The Supreme Miss American Idol and Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood, started out 2013 winning the Grammy for Best Country Solo Performance for Blown Away. This became her 6th career Grammy Award.
Carrie continued to have hits from her Blown Away album with Two Black Cadillacs and See You Again both topping the Billboard Country Songs charts as well as the CMT Hot 20 Video Countdown.
At the CMT Awards she won the top award of the night for the second year in a row. Last year she won the CMT Video of the Year for Good Girl and this year she won the CMT Video of the Year again for Blown Away.
Carrie became the voice of Sunday Night Football by taking over the NFL theme song "Waiting All Day for Sunday Night".
For the 6th year in a row Carrie hosted the CMA Awards with Brad Paisley and she delivered the best performance of the night. She performed a medley of her hits Good Girl, Blown Away, Two Black Cadillacs and See You Again.
In December she topped off an amazing year with the record breaking LIVE television event The Sound of Music. She took on the lead role of Maria and performed the classic songs My Favorite Things and Do Re Mi perfectly. The show earned the highest rating for 18-49, non-sports Thursday ratings average since the finale of ‘ER,’ which aired in 2009. The musical also earned NBC the most viewers since 2004′s season finale of ‘Frasier.’
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
American Idol Superstars 2013
Even though there are new singing competition shows on 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, they are complete failures at finding or creating new music superstars. In the many 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! Just look at the impact the American Idol Superstars had in 2013:
The Season 11 Miss American Idol winner Phillip Phillips was all over the radio with his two hit songs Home and Gone Gone Gone. According to the Billboard Year End charts he had the #14 album of the year! He was even nominated as the Favorite New Artist at the American Music Awards.
The Season 10 Miss American Idol winner Scotty McCreery released his third album and saw it come in at #1 on the Billboard Country albums chart. At the American Country Awards he actually won the award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
The Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up Adam Lambert started appearing on the hit TV show Glee where his distinctive singing, dancing and acting style is being put to use every week.
The Season 5 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up Katharine McPhee completed her starring role in the musical drama series Smash.
The Season 5 Miss American Idol finalist Kellie Pickler is a consistent award nominee for her country music and this year she ended up winning the Mirror Ball trophy on Dancing With The Stars.
The Season 5 Miss American Idol finalist Mandisa has totally dominated the Gospel world with the release of her album Overcomer. She has earned three Grammy nominations for her music this year.
The Season 3 Miss American Idol winner Fantasia released her 4th studio album and has also received impressive critical acclaim including three Grammy nominations.
The Oscar winner and Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist Jennifer Hudson starred in the movie Winnie Mandela that is now streaming on netflix.
The Season 2 Miss American Idol winner Ruben Studdard was a contestant on this season of the Biggest Loser and he has already lost over 100 pounds. Even though he has been eliminated, by the end of the season he hopes to lose another 100 pounds.
The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson started out the year by winning her third Grammy (Best Pop Album) and she ended the year with the very successful release of her holiday collection, Wrapped in Red topping the charts and also allowing her the opportunity to have her own Christmas TV special.
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! Just look at the impact the American Idol Superstars had in 2013:
The Season 11 Miss American Idol winner Phillip Phillips was all over the radio with his two hit songs Home and Gone Gone Gone. According to the Billboard Year End charts he had the #14 album of the year! He was even nominated as the Favorite New Artist at the American Music Awards.
The Season 10 Miss American Idol winner Scotty McCreery released his third album and saw it come in at #1 on the Billboard Country albums chart. At the American Country Awards he actually won the award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
The Season 8 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up Adam Lambert started appearing on the hit TV show Glee where his distinctive singing, dancing and acting style is being put to use every week.
The Season 5 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up Katharine McPhee completed her starring role in the musical drama series Smash.
The Season 5 Miss American Idol finalist Kellie Pickler is a consistent award nominee for her country music and this year she ended up winning the Mirror Ball trophy on Dancing With The Stars.
The Season 5 Miss American Idol finalist Mandisa has totally dominated the Gospel world with the release of her album Overcomer. She has earned three Grammy nominations for her music this year.
