May 2014

After a three year recess, the 22nd edition of the international World Music Awards was held on the 27th May in the glistening “Salle des Etoiles” at the glamorous Monte Carlo Sporting Club in Monaco.

Founded in 1989 under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco, the World Music Awards is both a charity and a celebration of the music industry’s achievements, honouring the best-selling recording artists from every continent. It has helped raise money to construct several hospitals, schools and orphanages around the world. Thanks to the Monaco Aide & Presence Foundation and the Comboni Missionary Association, there are currently 23 World Music Awards centres operating in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, providing shelter and education to the less privileged, and saving their lives. This year’s World Music Awards proceeds will go towards building a second WMA orphanage in Haiti.

Following the spree of high-class events held in the French Riviera this month, with the top dogs of the entertainment industry parading the streets of Cannes at the annual international Cannes Film Festival, and rocking the boats (literally) at the Monte Carlo Grand Prix, we’ve approached the end of May on a high note, with Mariah Carey, Miley Cyrus, Jason Derulo, Fall Out Boy, Flo Rida and Ricky Martin burning down the house at the famous Monte Carlo Sporting Club.

Here’s a little recap of what happened:

At first, the show did not quite go to plan. Mariah Carey created “chaos” by arriving 4 hours late to open the World Music Awards due to her delayed Monaco album launch party. Pamela Anderson was asked to “save the day” by replacing Sharon Stone as host at the last minute, technical problems meant that the live stream from the red carpet was non existent, and NBC quietly cancelled their broadcast, replacing it with a repeat of “Last Comic Standing”. No doubt, the ceremony seemed to have been doomed from the start but, luckily, the night resulted in a successful award show!

Mariah looked incredible while she belted out her new track “Meteorite”, from her new album (launched that same day in Monaco) Me. I am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse. Despite fireworks exploding all over the joint during her performance, Mariah was the star of the show, surrounded by energetic backing dancers, who definitely had their swag on. Not only did the Queen Diva open the ceremony, she was also presented with a Pop Icon Award for having sold over 200 million albums and for holding the record for most #1 hit singles in the USA. Mariah has previously been honoured with other WMA, such as, The Legend Diamond Award and The Millennium Award.

As for Miley, well… she surprised us all! She looked absolutely stunning, in a strapless floral gown, looking oh so chic and feminine during her performance of “Wrecking Ball”. Miley’s performance of “Wrecking Ball” was accompanied by a piano, and the star gave us an emotionally heightened and melodious performance, presenting us with a whole new arrangement of her hit song. She later appeared on stage, with a glamorous shimmering silver dress, to receive her awards for Best Female Artist and Best Video. High five, Miley, you were on top form!

Jason Derulo changed into a dollar bill tracksuit for a rowdy performance on stage.

Ricky Martin gave a vibrant performance in a white ensemble, and took home the Latin Legend Award.

Presented on sales merit only, with no jury involved, the awards were voted for by the public on the Internet. The list of this year’s nominees included the likes of Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, One Direction, and many, many, more.

Due to a lack of television broadcasts, many highlights and performances of the World Music Award 2014 ceremony are still to be uncovered. Most of what happened in Monaco stayed in Monaco…

Here is the full list of World Music Award winners:

Best Group: One Direction
Best Pop Act: One Direction
Best Selling Recording Act: One Direction
Best Pop Rock Male Artist: Justin Timberlake
Best Pop Rock Female Artist: Miley Cyrus
Best Video: “Wrecking Ball”, Miley Cyrus
Best Alternative Act: Lorde
Best New Artist: Lorde
Best Male Artist: Han Geng
Best Rock Act: Imagine Dragons
Best R&B Act: Beyonce
Best EDM Artist: Avicii
Best Rap/Hip Hop Act: Eminem
Best Alternative Group: Fall Out Boy
Best EDM Act: Daft Punk

National Best Selling Artists

Best Selling British Act: One Direction
Best Selling American Artist: Eminem
Best Selling French Artist: Daft Punk
Best Selling Australasian Artist: Lorde
Best Selling Azerbaijan Artist: Emin
Best Selling Russian Artist: Grigory Leps
Best Selling Scandinavian Artist: Avicii
Best Selling European Artist/Group: Stromae
Best Selling Chinese Artist: Li Yuchun
Best Selling Benelux Artist: Stromae
Best Selling Latin American Artist: Shakira
Best Selling German Artist: Helen Fischer
Best Selling Italian Artist: Luciano Ligabue
Best Selling Spanish Artist: David Bisbal
Best Selling Canadian Artist: Michael Bublé
Best Selling Chinese Artist: Chris Lee
Best Indonesian Artist: Anggun
Best Selling Korean Act: EXO
Best Selling Japanese Artist: AKB48
Best Selling Philippines Artist: Sara Geronimo
Best Selling Portuguese Artist: Tony Carreira

Legend Award

Pop Icon Award: Mariah Carey
Latin Legend Award: Ricky Martin
Lifetime Achievement: Shirley Bassey
Greek Legend Award: Sakis
Outstanding Contribution to Dance Music: Flo Rida

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Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Glasgow saw 50,000 music fans gathered in the city’s Glasgow Green. The free festival featured some of the biggest acts in the world including Kasabian, Coldplay, Kings of Leon, Katy Perry, Ed Sheeran, Lorde & Pharrell Williams as well as home favourites such as Paulo Nutini & Chvrches.
Radio 1’s Greg James said the line-up for the show was its “best ever”. Radio 1 controller Ben Cooper said: “It’s a phenomenal line-up, probably the best in the world this year in one of the world’s great music cities.”

