Archive: July 2010 (61-70 of 116)

Jul 16 2010 12:32 PM ET

The-Dream addresses marriage woes in open letter: 'I've tried to take my own life'

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Categories: The Dream, Things That Bum Us Out

the-dreamImage Credit: Jason LaVeris/FilmmagicR&B romantics the world over were dealt a blow when singer-songwriter The-Dream announced his separation from singer Christina Milian this week. The power couple wed just last September and welcomed a daughter this March. Now The-Dream has addressed the rampant speculation about what caused the split in an open letter on his official site.

The most explosive headline from the letter comes near the end, when The-Dream reveals that he’s considered suicide: “I’ve cried about this for months, after interviews, after prayer and I’ve tried to take my own life at a point because of the failure that was looming.” Thankfully, he seems to have moved past that point now.

Despite recent paparazzi photos of The-Dream and an assistant frolicking on a beach, he firmly denies that cheating was an issue. “I would love to tell the truth as to why my relationship wasn’t successful, but today that is between me and Christina,” he writes. “It’s easy to say that it’s because of another woman or a new relationship but truthfully, IT’S NOT.” He also takes “FULL RESPONSIBILITY” for concealing problems in the marriage from the public. “If there’s anyone to blame and you can’t fathom this happening, please blame me and me alone for not being upfront! Even though we were trying to overcome personal things between us, I was just simply scared and embarrassed to let everyone know we WERE FAILING and HAVE NOW FAILED!”

The-Dream’s reps did not immediately reply to a request for further comment. Read the full letter at his website and let us know what you think.

(Follow the Music Mix on Twitter: @EWMusicMix.)

More from EW.com’s Music Mix:
Pink hospitalized after concert fall, but says “full steam ahead”
 Vampire Weekend sued by ‘Contra’ cover model
Amy Winehouse says third album will be ready “in six months at most”
Carlos Santana’s ‘Guitar Heaven’: Full tracklist revealed
Katy Perry’s “California Gurls” still on top of Billboard Hot 100
Jay Sean’s “2012″: Late-summer anthem?

Jul 16 2010 09:02 AM ET

Pink taken to the hospital after concert fall, but says 'full steam ahead'

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Categories: About Last Night, Buzzworthy, Pink, Things That Bum Us Out

pinkImage Credit: Marc Broussely/Redferns/Getty ImagesWhile performing her hit “So What” at a concert in Germany last night, pop star Pink fell from the elaborate trapeze set-up she was hanging from over the stage. In a YouTube video captured by a fan, Pink appears to start ascending in the trapeze hoist, then falls down, before yelling into her mic, “Oh God. Oh f— that hurt.” According to reports, Pink fell out of the harness she was in and was dragged into a barricade.

The singer later dispatched several missives about the incident on her Twitter feed. First she wrote: “To all my nurnberg fans- I am so so so sorry to end the show that way.I am embarassed and very sorry. I’m in ambulance now but I will b fine.” Then, about an hour later, she assured fans she was alright: “Ok all my lovers out there- nothings broken, no fluid in the lungs, just seriously sore. I made that barricade my b*tch!!!! Thanx nurnberg:(“

Then, about 8:30 a.m. this morning, she wrote: “okay. full steam ahead people.no pain, no gain. or is it no brain, no pain? either way, i will be on that stage, even if i have to crawl:)” And followed that up with a thank you to fans: “and a HUMONGOUS thank you to everyone who sent their love and concern, nikki is also doing fine. i will buy her an ice cream later.” Hark: It does indeed sound like she’s fine. Whew! Calls to her representatives for further comment have not yet been returned.

You can watch the YouTube clip of what happened here:

READ FULL STORY »

Jul 15 2010 06:17 PM ET

Vampire Weekend sued by 'Contra' cover model

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Categories: Cover Art, Indie Rock, Legal Troubles, Vampire Weekend

Vampire-Weekend-ContraA faintly smiling young woman wearing a yellow Ralph Lauren shirt became instantly famous earlier this year when a vintage photo of her appeared on the front cover of Vampire Weekend‘s chart-topping Contra album. Now someone has come forward as the heretofore anonymous model — and she’s hitting the indie rockers with a multi-million dollar lawsuit, claiming they used the image without her permission.

