Showing posts with label Grammy Award. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grammy Award. Show all posts

Sunday, February 12, 2012

The superstar singer passed away suddenly, her publicist confirms. How tragic.

Whitney Houston has died at age 48, her publicist confirmed on Feb. 11.

Although the cause of death has not been revealed, Jill Fritzo, a publicist of Whitney’s, told HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY that she had passed away, saying, “unfortunately, true.”

Houston died at the Beverly Hilton Hotel and l employees, tell TMZ .com … Whitney Houston was found dead in the bathtub of her room. As of 1 am  set Feb 12, Houston’s body was still at the hotel, police sources confirmed to Hollywoodlife.com.

Sources say there were no obvious signs of foul play, but BHPD detectives have launched a full investigation. L.A. County Coroner Ed Winter tells HollywoodLife.com that it is too early in the investigation to tell what happened.

Whitney was one of the best-selling pop artists of all time, with over 55 million records sold in the United States alone. Furthermore, she had great success acting, with star-making turns in films such as the smash hit The Bodyguard , and Waiting To Exhale.

She was also known for her tumultuous relationship with her ex-husband Bobby Brown. Upon hearing of Whitney death, Bobby immediately began calling friends and family.

“He wanted to tell everyone about it before it hit the news,” one of his relatives told PEOPLE magazine. “He didn’t want any of us to hear about it on television.”

As Brown spoke to family members, the shock of Houston’s sudden death turned to grief. “He could hardly get the words out when he called me,” says the relative. “He was sobbing, and by the end of the call, I was sobbing too. He’s beside himself right now.”

Brown learned the news about his ex-wife while in Memphis, where he is currently on location for a New Edition concert. He is “shattered and beyond devastated,” says the source.

CNN spoke to Johnny Gill who is in Memphis with Bobby Brown for a New Edition concert. He told them: “Bobby is struggling and devastated” at hearing that Whitney has died. He has apparently spoken to their daughter Bobbi Kristina, 18, who Hollywoodlife.com has learned was with Whitney in Los Angeles and was “not doing well” Brown said.

Houston’s passing was confirmed by her publicist, and Beverly Hills Police Lieut. Mark Rosen said on Saturday, Feb 11,  that the 48-year-old singer “was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m. this afternoon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel,” following a 3:43 p.m. call from hotel security.

The best-selling pop artist wed soul crooner Bobby Brown in 1992 in a marriage that surprised many, given Brown’s bad-boy reputation. The following year, the couple welcomed a daughter, Bobbi Kristina.

After a tumultuous relationship that included a charge of domestic abuse against Brown in 1993, the two divorced in 2007.

Despite their breakup, the couple remained friendly, a relative of Bobby Brown’s tells HollywoodLife.com,  ”They had Bobbi Kristina in common, and were determined to be co-parents to her. They didn’t hate each other. In fact, there was a lot of respect. So this has hit Bobby really hard. He is devastated. He loved her very much. This is a very sad time for him.”

She leaves behind a daughter, Bobbi Kristina.The last time Houston was seen publicly was at a pre-Grammys party, Feb. 9, where she sang , ‘Jesus, Loves You”.

Her professional mentor Clive Davis did not cancel his annual pre-Grammys party  held at the Beverly  Hilton – the same hotel where Whitney died- in Los Angeles tonight although a source tells Hollywoodlife.com that he did not attend. He has said:  ”Whitney had one of the best voices of all time!” But guests at the party told Hollywoodlife.com that it was more like a funeral, than a party.

Several celebrities tweeted about the death shortly after the news went public, including Justin Bieber who wrote, “Just heard the news. so crazy. One of the GREATEST VOICES EVER just passed. RIP Whitney Houston. My prayers go out to her friends and family I am sadden to hear of the passing of Whitney Houston today…”

Miley Cyrus tweeted, “I LOVE Whitney : ( I’m not turning my tv on. just gonna stay @ home & listen 2 her records.
Mariah Carey expressed her condolences over a series of tweets, saying, “Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston. My heartfelt condolences to Whitney’s family and to all her millions of fans throughout the world. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth.”

Her husband, Nick Cannon, wrote, “‘To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord’ RIP to Whitney Houston a true queen.”

The X Factor’s Melanie Amaro tweeted, “I love u sooo much Whitney Houston :’( u will always be in my heart and my mind an my soul your music made me the girl I am today :(”

Aretha Franklin said, “I just can’t talk about it now. It’s so stunning and unbelievable. I couldn’t believe what I was reading coming across the TV screen. My heart goes out to Cissy (Houston’s mother), her daughter Bobbi Kris, her family and Bobby (Brown).”

Dolly Parton, who wrote “I Will Always Love You,”  Whitney’s greatest hit song, said, “mine is only one of the millions of hearts broken over the death of Whitney Houston. I will always be grateful and in awe of the wonderful performance she did on my song and I can truly say from the bottom of my heart, ‘Whitney, I will always love you. You will be missed.’”

Quincy Jones, said he was “absolutely heartbroken…She was a true original and a talent beyond compare.”

Singer Keri Hilson  wrote, “Watching the news now…it’s true. R.I.P. Whitney Houston. Ugh I hate that I’m even typing this…I’m shocked. She was my hero growing up.”

Actress Nina Dobrev also tweeted, writing, “#iwillalwaysloveyou is one of the most beautiful and iconic songs. It will be remembered forever. Rest in peace Whitney Houston.”

President of the Recording Academy Neil Portnow released a statement saying, “Six-time Grammy winner Whitney Houston was one of the world’s greatest pop singers of all time who leaves behind a robust musical soundtrack spanning the past three decades. Her powerful voice graced many memorable and award-winning songs. A light has been dimmed in our music community today, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, fans and all who have been touched by her beautiful voice.”

We will miss Whitney’s talent, which she displayed in amazing songs like “I Will Always Love You.”

Just in…according to TMZ, Beverly Hills police have sealed off the room where Whitney Houston died and will not enter until they obtain a search warrant . The police want to conduct a thorough search of the hotel room, but are exercising caution by getting a warrant. We’re told one thing police are interested in is whether drugs are present in the room.  Although police could seize items in plain view, we’re told they want a top-to-bottom search of the room.

Whitney’s on-again, off-again boyfriend Ray J celebrated Brandy’s (his sister’s) birthday today.  According TMZ, Ray J’s publicist is saying that Whitney’s bodyguard is the person that found Whitney dead.

Whitney Houston sweats profusely and appears dishevelled as she leaves the Tru Hollywood nightclub on Thursday night. She partied with a large group of friends before 'clashing' with security guards, right, then being driven away to her hotel, where she died yesterday afternoon


Kim seen right with actress Jane Fonda and, right, Diana Ross with Berry Gordy

Davis decided to continue with the party, despite his protege's tragic passing

Miss Houston's daughter  Bobbi Kristina, left, and her ex-husband  Bobby Brown get into a car after an evening out at Crustacean restaurant in Beverly Hills on February 2.

