list of boys I fangirl over.
British girl group Little Mix have made quite splash in North America.
The quartet first broke out in their native U.K. after they won The X-Factor in 2011 and have become one of the most successful girl groups to come out of the show. Just last week, their new album DNA broke record sales in the States, with numbers even higher than The Spice Girls.
So what is it about these 4 lovely ladies that have gotten a whole lot of #Mixers falling in love with them?
HERE ARE 10 REASONS WHY WE LOVE LITTLE MIX:
1. Girl Power! The Sequel
Instead of using sexual references and questionable lyrics to sell records, Little Mix are all about empowering girls to be themselves and to love every bit of who they are, like in their song “Who We Are.” Well done, ladies!
2. They’re friends first
They’re relatable and always there for each other. Like in this moment when Jesy was feeling insecure after comments about her weight were said on Twitter and Jade was there, like any best friend to support her.
3. Their sense of humor
They have no problem with looking silly and having fun on camera
4. Their cool handshakes
Emblem3 have just released the artwork and track list for their upcoming album, Nothing To Lose!
Ever since we saw Emblem3 audition for last season’s X Factor, we couldn’t help but fangirl over the heartthrobs from Sequim, Washington. I mean, even Demi Lovato couldn’t help blushing over them.
http://stayingstrongbecauseofdemi.tumblr.com/
Well brothers Keaton (16), Wesley (19) and their lifelong friend Drew (20) teased their fans by sharing the track listing for their deluxe version on their site:
1) Just For One Day
2) Spaghetti
3) XO
4) Chloe (You’re The One I Want)
5) Girl Next Door
6) Nothing to Lose
7) Love LA
8) Sunset Blvd
9) 3000 Miles
10) Teenage Kings
11) One Day
12) Do It All Again*
13) I Wish*
14) Jaiden (Live)*
15) Reason (Live)*
* only on the deluxe version.
I don’t know about you but I’m really looking forward to hearing what “Spaghetti” is all about.
The new album is set to be released later this summer but you can preorder it on iTunes tomorrow.
The X Factor’s Emblem3 has just released their new single “Chloe (The One That I Want),” on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show the morning of April 15.
This song falls into that pop-rock genre, describing their music as “a blend between Maroon 5, Sublime and kind of that 1D pop.” Just Jared Jr.
What do you think of their single?
“Chloe (The One That I Want)” by Emblem3 is now available on iTunes.
Listen to the single below
A trailer for Demi Lovato’s fourth studio album, DEMI, was released on Monday, along with some exciting news! DEMI is slated to hit stores on May 14th but fans will be able to pre-order the album on April 2nd (Canada and the USA only) and April 9th (worldwide).
The newly released cover art shows the “Give Your Heart A Break” singer looking fierce in silver body paint. DEMI is Lovato’s fourth studio album. Lovato is also set to return as a judge on the upcoming season of The X-Factor.
OUCH! Demi Lovato broke her leg slipping on hardwood floor. The star tweeted a couple of pictures as well as some pun on words to lessen the blow.
Demi’s friends and fans have been sending her well wishes on twitter
Lets hope this accident doesn’t spark another revolution like Jessie J did when she broke HER leg.
Dear Britney Spears,
We meet again. It feels like yesterday when I was clutching onto my cassette tape of …Baby One More Time thinking, “this is the greatest thing I have ever owned.” But nowadays, we can all just click onto YouTube and watch your latest music videos as soon as they premiere. Last night was one of those nights.
Now while we’re all in love (literally infatuated) with your new video “Scream & Shout” with will.i.am, your own reaction seems to be a bit different. Cue classic Britney reaction gif here:
This was your exact reaction to the mention of the music video this week on The X-Factor. I’m a bit confused Britney. Are we all watching the same music video as you? Because you are clearly some sort of raven-eqsue goddess who casually juggles balls of fire in the video. The masterpiece deserve a reaction more like this:
That’s the spirit. Now while I’m sure many of your fans miss your kilt wearing days, the “Scream & Shout” video is of epic proportions. Not only is there one Britney in the video, but multiple Britneys doing some sort of hypnotic dance. You pretty much own the video by strutting your stuff across the screen, with a “bow down to me” attitude. I wish you had this same sort of confidence whenever someone mentions your videos.
