Melody Plant

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.

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.

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.

Just days after a video of him leaked showing him shooting up on heroin, and even fewer days of him saying that he was going back to rehab, Pete Doherty was spotted out and about on Saturday. That’s right, you heard it. He’s NOT in rehab.

The rocker who’s been given too many chances already showed up to a court in London on Saturday to lend some ‘moral support’ to Amy Winehouse whose husband got arrested for allegedly trying to fix a trial.

I highly doubt she needs that kind of support from that kind of person Pete. But I do believe both of them need to go to rehab.

Tori Amos recently had a concert in Chicago this week and everyone that left the concert could only talk about one thing: her performance of the song ‘Me and a Gun’. It’s the seminal song off her debut album that talks about rape.

Tori dressed up as her ‘Pip’ character and performed the usually acapella song with her full band. At the end of the song, she even brought out some props in the form of a gun and a knife. That’s some heavy stuff right there.

On a lighter note, the singer debuted the song ‘Raspberry Swirl’ for the first time on her current tour. It’s the first time she performed that song in years.

Pony Up! are an all-female four piece hailing out of Montreal, Canada. They apparently formed on New Year’s Eve 2002 and since then have been busy touring Australia, North America, and now the United Kingdom.
Perhaps there is something special here then that did not reveal itself on the night. Perhaps it was just the bad P.A. system that made them sound boring, nervous and not particularly interesting to watch or listen to.
To be fair to the girls, every now and then you do hear a lot of potential in their playing, and they do have a few decent songs. The only problem seems to be that because they are quite a novelty in the world of rock ‘n’ roll, a girl band who are not pop – it seems that perhaps they have been let off more easily than their male counterparts would be. Sleater-Kinney they are not, though they seem to be compared to them quite often. Another part of the ‘not enough girls with guitars’ problem one must assume.
The only ray of sunshine in the band was guitarist Sarah Moundroukas who seemed to be a very talented performer. Any time she took up the reins of a song, the interest of the crowd seemed to perk up just a little bit more than usual.
Perhaps if she were the lead singer in the group the whole quality of the band would be much better. Sadly the real lead vocalist Laura Wills seems to enjoy being the centre of attention far too much for that to ever happen, even if she cannot sing very well.

Singers need more than the spotlight though, and even ones who have sold over 200 million albums still want to feel like they have something to offer. So she’s left the lights of Vegas behind, stepped back into the real world and in fairness to her, brought along a clutch of songs that actually may change a few people’s opinion.

Amongst the list of luminaries who twiddle a knob, knock out a lyric or strum a guitar for her are the all-conquering Timbaland, king of R’n’B balladry R Kelly, ex-Evanescence axe wielder Ben Moody, Christina Aguilera and Pink co-writer Linda Perry… and the always entertaining Dave Stewart, whose influence stretches so far that there’s even a lyrical snip of The Eurythemics’ “Here Comes The Rain Again” woven into the title track.

The highlights are two very different songs. In the power ballad corner, she shows off her larynx with a belting take on Heart’s endless queen of soft rock, “Alone”. Up against it for the title is the more contemporary “Shadow Of Love”, a song with enough disco and fun for Kylie to sing it.

Taking Chances doesn’t quite do what the title suggests, but it does push Celine Dion to the edge of her comfort zone and show an artist who not only wants to remain relevant but is prepared to work hard to stay that way.

Sad news for those that have been looking forward to seeing Kylie Minogue in concert. The Australian singer has nixed plans for a world tour next year.

Kylie recently overcame a battle with breast cancer so it’s understandable that she’s concerned that the rigors of touring would take too much of a toll on her health. On the advice of her doctors, she has decided that she will not go on the road.

Kylie has released a statement regarding the matter saying “The tour is not going to happen, it is far too soon. I can’t do it next year. It kind of breaks my heart because that is what I’m in this business for. Not being able to go ahead with my plans is a real downer. Every woman has to face up to new priorities, near the top is health. I take my health very seriously but not obsessively. Everything is about pacing yourself.”

