Beyoncé

Beyoncé has picked up yet another award over the weekend, she has been voted “The World's Greatest Popstar” by viewers of ‘4Music’.
Beyoncé fought off competition from nine acts including Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue, Madonna and Take That.
Over 100,000 music fans took part in the online vote and Beyoncé was announced as the winner with a special tribute at the T4 ‘Stars Of 2009’ live show at London's Earls Court yesterday.
“We're really excited to announce the winner of our 12 week search to unveil the world's greatest popstar. Pop music remains the cornerstone of great British music and it is only right that we recognise and honour the best talent in this category,” head of T4 Neil McCallum said.
“Beyoncé is a true global superstar and is well known for her flexible artistic style, from her powerful R&B ballads through to her brilliant dance anthems.
“It is no great surprise that she's won the hearts and minds of our audiences and so deserves the title of the World's Greatest Popstar.”
Beyoncé's ‘Crazy In Love’ was also named the best song of the decade by music magazine NME.
I personally voted for Madonna ...

UK Charts

Peter Kay scores yet another No.1, shame it’s a load of rubbish! But hey ~ it’s for charity and it's sold over a massive 142.000 copies in a week!
In the album charts it’s no surprise that Susan Boyle’s debut album went straight in to the No.1 spot! having sold a whopping 420,000 copies!

Top 5 U.K. Singles:
5: Lady Gaga – “Bad Romance”
4: The Black Eyed Peas – “Meet me half way”
3: Jason Derulo – “Whatcha Say”
2: The X-Factor Finalists – “You are not alone”
1: Peter Kay’s animated all star band – “Official Children in need medley”

Top 5 U.K. Albums:
5: Leona Lewis – “Echo”
4: Queen – “Absolute greatest”
3: The Black Eyed Peas – “The E.N.D”
2: JLS – “JLS”
1: Susan Boyle – “I dreamed a dream”

Beyoncé

Beyoncé's No.1 single “Crazy In Love” has been voted the best song since 2000 by a music magazine.
The song which was released back in 2003 and features the her husband Jay-Z, topped NME magazine's Top 100 Tracks of the Decade poll.
Second in the list was the fantastic MGMT's “Time To Pretend”, followed by “Hard To Explain” by the Strokes and MIA's “Paper Planes”.
Other songs included in the top 20 were Rihanna's “Umbrella”, OutKast's “Hey Ya!” and “Reckoner” by Radiohead.

Pussycat Dolls

Today could be a sad day for all ... The Pussycat Dolls have reportedly split.
According to the ‘New York Post’, Nicole Scherzinger's relationship with her band mates has continued to deteriorate after previous rows.
A source said: “It is war. They have broken up for good. None of the other girls are speaking to Nicole, who they believe took the limelight then went off to do her own thing.”
Interscope records though have claimed that the group are only “On a break”and a record label representative did not respond to contact from the newspaper.
Band member Kimberly Wyatt recently admitted in an interview that she does not consider Scherzinger a friend and has also described the group as a “brand”
I for one will be sad to see the end, I went to see them at The O2, Dublin in February and they were brilliant!

Rihanna

If you’re still wondering where to bring in 2010 then here’s a suggestion: Rihanna will reportedly receive $500,000 (£299,000) for her first ever performance in the Middle East
She will be performing at the ‘Emirates Palace Hotel’ in Abu Dhabi this New Year's Eve, (according to Page Six).
A spokeswoman for Rihanna did not comment, however a source said: “She was supposed to perform back in May [in Abu Dhabi], but she cancelled in the aftermath of the assault, this is a make-up date.”

Previous performances at the hotel by artists such as Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, Coldplay and Elton John have attracted up to 15,000 music fans

US Charts

Congratulations to John Mayer who scores his second U.S No. 1 album this week, “Battle Studies” which sold a massive 286,000 copies. The album “Battle Studies” now holds the third-best sales week for a digital release this year with 129,000 downloads

Jay-Z (Featuring Alicia Keys) spends a second week at No.1 in the single singles chart with “Empire State of mind”.

Top 5 U.S. Singles:
5: Ke$ha – “Tik tok”
4: Jason DeRulo – “Whatcha say”
3: Owl City – “Fireflies”
2: Lady Gaga – “Bad Romance”
1: Jay-Z & Alicia Key’s – “Empire State of mind”

Top 5 U.S. Albums:
5: 50 Cent – “Before I self destruct”
4: Casting Crowns – “Until the whole world hears”
3: Norah Jones – “The fall”
2: Andrea Bocelli – “My Christmas”
1: John Mayer – “Battle Studies”

Overall album sales in this past chart week (ending 22nd Nov) are down 16% compared to the same sales week of 2008 (9.45million).
Year to date album sales stand at 309.5 million, down 13% compared to the same total at this point last year (357.8 million).

Mika

Mika has said that he wrote the final song that Stephen Gately recorded with ‘Boyzone’ before he died last month.Mika revealed that he often writes material for other acts under a different name.“I wrote a song which Boyzone then recorded,” he told ‘BBC Breakfast’. “I think it was the last thing Stephen Gately recorded before he passed away.“We're waiting to see what happens with that. I think they're putting together something.“I write songs for other people under different names most of the time. I have a little family of three names. One of them has been discovered - it's Alice. I feel like I can step into an alter-ego, it's more fun. I like writing songs and a lot of them aren't necessarily for me.”
Will be interesting to see the credits of the next Boyzone album huh…

Click to hear Mika’s new song “Rain”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKIhtQpa4ME

Adam Lambert

More than 1,500 viewers in the US have complained about Adam Lambert's gay kiss during his live performance at the American Music Awards on Sunday night.
The openly-gay singer kissed a male musician while performing his debut single “For Your Entertainment”
ABC described the number of complaints as “moderate” and the show's producers are yet to comment.
US media pressure group the Parents Television Council (PTC) posted a statement on their website blasting the show as “tasteless” and “vulgar”.
Speaking to CNN, Adam Lambert the performance and insisted that the kiss had been “in the moment”…
I say get a life you sado’s! if that was a man and a woman (or even two women i.e. TATU) there would be nothing said! So what! Men kissing men …. GET OVER IT

Massive Attack

The fantastic ‘Massive Attack’ have announced that their new album “Heligoland” will be released in February 2010.

Massive Attack have teamed up with Damon Albarn among others on the follow-up to 2003's “100th Window”.
The duo have also confirmed three live dates at the Newport Centre on February 8, Brighton Dome on February 9 and London's Hammersmith Apollo on February 11 to promote the album…. Something tells me they could be heading over to Ireland soon!

The full “Heligold” tracklisting is as follows:

1. “Pray For Rain” ft. Tunde Adebimpe

2. “Babel” ft. Martina Topley-Bird

3. “Splitting The Atom” ft. Robert del Naja, Grant Marshall and Horace Andy

4. “Girl I Love You” ft. Horace Andy

5. “Psyche” ft. Martina Topley-Bird

6. “Flat Of The Blade” ft. Guy Garvey

7. “Paradise Circus” ft. Hope Sandoval

8. “Rush Minute” ft. Robert del Naja

9. “Saturday Come Slow” ft. Damon Albarn

10. “Atlas Air” ft. Robert del Naja

Kelly Rowland

David Guetta has revealed that he is working on a number of new songs with Kelly Rowland for her new album (the follow-up to her brilliant Ms. Kelly)
The French DJ, who teamed up with the former Destiny's Child star their massive global No.1 smash “When love takes over” said: “I'm actually already working with her on her next album. We've just done a few songs at the moment and it's all fairly top secret, “We've become really close friends over time. I think she's an amazing singer - one of the best in the industry - and a great person, too.”
Kelly also features on another of David’s track called “It’s the way you love me”

Click to hear the track: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zZJ2eQPgzM

Duncan James

Take That’s Gary Barlow is being lined up as the writer for the UK’s entry for next years Eurovision Song Contest.

Gary is in talks with the BBC to compose the UK song - with Duncan James tipped to perform it.
Duncan (From boyband ‘Blue’) presented the UK vote at this year’s contest – (the U.K finished in fifth place with ‘It's My Time’, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and sung by Jade Ewen, now a Sugababe).
An insider said: “The BBC is now hoping that someone like Gary with his great pop writing skills can help the UK go all the way.”

Not quite sure if this is a good thing or a bad ...

Glastonbury 2010

Next years line-up for Glastonbury just keeps getting better and better! Now it’s reported that U2 have been booked to play next year.
According to ‘The Sun’, U2 will headline the ‘Pyramid Stage’ at the festival on the Friday night.
A source said: “Everyone is over the moon that the deal has been done.
“Michael really wanted a huge name for the 40th anniversary and the fact U2 have never played Glastonbury in their 32-year career only adds to the mystique.”
“In fact Michael Eavis has been asking them for a while now and really stepped up the effort this year. This could be an iconic moment.”
Other bands rumoured to be playing next year's 40th anniversary event include ‘The Rolling Stones’, ‘Coldplay’, ‘David Bowie’ and ‘Muse’.
Glastonbury 2010 takes place from June 23 to 27, 2010 at Worthy Farm, Pilton, Somerset, UK

UK Charts

The X-Factor finalist of 2009 have done what last years finalist did (apart from murdering a song!) they’ve gone straight to No.1 in the UK & Ireland singles charts!
On the up-side, it’s for charity (that’s probably the only good thing about this record)
In the album charts, Leona Lewis follows up her 6.5 MILLION debut album with “Echo” and score’s her second No.1 album with “Echo”

Top 5 U.K. Singles:
5: Cheryl Cole – “Fight for this love”
4: Leona Lewis – “Happy”
3: Jason Derulo – “Whatcha Say”
2: The Black Eyed Peas – “Meet me half way”
1: The X-Factor Finalists – “You are not alone”

Top 5 U.K. Albums:
5: The Black Eyed Peas – “The E.N.D”
4: Robbie Williams – “Reality killed the video star”
3: Queen – “Absolute greatest”
2: JLS – “JLS”
1: Leona Lewis – “Echo”

Alphabeat

Alphabeat have been confirmed as the support act on the UK and Irish leg of Lady GaGa's “Monster Ball” tour next year

Alphabeat said they are “thrilled” to join GaGa for the 13 dates. “She is a true megastar, light years ahead of everyone else. We are extremely thrilled to be going on tour with Lady GaGa,” singer Anders Bonlokke said.Anders Reinholdt added: “GaGa is the new Madonna - but with glasses.” … Should be a good night!

You can see the concert at The O2, Dublin on Sunday 21st febrauary 2010 simply log onto www.ticketmaster.ie for tickets – Also checkout www.o2blueroom.ie too!

Enrique Iglesias

Unless you’ve been living in a cave all week you would of seen the buzz (and hopefully some stills) from Enrique Iglesias’s video for the single “Sad Eyes”
If you were in a cave fear not! ‘cos Alan Whiteman has the video below for you in full… Be warned... it's not for the faint hearted ~ but it's flippin' good huh!
As for the song… what song, I wasn’t listening!
Click the link before it gets removed!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NH0hEoIk8k

Mini Viva

Mini Viva are back with their new single titled: “I wish”, although a dance song it’s far from as good as “I left my heart in Tokyo” – (Yes, I actually like that song! ~ Lol)
It should actually chart pretty well because of the younger crowd that may have seen them supporting “The Saturday” on tour this year.
The single is released on 7th December.

Click to watch the video and hear it for yourself: Watcha think? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BssY0Hq9Ag

Timbaland

I’ve heard two tracks from Timbaland’s new album “Shock value II” and let me tell you I can’t wait to hear the rest! This guy is just a genius!
He’s following on with the same sound as the multi million selling “Shock Value” and has enlisted the likes of Nelly Furtado, Justin Timberlake & Keri Hilson again. The album is released on 23rd November.

Click the link to heat his brilliant new single "Morning after dark" which is out on 30th November: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYx2m54Ni5s&feature=related

Susan Boyle

Mmm… I bet Simon Cowell (and his bank manager) will be happy with the news that Susan Boyle's new debut album “I Dreamed A Dream” has achieved the largest global CD pre-orders in the history of Amazon.
The album, which is released on 23rd November, has exceeded the previous record set by Japanese rock group ‘Mr Children's’ “Supermarket Fantasy” in 2008.
“Just eight months ago, no-one was aware of the talents of Susan Boyle. Now, she has generated more Amazon pre-order CD sales globally than any other artist,” Julian Monaghan said.
“That is an incredible achievement and is testament to the fact that she has captured the hearts of people all over Britain, America and the rest of the world.”
Columbia Records Chairman Steve Barnett added: “One of the things that is so unique about Susan Boyle is her ability to touch people around the world. We're excited that “I Dreamed A Dream” holds the new record for global pre-orders and that Amazon's customers have supported her album in this way.”

Click to hear / watch Susan Boyle perform her new single “Wild Horses”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJIDr15duZk

US Charts

Congatulations to the fabulous Jay-Z who today scores his 4th U.S No.1 single (Featuring Alicia Keys) with “Empire State of mind”.

Bon Jovi have scored their fourth U.S No. 1 album having sold 163,000 copies, It's Bon Jovi's second chart-topper in a row, following the brillant album “Lost Highway” which was released back in 2007

Top 5 U.S. Singles:
5: Lady Antebellum – “Need you now”
4: Iyaz – “Replay”
3: Jason DeRulo – “Whatcha say”
2: Owl City – “Fireflies”
1: Jay-Z & Alicia Key’s – “Empire State of mind”

Top 5 U.S. Albums:
5: Taylor Swift – “Fearless”
4: Michael Jackson – “This is it”
3: Carrie Underwood – “Play on”
2: Andrea Bocelli – “My Christmas”
1: Bon Jovi – “The Circle”

Overall album sales in this past chart week (ending 15th Nov) are down 21% compared to the same sales week of 2008 (8.90million).
Year to date album sales stand at 301.5 million, down 13% compared to the same total at this point last year (348.3 million).

Ne-Yo

The fantastic Ne-Yo brings his show to The O2, Dublin on Thursday February 11th 2010.
His last album “Year of the gentleman” just shows how talented this guy is, and to see him perform the songs live would just be amazing!
Tickets go on sale tomorrow (19th November) log on to http://www.ticketmaster.ie/ tickets are priced at €49.50+

Rihanna

Rihanna (Who has sold a massive 12 million albums to date) wanted to make a move from her R’n’B / Pop roots to a heavy metal sound on her new album Rated R,
Rihanna reportedly asked guitarist Nuno Bettencourt from US band ‘Extreme’ to work with her, but was persuaded by her record label to choose other producers.
“I've been asked to play with pop artists in the past but turned them down because they didn't really get the vibe,” Bettencourt is quote as saying “But when I spoke to Rihanna she was totally into transforming herself into a heavy rock chick. She was listening to ‘Led Zeppelin’ and new acts like ‘Paramore’ and said that was the direction she wanted to go, so I said yes.
I think the label had a seizure, so they went down another route.”
Thank god is what I say! – her last album “Good girl gone bad” was just a master pieceRihanna releases new album “Rated R” on 23rd November and I hope to find it in my Christmas stocking

Sugababes

The original members of the Sugababes have reportedly hired Peter Andre's manager Claire Powell to help them make a comeback!
According to the UK newspaper ‘The Sun’, the three girls: Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan and Siobhan Donaghy met last week and have decided to move ahead with a planned reunion.
A record label source said: “The comeback is gathering momentum, Mutya had a lot of convincing to do to get the girls around the table to sort things out. That happened last week and they are all game to give it a go”
They added: “Mutya's manager knows he needs some muscle to make it a commercial success and he's called in his old pal Claire.
“The other girls are delighted to be back in touch. They are bang up for it with the new management team. They are now looking for a record deal and have started planning for a big launch next year.”
This is dispite Keisha’s manger saying earlier this month that she’s concentrating on her solo career and “is definitely, 100% not going to be involved in any kind of Sugababes reformation”.
Watch this space is all I can say …

Bill Coleman

Here’s an artist you may not have heard of before who’s certainly well worth a listen!
Bill Coleman is from Cork, Ireland who is currently working on his second album, in the meantime check out his new single “Welcome to the breakdown” it’s brilliant!
Let me know what you think!
Click the link to listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQPh7SBUoec

Cheryl Cole

Cheryl Cole’s next song to be released “3 Words” (Feat… Will.i.am) will also contain a song written by Adele called “Boys” .
The single will be made available on January 11.
Cheryl Cole's solo album has already gone platinum in the UK, selling more than 300,000 copies in its first two weeks on release.
Click to listen to the new single “3 words”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=GB&hl=en-GB&v=PpjytYC97lI

Samantha Fox

How convenient … I'm A Celebrity contestant Samantha Fox has confirmed that she is releasing a new Greatest Hits CD in December.
Nothing's Gonna Stop Me Now: Greatest Hits is scheduled for release on December 14.
Available in single and double CD editions, it includes her three Top 10 hits “Touch Me (I Want Your Body)”, “Nothing's Gonna Stop Me Now” and “Do Ya Do Ya (Wanna Please Me)”
It will also feature her new track “Tomorrow”,

UK Charts

Congratulations to JLS whose debut album has gone straight to No.1 in the UK and also in the Irish album charts, they missed out on the double though to The Black Eyed Peas, they now have had a massive 3 No.1’s from their album “The E.N.D”

Top 5 U.K. Singles:
5: N-Dubz – “I need you”
4: Cheryl Cole – “Fight for this love”
3: JLS – “Everybody in love”
2: Leona Lewis – “Happy”
1: The Black Eyed Peas – “Meet me half way”

Top 5 U.K. Albums:
5: The Black Eyed Peas – “The E.N.D”
4: The Solders – “Coming home”
3: Snow Patrol – “Up to now – The greatest hits”
2: Robbie Williams – “Reality killed the video star”
1: JLS – “JLS”

Lady Gaga

What ever your thoughts are on Lady Gaga you have to admit she sure knows how to churn out a massive pop hit and her latest single is no different!
It’s absolutely brilliant; it’s from her re-issued album “The Fame Monster” which contains new tracks, and what’s more Lady Gaga has said she’s going to release an affordable version of it, which will just contain all the new tracks. (So if you already own “The Fame” you don’t need to re-buy it)
Click to listen to “Bad Romance”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsthwTUTylQ

Sarah Harding

Another Girls Aloud member breaks away from the band to record solo material, this time it’s the turn of Sarah Harding.
She has recorded three solo songs for the soundtrack to her upcoming movie St Trinian's 2: The Legend Of Fritton's Gold.
The tracks “Too Bad”, “Make It Easy” and a cover of David Bowie's “Boys Keep Swinging”
“We can now announce that Sarah has recorded three exclusive tracks for the soundtrack to her new film St Trinian's 2: The Legend of Fritton's Gold,” a message on Girls Aloud's MySpace reads.
“As well as playing the character of Roxy, Sarah has worked with Xenomania on three songs for the album” … also on the album is Girls Aloud's live performance of Kaiser Chiefs' “I Predict A Riot” at Wembley.
The original soundtrack to St Trinian's 2: The Legend Of Fritton's Gold is scheduled for release on December 14.
Bad time for her to release anything considering the success Cheryl Cole has had huh … Do you think she can be as big?

Madonna

Unless you have Madonna’s “Greatest Hits” collection you probably haven’t heard this track so here it is …
Madonna Feat… Lil Wayne “Revolver” It’s a brilliant track and I only hope she releases it as her next single!

Even if your not a Madonna fan, you’ve got to admit that this track is just FANTASTIC!
Click on the link to list: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BHR1LHF2Vs

Leona Lewis

Wooo Whooo... Leona Lewis is coming to Ireland!

It was announced today that Leona Lewis will be playing The O2 in Dublin on 27th June 2010 as part of her UK and Ireland tour.

Tickets on sale Friday 27th November at 9.30am from: http://www.ticketmaster.ie

Cleopatra

90’s girl band ‘Cleopatra’ have announced details of a live comeback show for next week.
The girls made up of sisters Cleo, Yonah and Zainam, will do a show at ‘Embassy’ in London on 17th November.
Cleo said “We are here to reclaim our true position in the pop world,” Yonah added: “Our natural connection as sisters is so much stronger; it shows in our music and live performances. We're hotter, solid and tighter than ever.”
Cleopatra had massive success in the later 90’s with Top 10 singles like “Cleopatra's Theme”, “Life Ain't Easy” and “I Want You Back” in 1998.
They were even snapped up by Madonna's Maverick record label in the US. I still think “Cleopatra’s theme” is a great pop song! ~ Tickets are priced from £7 and are available now.
Click to listen to “Cleopatra’s theme”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lb-Ff4piZIg

US Charts

Owl City returns back to the US No.1 spot for a second time in it’s chart run.
Also congratulations also goes to a previous American Idol winner Carrie Underwood who sold a massive 318,000 copies of her second album “Play on” “Play On” is the largest sales week for an album by a woman in 2009 and the second-best sales week for a country release behind Rascal Flatt’s “Unstoppable” which sold 351,000 in the first week of release.

Top 5 U.S. Singles:
5: Jay Sean feat... Lil Wayne – “Down”
4: Iyaz – “Replay”
3: Jason DeRulo – “Whatcha say”
2: Jay-Z & Alicia Key’s – “Empire State of mind”
1: Owl City – “Fireflies”

Top 5 U.S. Albums:
5: Various Artists – “Now 31”
4: Various Artists – “Glee: The music Vol…1”
3: Andrea Bocelli – “My Christmas”
2: Michael Jackson – “This is it”
1: Carrie Underwood – “Play on”

Overall album sales in this past chart week (ending 8th Nov) are down 2% compared to the same sales week of 2008 (7.02 million).
Year to date album sales stand at 294.4 million, down 13% compared to the same total at this point last year (339.3 million).

Rihanna

Rihanna has been confirmed to be a mentor and she’ll be performing on ‘The X Factor’ later this month.
Rihanna is expected to sing her new single “Russian Roulette” from her fourth studio album titled “Rated R” (which is released on 23rd November).
Rihanna said: “I am beyond excited - it was the easiest decision I've ever made. A lot of people watch the show over here on YouTube and I personally caught a lot of it when Leona Lewis was on, who's an amazing artist. So to say yes to Simon was an honour, especially as I know the show so well.”
Shakira will be the celebrity guest on this Sunday's show, and Susan Boyle will perform her debut single: “Wild Horses” on the 22nd.
Click to hear Rihanna’s new single “Russian roulette” … I’m still on the fence with this one! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zln0wp98LKs

The Ting Tings

Things are looking even more promising for ‘The Ting Tings’ to break into the US market as they’ve been working with Jay-Z on new material and they signed to his ‘Roc Nation’ record label in America.
The Ting Tings have spent the last six months writing songs for their second album, due for release in spring 2010. Jay-Z will be producing a number of tracks for the duo from Manchester.
“Jay is hoping to lend his production skills to some of the new material,” a source told the Daily Star. “The staccato rhythmic style of The Ting Tings sits well with what he does best, so that was the attraction.
“Jay can make them one of the biggest British bands in America”… I certainly agree and I hope their follow up is just as good as their debut! ~ Can’t wait!

Click to listen to their classic “That’s not my name”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UX0p7uAW2s

Robbie Williams

Robbie Williams is on course knock Cheryl Cole’s album off the No.1 spot on Sunday in the UK despite initial sales figures showing JLS's self-titled debut in the lead.
According to Music Week, registration issues at the Official Charts Company (who compile the sales figures in the UK) resulted in some of Robbie’s album sales not being counted.
Robbie (who lost out to Alexandra Burke in the single battle two weeks ago) is currently beating JLS by a “handful of sales”.
Both acts however are ahead of Snow Patrol's “Greatest hits - Up To Now” and Biffy Clyro's “Only Revolutions” which are in third and fourth place respectively.
Cheryl Cole’s debut album “3 Words” which has spent the past two weeks at the top, is currently at No. 7.

Personally I'd prefer Robbie to be No.1

Boyzone

Ronan Keating has said that he would love Boyzone to perform a tribute to Stephen Gately on TV show ‘The X-Factor’.
Ronan said that the remaining members of the boyband are keen return to the ITV1 show but the tribute would have to be “done right”.
“There's a couple of weeks to go and we'll see,” Ronan told GMTV when asked about guesting on the reality series. “If it's done right, and it's the right thing, we'd absolutely love to do it. It's just how we do it.”
Ronan also confirmed that the band are continuing to record thier album, which will feature vocals from Stephen.
“We're going to make a record. We were just at the beginning of making this record - and there were two songs that Stephen had already put his vocals on,” he said.
“So for Stephen were going to finish the record off, and that's keeping us going now. The four of us are sticking together a lot because we feel that when we're together, he's still in the room almost.”
Can’t wait to hear the first tracks, I actually really liked their comeback single “love you anyway”

Click to hear it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85yYAf4EMT0

Cheryl Cole

I’ve given Cheryl Cole’s album “3 Words” a few spins now and to my surprise it’s actually really good!
I thought it might me kinda like a cheesy pop album, but it’s by far the opposite, it’s mature and classy!
“Rain on me” is a great up-tempo song, and of course her No.1 smash “Fight for this love” is a good song (but definitely not the best track)
I’d deffo recommend the CD as a stocking filler for anyone this Christmas!

Arctic Monkeys

Arctic Monkeys have confirmed that they are to release a second vinyl single exclusively via ‘Oxfam’
The Artic Monkey’s originally release a 7" of “Crying Lightning” back in August through the charity and will now repeat this for their next track “Cornerstone”.
Oxfam trading director David McCullough said: “Oxfam shops have always been one of the best places on the high street to find great music, as the success of 'Crying Lightning' proves.
“The partnership with Domino has broken new ground for us, and we're delighted to be continuing it. Arctic Monkeys fans can pick up an exclusive from the band at the same time as helping us to fight poverty around the world.”
A 10" release of the “Humbug” album track will be available in 50 Oxfam music stores from November 16. It will feature new track 'Catapult', exclusive B-sides “Sketchead” and “Fright Lined Dining Room”, and a code to freely download MP3 versions of the songs.

Peter Kay

Peter Kay is releasing another single (and video) for Children In Need. Peter’s new single will premiere on BBC One on November 20. The video will include 100 British and American celebrities!
Peter is quoted as saying “It's taken two years of planning to create the video and I just know people are going to be both astonished and delighted, It's been a real labour of love but the result is joyous, potentially another 'Amarillo'!”
Peter Kay has previously released covers of “(Is This The Way To) Amarillo” and “I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)” for Comic Relief, both of which reached No.1 and sold over a million.
He also scored a hit with his comedy alter ego ‘Geraldine McQueen’ last October, with spoof single “The winner’s song”.... i predict another massive hit for him over the festive season!

UK Charts

JLS becomes the only act of 2009 to sell over 100,000 copies of two singles this year it it’s first week of release, and score their second No.1 single … something tells me the album (which is out today) will be doing the same on Sunday!

Top 5 U.K. Singles:
5: Alexandra Burke feat... Flo Rida – “Bad boys”
4: Jay Sean feat... Lil Wayne – “Down”
3: Black Eyed Peas – “Meet me half way”
2: Cheryl Cole – “Fight for this love”
1: JLS – “Everybody in love”

Top 5 U.K. Albums:
5: The Solders – “Coming home”
4: Foo Fighters – “Great hits”
3: Michael Bublé - “Crazy love”
2: Bon Jovi – “The Circle”
1: Cheryl Cole – “3 Words”

MTV EMAs

Below is the full 2009 MTV EMAs winners which was held in Berlin, Germany last night.
Biggest winner was Beyoncé (winning 3)
There's a few dodgy ones ... Like Eminem winning 'Best male' ... i could think of about 100 other better ones! (Oops did i say that out loud)...

Best Song
Beyoncé - 'Halo' - WINNER!
Black Eyed Peas - 'I Got A Feeling'
David Guetta featuring Kelly Rowland - 'When Love Takes Over'
Kings Of Leon - 'Use Somebody'
Lady Gaga - 'Poker Face'

Best Live Act
Beyoncé
Green Day
Kings of Leon
Lady GaGa
U2 - WINNER!

Best Group
Black Eyed Peas
Green Day
Jonas Brothers
Kings of Leon
Tokio Hotel - WINNER!

Best New Act
Daniel Merriweather
La Roux
Lady GaGa - WINNER!
Pixie Lott
Taylor Swift

Best Female
Beyoncé - WINNER!
Katy Perry
Lady GaGa
Leona Lewis
Shakira

Best European Act
Deep Insight
Lost
Doda
Dima Bilan
maNga - WINNER!

Best Push Artist
Daniel Merriweather
Hockey
La Roux
Little Boots
Metro Station
Pixie Lott - WINNER!
The Veronicas
White Lies

Best Male
Eminem - WINNER!
Jay-Z
Kanye West
Mika
Robbie Williams

Best Urban
Ciara
Eminem
Jay-Z - WINNER!
Kanye West
T.I

Best Rock
Foo Fighters
Green Day - WINNER!
Kings of Leon
Linkin Park
U2

Best Alternative
Muse
Paramore
Placebo - WINNER!
The Killers
The Prodigy

Best Video
Beyoncé - 'Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)' - WINNER!
Britney Spears - 'Circus'
Eminem - 'We Made You'
Katy Perry - 'Waking Up In Vegas'
Shakira - 'She Wolf'

Best World Stage Performance
Coldplay
Kid Rock
Kings of Leon
Lady GaGa
Linkin Park - WINNER!

Dannii Minogue

I don’t normally post TV stuff … but it's kinda to do with music... I’ve only just managed to see the Piers Morgan’s interview with Dannii Minogue last night (that was actually broadcast over the weekend) and I have to say she’s completely shown the public that she is in fact… Human!
The interview was brilliant, Dannii talked openly about many aspects of her life, from having to do ‘Playboy’ because she was £150.000 in debt, Kylie’s cancer period, and her relationship with a certain Mrs Osbourne to her marriage with former Prime Minister son and having children….
If you missed it, I certainly urge you all to check it out! ~ It will certainly change your opinion of her (and in a good way!)

Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HW0SLoZvm-E

Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSV6ktOpAHc&feature=related

Part 3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1oQxWG4IGs&feature=related

Part 4:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJleF12MVXs&feature=related

Part 5:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au5do7t2KSk&feature=related

US Charts

Another brand new artist: Jason DeRulo becomes the fourth artist of 2009 to take their debut single to No.1 in the US.

Other artists to take their debut single to No.1 this year were: Owl City, Jay Sean & Lady Gaga.