One thing’s for sure — it’s Britney, b*tch. And you are here to stay.
Sincerely,
Nadya
Apart from seeing Britney Spears’ awesome expressions and hearing Emblem3′s heavenly voices echo over the TV there’s a whole NOTHER reason to watch The X-Factor this week called One Direction. The guys are performing “Live While We’re Young” and “Little Things” at the live results show this Thursday from their second album Take Me Home.
It makes sense considering the guys got their start on The X-Factor UK with mentor Simon Cowell. Their performance of the ridiculously sweet ballad “Little Things” (written by Ed Sheeran) will be the world-premiere live TV performance of the song. We heard Niall might be playing the guitar on stage!!
In honour of their performance, the top 12 contestants produced their very own One Direction music video for “Life While We’re Young.” Will you be watching?
Watch it here
So close Britney, so close.
Most people mess up Ke$ha’s name with the old K-dollar-sign-Ha, but Britney Spears completely butchered it in her own unique way on The X-Factor last night. It was in response to CeCe Frey’s performance of Irene Cara’s “Out Here On My Own.” Burn to Ke$ha, but we respect Britney Spears’ ability to distance herself for so long.
Watch it here
CeCe’s performance Read more…
It’s charming to chat with a young singer like Diamond White, who’s insanely talented but still has all the quirks and refreshing positivity of a 13-year-old. Although she’s young, she can still devour mature songs like “It’s a Man’s World,” which she sang at her San Francisco audition. It helps that Diamond starred in a production of “The Color Purple” when she was eight and appeared on an episode of Maury Povich celebrating talented children.
Luckily, she can still hold up a solid conversation about Justin Bieber and Glee, two of her current obsessions (not to mention, mine too). Diamond just performed for her mentor Britney Spears, who’s deciding if she’ll make it to the finals.
Where are you right now? I’m in LA, just sitting down and talking to you!
If you didn’t audition for The X-Factor, what would you be doing today? I’m home schooled so I’d just be crafting a lot, making jewelry and living the regular life. I wouldn’t be busy but X Factor fills your days up with rehearsing.
What do you want your album to sound like? I would like to make hip hop with a twist — to make my own unique sound in pop and mix it with my Detroit background.
If we went in your room, who would we see posters of? I make my own posters of celebrities! But if I bought them then probably Justin Bieber or Glee.
The Wanted or One Direction? One Direction!!
Song you can perform 100 times “And I’m telling you” by Jennifer Holiday.
Toughest judge Britney Spears
Guilty Pleasure Ice cream and Lays chips.
Last song performed, “I’m With You” by Avril Lavigne
Over the next two days ANDPOP will be rolling out Q&As with some of our fave contestants on The X-Factor. The other day, we talked with Willie Jones, a small town country musician who is talented, unique and constantly surprising. Do you think he has what it takes?
I hear people in the background as I’m talking to 18-year-old country singer Willie Jones and he tells them to hush. “I’m doing an interview!” he says. Then he apologizes profusely in that polite way that’s characteristic of Southern gentlemen, explaining that he’s hanging out with relatives (of course it’s okay!).
It’s clear Willie has a tight relationship with his fam — they drove 14 hours to get him to his first audition in Greensboro. There, he threw the judges off with his unique Fresh Prince of Bel-Air style and impressed them with his rendition of Josh Turner’s “Your Man. He’s currently fighting for a spot in the finals with mentor Demi Lovato.
Where are you right now? Leaving my cousin’s college at Northwestern State.
What would you be doing if you didn’t audition? Studying musical theatre in Louisiana. I was really into community theatre and performed in a couple school plays.
What would your album sound like? I would love to do country but with my own little R&B spin on it. So far, I think I’m doing a good job!
Who would you love to do a duet with? Beyonce and Josh Turner of course! I can perform Josh Turner’s “Your Man,” 100 times. I’m a big Taylor Swift fan and I also love Kanye.
