Carrie Underwood
Since becoming the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood has set the standard for crossing over into the music industry mainstream. Winning the Grammy for Best New Artist was just the beginning. Her collection of awards amassed since 2005 is almost too high to count and her impressive album sales continues to increase.
In 2012 she released her 4th album, Blown Away, and it spent its first two weeks in the #1 position on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. The first single, Good Girl, is a high energy fusion of pop/rock and country that showcases the fact that she is still the best vocalist in the game right now.
The video for Good Girl became an immediate hit. In the video Carrie looks fabulous showing off a variety of high fashion, glamorous looks as she struts in her "goodbye shoes". On the CMT Top 20 Video Countdown, Good Girl leaped to #1 and it stayed there for a record breaking 14 weeks! At the CMT Video Music Awards, Good Girl ended up winning the Buckle for Video of the Year.
The second single from Blown Away was the title track. The video is a cinematic masterpiece utilizing outstanding special effects to convey the tragic story in the lyrics with a reference to the most famous cyclone in the Wizard of Oz. Blown Away repeated the success of Good Girl and became another #1.
At the American Music Awards, Blown Away won the award for Favorite Country Album. With this win, Carrie has now won the American Music Award for Favorite Country Album for all four of her albums!
At the American Country Awards this year, for the third year in a row, Carrie has won the award for Favorite Female Artist. She now has a three year total of 11 American Country Awards - more than any other artist.
Carrie's Blown Away Tour has been selling out all over the country and she is delivering an amazing night of her hits. All of this success has lead to CMT including Carrie as one of the 2012 Artists of the Year. At the Grammy Awards every year since her debut, Carrie has been nominated for Best Country Vocal Performance and this year was no exception.
2012 has been a great year for American Idol Superstar - Carrie Underwood!!!
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Artists of the Year - Katy Perry
Katy Perry
Katy Perry completely dominated both 2010 and 2011 with the most fun and fabulous string of the best pop hits ever! But why settle for just two years of world domination when you can go for three!
At the end of 2011 some fans may have been a little disappointed the the 6th single from Teenage Dream, The One That Got Away, failed to hit #1 on the Billboard HOT 100 like the previous record breaking 5 singles had done. But there was no need for disappointment at all. Katy had more wonderful sweets in store for the fans.
In 2012 she released a deluxe version of the album called, Teenage Dream: the Complete Confection. Katy introduced the world to a new song from this collection with a live performance of the song Part of Me on the Grammy awards. Part of Me skyrocketed to #1 on the Billboard HOT 100 the very next week! There was also a new single and video called Wide Awake that kept Katy in heavy rotation on radio all year.
But the best thing Katy gave to fans in 2012 was a spectacular all-access 3D documentary concert film that took us behind the scenes of her California Dreams Tour! This was easily the most fun to be had in any movie theater all year. It was like an amazing front row seat to see her perform all of her hits up close and personally. But even more than just seeing and hearing the great songs, we had a chance to see a glimpse of the real Katy without the costumes and make-up. We got to see a wonderful young woman be vulnerable and hurt by real life, and still be a hard working performer who is dedicated to making sure that the show goes on.
You don't become an Artist of the Year for three years in a row by being a jerk and taking your fans for granted. Katy Perry has earned all of the success she has gotten by appreciating her fans and by being committed too giving them their money's worth - no matter what!
Katy Perry completely dominated both 2010 and 2011 with the most fun and fabulous string of the best pop hits ever! But why settle for just two years of world domination when you can go for three!
At the end of 2011 some fans may have been a little disappointed the the 6th single from Teenage Dream, The One That Got Away, failed to hit #1 on the Billboard HOT 100 like the previous record breaking 5 singles had done. But there was no need for disappointment at all. Katy had more wonderful sweets in store for the fans.
In 2012 she released a deluxe version of the album called, Teenage Dream: the Complete Confection. Katy introduced the world to a new song from this collection with a live performance of the song Part of Me on the Grammy awards. Part of Me skyrocketed to #1 on the Billboard HOT 100 the very next week! There was also a new single and video called Wide Awake that kept Katy in heavy rotation on radio all year.
But the best thing Katy gave to fans in 2012 was a spectacular all-access 3D documentary concert film that took us behind the scenes of her California Dreams Tour! This was easily the most fun to be had in any movie theater all year. It was like an amazing front row seat to see her perform all of her hits up close and personally. But even more than just seeing and hearing the great songs, we had a chance to see a glimpse of the real Katy without the costumes and make-up. We got to see a wonderful young woman be vulnerable and hurt by real life, and still be a hard working performer who is dedicated to making sure that the show goes on.
You don't become an Artist of the Year for three years in a row by being a jerk and taking your fans for granted. Katy Perry has earned all of the success she has gotten by appreciating her fans and by being committed too giving them their money's worth - no matter what!
Artists of the Year - Adele
Adele
Adele started out 2012 completely sweeping the Grammys winning both Record of the Year and Album of the Year. After that her album, 21, simply continued to dominate for the rest of the year. None of the new releases in 2012 even come close to the numbers that she has reached. In a very rare feat in this day and age, she has sold over 10 million copies of 21. For this reason alone, she has earned her place amongst the 2012 Artists of the Year.
The only new material that Adele released this year was the wonderful theme song to the latest 007 James Bond film, Skyfall. It is a grand and lush ballad that fits perfectly in the tradition of great bond themes.
Adele started out 2012 completely sweeping the Grammys winning both Record of the Year and Album of the Year. After that her album, 21, simply continued to dominate for the rest of the year. None of the new releases in 2012 even come close to the numbers that she has reached. In a very rare feat in this day and age, she has sold over 10 million copies of 21. For this reason alone, she has earned her place amongst the 2012 Artists of the Year.
The only new material that Adele released this year was the wonderful theme song to the latest 007 James Bond film, Skyfall. It is a grand and lush ballad that fits perfectly in the tradition of great bond themes.
Artists of the Year - The Wanted
The Wanted
Let's hear it for the return of Boy Bands in 2012! Seriously, we were treated to some really great songs and videos thanks to The Wanted.
In any good era of Boy Bands there has to be some competitive rivalry going and in 2012 we had One Direction vs. The Wanted. They each have a collection of sleek and catchy songs, but with One Direction we have a clean cut group of nice boys, while with The Wanted we get some rougher and scruffier young men!
In their first video for Glad You Came, we are introduced to the guys as they vacation in Ibiza. It's more than just some playful fun in the sun with some cute flirty girls. We get to see all of the meeting up on the beach leading to the dancing the night away at the club. Then it wraps up with the morning after all disheveled and sweet.
The second video, Chasing The Sun, finds the guys once again out in the night time club scene. This time they are all giving into the seduction of a group of beautiful young women. It turns into a trip into the dark side as these women turn out to be vampires and one by one the guys get bitten.
The "rough around the edges" image of The Wanted is continued in their video for I Found You. Here we find the guys rescuing a girl who has been kidnapped and tied up. They find her in an old apartment building and have to beat up a group of thugs in order to get to her.