Singer Alicia Keys consoles Miss Houston's long-time mentor Clive Davis, also the Chief Creative Officer of Sony Music Entertainmen
he singer joins her family after what will have been one of their last nights out together

Looking radiant in a white one-shouldered dress, Houston gives an incomparable performance at the peak of her career when she was one of the world's most popular singers

Bowing out: Miss Houston lowers her head to the crowd during the superstar-quality performance

Houston, pictured in 1965, was the daughter of gospel singer Cissy Houston, the cousin of 1960s pop diva Dionne Warwick and the goddaughter of Aretha Franklin

Houston sings with Jermaine Jackson during rehearsals for a TV performance in 1984


In 1992, she became a star in the acting world with 'The Bodyguard'. The story of a singer guarded by a former Secret Service agent was a success

She was a frequent winnerat the Grammys and other high-profile award ceremonies

Houston collects one of the  manyaccolades she received throughout her career.

South African President Nelson Mandela and Whitney Houston smile for photographers in Johannesburg

Houston with Mariah Carey, one of the young singers who followed in her wake

Houston performs with singer Bobby Brown, left. Their turbulent marriage was the subject of tabloid gossip for years
Winfrey and Brown met with Israel's prime minister Ariel Sharon on a trip to the Middle Eastern country in 2003

Her emaciated appearance led to rumours she had died the next day. Right, a year later, again in New York, the singer was still struggling with a troubled relationship and cocaine abuse

The I Will Always Love You singer suffers a waldrobe malfunction on the X Factor in 2009 in what was supposed to be the start of her comeback tour. Many of the subsequent shows were later cancelled

A dark and tragic end: The body of Whitney Houston is wheeled out of the suite of the hotel in Los Angeles where she 'drowned in the bath' following two apparent evenings of out-of-control binges

Danni Minogue, left, Simon Cowell, Whitney Houston and Cheryl Cole, right, backstage on the X Factor. Whitney's performance raised concerns for her health with Cowell saying the warning signs were clear

It has been claimed that Ms Houston drowned in a bathtub, similar to this one in a suite at the Beverly Hills Hilton, after accidentally overdosing on a cocktail of prescription drugs and alcohol

A coroner's van leaves the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, California, this morning where Whitney Houston was found dead. She is said to have 'drowned in the bathtub'

The corridor on the fourth floor of the hotel close to the room where Miss Houston died. Right, mourners gather at a makeshift memorial on the corner of Santa Monica and Wiltshire Boulevards


The award-winning R&B singer had taken a suite at the Beverly Hills Hotel in LA to get ready for tonight's Grammys

The scene outside the Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles, California today where Miss Houston was found dead in a suite on the fourth floor

A police van pulls up outside the Hilton after Houston's death. Right, officers gather outside the hotel as an investigation begins into the causes of death

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Beyonce gives birth to baby girl - Ivy Blue Carter

Beyonce and Jay-Z are reported to have rented an entire hospital floor Picture


Singer Beyonce Knowles has reportedly given birth to a baby girl at a hospital in New York City.

Mother and baby were both "doing fine," her hometown newspaper, the Houston Chronicle, reported. The news was later confirmed by entertainment news website E! Online, which said the birth was by C-section.

The 30-year-old Destiny's Child and Single Ladies star is married to hip-hop icon Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter.

Jay-Z was telling friends he and Beyonce named their daughter Blue Ivy Carter, E! Online reported. Other media outlets named the baby as Ivy Blue Carter, but representatives for the couple have yet to officially confirm the news.

Pop star Rihanna and hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons were among the couple's friends to tweet their congratulations.

Simmons tweeted: "Congrats to my good friends Beyonce and Jay-Z."

"Welcome to the world princess Carter! Love Aunty Rih," pop star Rihanna tweeted later.

The couple rented out the entire fourth floor of Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan for the birth - paying $1.3 million, the New York Daily News reported.

The medical centre prepared a luxurious suite for her and had just finished a major renovation of a dozen rooms and a nursing station for the couple's arrival, sources said.

The newspaper said a hospital staffer had revealed Beyonce had checked in Friday night under the name "Ingrid Jackson."

Hospital management reportedly put tape over security cameras and forced staff to hand in their cell phones in an effort to stop unauthorised photographs or footage of mother and baby being leaked.

Security guards were also reported to have been sighted outside the building.

Beyonce revealed her pregnancy at August's 2011 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, arriving in a dress that showed off her baby bump.

Former bandmate Kelly Rowland appeared to let slip the baby's sex in a November interview, saying, "I have no idea what I'm going to buy Beyonce at the baby shower because Jay is going to buy that little girl every single thing possible. She won't be spoiled but she will be very well looked-after."

Beyonce's representatives did not return requests for comments. A hospital spokeswoman also declined to comment.

Last month Twitter exploded with rumours Beyonce had given birth to a baby girl and had named her Tiana-May Carter.

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year to all our blog visitors


Along with the entire team of Entertainment Talks, I'd like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a very Happy New Year, filled with love, light, peace, joy and good health for 2012!

It's a been a tough past year once again for many, but no matter what, you guys are still visitng our blog, and if you haven't visited us yet, we're hoping you want to. That's why we Entertainment Talks will be positing update news in Entertain World. So don't worry: Even if you can't get Entertainment World just yet, we'll keep bringing Entertainment World to you.





I'd also like to take this opportunity to extend a very special thanks to all of our writers, contributors, and partners.


We appreciate the continued support we get from all of our readers and look forward to a great 2012 with you!


With gratitude,


Entertainment Talks Team.



Note: To become one of  our writers, contributors, and partners, kindly send mail to: yomiteng@aol.com.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Tom Cruise returns to box office form with "Mission Impossible4"

Tom Cruise arrives for the premiere of his film ''Mission: Impossible-Ghost Protocol'' in NY
"Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" easily beat its rivals in the race to No. 1 at box offices over the Christmas holiday weekend, returning action star Tom Cruise to winning form after several recent flops.

"Ghost Protocol," the fourth movie in Cruise's "Mission: Impossible" series, earned an estimated $46 million at U.S. and Canadian theaters in the four days ending on Monday, according to its distributor Paramount Pictures. Its total estimated ticket sales have reached $78.6 million after debuting in Imax and other large-screen theaters last weekend.

At international theaters, the movie dubbed "MI4", which cost around $145 million to make, sold an additional $140 million worth of tickets through Sunday. Paramount noted its audience rating from researcher CinemaScore was an "A-" and Rottentomatoes.com, a website that combines critics' reviews, gave the movie a 94 percent positive rating overall.

"We're pleased with the way we went with the movie, starting with premium pricing on large screens and letting the reviews and word-of-mouth (publicity) get out ahead of the movie," said Don Harris, president of distribution for Paramount.

Important for leading man Cruise, 49, is that after several box office flops in recent years, including dramas "Valkyrie" and "Lions for Lambs," and action-packed "Knight and Day," the success of "Ghost Protocol" has meant a return to the top of box office charts.

Elsewhere, Warner Bros.' "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" took the No. 2 spot with an estimated $31.8 million over the four days, followed by 20th Century Fox family comedy "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked" with a $20 million total that barely put it ahead of No. 4, adult thriller "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," at $19.4 million.