The Season 3 Miss American Idol winner Fantasia released her 4th studio album and has also received impressive critical acclaim including three Grammy nominations.
The Oscar winner and Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist Jennifer Hudson starred in the movie Winnie Mandela that is now streaming on netflix.
The Season 2 Miss American Idol winner Ruben Studdard was a contestant on this season of the Biggest Loser and he has already lost over 100 pounds. Even though he has been eliminated, by the end of the season he hopes to lose another 100 pounds.
The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson started out the year by winning her third Grammy (Best Pop Album) and she ended the year with the very successful release of her holiday collection, Wrapped in Red topping the charts and also allowing her the opportunity to have her own Christmas TV special.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Favorite Albums of 2013
These were my favorite new albums of 2013:
Golden - Lady Antebellum
The fourth release from Lady Antebellum is another collection of great songs that you can listen to from beginning to end. As expected, it has amazing singles including the very catchy, Downtown, and Compass. It also has the wonderful Goodbye Town.
Spitfire - Leann Rimes
She has one of the most amazing voices in all of music and her new release in 2013 is an outstanding showcase for her depth and range. From the heartfelt ballad What Have I Done to the joyful happiness of Bottle there is something for every one here. Another stand out track is Gasoline and Matches when you want to dance a swing.
Yours Truly - Ariana Grande
You may have gotten to know her watching Sam and Cat on Nickelodeon, but Ariana Grande has really come into her own on her debut album. She is a true musical artist with a truly outstanding voice. Yours Truly includes the smash hit The Way as well as the singles Baby I and Right There. If you saw her win the award for Favorite New Artist at the American Music Awards you saw her perform Tattooed Heart.
Bombshell - Smash Cast
The best Broadway Cast recording of the year never actually made it to Broadway. While Bombshell won the Tony for Best Musical on the show Smash, it unfortunately was just a fantasy. This collection of songs about the life of Marilyn Monroe is fun and entertainment from the start of Act One all the way until the curtain comes down at the end of Act Two. It features songs in every imaginable style including jive, doo-wop, jazz and lush romantic ballads. It even has a song called Let's Start Tomorrow Tonight that could have been a hit for Nat King Cole back in the day. And of course, it's wonderful to hear The Season 5 Miss American Idol 1st runner up, Katharine McPhee sounding spectacular on Don't Forget Me and Never Give All The Heart.
Golden - Lady Antebellum
The fourth release from Lady Antebellum is another collection of great songs that you can listen to from beginning to end. As expected, it has amazing singles including the very catchy, Downtown, and Compass. It also has the wonderful Goodbye Town.
Spitfire - Leann Rimes
She has one of the most amazing voices in all of music and her new release in 2013 is an outstanding showcase for her depth and range. From the heartfelt ballad What Have I Done to the joyful happiness of Bottle there is something for every one here. Another stand out track is Gasoline and Matches when you want to dance a swing.
Yours Truly - Ariana Grande
You may have gotten to know her watching Sam and Cat on Nickelodeon, but Ariana Grande has really come into her own on her debut album. She is a true musical artist with a truly outstanding voice. Yours Truly includes the smash hit The Way as well as the singles Baby I and Right There. If you saw her win the award for Favorite New Artist at the American Music Awards you saw her perform Tattooed Heart.
Bombshell - Smash Cast
The best Broadway Cast recording of the year never actually made it to Broadway. While Bombshell won the Tony for Best Musical on the show Smash, it unfortunately was just a fantasy. This collection of songs about the life of Marilyn Monroe is fun and entertainment from the start of Act One all the way until the curtain comes down at the end of Act Two. It features songs in every imaginable style including jive, doo-wop, jazz and lush romantic ballads. It even has a song called Let's Start Tomorrow Tonight that could have been a hit for Nat King Cole back in the day. And of course, it's wonderful to hear The Season 5 Miss American Idol 1st runner up, Katharine McPhee sounding spectacular on Don't Forget Me and Never Give All The Heart.
Artists of the Year - Luke Bryan
Luke Bryan
The amazing success with Tailgates and Tanlines in 2012 for Luke Bryan was just the beginning. He is on a roll and there is no stopping him!
