Christina Aguilera, Others Set For Michael Jackson Tribute Concert

Christina Aguilera, Leona Lewis, & Craig David are amongst those who have signed on to perform in "Michael Forever: The Tribute Concert", which is set to take place on October 8th in Wales. Cee Lo Green, Smokey Robinson, JLS, Alien Ant Farm, & 3T (a trio of Michael Jackson's nephews) are also scheduled to take part in the event, which is being broadcast worldwide in 2D & 3D. "Michael Forever" will benefit charities such as The AIDS Project LA & The Prince's Trust. I heard about this when most of his family announced it a little while ago, but wasn't sure what to make of it until now. Sounds promising!

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Michael Jackson "Hollywood Tonight" Video Premiere

"Hollywood Tonight" is the second single off Michael Jackson's new album Michael. I got nothin'.

Billboard Update

^#1 Album #1 Single^

In what was no doubt bad news as far as the prospects for Christmas for the kiddies were concerned, Taylor Swift's Speak Now returned to the top of the most recent Billboard 200 album chart, where Michael Jackson debuted @ #3 with 228,000 copies sold of Michael. Dirty Money's Last Train To Paris enters @ #7 after shifting 107,000 copies, while Ciara sadly only manages a #44 debut with Basic Instinct. Katy Perry maintains atop the Hot 100 singles chart with "Firework", while Dirty Money's "Coming Home" notches the Digital Gainer title again, jumping 24-19. Debuting this week are Nicki Minaj & Drake with "Moment 4 Life" @ #83, Pink @ #86 with "F**kin' Perfect", Mariah Carey's "Oh Santa!" @ #100.

See full charts HERE

New Music Tuesday

We're now in the heat of the Christmas shopping season, so it should come as no surprise that this week is a big one for new releases! First up, we have Ciara's oft-delayed fourth album Basic Instinct. It really is an excellent body of work & includes the singles "Ride" featuring Ludacris, "Speechless", & "Gimmie Dat". Next is another belated arrival: Dirty Money's Last Train To Paris. Also a solid project, it contains the singles *deep breath* "Angels" featuring The Notorious B.I.G. & Rick Ross, "Hello Good Morning" featuring T.I., "Loving You No More" featuring Drake, "Coming Home" featuring Skylar Grey, & "A** On The Floor" featuring Swizz Beatz. Last but not least for the highlights is Leona Lewis' CD/DVD "The Labyrinth Tour: Live From The O2", which I'm very anxious to check out! Below, as well as on the widget to your right, are links to purchase these items & more:

Ciara Basic Instinct BUY

Dirty Money Last Train To Paris BUY

Leona Lewis "The Labyrinth Tour: Live From The O2" BUY

Also out...

Natasha Bedingfield Strip Me BUY

Adam Lambert Acoustic Live! (Digital EP) BUY

Michael Jackson Michael BUY

Michael Jackson ft. Akon "Hold My Hand" Video Premiere

"Hold My Hand", featuring Akon, is the lead single lifted from Michael Jackson's forthcoming album Michael (December 14th). This is lovely.

Michael Jackson & Akon "Hold My Hand" Video Preview

Another video preview has arrived today, this one for Michael Jackson & Akon's "Hold My Hand", the first official single off Michael's first posthumous album Michael (December 14th). It looks like they're putting a lot of footage in one video, so hopefully the whole thing won't be as overwhelming as this teaser.

Billboard Update

^#1 Album #1 Single^

SuBo's domination of the Billboard 200 album chart continues with The Gift as Rihanna's Loud debuts @ #3 with 207,000 copies sold, her best sales week yet. RiRi's inability to hit #1 in her mega-successful career after five tries is proof that she is the poster child for a 'singles artist,' further evidenced by the fact that Loud's first single "Only Girl (In The World)" has just hit the top spot on the Hot 100 singles chart two weeks after her second single "What's My Name?", which earns the Airplay Gainer title for the fourth week in a row while dipping 7-8, did. "Only Girl" is Rihanna's fourth #1 this year, the most times a female has hit the top spot in one year, & her ninth #1 overall. Meanwhile, Pink's "Raise Your Glass" rises 4-2 (her Greatest Hits... So Far!!! album debuted @ #14) & Michael Jackson debuts @ #84 with his Akon-assisted "Hold My Hand".