Since its midweek debut last week, "Dragon Tattoo" has earned $27.7 million. A Sony spokesman called it "a good start" that should build this coming week and into the new year.

HO HUM 2011, DOWN 4.45 PCT

Indeed, many new movies hit theaters ahead of, and during, the Christmas holiday weekend -- including "Dragon Tattoo," two movies from Steven Spielberg, "War Horse" and "The Adventures of Tintin," and the Cameron Crowe comedy, "We Bought A Zoo."

The studios expect strong demand in the days ahead while many families take time from work and school, but it is unlikely a surge can lead the domestic box office to topple last year's nearly $10.6 billion in annual ticket sales.

In fact, the top 12 movies this past weekend generated $114 million at box offices, down about 15 percent from last year, according to box office watcher Hollywood.com.

Paul Dergarabedian of Hollywood.com now estimates total 2011 annual domestic (U.S. and Canada) box office at $10.1 billion by year's end, down 4.45 percent from 2010. Attendance so far in 2011 is off about 5 percent, while the average ticket price increased to $7.96 from $7.89.

Still, movie demand did pick up for some new titles over the weekend, and among those making a surge was Fox comedy "We Bought a Zoo," starring Matt Damon. It saw ticket sales jump 139 percent from Saturday to Sunday, its distributor 20th Century Fox said, landing it at No. 6 with $15.6 million, just behind family film "Tintin" at No. 5 with $16.1 million.

"I think playability and word-of-mouth is finally getting out" about "Zoo," said Chris Aronson, who heads domestic distribution for Fox. He noted the movie generated an "A" overall from moviegoers polled by CinemaScore.

Spielberg's "War Horse" landed in the No. 7 spot with $15 million, and another newcomer, thriller "The Darkest Hour," opened eighth with $5.5 million over the four days.

Rounding out the top 10 were holdovers "New Year's Eve" at No. 9 with slightly under $5 million and George Clooney drama "The Descendants" in the 10th position with $3.4 million.

Paramount Pictures is a unit of Viacom Inc. Warner Bros. is part of Time Warner Inc.. "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" was released by the movie studio division of Sony Pictures Entertainment, a unit of Sony Corp. "Chipwrecked" and "Zoo" were both released by film divisions of 20th Century Fox, a unit of News Corp..

Adele sells most albums in a year since 2004

British singer Adele performs ''Someone Like You'' at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, August 28, 2011.
That Adele's "21" will rank as the year's top-selling album is no surprise - the English singer-songwriter's hits "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You" dominated playlists in 2011. What is surprising is that "21," released by independent British label XL Recordings, sold more than 5 million copies.

The last time an album topped the year-end chart with more than 5 million copies sold was in 2004, when Usher's "Confessions" moved 7.9 million, according to Nielsen Soundscan, which supplied all sales data for this story.

Indeed, music sales overall are expected to end 2011 up more than 3 percent from last year. Not coincidentally, the last time overall music sales rose by so much was in 2004 as well.

The resurgence in sales is welcome news for the music industry. A meager 1 percent increase in digital sales last year created widespread panic that the format had already plateaued.

Nielsen analyst David Bakula attributed the rebound to a strong release slate, plus retailers getting more aggressive with pricing and promotions.

For instance, Lady Gaga's album "Born This Way" was priced at 99 cents - less than one-tenth the price of most albums - in a special deal, helping drive sales beyond her core fans, he said. The promotion on Amazon.com angered other retailers who were selling the album at full price, however.

"In 2004, you had one massive album driving sales," said Bakula, senior vice president of entertainment analytics for Nielsen. "This year is similar in that you have one really great story that everyone is talking about."

Digital sales are expected to end 2011 close to 10 percent higher, prompting Bakula to proclaim the sales performance "a great resurgence."

Physical albums still outsell digital albums by a 2:1 margin. But total music sales, which would include digital singles, are now split 50-50 between physical and digital.

TOPPING 5 MILLION

To put Adele's sales figures in context, the more than 3.5 million physical albums she sold this year would have been good enough to take the top spot in each of the last three years without even adding in digital sales. Album sales include LPs, compact discs and digital albums.

Figures for the year's best-selling album declined every year from 2004 to 2008. They hit an all-time low in 2008 when Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter III" took the top spot with sales of just 2.9 million, the first time an album claimed the best-seller title with sales of less than 3 million.

Since 2008, however, sales of the top-selling album of the year have increased, though not by much. Taylor Swift took the top spot in 2009, selling 3.2 million copies of "Fearless." Eminem's "Recovery" finished 2010 as the year's best-seller with 3.4 million copies.

"Adele's performance this year shows the demand for great original music," Bakula said. "Here's an artist that had moderate success before, but nothing of this magnitude, and she's doing it all on two singles."

Amy Winehouse's death from alcohol poisoning in July also factored into Adele's sales performance. Bakula said the attention Winehouse's death received stoked interest among fans to sample other soulful, jazz-infused female British singer-songwriters, like Adele and Duffy. As a result, in addition to buying "21," consumers dipped into Adele's back catalog, making her prior release, "19," one of the year's top 25 best-sellers.

Still, Adele's sales total is less than half of the more than 11 million copies that "No Strings Attached" from N'Sync sold in 2000. That year marked the last time the top spot featured an album that sold in excess of 10 million, underscoring the dramatic impact that legitimate digital distribution channels like Apple's iTunes and illegal file-sharing sites such as Limewire have had on the music industry.

Van Halen unveils new tour with Roth aboard

David Lee Roth of Van Halen performs at Tiger Jam XI in Las Vegas April 19, 2008.
Veteran rockers Van Halen unveiled plans on Monday for a tour with original lead singer David Lee Roth returning to the stage.

In a video posted on the band's website, www.van-halen.com, Eddie Van Halen, brother Alex and son Wolfgang play the hit "Panama" while Roth runs around on stage. Underneath reads "Van Halen On Tour 2012" with tickets going on sale January 10.

No other details were announced, but the video confirms music industry buzz that the band is together again with Roth. An album is said to be in the works, too, after Van Halen signed a record deal in November.

A separate posting on the Van Halen News Desk website said the video was shot at the Roxy Theatre along Los Angeles' Sunset Strip while the band performed "a brand-new song."

The news site speculated about a possible February release date for a new song or album, and said the record was produced by Ross Hogarth. It is the band's first full album with Roth since the CD "1984," which was released on December 31, 1983.

Van Halen's relationship with Roth has been a stormy one over the years. Roth left the band in a bitter breakup in 1985, only to rejoin for a performance at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1996, then quickly depart in another bitter split. He returned to Van Halen for a tour in 2007-2008.

The band, whose early hits include "Runnin' With the Devil" and "Dance the Night Away," was among the leading rock acts of the late 1970s, 1980s and into the 1990s when Sammy Hagar replaced Roth as singer.

Michael Anthony was the original bassist, but alongside Hagar he has joined another band, Chickenfoot. Wolfgang Van Halen, Eddie's son, took over on bass.