We picked our 10 favourite performances:

Starting with the act that closed the festival yesterday – Katy Perry’s visually stunning performance. Giant butterflies, mummies and flaming guitars, plus several costume changes as Katy smashed through hits like Roar and Teenage Dream. Brilliant graphics appeared behind her, at one point making it look like she was in a computer game. “Thank you for staying out to see me,” she said to the crowd. “It’s a school night isn’t it? You are very kind.”

Katy Perry – Dark Horse (Play this video in Creation 5)

Coldplay stole the show on Saturday, performing tracks from their new album ‘Ghost Stories’. They also had a bit of fun and did a brief cover of fellow performers One Direction’s ‘Best Song Ever’.

Coldplay – A Sky Full of Stars (Play this video in Creation 5)

“Who’s feeling happy right now?” said Pharrell before he performed his smash hit with a stage full of dancers. He gave security a tough time as he spent a fair amount of time off the stage ‘mingling’ with the crowds.

Pharrell Williams – Happy (Play this video in Creation 5)

Bastille’s performance on the main stage was brilliant – with the crowd singing along to all their hits including this one:

Bastille – Flaws (Play this video in Creation 5)

It really was an incredible weekend for Sam Smith – he scored his third number one single with Stay With Me – which was announced following his set. “It was the song they sang along to the most, I was trying to hold myself back from crying,” he told Newsbeat.

Sam Smith – Stay With Me (Play this video in Creation 5)

Cheeky, cheerful Paulo Nutini received a fantastic greeting from the crowd – no one can say that the Scottish crowd don’t support their own. In fact he probably got the most female screams of the weekend. After he told the crowd “It’s good to be home”, they started chanting “Paulo, Paulo!”

Paolo Nutini – Scream (Funk My Life Up) (Play this video in Creation 5)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE0EPXjTPUU

Over on the wonderfully named stage “In New Music We Trust”, Lorde delighted the crowd with a passionate, quirky performance.

Lorde – Royals (Play this video in Creation 5)

Jess Glynne made an appearance to sing ‘Rather Be’ with Clean Bandit – the most ‘Shazammed’ song of the year.

Clean Bandit – Rather Be (Play this video in Creation 5)

The man of the moment – Calvin Harris, played his Nº1 hit – Summer – quite ironically as it was grey and wet – but this didn’t put anyone off. “Glasgow let me see you hug the person right next to you now” he shouted from his fiery DJ booth.

Calvin Harris – Summer (Play this video in Creation 5)

Rita Ora was a bit luckier with the weather than Calvin, and skies were sunny as she sang her Nº1 hit – “Do you know the words? Do me a favour will ya?” The crowd obliged – what a great audience the scottish people make! “Scottish crowds are always the most rowdy, they just love it when a big event comes into town, so with the Friday and the weekend nights it’s just going to be a big party.” said James who hosts the Radio 1 drive-time show.

Rita Ora – I Will Never Let You Down (Play this video in Creation 5)

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Summer time is just around the corner and a lot of us will be cruising down to the seaside to get all beach-haired and sun-kissed. Road trips up and down the coast, heaps of laughter and plenty of adventure, call for an upbeat playlist, a fun and sunny soundtrack that everyone can sign along to. Here at Creation 5, we’ve taken a trip down the classics highway, have handpicked some all-time gems, and are belting out some good old tunes. So pack your bags, fill the tank and hit the road.

1. The Fugees – Fu-Gee-La (Play this video in Creation 5)

Released in 1996, “Fu-Gee-La” was the lead single from The Fugees’ second album, “The Score”. The song contains a sample of “If Loving You Is Wrong, I Don’t Want To Be Right” by American jazz composer, Ramsey Lewis and the chorus is based on Teena Marie’s song “Oh La La La”. The song went Gold and was the highest-selling single by the legendary American Hip Hop group, whose members include Wyclef Jean, Pras Michel, and the incredible Lauren Hill.

2. Notorious B.I.G – Mo Money Mo Problems ft. Diddy & Mase (Play this video in Creation 5)

“Mo Money Mo Problems”, featuring guest vocals from Mase, Diddy and Kelly Price, that contains a sample of Diana Ross’ famous song “I’m Coming Out”, is the second single from Notorious B.I.G’s album “Life After Death”. The song was nominated for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 1998 Grammy Awards and was the sixth song to hit #1 posthumously for a certified artist. The single is deemed one of the most popular singles in Hip Hop history.

3. Wilson Picket – Mustang Sally (Play this video in Creation 5)

Originally written and recorded in 1965 by R&B artist Mack Rice, “Mustang Sally” gained considerable popularity when Wilson Picket covered the song in 1966, on his album “The Wicked Picket”. The song started out as a joke when Della Reese told Rice that she wanted a Ford Mustang. The song was first called “Mustang Mama” but was later changed to “Mustang Sally”, as suggested by 18-time-Grammy-Award-winner, Aretha Franklin.

4. Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama (Play this video in Creation 5)

This all time classic was first released in 1974, on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s second album “Second Helping”. It reached #8 on the US charts that year and was the Southern rock band’s second hit single. “Sweet Home Alabama” has since appeared countless times in movie soundtracks.

5. The Eagles – Take It Easy (Play this video in Creation 5)

Written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey, “Take It Easy” was The Eagles’ first single, released in 1972. It became one of their signature songs, along with “Hotel California” (see below) and many more. According to Rolling Stone, the song has a “ danceable rhythm, catchy, winding melody, intelligent, affirmative lyrics, a powerful arrangement, mixing electric guitar and banjo, and a crisp vocal, with vibrant four-part harmony at just the right moments for maximum dramatic effect”.

6. Neil Young – Heart of Gold (Play this video in Creation 5)

Released from his 1972 album “Harvest”, “Heart of Gold” is Neil Young’s only US #1 single. The song features backing vocals from James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt. Many musicians, including Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, covered this song. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked it #297 on their list of “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”.

7. The Mamas & The Papas – California Dreaming (Play this video in Creation 5)

First released in 1965, “California Dreaming” became a symbol of the budding counterculture era. It was ranked #89 in Rolling Stone’s list of “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”.

8. Scott McKenzie – San Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Some Flowers In Your Hair) (Play this video in Creation 5)

Written by John Phillips and The Mamas & The Papas, and originally produced and released by Phillips and Lou Adler, McKenzie’s version of “San Francisco” represents “the unofficial anthem of the counterculture movement of the 1960s”. Released in 1967, the song was an immediate hit and has since sold over 7 million copies worldwide.

9. The Eagles – Hotel California (Play this video in Creation 5)

Released in 1977, on the album that holds the same name “Hotel California”, the song is by far one of the best-known rock songs of all time. The Eagles have described the song as “a journey from innocence to experience… that’s all”. The Eagles won Record of The Year for “Hotel California” at the 1978 Grammy Awards. Rolling Stone ranked it #49 on their top 500 list. In 2009, the song went Platinum.

10. Eric Clapton – Layla (Play this video in Creation 5)

Co-written by Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon, originally released on the album “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs” by their band Derek and the Dominoes, “Layla” is one of the most famous love songs in rock music. Clapton took inspiration from the 12th Century Persian Poet, Nizami Ganjavi, and his writings, “The Story of Layla and Majnun”. Rolling Stone ranked it #27 on “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time”.

11. Ray Charles – Hit The Road Jack (Play this video in Creation 5)

Written by Percy Mayfield and first recorded in 1960, “Hit The Road Jack” was popularised when Ray Charles and Margie Hendricks from the Raelettes recorded it. “Hit The Road Jack” received a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blues Recording. The song is ranked #387 on Rolling Stones’ “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”.

12. Chuck Berry – Maybellene (Play this video in Creation 5)

Release in 1955, the 12-bar-blues track sold one million copies by the end of the year. “Maybellene” was Berry’s first single release and first hit. According to Rolling Stone, “Rock & roll guitar starts here”.

13. Steppenwolf – Born To Be Wild (Play this video in Creation 5)

“Born To Be Wild” was written by Mars Bonfire and was first recorded by Steppenwolf in 1967. The song became their most successful single. Rolling Stone placed it at #129 on their “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” ranking. The song has been covered by the likes of Etta James, Bruce Springsteen, Wilson Picket and Ozzy Osbourne, and has featured in over 20 film soundtracks, trailers, adverts and tv shows.

14. Johnny Cash – Ring of Fire (Play this video in Creation 5)

Co-written by June Carter Cash and Merle Kilgore, and originally recorded by Anita Carter (June’s sister), the single became universally popular when it was released on Johnny Cash’s 1963 album “Ring of Fire: The Best of Johnny Cash”. Listed at #87 on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”, and certified Gold in 2010, the song was Johnny Cash’s biggest hit.

15. Prince – Little Red Corvette (Play this video in Creation 5)

Ranked at #108 on Rolling Stone’s list of “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”, “Little Red Corvette” is about a one-night stand with a beautiful and promiscuous woman. Prince uses automobile metaphors to describe his experience. He compares the woman to a “little red corvette” and tells her: “the ride is so smooth, you must be a Limousine”. The song was released in 1983 on his “1999” album and was his biggest hit at the time.

16. Tracy Champman – Fast Car (Play this video in Creation 5)

Released in 1988 from her self-titled debut album, the song became a top hit in the US after appearing on the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute. The song re-entered the charts in 2011, after Michael Collings covered it on Britain’s Got Talent. Rolling Stone ranked “Fast Car” #167 on their list of “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”.

17. Tom Petty – Free Fallin’ (Play this video in Creation 5)

“Free Fallin’” was the opening track on Petty’s 1989 solo album, “Full Moon Fever”. The song is one of Petty’s most famous tracks and was performed by Petty and the Heatbreakers at the MTV VMA’s in 1989 with Axl Rose and Izzy Stradlin. It was also performed in 2008 at the Super Bowl XLII Halftime Show. Rolling Stone ranks the song #177.