See full charts HERE

New Music Monday

It's the Monday before Thanksgiving & that means it's a big day for music releases! First off, I have to acknowledge the "Burlesque" soundtrack, which, of course, heavily features Christina Aguilera. The disc really is a quite impressive combination of old & new, including the song "Express" that Christina performed last night. Then, well, #itsPinkFridayhoe because Nicki Minaj's long awaited Pink Friday has arrived! The femcee's debut includes the singles "Your Love", "Check It Out" with will.i.am, & "Right Thru Me". Last but definitely not least is "Michael Jackson's Vision", the definitive video collection from the King of Pop! Direct links to purchase these products are below as well as available via the widget to your right.

"Burlesque" Soundtrack BUY
Nicki Minaj Pink Friday BUY
"Michael Jackson's Vision" BUY

Michael Jackson "One More Chance" Video Premiere

Here's the full video for "One More Chance" that will be released for the first time on the "Michael Jackson's Vision" video collection when it hits stores on Monday. One more chance to see Michael in action, indeed.

Michael Jackson "One More Chance" Video Preview

For the November 22nd release of "Michael Jackson's Vision", a never-before-seen video shot for "One More Chance" from 2003 will finally see the light of day & a portion of the video has now made its way online. Interesting concept.

Michael Jackson "Michael" Tracklisting

Michael, the first collection of unreleased material from Michael Jackson since his death, is set to be released on December 14th. If you're interested in what will be included on the 10-track set, look no further:

1. Hold My Hand (ft. Akon)
2. Hollywood Tonight
3. Keep Your Head Up
4. (I Like) The Way You Love Me
5. Monster (ft. 50 Cent)
6. Best Of Joy
7. Breaking News
8. (I Can't Make It) Another Day (ft. Lenny Kravitz)
9. Behind The Mask
10. Much Too Soon

...& not only will a song that leaked two years ago kick off the new album, it's going to be the official first single! SMH... Not to mention, 50 Cent? Blah. That said, I know those are Michael's vocals on "Hold My Hand", so... only time will tell.

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Michael Jackson "Breaking News" Song Premiere

Sony has premiered "Breaking News", the first single off Michael Jackson's upcoming album Michael (December 14th). I must say that I wasn't buying all the crap from the Jackson family about this new music not really being Michael, simply because I didn't think Sony would put their necks out there like that, but after hearing this, I'm not so sure that it is him. I mean, it could be, but by the sound of it, it very well might not...

*UPDATED* Michael Jackson "Michael" Cover + More

Check out the cover art, an oil painting by Kadir Nelson, for Michael Jackson's upcoming album Michael (December 14th) above. Pretty cool! The first single, titled "Breaking News", was recorded in 2007 & will premiere on the singer's official site on Monday, November 8th. I must say... I'm curious!

UPDATE: A "Breaking News" teaser has been unveiled:

"Michael Jackson's Vision" Details

Been waiting for that DVD with ALL of Michael Jackson's videos included? Well, come November 22nd, it'll be here! Dubbed "Michael Jackson's Vision", the 3-disc set will feature the previously unreleased video for 2003's "One More Chance", restored & remastered versions of all of his videos--10 of which are appearing on DVD for the first time, & more. Click HERE to see the full list of videos, broken down by disc. To be nitpicky, I don't know why they included the videos that aren't strictly Michael (the three by The Jacksons & the 3T one) when they could've included the Spike Lee-directed "This Is It" video & the "One More Chance" clip video, or "Moonwalker" & "Ghosts" in full--& heck, even "Captain EO"--BUT, as you can see, that's reeeally being specific because this truly is an awesome set! I. Am. Sooo. Getting. This!

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2010 BET Award Nominees Announced

Nicki Minaj is leading the pack with five nominations (two solo, three with Young Money) for the 2010 BET Awards, where she will also be performing, as will fellow nominee Dirty Money! Other multiple nominees include Beyonce, Alicia Keys, & Melanie Fiona with four each, Rihanna with three, & Monica, while sadly left out of the Best Female R&B Artist race, with a pair. As always, I've listed out the nominations with my pick emphasized in each category below. The 2010 BET Awards will go down live on June 27th @ 8/7c & be hosted by Queen Latifah.

