Archive for the ‘Rock & Roll’ Category
Report: Donna Summer To Be Laid To Rest On Monday
Disco queen Donna Summer’s funeral service will reportedly be held on Monday in Nashville, Tennessee. The singer died on Thursday following a secret battle with lung cancer. Friends and family will pay their last respects to Summer at a memorial service.
She was known for her iconic 1970′s hit songs “Last Dance,” “Hot Stuff” and “Bad Girls” and the 1980s tunes “She Works Hard for the Money” and “This Time I Know It’s for Real.”
The 63 year old was diagnosed with cancer in July 2011. Only her husband, “Brooklyn Dreams” singer Bruce Sudano, and her three children knew she was sick, according to ETonline.com.
Summer was a five-time Grammy winner: 1979 – Best R&B Vocal Performance (Female), Last Dance; 1980 – Best Rock Vocal Performance (Female), Hot Stuff; 1984 – Best Inspirational Performance, He’s a Rebel; 1985 – Best Inspirational Performance, Forgive Me; 1998 – Best Dance Recording, Carry On. She was the first musician to have three consecutive number-one double albums.
‘American Idol’ Recap: Joshua Ledet Is Out As The Best Contestant Loses Again
If there’s one thing we’ve learned about ‘Idol’ it’s that the best doesn’t usually win. Last night, the clear standout of this year’s season, Joshua Ledet, was unceremoniously shown the door while waiting on the doorstep of the finale. This after delivering a stellar rendition of ‘No More Drama’ and winning the night last night by leaps and bounds.
Blame going first. Blame the voters’ apparent detest for soul music. Blame Joshua’s being too old school for the show’s demographic. Whatever the reason, Joshua won’t compete in the finale and join the long line of ‘Idol’ losers who were actually the best on their respective seasons.
It’s only fitting that Adam Lambert (who was much better than Kris Allen) would appear as the guest on a show where Joshua gets ousted as he’s one of the most egregious best contestants who didn’t win. But he wasn’t alone. Here are the other seasons where the best contestant didn’t win:
Season 2 – Clay Aiken
This is a very close call, but I always thought Aiken was slightly better than Ruben. Amazingly, a soul guy won that year. A soul guy much worse than Joshua Ledet and a bit worse than Clay Aiken.
Season 3 – Jennifer Hudson
This has been well-chronicled since her stint on ‘Idol’.
Season 5 – Chris Daughtry
The original “shocker-of-all-shockers” eliminations, future platinum-selling Daughtry went home before Katharine McPhee, Elliot Yamin and (gulp) eventual winner Taylor Hicks. Somehow the gray wonder never quite matched Daughtry’s post-‘Idol’ fame.
Season 6 – Melinda Doolittle
You may have forgotten about her (which is probably why she ultimately went home early), but Melinda delivered flawless soul performances week-after-week. Working against her were her stage presence, age and the fact that she already basically a pro singer, but none of that should have meant she went home before Blake Lewis. Yes, Jordin Sparks is good, but Melinda was better.
Season 9 – Lilly Scott
This is cheating a bit since she never even made the top 12, but this multi-instrumentalist with the serious indie voice may have been the most complete musical talent ever to grace this show’s stages. Somehow voters preferred singers like Katie Stevens and Didi Benami over Ms. Lilly.
Season 10 – Not sure, but it wasn’t Scotty
There’s a few candidates for this spot. The poor-man’s Joshua Ledet that was Jacob Lusk. The poor-man’s Adam Lambert that was James Durbin. The poor-woman’s Elise Testone that was Haley Reinhart. Hell, maybe Scotty was the best. No…wait. I forgot! This season included the inimitable Molly Dewolf Swenson. She was the best of Season 10. That’s for sure.
So if you’re scoring at home, that means only three seasons have seen the best contestant actually win: Seasons 1, 4, and 7 which were won by Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and David Cook, respectively.
That feat won’t be repeated this year, but who will end up winning?
In the battle of the big-voiced young girl and the cute guy with a guitar, I think it’s no contest: Phillip Phillips keeps the trend alive that was started by the last truly deserving winner, David Cook.
Phillip Phillips in a walk.
Pauly D Launches "REMIX" Pre-Game Cocktail in New Jersey
Thu, 17 May 2012 16:15:50
Bottoms up. Toss one back.
In June 2012, world-famous housemate turned world-class DJ, Pauly D, will debut a new ready-to-drink cocktail, REMIX Pre-Game Cocktail, launching in New Jersey, home of Jersey Shore, Pauly’s own home state, Rhode Island, and other key markets. Aiming to become one of the most successful and recognized prepared cocktails in the liquor industry, REMIX is the first to brand America’s favorite pre-party pastime, pre-gaming.