The Wanted may not be showing sales and airplay numbers as high as One Direction, but who cares? These guys are HOT!
Let's hear it for the return of Boy Bands in 2012! Seriously, we were treated to some really great songs and videos thanks to The Wanted.
In any good era of Boy Bands there has to be some competitive rivalry going and in 2012 we had One Direction vs. The Wanted. They each have a collection of sleek and catchy songs, but with One Direction we have a clean cut group of nice boys, while with The Wanted we get some rougher and scruffier young men!
In their first video for Glad You Came, we are introduced to the guys as they vacation in Ibiza. It's more than just some playful fun in the sun with some cute flirty girls. We get to see all of the meeting up on the beach leading to the dancing the night away at the club. Then it wraps up with the morning after all disheveled and sweet.
The second video, Chasing The Sun, finds the guys once again out in the night time club scene. This time they are all giving into the seduction of a group of beautiful young women. It turns into a trip into the dark side as these women turn out to be vampires and one by one the guys get bitten.
The "rough around the edges" image of The Wanted is continued in their video for I Found You. Here we find the guys rescuing a girl who has been kidnapped and tied up. They find her in an old apartment building and have to beat up a group of thugs in order to get to her.
The Wanted may not be showing sales and airplay numbers as high as One Direction, but who cares? These guys are HOT!
Artists of the Year - Luke Bryan
Luke Bryan
For 5 years Luke Bryan has been bubbling under the radar releasing some pretty good songs here and there, but never really getting my attention or crossing over into the big time. In 2011 he released the album Tailgates and Tanlines and the first single was Country Girl Shake It For Me. With this song alone he definitely got my attention. It was easily my favorite song from 2011 that I loved to blast loudly while driving and loved to dance a fun and energetic two-step to.
This one single could have been it for him, but turns out the album is overflowing with great music. The next single was I Don't Want This Night To End and this one was not only a great song to dance to and blast loudly, but it also has an amazing video that really portrayed Luke as a a very likeable country music superstar star that we can all relate to and root for. I Don't Want This Night To End was part one of a video story where Luke meets a beautiful and mysterious woman, has a wonderful night, and hopes to meet her again.
Part two of the story was continued in the video for Drunk On You. Another fantastic song that is perfect for a shadow on the dance floor with your boyfriend. This video wraps things up where he finally sees her again at a stop on his tour. The current single dominating video and radio is Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye.
Even though the album has been out since August 2011 it has remained one of the best sellers for all of 2012.
Luke has also enjoyed the opportunity to win numerous awards this year. He won Best Male Video for I Don't Want This Night To End at the CMT Video Music Awards. He won Favorite Male Country Artist at the American Music Awards and he was included as one of the 2012 CMT Artists of the Year.
Luke's biggest night of the year happened at the American Country Awards where he completely cleaned up winning a total of nine awards including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Single of the Year and Video of the Year!
An important thing to point out about awards given at the American Music Awards, the CMT Video Music Awards and The American Country Awards is that the winners are all selected by votes from the fans. Luke Bryan is clearly the fan favorite!
For 5 years Luke Bryan has been bubbling under the radar releasing some pretty good songs here and there, but never really getting my attention or crossing over into the big time. In 2011 he released the album Tailgates and Tanlines and the first single was Country Girl Shake It For Me. With this song alone he definitely got my attention. It was easily my favorite song from 2011 that I loved to blast loudly while driving and loved to dance a fun and energetic two-step to.
This one single could have been it for him, but turns out the album is overflowing with great music. The next single was I Don't Want This Night To End and this one was not only a great song to dance to and blast loudly, but it also has an amazing video that really portrayed Luke as a a very likeable country music superstar star that we can all relate to and root for. I Don't Want This Night To End was part one of a video story where Luke meets a beautiful and mysterious woman, has a wonderful night, and hopes to meet her again.
Part two of the story was continued in the video for Drunk On You. Another fantastic song that is perfect for a shadow on the dance floor with your boyfriend. This video wraps things up where he finally sees her again at a stop on his tour. The current single dominating video and radio is Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye.
Even though the album has been out since August 2011 it has remained one of the best sellers for all of 2012.
Luke has also enjoyed the opportunity to win numerous awards this year. He won Best Male Video for I Don't Want This Night To End at the CMT Video Music Awards. He won Favorite Male Country Artist at the American Music Awards and he was included as one of the 2012 CMT Artists of the Year.
Luke's biggest night of the year happened at the American Country Awards where he completely cleaned up winning a total of nine awards including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Single of the Year and Video of the Year!
An important thing to point out about awards given at the American Music Awards, the CMT Video Music Awards and The American Country Awards is that the winners are all selected by votes from the fans. Luke Bryan is clearly the fan favorite!
Friday, December 28, 2012
Artists of the Year - One Direction
One Direction
2012 will be remembered as the return of the Boy Bands. Leading the charge was the group that was actually put together after the five guys auditioned individually for the British version of X-Factor in 2010. They were all being eliminated, but Simon Cowell offered them a second chance if they joined forces and formed the Boy Band, One Direction.They immediately became a huge success in Britain and it was just a matter of time before they caught on over here.
The first song to start getting airplay here in the United States was What Makes You Beautiful. It delivers everything you want to hear from five cute young guys singing to you and its all done to a catchy great beat.
The stats about these guys are astounding. Their videos on YouTube have had over 300 Million views!!! Most artists are lucky to get to 1 Million!
They released two albums this year and both of them have gone platinum. Up All Night came out in March and has the singles What Makes You Beautiful and One Thing. Then less than a year later in November they released Take Me Home that has the hits Live While We're Young and Little Things.
They completely dominated at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards winning Best New Artist as well as Best Pop Video and Billboard Magazine named them the top New Artist of the Year.
2012 will be remembered as the return of the Boy Bands. Leading the charge was the group that was actually put together after the five guys auditioned individually for the British version of X-Factor in 2010. They were all being eliminated, but Simon Cowell offered them a second chance if they joined forces and formed the Boy Band, One Direction.They immediately became a huge success in Britain and it was just a matter of time before they caught on over here.
The first song to start getting airplay here in the United States was What Makes You Beautiful. It delivers everything you want to hear from five cute young guys singing to you and its all done to a catchy great beat.
The stats about these guys are astounding. Their videos on YouTube have had over 300 Million views!!! Most artists are lucky to get to 1 Million!
They released two albums this year and both of them have gone platinum. Up All Night came out in March and has the singles What Makes You Beautiful and One Thing. Then less than a year later in November they released Take Me Home that has the hits Live While We're Young and Little Things.
They completely dominated at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards winning Best New Artist as well as Best Pop Video and Billboard Magazine named them the top New Artist of the Year.
Artists of the Year - David Guetta
This is the first in a series of entries where I will be listing my favorite artists of 2012. I hope you enjoy it!
David Guetta
You may not even know who David Guetta is and here I am putting him on the 2012 Artists of the Year list. You might not be able to recognize his face or be able to name his songs, but trust me, you have been singing along to the them and dancing to them all year long.
