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From Harvard graduate to pop artist, New York native Baker is poised to become an unstoppable force in the industry. With striking model looks, infectious tracks and an unparalleled work ethic Baker’s potential is undeniable. Check out his music video for “All I’m Gonna Say” (co starring Alessandra Torresani) and let the rhythm get inside your mind!
Malaysian radio stations are banning lines from Lady Gaga ‘s “Born This Way” from airing because they think it’s “gay” message is harmful to the public. Many popular stations have replaced lyrics with garbble that you can’t understand because they say it’s offensive.
The line ‘No matter gay, straight or bi, lesbian, transgendered life, I’m on the right track, baby,‘ has been taken out because the mostly-Muslim country has laws they say may be violate “good taste or decency or (are) offensive to public feeling.”
Per MSNBC:
“The particular lyrics in ‘Born This Way’ may be considered as offensive when viewed against Malaysia’s social and religious observances,” the company said in a statement to The Associated Press. “The issue of being gay, lesbian or (bisexual) is still considered as a ‘taboo’ by general Malaysians.”
Broadcasters could face up to $16,000 in fines if they are found guilty of violating these laws. Malaysian gay rights activist Pang Khee Teik said the media should be “a platform for marginalized voices and create understanding – not perpetuate ignorance and hate.” He continued by saying that Lagy Gaga should help protest and tell stations to not even play her song at all. In recent years, gay Malaysians have tried to press for greater acceptance, but clearly discrimination persists. File this under ‘Ironic, isn’t it?’ as this was the very message that Lady Gaga was attempting to address in the censored lyrics.
Malaysia has in the past banned a few Kylie Minogue music videos, and Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas covered up more than usual for a 2009 show there. Beyonce was also asked to tone down her show for a 2009 date that was later postponed.
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Though Taio Cruz‘s new single “Higher” isn’t slated to be released until the new year, we’ve got your hook up with his red hot duet with Kylie Minogue right here.
Give it a listen and tell us what you think!
Click here to see Victoria Justice on Jimmy Fallon.
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Already a massive star in her native U.K., with one million singles sold, two No. 1 hits, and three No. 1 Airplay records to her credit, soulful pop singer and actress Pixie Lott is ready to unleash her talent Stateside this summer. Her debut U.S. single, “Boys and Girls,” is available at all digital service providers this week via Interscope Records.
The high-energy dance-pop jam “Boys and Girls” is 19-year-old Lott’s second consecutive No. 1 single in the U.K., and it’s just a taste of what’s to come when Lott releases her debut album, Turn It Up, in the U.S. in early 2011. Already certified double-platinum in the U.K., Turn It Up features Lott’s songwriting collaborations with RedOne (Lady Gaga), Greg Kurstin (Lily Allen, Sia), Toby Gad (Beyonce, Fergie, Cutfather and Jonas Jeburg (Kylie Minogue, Pussycat Dolls), and Kara DioGuardi.
In addition to releasing five singles in the U.K., Lott has scored three No. 1 Airplay tracks. She is the only U.K. or international recording artist of the last 10 years to have three debut singles hit No. 1 on the U.K. Airplay chart. She has also earned three BRIT Award nominations (including Breakthrough Artist) and a Q Award nomination, and won two MTV Europe Music Awards. This summer, Lott has appeared as support on the British leg of Rihanna’s “Last Girl on Earth” Tour.
An actress since the age of 12, Lott stars alongside Lucas Cruikshank in the feature film “Fred: The Movie“, based on the popular YouTube videos, which will premiere on Nickelodeon on September 17th. She has also been cast alongside Bette Midler, Adrien Brody, and Sharon Stone in the film “Sweet Baby Jesus” — a ’70s flashback comedy from writer Steve Blair and directed by Peter Hewitt.
Earlier this year, Billboard selected Lott as one of its 2010 “Faces to Watch.” She has also been featured in Teen Vogue, Interview, and Nylon, which called her “one of the U.K.’s most promising new pop stars.”
Click here to see more articles and features on Pixie Lott!
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Want some 90’s fun? Click HERE to vote for The Best Thing To Come From the 90’s….
Before she had recorded a note of her debut album, Lolene had already chosen its inspired title: The Electrick Hotel. “I call it The Electrick Hotel because when you put the album on, you’re my guest. I’m going to take care of you,” says the British singer, songwriter, and performer. “You’re invited to come and stay a while in my world, which I see as like a hotel where each song is a room that captures a different part of my personality and expresses different emotions. So if you’re feeling happy, you can go to the penthouse and dance to ‘Sexy People.’ If you’re heartbroken, you can visit the first-floor and have a cry to ‘Beautiful Disaster.’”
Lolene began writing songs and singing backing vocals for trip-hop artist Martina Topley-Bird (known for her work with Tricky) and local drum-and-bass pioneer Roni Size. After completing school, she moved to London and fronted an all-girl pop vocal group signed to a development deal at BMG Records. She wrote all the group’s material and realized she had a knack for writing melodies and lyrics.