A premium vodka based prepared cocktail, REMIX’s range of original flavors are called, 1) Oye Mojito, a fresh combination of juicy peeled lime and muddled mint, a nod to Pauly’s signature catch phrase “Oye Mojito” 2) Yeah Yumberry, a one-of-a-kind mix of red berry and raspberry with a hint of dark berry, a play on Pauly’s ever popular “Yeah Buddy” tag line 3)Strawberry Holla-peno, an unexpected blend of ripe strawberry and jalapeno with a hint of heat, a shout out to get fans fired up and get the party started and 4). Starfruit, a unique mix of starfruit and apple lime, a play on his own new star power phenomenon.
A fan favorite on MTV’s most iconic series, Jersey Shore and now with a new spin-off, Pauly D Project, following his ever successful DJ career Pauly launches REMIX in a 750ml and at a suggested retail price of $14.99, in an effort to make his Pre-Game Cocktail accessible to his millions of fans. Pauly has taken his mixmaster expertise and partnered with liquor industry veterans, Tom Bruno, formerly of Sidney Frank Importing Company Inc., and David Kanbar, Co-Founder of Skinnygirl Cocktails, to ensure that his new REMIX Pre-Game Cocktail also becomes a fan favorite.
REMIX is the perfect Pre-Game Cocktail. Always RTD “Ready-To-Drink,” just pour over ice and serve.
“My crew and I are always making amazing mixed drinks before we go out, so I wanted to re-create those flavors for my fans to get their own pre-game on. I mix great on the turntables, so why wouldn’t I make a great mixed cocktail that’s RTD (Ready-To-Drink)?” says DJ Pauly D with a smile, “I’m also very pumped about my team. I’ve partnered with A+ liquor industry veterans and marketing experts. Yeah buddy!”
“I am excited about REMIX, as I believe consumers will love its first-to-market, delicious flavors. Pauly was involved with the development right from the beginning, he loves it and he drinks it! It’s completely authentic, which is the key to a successful celebrity brand,” states David Kanbar, lead investor of REMIX and Co-Founder of Skinnygirl Cocktails, “Pauly has tremendous energy and is a true professional. It has been a great pleasure to work with him.”
Leading up to the launch of Pauly’s REMIX Pre-Game Cocktail, fans can stay up-to-date by logging onto here.
Like REMIX Cocktails on Facebook here.
Will you be getting REMIXED?
—Katie Sheehan
05.17.12
Tags: Pauly D
Jessica Simpson Launching Maternity Clothing Line
Thu, 17 May 2012 16:11:46
Jessica Simpson Photos
Jessica Simpson Videos
Jessica Simpson, who gave birth to first child, daughter Maxwell Drew on May 1, will launch Jessica Simpson Maternity, expanding her massive fashion and branding empire.
Jessica Simpson Maternity will be available at Destination Maternity, Motherhood Maternity and Macy’s stores this fall. According to the press release, the 1970s-inspired capsule will boast “breezy, everyday pieces aimed at the modern mom-to-be who wants to maintain her fashion edge throughout her pregnancy.”
In essence, you can look stylish and fashionable while you have a bun in the oven!
Simpson stated, “I’m so excited to partner with Destination Maternity to design a collection of fashionable styles that make you look and feel great. You want to wear clothes that are flattering to your baby bump; you want to show your bump off.”
Bump it!
Would you wear Jessica Simpson Maternity, moms-to-be?
—Katie Sheehan
05.17.12
Tags: Jessica Simpson
Tiesto Added to H2O Music Festival
Thu, 17 May 2012 16:04:07
The H2O Music Festival is getting hotter and hotter. No wonder it’s called H2O; the lineup is going to cause a drought.
Univision Radio, the leading radio network serving Hispanic America, confirmed the good EDM news that global superstar Tiësto has been added to the lineup of the H2O Music Festival taking place in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas on June 9.
The lineup to H2O Dallas also includes Juanes, Snoop Dogg, Calle 13, Gym Class Heroes, Prince Royce, Weezer, Paulina Rubio, Damian Marley, Duelo, Yelawolf, Paty Cantú, Ozomatli, Intocable, Ramon Ayala and Bobby Pulido, plus additional acts that will be announced in the coming weeks.
“Univision Radio is proud to launch the H2O music movement with this festival in Dallas,” said Jack Hobbs, executive vice president of Sales, Univision Radio. “We are focused on providing our young audience – the Hispanic 2.0 listener – with music that reflects their bicultural, bilingual lives.”
The venue inside the Cotton Bowl will feature several rotating stages, with local and emerging artists and some of today’s top names in music. Additional festival events include a vendor village featuring festival and artist merchandise, a lifestyle area, multiple watering holes, cool down tents, gaming areas, family areas, plus food and beverage, and more.
Univision Radio DJs will also be on hand throughout the night mixing music as a transition between acts to keep the momentum going throughout the night. In addition to Univision’s support of the festival series on a national level, Univision television and radio stations in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio are supporting the H2O Music Festival.
A showcase of local artists and unique experiences will kick off the excitement, starting in early afternoon, in the plaza of the Cotton Bowl.