David is a DJ/Producer who released an album called Nothing But The Beat in 2011 and it is jam packed with hits.
The first one to have impact was Without You with lead vocals by Usher. This track actually made my Top 10 list of favorite songs of 2011. Another song on the album has lead vocals by Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist and Oscar winner, Jennifer Hudson, called Night of Your Life. Both Usher and Jennifer Hudson have recent albums out, but they did not include these David Guetta productions on their final track listing. Their albums were good, but these tracks were outstanding! David has an ability to bring out the best of an artist.
The hits kept coming in 2012 starting with Turn Me On featuring Nicki Minaj. Nicki has tried to release a boat load of singles this year, but it was this hot dance floor jam that showcased her at the top of her game. If Nicki released an album of hits like Turn Me On, she might be a much more successful artist.
The crowning gem on the collection is an uplifting and empowering anthem called Titanium with lead vocals by a new artist named Sia. This song is quite simply amazing. David is transforming pop music and making it more dance floor/club friendly. At the American Music Awards this year, they actually introduced a new category called Favorite Electronic Dance Music Artist just so they could recognize David for his contribution to the music scene this year.
David Guetta
You may not even know who David Guetta is and here I am putting him on the 2012 Artists of the Year list. You might not be able to recognize his face or be able to name his songs, but trust me, you have been singing along to the them and dancing to them all year long.
David is a DJ/Producer who released an album called Nothing But The Beat in 2011 and it is jam packed with hits.
The first one to have impact was Without You with lead vocals by Usher. This track actually made my Top 10 list of favorite songs of 2011. Another song on the album has lead vocals by Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist and Oscar winner, Jennifer Hudson, called Night of Your Life. Both Usher and Jennifer Hudson have recent albums out, but they did not include these David Guetta productions on their final track listing. Their albums were good, but these tracks were outstanding! David has an ability to bring out the best of an artist.
The hits kept coming in 2012 starting with Turn Me On featuring Nicki Minaj. Nicki has tried to release a boat load of singles this year, but it was this hot dance floor jam that showcased her at the top of her game. If Nicki released an album of hits like Turn Me On, she might be a much more successful artist.
The crowning gem on the collection is an uplifting and empowering anthem called Titanium with lead vocals by a new artist named Sia. This song is quite simply amazing. David is transforming pop music and making it more dance floor/club friendly. At the American Music Awards this year, they actually introduced a new category called Favorite Electronic Dance Music Artist just so they could recognize David for his contribution to the music scene this year.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
American Idol Superstar - Katharine McPhee
The Season 5 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up, Katharine McPhee, spent years after the competition ended being a hard working, struggling artist. She released albums that failed to connect with fans and she starred in B-Movies that didn't allow her to shine and utilize all of her real talents. But in 2012, all of that changed...
A new show premiered on TV that was going to be about the making of a Broadway musical from beginning to end. It would feature real singers and dancers performing original songs and choreography every week. It will be called SMASH!!!
Katharine McPhee was perfectly cast as the lead character on Smash who is auditioning for the Broadway show about the life of iconic actress Marilyn Monroe. Smash became the ideal platform to allow Katharine to fully display all of the impressive talents that were hinted at in Season 5 of American Idol, but are now out there for all of the world to see.
Each week we got to see Katharine's character develop from small town girl with a dream to Broadway Star in the making. Some week's all she did was stand and sing a beautiful ballad, while in others she would be in full Marilyn Monroe make-up dancing and performing in an elaborate production numbers being tossed about by hunky male dancers. Katharine effortlessly has risen to the occasion successfully accomplishing all of the acting, singing and dancing requirements of being on an amazing show like Smash. She has now fully transformed from being a struggling artist to being a STAR!
And that was just Season One of Smash. I can't wait to see what new heights she takes us to in Season Two!
2012 has been a great year for American Idol Superstar - Katharine McPhee!!
A new show premiered on TV that was going to be about the making of a Broadway musical from beginning to end. It would feature real singers and dancers performing original songs and choreography every week. It will be called SMASH!!!
Katharine McPhee was perfectly cast as the lead character on Smash who is auditioning for the Broadway show about the life of iconic actress Marilyn Monroe. Smash became the ideal platform to allow Katharine to fully display all of the impressive talents that were hinted at in Season 5 of American Idol, but are now out there for all of the world to see.
Each week we got to see Katharine's character develop from small town girl with a dream to Broadway Star in the making. Some week's all she did was stand and sing a beautiful ballad, while in others she would be in full Marilyn Monroe make-up dancing and performing in an elaborate production numbers being tossed about by hunky male dancers. Katharine effortlessly has risen to the occasion successfully accomplishing all of the acting, singing and dancing requirements of being on an amazing show like Smash. She has now fully transformed from being a struggling artist to being a STAR!
And that was just Season One of Smash. I can't wait to see what new heights she takes us to in Season Two!
2012 has been a great year for American Idol Superstar - Katharine McPhee!!
American Idol Superstar - Scotty McCreery
Throughout the competition the judges showered praise on the Season 10 Miss American Idol winner, Scotty McCreery. To some of the fans at home it might have made no sense why they were gushing all over the simple country boy with a deep voice. But now, just a little over a year later, it cannot be denied that the judges knew what they were talking about.
Scotty has become one of the most successful Miss American Idol finalists. He has already put two albums in the Top 10 of the Billboard HOT 100 and he has won the Best New Artist of the Year at both the American Country Awards and the Academy of Country Music Awards.
In 2012 while his debut album Clear As Day was still selling well and the singles and videos were getting airplay, he released Christmas with Scotty McCreery. Throughout December he was on the promotional tour appearing everywhere from Christmas at Rockefeller Center to Christmas in Washington performing for the President of the United States.
2012 was a great year for American Idol Superstar - Scotty McCreery
Scotty has become one of the most successful Miss American Idol finalists. He has already put two albums in the Top 10 of the Billboard HOT 100 and he has won the Best New Artist of the Year at both the American Country Awards and the Academy of Country Music Awards.
In 2012 while his debut album Clear As Day was still selling well and the singles and videos were getting airplay, he released Christmas with Scotty McCreery. Throughout December he was on the promotional tour appearing everywhere from Christmas at Rockefeller Center to Christmas in Washington performing for the President of the United States.
2012 was a great year for American Idol Superstar - Scotty McCreery
American Idol Superstar - Jordin Sparks
Since becoming the Season 6 Miss American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks has had her share of top 10 hits on the Billboard HOT 100 and plenty of radio airplay with songs like, Tattoo, No Air, and Battlefield. She has continued to grow and mature from the youngest Miss American Idol winner (at that time) to a movie star!
In 2012 Jordin made her big screen debut starring opposite none other than Whitney Houston in the remake of Sparkle. This was the last film that Whitney made before her death, but Jordin had the chance to work alongside and learn from one of her music idols and inspirations.
