The Supreme Miss American Idol, Season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood, is a two time winner of the Academy of Country Music Awards Entertainer of the Year. The nominations for the 2012 awards have just been announced, and although she is not up for Entertainer of the Year this time around she does have two nominations. Her duet with Brad Paisley, Remind Me, is up for Vocal Event of the Year and she is also up for Female Vocalist of the Year.
The show is scheduled to air on Sunday April 1st and by that time we will have all heard her brand new single called Good Girl, that will be released on February 23rd. Hopefully we can look forward to her performing the new song on the telecast!
The Season 1 Miss American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson, is also up for ACM awards this year for her duet with Jason Aldean, Don't You Wanna Stay. It is nominated for Single of the Year and she will go head to head with Carrie for Vocal Event of the Year.
Also, Kelly's second single from her album Stronger, What Doesn't Kill You, has reached the top 10 on the Billboard HOT 100 this week at #8.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Katherine McPhee is a SMASH!!!!!
It has been a long time coming, but the series premiere of SMASH is just around the corner on Monday February 6th.
Just in case you have been living in a hole and don't know what SMASH is, it's a new musical drama about the development of a Broadway musical about the life of Marilyn Monroe starring the Season 5 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up, Katherine McPhee!
But you don't have to wait until Feb. 5th to see it. You can actually go to itunes right now and download the entire pilot episode for FREE! I just watched it and this is gonna be some truly amazing television. Katherine looks and sounds a zillion times better than she ever did while she was on American Idol. I can't wait to see more!!
Just in case you have been living in a hole and don't know what SMASH is, it's a new musical drama about the development of a Broadway musical about the life of Marilyn Monroe starring the Season 5 Miss American Idol 1st Runner Up, Katherine McPhee!
But you don't have to wait until Feb. 5th to see it. You can actually go to itunes right now and download the entire pilot episode for FREE! I just watched it and this is gonna be some truly amazing television. Katherine looks and sounds a zillion times better than she ever did while she was on American Idol. I can't wait to see more!!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
American Idol - Season 11
American Idol Season 10 is officially behind us and it is leaving a pretty impressive legacy. After a few years of lackluster sales from the winners, The Season 10 Miss American Idol winner, Scotty McCreery, released his first full album that ended up topping the Billboard charts and selling over 1 million copies in just a few months.
Season 10 also became the year that the Country Music genre dominated with Scotty along with the 1st Runner Up, Lauren Alaina, being teen country darlings.
But tonight was the first night of Season 11 auditions and a whole new crop of young singers is gonna do their best to leave their mark and become superstars.
After watching the first two hours, American Idol still has what it takes to be my favorite show. Just seeing these impressive talents give their all for the judges and hear them say "YES, you're going to Hollywood!" is all it takes to get the tears of joy rolling down my face. Their friends and families are out there beaming with pride and giving them support and encouragement. It reminds us why this is still the top rated show on TV after 11 seasons.
Season 10 also became the year that the Country Music genre dominated with Scotty along with the 1st Runner Up, Lauren Alaina, being teen country darlings.
But tonight was the first night of Season 11 auditions and a whole new crop of young singers is gonna do their best to leave their mark and become superstars.
After watching the first two hours, American Idol still has what it takes to be my favorite show. Just seeing these impressive talents give their all for the judges and hear them say "YES, you're going to Hollywood!" is all it takes to get the tears of joy rolling down my face. Their friends and families are out there beaming with pride and giving them support and encouragement. It reminds us why this is still the top rated show on TV after 11 seasons.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Jennifer Hudson - I Remember Me
2011 was a banner year for the likes of Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Adele, The Cast of Glee, Lady Antebellum and LMFAO. But the Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson released a truly wonderful album in 2011 called I Remember Me. While the album did not have the highest sales of the year or produce any massive hits, it is genuinely worth checking out so you can see what you were missing.
The lead single was Where You At and it is a classic smooth R&B jam where Jennifer sings about her man who is continually letting her down. The amazing video was filmed right here in her home town of Chicago and it shows off the grand skyline in winter. She followed it up with another R&B jam called No One Gonna Love You with a great video that features hot dancers doing fierce choreography. Both of these songs were remixed into powerful dance floor anthems which elevated her vocals to an even higher level.
