The original Idol came back, and it was triumphant.
This week, Kelly Clarkson visited the show that catapulted her to superstardom. Wearing a glow-in-the-dark dress and makeup, Kelly Clarkson pretty much nails “People Like Us” — pretty impressive given that this is her first live performance of the song.
There was nothing on TV tonight, so I watched the 2013 Academy of Country Music Awards. Miranda Lambert racked up the awards, while husband Blake Shelton and Entertainer of the Year winner Luke Bryan took care of the hosting duties.
The award show had lots of country love, of course, but it also had a slight touch of pop music. Nominee Kelly Clarkson sang “Don’t Rush,” while Stevie Wonder, John Mayer and Sheryl Crowe lend their voices to some collaborative performances. It was Jewel who delivered the night’s best vocal performance — her mash-up performance of “Hands” and “Fill a Heart” was poignant and vocally stunning.
Complete list of winners via The Montreal Gazette:
Entertainer of the year: Luke Bryan
Top male vocalist: Jason Aldean
Female vocalist: Miranda Lambert
Vocal group: Little Big Town
Vocal duo: Thompson Square
New artist: Florida Georgia Line
Album of the year: “Chief,” Eric Church
Single record of the year: “Over You,” Miranda Lambert
Song of the year: “Over you,” Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton
Video of the year: “Tornado,” Little Big Town
Vocal event of the year: “The Only Way I Know,” Eric Church, Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean
Clive Davis is currently doing the media rounds to promote his new memoir.
Rumour has it that he admits to having bisexual affairs in this autobiography, but that’s not all. In the book, Davis offers his memories about working with Kelly Clarkson. According to EW.com:
American Idol season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson also enjoyed massive Davis-masterminded early success, particularly with her second album, 2004′s Breakaway. That collection included the megahit “Since U Been Gone,” a track, Davis recalls, which Clarkson adamantly did not want featured on the CD. (Davis writes that when he insisted “Since U Been Gone” be included, Clarkson burst into “hysterical sobbing.”)
Worse was to come. The artist and the executive fell out badly over Clarkson’s desire to write more songs on her next collection, My December. In Soundtrack, Davis recalls that he didn’t believe the Clarkson-copenned material contained a No. 1 hit and told the singer’s manager that he was “out of his mind” to believe otherwise. He also writes about a meeting with Clarkson in which he told her that My December was “a pop album that still needs pop hits.” While Clarkson prevailed in her creative vision, Davis was proven right in his commercial assessment of the material when My December failed to repeat the success of Breakaway.
“I refuse to be bullied and I just have to clear up his memory lapses and misinformation for myself and for my fans. It feels like a violation.” – Kelly Clarkson
So I just heard Clive Davis is releasing a memoir and spreading false information about me and my music. I refuse to be bullied and I just have to clear up his memory lapses and misinformation for myself and for my fans. It feels like a violation. Growing up is awesome because you learn you don’t have to cower to anyone – even Clive Davis.
This year’s Grammys was pretty awesome! The three-and-a-half hour show had a great balance of handing off awards during its broadcast while also showcasing some amazing performances.
Unlike last year (where Adele won an astounding six awards), this year’s Grammys didn’t have one big winner, with several acts taking a couple of prizes.
6. Alicia Keys works the drums.
Photo via thefrisky.com
Happy new year! In celebration of new beginnings, check out Kelly Clarkson’s mega-hit — and my choice for the best single of 2012 — “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).”
The year 2012 was a great year in pop music. Although dance (and dance-like songs) still ruled the charts, this year also saw the re-emergence of other genres — RnB saw a boost with Frank Ocean, The Weeknd and Miguel, while the success of Carly Rae Jepsen and Ellie Goulding allowed more traditional pop music to be in the forefront once again.
Before we welcome 2013, here’s my list of the top 21 singles of 2012. Last year, I listed my top 11, but there were lots of great songs this year that I had to expand my list to 21.
21 – “Your Body” – Christina Aguilera
Aguilera’s ‘comeback’ didn’t exactly happen, but I still loved this flop. Reminiscent of Aguilera’s Dirty era, “Your Body” is a filthy, fun pop song.
20 – “Where Have You Been” – Rihanna
Although it sounds like “We Found Love” part 2, Rihanna’s “Where Have You Been” is an instant classic. With Ester Dean, Dr. Luke, and Calvin Harris all having a hand at this song, it’s no wonder radio ate this up. The lyrics and the infectious instrumental breaks are irresistible.
19 – “Never Close Our Eyes” – Adam Lambert
I’m still confused why Lambert’s sophomore album flopped, but that doesn’t change the fact that he had some awesome tunes. “Never Close Our Eyes” has a concept most of us are familiar with — it’s about dancing the night away because life is short — but Lambert’s unique vocals and confident delivery really did it for me.