In somewhat of a surprise, the film sort of fizzled at the box office performing below expectations. Regardless of that, it's an entertaining cinematic experience showcasing the full range of Jordin's impressive acting, singing and dancing talents. The Soundtrack has some wonderful original songs on it including a duet that Jordin sings with Whitney Houston. It's called Celebrate and it's simply dance pop perfection.
2012 was a great year for American Idol Superstar - Jordin Sparks!
In 2012 Jordin made her big screen debut starring opposite none other than Whitney Houston in the remake of Sparkle. This was the last film that Whitney made before her death, but Jordin had the chance to work alongside and learn from one of her music idols and inspirations.
In somewhat of a surprise, the film sort of fizzled at the box office performing below expectations. Regardless of that, it's an entertaining cinematic experience showcasing the full range of Jordin's impressive acting, singing and dancing talents. The Soundtrack has some wonderful original songs on it including a duet that Jordin sings with Whitney Houston. It's called Celebrate and it's simply dance pop perfection.
2012 was a great year for American Idol Superstar - Jordin Sparks!
American Idol Superstar - Clay Aiken
As soon as Season 2 ended it was clear that the Miss American Idol Season 2 1st Runner Up, Clay Aiken, was the real winner of the competition. To this day, over 10 years later, Clay still holds the record for the highest one week sales of any of the finalists. In one week he sold over 600,000 copies of his debut album, Measure of a Man. In total, he has put 5 albums into the top 10 of the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart.
In 2012 Clay was more well known for his celebrity status than for his music though. He was a popular favorite as a contestant on the Celebrity Apprentice. Unfortunately, he once again ended up as the 1st Runner Up in this competition also. But throughout the season, Clay was the official "inside blogger" giving news. insight and updates for the fans to get a peek behind the scenes of the competition and the board room.
Clay has also become an outspoken community advocate lending his voice to anti-bullying legislation as well as the National Inclusion Project that strives to bridge the gap that exists between young people with disabilities and the world around them.
In between all of this activity, Clay actually did release a new song in 2012 called Bring Back My Love. It is a wonderful, classic ballad that illustrates that he is first and foremost, a premier vocalist.
2012 was a great year for American Idol Superstar - Clay Aiken!
In 2012 Clay was more well known for his celebrity status than for his music though. He was a popular favorite as a contestant on the Celebrity Apprentice. Unfortunately, he once again ended up as the 1st Runner Up in this competition also. But throughout the season, Clay was the official "inside blogger" giving news. insight and updates for the fans to get a peek behind the scenes of the competition and the board room.
Clay has also become an outspoken community advocate lending his voice to anti-bullying legislation as well as the National Inclusion Project that strives to bridge the gap that exists between young people with disabilities and the world around them.
In between all of this activity, Clay actually did release a new song in 2012 called Bring Back My Love. It is a wonderful, classic ballad that illustrates that he is first and foremost, a premier vocalist.
2012 was a great year for American Idol Superstar - Clay Aiken!
American Idol Superstar - Lauren Alaina
Throughout all of 2011 it looked like the Season 10 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up, Lauren Alaina, was destined to remain in the background. That year's Miss American Idol winner, Scotty McCreery, was doing better on the charts, selling more CD's and winning more awards.
But things started to look up in 2012. She released one of the most fun and catchiest songs of the year in Georgia Peaches. It's playful energy showcases Lauren at her best and allows her to demonstrate her impressive vocal abilities. The song was also turned into a very cool line dance.
Finally, at the 2012 American Country Awards, Lauren had the chance to step out from the background and into the spotlight when she won the award for Favorite New Artist of the Year.
2012 has been a great your for American Idol Superstar - Lauren Alaina
But things started to look up in 2012. She released one of the most fun and catchiest songs of the year in Georgia Peaches. It's playful energy showcases Lauren at her best and allows her to demonstrate her impressive vocal abilities. The song was also turned into a very cool line dance.
Finally, at the 2012 American Country Awards, Lauren had the chance to step out from the background and into the spotlight when she won the award for Favorite New Artist of the Year.
2012 has been a great your for American Idol Superstar - Lauren Alaina
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
American Idol Superstar - Jennifer Hudson
Oscar winner and Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist, Jennifer Hudson, has become the text book case to illustrate how you do not have to win in order for American Idol to be a platform for leading to huge success. After getting eliminated way too early in the competition Jennifer went on to star in Dreamgirls, win an Oscar for it and then release her debut album and win a Grammy for it.Jennifer has not slowed down at all and this year was no exception.
At the unexpected death of Whitney Houston, Jennifer was called upon to sing her signature song, I Will Always Love You, at the Grammy Awards this year. She stepped in to fulfill this honor with grace and class. Jennifer is a well-respected A-List member of the music community.
In addition, Jennifer had a popular hit this year with the theme song from the #1 Box Office movie Think Like A Man.
Also, there is much anticipation and buzz looking ahead as Jennifer has joined the cast of the hit TV series, Smash. She will be putting all of her impressive talents to work every week acting, singing and dancing.
2012 has been a great year for American Idol Superstar - Jennifer Hudson!
At the unexpected death of Whitney Houston, Jennifer was called upon to sing her signature song, I Will Always Love You, at the Grammy Awards this year. She stepped in to fulfill this honor with grace and class. Jennifer is a well-respected A-List member of the music community.
In addition, Jennifer had a popular hit this year with the theme song from the #1 Box Office movie Think Like A Man.
Also, there is much anticipation and buzz looking ahead as Jennifer has joined the cast of the hit TV series, Smash. She will be putting all of her impressive talents to work every week acting, singing and dancing.
2012 has been a great year for American Idol Superstar - Jennifer Hudson!
American Idol Superstar - Kelly Clarkson
The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, has been a break out success on the music scene from the beginning. Her first single hit #1 on the Billboard HOT 100 and she has since been back at the top of the chart two more times. She is not just a Grammy nominee, but a Grammy winner and there are probably many fans who don't even realize that she got her start on American Idol.
This year she continued to promote her 5th album, Stronger. The single was such a huge pop hit that not only did it spend three weeks at #1 on the Billboard HOT 100, but it has now been nominated for the Grammy for Record of the Year.
Kelly has been able to be a cross-genre success not just doing well in the pop field but also making a name for herself in country music.
In addition, Kelly is the first of the American Idols to release a Greatest Hits album. One of the new tracks included on the collection is called Don't Rush. She performed it for the fist time on the CMA Awards and it is a wonderful country pop song.
2012 has been a great year for American Idol Superstar - Kelly Clarkson.
This year she continued to promote her 5th album, Stronger. The single was such a huge pop hit that not only did it spend three weeks at #1 on the Billboard HOT 100, but it has now been nominated for the Grammy for Record of the Year.
Kelly has been able to be a cross-genre success not just doing well in the pop field but also making a name for herself in country music.
In addition, Kelly is the first of the American Idols to release a Greatest Hits album. One of the new tracks included on the collection is called Don't Rush. She performed it for the fist time on the CMA Awards and it is a wonderful country pop song.
2012 has been a great year for American Idol Superstar - Kelly Clarkson.