My two favorite songs on the album are Everybody Needs Love and Don't Look Down. These two fun songs have catchy hooks and super bouncy beats with absolutely no remixing needed. I would have loved for them to be released as singles and get played on the radio all day and night.
In addition, the album has her version of Feeling Good that was used in her Weight Watchers commercials. It really is a great song to convey her positive energy about making a healthy change for herself and inspiring others.
Another great song that Jennifer released in 2011, Night Of Your Life, wasn't included on I Remember Me. This outstanding disco dance celebration was only found on the compilation from DJ David Guetta called Nothing But The Beat.
Monday, January 2, 2012
More Favorite Songs From 2011
I recently listed my Top 10 Favorite Songs of 2011. 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 2011. 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 2011 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 2011. 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.
Country Girl (Shake It For Me) - Luke Bryan: The only thing that could have possibly made this song any better is if Luke was singing "Country BOY Shake It For Me"! It has the perfect bouncy beat for a high energy two-step around the dance floor and it's great to blast really loud while driving.
Get Outta My Way - Kylie Minogue: Another perfect song to enjoy while driving when you want those slow pokes to keep moving and get out the way! Kylie is a huge superstar all over the world, but she just can't seem to get another hit here in the States, even with totally fierce songs like this one.
If I Run - The Harters: This is the perfect song to dance a waltz to when you want to channel the glam and drama of Dancing With the Stars. It has romantic lyrics that are sung beautifully to a lush and sweeping production and arrangement.
MoneyGrabber - Fitz and the Tantrums: Upon first listen to this pop masterpiece one would think it is an oldie from the new wave 80's scene. The fact is, that it is an exciting sound coming from the completely under-rated and Best New Artist of 2011. The entire album is filled with catchy hooks sung to a great beat.
From A Table Away - Sunny Sweeney: The favorite new stationary cha-cha of the year is this classic country tale of the other woman realizing that her man is never gonna leave his wife.
Where You At - Jennifer Hudson: The Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist and Oscar winner completely shined on this R&B ballad from her second album.
I Wouldn't Be A Man - Josh Turner: This became my most requested song for dancing a sexy shadow to in 2011. With Josh's deep vocals along with the smooth and steady slow beat there was some steaming lovemaking going on on the dance floor.
I Am Woman - Jordin Sparks: The Season 6 Miss American Idol winner provided the anthem of female empowerment of 2011. Sadly, there were probably only two opportunities to hear it all year. She performed it on American Idol and then the song was used on Dancing With The Stars for a group number.
Don't You Wanna Stay - Kelly Clarkson w/Jason Aldean: The Season 1 Miss American winner had her biggest success on the country charts this year. The video for this lovely duet ended up in the #1 position on CMT's Top Videos of the Year countdown.
Remind Me - Carrie Underwood w/Brad Paisley: Without a new album in 2011, the most we got from the Supreme Miss American Idol and Season 4 winner was this wonderful ballad about rediscovering a faded love. This was another very sexy shadow dance.
There were lots of other songs that I loved in 2011 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 2011. 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.
Country Girl (Shake It For Me) - Luke Bryan: The only thing that could have possibly made this song any better is if Luke was singing "Country BOY Shake It For Me"! It has the perfect bouncy beat for a high energy two-step around the dance floor and it's great to blast really loud while driving.
Get Outta My Way - Kylie Minogue: Another perfect song to enjoy while driving when you want those slow pokes to keep moving and get out the way! Kylie is a huge superstar all over the world, but she just can't seem to get another hit here in the States, even with totally fierce songs like this one.
If I Run - The Harters: This is the perfect song to dance a waltz to when you want to channel the glam and drama of Dancing With the Stars. It has romantic lyrics that are sung beautifully to a lush and sweeping production and arrangement.
MoneyGrabber - Fitz and the Tantrums: Upon first listen to this pop masterpiece one would think it is an oldie from the new wave 80's scene. The fact is, that it is an exciting sound coming from the completely under-rated and Best New Artist of 2011. The entire album is filled with catchy hooks sung to a great beat.
