Boyzone

Boyzone’s next album has reportedly been shelved to give Ronan Keating time to focus on his private life.
The album was due to be released before Christmas (just ahead of their 2011 arena tour), but its currently on hold until Ronan feels ready to record again after separating from his wife last week.
A source told a national newspaper: “Plans for a new Boyzone album at the end of the year have been shelved so that Ronan has time to concentrate on his private life... “He’s not in the right head space to think about recording, so unless he feels up to it there won’t be another record before the 2011 arena tour.”
The band will reportedly also not be releasing any more songs from the ‘Brother’ album after their latest single, ‘Love Is A Hurricane’, only reached No.44 in the charts.

Holiday's

Folks, I’m off to Switzerland until Monday night, so my next blog will be Tuesday 1st June.
Have a fantastic weekend everyone and don’t forget to watch the Eurovision on Saturday on BBC1 / RTE1 at 8pm.... Common United Kingdom! (Actually my money could be on Greece)

Westlife

Calling all Westlife fans...
Keep an eye on www.o2blueroom.ie tomorrow for a very special announcement regarding an intimate gig that the lads will be performing at The O2, Dublin in August!

American Idol

Congratulations to Lee DeWyze on winning the 9th series of American Idol, but i have to say he’s completly murderd U2s hit ‘Beautiful Day’ (Which is Lee’s debut single)
Lee, 24-year-old from Illinois won the recording contract prize over fellow contestant Crystal Bowersox (Which i wanted to win)
After the results were announced Lee went onto say ... “I don’t know [how it feels], this is amazing. Thank you guys so much for everything. Thank you, thank you!”... “I can’t believe this. I love you guys. Crystal, I love you. I’m so happy right now, I’ve never been happier in my life. There are no words to describe it. This is amazing and I appreciate everything everybody here has done.” – Seriously though, fair-play to him!

US Charts

Usher remains at No.1 in the singles chart for a second week (third week at No.1 in total).
The Cast of TV show ‘Glee’ goes straight in at No. 1 on the albums chart after selling over 136,000 copies.
The cast of ‘Glee’ claimed its first No. 1 recently with “The Power of Madonna,” when that seven-song EP went to No.1 after selling 98,000. In its first week! A forthcoming six-track EP titled ‘Journey to Regional’s’ is due for release on 8th June. The current album blocks the Rolling Stones from re-entering the chart at No. 1 with the reissue of its classic album ‘Exile on Main St.’ This album (currently No.1 in the UK) returns to the charts at No. 2 with 76,000 sold.

Top 5 U.S Albums:
5: NAS & Damian Marley – ‘Distant Relatives’
4: Justin Bieber – ‘My World 2.0’
3: The Black Keys – ‘Brothers’
2: The Rolling Stones – ‘Exile on Main St’
1: Cast of ‘Glee’ – ‘The Music Volume 3: Showstoppers’

Top 5 U.S Singles:
5: B.o.B. – ‘Nothin’ on you’
4: Tiao Cruz feat... Ludacris – ‘Break your heart’
3: Katy Perry – ‘California Gurls’
2: B.o.B feat... Eminem ‘Airoplanes’
1: Usher feat... Will.i.am – ‘OMG’

Overall album sales in this past chart week totalled 5.31 million down less than 1% compared to the sum last week (5.32 million) and down 19% compared to the comparable sales week of 2009 (6.57 million). Year to date album sales stand at 115.1 million, down 10% compared to the same total at this point last year (134.4 million).

Leona Lewis

Poor Leona Lewis, things are going from bad to worse for her career in America and now Simon Cowell is trying to salvage Leona Lewis’s US plans after her tour with Christina Aguilera was scrapped.
According to a national newspaper Simon Cowell is now hoping to use his influence to secure Leona a support slot on another American tour with a huge artist ...
A source told the newspaper that the cancelled gigs had been “a massive blow to Leona”
Leona Lewis is about to start on a tour of the UK and Ireland titled ‘The Labyrinth’. Her first gig takes place in Sheffield on Friday night... I’ll be there at the Dublin date!

T.I.