Viewer's Choice
Beyonce "Sweet Dreams"
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys "Empire State Of Mind"
Monica "Everything To Me"
Rihanna ft. Young Jeezy "Hard"
Trey Songz ft. Fabolous "Say Aah"
Young Money ft. Lloyd "Bedrock"

Best Female R&B Artist
Beyonce
Mary J. Blige
Melanie Fiona
Alicia Keys
Rihanna

Best Male R&B Artist
Chris Beatdown
Raheem DeVaughn
Maxwell
Trey Songz
Usher

Best Female Hip-Hop Artist
Ester Dean
Lil' Kim
Nicki Minaj
Rasheeda
Trina

Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
B.o.B
Drake
Fabolous
Jay-Z
Ludacris

Best Collaboration
Beyonce ft. Lady Gaga "Video Phone"
B.o.B ft. Bruno Mars "Nothin' On You"
Drake & Trey Songz "Successful"
Drake ft. Lil' Wayne, Kanye West, & Eminem "Forever"
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys "Empire State Of Mind"
Trey Songz ft. Fabolous "Say Aah"

Best New Artist
The Fetus
Melanie Fiona
Nicki Minaj
Wale
Young Money

Best Group
The Black-Eyed Peas
Clipse
Dirty Money
New Boyz
Young Money

Video Of The Year
Beyonce ft. Lady Gaga "Video Phone"
B.o.B ft. Bruno Mars "Nothin' On You"
Melanie Fiona "It Kills Me"
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys "Empire State Of Mind"
Jay-Z, Rihanna, & Kanye West "Run This Town"

Video Director Of The Year
Benny Boom
Gil Green
Anthony Mandler
Chris Robinson
Hype Williams

Best Movie
Michael Jackson's This Is It
Avatar
The Blind Side
Precious
Law Abiding Citizen

Best Gospel
The Anointed Pace Sisters
Kirk Franklin Presents Artists United For Haiti
Tamela Mann
Marvin Sapp
Vickie Winans

Centric Award
Melanie Fiona
Maxwell
Chrisette Michele
Monica
Sade

Best International Act
Kojo Antwi (Ghana)
Chipmunk (UK)
Dizzee Rascal (UK)
Estelle (UK)
Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP) (South Africa)
K'NAAN (Somalia)
M.I. (Nigeria)
P-Square (Nigeria)
Corinne Bailey Rae (UK)
Sade (UK)

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Michael Jackson Estate Signs Biggest Record Deal Ever

A recording contract inked between the estate of Michael Jackson & Sony valued at $200 - $250 million is the most lucrative in history. The deal covers the release of 10 albums over seven years that will feature previously unreleased material from the King of Pop in addition to new collections of his hits. The soundtrack to the "This Is It" film is covered under the deal, as is an album of previously unreleased material that is likely to hits stores before the end of the year. More possible releases over the said period include a DVD of all of Jackson's music videos, a remix collection, & a soundtrack to a Cirque du Soleil show in Las Vegas based on Michael's music that is currently being considered. This is the news we've been waiting for! Well, I have at least. I just hope that money goes to paying off debts or to his children & not in the pockets of users.

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The 2010 Grammys Recap

Michael Jackson Tribute



Pink "Glitter In The Air"



Mary J. Blige & Andrea Bocelli "Bridge Over Troubled Water"



Beyonce - Medley



The Black-Eyed Peas - Medley
The 2010 Grammys were on tonight & they were so-so, which makes for an improvement over last year at least. Of course, the night's big event was the Michael Jackson tribute featuring Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, Usher, Carrie Underwood, & Smokey Robinson. They may not honor them with their awards, but the Grammys certainly did a great job choosing very talented vocalists to sing "Earth Song." Despite recycling it from her Funhouse tour (get that DVD already, folks!), Pink awed with her performance, which, I must say, was an excellent & refreshing choice for the Grammys. Mary J. Blige joined Andrea Bocelli on stage for a Haiti tribute, which was amazing. Click HERE for the download link to their studio recording of the song, which benefits Haiti. Beyonce also recycled her "If I Were A Boy"/"You Oughta Know" tour medley, but to lesser effect. Don't get me wrong: Beyonce did a great job on top of having an even better night, but I would've preferred either something new or, honestly, more fitting. Lastly, The Black-Eyed Peas performed their gag-inducing "I Gotta Feeling" after their new single "Imma Be" & were entertaining. Check out the winners below (complete list HERE), which include Beyonce with six, the most for a female performer in one night ever!