American Idol Superstar - Phillip Phillips
It has only been 7 months since Phillip Phillips was crowned the Season 11 Miss American Idol winner and he has already crossed-over and made a significant impact on the music scene.
He performed the song, Home, on the finale and it has been on the Billboard HOT 100 chart ever since. It is now at #8, after peaking at #7 and it has been on the chart for 25 weeks. Much of this success can be attributed to the fact that the song was used as an anthem/theme song for this year's U.S. Olympic Women's Gymnastics Team. Every time one of the girls was shown winning a gold medal, Phillip's song would be playing in the background.
The success of the single has lead to strong sales for his debut album, The Other Side Of The Moon, which is currently at #7 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart in it's fourth week. It is likely that a second single will start to get promoted soon.
2012 was a great year for American Idol Superstar - Phillip Phillips.
He performed the song, Home, on the finale and it has been on the Billboard HOT 100 chart ever since. It is now at #8, after peaking at #7 and it has been on the chart for 25 weeks. Much of this success can be attributed to the fact that the song was used as an anthem/theme song for this year's U.S. Olympic Women's Gymnastics Team. Every time one of the girls was shown winning a gold medal, Phillip's song would be playing in the background.
The success of the single has lead to strong sales for his debut album, The Other Side Of The Moon, which is currently at #7 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart in it's fourth week. It is likely that a second single will start to get promoted soon.
2012 was a great year for American Idol Superstar - Phillip Phillips.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
American Idol Superstar - Adam Lambert
The Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up, Adam Lambert, enjoyed some great success after his run on the show. He got on the cover of Rolling Stone, released his first album, For Your Entertainment, and landed a top 10 hit on the Billboard HOT 100 with his single Whatya Want From Me. That single even earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Male Vocal Performance.
While he is one of the flashiest finalists ever to come out of American Idol, in 2012 he has proven that he is not just a flash in the pan. He released his second album this year called Trespassing and it debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. Rolling Stone magazine listed it as one of the best albums of 2012. It's an exciting and vibrant collection of dance pop music that showcases his outstanding vocal abilities.
His impressive voice has gotten the attention of legendary rock group, Queen, and they have actually asked him to perform with them at live performances.
Adam has also made a name for himself as a leader and an innovator when it comes to his sense of style and fashion. This is the kind of image that makes him high in demand for opportunities like the hosting the VH1 DIVAS concert. He kept the show interesting and very entertaining while showing off multiple costume changes and uniquely interpreting some of the best dance music of all time.
All of this style has lead to the Mattel Toy Company actually creating an Adam Lambert doll/action figure! The original one-of-a-kind collectible comes with a certificate of authenticity, a rockin’ display case, a bejeweled mic and a mic stand. The doll was made available to benefit the AIDS organization, Project Angel Food.
2012 was a great year for American Idol Superstar - Adam Lambert!
While he is one of the flashiest finalists ever to come out of American Idol, in 2012 he has proven that he is not just a flash in the pan. He released his second album this year called Trespassing and it debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. Rolling Stone magazine listed it as one of the best albums of 2012. It's an exciting and vibrant collection of dance pop music that showcases his outstanding vocal abilities.
His impressive voice has gotten the attention of legendary rock group, Queen, and they have actually asked him to perform with them at live performances.
Adam has also made a name for himself as a leader and an innovator when it comes to his sense of style and fashion. This is the kind of image that makes him high in demand for opportunities like the hosting the VH1 DIVAS concert. He kept the show interesting and very entertaining while showing off multiple costume changes and uniquely interpreting some of the best dance music of all time.
All of this style has lead to the Mattel Toy Company actually creating an Adam Lambert doll/action figure! The original one-of-a-kind collectible comes with a certificate of authenticity, a rockin’ display case, a bejeweled mic and a mic stand. The doll was made available to benefit the AIDS organization, Project Angel Food.
2012 was a great year for American Idol Superstar - Adam Lambert!
Monday, December 24, 2012
American Idol Superstars 2012
2012 has been a wonderful year for music and the American Idols have made a very significant impact and contribution.
Even though there are new singing competition shows on now that are getting attention, none of them are getting close to the standard that has been set by American Idol. While people might be gossiping about X-Factor and The Voice, the reality is that, so far at least, they are complete failures at finding or creating new music superstars. In the three seasons that these shows have been on, there hasn't been a single finalist or winner to even make a ripple in the real world.
The American Idol winners and finalists, on the other hand, can be found actually working and thriving in the music business. Many of them have become viable stars on their own apart from their initial American Idol exposure. They are winning awards, appearing on TV shows, starring in movies, getting radio airplay and the public is buying their music!
The next few entries here are going to be about the 2012 Year in Review and how the American Idol Superstars were right there in the mix. :)
Even though there are new singing competition shows on now that are getting attention, none of them are getting close to the standard that has been set by American Idol. While people might be gossiping about X-Factor and The Voice, the reality is that, so far at least, they are complete failures at finding or creating new music superstars. In the three seasons that these shows have been on, there hasn't been a single finalist or winner to even make a ripple in the real world.
The American Idol winners and finalists, on the other hand, can be found actually working and thriving in the music business. Many of them have become viable stars on their own apart from their initial American Idol exposure. They are winning awards, appearing on TV shows, starring in movies, getting radio airplay and the public is buying their music!
The next few entries here are going to be about the 2012 Year in Review and how the American Idol Superstars were right there in the mix. :)
The Blown Away Tour!
Since the show was on a Wednesday night and the United Center is much closer to my office than home that meant I would be heading over right after work. It also meant that I would be wearing my concert clothes of jeans, cowboy boots, plaid shirt and black sequined electric cowboy hat all day. That's right, the electric hat that I bought at Ravinia last year had to make a return appearance!
The lights came down and the crowd started to roar with anticipation as we watched the video screens. It was the dramatic scenes from the Blown Away video as the tornado was shattering every window. It got louder and the energy was building as we watched every brick and every board blowing away. The videos on stage were projected on a set shaped like a house. The swirling of the wind came to a sudden stop as if the house was landing on the stage. The music for Good Girl started and the door opened and Carrie made her grand entrance on stage belting out her hard driving and 2012 CMT Video of the Year winning hit song!
After that thrilling opening, she kept the energy in high gear going into Undo It and Wasted. She looked stunning in a wonderful feather covered gown that was long in the back and short in the front to show her shapely long legs. She then sang her ballad I Told You So and her voice sounded as pure and crystal clear as always. It was surprising then after that song to see her turn away from the microphone and cough. Was it possible that she had a cold? It was hard to tell from her outstanding performance of her latest single Two Black Cadillacs that immediately followed.
After her first costume change she kept on serving up the hits with Last Name and All American Girl. Then, as if she was not feeling under the weather at all, she delivered a beautiful and heartwarming version of Temporary Home followed by her beloved first single, Jesus Take The Wheel. She closed out this set with her popular favorite from the Play On album and 2010 CMT Video of the Year winning Cowboy Casanova.