T.I. has revealed that he’s collaborated with Lady GaGa on a song for his upcoming new album.
In an interview with MTV he described Lady GaGa as a “phenomenal talent” and said that he is “extremely proud” to have worked with her on the song, which is tentatively titled ‘Lick It’... “She's definitely that good. She knows what she's doing. She knows exactly what she wants people to think and say. She does everything that she needs to be done to ensure it happens,” he said... “I think she's an entertainer, in all aspects of the word. She's a classic, all-round entertainer. A global star.”
T.I. also said that he hopes to go back into the studio to record more “I think we both have a tendency to shock the world in a lot of different ways.”

Ne-Yo

Ne-Yo has revealed the title of his new album and single, the album is titled ‘Libra Scale’ and will be released in September. The single will be ‘Beautiful Monster’ with Ne-Yo premiered on his Myspace page today.
Ne-Yo recently revealed plans to turn his new album into a movie, explaining the first single and its video will make more sense after the film is released.
In a video blog he said: “The song embodies a portion of a story that the music on the album is inspired by. The beautiful monster is in fact our love interest/arch nemesis - her name is Domini in the film... “It may not make a whole lot of sense right this second, but once you see the videos and the forthcoming film it will all meld together.”
Can’t wait! I loved his last album ‘Year of the Gentlemen’

Christina Aguilera

OMG... Christina Aguilera has reportedly cancelled all her North American tour dates because she needs more time to rehearse! (yeah you heard right, wouldn’t you think that you’d plan this before announcing dates...?)
Christina’s US tour was due to start in July, but the dates have since been pushed back until 2011, with concert organisers admitting that she needs more time to prepare.
A statement from Live Nation said: “The singer felt she needed more time to rehearse the show and with less than a month between the album release and tour date this wasn’t possible.”

Pussycat Dolls

The new members of the Pussycat Dolls have made their debut! choreographer Robin Antin introduced the new lineup last Friday during the group's first-ever live performance at a private party in Los Angeles.
The new Dolls include ‘Fame’ star Kherington Payne, former Gwen Stefani dancer Rino Nakasone-Razalan, Jamie Lee Ruiz and Vanessa Curry.
Robin took to Twitter and said about the performance: “Last Night was perfection! NicoleScherzy [Scherzinger] was so incredible, sang her heart out! & DOLLS, you KILLED IT! Congrats!!!!”
The Pussycat Dolls are expected to record a new album after Nicole Scherzinger wraps her stint on Dancing with the Stars.

Rihanna

I went to see Rihanna on Saturday night at The O2 in Dublin, and to say she was AMAZING would be an understatement!
I was sat there thinking wow i can’t actually believe just how many hits she’s had! It was only when she was belting them one after another...
The highlight for me had to be ‘Disturbia’ it was like a scene out of transformer, with the dancers on stilts, also brilliant was ‘Rudeboy’, SOS, and ‘Please don’t stop the music’ and the opening of the show to ‘Russian Roulette’ was just genius!
Fantastic night, and i’d happy go and see this show again, can’t wait for the DVD!

Alicia Keys

I went to see Alicia Keys on Friday night at The O2 in Dublin, to be honest i thought it might be quite boring, her just sat there all night in front of the piano, but OMG ... She was amazin’ and she was dancing around the place!
From her opening act behind a cage (complete with chains) she belted out all her hits including ‘Falling’, 'You don’t my name’ and of course the roof nearly lifted off when she sang ‘Empire State of mind’ it was a fantastic night, and if you get a chance to see it, the GO!

UK Charts

American rapper B.o.B’s debut single does what it did in America and goes straight to No.1
The Rolling Stones go straight to No.1 in teh album charts for the second time in 38 years, with the re-release of the legendary rock band’s 1972, and their first UK No.1 in 17 YEARS!

Top 5 U.K. Singles:
5: Edward Maya – ‘Stereo Love’
4: Alexandra Burke feat... Pit Bull – ‘All night long’
3: Rolldeep – ‘Good times’
2: Jason Derulo – ‘Ridin’ Solo’
1: B.o.B. – ‘Nothin’ on you’

Top 5 U.K. Albums:
5: Lady Gaga – ‘The Fame’
4: The Baseballs – ‘Stike’
3: Plan B – ‘The Defamation of Strickland Banks’
2: Faithless – ‘The Dance’
1: The Rolling Stones – ‘Exile on Main St’

One Republic

I’ve been listening to One Republic’s second album ‘Waking up’ on my i-pod for a number of months, and man, it has to be one of the best albums in recent years, yet it hasn’t even made a dint in the charts (peaking at No.29 in the UK and No.21 in America)

My favourite tracks so far:
‘Marchin’ on’
‘All this time’
‘Secrets’
‘All the right moves’
If you don’t own this masterpiece ... get out and buy it!