Irish singer Sinead O'ConSinead O'Connor ends marriage after 16 days

Sinead O'Connor

Irish singer Sinead O'Connor has ended her fourth marriage after just 16 days, blaming pressure and disapproval from the family and friends of her new husband Barry Herridge.

O'Connor, 46, said on her blog that the marriage went wrong three hours after the Dec 8. ceremony in Las Vegas and that the pair had lived together for only seven days before splitting on Christmas Eve.

"Within 3 hours of the ceremony being over the marriage was kyboshed (ruined) by the behavior of certain people in my husband's life. And also by a bit of a wild ride I took us on looking for a bit of a smoke of weed for me wedding night as I don't drink," the controversial singer wrote.

O'Connor, who found fame in the late 1980s with her shaved head and original voice on songs like "Nothing Compares 2 U", said that Herridge was "enormously wounded and very badly affected by that experience and also by the attitude of those close to him toward our marriage. It became apparent to me that if he were to stay with me he would be losing too much to bear."

She added that she had decided to end the marriage, and said the couple had made a mistake "rushing into getting married" without being prepared for the consequences on his life.

"The marriage was 16 days. We lived together for 7 days only. Until Xmas eve. And we haven't been awful to each other," she wrote.

O'Connor has been married three times previously. Her most recent union to musician Steve Cooney ended earlier this year after about one year.

She courted controversy in the 1990s by tearing up a photo of Pope John Paul II on live television in a protest over priestly sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, by declaring herself to be a lesbian and then retracting her assertion, and by being ordained as a priest in a breakaway Catholic Church sect.

Funny, outrageous and downright weird things the stars told Hit writers in 2011.

Actress Natalie Portman arrives at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards


You have to divorce yourself from any expectations of prestige and just try and make something you'd actually wanna see.
>> Oscar schmoscar. Natalie Portman just wants to play dumb

If I see something sagging, bagging or dragging I'll get it nipped, tucked or sucked.
>> Dolly Parton, plastic surgery advocate since way back

I used to perform sketches for my parents, usually about the Iran-Contra affair.
>> Where Zach Galifianakis's career began

My mother emailed the BBC to say Pete Waterman was speaking out of his a---. Valid point. Thanks, Mum.
>> James Blunt lets his mummy fight his battles

Women do get drunk, they do get sick and they do get food poisoning. It seems to be a bit of a surprise to people that they are seeing it.
>> Kristen Wiig on the biggest movie surprise of the year: Bridesmaids

That's the difference between star and ... SUPERSTAR!
>> Jack Black knows he's lower than Angelina Jolie on the Hollywood chain of command

I base all my characters on hair.
>> With a thatch like Patrick Dempsey's, who wouldn't?

The more complicated the movie, the more complex the budget, the more lonely it gets. There's a point where ... who do you go to, other than prayer and friends?
>> Making blockbusters ain't all it's cracked up to be, says Guillermo del Toro

Nothing is better than the moment you have Michael Bolton dressed as Forrest Gump.
>> The Lonely Island's Akiva Schaffer

I've had a lot of people asking why Gnarls Barkley changed his name to Cee Lo Green.
>> Forget you, Gnarls Bark... er, Cee Lo Green

We still don't care about anything, but mayube we're not going to swear about it now.
>> The Vines' Craig Nicholls has grown out of the F word

F--- me, this is a big old massive piece of good movie nonsense.
>> James McAvoy sums up the appeal of the movie blockbuster

You get comments like, 'Oi, Elbow, get a job'. That means, 'Congratulations! I admire what you're doing'.
>> Star power counts for nowt Guy Garvey's part of the world

Really, the F word in a song - it should be the least of the worries of parents these days.
>> Enrique Iglesias

It's not so much they won, it's just they lost less. It's a hollow victory at best.
>> Colin Hay on the legal battle over Men At Work's Down Under

When you are playing an egomaniac running a fantastical ship, you don't want him to be too suburban. Naturalism doesn't work on the high seas.
>> Geoffrey Rush

I'm not going to be there anyway.
>> Robert Duvall doesn't care who turns up to his funeral

We all love Spinal Tap, but maybe it did damage.
>> Gunner Duff McKagan is over that whole ‘rock stars are dumb' myth

Some of the most intelligent people I know are actors.
>> Ditto on the ‘actors are dumb' myth, says Maeve Dermody

You're not supposed to be accepting trophies. You're supposed to be in the back being mad that people are getting trophies.
>> Zach Galifianakis prefers laughs to awards

It just takes a pebble to bring down a good man.
>> Ben Harper

I wonder if we can get an AFI Award out of this...
>> Leigh Whannell on his American-made movie Insidious. Well, it did have four Aussies on set

There's a point (where) you are going to be an actress who is judged on her performances and her skills or an actress who is judged on how she looks in her bikini. It's a choice we all make.
>> Guess which way Reese Witherspoon went?

I don't need sparkles to sparkle. I would sparkle in a garbage bag.
>> The Hives' ever humble frontman Pelle

I would like to have a second shot at that wedding dance. Let's just say I didn't really practise very much. Thankfully my husband loves me very much and didn't really mind that I stepped on his toes a little bit.
>> Michelle Monaghan's Aussie fella lets this one slide

It was kind of like a Make a Wish Foundation Thing.
>> Mike D on making rich, privileged movie stars' dreams come true by letting them be in a Beastie Boys video

As soon as I stepped off the plane, I felt very small.
>> Chris Hemsworth, the man who would one day be Thor, on his arrival into Hollywood

You should never try irony or self-effacing humour.
>> Tim Robbins finds the British media can't take a joke

She's getting boobs and everything. I'm freaking out!
>> Paul Walker mortifies his 12 year old daughter. In print.

One of my biggest disappointments is watching the trailer for the second Lord of the Rings film and having Gandalf in it. Why? He died in the first one, why give it away in the trailer just to try and sell 1000 more seats? It’s daft.
>> Nick Frost

I think you're underestimating Ian McKellen's appeal.
>> Simon Pegg

Most people hate that their mum has a Facebook page, but I love that my mum does.
>> Family-friendly Miley Cyrus

Dad, girls don't fall down every time they run.
>> How Wes Craven's daughter convinced her dad that his Scream heroine shouldn't be a helpless girlie girl

That was my idea, a reverse Janet Jackson. Why is it OK for a woman to do that and not a man?
>> Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine on posing nude with his man-bits covered by his girlfriend's hands

It was crushingly disappointing as a fan of The Simpsons to discover that it's just you in a room speaking into a microphone. I thought I was going to become friends with Homer Simpson, but unfortunately none of them are real.
>> Russell Brand

I'm a terrible gauge because I was concerned I wasn't doing well and yet I received so much attention.
>> Oscar nominee, moi? The Social Network's Jesse Eisenberg just doesn't get it

Quite a few kids in the street have been, let's just say, reluctant to go anywhere near me.
>> Playing Harry Potter baddie Draco Malfoy isn't all glitz and glamour, says Tom Felton