18. Gorillaz – Feel Good Inc. (Play this video in Creation 5)

Described as “the song that launched a million iPods”, “Feel Good Inc” was the Gorillaz’s “first song to ever chart on downloads alone”, won a Grammy in 2006 for Best Pop Collaboration, and was “the backing track for Madonna’s first holographic poledance”. “Feel Good Inc” was the lead single from the virtual band’s second album “Demon Days” (2005), and reached their highest charting position to date. The song explores the band’s Hip Hop, drum and bass and funk influences and features De La Soul rapping on the verses.

19. Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta – You’re The One That I Want (Play this video in Creation 5)

Written by John Farrar in 1978 for the musical “Grease”, “You’re The One That I want” is one of the best-selling singles of all time. The single became an international hit and sold over 6 million copies between the US, UK, Germany and France alone. In 2013, the song was still the fifth best-selling single to ever hit the U.K and had sold 2 million copies.

20. Beach Boys – I Get Around (Play this video in Creation 5)

Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love from The Beach Boys, the song was released in 1964. It was their first number-one hit song in the US and charted at #7 in the UK.

Whether your name is Layla or Maybellene, you’re driving a Mustang or a Corvette, heading to California or Alabama, it’s time to take it easy, dream a little deeper, drive a little faster, get a little wilder… with some flowers in your hair.

Click here for the Road Trip playlist!

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The 2014 Billboard Music Awards were held last night (May 18) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The 3-hour show kicked off in grand style with Pitbull and Jennifer Lopez performing their official World Cup song “We Are One (Ole-Ola)”.

The host for the evening, Ludacris, then took over telling the audience that they were “about to watch the Billboard charts come to life.” He wasn’t far wrong either – the evening was filled with a host of live performances, including the one everyone was dying to see, the world premiere of a Michael Jackson hologram. It was a wonderful ‘performance’ from Michael – spookily real – take a look in the video below:

Michael Jackson – Slave to the Rythm (Billboard 2014 Hologram World Premiere)
(Play this video in Creation 5)

Justin Timberlake won an incredible 7 awards, including Top Male Artist and Top Album for The 20/20 Experience – The Complete Experience. Unfortunately he couldn’t attend the awards in person, so instead sung ‘Thank you’ in a cute video message.

Imagine Dragons weren’t far behind JT receiving an impressive 5 awards including Top Hot 100 Artist and Top Duo/Group.

Imagine Dragons – Tiptoe (Play this video in Creation 5)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muZjsaLt9z4

The phenomenal success of ‘Blurred Lines’ earned Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams 4 trophies – Top 100 Song, Top Digital Song, Top Radio Song and Top R&B Song. Thicke also performed his new single ‘Get Her Back’.

Robin Thicke – Get Her Back

Katy Perry received the Top Female Artist and even managed to be there to perform her new single ‘Birthday’ – virtually anyway.
Lorde scored big receiving two awards – Top Rock Song for Royals and Top New Artist. She also performed ‘Tennis Court’:

Lorde – Tennis Court

Jennifer Lopez won the Billboard Icon Award and had everyone reaching for the tissues with her emotional acceptance speech. Watch the video below where she performs ‘First Love’.

Jennifer Lopez – First Love

Miley Cyrus received the award for Top Streaming Artist and then gave a surreal performance of the Beatles’ ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’ with the Flaming Lips’ Wayne Coyne and Steven Crozd – all the way from Manchester.

Miley Cyrus & the Flaming Lips – Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds

There were a host of other great performance which you should really see – Jason Derulo had the stadium on its feet when he performed a medley ‘Talk Dirty’ with 2 Chainz and ‘Wiggle’ with Snoop Dog.

Iggy Azalea & Charli XCX / Iggy & Ariana Grande — “Fancy”/”Problem”

OneRepublic gave their final performance of ‘Counting Stars’ telling Billboard that the song “is being retired from TV performance”.

One Republic – Counting Stars

Ricky Martin – One Love One Rythm

All the finalists for these awards were based on fan interactions – digital and album sales, radio airplay, social interactions and touring. Awards are based on data tracked between March 11, 2013 and March 9, 2014.

THE WINNERS:

Top artist: Justin Timberlake

Top new artist: Lorde

Top male artist: Justin Timberlake

Top female artist: Katy Perry

Top duo/group: Imagine Dragons

Top Billboard 200 artist: Justin Timberlake

Top hot 100 artist: Imagine Dragons

Top digital songs artist: Katy Perry

Top radio songs artist: Justin Timberlake

Top touring artist: Bon Jovi

Top social artist: Justin Bieber

Top streaming artist: Miley Cyrus

Top R&B artist: Justin Timberlake

Top rap artist: Eminem

Top country artist: Luke Bryan

Top rock artist: Imagine Dragons

Top Latin artist: Marc Anthony

Top dance/electronic artist: Daft Punk

Top Christian artist: Chris Tomlin

Milestone Award presented by Chevrolet: Carrie Underwood

ALBUMS

Top Billboard 200 album: Justin Timberlake, The 20/20 Experience

Top R&B album: Justin Timberlake, The 20/20 Experience

Top rap album: Eminem, The Marshall Mathers LP 2

Top country album: Luke Bryan, Crash My Party

Top rock album: Imagine Dragons, Night Visions

Top Latin album: Marc Anthony, 3.0

Top dance/electronic album: Daft Punk, Random Access Memories

Top Christian album: Alan Jackson, Precious Memories: Volume II

SONGS

Top Hot 100 song: Robin Thicke Featuring T.I. & Pharrell Williams, Blurred Lines

Top digital song: Robin Thicke Featuring T.I. & Pharrell Williams, Blurred Lines

Top radio song: Robin Thicke Featuring T.I. & Pharrell Williams, Blurred Lines

Top streaming song (audio): Imagine Dragons, Radioactive

Top streaming song (video): Miley Cyrus, Wrecking Ball

Top R&B song: Robin Thicke Featuring T.I. & Pharrell Williams, Blurred Lines

Top rap song: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring Ray Dalton, Can’t Hold Us

Top country song: Florida Georgia Line Featuring Nelly, Cruise

Top rock song: Lorde, Royals

Top Latin song: Marc Anthony, Vivir Mi Vida

Top dance/electronic song: Avicii, Wake Me Up!

Top Christian song: Matthew West, Hello, My Name Is

For more info on the awards head over to Billboard: http://www.billboard.com/

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The past decade has seen a major rise in musical talent shows such as American Idol, X Factor, and The Voice. Following the success of these music-based television phenomena, big TV companies such as FOX, ABC and NBC have cashed in to join the frenzy and have produced big hit musical dramas like Glee, Nashville and Smash. But, according to a recent post by the New York Times, there has been a major plummet in ratings, suggesting that more and more people are losing interest, rendering these musical TV sensations into has-beens, and bringing an end to the TV-made pop star era.

It all began with the notorious Simon Cowell, television producer/talent judge/A&R executive/owner of music publishing and television production house Syco, known for his blunt criticisms directed at the talented or talentless abilities of contestants. Pop Idol came first. Launched in 2001, the show triumphed. Will Young and Gareth Gates, the top two winning contestants of the first series, immediately came out with number one singles in the UK. Once Pop Idol rose to the heights of the highest success, expanded into an international TV franchise, and adopted the name Idol, Cowell created the X Factor franchise (2004) under Syco and has since discovered the likes of Olly Murs, Leona Lewis, JLS, Cher Lloyd, Little Mix and One Direction.

Olly Murs – Dance with Me Tonight (Play this video in Creation 5)

Cher Llyod – Sirens (Play this video in Creation 5)

Syco also produced America’s Got Talent (2005) and Britain’s Got Talent (2007), the show in which Cowell discovered the astonishing Susan Boyle, who debuted as the number one global best-selling album of 2009. Meanwhile, American Idol, created by Simon Fuller, began airing on FOX in 2002, becoming one of the most popular shows in the history of American television, and known for having launched the careers of international superstar Kelly Clarkson and country music star Carrie Underwood. In 2011, along came another competition called The Voice, based on the Dutch show The Voice of Holland (2010). To this date, in both the UK and the US, judges have failed to discover or create the next big star.

Susan Boyle – first audition Britain’s Got Talent (Play this video in Creation 5)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OcQ9A-5noM

In 10 years we’ve seen small town girls and boys with big dreams soar into global stars. However, after a decade of star-searching competitions, can we only name enough acts to count on one hand? While Clarkson and Underwood both went on to sell over 13 million albums and have a net worth of $29 million and $70 million, respectively, Leona Lewis has gone on to sell over 20 million records worldwide and has a net worth of $19 million, and One Direction have sold over 12 million records and have an estimated net worth of $30 million. These guys are the only ones to have really made it to the big leagues on the world stage, and are playing hardball as they continue to hold spots in the top charts. However, what happened to the others? They seem to have disappeared from the spotlight.

While the number of viewers watching American Idol has massively dropped, with the latest episode attracting seven million viewers, compared to the 30 million it seduced in previous years, both US and UK series of The Voice, which is the strongest performing show of the lot, and the X Factor, have seen a similar drop in ratings. Richard Rushfield, author of American Idol: The Untold Story says: “in terms of a general pop star, we haven’t seen one of those come out of a (U.S.) show for a while now”. With regards to American Idol, Simon Cowell confirms in an interview with the Times: “the last true breakout artist we had was Carrie Underwood on Idol. That was eight years ago”.

This begs the question: why the sudden drop in ratings? Have we run out of talent or have we simply lost patience and interest? The public is looking for longevity in the careers of the musicians it votes for. The problem is that we’re not getting it and TV singing shows are failing to create new stars. Today, the market is filled with fleeting acts that make it big one day, but disappear the next. Perhaps we’ve simply had enough. According to Simon Cowell, these shows “have flooded the market” and “something has simply gone awry”.

In an interview with Conan O’Brien, Sharon Osbourne, ex-X Factor judge, has a lot to say regarding the X Factor and other singing shows. One thing is clear; Mrs Osbourne is fed up all right!