Faithless

I went to see Faithless in concert on Wednesday night and to say that they were brilliant would be an understatement, they were fantastic!
It didn’t even take them until the end of the first track (which was from their new album) to have the crowd in the palm of their hand! And when tracks like ‘Insomnia’ and ‘God is a DJ’ came on i thought i was gonna go deaf, the crowd raised the roof! If you get a chance to see them live, they are a must!

Macy Gray

The fantastic Macy Gray has just announced details of her new album titled ‘The Sellout’ (which is co-written and executive produced by Macy)
The album will be released in the UK on 21st June after the single ‘Lately’ is released on 14th June.
Macy said: “I spent over a year making this album without any pressure or opinions and being able to choose the co-writers, producers and artists that felt good to me," the singer said in a press release... “As a result, it really reflects my true identity. I feel like I have finally made the album I was capable of and that my fans wanted. These are some of my favourite songs that I've written.”
Macy Gray has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide since over the last 10 years!

Dane Bowers

You knew it was coming ... and just when you forgotten all about it, it’s here! ... Dane Bowers has revealed the title and release date of his comeback single.
His new track is ‘All She Needs’ and it’s out on 4th July, it’s also been previewed on his MySpace profile.
Dane wrote: “It will be hitting the radio very soon.... hope you like it,” ... Mmm, I reserve judgement...

Greyson Michael Chance

Greyson Michael Chance ... The schoolboy who became a YouTube sensation with his rendition of Lady GaGa's ‘Paparazzi’ has scored a record deal!
The 12 year olds cover has so far been seen over a MASSIVE 16 million times on YouTube hits
His family have now confirmed that he has been signed to a label and what more... it’s rumoured to be Lady GaGa’s label Interscope.
Greysons sister Alexa told a US newspaper that: “He signed but the managers said we couldn’t talk about it.”
Good man Greyson ... i really liked his performace! Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGe2cwsR-IQ

N-Dubz

Good new for N-Dubz, They’ve finally managed to bag an American record deal and it’s with the huge Def Jam label, which is also the home of Rihanna & Kanye West!
The contract ties them down to release five albums with the company.
Confirming the deal, Def Jam's senior vice-president of A&R Max Gousse said: “I signed N-Dubz because they're great entertainers and speak to London's youth unlike any other band. We want to bring their message to the rest of the world.”
N-Dubz member Fazer commented: “We are really excited to be signing with Def Jam. Getting a US deal is something we’ve been working towards for a while and we can't wait to get out to the States and have our music heard globally. It's turning into a monster year for us.”
Congats guys!

R.E.M

R.E.M. and Capitol/I.R.S. Records will release a re-mastered version of their 1985 album ‘Fables Of The Reconstruction’ this summer.
A post on R.E.M’s official website said that the x2 disc release will be in stores on 13th July to celebrate the albums 25th anniversary The new version will feature digitally re-mastered tracks as well as 14 previously unreleased demo recordings and new linear notes. “It's a personal favourite, and I'm really proud of how strange it is,” guitarist Peter Buck writes in the linear notes... “Nobody but R.E.M. could have made that record.”

US Charts

Katy Perry’s new single debuts at No.2 this week after selling over 294,000 on downloads alone! But fails to keep Usher from going back to No.1
Justin Bieber returns to No.1 in the albums chart for a fourth non-consecutive week at the top. But he does so with just a little over 60,000 copies sold, marking the second-lowest week at No. 1 since SoundScan's sales information began powering the Billboard 200 in May of 1991.