In papers filed yesterday in an L.A. court, Ann Kirsten Kennis says that the photo was taken around 1983, when she was working as “a high-fashion model under contract with prestigious agencies in New York City.” (Hat tip to TMZ for first reporting the suit today.) The lawsuit claims that the signature on the release form for the photo was forged. Kennis is asking the band, label XL Recordings, and photographer Tod Brody for at least $2 million for this alleged misappropriation of identity, arguing that “the album design, in which the Photograph is featured prominently, was a substantial factor in generating recognition and buzz for the Contra album, thus increasing sales and profits.”

A rep for the band tells EW they have no comment at this time. A phone call to Kennis’ attorney was not immediately returned. We’ll update you if and when we hear anything more. ‘Til then, what do you think of this story?

UPDATE: More details on the model who’s suing the band, plus the photographer’s response

More from EW.com’s Music Mix:
Amy Winehouse says third album will be ready “in six months at most”
Carlos Santana’s ‘Guitar Heaven’: Full tracklist revealed
Katy Perry’s “California Gurls” still on top of Billboard Hot 100
Jay Sean’s “2012″: Late-summer anthem?

Jul 15 2010 04:06 PM ET

'Jar of Hearts' singer Christina Perri on getting her break from 'So You Think You Can Dance': A Music Mix Q&A!

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Categories: Buzzworthy, Q&A, Television

christina-perri_240.jpg Image Credit: Lani LeeThree weeks ago, an unknown, unsigned 23 year old café employee named Christina Perri found her life changed by So You Think You Can Dance — without dancing a step. Billy Bell and Kathryn McCormick danced to Perri’s mournful “Jar of Hearts” on the June 30th telecast, and after overwhelming response on the singer-songwriter’s MySpace, the ballad was rushed to iTunes, where it’s since sold more than 100,000 copies. Perri’s already gone to New York to meet with record labels and perform on the CBS Early Show. Tonight, she’ll sing “Jar of Hearts” live on SYTYCD. We caught up with the Philly native to talk about what she calls her “rollercoaster ride.”

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Tell me the story of how this happened. You were having the worst day ever at your café job?
CHRISTINA PERRI: Yes. The Friday before the show, I was having the worst day ever at work. I was getting yelled at, and there were terrible things happening, almost to where I thought I was in some show. I’m like, “Okay, this isn’t real.” I quit in my head like 17 times. I imagined this big, grandiose storming into the office and quitting. Which I didn’t do. But I got in my car at the end of the shift, and was really defeated. And I got the call that they’re using the song on that Wednesday’s episode. Can I just go backwards a second? Just about ten days or so before that happened is when my best friend on the planet, Keltie Colleen, sent my song to [SYTYCD choreographer] Stacey Tookey and was like, “Hey, I think this song would be great on your show.” Stacey and Keltie went to school together in Canada, and they’re good friends. Stacey heard the [rough demo] and loved it, but was like, “I gotta put you through to my producers, so don’t get your hopes up.” So it was like this weird kind of in-between stage where we didn’t know what was going to happen, but we thought, “Oh, we should probably record the song now.” READ FULL STORY »

Jul 15 2010 12:34 PM ET

New Amy Winehouse CD: Singer says third album will be ready 'in six months at most.'

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Categories: Amy Winehouse

Amy-WinehouseImage Credit: Danny Martindale/WireImage.comAmy Winehouse has said that her third CD will be ready “in six months at most,” according to Briain’s Metro newspaper. Winehouse added that the collection is “going to be very much the same as my second album, where there’s a lot of jukebox stuff and the songs that are… just jukebox, really.”

The singer’s second album was 2006′s Back to Black which spawned the single “Rehab,” and won five Grammys. It also sold ten million copies around the world and established Winehouse as a major star. Of course, over the last couple of years, it is the singer’s often erratic behavior, rather than her vocal skills, that have made headlines, leaving many to wonder if she would ever make another CD.

What do you think of the news that Winehouse has a new album in the works? And what do you think she means when she says that it will feature “a lot of jukebox” material?