From A Table Away - Sunny Sweeney: The favorite new stationary cha-cha of the year is this classic country tale of the other woman realizing that her man is never gonna leave his wife.
Where You At - Jennifer Hudson: The Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist and Oscar winner completely shined on this R&B ballad from her second album.
I Wouldn't Be A Man - Josh Turner: This became my most requested song for dancing a sexy shadow to in 2011. With Josh's deep vocals along with the smooth and steady slow beat there was some steaming lovemaking going on on the dance floor.
I Am Woman - Jordin Sparks: The Season 6 Miss American Idol winner provided the anthem of female empowerment of 2011. Sadly, there were probably only two opportunities to hear it all year. She performed it on American Idol and then the song was used on Dancing With The Stars for a group number.
Don't You Wanna Stay - Kelly Clarkson w/Jason Aldean: The Season 1 Miss American winner had her biggest success on the country charts this year. The video for this lovely duet ended up in the #1 position on CMT's Top Videos of the Year countdown.
Remind Me - Carrie Underwood w/Brad Paisley: Without a new album in 2011, the most we got from the Supreme Miss American Idol and Season 4 winner was this wonderful ballad about rediscovering a faded love. This was another very sexy shadow dance.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Artists of the Year - Katy Perry
Katy Perry
2010 was such an amazing year for Katy Perry that it would seem almost impossible for 2011 to be even better, but this girl is on FIRE and that's exactly what happened.
Katy started out the year at #1 with her single Firework, the third single from her album Teenage Dream, that hit #1. The outstanding video for the song ended up getting named the Video of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards and the song is also nominated for the Grammy for Record of the Year.
This exceptional song, Firework, has connected with so many people because it so wonderfully conveys to all of us that nobody is perfect. We are all made up of our own unique imperfections that we must struggle through life with, but the high energy exuberance of this song along with the encouraging lyrics it lets us know that it's all worth the effort.
The next single from the album was E.T. It had an exciting outer space video that captured the extra terrestrial essence of the song and it ended up becoming the fourth release to claim the #1 position on the Billboard HOT 100.
By the time she released the fifth single, everyone was speculating if she could achieve a record breaking fifth #1 single on the Billboard HOT 100 from the same album. All you had to do was hear the song Last Friday Night and see the video to be assured that it was definitely going to happen. It's the most fun that could possibly be had in a pop song and the star studded video is quite simply pure entertainment perfection. The inclusion of a Kenny G lead the trend of saxophone solos coming back to songs.
Another amazing chart achievement that Katy Perry reached in 2011 was the most consecutive weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard HOT 100. It all started on May 29th of 2010 when California Gurls spent its first week in the top 10. Katy remained in the top 10 with Teenage Dream, Firework, E.T. and Last Friday Night for a record breaking total of 69 weeks ending on September 17th of 2011.
As 2011 was coming to an end, Katy released a sixth single from Teenage Dream and it was yet another smash. The One That Got Away stands alone as a spectacular single and video telling the tale of lost love and the desire to go back in time and change the past. It's a huge airplay and sales hit on track to become an astounding sixth #1 song for her. It is currently at #3 on the Billboard HOT 100.
Even if it doesn't become a #1 song, Katy Perry, has undeniably provided the most enjoyable and catchy pop songs and videos for the past two years!
2010 was such an amazing year for Katy Perry that it would seem almost impossible for 2011 to be even better, but this girl is on FIRE and that's exactly what happened.
Katy started out the year at #1 with her single Firework, the third single from her album Teenage Dream, that hit #1. The outstanding video for the song ended up getting named the Video of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards and the song is also nominated for the Grammy for Record of the Year.
This exceptional song, Firework, has connected with so many people because it so wonderfully conveys to all of us that nobody is perfect. We are all made up of our own unique imperfections that we must struggle through life with, but the high energy exuberance of this song along with the encouraging lyrics it lets us know that it's all worth the effort.
The next single from the album was E.T. It had an exciting outer space video that captured the extra terrestrial essence of the song and it ended up becoming the fourth release to claim the #1 position on the Billboard HOT 100.