Top 5 U.S Albums:
5: Dead Weather – ‘Sea of Cowards’
4: AC.DC – ‘Ironman 2 OST’
3: National – ‘High Voilet’
2: Lady Antebellum - ‘Need you now’
1: Justin Bieber – ‘My World 2.0’

Top 5 U.S Singles:
5: Tiao Cruz feat... Ludacris – ‘Break your heart’
4: Eminem – ‘No afraid’
4: B.o.B. – ‘Nothin’ on you’
3: B.o.B feat... Eminem ‘Airoplanes’
2: Katy Perry – ‘California Gurls’
1: Usher feat... Will.i.am – ‘OMG’

Overall album sales in this past chart week totalled 5.32 million down 12% compared to the sum last week (6.07 million) and down 9% compared to the comparable sales week of 2009 (5.82 million). Year to date album sales stand at 115.1 million, down 10% compared to the same total at this point last year (127.9 million).

Sugababes

Let the battle commence! ... The ‘current’ Sugababes have begun fighting a legal battle over ownership of the bands name.
Earlier this year former band member Mutya Buena had applied to the European Trademarks Authority for ownership of the band's moniker.
The present lineup (consisting of Heidi Range, Amelle Berrabah and Jade Ewen.) have now filed a notice of opposition to Buena's claim, along with their record label Island Records.
In a letter to the EU Trademarks Authority, Universal's Island Records wrote that the “similarity of the goods and services” provided by Buena would mean there would be "a likelihood of confusion on the part of the public”.
If her application is successful, it would mean that she could use the Sugababes name on goods such as CDs, DVDs and books.
Can’t wait to watch this one unfold...

Jay-Z

Jay-Z has confirmed that he will release a FOURTH greatest hits album this summer... He announced plans for the new compilation (titled ‘The Hits Collection Vol. 1’) on his official website, although the final track listing is yet to be announced.
Jay-Z has previously released three official greatest hits LPs. ‘Chapter One: Greatest Hits’ was released in 2002, followed by ‘Bring It On: The Best Of Jay-Z’ a year later, and ‘Greatest Hits’, released in 2006.
‘The Hits Collection Vol. 1’ will be released on June 29... – Why? is the first thing that springs to my mind!

Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland has insisted that she has not forgotten about her urban roots, saying that her new album is still R&B influenced...
Kelly is gearing up to release her new album in the summer after signing a new record deal with Universal Motown, she revealed that the album is dance-inspired but can still be described as an ‘urban’ record.
Discussing her new record deal with Yahoo, she said: “I'm settling in very well. I love the team, they are so on it, so prompt and ready and just passionate. You appreciate that as an artist, because when one sees your vision and you [both] click, that's half the battle to me!”
Kelly Rowland also revealed the title of one of the album's tracks, called ‘Grown Ass Woman’, which she described as an R&B song written by Ne-Yo.
She explained: “I have a record on there I love called ‘Grown Ass Woman’ - it's my favourite. [Ne-Yo] wrote three smashes [for the album], and this was one of them... “Dance inspired this record completely. But I will definitely say that I did not forget about my urban roots nor could I ever. That is one of the reasons why I'm here. I won't let you down with this record, trust me.”
Can’t wait to hear this, i loved her last album!

Lady GaGa

Lady GaGa is swapping carrier and has reportedly decided to apply for a hat-making internship... according to a national newspaper she will put her music career on hold for a period to pursue the project, which means she will also have to relocate to London.
“GaGa's crazy about the idea. Philip Treacy agreed to give her an internship when they met at the Brit Awards. She hopes to take him up on the offer this summer,” a source told the newspaper... A spokesperson for Treacy confirmed: “Lady GaGa has requested an internship but Philip will have to check her sewing skills first,”
Lady GaGa was also recently unveiled as the new creative director of Polaroid.

Katy Perry

Katy Perry will perform her new single ‘California Gurls’ at the MTV Movie Awards.
Katy joins fellow pop star Christina Aguilera on the show’s performance line-up... “I'm proud to represent the West Coast at the MTV Movie Awards in the magical glow of the Hollywood sign with my new single ‘California Gurls’. I hope it will be the theme song to a lot of summer loving; I know it will in my house,” she said.
The show goes out on TV on 6th June – Let’s hope this single lives up to all the hype...