He started off 2013 by releasing his latest collection of Spring Break music and it shot to #1 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart.
He then not only hosted the Academy of Country Music Awards in April, but he walked away with the biggest award of the night!!! He was named the ACM Entertainer of the Year!! His emotional and heartfelt acceptance speech only reinforced that he is the coolest and nicest guy in the business.
Even though his albums Tailgates and Tanlines and Spring Break were still selling well, he released another new collection in 2013 called Crash My Party. The lead off single and title track became an immediate hit and it is a favorite for dancing a shadow. The second single, That's My Kind Of Night, completely secures his position as the go to man for a fun country party jam. On the year end Billboard Country Albums chart he ended up taking THREE positions in the top 10 with Crash My Party at #3, Tailgates and Tanlines at #8 and Spring Break at #10.
He once again won the American Music Award for Favorite Country Male Artist as well as being named a CMT Artist of the Year for the second time. In addition, he completely cleaned up again at the American Country Awards winning Artist of the Year.
The amazing success with Tailgates and Tanlines in 2012 for Luke Bryan was just the beginning. He is on a roll and there is no stopping him!
He started off 2013 by releasing his latest collection of Spring Break music and it shot to #1 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart.
He then not only hosted the Academy of Country Music Awards in April, but he walked away with the biggest award of the night!!! He was named the ACM Entertainer of the Year!! His emotional and heartfelt acceptance speech only reinforced that he is the coolest and nicest guy in the business.
Even though his albums Tailgates and Tanlines and Spring Break were still selling well, he released another new collection in 2013 called Crash My Party. The lead off single and title track became an immediate hit and it is a favorite for dancing a shadow. The second single, That's My Kind Of Night, completely secures his position as the go to man for a fun country party jam. On the year end Billboard Country Albums chart he ended up taking THREE positions in the top 10 with Crash My Party at #3, Tailgates and Tanlines at #8 and Spring Break at #10.
He once again won the American Music Award for Favorite Country Male Artist as well as being named a CMT Artist of the Year for the second time. In addition, he completely cleaned up again at the American Country Awards winning Artist of the Year.
Artists of the Year - Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
There's no denying that the hip hop act of the year, with no competition is Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. Their album, The Heist, as a huge seller with the lead off track, Thrift Store, becoming the #1 single for all of 2013 according to Billboard. Thrift Store is a silly novelty hit that could have branded these guys as a frivolous one hit wonder act, but there was much more to come.
They followed up Thrift Store with a song called Can't Hold Us which is, once again, with no competition, the high energy dance floor party anthem of the year.
And then they released a single that showed that these guys are actually silly novelty, dance party hip hop artists with a point of view. Their song Same Love very openly and specifically celebrates their support for marriage equality. It doesn't matter that the song isn't as fun as Thrift Store or as amazing as Can't Hold Us. What matters is that with Same Love these guys are speaking openly and honestly to the hip hop audience that same sex marriage is nothing to be afraid of and that it certainly should not be made fun of.
Being bold and outspoken has not hurt their career at all. They are one of the top sellers of the year and they are multiple nominees at the Grammy Awards.
There's no denying that the hip hop act of the year, with no competition is Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. Their album, The Heist, as a huge seller with the lead off track, Thrift Store, becoming the #1 single for all of 2013 according to Billboard. Thrift Store is a silly novelty hit that could have branded these guys as a frivolous one hit wonder act, but there was much more to come.
They followed up Thrift Store with a song called Can't Hold Us which is, once again, with no competition, the high energy dance floor party anthem of the year.
And then they released a single that showed that these guys are actually silly novelty, dance party hip hop artists with a point of view. Their song Same Love very openly and specifically celebrates their support for marriage equality. It doesn't matter that the song isn't as fun as Thrift Store or as amazing as Can't Hold Us. What matters is that with Same Love these guys are speaking openly and honestly to the hip hop audience that same sex marriage is nothing to be afraid of and that it certainly should not be made fun of.
Being bold and outspoken has not hurt their career at all. They are one of the top sellers of the year and they are multiple nominees at the Grammy Awards.