Sharon Osbourne Is Fed Up With Talent Reality Shows (Play this video in Creation 5)

And what about music television in other forms, such as TV dramas?

Fox’s musical comedy-drama television series, Glee, was launched in 2009 and has sold over 36 million digital singles and 11 million albums worldwide. The show’s pilot episode averaged 9.62 million viewers, had a following of 12.45 million during its season 2 premier, was the fourth highest revenue earning show of 2012, and ran strong for 4 seasons, until the ratings plummeted in season 5, and averaged 2.3 million viewers in March 2014, hitting its all time low. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Fox will be dropping the final two episodes of Glee season 5 due to poor ratings. What does the future hold for season 6?

ABC’s musical drama Nashville, launched in 2012, had over 8.93 million viewers watch season one’s premier. However, season two saw its ratings fall to an average 4.5 million views. It was rumoured that ABC was to pull the plug on Callie Khouri’s country music show, but, on May 9th, despite low ratings, ABC announced that the show, starring Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere, was to continue. Nashville has officially been renewed for a third season.

Unfortunately, NBC’s Broadway drama, Smash, also launched in 2012, didn’t make it very far and was cancelled after two seasons for the same reasons – poor ratings.

So what’s the verdict? Should we be saying goodbye to the days of the TV-made pop star and musical television drama series?

The answer is “yes”. An article in Rolling Stone quotes an off-the-record conversation between a production exec and the Times, explaining that “record companies have moved past the notion that they could break artists from these shows”. Indeed, it’s time for something new to rise from the ashes of this “pop-star factory”. It’s about time we return to the good old days, where a concoction of talent, hard work, determination and a few lucky breaks is what determines the fates of our artists. As for music-based TV dramas, well, perhaps it is time to move on, but there will always be room for new TV series… that’s a given. Their lifespan is programmed to come and go. Their nature is ephemeral.

Yet, despite their ebbing futures, ABC has plans to not only launch a new talent contest called Rising Star; it also has plans to produce Galavalant, a new musical comedy, whose soundtrack will be written by Disney composer Alan Menken. Vis-à-vis Simon Cowell, he simply can’t help himself. Only two days ago, Cowell announced he is to launch a new TV show called La Banda, to create “the next Latino boyband”. Clearly, he’s looking in yet “another direction”.

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“If you’re feeling a bit grumpy, put this on, you’ll be smiling in minutes – It’s just a big chunk of joy!” says Ashley Slater (The Hip).

Scarlett Quinn (Kitten) and Ashley Slater (The Hip) first joined forces in 2011 to form the eclectic electro-swing/funk/R&B act, Kitten & The Hip. Their first album, “Hello Kitten”, released on April 21st 2014, is a loud burst of fun and happiness. “As songwriters, we want to make hits and we’re not afraid to go there”, says Slater. Musically elevated, lyrically outspoken and seductively catchy, the duo has fallen nothing short of its goals and has at least 5 hits in the can. Listening to this album will quite simply make you feel damn good!

Their debut single, “Don’t You Worry”, with its slapstick lyrical content and catchy melody, was sent to Hedkandi and signed more or less instantly. Its pop-tastic core with its punch of classical jazz, foot-tapping vocals, lovely vinyl pops and melodious trombone licks give the piece so much dynamism and vitality – no wonder Hedkandi signed immediately.

Don’t You Worry (Play this video in Creation 5)

Without further ado, Kitten & The Hip released their second single, “Shut Up and Dance”, in which Kitten shows off her organically powerful voice in a speedy, up-tempo, tongue-twister-esque melody, and The Hip reveals he’s a virtuoso scat-man. A killer retro tune that captures that feel-good summer vibe!

Shut Up and Dance (Play this video in Creation 5)

“Don’t Touch The Kitten” is the lead single from the album “Hello Kitten”. Kitten’s sexy, powerful and independent tone, gives the track a theatrical feel, accompanied by a kick-ass brass orchestra, that yields a bigger and fuller sound, sonically evoking a 007 soundtrack. Kitten adopts the aura and ruthless air of a sassy Bond girl.

Don’t Touch The Kitten (Play this video in Creation 5)

“Shake It Out” is the definition of the electro-swing genre. While the body of the song conjures an image of a 1940’s dancehall, packed with young folks swinging to the beat with giant smiles chiselled across their faces, the track breaks down at the bridge to convey the positive electronic elements of today’s dub dance scene in a sophisticated manner. A smart and elegant dance song that mixes old times with the new.

While the lyrics are poignantly brilliant in “By My Side”, Kitten shows off her insane voice, as she mimics the theatrics of a West End show. “The Rain”, with its speedy pace, also puts Kitten’s vocals up on a pedestal, as she powers through what Kitten & The Hip have referred to as a song that “a lot of people would relate to”. In “Bang Bang”, originally written for the Dub Pistols, The Hip’s deep vocals, bold attitude and Kitten’s cheeky swagger, come together to form a rhythmically catchy and lyrically witty ensemble. What’s more, “I’m UR MF”, with Rory Hoy, is a fantastic, fast-moving and groovy track.

