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Archive for May, 2007
Streisand ticket prices spark outcry in Italy
Posted in Concert, Music, Tickets Sale on the May 31, 2007
Barbra Streisand may still be remembered for her Oscar-winning role in the 1968 film “Funny Girl”, but Italy’s big consumer groups have found nothing funny about the prices of tickets to her concert in Rome next month.
The Codacons and Adusbef groups have asked Rome’s city government and Italy’s Olympic Committee to deny permission for the singer to use the Flaminio Stadium on June 16 because they say the tickets to her concert are wildly exorbitant.
In a toughly worded statement, the consumer groups said the prices of the tickets, which range from $295 to $1,210 were “absurd and shameful”.
It said that since the stadium is public property it “cannot be used for contracts that are immoral and which heap shame on a civilized country”.
By comparison, the best seats at Milan’s La Scala opera house run to about $269.
The 65-year-old singer and actress will be accompanied by a 58-piece orchestra as she starts a European tour.
The stadium, which is owned by the city and managed by the Italian Olympic Committee, has a capacity of about 25,000 spectators.
Organizers of the Streisand concert were not immediately available for comment.
Barbra Streisand may be really a big singer who deserves attention but those prices are not real. Not so much people are ready to give so huge amount of money to see their favorite singer. The organizers should think that the great part of Streisand’s audience would be of people who can’t afford such ticket price.
Delays for 50 Cent
Posted in 50 Cent, Album Release, Music, Music People, New LP, Song on the May 30, 2007
50 Cent had to move the release date for his new album, “Curtis” from June 26 to September 4. The reason was the need for 50 to finish the tracks. He already released two songs from what is to be released, “Straight to the Bank” and “Amusement Park”, but radios did not really help out as they did not play them that much. This must have been one of the reasons for the delay as we all know 50 Cent wants his tracks to be good before launch.
“Curtis” will be an album of many collaborations. It will have tracks produced by Eminem, Timbaland and Dr. Dre. Of the featuring superstars announced we should also mention Mary J. Blige, Justin Timberlake, Akon, Eminem, Robin Thicke and even Nicole Scherzinger (from the Pussycat Dolls). The album should be good but is not yet gaining a lot of support so the delay might be a very good move for “Curtis”.
Justin’s Own Label
Posted in Celebs, Justin Timberlake, Music, Music People, New LP on the May 29, 2007
Justin Timberlake is doing what every successful singer with some roots in hip hop is eventually going to do. He just launched his new label called “Tennman Records”. It will be a joint venture of course with Interscope. Justin will be the CEO of Tennman and the chairman in charge while distribution is to be handled in collaboration with Interscope.
What will be interesting to find out is what artists will be contracted. No official statement has been released concerning this but Timberlake did say:
“We are all excited about the talent we have to offer already on our roster and I cannot wait to introduce the world to my new discoveries.”
The only problem so far is that Justin can not lead by example yet as he still has to remain at Jive for his own recordings. Who knows? Maybe the label will be successful and we will see some No1 singer promoted by Timberland, battling out with him for an award as happened with 50 Cent and Eminem. It would be nice.
Lennon Was The Best
Posted in Celebs, Music on the May 28, 2007
Paul McCartney recently admitted that there was nobody similar to John Lennon when it comes to collaborations he did. The two started out together in the sixties as part of the Beatles, a band that dominated the music scene for 10 years and still has influence today. Paul worked since then with big names in the music industry like Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson but nobody was as good as Lennon in his eyes. Paul said that:
“I’m a little bit wary of collaborating with other people because it doesn’t happen as easily or as amazingly as it did with John. I’ve done it quite a bit since and, I think–and I hate to say it–there’s inevitably a sense of disappointment because it was just so cool for John and me to be working together, because we started so young and knew each other’s ways and minds.”
One has to wonder if the Beatles would have still been successful if they would have continued working. Nowadays they would not have a chance but back in the seventies it would have been interesting to see them perform more. The Beatles changed mentalities just because of Lennon and Paul McCartney.
Jewel out-countrying John Rich on new album
Posted in Music, New LP, News on the May 27, 2007
Nobody’s accusing John Rich of being lazy. He’s got a new Big & Rich album, “Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace”, coming out June 5. He co-produced Gretchen Wilson’s new set, “One of the Boys” and helmed John Anderson’s “Easy Money” His next trick? Jewel’s new album.
“It’s freakin’ awesome, man — she is probably one of the greatest American singer/songwriters we’ve ever had, in my opinion”, Rich tells Billboard.com about the project, which they’re “finishing up right now. I’d say you’ll hear new music from Jewel by the end of the year. Every label in Nashville is talking to her now.”