What was the most nerve-racking experience so far? During Boot camp we did a round with duets and that was really nerve-racking because it was the last time the judges would see us before eliminations.
Pre-stage ritual I always pray before I perform and talk to my family because they keep me encouraged
Toughest judge Demi and Britney.
Guilty pleasure Sour Gummy Worms.
Last song performed “Nobody Knows It But Me” by Tony Rich
Fandemonium Read more…
Over the next two days ANDPOP will be rolling out Q&As with some of our fave contestants on The X-Factor. Yesterday, we talked with CeCe Frey, a small town mail clerk who says she wants to sing as badly as she wants to breathe. CeCe is currently in the judges’ homes stage with mentor Demi Lovato, do you think she has what it takes?
Twenty-year-old CeCe Frey already has a trademark look to inspire her fans. The leopard print she wears on her face and legs is akin to warrior paint, inspiring an alter ego on stage.
Her confident attitude rubbed some viewers the wrong way during her audition in Kansas City, but after talking with mentor Demi Lovato during the judges’ homes phase, she had a change of heart. “When Demi told me I was coming across unlikeable it broke my heart” she said. “I tried to come off as a strong unbreakable person and while that is me in a sense, it was also pushing people away from me.”
CeCe sang Christina Aguilera’s “Ain’t No Other Man” during her first audition and the judges were impressed with her star attitude — Demi even admitted she had a girl crush. Whether or not you’re a fan, CeCe has a strong drive and deep connection with her fans, who admire her survivor attitude.
Last song performed LMFAO’s “Sexy and I Know It”
Where are you right now? I’m driving my old beat up pickup through my hometown. It’s nice to see my family and the leaves are changing colour here. It’s beautiful!
Describe a normal day before The X-Factor I got up really early and I’d do CrossFit before work. I’d work all day, then I’d go to class at night, at a local college. It was a busy day, but not very exciting.
Where did the leopard print idea come from? I can’t even remember the day I started doing it. I went through different things in my life that really affected my emotional strength — things that really tried to take the dream away from me. I was doing these shows and just said: “You know what? I’m going to paint my face.” When I paint my face or legs it’s like an alter ego that comes out. It’s an empowering thing and I feel like nobody can mess with me.
Do you think you’ve been represented fairly? Read more…
By Victoria Abraham
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Little Mix, a British girl group.
Although the four girls of Little Mix originally had solo aspirations, their formation into a girl group led to them winning the eighth season of UK’s The X-Factor. But don’t let their origins jade you: they’re not your average fabricated-for-pop-stardom-cutie-pie girl group. These girls can sing and they do it well. They’re set to release their debut album, DNA, on Nov. 19.
Origins: The United Kingdom
Band members: Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirlwall
Known for: Little Mix are known for their X-Factor beginnings.
Used in a sentence: ”These four ladies have the winning combination of cute, British, and talented.”
File next to: Girls Aloud
Download now: Their new track ”DNA.”
Fun facts:
1. The girls auditioned for the show individually, but were combined into a group after each failed to make it past bootcamp’s first challenge.
2.The girls were then separated into two different groups during the Groups bootcamp challenge. After each group failed, Jesy, Perrie, Leigh-Anne, and Jade were combined to form the group Rhythmix.
3. One Direction’s Zayn Malik (who was on The X-Factor that same season) is dating Little Mix band member Perrie Edwards. Read more…
Cher’s “Believe” is often in the top five list of annoying songs people hate to hear, but this X-Factor UK contestant did a few nips and tucks, acoustified it and ended up stunning the judges and audience members with her touching performance.
When Ella Henderson said she was going to perform the song, everyone braced themselves for the overplayed ex-club banger. But her touching performance was enough to impress all the judges — even making one of them cry. Cher was impressed, tweeting: “work Done …Went on Utube 2 c young girl sing Believe! Tears came 2 my eyes! So Touching! a Great version of a Great Song. WE Can Share It !”
Ella’s version gave the lyrics a completely different meaning. I’d definitely add it to my playlist!