The only other person in the whole building was Scott who runs the studio. Scott opened up the door and heard us playing Teen Spirit, stopped for a second, looked puzzled and closed the door.
>> Dave Grohl on the closest thing there'll ever be to a Nirvana reunion

I had to run for life from polar bears.
>> Making films in Russia is different, says How I Ended This Summer director Alexei Popogrebsky

Maybe it's because I have too much pride or self-respect, but I thought, `Why does a guy who has thinning hair and who is overweight have to be a loser or a joke?'
>> Paul Giamatti doesn't find it funny

Lady Gaga calls me her Jesus? Well... I wonder what that means.
>> So do we, Grace Jones

It got tot he point where it wasn't a good record unless you literally opened a vein up. Come on, it's just a f---ing record! I mean, it's art, but it's not like you're building homes for the homeless, is it?
>> k.d. lang

If you come expecting to see a girl kick me in the face, that's not going to happen.
>> Well then, we demand a refund, Usher

I had (in my mind's eye) a guy from an aristocratic family, a well-bred chap, Lord Pumpernickel's son. I open my eyes and there's a guy covered in tattoos, with the worst occupation ever: rock star.''
>> Lionel Richie took a while to warm up to daughter Nicole's hubby Joel ``Good Charlotte'' Madden

The sickle training was something else.
>> The things Aussie girl Isabel Lucas has to do for a Hollywood movie!

People say, ‘You wear that even when it's hot?' Yeah, what am I gonna do, save it for a special occasion?
>> Chris Isaak will pull his glitter suit out whenever, wherever

I'm only 14, so the jury's still out on that kind of thing.
>> Abigail Breslin thinks it's too early to commit to being a movie star for life

Really, if you haven't heard of REM yet, you probably never will.
>> Even more so now the band have split, hey Mike Mills?

We're the only ones who mean anything right now.
>> Liam Gallagher on his new band, er, ah, what are they called again?

He asked how my flight was to Paris. I said, `Good' and he said, `This will probably be the last you hear from me'.
>> Owen Wilson on working with Woody Allen

Don't make the show too long. I don't like it when it's too long.
>> Kylie's biggest critic? Her nephew.

My husband, when I was filming the Millennium movies, he asked me, `How far are you going and when are you coming back?'
>> Noomi Rapace went all the way to become the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

When I look back on my life, I don't have regrets about what I didn't do. If I'd become a musician, it could have ruined my life.
>> Clint Eastwood

I think pretty much everyone would. Seriously. Animals do it all the time. That's all we are.
>> 127 Hours director Danny Boyle says you'd cut off your arm, too

Trust me, I did a little research on Demi before I pulled the trigger.
>> If only she'd done a little research on you, Ashton Kutcher

I'll do a musical. An ass-kickin' musical!
>> We'd pay to see that, Dwayne Johnson

I was trying to, but unfortunately I was dodging bottles and bullets because most of the people in my neighbourhood weren't that proud of me ...
>> Mark Wahlberg tried to act cool back in the Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch days

From my perspective, which I'm most familiar with ...
>> Jeff Bridges states the obvious

This is my unemployment look.
>> Christian Bale

There were a couple of days where I thought I might die. I really didn't think I was going to make it, you know, being dramatic as I am.
>> Putting in an Oscar-winning performance for Black Swan was draining for diva Natalie Portman

I don't actually drive trains. I'm an actor.
>> Chris Pine, star of Unstoppable

Diane Keaton and I worked in different branches of the service. She was in the intellectual branch and I on the running, jumping and falling down branch.
>> Harrison Ford

I met him when he was, what would he have been, 12 when I first worked with him? Twelve going on 35!
>> Gary Oldman on his No.1 fanboy, Daniel Radcliffe

What do you mean, bigger things? I don't know if there's bigger than Harry Potter.
>> You've got us there, Daniel Radcliffe

I don't know how they get my number, but at 2am there's screaming girls. I need to change my number.
>> Don't worry, Jack Vidgen. They'll lose interest soon enough

I'm quite good at leaning against a bar.
>> And we'd like to join you, Daniel Craig

I believe in things I can count on, like beer and ESPN and my grandmother's pecan pie.
>> But Justin Timberlake doesn't believe in happily ever after, sorry ladies

I was so close to putting it in the too-hard basket.
>> Gotye's Somebody That I Used to Know was almost a song we didn't know

I actually enjoyed changing diapers and I enjoyed swaddling. I don't mind being swaddled either, on occasion.
>> Jason Bateman

Ha. I've got a teenage daughter, you know.
>> Do we take that as a yes, you are a pot-smoking recluse, Sade?

You'll laugh at the comedy of errors that is my life.
>> Poison's Bret Michaels talks up his autobiography

It actually has more gravity to it than I realised when I burned action figures as a child.
>> Neil Patrick Harris has stopped aiming his magnifying glass at The Smurfs

I got to the stage where I started speaking like The Count from Sesame Street before takes just to get it out of the way
>> Betcha Robert Pattinson doesn't have to do that, Colin Farrell

Them gigs were horrible. Worst ever. U2 fans are cardboard cutouts.
>> Kasabian's Tom Meighan won't have received a Christmas card from Bono

The perception of him as brooding and dark and miserable, that is baloney. Kurt Cobain was a funny dude.
>> Nirvana's Krist Novoselic

I have the same remorse over that I have over not being able to see The Wiggles.
>> Steve Carell on missing two of the greats: The Wiggles and The Beatles

Harper's favourite song goes, `Yummy yummy yummy in my tummy tummy tummy'. I could be the next Wiggles!
>> Keep working at it, Natalie Bassingthwaighte

‘Can you arrange that, Grandma?' I told her I'd try.
>> Suzie Quatro is determined to hook the grandkids up with Rihanna

I tried making an album six years ago. It was just horrific. Trust me, it's smashed into smithereens. I paid big money to silence that one.
>> Hugh Jackman swears he'll never be a pop star

I grew out my armpit hair for the summer. It turns out my natural hair colour isn't blonde.
>> Anna Faris

She may have been able to solve family disputes when we were three. I think the time of that authority is long since gone.
>> Noel Gallagher says his mum can't force him to make up with Liam

I know a lot of artists say, `If you want your song on my record, I get 50 per cent' _ I'd like to kick them in the face.
>> Kelly Clarkson won't be letting any old pop singer take credit for one of her songs

One guy literally sent me, `I want you to die' 150 times. That plays on your mind if you read it every day.
>> We imagine it would, Jessie J

I said (to Daniel Jones), ‘You realise I'm always going to be The Guy From Savage Garden'. He said, ‘How do you think I feel? I'm The Other One From Savage Garden!'
>> Darren Hayes

I'm telling you, he's already the whitest person you ever saw ... he turned almost clear!
>> Albert Brooks on threatening director Nicolas Winding Refn to get a job on Drive

My family worry for me because I'm gonna burn in an eternal pit of fire.
>> Brad Pitt doesn't share his family's religious outlook

I guess if you're an extra who gets burned alive it's no fun, but I had a ball!
>> Val Kilmer on being Batman

I'm not one of those artists who refuses to play their hits. I find that ridiculous. Hits are a blessing.
>> Right on, Lenny Kravitz!