Artists of the Year - One Direction
One Direction
2013 was a year for the boys of One Direction to kick things into high gear! They released their third album called Midnight Memories and had their highest first week sales with over 500,000 copies sold. All of their videos on YouTube have over 100 Million views and they dominated at the fan voted American Music Awards winning in all of the Favorite Pop Group categories.
But the most exciting way to see these boys in 2013 was in 3D on the big screen! They released a movie called This Is Us that told the whole story from the beginning how they got 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 movie took us behind the scenes and we saw them in rehearsals, in the recording studio and even at home with their families and friends. And of course, they sang all of their hits!
2013 was a year for the boys of One Direction to kick things into high gear! They released their third album called Midnight Memories and had their highest first week sales with over 500,000 copies sold. All of their videos on YouTube have over 100 Million views and they dominated at the fan voted American Music Awards winning in all of the Favorite Pop Group categories.
But the most exciting way to see these boys in 2013 was in 3D on the big screen! They released a movie called This Is Us that told the whole story from the beginning how they got 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 movie took us behind the scenes and we saw them in rehearsals, in the recording studio and even at home with their families and friends. And of course, they sang all of their hits!
Thursday, December 26, 2013
More Favorite Songs of 2013
I recently listed my Top 10 Favorite Songs of 2013. 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 2013. 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 2013 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 2013. 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.
Wagon Wheel - Darius Rucker: There was quite the controversy over the fact that someone would dare cover this bluegrass toe tapper by the Old Crow Medicine Show. I am far from being a purist so it did not bother me at all that Darius enlisted Lady Antebellum for background vocals and gave me my favorite new song for a slow and easy two step in 2013.
Done - The Band Perry: With previous releases like If I Die Young and Better Dig Two, The Band Perry was the most morbid group ever wallowing in songs about death. I had no interest in paying attention to them and then they released Done. It is exactly the kind of song that is great to play loud and do a super fun line dance to.
That's My Kinda Night - Luke Bryan: Luke became the ACM Entertainer of the Year and the top selling artist by releasing booty shaking, fun loving songs like this.
Troublemaker - Olly Murs: It could have been created in a factory taking the best beat with the catchiest lyrics, adding the cute singer and the fun video and I love every bit of it!
Sunny and 75 - Joe Nichols: No matter what the weather is, this song has the power to transport me to that fresh and fun place where it is free. easy, sunny and 75! Whipping around the dance floor doing a fast two step to this song is pure joy.
Sleep - Allen Stone: I am so happy that VH1 made him a "You Oughta Know" artist because I absolutely love this song. Unfortunately, it seems like I am the only one by the tiny about of airplay it got. Oh well, maybe by listing it here it might get some more attention. :)
All-American Boy - Steve Grand: How exciting to see a young artist be open and brave enough at the beginning of his career to be not only be openly gay, but to clearly express it in his songs and videos. Steve Grand genuinely expressed the feelings of having a crush on a guy that you can't have so sincerely in this song that it can't be denied.
Redneck Crazy - Tyler Farr: While I am about as far from being a redneck as you can get, there is just something about this song that pulled me in and wouldn't let go. It's honest and sexy as hell. It makes for the best shadow dance of the night.
Take Back The Night - Justin Timberlake: The 20/20 Experience was the biggest album of the year, but somehow this single failed to also reach the top of the charts. It is the clear stand out track for me that showcases all my favorite qualities about Justin. It has a classic smooth R&B groove with a funky horn section. It's great to dance to and sing along with so I have no idea why it stalled on the charts.
Bottle - Leann Rimes: She has one of the best voices in all of music and she released a fierce collection of songs on an album called Spitfire in 2013. This track has the sound of a classic country tune and it is the best mid-tempo two step of the year.
There were lots of other songs that I loved in 2013 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 2013. 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.
Wagon Wheel - Darius Rucker: There was quite the controversy over the fact that someone would dare cover this bluegrass toe tapper by the Old Crow Medicine Show. I am far from being a purist so it did not bother me at all that Darius enlisted Lady Antebellum for background vocals and gave me my favorite new song for a slow and easy two step in 2013.