By the time she released the fifth single, everyone was speculating if she could achieve a record breaking fifth #1 single on the Billboard HOT 100 from the same album. All you had to do was hear the song Last Friday Night and see the video to be assured that it was definitely going to happen. It's the most fun that could possibly be had in a pop song and the star studded video is quite simply pure entertainment perfection. The inclusion of a Kenny G lead the trend of saxophone solos coming back to songs.
Another amazing chart achievement that Katy Perry reached in 2011 was the most consecutive weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard HOT 100. It all started on May 29th of 2010 when California Gurls spent its first week in the top 10. Katy remained in the top 10 with Teenage Dream, Firework, E.T. and Last Friday Night for a record breaking total of 69 weeks ending on September 17th of 2011.
As 2011 was coming to an end, Katy released a sixth single from Teenage Dream and it was yet another smash. The One That Got Away stands alone as a spectacular single and video telling the tale of lost love and the desire to go back in time and change the past. It's a huge airplay and sales hit on track to become an astounding sixth #1 song for her. It is currently at #3 on the Billboard HOT 100.
Even if it doesn't become a #1 song, Katy Perry, has undeniably provided the most enjoyable and catchy pop songs and videos for the past two years!
Artists of the Year - Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga
The Mother Monster firmly took her place of iconic status in 2011. Her third album, Born This Way, exploded on to the charts coming in at #1 with first week sales of over 1 Million copies sold in it's first week out! And the title track and lead single also hit #1 on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart. It speaks for all of the young people who might be struggling with their sexual identity - stating quite simply, whether you are gay, lesbian, or transgender, you were born this way baby!
This amazing song inspired an entire episode of Glee where the cast of characters learned to embrace their unique individuality. It culminated with a group performance of the song where they all wore t-shirts with bold words proclaiming the qualities they are proud to accept about themselves.
In addition, the Season 10 finalists of American Idol had the privilege of being mentored by Lady Gaga this year. While most of the young finalists were too shy and conservative to truly appreciate her avante garde and artistic perspective it's the kind of experience that they can only grow and learn from.
The album is jam packed with amazing songs exemplified by the many follow-up singles. Judas picks up the beat where Bad Romance left off and Edge of Glory follows the trend of bringing the saxophone solo back to pop music with the outstanding contribution from Clarence Clemons.
At this year's MTV Video Music awards she opened the show with a performance of the single You and I. She completely embodied the role of a male character that she created for the video. But she didn't just stop there with the performance - she totally committed to the part for the entire evening making all of her subsequent appearances as a presenter and even in the audience as the character.
She is an amazing artist that backs it up with high quality, catchy and socially relevant music. She is ending 2011 with a very deserved Grammy nomination for Album of the Year.
The Mother Monster firmly took her place of iconic status in 2011. Her third album, Born This Way, exploded on to the charts coming in at #1 with first week sales of over 1 Million copies sold in it's first week out! And the title track and lead single also hit #1 on the Billboard HOT 100 singles chart. It speaks for all of the young people who might be struggling with their sexual identity - stating quite simply, whether you are gay, lesbian, or transgender, you were born this way baby!
This amazing song inspired an entire episode of Glee where the cast of characters learned to embrace their unique individuality. It culminated with a group performance of the song where they all wore t-shirts with bold words proclaiming the qualities they are proud to accept about themselves.
In addition, the Season 10 finalists of American Idol had the privilege of being mentored by Lady Gaga this year. While most of the young finalists were too shy and conservative to truly appreciate her avante garde and artistic perspective it's the kind of experience that they can only grow and learn from.
The album is jam packed with amazing songs exemplified by the many follow-up singles. Judas picks up the beat where Bad Romance left off and Edge of Glory follows the trend of bringing the saxophone solo back to pop music with the outstanding contribution from Clarence Clemons.
At this year's MTV Video Music awards she opened the show with a performance of the single You and I. She completely embodied the role of a male character that she created for the video. But she didn't just stop there with the performance - she totally committed to the part for the entire evening making all of her subsequent appearances as a presenter and even in the audience as the character.
She is an amazing artist that backs it up with high quality, catchy and socially relevant music. She is ending 2011 with a very deserved Grammy nomination for Album of the Year.
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