Rich says Jewel approached him about working together, telling him that she wanted “to make an album geared more towards country, ’cause I just love country. I said, ‘Like what?’ and she played me 15 songs in a day. I said, ‘Yep, I would say that’s Jewel country right there.’ So we went in and made an album.”
What makes the Jewel project distinct for Rich, however, is that he’s serving solely as a producer rather than collaborating on the songs. “I tried to write with her”, he explains, “and I couldn’t even get to that spot in my head. She is such an intricately detailed, deep, multi-layered lyricist. It’s mind-boggling, some of the stuff she writes. And her voice is just alien; nobody sounds like Jewel.”
Rich’s other major project is also due June 5 — a book, “Big & Rich: All Access”, which comes with a companion DVD. Rich and Big Kenny worked on the photo-heavy 256-page tome with country music journalist Allen Rucker, and Rich says it’s a nice adjunct to the duo’s body of work.
“It explains how this whole thing works”, he says. “People see Kenny, they see me, then they hear it and say ‘What the hell is going on here? How does that work?’ When you get through reading the book, seeing the pictures, watching the DVD part of it, you will understand better how this all came together.”
Paula Abdul broke her nose
Posted in American Idol, Celebs, Music, TV Show on the May 26, 2007
Talk about bad timing. Paula Abdul broke her nose this weekend — just days before the season finale of “American Idol” — when she fell while trying to avoid stepping on her Chihuahua.
Abdul was recovering from the mishap and planned to appear on Tuesday and Wednesday night’s shows, her publicist, David Brokaw, said Monday. (Two “Idol” contestants remain — Blake Lewis and Jordin Sparks.)
“She’s a little sore, but is doing fine”, Brokaw said.
Abdul, 44, told syndicated entertainment TV show “Extra” that she tore cartilage in her nose and fractured a toe.
“I took a nasty fall … trying not to hurt my dog. I bruised myself on my arm … my chest, my waist all the way down to my hip. All from my little chubby Tulip”, she said.
The dog wasn’t hurt, Brokaw said.
This wasn’t Abdul’s first injury while judging the competition on the hit Fox network show.
She wore a sling in 2004 after surgery on her thumb, which was infected by a flesh-eating fungus following an unsanitary manicure at a Los Angeles nail salon. (She testified in California a year later, urging tougher safety standards for salons.)
“Being a professional dancer, I’m no stranger to pain, but this time the pain was so excruciating that even my hair touching my thumb caused me to scream”, Abdul has said of the yearlong ordeal.
MTV’s Top 10 Singles
Posted in Akon, Avril Lavigne, Billboard's Top Music, Carrie Underwood, Celebs, Fergie, Gwen Stefani, Justin Timberlake, MTV, Maroon 5, Music, Music Award, Music People, Ne-Yo, Nelly Furtado, News, Song, T-Pain, Timbaland, Top List on the May 25, 2007
You don’t have to wonder anymore because Maroon 5 is leading spot in MTV’s Billboard Top 20 singles. With their hit single “Makes Me Wonder”, there are in the number one spot. On second place is “Because of You” by Ne-Yo. Closing the third spot is “Buy You A Drank (Shawty Snappin’)” by T-Pain. Below are the ones who made it to the Top 10.
1. Makes Me Wonder • Maroon 5
2. Because of You • Ne-Yo
3. Buy You A Drank (Shawty Snappin’) • T-Pain
4. Girlfriend • Avril Lavigne
5. Give It to Me (Feat. Justin Timberlake & Nelly Furtado) • Timbaland
6. I’ll Stand By You • Carrie Underwood
7. Glamorous • Fergie
8. Don’t Matter • Akon
9. I Tried (Feat. Akon) • Bone Thug-N-Harmony
10. The Sweet Escape • Gwen Stefani
The Dr. Pepper Band Bubble
Posted in Live Music, MTV, Music, New LP on the May 25, 2007
Ever wondered what it would be like to see a band write their music? Dr. Pepper is sponsoring just such an opportunity, that is if you live in New York near Pier 54. The band Cartel will be living and working in a plastic bubble for 20 days, all for a show shot by MTV. Cameras will be on the 5 band members as they write and record their latest CD. The band is perfect for this sort of stunt, heck their lead guitarist is even named Joseph Pepper. MTV will shoot four episodes in a short series about the Band in the Bubble, and although this venture is sponsored by Dr. Pepper and they will brand the hell out of the bubble (and presumably force Cartel to drink LOTS of their soda) they insist that is the extent of their influence on the project. Cartel won’t be writing any jingles for the soda, if that’s what you’re wondering. As much as I love Dr. Pepper, I always cringe when I see publicity stunts like this. Although, I doubt I will be able to resist watching the show, no matter how high minded I think I am.