British pop singer-songwriter Natasha Bedingfield made a huge splash as a new artist in late 2005 and early 2006. Her first two singles, “These Words” and “Unwritten” crackled with energy and wit that seemed to signal a unique pop talent was emerging. However, following up such an auspicious beginning has been a difficult task for Bedingfield. “I Wanna Have Your Babies,” the first single from her second album N.B., peaked at a relatively disappointing #7 in the UK in the spring of 2007 causing Epic Records to delay release of a single in the US. 6 months later “Love Like This” is being promoted as the first American single from the album.

Where Natasha Bedingfield’s first hits inspired with their words of self-awareness and personal encouragement, “Love Like This” is a somewhat dull, breezy, simplistic dissertation on romance between long-term friends. It would be very easy for this single to get lost amid more unique or challenging pop songs. Natasha Bedingfield sounds like just another pop singer here. Uniqueness and the ability to stand out are lacking.

In a clear effort to give the song a pop boost, Sean Kingston is brought in for a brief featured part. This vocal serves no purpose other than providing an extra element for the single’s marketing campaign. Natasha Bedingfield needs to step up her game if she will avoid losing a significant part of her initial pop audience.

We’ve heard from the two Mels otherwise known as Sporty and Scary Spice, now it’s time to hear from Emma otherwise known as Baby Spice. Emma is the latest Spice Girl to blog on their official website.

In her entry, she talked about finally being in LA, how her son Beau was and the mad rush of paparazzi that greeted her when she arrived. She also talked about her excitement over the rehearsals and the tour itself. She even gushed about the merchandise they were going to put out which even includes some baby bits that she wants to get for Beau.

Everyone predicted that Carrie Underwood’s CD would sell a lot and would go to the top of the charts but it actually did even better than any prediction made. ‘Carnival Ride’ is currently the #1 album in the US and has sold over 527,000 copies during its debut week. This is the American Idol alum’s first #1 album and also bested her previous effort ‘Some Hearts’ which sold 315,000 units in its first week.

Her record sales is also the best sales week for a female country artist since Shania Twain’s ‘Greatest Hits’ release back in November 2004. Carrie’s debut is also double what Kelly Clarkson’s ‘My December’ CD sold in its first week.

Congratulations Carrie!

What a weird coincidence, Duran Duran’s new video “Falling Down,” which was co-directed by Justin Timberlake is about a young star who is forced to go to rehab against her will and loses it. If this is about Britney I think this is quite low from J.T. I mean no one can argue that Britney is at a low point in her life. People can be judgmental of her, but it really is uncalled for from someone who said that he once loved Britney and that he wanted to help her through her tough times. I mean after Cry me a River Britney never said anything and took the high road (if cheating rumors were true she deserved the dissing), but it’s been YEARS, get over it Justin. JT could have been way classier and not jump in with all the haters. If you are such a creative artist stop taking cheap shots. Why is justin so obsessed with Britney. he says how he hates the press being all over his shit than he does shit like this. Leave Britney alone!!!! Why is he taking cheap shots at her? Who the fuck does he think he is?

Chris Brown has ended hip-hop sensation Soulja Boy’s reign at the top of the U.S. pop charts with his new song Kiss Kiss. Brown’s collaboration with rapper T-Pain has toppled Soulja Boy’s Crank That (Soulja Boy), which spent seven weeks at number one. I think Chris Brown is HOT so he should stay him self! And about this toppling thing, well music today is as creepy as these guys themselves. There are just a few good looking males in the music industry and the other just a stinking pigs using a hell lot of perfume to hide that bad odor slipping out from underneath their armpits. Well that’s all that I’d like to these guys, for me the music of the Rolling Stones and other established artist is more fun listening to rather than have some cranked up music make me deaf in the ears.

Gwen Stefani was seen leaving her New York City hotel early Friday morning with her 17-month old son Kingston. This was the day after she attended the Black Ball 2007 which was held to honor the work of Bono for the AIDS movement.

Gwen performed at the event and did a duet with Alicia Keys. Rolling Stone reports that their performance was “an elegiac version of ‘Sunday, Bloody Sunday” which was originally done by Bono’s band U2. The magazine also says the Alicia’s vocals lingered in the air and was long, haunting and elegant.

The song was haunting by itself, now I’m curious how Alicia made it even more so.