When she returned to the stage she had changed into a very cute t-shirt and cut off jean shorts. She walked to the front of the stage where some members of her band had all gathered within a smaller area surrounded by a picket fence. It was a very cute setting for her song Get Out Of This Town from the Some Hearts album. How thrilling it was when this entire section of the stage started to lift up into the air and move over the crowd on the main floor!!! Here she was now moving closer to her fans and creating a warm and intimate environment where there wasn't a bad seat in the house.
She hovered over the crowd and went through almost all of the Blown Away album. We were treated to live performances of Nobody Ever Told You, Thank God For Home Towns, Do You Think About Me and One Way Ticket. During this free spirited party anthem huge beach balls were tossed onto the main floor lending to the fun that was already being had by all. She also threw in Crazy Dreams from the Carnival Ride album during this aerial set.
They all came back to earth and the fun continued this time wearing some sleek black skinny pants and a shiny blue jacket. She continued with another track from the Blown Away album, Leave Love Alone. She was joined by opening act Hunter Hayes. While it's a great song, she seemed to be taking some on stage vocal rest during this one letting Hunter carry most of it. Maybe she does have a cold????
In somewhat of a surprise, Carrie started to rock the house with a cover of the Aerosmith classic Sweet Emotion. If you had seen her CMT Crossroads concert with Steven Tyler earlier this year, you would know that this performance, in fact, made perfect sense. But quickly returning to the country music that we all love, she was joined by Brad Paisley on the video screens to sing their wonderful ballad Remind Me. This set was brought to a rousing close with Cupid's Got A Shotgun and her huge smash Before He Cheats.
The crowd was cheering on their feet wanting to hear more. It was loud and amazing. Then, we knew she couldn't leave without giving us the title track from Blown Away and when the video screens were once again filled with the familiar tornado footage we knew the time had come. The energy in the arena had built up to an amazing climax when it suddenly stopped!
There was Carrie standing in a spotlight in an exquisite black gown. There was some light twinkling on the piano and soft strings playing. This wasn't Blown Away!!!
No, instead Carrie quite literally blew us away with her pristine and flawlessly powerful vocals on I Know You Won't. The crowd was riveted by her impressive delivery standing silently in awe of her amazing talent. Then, after knocking us over with a feather, the familiar beat started for Blown Away. It's a good thing that the United Center is a solidly built arena because the roof could have been torn off the place by the whirlwind of enthusiasm filling the place. It was an explosive end to a totally fun and entertaining night of live music.
In total Carrie Underwood performed 23 hit songs for us. And the next day we learned that she did in fact have a cold and she needed to cancel her next scheduled date on the tour. She sounded amazing as she toughed it out for us. Just another example how she has earned and deserves the title of Entertainer of the Year and all of the many other awards that she has won. I can't wait to see her again!!!
Sunday, December 23, 2012
American Idol DIVAS
The 2012 VH1 DIVAS concert turned into yet another Miss American Idol Family Reunion.
The Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up, Adam Lambert, served as host of the show. This gave him an exciting opportunity to show off numerous high fashion costume changes while also adding his unique vocal talents to quite a few numbers. The theme of the show this year was a celebration of dance and disco music.
Adam opened the show with an outstanding rendition of David Bowie's #1 smash hit from 1983, Let's Dance. During a tribute to Donna Summer, he added his special flavor to her big hits, Hot Stuff and Last Dance. Finally, to acknowledge her significant contributions to genre, Adam performed Madonna's Ray Of Light.
The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, is currently promoting her Greatest Hits collection, so she took the VH1 Divas stage to sing her single, Catch My Breath, that is included as a new track on the album.
In addition, there was a tribute to Whitney Houston with a medley of some of her best dance hits. After starring in Sparkle with her this year, it was no surprise at all that the Season 6 Miss American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks, would lend her voice to the mix. Jordin looked stunning in a glamorous long gown as she sounded flawless performing I'm Every Woman. Later, she returned to the stage to join in a group performance of How Will I Know.
The Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up, Adam Lambert, served as host of the show. This gave him an exciting opportunity to show off numerous high fashion costume changes while also adding his unique vocal talents to quite a few numbers. The theme of the show this year was a celebration of dance and disco music.
Adam opened the show with an outstanding rendition of David Bowie's #1 smash hit from 1983, Let's Dance. During a tribute to Donna Summer, he added his special flavor to her big hits, Hot Stuff and Last Dance. Finally, to acknowledge her significant contributions to genre, Adam performed Madonna's Ray Of Light.
The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, is currently promoting her Greatest Hits collection, so she took the VH1 Divas stage to sing her single, Catch My Breath, that is included as a new track on the album.
In addition, there was a tribute to Whitney Houston with a medley of some of her best dance hits. After starring in Sparkle with her this year, it was no surprise at all that the Season 6 Miss American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks, would lend her voice to the mix. Jordin looked stunning in a glamorous long gown as she sounded flawless performing I'm Every Woman. Later, she returned to the stage to join in a group performance of How Will I Know.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
2012 Year End Charts
The #1 album on the Billboard charts for all of 2012 is 21 by Adele. This is quite a significant accomplishment as it was also the #1 album for all of 2011.
There were some very strong showings from the Miss American Idol finalists on the 2012 year end charts. The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood comes in at #14 with her album Blown Away. The fifth album by Season 1 Miss American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson, Stronger, lands at #24. The Season 10 Miss American Idol winner, Scotty McCreery, comes in at #32 with his debut album Clear As Day. Break The Spell from Season 5 Miss American Idol 3rd Runner Up Chris Daughtry is the #53 album of the year. The Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up Adam Lambert ends the year at #188 with his album Trespassing.
The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood had the #5 Country Album of the year with Blown Away. The Season 10 Miss American Idol winner, Scotty McCreery, comes in at #8 on this chart with his debut album Clear As Day and the Season 10 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up Lauren Alaina lands at #34 with her debut album Wildflower.
The Top 5 singles for 2012 on the Billboard HOT 100 are: #1 Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye, #2 Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen, #3 We Are Young by fun., #4 Payphone by Maroon 5 and at #5 Lights by Ellie Goulding.
Just missing the top 5 is the Miss American Idol finalist who makes the highest showing on the year end singles chart, Season 1 Miss American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson is at #7 with Stronger. Also landing in the top 100 songs of the year is the reigning Miss American Idol, Season 11 winner Phillip Phillips with Home at #49. The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood is on the year end chart with two songs - at #66 with Good Girl and at #70 with Blown Away.
The Miss American Idol winners also had an impressive showing on the Billboard 2012 Top Artists of the Year chart: The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson lands at #16 while The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood comes in at #31. The Season 10 Miss American Idol winner, Scotty McCreery, comes in at #93 and the Season 11 Miss American Idol winner, Phillip Phillips ends up at #95.
Finally, coming in at #16 on Billboard's list of the Top Soundtracks of 2012 is Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist and Oscar winner, Jennifer Hudson on Think Like A Man while landing at #18 is the Season 5 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up, Katharine McPhee on the Smash soundtrack.