Boy George

Oh dear ... Boy George has slammed the quality of last night's TV biopic ‘Worried About The Boy’
He took to Twitter at the time of the show was broadcast posting that it was “badly written”... “It's on in the background, the make-up is the best thing about it,” he said, ... “Verdict, beautifully shot & styled but badly written, it lacks heart and soul!”
However, critics were generally positive about the show, with The Daily Telegraph saying: “a stunning, sensitive and surprisingly moving production”
Some internet bloggers also praised Mathew Horne's “outstanding” portrayal of drummer Jon Moss.
I have it recorded and will watch it at some point this week (around the Faithless, Alicia Keys & Rihanna concerts and French class) Oh and work of course!

Nelly

Nelly is really pulling out the phone book for collaborations for his new album ‘5.0’ he has reportedly recruited Usher and Jamie Foxx.
Already reports say he’s teamed up with: Kelly Rowland, Janet Jackson, P Diddy and Akon for his sixth album.
Can’t wait to hear it!

Greyson Michael Chance

I know this was Friday’s news but hey, it’s still worth a mention / a watch on YouTube!
Lady GaGa phoned a fan of hers to praise him for his cover of her hit ‘Paparazzi’
12-year-old Greyson Michael Chance received the call from Gaga who congratulated him on his version of her song 'Paparazzi', which has become a hit on YouTube. (With over 10 MILLION hits)
Greyson was performing the song for a school talent show and Lady Gaga’s advice for him... “Be focused and stay away from girls” ... Lol
I actually really like it too!

Click to watch his performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGe2cwsR-IQ

UK Charts

Rolldeep have managed to remain at No.1 in the singles chart for a third week with their dance hit ‘Good times’.
The fantastic Keane continue their No.1 successes with a fourth in the album charts, (even though its actually an EP and not a full album)

Top 5 U.K. Singles:
5: Aggros Santos and Kimberly Wyatt – ‘Candy’
4: Edward Maya – ‘Stereo Love’
3: Usher & Will.i.am – ‘OMG’
2: Jason Derulo – ‘Ridin’ Solo’
1: Rolldeep – ‘Good times’

Top 5 U.K. Albums:
5: The National – ‘High Violet’
4: Lady Gaga – ‘The Fame’
3: Lady Gaga – ‘The Re-Mix’
2: Plan B – ‘The Defamation of Strickland Banks’
1: Keane – ‘Night train’

3 Lions

Oh god! It’s almost here... (Please don’t buy this tripe!) Russell Brand has admitted that he was emotional after recording an updated version of ‘3 Lions’.

Russell also teamed up with Robbie Williams, Trevor Horne and the original songwriters Frank Skinner, David Baddiel and Ian Broudie for a 2010 World Cup re-release of the huge song.
Speaking about the recording sessions, Russell Brand told a national newspaper “I was embarrassed by how emotional I felt singing this song. I nearly cried. It took me back to Euro '96 - Spice Boys, dentist's chairs and Gazza's last hurrah... “It's the only good England song and I look forward to singing it as we crash out on penalties. Then I will be crying.”
Robbie Williams also added: “I've always been approached to write football songs but have always declined as I thought ‘3 Lions; could never be beaten - so I am really happy to be part of this record. I am counting down the days until the start of the World Cup.”
Changes from the first two recordings include vocals from veteran football commentator John Motson and a classical intro led by soprano Olivia Safe.

Now this part i think is REALLY funny ... Ian Broudie told another newspaper that: “The public really wanted a new version of ‘3 Lions’” ... Really? I’d like to meet those ...

Kylie Minogue

Kylie Minogue's new single is to be released 2 WEEKS earlier than initially planned.
All formats of the single: ‘All The Lovers’ were originally scheduled to be released on 28th June, However, “due to overwhelming public demand”, the single will now be available to download from 13th June. The single's physical release and digital bundle will follow on 28th June.
Click to listen to the track: http://www.kylie.com

Eminem & Jay-Z

Eminem has announced that he is to team up with Jay-Z for two “once-in-a-lifetime” concerts.
He revealed that he will perform with Jay-Z in each of their hometowns - Detroit and New York - in September.
Speaking to a music magazine Eminem said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime set of shows, and I know we're both really going to bring it to our hometowns,” ... “The fans are going to love this and so am I. It's going to be historic.”
Both artists made the announcement ahead of a New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers baseball game, each wearing the jerseys of their home teams.
Eminem explained: “We had talked about doing something together again soon anyway. We just tried to come up with the best way and biggest way to do it. We've done things together - smaller shows and whatnot. But I'm not sure we've ever done anything this big.”
Jay-Z added: “I look for opportunities to work with Em', any time we get a chance to collaborate on things.”