More from EW.com’s Music Mix:
Carlos Santana’s ‘Guitar Heaven’: Full tracklist revealed
Katy Perry’s “California Gurls” still on top of Billboard Hot 100
Jay Sean’s “2012″: Late-summer anthem?
Eminem leads the Billboard 200 again

Jul 15 2010 11:49 AM ET

Carlos Santana goes to 'Guitar Heaven' with help from Rob Thomas, Chris Daughtry, Nas, and more: Full tracklist revealed

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Categories: Carlos Santana, Covers, Creed, Daughtry, Nas, Stone Temple Pilots, Train

Carlos-SantanaImage Credit: Albert L. Ortega/PR PhotoSince 1999′s megasmash Supernatural, Carlos Santana has mostly stuck with that album’s eclectic, guest-heavy format for his subsequent releases. Now he’s taking the collaborative spirit one step further. On Sept. 21′s Guitar Heaven: The Greatest Guitar Classics of All Time, the famed guitarist enlisted at least one famous friend to perform on each of 13 covers.

The full line-up for Guitar Heaven was finalized via press release today. You can check it out after the jump. As you’ll see, Santana brought back his “Smooth” pal Rob Thomas for Cream’s “Sunshine of Your Love.” Grungy growlers dominate the rest of the track list, including Chris Cornell on Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” Scott Weiland on the Rolling Stones’ “Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’,” Gavin Rossdale on T. Rex’s “Bang a Gong,” Chris Daughtry on Def Leppard’s “Photograph,” and Scott Stapp on Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son.” Then there’s Santana’s take on AC/DC’s “Back in Black,” which will feature rapping from Queensbridge’s own Nas.

Some of those pairings could work quite well. I’d definitely like to hear what Nas can do over those crunchy power chords. Gavin Rossdale going glam sounds intriguing. Anyone who’s heard a Stone Temple Pilots album knows Scott Weiland can do a solid Mick Jagger impression. And Joe Cocker gnashing his way through Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing” should be well worth hearing. As for the turgid Scott Stapp attempting Creedence’s protest anthem? Yeah, that one’s an instant skip for me.

But what do you think? Take a look at the full track list for Carlos Santana’s Guitar Heaven after the jump and let us know which of these covers you’d like to hear.

READ FULL STORY »

Jul 15 2010 11:36 AM ET

Katy Perry‘s 'California Gurls' still on top of Billboard Hot 100 chart; Enrique Iglesias hits the top 10

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Categories: Charts, Drake, Eminem, Katy Perry, Taio Cruz, Usher

katy-perry-Enrique-IglesiasKaty Perry‘s “California Gurls” tops the Billboard Hot 100 chart this week. Surprise! Well, not really. This is its sixth straight week at No. 1. At this point, it’ll be news when it’s not there anymore. Eminem’s “Love the Way You Lie” featuring Rihanna is No. 2 for the third week in a row. B.o.B’s “Airplanes” switches places with  Usher‘s “OMG,”  moving to No. 3 while Usher drops a spot to No. 4.  Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire” stays at No. 5.

Taio Cruz’s “Dynamite” jumps up a slot to No. 6. Newcomer Mike Posner slips one to No. 7 with “Cooler Than Me.” Enrique Iglesias‘ Pitbull-assisted “I Like It” makes its entrance into the top 10, leaping 10 spots to No. 8. Drake’s “Find Your Love” continues to step back, dropping one place to No. 9. Jason Derulo’s “Ridin’ Solo” rounds out the top 10 at No. 10.

How much longer do you think Katy Perry has at No. 1? And are you a fan of Enrique Iglesias’ new song? Let us know.

(Follow the Music Mix on Twitter: @EWMusicMix.)

More from EW.com’s Music Mix:
‘DJ Hero 2′: Check out the exclusive list of artists here!
Picture of Lady Gaga at John Lennon’s piano lands on Twitter; Beatles fans freak out
Usher puts his lady to bed in ‘There Goes My Baby’ video: Watch here
Robbie Williams to reunite with Take That, film ‘Brokeback Mountain’-themed comeback video
The Fugs’ Tuli Kupferberg dies at 86

Jul 14 2010 03:22 PM ET

Jay Sean's new single '2012': A late-summer anthem?