Watch her performance here:
Meet Willie Jones. He got a big fat yes from all The X-Factor judges and Simon Cowell declared his audition one to remember. Despite being from a small town, he’s got a unique Fresh Prince style and has thunderbolts shaved into his hair at both sides of his head. The 17-year-old drove nearly 14 hours to get to the audition with his family and really wanted to impress the judges.
Then he opened his mouth and started singing… and it was AWESOME. But I’m not going to tell you what style he sang because we were like:
In a good way of course. [awkwardchronicles1]
Watch it here:
Britney Spears did her first a capella performance on The X-Factor last night since her Chaotic show in 2005. It wasn’t half bad! I mean, she was no Adele but Britney was alway known as a performer more than a singer.
LA Reid celebrated his birthday on last night’s show so Britney and Demi Lovato decided to surprise him with a cake between auditions. There’s a weird shake in her voice I can’t quite get past but she has her moments.
Watch it here:
Check her out singing opera in 2005, sans instruments. The clip was aired on her show Chaotic with former husband Kevin Federline. Read more…
When I was 13-years-old I’m pretty sure the highlight of my year was getting picked second last in gym class instead of last, as usual. For Carly Rose Sonenclar, I’m pretty sure the moment she’ll remember is getting a standing ovation from all four X-Factor judges during her audition.
They were initially wary of her older song selection, but Carly KILLED Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good” and sounded well beyond her years. Carly auditioned in Providence and even though she claimed she was nervous she looked completely at home on stage.
It’s not all that surprising though. Although they didn’t go into any details on the show, Carly has made the rounds in New York’s theatre and Broadway scene. She’s also sung the U.S. national anthem for a slew of games.
Watch her here:
If anyone saw The X-Factor last night they were probably thoroughly creeped out by this dude who claims to be one of her biggest fans. He says he’d do anything to impress his idol and is so overwhelmed by his undying love for her that he’s quite sure they’re related.
“I think she might be m sister. Do I look like her at all?” said Patrick Ford. “I just need a blond wig.”
Ford sang butchered Britney’s song “Circus” and received a quick no from all the judges — including Britney who made the best grimace I’ve ever seen (above). Ford was so shocked by their rejection his reaction was a little worrisome and I was almost positive he was going to charge the stage, kidnap Britney and escape to a hidden location off the coast of South America.
Instead he just creepily asked to give her the flowers he stole and refused to do any on camera interviews because the embarrassment was too much to handle.
Watch it here:
There you go again X-Factor, making me look like a crazy person sitting in an office full of guys, trying to block the tears welling up in my eyes. Contestant Bella Ferraro auditioned for Australia’s The X-Factor with an emotional performance of “Skinny Love” by Birdy, originally by Bon Iver.
Bella left high school to pursue music. She nervously auditioned for the judges on her eighteenth birthday.
There are several reasons why her performance is so touching. First, she doesn’t realize how damn talented she is. Hands shaking at times, Ferraro seemed genuinely shocked when the audience applauded her within five seconds of starting. Her supportive mom looked on from the audience, tearfully proud. All the judges, including hard-to-please Mel B, gave the contestant a deserved standing ovation.
Yesterday the UK edition of The X-Factor made me angry when I saw Pink cover artist Zoe Alexander storm off the stage upon receiving constructive criticism. But you’ve reclaimed my love, X-Factor, with Bella Ferraro.
Watch it here:
Pink tribute artist Zoe Alexander loves her day job but decided to audition for The X-Factor UK to discover her own sound and identity. Her audition was going pretty well — she was chirpy and the judges loved her style. However, the panel thought her cover of Pink’s “So What” was too close to the original and gave her a second chance to put her own spin on a different song.
Unfortunately, Alexander blew her second song but didn’t take too kindly to the constructive criticism the judges gave her. Although they all voted no, they told her she could become a better artist if she took some time to discover her own sound. That’s when the tantrum started. Alexander was completely unprofessional. She not only fired off a false excuse (“You guys told me to sing Pink”) she abrasively threw her microphone offstage and pushed away a camera crew.
For some reason her dad decided to drag her back on stage (perhaps so she could apologize) but all girl did was swear, swear, swear. If the judges weren’t already confident in their decision I’m pretty sure Alexander’s bad attitude sealed it.
Watch it here:
