Melody Plant

Parents everywhere are breathing a collective sigh of relief. Maybe Christmas isn’t ruined after all.

It has been announced that Miley Cyrus, a.k.a. Hannah Montana, is extending her extremely popular tour and adding 14 more shows. The shows begin January 11 in Detroit and go until January 31 in Miami.

Disney says it was an overwhelming response from fans that made them decide to add the additional shows. I’m sure it had nothing to do with the fact that it’s a huge revenue maker.

One downfall - the Jonas Brothers, who are touring with Miley, will not be on the added shows. Instead, Aly & AJ will join Miley from January 11 to January 24, with another “special guest” appearing for the remainder of the shows.

Tickets go on sale this Saturday!!!

Despite a letter from Mom, Amy Winehouse isn’t ready to pack up and head home just yet. Instead, she vows to keep on moving forward.

Amy’s rep says she’s set on making it to the Grammys. “Amy is thrilled to be nominated for six Grammys and is very much hoping to attend. She is determined to be ready and well for that performance.”

Amy has endured a lot in her mere 24 years of life. Her husband Blake Fielder-Civil is currently in jail, and she’s already had to cancel her shows for the rest of the year as she gets herself back together. Her rep says she is under physician supervision has been writing a lot. “It’s a really difficult time and she’s been channeling it into her music.”

Wow…good for you, Amy. It’s your own self-prescribed rehab.

Fall Out Boy got a total of zero Grammy nominations on Thursday mor

ning and come night time, bassist Pete Wentz showed just how much of a sore loser he was when he pitched a fit at the People magazine Grammy kick off party. Pete continues to be a sourpuss when he made a post on the band’s official blog.

In the blog titled “got bitterness? vs. a revelation on true connection (and the award goes to)” Pete reveals just how he felt about the lack of nominations but yet being asked to appear and even perform for a kick off party.

But apart from bitterness, Pete actually has a great point about relevance and acceptance in there. It’s a good read.

If their performance at the Victoria’s Secret fashion show was anything to go by, the Spice Girls concert wouldn’t be any good. But the thing is, that performance isn’t anything compared to the actual show because the show is really good!

Besides making LA fans go crazy by singing all their hits on Wednesday, Baby, Scary, Ginger and Sporty each belted out solo numbers. Mel C did ‘I Turn to You’, Scary made her own rendition of ‘Are You Gonna Go My Way’ and Ginger did ‘It’s Raining Men’. I forget what Baby sang but it brought the house down along with the other 3 nonetheless.

What did Posh do? Instead of belting out her own solo number, she opted to prance down the runway to a mix of Madonna’s ‘Like a Virgin’ and RuPaul’s ‘Supermodel’.

Well we are familiar with celebs having interesting or dangerous hobbies. Only yesterday did I comment on KT Tunstall’s love of rock climbing despite worrying about losing limbs in the process. And now soldier boy James Blunt joins the masses and reveals his love for the Swiss Slopes.

Hmm something tells me it’s not the skiing James loves though. Famed for his womanising ways, it is rumoured that the ‘You’re Beautiful’ singer took the virginity of hundreds of chalet girls at his favourite resort in Switzerland. And to top it off; his conquests are proudly wearing t-shirts emblazoned with the slogan “James Blunt Took my Virginity”.

Blunt is typically male and very proud of his reputation, saying: “I once found myself in a swimming pool in Los Angeles with nine naked models and I was the only bloke. I’d like to think any woman I have known has enjoyed being with me.”

Yes but how much is really true James?

KT Tunstall has given up her love of rock climbing due to fears she will lose her fingers to frostbite. What a sentence! The huge singer claims that a climbing holiday in the Isle of Skye a few years ago was the best time she ever had; but she worries that the dangerous hobby will damage her fingers so much it will prevent her from playing the guitar.

She says, “What worries me most is damaging my fingers. At the moment, I can’t afford to risk losing them to frostbite but I’d love to do more in the future.”

We feel for you KT but totally agree. Fans of your music urge you not to ruin your fingers – we wait with baited breath for your next album.

Avril Lavigne went to a great low when she had a free concert in Canada this past weekend for the opening of a Best Buy. The only thing that gets lower than that is if it happened to be a disaster – which it was!

A fan turned non-fan said that the show was a joke especially after Avril showed up nearly two hours late while her fans stayed out in the freezing cold and snow just to see her outdoor concert. The show was scheduled to start at 1PM but an announcement came at 1:50PM that she was only to arrive in 15 minutes. Shame on her!