US Charts

Eminem is back at the No.1 spot in the singles chart in America with his new track ‘Not afraid’
In the album charts Godsmack's “Oracle” arrives at the top with 117,000 sold. "Oracle" is the Sully Erna-led band's third straight full-length studio album to debut at No. 1. Previously, they hit the top with 2006's "IV" and 2003's "Faceless." The new album's opening frame of 117,000 is off compared to "IV's" 211,000-starter and "Faceless'" 267,000 launch.

Top 5 U.S Albums:
5: Justin Bieber – ‘My World 2.0’
4: Carole King & James Taylor – ‘Live at the Troubadour’
3: MercyMe – ‘The Generous Mr.Lovewell’
2: Lady Antebellum - ‘Need you now’
1: Gobsmack – ‘The Oracal’

Top 5 U.S Singles:
5: B.o.B feat... Eminem ‘Airoplanes’
4: Tiao Cruz feat... Ludacris – ‘Break your heart’
3: B.o.B. – ‘Nothin’ on you’
2: Usher feat... Will.i.am – ‘OMG’
1: Eminem – ‘No afraid’

Overall album sales in this past chart week totalled 6.07million up 11% compared to the sum last week (5.46 million) and down 7% compared to the comparable sales week of 2009 (6.50 million). Year to date album sales stand at 109.7 million, down 10% compared to the same total at this point last year (122.0 million).

Blur

Good news! Damon Albarn has promised that Blur will continue to release new music...
Damon Albarn told a music magazine: “I'm definitely going to do a few more of those 7”s and at some point in the undetermined future there will be a record at the end of it.
“I love the no pressure aspect. Just going in the studio and recording it in a day is something we haven't done since the B-sides in the early days.”... However, he added: “We can't do it all the time. So I don't want anyone to think there's an album coming soon, it's not possible, but we've got songs!”
Discussing the response to last month's vinyl-only release, Damon said: “It was nice to know it made a difference... “I heard Rough Trade in Brick Lane usually makes £6,000 in a Saturday and it made 60 grand on that Saturday. That's the reason why I thought I'd take a big risk and go back in the studio, but it was great.”
Even if it’s only one year, it’s something to look forward too!

Scissor Sisters

The Scissor Sisters have announced some of their summer tour dates.
It’s the band first tour since 2007 ~ The dates coincide with the release of their new album ‘Nightwork’ on 28th June and their single, ‘Fire With Fire’, (which made its radio debut yesterday).
Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10am.

The tour dates are as follows:
June 16 - Glasgow Barrowlands
June 22 - London O2 Academy Brixton
June 23- London O2 Academy Brixton
June 25 - Birmingham O2 Academy
June 28 - Manchester Apollo

Brian McFadden

Oh dear, it’s coming ... Brian McFadden has hinted that he would like to promote his new album ‘Wall Of Soundz’ all over the world.
He claimed that his third album has the potential to be a hit in several countries because of its electropop sound.
Speaking to the ‘MacArthur Chronicle’ about the album: “People are loving the music, but I don't think they’re making the connection and they're thinking ‘This doesn't really sound like Brian McFadden’... “My last album suited certain places. This is the first time I feel like I can take a record everywhere because it suits radio everywhere in the world at the moment.”
I still don’t think he has the support for a UK and Ireland release!

Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera has announced that she is to embark on a global tour in support of her new album.... and Leona Lewis will support her (Well her US dates anyway)
Christina has already posted 20 North American dates on her official site, beginning in Connecticut on 15th July and ending in California on 19th August.
She will be joined on the dates by Leona Lewis, who will complete her first UK tour shortly before Christina’s US dates begin.
Check out: www.christinaaguilera.com for details!

Rihanna

Okay, I’m definitely in the wrong job here ... Rihanna has reportedly been paid a huge fee to sit in the VIP area of a club... a whooping £30,000 – yep that right £30,000 and all for 60 mins!
She made a one-hour appearance at Liverpool’s Bamboo club, and she’s not alone! She follows in the footsteps of 50 Cent, who recently earned £50,000 for uttering one word at the same venue.
I will happily go to any pub for half that amount! (and i’ll spend all night in it)

Rhydian Roberts

Rhydian Roberts has announced that he is parting company with Simon Cowell after two years with his Syco record label.
Simon Cowell gave the Rhydian a recording contract after he finished as runner-up on ‘The X Factor’ back in 2007
Speaking to a national newspaper Rhydian said ... “I enjoyed my time in the Cowell Sycobubble but I've always wanted to be taken seriously as a classical singer. And the truth is that Syco is no longer the best label for me... “In creative terms, they don't have the right approach or experience when it comes to classical music. This is something they would admit themselves. I want to make the sort of album that will launch me on the international stage and, like Russell Watson and Hayley Westenra, appeal to audiences in Asia and Japan.
“The X Factor and Simon Cowell were definitely a good launch pad for me. They changed my life forever. And I'll always be grateful to the three-and-a-half million people who voted for me.”
Rhydian’s current album titled ‘O Fortuna’ is in the running for the ‘Album Of The Year’ prize at this year's Classical Brit Awards, which take place later this week.

Mr Hudson

Mr Hudson disappointed loads of his fans last night after he cancelled a concert in Manchester, Not ‘cos he was sick but because Jay-Z rang and said come to New York ... Mr Hudson dashed to New York and immediately hit the stage with the Jay-Z to perform their duet Forever Young, SNL is watched by millions of TV viewers in America. A source said: “This was an offer he couldn't refuse. You don't say no to Jay-Z and performing on one of the biggest shows in the States... “It was also a great opportunity to increase his profile in America.”
Mr Hudson has now moved the Manchester Academy gig to May 18.

Charlotte Church

Charlotte Church has revealed that her new album will “probably” be released in October.
Charlotte performed last night on BBC1for the first time in over 4 years!
She sang a song called ‘The Actors’ ... “This song is from my album which is probably coming out in October,” she told host Graham Norton after the performance... “I co-wrote a lot of the album so actually because I've lived with the songs so much I'm a bit more comfortable with them and it's bit of me up there on the stage.” I'm actually quite looking forward to hearing it!

UK Charts

Rolldeep have managed to remain at No.1 in the singles chart for a second week with their dance hit ‘Good times’.
Diana Vickers year keeps getting better and better, she follows up her No.1 single ‘Once’ with a No.1 debut album!

Top 5 U.K. Singles:
5: Aggros Santos and Kimberly Wyatt – ‘Candy’
4: Pendulum – ‘Water colour’
3: Plan B – ‘She Said’
2: Usher & Will.i.am – ‘OMG’
1: Rolldeep– ‘Good Times'

Top 5 U.K. Albums:
5: Lady Gaga – ‘The Fame’
4: Usher – ‘Raymond Vs Raymond’
3: AC/DC – ‘Ironman 2 OST’
2: Plan B – ‘The Defamation of Strickland Banks’
1: Diana Vickers – ‘Songs from the tainted cherry tree’

Scissor Sisters

This is kinda yesterday’s news but still i think it’s worth a mention!
Jake Shears revealed that his band: The Scissor Sisters scrapped their last album because they believe the “sub-standard” songs would have finished the band.
It certainly take a great artist to admit what they’ve recorded is shit!
The Scissor Sisters initially finished working on the follow-up to 2006's ‘Ta-Dah’ last year, but admitted that they were left with an LP they did not “believe” in and were forced to start again.
Jake Shears said: “If it wasn't something we could fully get behind and believe in, I think the band was going to be over... “If we put out anything sub-standard it was curtains for Scissor Sisters. In my heart I knew it wasn't right, I didn't really know what it was trying to say. It left me a little bit cold.... “We worked on a record for about a year and a half but we shelved it. We shelved it about a year ago. I ended up moving to Berlin for a couple of months and we decided to start a new record from scratch, and we started it last June. So this record was written very quickly.”
I know U2 did this with their last album ‘No line on the horizon’ and the end result was pure shite! I only hope they haven’t made the same mistake, your 3rd album will always determine your future!