Done - The Band Perry: With previous releases like If I Die Young and Better Dig Two, The Band Perry was the most morbid group ever wallowing in songs about death. I had no interest in paying attention to them and then they released Done. It is exactly the kind of song that is great to play loud and do a super fun line dance to.
That's My Kinda Night - Luke Bryan: Luke became the ACM Entertainer of the Year and the top selling artist by releasing booty shaking, fun loving songs like this.
Troublemaker - Olly Murs: It could have been created in a factory taking the best beat with the catchiest lyrics, adding the cute singer and the fun video and I love every bit of it!
Sunny and 75 - Joe Nichols: No matter what the weather is, this song has the power to transport me to that fresh and fun place where it is free. easy, sunny and 75! Whipping around the dance floor doing a fast two step to this song is pure joy.
Sleep - Allen Stone: I am so happy that VH1 made him a "You Oughta Know" artist because I absolutely love this song. Unfortunately, it seems like I am the only one by the tiny about of airplay it got. Oh well, maybe by listing it here it might get some more attention. :)
All-American Boy - Steve Grand: How exciting to see a young artist be open and brave enough at the beginning of his career to be not only be openly gay, but to clearly express it in his songs and videos. Steve Grand genuinely expressed the feelings of having a crush on a guy that you can't have so sincerely in this song that it can't be denied.
Redneck Crazy - Tyler Farr: While I am about as far from being a redneck as you can get, there is just something about this song that pulled me in and wouldn't let go. It's honest and sexy as hell. It makes for the best shadow dance of the night.
Take Back The Night - Justin Timberlake: The 20/20 Experience was the biggest album of the year, but somehow this single failed to also reach the top of the charts. It is the clear stand out track for me that showcases all my favorite qualities about Justin. It has a classic smooth R&B groove with a funky horn section. It's great to dance to and sing along with so I have no idea why it stalled on the charts.
Bottle - Leann Rimes: She has one of the best voices in all of music and she released a fierce collection of songs on an album called Spitfire in 2013. This track has the sound of a classic country tune and it is the best mid-tempo two step of the year.
The Top 10 Songs of 2013
The Top 10 songs of 2013!!
2013 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:
Come and Get It - Selena Gomez
For the past five years Selena Gomez has been delivering some of the best dance pop music out there, but none of her songs managed to really crossover to the pop mainstream. Finally in 2013 the timing was right for one of her singles to reach the Top 10 of the Billboard HOT 100. Come and Get It is simply pop music perfection with its catching beat and sing a long chorus. It is so nice to see one of the Disney kids grow up in front of us and be so beautiful and professional.
Get Lucky - Daft Punk
Upon first listen you might have thought you were hearing a vintage disco classic, but this dance jam was brand new and taking over radio airplay. Daft Punk have now found themselves nominated for the Grammy for Record of the Year with this outstanding single.
The Way - Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande successfully embarked on her pop crossover career apart from work on Nickelodeon TV shows with this 90's retro R&B track. Her vocals are reminiscent of Mariah Carey and she presents herself with the highest standard of class and poise. It will be nice to see a lot more of her in the future.
Safe and Sound - Capital Cities
All of the pieces come together perfectly making this song impossible to not like. And the fact that the video is full of so many awesome styles of dancing pushes it up even higher on the list of favorites.
Can't Hold Us - Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
Their album The Heist is packed with hits, but this is the one that I had playing in heavy rotation all year long. It is the dance party anthem of the year!
Best Song Ever - One Direction
One Direction proved that they had staying power, at least for another year, by releasing super fun songs and videos like this.
Roar - Katy Perry
In 2013 Katy proved that she is still the master at serving up the perfect combination of a catchy pop song with an amazing video. This time she went deep into the jungle to deliver this empowering anthem.
When I Was Your Man - Bruno Mars
In this era of Electronic Dance Music domination it is very rare that a tender ballad reaches the top of the charts, Bruno Mars released something that was too good to be ignored. So take heed listeners and treat your boyfriends right while you have them!
Applause - Lady Gaga
The first single from her ArtPop collection is catchy, fun and completely describes the driving force for many to perform in front of the crowds. I mean really, why rehearse for weeks if no audience is there to shower you with praise when you finally perform?
Feel This Moment - Christina Aguilera with Pitbull
Thank goodness Christina found an outlet for her vocal talents on this high energy collaboration with Pitbull. Her solo albums have been dreary lately, but this reminds us why we are keeping her around.
2013 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:
Come and Get It - Selena Gomez
For the past five years Selena Gomez has been delivering some of the best dance pop music out there, but none of her songs managed to really crossover to the pop mainstream. Finally in 2013 the timing was right for one of her singles to reach the Top 10 of the Billboard HOT 100. Come and Get It is simply pop music perfection with its catching beat and sing a long chorus. It is so nice to see one of the Disney kids grow up in front of us and be so beautiful and professional.
Get Lucky - Daft Punk
Upon first listen you might have thought you were hearing a vintage disco classic, but this dance jam was brand new and taking over radio airplay. Daft Punk have now found themselves nominated for the Grammy for Record of the Year with this outstanding single.
The Way - Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande successfully embarked on her pop crossover career apart from work on Nickelodeon TV shows with this 90's retro R&B track. Her vocals are reminiscent of Mariah Carey and she presents herself with the highest standard of class and poise. It will be nice to see a lot more of her in the future.
Safe and Sound - Capital Cities
All of the pieces come together perfectly making this song impossible to not like. And the fact that the video is full of so many awesome styles of dancing pushes it up even higher on the list of favorites.
Can't Hold Us - Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
Their album The Heist is packed with hits, but this is the one that I had playing in heavy rotation all year long. It is the dance party anthem of the year!
Best Song Ever - One Direction
One Direction proved that they had staying power, at least for another year, by releasing super fun songs and videos like this.
Roar - Katy Perry
In 2013 Katy proved that she is still the master at serving up the perfect combination of a catchy pop song with an amazing video. This time she went deep into the jungle to deliver this empowering anthem.
When I Was Your Man - Bruno Mars
In this era of Electronic Dance Music domination it is very rare that a tender ballad reaches the top of the charts, Bruno Mars released something that was too good to be ignored. So take heed listeners and treat your boyfriends right while you have them!
Applause - Lady Gaga
The first single from her ArtPop collection is catchy, fun and completely describes the driving force for many to perform in front of the crowds. I mean really, why rehearse for weeks if no audience is there to shower you with praise when you finally perform?
Feel This Moment - Christina Aguilera with Pitbull
Thank goodness Christina found an outlet for her vocal talents on this high energy collaboration with Pitbull. Her solo albums have been dreary lately, but this reminds us why we are keeping her around.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
2013 Year End Charts
The #1 album on the Billboard charts for all of 2013 is The 20/20/ Experience by Justin Timbelake.
There were some very strong showings from the Miss American Idol finalists on the 2013 year end charts. The Season 11 Miss American Idol winner, Phillip Phillips has the highest ranking at #14 with his album The World From The Side Of The Moon. The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood comes in at #31 with her album Blown Away. The Greatest Hits album by Season 1 Miss American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson lands at #42. The Season 10 Miss American Idol winner, Scotty McCreery, comes in at #98 with his holiday collection Christmas With Scotty McCreery. Side Effects of You from the Season 3 Miss American Idol winner Fantasia is the #104 album of the year. The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson also ends the year at #170 with her holiday collection, Wrapped in Red.
The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood had the #9 Country Album of the year with Blown Away. The Season 10 Miss American Idol winner, Scotty McCreery, has two albums on this chart. Christmas with Scotty McCreery is at #25 and he comes in at #47 on this chart with his debut album Clear As Day.
The Top 5 singles for 2012 on the Billboard HOT 100 are: #1 Thrift Shop by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, #2 Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke, #3 Radioactive by Imagine Dragons, #4 Harlem Shake by Baauer and at #5 Can't Hold Us by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.
The Miss American Idol finalist who makes the highest showing on the year end singles chart is Season 11 Miss American Idol winner Phillip Phillips with Home at #46 as well as Gone Gone Gone at #61. The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson is on the year end chart at #68 with Catch My Breath.