Well we were all a bit dubious from the start. Chantelle and Preston were the hot on-screen Big Brother couple; but no-body expected it to really last. And it seems we were right on the button. After only 10 months the pair have been granted a quickie divorce on the grounds of his ‘unreasonable behaviour’.

The Ordinary Boys singer has also reunited with ex-fiancée Camille Aznar. In response Chantelle has said “It worries me that he’s got back together with Camille because it makes me think that our relationship was a complete lie. I think maybe he just went out with me because of what was going on around us at the time. So was it a lie? I can’t help but think that.”

Well duh! But it’s ok boys, not only is Chantelle now once again on the market she also has new – huge – 32DD boobs to boot. Blimey that’s an enlargement and a half. To make up for lack of brains I suppose?

Britney Spears’ latest album ‘Blackout’ is already on the fourth week of its release and it has literally blacked out. Her album has already dropped to a very disappointing 41st place this week in the US according to the new Soundscan charts.

What’s far more disappointing is that Brit’s album has only sold a total of 466,834 copies. That means that her latest effort will not be selling more than a million copies unless some sort of miracle happens. ‘Blackout’ will be the only Britney CD to date that will not go to platinum.

Well that has to suck for her. But I doubt that she really cares.

Another Spice Girls blog is up with Geri Halliwell penning it. In her blog, she admits that with all the rehearsals going on for the Spice Girls’ world tour, she feels like she’s stuck in some sort of ‘Spice Bubble’.

“I actually feel like I’m in the Spice bubble… we are encapsulated in this world where we are just immersed in each other’s lives constantly. Just before the run through of the show this morning, Mel B, Victoria and I even went to the loo together… in separate cubicles, obviously!”

She also talked about the Spice Kids having play dates and surprising Mel B in the live final of Dancing With the Stars.

Ashley Tisdale is a big music lover. And like any true music lover, she’s not stuck on one type of music but rather a whole range that seemingly doesn’t have any connection at all. She recently made her own top 10 music picks for 2007 and I can say that the girl has some good taste.Taking the top spot is Carrie Underwood with ‘So Small’, followed by Paramore with ‘Misery Business’, Rihanna with ‘Umbrella’, The Used with ‘Pretty Handsome Awkward’, Beyonce with ‘Irreplaceable’, Michael Buble with ‘Everything’, The Academy Is with ‘Everything We Had’, Plain White T’s with ‘Hey There Delilah’, My Chemical Romance with ‘Teenagers’ with Justin Timberlake rounding her list off with ‘Summer Love’.

Another celebrity baby has been born. A fat and healthy baby boy just entered Usher’s life, as his fresh wife gave birth.

The couple is thriving with joy, and Usher is content with his new found fatherhood. His wife, Tameka Foster, has already 3 children, this is her fourth. A late child for Tameka as she is already 37 years old, in contrast with the young singer who is only 29.

Their whole marriage is wrapped in mystery and no one really know if they got married just because he was pregnant or if the couple really intend of spending their lives tighter. That is for us to see and maybe comment on in the future, for now let’s all welcome usher’s new baby boy.

I don’t know what that is peeking from underneath Amy Winehouse’s dress but I’m praying that it’s not a tampon string. Can you say ewww?

Apart from being grossed out, concert goers were angered by the ‘Rehab’ singer on Saturday when she gave one of the worst performances of her career. Knowing her track record, that says a lot. Wino actually walked out of the concert midway through her set!

Amy went on stage with smeared make up and a cigarette hanging from her lips. She disappeared from the stage a couple of times before completely storming off when the audience began to boo and heckle her.

Lily Allen was recently asked on what she wants to do if and when she decides to quit being a singer and leave the music scene completely.

She said, “I’d like to live in the country and have chickens and pigs. It’s a great job but it doesn’t leave time for what’s important - like having a family. I’m going to do one more album. I just want to make some money - maybe I could retire at 25.”

Let’s just take it for what it’s worth. This Lily that says she wants pigs is the same one that says she’s changed yet still manages to bash Victoria Beckham.

American Idol’s most recent champion Jordin Sparks’ debut CD is expected to come in at #2 this week, so say some industry projections. She would come in behind Alicia Keys who’s expected to dominate the charts for the entire holiday season.

Jordin’s album is expected to sell between 90,000 to 100,000 on its first week. While the numbers aren’t that bad, those projections would actually make Jordin’s album have the lowest debut for an American Idol winner – ever! Yes, it’s worse than Ruben’s. A lot of runners up sold even more than that in their first week. That has got to hurt.