Chipmunk

Teen rapper Chipmunk has revealed that he wants to record a track with Rihanna.
The teen rapper who’s just scored a UK Top 5 hit with Justin Timberlake's protégé Esmée Denters said... “I'd definitely like to work with Rihanna. I think she's beautiful but that's beside the point - I'm all about that swagger and she's got mad presence,”... “You want to watch her whether she's dressed up like GaGa or whether she's in her Caribbean gear. She's got a distinctive voice and she's roughly in my age category as well, so it wouldn't be an unnatural collaboration. She's golden.” ... i certainly agree, and i’ll let you know what she’s like when i see her week after next in Dublin! ~ CAN'T WAIT

Katy Perry

I can just picture the anger on Katy Perry’s bosses after she posted her new single on her official website (after three clips from her upcoming album leaked online).
‘California Gurls’, the lead single from her as-yet-untitled second album, is now streaming in full at http://www.katyperry.com
The track features a rap from Snoop Dogg and was produced by Max Martin, Dr Luke and Benny Blanco.
The single has been sent to US radio stations, though the single's release date has yet to be announced.

Cheryl Cole

Cheryl Cole has revealed that she “begged” Will.i.am for his Black Eyed Peas global smash hit ‘Boom Boom Pow’.
Cheryl, who is currently supporting the Black Eyed Peas on the UK / Ireland dates of their world tour, admitted that after hearing the song she desperately wanted it for her own debut solo album ‘3 Words’.
“[will.i.am] played me that song and I begged him for it,” ... “I was like, ‘Please I'd do anything. Can I have that track?’ And he was like, ‘No, it's already the Black Eyed Peas’.”
Just goes to show that she doesn’t always have it her own way ... Lol

Lady GaGa

Lady GaGa has expressed her anger after discovering that her performance on this week’s American Idol was edited down!
Lady Gaga who performed her new single ‘Alejandro’ on the show, accused the network's bosses of ‘amateurly’ editing out a minute and a half of the full six-and-a-half minute performance.
She posted on her Twitter: “Fox Poorly + Amateurly edited + cut my performance/musical arrangement on idol.”
Providing a web link to the full performance, she continued: “Watch the real version... Fox chopped up my performance in 4 places.”
I watched the performance last night on ITV2 and thought she was brilliant! (even if i did notice they’d cut it ¾ of a way through)

Click here to watch the performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXpxjPuEm6k

US Charts

Usher scores his NINTH U.S No.1 single this week in America.
In the album charts 21 year old B.o.B goes to No.1 after selling 84,000 copies.

Top 5 U.S Albums:
5: AC/DC – ‘Ironman 2 OST’
4: Justin Bieber – ‘My World 2.0’
3: Bullet for my Valentine – ‘Fever’
2: Lady Antebellum - ‘Need you now’
1: B.o.B – ‘Presents The Adventures of Bobby Ray’

Top 5 U.S Singles:
5: Lady Antebellum – ‘Need you now’
4: Tiao Cruz feat... Ludacris – ‘Break your heart’
3: Rihanna – ‘Rudeboy’
2: B.o.B. – ‘Nothin’ on you’
1: Usher feat... Will.i.am – ‘OMG’

Overall album sales in this past chart week totalled 5.46 million down 1% compared to the sum last week (5.54 million) and down 11% compared to the comparable sales week of 2009 (6.17 million). Year to date album sales stand at 103.7 million, down 10% compared to the same total at this point last year (115.5 million).

Alesha Dixon

Alesha Dixon is working with one of Britney Spears's producers in a bid to crack the US market.
Jim Beanz, who was behind the now world famous line “It's Britney, b*tch” from her hit ‘Gimme More’, said that Aliesha can follow in the footsteps of other UK acts including Jay Sean and Taio Cruz, who have achieved success in America.
“Alesha can crack the States, she is amazing,” he told a national newspaper... “She sings, she dances, she’s got a great sense of humour - and she's beautiful. We're going to build some up-tempo dance songs to take the UK and the US by storm. It'll be amazing.”
Jim also revealed that he is working on Rihanna’s new album.