The Miss American Idol winners also had an impressive showing on the Billboard 2013 Top Artists of the Year chart: The Season 11 Miss American Idol winner, Phillip Phillips ends up at #26 while The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood comes in at #43. The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson lands at #47.
There were some very strong showings from the Miss American Idol finalists on the 2013 year end charts. The Season 11 Miss American Idol winner, Phillip Phillips has the highest ranking at #14 with his album The World From The Side Of The Moon. The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood comes in at #31 with her album Blown Away. The Greatest Hits album by Season 1 Miss American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson lands at #42. The Season 10 Miss American Idol winner, Scotty McCreery, comes in at #98 with his holiday collection Christmas With Scotty McCreery. Side Effects of You from the Season 3 Miss American Idol winner Fantasia is the #104 album of the year. The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson also ends the year at #170 with her holiday collection, Wrapped in Red.
The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood had the #9 Country Album of the year with Blown Away. The Season 10 Miss American Idol winner, Scotty McCreery, has two albums on this chart. Christmas with Scotty McCreery is at #25 and he comes in at #47 on this chart with his debut album Clear As Day.
The Top 5 singles for 2012 on the Billboard HOT 100 are: #1 Thrift Shop by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, #2 Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke, #3 Radioactive by Imagine Dragons, #4 Harlem Shake by Baauer and at #5 Can't Hold Us by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.
The Miss American Idol finalist who makes the highest showing on the year end singles chart is Season 11 Miss American Idol winner Phillip Phillips with Home at #46 as well as Gone Gone Gone at #61. The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson is on the year end chart at #68 with Catch My Breath.
The Miss American Idol winners also had an impressive showing on the Billboard 2013 Top Artists of the Year chart: The Season 11 Miss American Idol winner, Phillip Phillips ends up at #26 while The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood comes in at #43. The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson lands at #47.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
American Idol Grammy Nominations
The nominations for the 56th Annual Grammy Awards were announced, and an impressive eight nominations went to three Miss AMERICAN IDOL finalists and one IDOL judge.
The Season 3 Miss American Idol winner, Fantasia, got three nominations:
Best Traditional R&B Performance for "Get It Right"
Best R&B Song for "Without Me" feat. Kelly Rowland and Missy Elliot
Best Urban Contemporary Album for Side Effects of You
This makes Fantasia an 11-time Grammy nominee! She won the award once in 2010 for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for “Bittersweet.”
The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, got one nomination:
Best Country Duo/Group Performance "Don't Rush" feat. Vince Gill
Kelly will be going up against Idol judge Keith Urban in this category for his song "Highway Don't Care" with Tim McGraw and Taylor Swift
This is also Kelly Clarkson's 11th nomination, and she's won three times before!
The Season 5 Miss American Idol 8th Runner Up, Mandisa, also has three nominations:
Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance "Overcomer"
Best Contemporary Christian Music Song "Overcomer"
Best Contemporary Christian Music Album "Overcomer
Mandisa has received three Grammy nominations previously in her career, and that number has now doubled to six.
The Grammy Award winners will be announced on January 26, 2014.
The Season 3 Miss American Idol winner, Fantasia, got three nominations:
Best Traditional R&B Performance for "Get It Right"
Best R&B Song for "Without Me" feat. Kelly Rowland and Missy Elliot
Best Urban Contemporary Album for Side Effects of You
This makes Fantasia an 11-time Grammy nominee! She won the award once in 2010 for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for “Bittersweet.”
The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, got one nomination:
Best Country Duo/Group Performance "Don't Rush" feat. Vince Gill
Kelly will be going up against Idol judge Keith Urban in this category for his song "Highway Don't Care" with Tim McGraw and Taylor Swift
This is also Kelly Clarkson's 11th nomination, and she's won three times before!
The Season 5 Miss American Idol 8th Runner Up, Mandisa, also has three nominations:
Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance "Overcomer"
Best Contemporary Christian Music Song "Overcomer"
Best Contemporary Christian Music Album "Overcomer
Mandisa has received three Grammy nominations previously in her career, and that number has now doubled to six.
The Grammy Award winners will be announced on January 26, 2014.