• Beyonce: Song Of The Year ("Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"), Best Female Pop Vocal Performance ("Halo"), Best Female R&B Vocal Performance ("Single Ladies"), Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance ("At Last"), Best R&B Song ("Single Ladies"), Best Contemporary R&B Album (I Am... Sasha Fierce)
• The Black-Eyed Peas: Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals ("I Gotta Feeling"), Best Pop Vocal Album (The E.N.D.), Best Short Form Music Video ("Boom Boom Pow")
• Rihanna & Kanye West: Best Rap/Sung Collaboration ("Run This Town"), Best Rap Song ("Run This Town")
• India.Arie: Best Urban/Alternative Performance ("Pearls")
• Imogen Heap: Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical (Ellipse)
• Carrie Underwood: Best Country Collaboration With Vocals ("I Told You So")
• Michael Jackson: Lifetime Achievement Award

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Michael Jackson 3D Tribute To Be Staged At Grammys

This year's Grammys are all set to give Michael Jackson a tribute fit for the King of Pop. They will be broadcasting a 3D clip set to Michael's hit "Earth Song" that was created for use in his "This Is It" concert tour. Accompanying the video will be Usher, Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood, Smokey Robinson, & Jennifer Hudson (who was previously speculated to be a performer & now we know in what way). It is noted that although part of this clip was shown in the "This Is It" film, the entire video will be broadcast in 3D at the Grammys. If you don't have any 3D glasses, you can pick some up before the show at your local Target. In addition, Jackson will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the ceremony. The 2010 Grammys air Sunday, January 31st, @ 8/7c!

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Michael Jackson "This Is It" Video Premiere

Spike Lee has directed a music video for Michael Jackson's song "This Is It" lifted from the soundtrack to the movie of the same name, which will be released on DVD January 26th. The tribute clip truly is touching, honoring the late King of Pop while unavoidably reminding us all that he really is gone. We must remember though that MJ will forever live on in our hearts.

The 2009 American Music Awards Recap

Adam Lambert "For Your Entertainment"

Janet Jackson - Medley



Jennifer Lopez "Louboutins"



Whitney Houston "I Didn't Know My Own Strength"



Rihanna - Medley



Mary J. Blige "I Am"



Alicia Keys "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart"



The Black-Eyed Peas - Medley



Kelly Clarkson "Already Gone"



Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys "Empire State Of Mind"

The show of the year, or the 2009 American Music Awards, was on tonight. The AMAs are making a tradition out of having a stellar lineup & painfully awful award winners. Janet Jackson kicked off the show with a medley of "Control," "What Have You Done For Me Lately," "Miss You Much," "If," "Make Me," & "Together Again" ... & she smashed it! That "If" choreography never gets old & I'm very happy that she included "Make Me." Next up was Kelly Clarkson, whose string-accompanied version of her latest single was absolutely gorgeous. In her first performance of two, Alicia Keys joined Jay-Z for their current #1 hit; her intro was really great. The Black-Eyed Peas then took the stage to perform dance-y versions of "Meet Me Halfway" & "Boom Boom Pow." Fergie brought her A-game tonight! Following a "Mad House" intro, Rihanna performed "Wait Your Turn" & "Hard" with a number of very cool props. Best RiRi performance ever? Mary J. Blige kept it appropriately simple for her number, which was awesome & has me liking the song quite a bit more now. My most anticipated performance of the middle of the show was the return of Jennifer Lopez, who effectively premiered her new single. I think she both did her THANG ... & made a nice recovery. Whitney Houston then gave one of her best performances of this era before receiving her special award. In her second performance of the night, Alicia Keys gave a better-than-average showing, flying above the stage & all, to go along with her typical on-point vocals. Lastly, Adam Lambert closed the show. He most definitely entertained me & will have people talking, which is no doubt what he had in mind. As for the awards themselves, you can check out the relevant winners below. Considering the number of awards given to a one T.S., I didn't really mind MJ winning so many. This year's AMAs spit out one good performance after another the entire time, which is essentially the point of them, so I wish them luck topping themselves next year!

• Michael Jackson wins Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist, Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist, Favorite Pop/Rock Album (Number Ones), & Favorite Soul/R&B Album (Number Ones)
• Whitney Houston wins International Artist Of The Year
• Beyonce wins Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist
• The Black-Eyed Peas win Favorite Pop/Rock Band, Duo, Or Group & Favorite Soul/R&B Band, Duo, Or Group