And it will include Michael. That’s right 70’s hit band – The Jacksons, who last toured in 1984, are planning a reunion for one last tour. And Jermaine Jackson insists that star brother, Michael, will definitely be involved. Apparently he has attended all meetings and discussions and plans are set to reunite sometime in 2008.

The original plan was for the reunion tour to be in 2005, but the controversy behind Michael’s child abuse trial put all plans on hold. Now that he has been cleared of all charges plans can move ahead.

My problem with this is two things. One: if you put Michael in the middle of the other five; Tito, Marlon, Jackie, Jermaine and Randy…is he really going to look like pat of the family? And two: The Jacksons were children in essence back in the 70s and 80s when they had hits with “I want you back” and “ABC”. Surely the adult voices will not do the songs the same justice? Only time will tell I guess…I await with baited breath.

Spice Girls mania is alive and kicking in the US, a little quiet in the UK and close to dead in South America. The girls have cancelled the only announced concert in South America. They sent an email to fans that had already signed up for tickets to the Buenos Aires show in explanation.

They say that due to their solo projects and family obligations, they are unable to extend the tour and that the Buenos Aires date is one that they are finding hard to fit into their schedules. As some sort of consolation, the girls will be holding contests for South American fans. The prize of which is a trip to London, flight and accommodations taken care of, to watch one of their shows.

Kylie has released her 10th studio album with more confidence than ever. And she has scooted off to Germany to promote it.

The miniature singer, most recently in the news for being humiliated by a saucy statue created by Madame Tussauds, was cleared last year of the horrible disease; Breast Cancer, which knocked her down in 2005.

And now as she promotes her new album X, she says, “I think it’s not so difficult to write a decent song but to write a great song is a difficult thing. I like the challenge of trying to find that and at the very least, writing something that I enjoy singing and all people love. It took me a number of years to find my confidence to do that but now it’s just part of me.”

What a trooper. I remember listening to Kylie when I was a kid and she is still going strong; with the right attitude and music that pleases the new generations as the times move on. You go girl!

Hannah Montana’s Barbie girl Miley Cyrus turned 15 and the only thing her parents say she wished for was to celebrate her birthday on the stage, with her hometown fans.

Daddy opened her act with a guitar solo and from that point on the young star took the stage. 15,000 people congratulated her on her 15th birthday at the end of the act, singing in a choice a nice happy birthday. Miley seemed quite sincere when she told the crowd that she is living her dream both for her and for millions of young Americans out there that can get the big break she did. The innocent 15 year old wishes every kid could live her dream along with her.

We should already come to expect that after showing up for their first show together and the fact that their reunion tour is just around the corner, another Spice Girls blog would be up. This time around, it’s from Sporty Mel C. She talked about rehearsing, performing and even nerves.

She’s incredibly excited about their upcoming tour and spoke about the rehearsals saying that she thinks after all of it, they may just as well run a marathon. She also talked about the rush of being on stage at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show last week but said that she was incredibly nervous and even shaking the whole time.

I’m sure the nerves will be gone come the start of their tour.

Whoever said that reality TV stars and alums can’t make it big in the real world should really start eating their words now. But in the case of American Idol alums Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughtry, was there ever really any doubt?

The two singers won big at the 2007 American Music Awards by picking up three awards each. Carrie won for Favorite Female Country Artist, Favorite Country Album for ‘Some Hearts’ and the Audience Text-in Award for Favorite Artist just days after winning big at the Country Music Association Awards. Chris Daughtry and his band took home Breakthrough Artist, Favorite Pop/Rock Album and Favorite Contemporary Artist.

Congrats to both!

Leona Lewis’ debut record ‘Spirit’ officially took the #1 spot in the UK albums’ chart this week and it broke records on the way there. Her album because the UK’s fastest-selling debut of all time selling an amazing 375,872 copies!

Leona was up against the Spice Girls, Led Zeppelin and Celine Dion. She actually beat the #2 Spice Girls by over 300,000 copies. Wow! Leona’s current single ‘Bleeding Love’ is #1 on the singles’ chart for the fourth consecutive week, seeling a total of 563,702 copies.

Leona’s album ‘Spirit’ is now scheduled for release in the US on March 18th.

There is another military man attempting to reach heights in the world of music, and he is Beautiful. Jay Picton is a physical trainer in the Navy, sporting rugged good looks and a promising music career. His single, Unexplainable Reason, has already topped an independent online chart, and he has hopes it will breakthrough to the regular pop charts in the not too distant future.