Jordin Sparkin-a very talented young girl
Posted in American Idol, Music, TV Show on the May 24, 2007
As the “American Idol” judges have reminded viewers once or twice, Jordin Sparks is only 17 years old. Throughout the season, everyone — voters included — has been impressed with the teen’s talent and poise.
So how doe s she do it? Well, Sparks is no stranger to the spotlight. Her dad, Phillippi Sparks, spent nine seasons in the NFL as a cornerback for the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys. Growing up, Jordin took pictures with her family for national magazines and saw fans swarm her dad for autographs.
“He actually told me the other day that when he would sign autographs, I would just be watching so intently,” Jordin said about her dad. “He said it was really weird, because he was watching me the other day, and now it’s all turned around.”
It’s a given that you have to have a good voice to make it on “Idol”, but you also have to be able to work a stage, appeal to fans and hold your own against the judges. Jordin might lack the singing experience of her 20-something competitors, but she certainly has a leg up in the fame department.
And Jordin isn’t the first “Idol” hopeful to come from well-known lineage. We caught up with past contestants who also have the drive for fame in their genes.
It turns out that the family is very important even in shows like American Idol. Because if your parents have taught how you should act in front of people and how to impress this is a big advantage because many of the young singers are a little bit afraid of cameras and fame once they got popularity. But if you know how to control yourself you will definitely have a bigger success. Like Jordin now.
Judge reduces assault charge against Stapp
Posted in Celebs, Music, News, Song on the May 23, 2007
A charge against former Creed front man Scott Stapp stemming from an apparent confrontation with his wife was reduced to a misdemeanor Monday.
Stapp had been charged with aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony after he was arrested at his home Sunday. No one was injured, Palm Beach County sheriff’s officials said.
Judge Cory J. Ciklin reduced the charge “because the allegation is that Stapp threw a bottle of Orangina at his wife, at her head, and missed and the bottle broke,” sheriff’s spokesman Paul Miller said.
“Based on the circumstances, the defense attorney argued that was not a deadly weapon”, Miller said.
Stapp attorney Robert Gershman said, “The facts against him are weak. The judge saw that.”
The 33-year-old singer was back at his studio in his home, Gershman said.
He will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing, Miller said.
Stapp and Jaclyn Nesheiwat, Miss New York USA 2004, were married in Miami in February 2006. They have a baby daughter, Milan Hayat Stapp.
“This is a private matter between the members of the Stapp family and we would hope that their privacy is respected. Scott and Jaclyn are both well, and any further relevant information will be forthcoming at the appropriate time,” said a statement from Stapp’s record company, Wind-up Records.
Stapp’s former band, Creed, sold more than 25 million records in the United States. He has since launched a solo career.
Stapp won a Grammy Award in 2001 for best rock song for Creed’s “With Arms Wide Open.”
American Idol: Top 2 power rankings
Posted in American Idol, Music, TV Show on the May 23, 2007
He table is set. Jordin Sparks and Blake Lewis are our two, quasi-unlikely finalists and their face-off tonight will play a part in deciding the American Idol champion. The conclusion, however, may very well be foregone (barring, of course, a monumental choke by one of the two singers on live television tonight.) There probably isn’t a significant population of undecided voters still out there, and the two performers are going to have a difficult time swaying viewers to their side at this late juncture. Blake and Jordin are so vastly different in their styles that it doesn’t really make sense to compare and contrast the two. If you’re a Jordin fan, no matter what Blake does tonight, your sensibilities will still lie in the Jordin camp, and vice versa.
For all the uproar over Melinda Doolittle’s elimination from the show, this final two is the right final two. They are both viable commercial entities. If this sounds cynical, it isn’t meant to. Melinda was a great singer, but not much else. She was a little boring, but everyone liked her, so people fooled themselves into believing that she might actually win this thing. Melinda didn’t stand a chance.
There are hundreds of great singers in this country of Melinda’s ilk. There are not hundreds of 17 year olds like Jordin Sparks. There are not hundreds of people that can do what Blake Lewis does. Blake Lewis has creative potential. Melinda was only a singer. Jordin Sparks is young enough to improve, be molded into the product that America/the record companies want. Melinda had peaked as a singer.