There were some very strong showings from the Miss American Idol finalists on the 2012 year end charts. The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood comes in at #14 with her album Blown Away. The fifth album by Season 1 Miss American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson, Stronger, lands at #24. The Season 10 Miss American Idol winner, Scotty McCreery, comes in at #32 with his debut album Clear As Day. Break The Spell from Season 5 Miss American Idol 3rd Runner Up Chris Daughtry is the #53 album of the year. The Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up Adam Lambert ends the year at #188 with his album Trespassing.
The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood had the #5 Country Album of the year with Blown Away. The Season 10 Miss American Idol winner, Scotty McCreery, comes in at #8 on this chart with his debut album Clear As Day and the Season 10 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up Lauren Alaina lands at #34 with her debut album Wildflower.
The Top 5 singles for 2012 on the Billboard HOT 100 are: #1 Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye, #2 Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen, #3 We Are Young by fun., #4 Payphone by Maroon 5 and at #5 Lights by Ellie Goulding.
Just missing the top 5 is the Miss American Idol finalist who makes the highest showing on the year end singles chart, Season 1 Miss American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson is at #7 with Stronger. Also landing in the top 100 songs of the year is the reigning Miss American Idol, Season 11 winner Phillip Phillips with Home at #49. The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood is on the year end chart with two songs - at #66 with Good Girl and at #70 with Blown Away.
The Miss American Idol winners also had an impressive showing on the Billboard 2012 Top Artists of the Year chart: The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson lands at #16 while The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood comes in at #31. The Season 10 Miss American Idol winner, Scotty McCreery, comes in at #93 and the Season 11 Miss American Idol winner, Phillip Phillips ends up at #95.
Finally, coming in at #16 on Billboard's list of the Top Soundtracks of 2012 is Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist and Oscar winner, Jennifer Hudson on Think Like A Man while landing at #18 is the Season 5 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up, Katharine McPhee on the Smash soundtrack.
More Favorite Songs From 2012
I recently listed my Top 10 Favorite Songs of 2012. Just for clarification let me explain that those songs all had to meet the eligibility for that list by reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard HOT 100 during 2012. I happen to be one of those people that believes that "It's not a hit until it's a hit on Billboard". Just in case you don't know, in order to reach the top of the Billboard HOT 100, a song must get the most sales and radio airplay for any given week.
There were lots of other songs that I loved in 2012 that failed to make the top 10 on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart. Here's a list of some of my other favorites in 2012. One thing that I can say about all of these songs is that it's a shame it didn't get more sales and airplay to do better on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart.
In the ideal world, great songs from Country, Pop, Dance and R&B would all find their way to the upper positions of the Billboard HOT 100.
Good Girl - Carrie Underwood: This first single from the Supreme Miss American Idol's 4th album was a huge hit by all accounts topping the Country Singles Chart, winning the Video of the Year at the CMT Awards and staying at #1 on the CMT Top 20 Video Countdown for a record breaking 14 weeks. Somehow it stalled at #18 on the Billboard HOT 100.
Triumphant - Mariah Carey: All of the fans had high hopes that this would become Mariah's 19th #1 on the Billboard HOT 100, but it unfortunately fell short even though it's a great song. It did manage to hit #1 on the BET 106 & Park countdown for a few weeks and the dance remix hit #1 on the Billboard Dance/Club Play chart.
Time Is Love - Josh Turner: This is the perfect song to dance a fun two-step to. It has a great beat and Josh's voice is deep and wonderful as always.
Kissed You Goodnight - Gloriana: What an outstanding ballad that perfectly captures the longing and the yearning of new love. When it's the end of a great date, all you want to do is push that great guy up against the wall and kiss him. Just do it and have no regrets!
Celebrate - Jordin Sparks: This uplifting dance track with Whitney Houston from the Sparkle soundtrack should have been huge. It has everything that I want to hear on the radio in heavy rotation. It is crazy that it was not well-received. Oh well, I enjoyed it immensely!
5150 - Dierks Bentley: When I hear this hard driving rugged jam, I feel like a hot cowboy. It's fun and sexy and I can't get enough of it. Somebody's gonna call the po po because I am playing it too loud again. :)
Touch Me - Katharine McPhee: How exciting to see the Season 5 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up deliver this high energy dance throw down on Smash. The only thing that would have made it better was to hear it on the radio all the time.
Pontoon - Little Big Town: It is summer time and fun in the sun year round when listening to this light and easy celebration of floating and motor boating.
Love You Like A Love Song - Selena Gomez: This beautiful Disney teen queen is continuing to crank out some of the best dance pop music out there. It's too bad she just keeps falling short of crossing over into mainstream superstardom. It's surely coming soon...
Georgia Peaches - Lauren Alaina: The Season 10 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up is at her best on this toe tapping jam. Still one of my favorite new line dances of the year as well.
Trespassing - Adam Lambert: The Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up hit #1 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart, but none of the singles connected with radio and sales. This song is sorely overlooked and I am still holding out hope that it will get the attention it deserves.
Think Like A Man - Jennifer Hudson: The Oscar winner and Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist sounds amazing on this empowering R&B piece of advice to women.
Monday, December 10, 2012
American Country Awards 2012
The 3rd Annual American Country Awards were once again filled with many American Idol moments.
Last year the Season 10 Miss American Idol winner, Scotty McCreery walked away with the award for New Artist of the Year. This year he was asked back to present the award to this year's winner. It turned into a reunion as he announced the winner as none other that the Season 10 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up, Lauren Alaina. Her hit single Georgia Peaches was one of the best songs of the year and this was a very well deserved honor.
For the third year in a row the Female Artist of the Year award was presented to the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood. In addition, she also won the Collaboration of the Year for her duet, Remind Me with Brad Paisley. Carrie looked more beautiful than ever and she delivered the most genuine, humble and appreciative acceptance speech - like she always does. :)
Last year the Season 10 Miss American Idol winner, Scotty McCreery walked away with the award for New Artist of the Year. This year he was asked back to present the award to this year's winner. It turned into a reunion as he announced the winner as none other that the Season 10 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up, Lauren Alaina. Her hit single Georgia Peaches was one of the best songs of the year and this was a very well deserved honor.
For the third year in a row the Female Artist of the Year award was presented to the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood. In addition, she also won the Collaboration of the Year for her duet, Remind Me with Brad Paisley. Carrie looked more beautiful than ever and she delivered the most genuine, humble and appreciative acceptance speech - like she always does. :)
Sunday, December 9, 2012
The Top 10 songs of 2012
The Top 10 songs of 2012!!
2012 has been a great year for fun pop songs getting into the upper portion of the Billboard HOT 100 Singles chart. Here's my Top 10 favorite songs of the year:
Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen
No other song in 2012 completely saturated social media the way this one did. It's a completely fun and catchy pop jam everyone and their brother felt compelled to video record themselves dancing and singing along with it. While all of the homemade videos were entertaining, the official video was still the best of the bunch. Carly is looking cute daydreaming about her sexy neighbor while he mows the lawn and fixes his car, but it turns out that he ends up giving his number to the cute boy who plays guitar in her band! And to top it off, we learned a super fun line dance to this at Charlie's so it really was everywhere!