I hurt myself doing a fight scene with some dwarves.
>> That's not something you hear every day, Kristen Stewart

I would vote for Johnny Depp. We could use a president that could swashbuckle.
>> George Clooney


Sunday, December 18, 2011

Michael Jackson Property nearly cost $1m

The contents of the home where Michael Jackson lived with his three children just before his death have sold for nearly $1 million at auction.

Darren Julien, president of Julien's Auctions, was unable to provide a more specific figure as he continued to tally the totals Saturday after the daylong auction, which brought in nearly triple the company's pre-auction estimate of $200,000 to $400,000.

Among the highlights: A kitchen chalkboard where Jackson's children wrote "I love daddy," which sold for $5,000, and an armoire upon which Jackson wrote a message to himself on the mirror that fetched $25,750.

The auction also included furniture, artwork and other items from the rented mansion at 100 North Carolwood Drive, where Jackson lived as he prepared for a series of comeback concerts in London before his death in June, 2009.

The headboard from the bed where Jackson died at age 50 was removed from the auction at the family's request, but the rug that was beneath the bed sold for $15,360. The estimate had been $400 to $600.

Julien's Auctions re-created the mansion inside its Beverly Hills showroom and invited fans to fill the space where the bed would have been with a tribute to the late King of Pop. Julien promised to deliver all of the tribute items to Jackson's children and family matriarch Katherine Jackson.

"Michael Jackson has the greatest fans in the world. I can see why he lived for them," Julien said. "They came out every day this week to bring gifts. It's unlike anything we've ever seen as it relates to a celebrity and their fans."

Julien's Auctions has conducted auctions for dozens of celebrities, including Cher, Barbra Streisand, William Shatner and Slash.

Jackson commissioned the company to sell the contents of his Neverland Ranch before the auction was called off in early 2009. Julien's also sold Jackson's famous "Thriller" jacket for $1.8 million earlier this year.

Jay-Z planning to get his unborn baby an armoured vehicle

New Jersey Nets' minority owner Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles sit courtside

Jay-Z is planning to splash out on an armoured vehicle to protect his unborn baby.

The rapper's wife Beyonce Knowles is pregnant with the couple's first child and Jay-Z is so determined to keep the child safe, he has asked Tom Cruise for advice on the safest mode of transport for the family.

A source said: "Jay is looking at action-movie style vehicles like Tom's and wants to make sure they are bullet-proof and 100 per cent safe. He won't be taking any risks that's for sure."

In addition to the armoured car, Jay-Z, 41, is also planning to splash out on a new home for him and his family in Florida and has told Beyonce money is not an object.

The source added to Britain's OK! magazine: "They went house hunting together last week and he made it clear that she can pick whichever one she likes. All Jay will care about is that it's secluded and very well protected. Other than that so long as Bey loves it, he will too.

"He said to her that even if the house of her dreams costs him £12 million, he'll buy it. He sees it as a thank you for making his dream to be a father come true."


Akon Signs Wizkid, 2face, Psquare To Konvict Music

Wiz Kid, Akon and Tuface
Speculation had been going around for a while now but just yesterday Saturday, December 17, 2011 Senegalese-American singer Akon revealed that he has signed Nigerian pop acts Wizkid, 2face, and twin duo Psquare to his Konvict Music label.

Akon revealed this to pressmen at Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha’s CLUB 10 where the unveiling of energy drink Citron took place. Akon is a brand ambassador for the drink.

The Konvict/KON Live boss was glad to share the news with his followers on Twitter, ‘In Nigeria with my brothers about to take over Africa with @2faceidibia and @wizkidayo big up to P-square’, @Akon tweeted.

It can be recalled that the singer had featured on a remix of Wizkid’s  ‘Don’t dull’ and was seen with 2face back in June in Atlanta, Georgia.

Banky also hinted at the big news as he tweeted ‘But!!!!! Last night was kinda epic. Bigups to the EMEazzyyy + Konvict Music runz. Shoutout to everyone that saw the evidence :-) ’; adding ‘Last night was KINDA heavy… :-) Thank u to everybody that believed in and supported what we’ve been tryna do… Na God dey do am… God bless U real good!!!’.

Details of the deals are still sketchy as the Grammy Award winning act didn’t go into details but made it known that the signing had been done earlier.

Phone calls placed to 2face’s management Now Muzik were not answered neither where text messages replied.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

"The Artist" leads Golden Globe nominees

Silent movie "The Artist" painted a pretty picture at the Golden Globe nominations on Thursday, leading all movies with six nods overall including best film comedy or musical.

Following "The Artist" among top nominees for the Hollywood awards were "The Descendants," starring George Clooney as a man struggling to keep his family together, and civil rights movie "The Help" with five nods each, including both in the key category of best film drama.

Joining "Descendants" and "The Help" among the films vying for top drama were director Martin Scorsese's 3D "Hugo" and Steven Spielberg's "War Horse," baseball movie "Moneyball" and Clooney's political film "The Ides of March."

The Golden Globe Awards, which are given out by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, are among the most widely-watched honors programs leading up to the Oscars in February.

But unlike the Oscars, Golden Globes movie nominations are grouped into two categories, dramas and musicals or comedies, where "The Artist" faces competition from director Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris," cancer comedy "50/50," box office hit "Bridesmaids" and "My Week with Marilyn," starring Michelle Williams in the role of screen siren Marilyn Monroe.

Actresses vying for best work in a drama are Meryl Streep portraying Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady," Glenn Close playing a woman masquerading as a male butler in "Albert Nobbs," Viola Davis as a black maid in "The Help," newcomer Rooney Mara for "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and Tilda Swinton for "We Need to Talk About Kevin."

Best dramatic actor nominees include Clooney in "The Descendants," Leonardo DiCaprio as FBI boss J. Edgar Hoover in "J. Edgar," Michael Fassbender portraying a sex addict in "Shame," Brad Pitt in "Moneyball" and Ryan Gosling for "The Ides of March."

The Golden Globe Awards will be given out in a gala ceremony on January 15, hosted by British comedian Ricky Gervais and telecast live on the NBC network.

Emeli Sande wins BRITs' Critics' Choice Award

Emeli Sande
Scottish singer-songwriter Emeli Sande on Thursday won the Critics' Choice Award organized by the BRITs to honor up-and-coming music stars.

Previous winners have included Jessie J, Ellie Goulding and Adele, whose second album "21" is set to be this year's global top seller.

"To win a BRIT Award so early in my career is beyond a dream come true," said Sande, who decided to drop her first name Adele and use to her middle name instead after Adele's rise to fame.

"I am overwhelmed to be the recipient of such a prestigious award."

The other two shortlisted artists for the prize, which has helped young artists gain wider media attention, were runner-up Maverick Sabre and third-placed Michael Kiwanuka.

Sande, in her early 20s, began her career in music writing songs for other artists including Chipmunk, Professor Green and Tinie Tempah.

She rose to public prominence in 2009 when she featured on the song "Diamond Rings" by Chipmunk.