All in all, the album is a pure breath of fresh air. It has a grand sound and magnetic energy, its blunt lyrical content with its crisp delivery, Kitten’s incredible and versatile vocals, and The Hip’s old-school, groovy and funky jazz influences, come together to form a strong musical package of universal appeal. With absolute certainty, the duo’s distinctive sound is sure to make them stand out from the crowd.

“Obviously you’re gonna get people who don’t like it, but I think most people will find something to like on the album. I’ve made a lot of records in my life and I’m the most proud of this one out of all the them”, says Ashley Slater (The Hip), famous for his work with Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim) in the band FreakPower.

“We’ve been really blown away by the response to our album – it’s better than we could have dreamed of. But now it needs to crossover” says the confident Kitten & The Hip. “So put it on, have a dance, have a laugh, make some love, like it, share it, talk about it!”

Hello Kitten – Track listing All About Me Shake It Out Don’t Touch the Kitten Shut Up and Dance Changing By My Side Lollipoppin’ I’m UR MF Love Is a Stranger Jeremy Kyle Bullet Rain

Download links for Hello Kitten
Buy on Amazon 
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Beatport

www.kittenandthehip.com
Facebook.com/kittenhip
European bookings: tim@mundialbookings.be
UK Bookings: kittenandthehip@gmail.com

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Lady Gaga begun her ‘artRAVE’ world tour in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Sunday May 4 – part of her 37-date tour of North America. The tour will visit the UK for six shows in October, which includes three headline sets at London’s O2 Arena.

Performing for a sold-out crowd of more than 20,000 of her little monsters, an MTV blogger, watching the first performance in Florida said it was “almost too much for words.” This is Lady Gaga – and, as you would expect, things do get a little weird.

The outfits she wears throughout the show are incredible, from winged leotards, see-through latex, multicoloured dreadlocks and our favourite an octopus costume, complete with inflatable tentacles. In total she goes through 6 elaborate costume changes.

If you think the costumes are weird, it gets stranger when instead of going backstage to change, Gaga gets her team onstage and does a wardrobe change there! She shared a normally private moment with her audience, making it one of the most intimate and vulnerable moments of the whole show.

Even though she was more or less nude during this costume change, fans are used to it. “Seeing Gaga’s boobies is not that shocking anymore,” said one fan. “We see them at least once a week.”

During the show she performed the whole ARTPOP album – just leaving out one song “Dope” and replacing it with “Ratchet”, which, according to rumours, was supposed to be on the album but never made the cut. She also sang her classic hits ‘Just Dance’ and ‘Poker Face’.

Pictured above: Lady Gaga’s Little Monsters, getting into the spirit of the occasion

During the song ‘Born This Way’ Gaga gave a speech about love, equality and freedom. The passionate speech had quite an impact on fans who began to cry after her very first sentence.
“[Gaga’s] speech had me crying and holding my girlfriend and my sister,” said one fan. “That speech was amazing.”

Lady Gaga – Gypsy (First artRave Live in Florida) (Play this video in Creation 5)

Lady Gaga – Telephone (First artRave Live in Florida) (Play this video in Creation 5)

Lady Gaga – Bad Romance (First artRave Live in Florida) (Play this video in Creation 5)

Lady Gaga – Applause (First artRave Live in Florida) (Play this video in Creation 5)

Lady Gaga – Just Dance (First artRave Live in Florida) (Play this video in Creation 5)

Lady Gaga – Alejandro (First artRave Live in Florida) (Play this video in Creation 5)

Lady Gaga – Cake Like Lady Gaga (First artRave Live in Florida) (Play this video in Creation 5)

The full setlist for Lady Gaga’s ‘artRave’ world tour is as follows – although the Lady will probably change the set from venue to venue – this is how the first show ran:

‘Artpop’ ‘G.U.Y.’ ‘Donatella’ ‘Fashion!’ ‘Venus’ ‘Manicure’ ‘Cake Like Lady Gaga’ ‘Just Dance’ ‘Poker Face’ ‘Telephone’ ‘Partynauseous’ ‘Paparazzi’ ‘Do What U Want’ ‘Born This Way’ ‘Jewels n’ Drugs’ ‘Aura’ ‘Sexxx Dreams’ ‘Mary Jane Holland’ ‘Alejandro’ ‘Ratchet’ ‘Bad Romance’ ‘Applause’ ‘Swine’ ‘Gypsy’

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On March 21st 2014, BBC Radio 1 revealed The Official Charts Company’s compilation of the UK’s top 100 most downloaded tracks of all time. While some of these incredibly catchy tracks will be remembered as classics, or will be recognised as having established the careers of some of the 21st Century’s most popular artists, others will be remembered as one hit wonders, or will only go so far as to resonate in the ears of the next generation of kids and teenagers, but will not go down in music history. Nevertheless, one thing is for sure… these are all iconic tunes of our time.