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Categories: About Last Night, Current Listening, Hip-Hop/Rap, Jay Sean, R&B, Things That Sound A Whole Lot Like Other Things

jay-seanImage Credit: Janet Mayer/PR PhotosMusic-Mixers, are you down, down, down, down, down for a little Jay Sean news? We caught up with British pop star on the red carpet of the Jersey Shore Soundtrack release party, and he filled us in on his pair of new singles.

“I like to make music that makes people feel good,” he says. “I’m a very positive person myself, and the next two singles that I’m putting out–we’re putting them out simultaneously–are both feel-good songs. One is a club-banger called ‘Break Your Back,’ and the other one, ’2012,’ is a real feel-good [song]. If you loved “Down” and you loved “Do You Remember,” you’re going to love the next song, which I think is going to be stuck in everybody’s head for the entire summer, and hopefully much longer.”

After giving the song a few listens, I’m inclined to say that Jay Sean may be right. With a synthy string intro, a thumping beat, an exceedingly sing-along-able chorus, and Jay Sean’s characteristic “Oooooooooooohs,” “2012″ has all the makings of a radio smash. Sure, the whole “Party like it’s the end of the world–party like it’s 2012″ gimmick may be silly, but when the Black Eyed Peas are already throwing down in 3008, this seems tame by comparison. All in all, it’s another solid pop entry from Jay Sean. Check out the song below:

What do you think? Is “2012″ destined to be the new “1999,” or will Jay Sean have to rely on his other single, “Break Your Back,” to keep up his U.S. momentum?

Jul 14 2010 12:44 PM ET

Eminem leads the Billboard 200 again; Big Boi's 'Left Foot' steps in at No. 3

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Categories: Big Boi, Charts, Drake, Eminem, Justin Bieber, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga

Eminem-Big-BoiEminem‘s Recovery spends it’s third consecutive week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 229,000 copies. In turn Drake’s Thank Me Later spends a third week at No. 2, selling 74,000 albums. The chart’s top newcomer is OutKast’s Big Boi. His debut solo album Sir Lucious Left Foot … The Son of Chico Dusty starts at No. 3 with 62,000 units moved.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse soundtrack slips one spot to No. 4 with 45,000 records sold.  Justin Bieber‘s sold 43,000 copies of his My World 2.0. It climbs one spot to No. 5. The Now 34 compilation drops a spot to No. 6 with 33,000 sold. Jack Johnson’s To The Sea moves up one to No. 7, selling 30,000 albums. Lady Gaga‘s riding high from her Today show performance last Friday. The Fame jumps up five places to No. 8, selling 29,000. Lady Antebellum’s Need You Now rises one rung to No. 9 with 28,000 copies sold. Enrique Iglesias’ Euphoria is the chart’s second-highest debut at No. 10, He sold 27,000 copies.

Did you buy any of the albums released this week? Let us know.

(Follow the Music Mix on Twitter: @EWMusicMix.)

More from EW.com’s Music Mix:
Glee star Amber Riley and Colbie Caillat sing at the All-Star Game
‘DJ Hero 2′: Check out the exclusive list of artists here!
Picture of Lady Gaga at John Lennon’s piano lands on Twitter; Beatles fans freak out
Usher puts his lady to bed in ‘There Goes My Baby’ video: Watch here
Robbie Williams to reunite with Take That, film ‘Brokeback Mountain’-themed comeback video

Jul 14 2010 12:21 PM ET

Jewel sings in disguise for an awesome undercover karaoke clip

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Categories: Jewel, Things That Are Awesome

The people over at Funny or Die are at it again, this time with Grammy-nominated artist Jewel. The concept? Send Jewel to a local karaoke bar disguised as a mere mortal and have her sing some of her own songs. They fitted her with a wig, prosthetic nose, and, naturally, a bigger butt.  Pretending to be a frumpy businesswoman named Karen, Jewel takes the stage and proceeds to totally dumbfounds the audience with her singing abilities. They have no idea she’s the real Jewel. (I wouldn’t have known either. Let’s all applaud the power of a little makeup.)

After wowing the crowd, Jewel changes out of her disguise and comes back to sing as the real Jewel, and some people still don’t realize that she was actually Karen from the earlier performance. Watch the video after the jump. READ FULL STORY »

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