Country singer Tim McGraw has hit out at the female fan who grabbed his crotch onstage this summer as “disrespectful.” McGraw was performing alongside his wife Faith Hill on their Soul2Soul tour in Lafayette, Louisiana in July, when one excited devotee reached out to grab his manhood. I understand Faith’s reaction. Unfortunately, it appears that in today’s society there is very little conscience, let alone moral fiber. Good for Faith in standing up for the respect that she and Tim deserve, and Good for Tim in standing by his woman. Just because your life is in the public eye does not mean you are owned by the public. I think Tim should have had her arrested for bodily assault. That would certainly have taught her a lesson. (It’s not too late). I’m surprised she could even get a good grip through those tight jeans/pants he always wears…even still it’s still disrespectful. Faith is too nice, because that girl would’ve gone home with one hand if it’d been me.

“The paradigm in the music business has shifted and as an artist and a business woman, I have to move with that shift. For the first time in my career, the way that my music can reach my fans is unlimited. I’ve never wanted to think in a limited way and with this new partnership, the possibilities are endless.” These are the comments that Madonna had to make on her record $120 deal with Live Nation. Once upon a time, a very long time ago, Madonna told Dick Clark she wanted to “rule the world.” Well, I guess she thinks she still can. Madonna should have just retired from the business years ago; she gets more annoying as she gets older. Her real talent lies in the art of self promotion, and she is a master at it. What limit did her music have? It is all over the place, even the crappy music of the last 5 years…and she is using her money to pass on that false religion, Kaballah, especially on the poor, hapless people of Malawi. She bores me.

Former Stone Roses star Ian Brown has criticized Kylie Minogue’s musical abilities, branding the pop star a “devil doll” The singer claims Minogue is not talented enough to have been awarded the gong for Q Idol at the Q Awards in London on Monday. Is he schizo? He says she’s a devil doll, that he doesn’t find her cute, and that she isn’t one of the great minds making music, then says he LOVES her…but then says he doesn’t think she should’ve gotten an award. If anyone has problems, it’s this guy. You off your zoloft, dude? And though Kylie doesn’t make intellectual music like sting, and U2, etc., she is a great entertainer in her own right. She’s beautiful, and she and her music are fun. Who are YOU, Mr. Johnny come lately, to think you have the right to criticize her? Ok, she just performs fluffy pop, but she’s lasted a long time…and this shows that people do enjoy her AND her music. Let’s see how long YOU will last.

He’s been out of the spotlight of fame since American Idol ended but that doesn’t mean Sanjaya would stop chasing after it.

The American Idol alum was seen in Hollywood a few days ago when he was a guest of honor at the FOX Reality Channel Really Awards. Sanjaya and his hair walked away with the coveted Favorite Loser trophy.

Are we sure that’s an award and not an insult? One person seems to think that it’s an award when a girl was heard shouting that he was the hottest. Please tell me she’s blind or at least, at the brink of being blind.

Scottish singer K.T. Tunstall has vowed never to take drugs after watching the downfall of troubled star Amy Winehouse. The Suddenly I See hit maker insists she’ll never be tempted by illegal substances after viewing recent photographs of Winehouse covered in blood with husband Blake Fielder-Civil following an alleged drugs binge. They all say this kinda thing….just before all the nastiest come crawling out of the closet. Secretly I think all these singers and celebrities have taken drugs at least once even if it were to have a taste of things or to get high to vent out the anger in them. I think KT too knows what drugs are like and has this inner feeling that if someday she falls prey to drugs and gets addicted to drugs them it could harm her career very badly to the extent that making a comeback thereafter would be hard. Look at Britney, she is making so many attempts to resurrect her career but its been bombing at every attempt.

Rocker Courtney Love wants to launch her own perfume – but is worried nobody wants to smell like her. The former Hole front woman also thinks her hell raising reputation might hinder chances of selling a fragrance. She is so right about herself on this thing, she stinks, her music stinks, her hairs stink and so would her perfume if it were ever launched. And if someday the perfume is evolved and hits the market then she shall be the only one going to the stores housing her perfume to buy it. She will take the cab every day and buy the perfume until the last bottle is purchased off the rack and then ask the makers to please stop making it because it is so expensive and gives such a bad smell that she wouldn’t like to use it herself. She will also have to go to a discount mart and ask the vendors to please purchase the bottles that she purchased from the stores and a cheap discount coz she has no idea what to do them those unused bottles. So Courtney if you want to avoid such embarrassment just forget about your own perfume fragrance.