"Heaven," the first single from Sande's upcoming debut album "Our Version of Events," hit shelves in August and went to No. 2 in the British singles charts.

Sande recently performed on tour and is currently supporting Coldplay across Britain and Europe. "Our Version of Events" is released is set to be released in February, 2012.

Janet Jackson puts new "face" on weight loss

It's no secret that Janet Jackson has battled weight issues her entire life, but what her fans may not know is that even when the singer is on tour, sweating every night, she still has problems staying slim.

So Jackson joined the ranks of Nutrisystem users on Thursday to become the "new face" of the weight-loss program, promoting a new "SUCCESS" diet plan even as she uses it to help raise money to feed the world's hungry.

The "Rhythm Nation" singer and member of the famous Jackson family, wrote fearlessly about self-image issues in her book, "True You," documenting a period in 2006 when she put on weight for a movie and ballooned to 180 lbs, only to become fodder for fat jokes in the tabloid press.

But Jackson said it's not only working as an actress that can cause her to put on pounds. Rather, it is everyday life that gets her. And even after dancing and singing nearly every night on her "Number Ones," she still battles weight gain.

"Your body gets used to different exercises, and I've been performing for so long that my body's just used to it. Actually, I have to work a little harder while doing a show," she told Reuters.

Weight gain, she said "is something I've dealt with my entire life."

In her book "True You," which was published in hardcover earlier this year and hit stores in paperback this week, Jackson writes "eating was emotional for me; eating calmed my nerves and brought me instant gratification."

After Nutrisystem chief executive Joe Redling read the book, he approached Jackson about his weight-loss program and gave her some of Nutrisystem's pre-packaged foods to sample while on tour. Jackson said she was sold.

"When I was in hair and makeup, we were all taste testing. Everybody was going crazy for it," she said.

LOVE THE CHEESE PUFFS

When asked her favorite Nutrisystem meal, Jackson said "I can't say there's just one thing," then she paused.

"They do have cheese puffs," she said. "It had been years since I wrapped my lips around cheese puffs because they were things I had to stay away from."

Jackson joins a long list of celebrities, including Kirstie Alley and Jennifer Hudson, who have publicly battled weight loss and endorsed diet programs. Typically, the stars document how much they lose, but Jackson doesn't want to do that.

"I'm going about this a different way by not putting a pound amount on it," she said. "It's about when I feel healthy, about when I feel good. That is how I want to be," she said.

Like most people, she pops her meals into a microwave to heat them up, but is quick to add that, unlike many others, she has a trainer to help her work out. She stresses the importance of exercise, but emphasizes that people don't need a trainer when all they really need to do is go for a long walk or do other everyday activities that get them off their couches.

Key to Jackson's involvement in Nutrisystem, she said, is that for every pound its dieters loose in 2012, the company will donate $1 worth of food to people in need. The pair have created "Nutribank," (www.nutribank.org ), to work with hunger organizations around the world. Last year, Nutrisystem users lost 10 million pounds, in total.

"I feel that my true calling is to help people," she said. Now, that calling extends to weight loss and quashing hunger.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Lady Gaga crushes rivals in 2011 music earnings

Lady Gaga towered over other female musicians in 2011, heading a list of top earning women with an estimated $90 million in income, according to a Forbes.com survey released on Wednesday.

The "Born This Way" singer and performance artist made more than double her nearest rival -- country/pop artist Taylor Swift -- thanks to multiple endorsement deals and an estimated $1.3 million nightly gross ticket sales from her concert tour.

Swift earned about $45 million, thanks to her hit album "Speak Now", perfume line, and other deals, just ahead of "Teenage Dream" singer Katy Perry with $44 million.

Forbes.com drew up its list from data on pre-tax income compiled through record sales, touring data and interviews with music lawyers, managers and concert promoters.

Beyonce's 2011 income dipped to an estimated $35 million, mostly because of her relatively small amount of touring this year, but her new album "4", fashion line, and two fragrances helped to put her in 4th place.

Rihanna rounded out the top 5, earning an estimated $29 million from sales of her album "Loud", and endorsements from cosmetics company CoverGirl.

The full list can be seen on the Forbes.com site at tinyurl.com/d36m7gd.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

The Stone Roses sign UK, US record deals

Stone Roses

The Stone Roses  have signed two record deals for new material, it has been announced.

The band, who reformed in October, finalised the UK and US contracts earlier this week.

Columbia have secured the US rights for The Stone Roses' new tracks, while Universal Records are behind their UK and global deal, which could earn them millions, The Sun reports.

The band will already earn over £10m from their sold out homecoming gigs at Manchester's Heaton Park, an income which will only increase further with slots at Denmark's NorthSide festival, V Festival and T In The Park.

They will also play Benicassim in Spain, as well as the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan and Norway's Øya festival.

A spokesman confirmed: "The Stone Roses are pleased to announce that they have signed a record contract with Universal Music in London and with Columbia Records in New York."

Labels are said to have shown interest in signing the band when Ian Brown said "we hope to put out a new album of new music" during their reunion press conference.

They have recorded new songs during rehearsals for their live shows over the last few months.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Delta Goodrem's dad, Dennis, gets time with Nick Jonas

Delta Goodrem

Nicki Jonas
SONGBIRD Delta Goodrem has introduced her youthful boyfriend, Nick Jonas, to her Melbourne relatives.

Goodrem slipped into town during the week to spend time with her father, Dennis, and his wife, the Herald Sun reported.

The early Christmas celebration also doubled as a chance for Jonas and Goodrem's dad to get to know each other.

The significant age gap between Goodrem and Jonas has been the subject of great interest since they started dating seven months ago.

While they are spending quality time together at the moment, work commitments will see Goodrem, 27, and Jonas, 19, forced apart at the beginning of next year.

Goodrem has commitments in Australia with Channel 9's The Voice, while Jonas will be heading to New York to perform in How To Succeed In Business on Broadway.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Femi Kuti on Grammy Awards Nominees list again

Nigerian musician and respected Afrobeat singer Femi Kuti  has been nominated at the 54th edition of the prestigious Grammy Awards.

Femi picked up his third ever nomination in the World Music Category for his ‘Africa for Africa‘ album last night Wednesday, November 30, 2011 when the list was unveiled at the ‘Grammy Nominations Concert Live!!‘ in Los Angeles, US.

In 2003, Femi, eldest son of late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti picked up his first ever Grammy Award nomination but lost out to  Panamanian salsa singer Rubén Blades. He similarly lost in 2010  when he was nominated in the same category. US banjo player Bela Fleck walked away with the award.

His recent nomination sees him up against Latin/Roots music band AfroCubism, South African male choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and Malian band Tinariwen.

‘We’re extremely happy, and hoping they give him this time around‘ Femi’s elder sister and Positive band veteran Yeni Kuti told us this morning over the phone. ‘It’s his third time and he has really worked hard‘. Femi Kuti himself, currently touring Europe, is unreachable for now. ‘I can’t say if he’ll attend or not, but I hope he will. He did not attend last year‘ Yeni says.