Top 5 U.S. Singles:
5: Miley Cyrus: “Party in the U.S.A”
4: Jay Sean feat... Lil Wayne – “Down”
3: Jay-Z & Alicia Key’s – “Empire State of mind”
2: Owl City – “Fireflies”
1: Jason DeRulo – “Whatcha say”

Top 5 U.S. Albums:
5: Trans-Siberian Orchestra – “Night Castle”
4: Rod Stewart – “Soulbook”
3: Taylor Swift – “Fearless”
2: Creed – “Full Circle”
1: Michael Jackson – “This is it”

Overall album sales in this past chart week (ending 1st Nov) are down 9% compared to the same sales week of 2008 (6.96million).
Year to date album sales stand at 287.6 million, down 13% compared to the same total at this point last year (332.3 million).

Rhydian Roberts

Close the doors, batten down the hatchets and cover your ears ‘cos he’s back … Rhydian Roberts has announced that he will release second album titled “O Fortuna” on 30th November.
Rhydian (whose debut record came out last year), revealed that he had more creative control over his latest offering.
“I had a much more free hand with this album. I could spend my career trying to reinvent myself but ultimately this is me as a real singer,” …”This is very much where I envisaged being when I was at music school. I'm made up. It's brilliant. And long may it continue.”
This album includes a collaboration with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and cover versions of “Land Of Our Fathers”, “Myfanwy”and “How Great Thou Art”
Rhydian’s debut album sold over half a MILLION copies, making him the most successful solo male artist of last year…. Believe it or not!

Robbie Williams

Robbie Williams has confirmed on “Friday night with Jonathon Ross” that he has plans to perform again with ‘Take That’
Robbie left ‘Take That’ in 1995, talked about reuniting with fellow bandmates: Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Jason Orange and Howard.
When asked whether a reformation may happen, he said: “Yes I hope so…. We've got together, done bits and bobs. I can't say much.”
There have been rumours that he spent time in a New York studio with ‘Take That’ earlier this year… Watch this space!

Paloma Faith

The fantastic Paloma Faith has just announced new tour dates for 2010.

Paloma is currently already on a European tour promoting her debut album.
Her hit’s “Stone cold sober” and New York” are just amazin’ and I’m sure she’s fantastic live.
Below are the tour dates and a link to hear her current fantastic single “New York”

The full 2010 tour dates are as follows:
March 16 - Dublin, Vicar Street
March 17 - Glasgow, ABC
March 19 - Manchester, Academy
March 20 - Leeds, O2 Academy
March 21 - Newcastle, Academy
March 23 - Cambridge, Corn Exchange
March 24 - Birmingham, O2 Academy
March 25 - Southampton, Guildhall
March 26 - Bristol, O2 Academy
March 28 - Oxford, O2 Academy
March 29 - London, Shepherd's Bush Empire

Click to listen / watch the “New York” video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvXeUqlfxhY

Slash

‘Guns ‘n’ Roses’ guitarist ‘Slash’ has just signed a new solo record deal.
Slash has so far managed to get: Ozzy Osbourne, Dave Grohl, Fergie and Cypress Hill to collaborate on tracks for the album, which is due to be release in early 2010.
Slash’s first single “Sahara” is due to be released next week, and will be accompanied by a new version of Guns ‘n' Roses hit “Paradise City”, which includes vocals from Fergie.

Shakira

I don’t know what’s happened to Shakira since the release of her last album: “Oral fixation Vol.2” back in 2005 and her current “She wolf” but she’s certainly come back with a bang in the ole sexier department!
Not satisfied with (the still shocking) video for “She wolf” she’s back with her new single “Did it again” and this time it involves … a sauna and a group of women! As well as some more rather raunchy acrobatic moves…

Click to hear the single: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqhkTsZzL6s

Leona Lewis

Leona Lewis wowed fans last night at the ‘Hackney Empire’ in London with hits like: “Bleeding love” and “Run”.

Celeb’s in the crowd included Simon Cowell … Bring on the tour next year is what I say, just don't forget to play The O2 in Dublin!

Cheryl Cole

Cheryl Cole has signed a record deal to release her solo album in the U.S.
Her album “3 Word” (which is currently No.1 in the UK) is expected to be released through Interscope early next year. According to the News Of The World, Cheryl will release her collaboration with Black Eyed Peas star Will.i.am, “3 Words”, as the first single in the U.S (That particular single is currently No.26 in the U.K)
“The Interscope deal is huge for Cheryl, her band ‘Girls Aloud’ have never released a single there,” a source told the newspaper.
Cheryl Cole's debut solo single became the fastest selling single of the year in the U.K. shifting over 290,000 copies in its first week. And her album sold a massive 125,000 copies last week …