So what do you think, who is going to win on Wednesday.
Amy Discusses Marriage and Departures
Posted in Celebs, Music, Rumor on the May 22, 2007
On a post in the message board of Evanescence Amy Lee talked about her marriage and the fact that two members of the band left. She considered her marriage to be “the most incredible thing to happen in my life so far” but seemed to be sad in her words on the other topic at hand. The entire incident is categorized by the singer as discovering “the fact that I was unable to defend myself for a week was taken advantage of quite a bit.”
Earlier this month guitarist John LeCompt left the band together with drummer Rocky Gray and it seems that, according to Amy Lee, “both made it clear they were ready to move on” and “were very vocal about the fact that they didn’t really care about Evanescence at all and just stayed around for the money. They were miserable. They are no longer playing with us because I love this band too much to see it driven into the ground.”
The two were replaced by Troy McLawhorn and Will Hunt (former member of Dark New Day) and Amy also added that Gray was fired and did not quit as he kept saying. No matter the truth, what is important is that Evanescence keeps on living and fans will be happy to hear that. this band too much to see it driven into the ground.” Lee also said that Gray didn’t quit, as he’s claimed; she contends he was fired after weeks of threatening to quit. …
Jennifer Lopez to Submit Deposition.
Posted in Celebs, Concert, Jennifer Lopez, Rumor on the May 21, 2007
There has been a lot of talk lately about the fact that Jennifer Lopez might know something about the original idea behind 
“South Beach”, a show about the Miami nightclub and modeling scene started by UPN and CBS. It looks like a television writer filed a lawsuit stating that the singer/actress and the two companies stole his idea.
Jack Bunick launched the lawsuit in US District Court in Manhattan stating that there are too many similarities between “South Beach” and a pilot episode of a show that was about to be called “South Beach Miami”. Jennifer Lopez was not present in court so far but her lawyer, Orin Snyder, defender her by stating that she was not really involved in development and creation even if she is the executive producer.
Jennifer Lopez is ordered by court to issue a statement about the stated charges by July 11.
Lilly Allen Vs Cheryl Cole
Posted in Celebs, Music, Rumor, Tickets Sale on the May 20, 2007
These two ladies really have an open conflict, reminding me of some rapper beefs in the past. Of course it is not to such extent but it reaches heights previously unthought-of by the two. Lilly Allen wrote that:
“After reading Cheryl Tweedy (nee Cole)’s comments branding me a ‘chick with a d***’ I was feeling pretty low…Cheryl if you’re reading this, I may not be as pretty as you but at least I write and SING my own songs without the aid of Autotune.”
Cheryl Cole on the other hand said in the Mirror:
“Over the last few months she has called Nicola (Roberts) ugly, which I bit my tongue over. She called Sarah (Harding) vile and my husband horrendous, but seems to have conveniently forgotten all of that. I can’t stand people who give it but aren’t prepared to take it back. If that’s the case she should keep her mouth shut instead of feeling sorry for herself. I could go on but I left school a long time ago and have no time for this.” She also said: “I’m currently on a big arena tour with the girls singing live each night. Lily I could find you a spare ticket if you’d like to come and experience what a live arena tour is like… as that’s the closest you’ll get to it.”
Even if a lot of men have suggested that the two ladies should settle this in a wrestling match (preferably mud or oil wrestling would be the top choices they would have) the conflict still rages on and it is interesting to see what will be next.
Christina Aguilera Tour OK in China
Posted in Celebs, Christina Aguilera, Concert, Music on the May 19, 2007
Sources say that Christina will be having her concert tour soon in
Madonna the Film Director
Posted in Celebs, Movies, Music on the May 18, 2007
Madonna has definitely had her ups and downs in the movie industry but now she is taking it to another level. The sometime ago called “Pop Queen” will be directing a short, 30 minute movie called “Filth and Wisdom”. People believe it is actually a comedy based on her personal experiences. If that is true I am sure it will be a great comedy. Madonna definitely had an interesting life, filled with comic moments. Inside sources stated that the movie is believed to have potential. It is expected that it will be a hit at the different film festivals around the world. Shooting should be finished by July as that is when Madonna has to go back in the studio to record.