US rapper Kanye West leads the pack with seven nods, making it the second year in row a Hip-hop artiste has reached that feat. (Eminem topped the nominees list in 2010, with 10nods. He walked away with two wins).

Kanye is closely followed by UK singer Adele who is tied with Foo Fighters and Bruno Mars with six nods each. But the controversial rapper-producer was, surprisingly missing on the biggest award category ‘Album of the Year’. Other notable acts that missed out on the big prize are Taylor Swift and veteran singer Tony Bennett.

The awards ceremony is billed to hold on February 12, 2012, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR


Adele, 21

The Foo Fighters, Wasting Light

Lady Gaga, Born This Way

Bruno Mars, Doo-Wops and Hooligans

Rihanna, Loud


RECORD OF THE YEAR

Adele, ‘Rolling in the Deep’

Bon Iver, ‘Holocene’

Bruno Mars, ‘Grenade’

Mumford & Sons, ‘The Cave’

Katy Perry, ‘Firework’


SONG OF THE YEAR

Kanye West, ‘All of the Lights’

Mumford & Sons, ‘The Cave’

Bruno Mars, ‘Grenade’

Bon Iver, ‘Holocene’

Adele, ‘Rolling in the Deep’


BEST NEW ARTIST

The Band Perry

Bon Iver

J. Cole

Nicki Minaj

Skrillex


BEST POP SOLO PERFORMANCE

‘Someone Like You’ — Adele

‘Yoü And I’ — Lady Gaga

‘Grenade’ — Bruno Mars

‘Firework’ — Katy Perry

‘F***in’ Perfect’ — Pink


BEST POP DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE


‘Body And Soul’ — Tony Bennett & Amy Winehouse

‘Dearest’ — The Black Keys

‘Paradise’ — Coldplay

‘Pumped Up Kicks’ — Foster The People

‘Moves Like Jagger’ — Maroon 5 & Christina Aguilera


BEST DANCE RECORDING

‘Raise Your Weapon’ — Deadmau5 & Greta Svabo Bech

‘Barbra Streisand’ — Duck Sauce

‘Sunshine’ — David Guetta & Avicii

‘Call Your Girlfriend’ — Robyn

‘Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites’ — Skrillex

‘Save The World’ — Swedish House Mafia


BEST DANCE/ELECTRONICA ALBUM

Zonoscope, Cut/Copy

4×4=12, Deadmau5

Nothing But The Beat, David Guetta

Body Talk, Pt. 3, Robyn

Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites, Skrillex


BEST TRADITIONAL POP VOCAL ALBUM


Duets II, Tony Bennett & Various Artists

The Gift, Susan Boyle

In Concert On Broadway, Harry Connick Jr.

Music Is Better Than Words, Seth MacFarlane

What Matters Most – Barbra Streisand Sings The Lyrics Of Alan And Marilyn Bergman, Barbra Streisand


BEST ROCK PERFORMANCE

‘Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall’ — Coldplay

‘Down By The Water’ — The Decemberists

‘Walk’ — Foo Fighters

‘The Cave’ — Mumford & Sons

‘Lotus Flower’ — Radiohead


BEST HARD ROCK/METAL PERFORMANCE

‘On The Backs Of Angels’ — Dream Theater

‘White Limo’ — Foo Fighters

‘Curl Of The Burl’ — Mastodon

‘Public Enemy No. 1″ — Megadeth

‘Blood In My Eyes’ — Sum 41


BEST ROCK ALBUM

Rock ‘N’ Roll Party Honoring Les Paul — Jeff Beck

Wasting Light — Foo Fighters

Come Around Sundown — Kings Of Leon

I’m With You — Red Hot Chili Peppers

The Whole Love — Wilco


BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM

Bon Iver — Bon Iver

Codes and Keys — Death Cab For Cutie

Torches — Foster The People

Circuital — My Morning Jacket

The King of Limbs — Radiohead


BEST TRADITIONAL R&B PERFORMANCE

‘Sometimes I Cry’ — Eric Benét

‘Fool For You’ — Cee Lo Green & Melanie Fiona

‘Radio Message’ — R. Kelly

‘Good Man’ — Raphael Saadiq

‘Surrender’ — Betty Wright & The Roots


BEST R&B ALBUM

F.A.M.E. — Chris Brown

Second Chance — El DeBarge

Love Letter — R. Kelly

Pieces Of Me — Ledisi

Kelly — Kelly Price


BEST RAP/SUNG COLLABORATION

‘Party’ — Beyoncé & André 3000

‘I’m On One’ — DJ Khaled, Drake, Rick Ross & Lil Wayne

‘I Need A Doctor’ — Dr. Dre, Eminem & Skylar Grey

‘What’s My Name?’ — Rihanna & Drake

‘Motivation’ — Kelly Rowland & Lil Wayne

‘All Of The Lights’ — Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi & Fergie


BEST RAP PERFORMANCE

‘Look At Me Now’ — Chris Brown, Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes

‘Otis’ — Jay-Z & Kanye West

‘The Show Goes On’ — Lupe Fiasco

‘Moment 4 Life’ — Nicki Minaj & Drake

‘Black And Yellow’ — Wiz Khalifa


BEST RAP ALBUM

Watch The Throne, Jay-Z & Kanye West

Tha Carter IV, Lil Wayne

Lasers, Lupe Fiasco

Pink Friday, Nicki Minaj

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Kanye West


BEST COUNTRY SOLO PERFORMANCE

‘Dirt Road Anthem’ — Jason Aldean

‘I’m Gonna Love You Through It’ — Martina McBride

‘Honey Bee’ — Blake Shelton

‘Mean’ — Taylor Swift

‘Mama’s Song’ — Carrie Underwood


BEST COUNTRY SONG

‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not’ — Jim Collins & David Lee Murphy

‘God Gave Me You’ — Dave Barnes

‘Just Fishin’’ — Casey Beathard, Monty Criswell & Ed Hill

‘Mean’ — Taylor Swift

‘Threaten Me With Heaven’ — Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Will Owsley & Dillon O’Brian

‘You And Tequila’ — Matraca Berg & Deana Carter


BEST AMERICANA ALBUM


Emotional Jukebox — Linda Chorney

Pull Up Some Dust And Sit Down — Ry Cooder

Hard Bargain — Emmylou Harris

Ramble At The Ryman — Levon Helm

Blessed — Lucinda Williams


BEST WORLD MUSIC ALBUM

AfroCubism – AfroCubism

Femi Kuti- Africa For Africa

Ladysmith Black Mambazo- Songs From A Zulu Farm

Tinariwen- Tassili


BEST BLUES ALBUM

Low Country Blues — Gregg Allman

Roadside Attractions — Marcia Ball

Man In Motion — Warren Haynes

The Reflection — Keb’ Mo’

Revelator — Tedeschi Trucks Band


BEST FOLK ALBUM

Barton Hollow — The Civil Wars

I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive — Steve Earle

Helplessness Blues — Fleet Foxes

Ukulele Songs — Eddie Vedder

The Harrow & The Harvest — Gillian Welch