American Country Awards 2013
For the fourth year in a row the Miss American Idol finalists came out as a dominant presence at the American Country Awards.
Season 5 finalist and Dancing With The Stars winner, Kellie Pickler, delivered a wonderful performance of her latest single from her 4th album, The Woman I Am. The album made its debut last month on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart at #4 with first week sales of 16,000.
The Season 10 Miss American Idol winner and 1st runner up, Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina, made an appearance together as presenters. Scotty, who is continuing to have successful album sales with his 3rd release, See You Tonight, ended up winning the award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
The Supreme Miss American idol, Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood, won the award for Favorite Music Video by a Female Artist for Blown Away. This win along with her 11 previous awards, make her the female artist with the most American Country Award wins in the history of the show.
Season 5 finalist and Dancing With The Stars winner, Kellie Pickler, delivered a wonderful performance of her latest single from her 4th album, The Woman I Am. The album made its debut last month on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart at #4 with first week sales of 16,000.
The Season 10 Miss American Idol winner and 1st runner up, Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina, made an appearance together as presenters. Scotty, who is continuing to have successful album sales with his 3rd release, See You Tonight, ended up winning the award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
The Supreme Miss American idol, Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood, won the award for Favorite Music Video by a Female Artist for Blown Away. This win along with her 11 previous awards, make her the female artist with the most American Country Award wins in the history of the show.
21.3 Million Viewers for The Sound of Music
It seems that the Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood, is an even bigger star than we initially thought.
The superstar helped carry the three-hour production of the Sound of Music to the top of the ratings when it aired on Thursday night Dec. 5th on NBC. But while the initial reports were that the all-star cast, which also included ‘True Blood’ star Stephen Moyer and TV and Broadway actress Laura Benanti, earned 18.5 million viewers, new reports indicate that number is actually significantly higher.
According to the New York Times, once the number of delayed viewers (who watched at a later date on their DVR) were calculated, that number of viewers ballooned to 21.3 million — almost three million more than what was initially thought. The additional viewers also earned the show one more point in viewers between ages 18 to 49.
Carrie couldn’t be more pleased with the final result. “Glory to God tonight…I couldn’t be more proud,” she tweeted after the show. “What a tough thing to pull off and we did it! I am so blessed!!!”
She has every right to be proud, that's for sure! Just for pushing her own boundaries and for rising to this challenge. She has proven herself as a mutli-talented superstar who is not afraid of hard work, dedication and professionalism. I am impressed with all of the time, effort and energy that was put into this television event by so many people and I am pleased that the network plans on tackling a different musical next year during the holiday season.
Friday, December 6, 2013
American Music Awards
The 2013 American Music Awards have come and gone and there were no wins for the American Idol alumni association this year. Neither Carrie Underwood nor Phillip Phillips won their nominations in their respective categories, Favorite Country Female Artist and Favorite New Artist of the year.
The only presence of the American Idols came in the form of presenters. The Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson graced the stage as a presenter. She is currently promoting her new single, I Can't Describe. It's a fun R&B groove that I have been playing in heavy rotation on my playlist, but since it has failed to appear on any charts yet, I could be the only person playing it.
Season 5 Miss American Idol 3rd runner up, Chris Daughtry, was also there as a presenter. He is promoting the release of his 4th album, Baptized. The album has just made its debut on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart at #6 with just over 55,000 units sold. This means that all four of his albums have made it to the Top 10 on this chart. His last album, 2011's "Break the Spell," debuted and peaked at No. 8 off a start of 129,000.
The only presence of the American Idols came in the form of presenters. The Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson graced the stage as a presenter. She is currently promoting her new single, I Can't Describe. It's a fun R&B groove that I have been playing in heavy rotation on my playlist, but since it has failed to appear on any charts yet, I could be the only person playing it.
Season 5 Miss American Idol 3rd runner up, Chris Daughtry, was also there as a presenter. He is promoting the release of his 4th album, Baptized. The album has just made its debut on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart at #6 with just over 55,000 units sold. This means that all four of his albums have made it to the Top 10 on this chart. His last album, 2011's "Break the Spell," debuted and peaked at No. 8 off a start of 129,000.
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