Her husband (Guy Ritchie) will also come back to filmmaking with “RocknRolla”, a movie that is produced, written and directed by him. Guy hopes it will be better than his previous two: “Swept Away” and “Revolver”
Britney Spears to Sing in South Beach
Posted in Britney Spears, Celebs, Concert, Music, Music People, Pop Music, Tickets Sale on the May 17, 2007
It looks like Britney’s mini-tour of trying to get some popularity back is reaching Florida. Her mini tour (which is not such a secret and is not as spontaneous as we thought in the beginning) will continue with two shows, the first one in Orlando on Saturday and the second one in Miami on Sunday. What is strange is that the Orlando “concert” is sold out and the Miami one (taking place at Mansion Nightclub) still has tickets available for $40. Britney Spears still has a lot of fans and it looks like no matter what she did fame and success is coming back. The former Pop Queen will be back on top, I am sure of that, but maybe this is not really quite the way to do it. Starting a mini tour with a 15 minutes “concert” on each show together with clubs charging $40 for a ticket does not really look like a good career “rehab” choice to me.
Desperate housewife Victoria Beckham
Posted in Beckhams, Celebs, Rumor on the May 17, 2007
Victoria Beckham has become a ”Desperate Housewife” to get her sons into a top Los Angeles school.
The former Spice Girl is so anxious for her boys to receive a good education, she has modeled herself on prim and proper character Bree Van De Kamp.
Victoria told Britain’s The Sun newspaper: “I’ve had to turn myself into Bree. It’s so hard getting into a private school in Beverly Hills. As a parent you feel like you’re on trial. I’ve been having to promise to do loads for the school and David has offered to give the pupils some football lessons. I’m just worried that my cupcakes won’t be up to standard!”
Victoria, 33, who has three sons - Brooklyn, eight, Romeo, four, and two-year-old Cruz - with her soccer star husband David Beckham, admitted she has also had her hands full with house-hunting, ahead of the family’s US move later this year.
She said: “David has to be in Madrid to play football so I’ve been sorting out the house myself. It was a nightmare finding a place, I’ve lost count of the number of houses I saw. Thankfully now I’ve found a place and I’m hoping to have everything just perfect for when David and the boys see it. I’m really nervous because he hasn’t seen it yet.”
The couple’s home is reportedly close to their friends Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes and fellow British star Robbie Williams.
Victoria is planning to hire her interior designer friend Kelly Hoppen to help refurbish their new home.
She said: “A lot of the houses we looked at were really garish. Believe it or not David and I do have good taste. I like everything to be simple and plain.”
Queens with a Nine Inch Manicure?
Posted in Music, News on the May 16, 2007
Seems that Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails has been a busy guy. In addition to whatever work he is doing for his own band, he also recorded with Queens of the Stone Age recently. The resulting work called “Era Vulgaris” was probably a bit too, well vulgar, and so it didn’t make it into the final CD album. But here’s my question, what other moonlighting will Trent do? Will we hear him on the newly reformed No Doubt album, or perhaps singing backup vocals for Franz Ferdinand? I love collaboration and all that, but some of it seems less artistic and more “Hey, remember me, I’m that famous guy you love to hate. Remember?” In any case, you have to give Trent points for trying. Even if the effort ends up in the vault and not on the LP.
Two more members leave Evanescence
Posted in Live Music, Music, News, Rumor on the May 16, 2007
The guitarist and drummer with Evanescence have left the top-selling rock act for undisclosed reasons.
Guitarist John LeCompt claimed on his MySpace.com blog that he was fired during a cell phone conversation with singer Amy Lee, while drummer Rocky Gray said he was asked by band management not to discuss the situation.
However, Lee said in a statement that Evanescence remains “alive and well” and will soon return to the road with new musicians.
“John and Rocky were in Evanescence for four years and we shared some great times together playing live, but they were ready to move on and so we have parted ways,” she said. “Evanescence is something I have loved and nurtured since I was 14, and I will continue to protect and fight for it as I always have.”
LeCompt did not paint the situation so rosily on his blog. “Without any warning or negotiations for my future, I was fired for no good reason,” he said. “We have not always seen eye to eye on everything, but who does? Our common goal was always the same. To make Evanescence the best rock band it could ever be. I have always given blood, sweat and tears to make that happen but apparently that is not enough. I have now become just another of the people fallen by the wayside on the revolving door of her life.”
LeCompt was referring to the messy 2003 departure of founding guitarist Ben Moody, who was replaced by former Cold principal Terry Balsamo, and the 2006 exit of bassist Will Boyd, who was replaced by former Revolution Smile guitarist Tim McCord.
Lee said no shows would be canceled due to the lineup shift, but the group won’t have long to draft replacements for LeCompt and Gray. It is due to return to the stage May 19 at the first Rock on the Range festival in Columbus, Ohio, and has European dates on tap through late June.