Glad You Came - The Wanted
I first heard this song on Glee when the Warblers performed it in a competition. It sounded awesome and it made me want to hear it again. Then when this version started to get radio airplay I started to like it even more. The guys voices harmonize so perfectly to the beat and the lyrics have you singing along.
Titanium - David Guetta
The empowering vocals by Sia combined with the hard driving dance beat deliver the most inspirational and motivating song of the year. This is a must on every work out playlist.
Lights - Ellie Goulding
This is the absolutely perfect song and video for playing loud while grabbing your hairbrush and dancing and singing along. The video is exactly how you would imagine your debut in the spotlight would be as you perform this song for your millions of adoring fans.
Skyfall - Adele
Exactly what a James Bond theme song should be. Lush and sensual strings embrace the mysterious and romantic lyrics. Adele provides the vocals in the grand tradition of Bond girls to perfection.
What Makes You Beautiful - One Direction
At first I thought someone was doing a remake of Summer Nights from Grease, but then it turned into a fresh and exuberant gem that is completely new and different. Still, it was an awesome part of many Summer days and nights in 2012.
Part of Me - Katy Perry
What an exciting night it was when Katy performed this song for the first time at the Grammy awards. It was no surprise at all that it shot to #1 the very next week. In 2012 she proved that she is still the master at serving up the perfect combination of a catchy pop song with an amazing video. This time Katy enlisted in the Marines in a sincere tribute to our veterans.
Everybody Talks - Neon Trees
You can't help but tap your feet and sing along with this pop rock slice of musical entertainment. There are a couple of videos for this song, but my favorite one has the zombies attacking the kids at the drive-in movie.
We Are Young - fun.
This is another song that the cast of Glee introduced long before the original became a hit. fun. has a style that completely goes against the current trends in pop music and they make it work with dramatic vocal arrangements and lots of orchestration. It's a welcome addition to the music scene.
Somebody That I Used To Know - Gotye
When you first heard this you may have thought it was the come-back single from Sting, but honestly, that's never really gonna happen. New artist, Gotye delivers an emotional vocal to go along with the creative performance art video.
2012 has been a great year for fun pop songs getting into the upper portion of the Billboard HOT 100 Singles chart. Here's my Top 10 favorite songs of the year:
Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen
No other song in 2012 completely saturated social media the way this one did. It's a completely fun and catchy pop jam everyone and their brother felt compelled to video record themselves dancing and singing along with it. While all of the homemade videos were entertaining, the official video was still the best of the bunch. Carly is looking cute daydreaming about her sexy neighbor while he mows the lawn and fixes his car, but it turns out that he ends up giving his number to the cute boy who plays guitar in her band! And to top it off, we learned a super fun line dance to this at Charlie's so it really was everywhere!
Glad You Came - The Wanted
I first heard this song on Glee when the Warblers performed it in a competition. It sounded awesome and it made me want to hear it again. Then when this version started to get radio airplay I started to like it even more. The guys voices harmonize so perfectly to the beat and the lyrics have you singing along.
Titanium - David Guetta
The empowering vocals by Sia combined with the hard driving dance beat deliver the most inspirational and motivating song of the year. This is a must on every work out playlist.
Lights - Ellie Goulding
This is the absolutely perfect song and video for playing loud while grabbing your hairbrush and dancing and singing along. The video is exactly how you would imagine your debut in the spotlight would be as you perform this song for your millions of adoring fans.
Skyfall - Adele
Exactly what a James Bond theme song should be. Lush and sensual strings embrace the mysterious and romantic lyrics. Adele provides the vocals in the grand tradition of Bond girls to perfection.
What Makes You Beautiful - One Direction
At first I thought someone was doing a remake of Summer Nights from Grease, but then it turned into a fresh and exuberant gem that is completely new and different. Still, it was an awesome part of many Summer days and nights in 2012.
Part of Me - Katy Perry
What an exciting night it was when Katy performed this song for the first time at the Grammy awards. It was no surprise at all that it shot to #1 the very next week. In 2012 she proved that she is still the master at serving up the perfect combination of a catchy pop song with an amazing video. This time Katy enlisted in the Marines in a sincere tribute to our veterans.
Everybody Talks - Neon Trees
You can't help but tap your feet and sing along with this pop rock slice of musical entertainment. There are a couple of videos for this song, but my favorite one has the zombies attacking the kids at the drive-in movie.
We Are Young - fun.
This is another song that the cast of Glee introduced long before the original became a hit. fun. has a style that completely goes against the current trends in pop music and they make it work with dramatic vocal arrangements and lots of orchestration. It's a welcome addition to the music scene.
Somebody That I Used To Know - Gotye
When you first heard this you may have thought it was the come-back single from Sting, but honestly, that's never really gonna happen. New artist, Gotye delivers an emotional vocal to go along with the creative performance art video.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Idol Grammy Nominations
The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood, has already been recognized with 5 Grammy wins in the past including Best New Artist and Best Country Female Vocalist three years in a row.
The nominations have just been announced and there's a possibility that Carrie could be adding a 6th Grammy to her collection. She was nominated for Best Country Solo Performance for her outstanding vocal performance on Blown Away.
The only other Miss American Idol to be singled out in this year's list of nominations is the Season 1 winner, Kelly Clarkson. 2012 has been a stellar year for her and it is capped off with her multiple nominations including Best Pop Solo performance for the single Stronger and Best Pop Album for Stronger. More impressively, the single Stronger is also up for Record of the Year.
In addition, there are also a few nominations for the songwriters who wrote some of the songs performed by the Miss American Idols. The songwriters for Stronger are nominated for Song of the Year and the songwriters for Blown Away are nominated for Best Country Song.
And then there are the songwriters who composed the wonderful Let Me Be Your Star that the Season 5 Miss American Idol, Katharine McPhee performed to perfection on the TV series Smash. They are nominated for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
We'll find out who the winners are when the Grammy Awards are handed out on February 10th.
The nominations have just been announced and there's a possibility that Carrie could be adding a 6th Grammy to her collection. She was nominated for Best Country Solo Performance for her outstanding vocal performance on Blown Away.
The only other Miss American Idol to be singled out in this year's list of nominations is the Season 1 winner, Kelly Clarkson. 2012 has been a stellar year for her and it is capped off with her multiple nominations including Best Pop Solo performance for the single Stronger and Best Pop Album for Stronger. More impressively, the single Stronger is also up for Record of the Year.
In addition, there are also a few nominations for the songwriters who wrote some of the songs performed by the Miss American Idols. The songwriters for Stronger are nominated for Song of the Year and the songwriters for Blown Away are nominated for Best Country Song.
And then there are the songwriters who composed the wonderful Let Me Be Your Star that the Season 5 Miss American Idol, Katharine McPhee performed to perfection on the TV series Smash. They are nominated for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
We'll find out who the winners are when the Grammy Awards are handed out on February 10th.
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