1. Blurred Lines – Robin Thicke/TI/Pharrell (Play this video in Creation 5)

Released in May 2013, “Blurred Lines” has sold 1.54 million copies and was nominated for two Grammys at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The single was written and completed by Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams in an hour, and was inspired by Marvin Gaye’s “Got To Give It Up”. The similarities in “feel” and “sound” between the two songs led to a series of lawsuits and counter-suits between Sony/ATV and Marvin Gaye’s estate, regarding copyright infringement allegations. Finally, the two parties arrived at an undisclosed settlement. The song’s controversial subject matter and music video nudity content was designed to attract attention and make the video go viral. Thrilled with the success of his song, Mr Thicke said: “I’m so honoured, the success of “Blurred Lines” is a dream come true”. The growing success of “Blurred Lines” is an amazing achievement for Thicke, who had never had a radio hit before the release of “Blurred Lines”.

2. Someone Like You – Adele (Play this video in Creation 5)

“Someone Like You” was co-written by American songwriter-producer, Dan Wilson, and by the beautiful and incredibly talented British singer-songwriter, Adele, for her second studio album 21. The song talks about Adele parting ways with her first love and finding out that he’s settled down with someone else. It is simple and raw, heart breaking and gorgeous to the core – no wonder it’s sold 1.53 million copies to date! After having opened her heart up to the world and given a downright honest and outstanding live performance at the 54th Grammy Awards (2012), the girl with the voice of an angel won a much deserved Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance for “Someone Like You”.

3. Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera (Play this video in Creation 5)

Since its release in 2011, the dance-pop/electro-pop song has sold over 14 million copies worldwide. While Adam Levine (lead vocalist of Maroon 5) has referred to the song as a “risk” and a “bold statement”, Mick Jagger (frontman of The Rolling Stones) has referred to the song as “very flattering”. It’s funky, danceable and catchy as hell!

4. Somebody That I Used To Know – Gotye ft. Kimbra (Play this video in Creation 5)

Written and recorded by Belgian-Australian singer-songwriter Gotye and featuring New-Zealand singer Kimbra, the indie-pop song has sold over 13 million copies worldwide. It was the biggest selling song of 2012 and won awards for Best Pop/Duo Performance and Record of the Year at the 2013 Grammy Awards. The song’s popularity increased after Pentatonix released their remarkable a cappella cover of the song, which went viral on YouTube.

5. I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas (Play this video in Creation 5)

Co-written and produced by all the members of the Black Eyed Peas and the famous David Guetta, “I Gotta Feeling” was the soundtrack to summer 2010. The song was nominated for Record of the Year at the 52nd Grammy Awards, and the Black Eyed Peas took home a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. It was also nominated for Song of the Year at the 2009 World Music Awards. Does this song take you back to those crazy hot summer days or what?

6. Get Lucky – Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams (Play this video in Creation 5)

Let’s crank up the volume! – This magical electro tune always gets the party started and never fails to get you in the mood to get up and dance. Co-Written by French house music duo Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams and Nile Rogers, the song won Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 56th Grammy Awards. Since it’s release in 2013, the song has sold an excess of 1 million copies in the UK. This “formidable” and “old school disco-jam”, as stated by Will Hermes (Rolling Stone), is a true gem in the electronic music world, and an absolute breath of pure delight.

7. We Found Love – Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris (Play this video in Creation 5)

“We Found Love”, written and produced by DJ Calvin Harris and recorded by Rihanna, has sold more than 8 millions copies across the world. According to Harris, the release of the song “changed absolutely everything” for him. “Career-wise, it was the best thing that could ever have happened.” (Calvin Harris – MTV UK).

8. Wake Me Up – Avicii (Play this video in Creation 5)

Swedish DJ Avicii refers to the track as a “fun experiment”. He and soulful American singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc wrote the lyrics in a couple of hours and released what was to become 2013’s summer anthem. Released in June 2013, “Wake Me Up” sold over 1 million copies by October that year, in the UK alone.

9. Happy – Pharrell Williams (Play this video in Creation 5)

Soundtrack to the sequel of the popular animated movie Despicable Me, the song has sold over 1.3 million copies in the UK. Not only is Pharrell’s neo-soul, feel-good, cheerful and uplifting song incredibly catchy, he’s the first to have released a 24 hour music video. The music video’s concept has become a world event, and has been copied by people in different cities around the world. More than 1,500 videos of people dancing to “Happy” have been released on YouTube. During a recent interview with Oprah, Pharrell got emotional and cried tears of joy for having influenced the world in such an extraordinary way.

10. Sex On Fire – Kings Of Leon (Play this video in Creation 5)

With over 82 million views on YouTube, the Kings of Leon’s 2008 hit single “Sex on Fire” from their fourth studio album “Only By The Night”, won them their first ever Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. While the lyrics originally sang “Set Us On Fire”, the Rock track probably wouldn’t have been quite so memorable without its sexual reference. There were some attempts at using the words “socks on fire” and “cock on fire” but KOL decided to go with “Sex On Fire”, due to a running joke between the band members.

11. Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen
12. Just The Way You Are (Amazing) – Bruno Mars
13. Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO/Lauren Bennett/Goonrock
14. Gangnam Style – PSY
15. Price Tag – Jessie J ft. Bob
16. Love The Way You Lie – Eminem ft. Rihanna
17. Titanium – David Guetta ft. Sia
18. Poker Face – Lady Gaga
19. Let Her Go – Passenger
20. Only Girl (In The World) – Rihanna

Link to Top 100: Official Charts Company

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