He claims to have hit the music business by accident. After a knee injury put him on sick leave he began to learn the guitar and write his own songs. Meeting his girlfriend then gave him the opportunity he needed; introducing him to Clyde Ward of Worldwide Productions. Clyde has worked with many great acts including Lionel Richie; whom our budding star has now recorded 3 songs with.

Yes girls, he does have a girlfriend (sigh); but just look at that picture. Isn’t he gorge? Keep those ears peeled for Jay Picton on your radio; if his voice matches his looks he is definitely on for a winner.

In a sneak peek at their highly anticipated world tour that will kick off on December 2 in Vancouver, the members of the biggest British girl group to ever come out in the 1990s almost stole the show from feathered and jiggly-bodied models on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show held on Thursday.

The Spice Girls reunited and performed for the first time in almost 10 years. They performed one of their classic singles ‘Stop’ decked out in 1950s-style military outfits complete with male backup dancers. After a change of clothes and decades, the girls came out to perform their latest single ‘Headlines (Friendship Never Ends)’ decked out in 1930s evening gowns.

Too bad they lipsynched the whole time.

It just goes to show that you can never be too young to be successful. The Jonas Brothers’ debut disc, ‘Jonas Brothers’ under Hollywood Records has now officially gone gold by selling over 500,000 copies.

15-year old Nick, 18-year old Joe and 20-year old Kevin are definitely headed for the big time as they’re now appearing with big time artists and even performing on big time shows. On Tuesday, the pop rock group of brothers joined Alicia Keys on TRL. And come Sunday, November 18, the rest of the world can see them perform at the 2007 American Music Awards.

Amy Winehouse parties so hard during tour that her tour manager just can’t hang with her anymore. Thom Stone has reportedly quit as her tour manager because he is worried about that Amy is ruining his health. Haha, we all knew this was coming and let me tell you fans out there who think she might be able to claw back, this is only the beginning and there are more lows for her to come. Winehouse disappointed fans that were anxious to see her at the opening night of her U.K. tour in England, on Wednesday. Many of the anxious fans were so pissed at her lackluster performance that they walked out mid-show and demanded a refund. Just as I said there are more lows from her to come and she really is headed the Britney way, lackluster music and bad performance, dipping ratings and a complete trainwreck that’s what she is headed towards.

Pop wreck Britney Spears has become so unreliable that her video shoot for ‘Piece of Me’ has been canceled. The video production team had already prepared for a no-show by Britney and hired a stand in during rehearsals–and possibly for the actual shoot itself. yeah I don’t believe her camp neither…especially since they gave 100 excuses why she failed the drug test and none of them could be the closest to the truth. We all know that Britney is not working these days all she is involved in is her custody case and that’s on top of her agenda right now. Whether she manages to win the custody or part custody or visiting rights does not matter at all. She has been reported to driving with the kids time and again and breaking rules at will. SO if she cancels a video shoot is not at all a surprise to me. When she will be able to come out this wreck situation is not one that we all can sit and predict. Her album is doing well but she not.

Kanye West issued a statement on Monday night regard the tragic passing of his mother Donda West. Kanye and the rest of his family were thankful for the outpouring of support and kind words that have come from all over the country.

The rapper also asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of his mother to the Kanye West Foundation/Loop Dreams Teacher Training Institute. Both of which were handled by Donda who previously worked in higher education for 31 years.

I’m pretty sure I haven’t said it before, but better late than never. I’d like to extend my condolences to Kanye and the rest of the West family for their loss.

Some say she isn’t, others say she is. But for the umpteenth time, Rihanna squashed rumors that she’s dating actor Josh Hartnett.

A fake quote came out a while ago at the World Music Awards in Monte Carlo that Rihanna admitted to being with Josh and that she is very much in love with him. But Rihanna has gone on the record saying “That is completely incorrect. People quote me on things that I never said. That quote is not a real quote. It’s not right at all.” If you read between the lines, she’s saying that she’s single. There’s hope for all those still lusting for her.

Did someone forget to pay the electric bill or did R&B singer Brandy actually do her best impression of Ashlee Simpson on Sunday?

The singer was a performer at the annual Sensationell Hair Idol competition in Washington DC. Her performance quickly turned chaotic when both music and lyrics got abruptly cut off in the middle of her performance of ‘Who is He to You?’ Her rep came to her defense though saying that she “absolutely wasn’t lip-syncing” and “she was singing live.”

After inviting her daughter and her brother Ray J on stage, Brandy sand an a cappella version of ‘Almost Doesn’t Count’ and ‘Full Moon’.