But wait, there’s more! A second fest is set for August.
The second H2O Music Festival will take place in Los Angeles on Aug. 25 at the Los Angeles State Historic Park, featuring artists like Alejandro Sanz, Paulina Rubio, Snoop Dogg, Chino & Nacho, Alex Cuba, Romeo Testa, plus additional acts to be announced in the coming weeks.
The official lifeline for up-to-date H2O Music Festival announcements and artist confirmations will be made available here.
Who is going to get wet at H2O Music Festival?
—Carly Costello
05.17.12
Tags: DJ Tiësto, Juanes, Snoop Dogg, Calle 13, Gym Class Heroes, Prince Royce, Weezer, Paulina Rubio, Damian Marley, Duelo, Yelawolf, Paty Cantú, Ozomatli, Intocable, Bobby Pulido, Alejandro Sanz, Chino & Nacho, Alex Cuba
Island Def Jam Launches Merch Store
Thu, 17 May 2012 15:57:30
Island Def Jam, or IDJ, home to Rihanna, Kanye West, The Wanted and more, has launched a merch store that is stocked with Island and Def Jam-branded hoodies, hats, t-shirts and more.
Go here to get shopping.
Did you buy anything yet?
—Carly Costello
05.17.12
Tags: Kanye West, The Wanted, Rihanna
Coachella 2013 Dates Announced + For Sale
Thu, 17 May 2012 15:53:42
Coachella Photos
The dates for the 2013 Coachella Valley Music + Arts Festival were announced this week. Identical lineups will play two weekends in a row, so it’s the same formula as the 2012 edition of the famed fest, which always sells out.
The dates are as follows: April 12-14 and April 19-21.
Advance tickets are on sale today.
Update: All Advance tickets sold out! Amazing.
Are you going to 2013 Coachella?
—Carly Costello
05.17.12
Tags: Coachella
Featured News
Russell Brand Declares He Still Loves Katy Perry
Russell Brand has opened up about his feelings for his soon-to-be ex-wife Katy Perry, insisting he has nothing but love for the pop star despite their split.
The funnyman filed for divorce from Perry at the end of last year, but refuses to speak ill of his former partner because he had a great time during their short marriage.
In a pre-taped interview with Ellen DeGeneres, which will air on Thursday, Brand says, “I still love her as a human being, but, sometimes when you’re in a relationship, I suppose it doesn’t work out.
“That doesn’t mean I regret it or anything. I was very happy to be married with her. She’s such a beautiful human being and I just have only love and positivity for her… That is still a person I still consider to be beautiful and I have nothing but positivity for her.”
Brand and Perry reportedly reached a settlement back in February and their divorce is expected to be finalized in July.
Disco Queen Donna Summer Dead At 63
Donna Summer, 63, died this morning after battling breast cancer, according to TMZ.com. The Queen of Disco was known for her iconic 1970′s hit songs “Last Dance,” “Hot Stuff” and “Bad Girls” and the 1980s tunes “She Works Hard for the Money” and “This Time I Know It’s for Real.” In 1975, “Love To Love You Baby” became a massive hit in Europe and turned into a dance sensation in the United States after it was remixed into a 17-minute-long song.
Summer was a five-time Grammy winner: 1979 – Best R&B Vocal Performance (Female), Last Dance; 1980 – Best Rock Vocal Performance (Female), Hot Stuff; 1984 – Best Inspirational Performance, He’s a Rebel; 1985 – Best Inspirational Performance, Forgive Me; 1998 – Best Dance Recording, Carry On. She was the first musician to have three consecutive number-one double albums.
She was born LaDonna Andre Gaines on New Year’s Eve 1948 in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, Mass., and was one of seven children. She got her start in music by singing in a church gospel choir.
In her early 20s she spent time in Germany where she met and married Helmut Sommer in 1971, adopting a version of his last name. They later divorced and she went on to marry Bruce Sudano. She is survived by her husband, three children and four grandchildren.
“Love To Love You Baby” (1975)
Taylor Swift Donates $4 Million To The Country Music Hall Of Fame
Taylor Swift has become the most generous star to donate to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum by giving $4 million to the institute, based in Nashville, Tennessee.
The generous sum is the largest charitable gift handed to the operation by an artist and will go towards the creation of the Taylor Swift Education Center, an exhibit and classroom complex set to open in 2014.
Museum director Kyle Young tells the Associated Press, “In terms of what it will allow us to do, we do education very well now. It will allow us to do what we do better, serve more people, develop new programs and I’m happy to say that as we talked through this opportunity with Taylor, she very much wants to be involved in an advisory capacity in what we do.”
“Is there a better person out there who’s in touch with a young audience? I think not. I was joking we should be paying her to do that. I was only joking.”
Swift has a long history of ties with the institute – she gave one of the earliest performances of her career in the building’s plaza and signed her record contract at the site.