It was during this time in London that Lolene acquired her nickname “Miss Foo Foo,” bestowed on her by a friend who watched Lolene drool over expensive items she couldn’t afford as the two window-shopped on London’s swanky Kings Road. “’Miss Foo Foo’ is the name of my company as well as my naughty alter ego,” Lolene says. “She’s the heightened, fabulous, eccentric part of my personality — the girl who wants it all right now. She lives in a world of heartbreak and handbags. She’s a chaser of dreams.” Miss Foo Foo is boujis (a British expression meaning to be fancy or posh) — the type who hangs out in London’s chic, ultra-private nightclubs.
Glam as it may have been, the London scene wasn’t enough to contain someone as driven as Lolene. Armed with nothing but a suitcase and a demo CD, she moved to Hollywood in search of her big break. Based on Lolene’s songwriting talent, multi-platinum producer Jonathan “J.R.” Rotem signed her to his publishing label Beluga Heights/Sony ATV. She went to work collaborating with such heavy-hitters as Andreas Carlsson (Backstreet Boys, ’N Sync, Celine Dion), Christopher Rojas (Pink, Backstreet Boys, Joss Stone), Makeba Riddick (Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Beyonce), Evan Bogart (The Writing Camp), Danja (Britney Spears, Nelly Furtado, Timbaland), Harvey Mason Jr. (Underdogs), and Christina Milian, for whom Lolene penned the single “Diamonds” featuring Kanye West.
Recently, I had the chance to ask Lolene about things such as her music, goals, and musical inspirations. You can read about it below.
When did you first realize you had an interest in music and what sparked that interest?
I went to my first dance class at age 2 and since then I have been dancing, singing and performing in some way or another. I specifically remember listening to Mariah Carey and Kylie Minogue in my bedroom and realizing that this is what I wanted to do.
How did you break into the music industry?
I broke in through the back window, turned the nob and ran up the stairs! But seriously, I got my break through song-writing.
How would you describe the sound of your music, and what makes you feel like your album is different from the other artists in your genre?
I would describe my music as awkward universal pop. I make music to uplift and inspire people in some way. So there is definitely positive elements to my music. It’s also very electrosexual! But I don’t feel I’m in a position to describe how my music differs. I leave that to the good ears of my listeners.
What are some of your plans for promoting your album – do you plan on doing some touring?
Absolutely, I love to perform live, so you will definitely be catching me at a venue near you. I plan on being everywhere, including under your bed.
Musically speaking, what are some of your short term and long term goals you have lined out for yourself? What are your hopes for the upcoming year?
Universal pop domination and to continue making great music for the most amazing fans in the world.
Lyrically speaking, where do your song inspirations come from? Is it easy for you to sit down and write lyrics, or is it a bit of a challenge sometimes?
Writing lyrics comes naturally to me. i started as a poet and this is a gift I’ve been blessed with. I am truly inspired by tragedy and triumph and everything in between, I could literally write a song about anything, and I am really thankful for this gift.
Who are some of your musical interests and influences?
I am hugely influenced by Madonna, Kate Bush and Rick James. They are true showmen and entertainers. I also love Joan Collins and Cher. I really like music from the 90′s.
Who are some artists you’d like to work with?
Without a doubt Kate Bush. I would also really like to collaborate with Blondie, Ace of Base, Empire of the Sun and Prince.
What is the experience like to be out somewhere and be recognized by a fan?
It’s all still very new to me and I have to admit the first time did trip me out for a good minute. This is because you are in your own private world of creation for so long, like the studio or rehearsal room and so you forget there is a world out there sometimes. It can catch you off guard for sure. But I appreciate it and understand this is something I signed up for.
Besides music, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?
Food, I love to cook and eat. I am a total spa enthusiast also. And of course, cocktail mixologist!
Britain’s late Princess Diana has been declared a Gay Icon by a panel of 10 homosexual men and women, including Elton John, Billie Jean King, and Sir Ian McKellen. They nominated the Princess of Wales as someone who “inspired them and helped shaped who they have become.” She was chosen by Waheed Alli, and executive TV producer and a member of the “House of Lords.”
Per GayWired:
“There’s no such thing as a gay community any more than there’s a straight community. Gay people are as disparate as any other group.” an organizer notes.
Photographs of the inspirational public figures will appear in a new exhibition due to open in July at the “London’s National Portrait Gallery.” While the gallery is holding back the full list of honorees until closer to the opening, former South African President Nelson Mandela was also named, along with singer K.D. Lang, entertainer Ellen DeGeneres, and politician Harvey Milk.
Per Bloomberg:
“We’re very clear that this is an exhibition for everybody,” said the gallery’s director, Sandy Nairne, at a press breakfast. “We want to get out to people who didn’t think they’d want to see it.”
Noticeably absent from this collection are Joan Crawford, Mae West, Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, Bette Midler, Joan Collins, Kylie Minogue, Dame Shirley Bassey, Oscar Wilde, Marlene Dietrich, Bette Davis, and Barbra Streisand. Because the portraits in the show had to be photographs, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, William Shakespeare and Alexander the Great were also ruled out. The exhibition is set to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York and will take place at the National Portrait Gallery from July 2 to October 18.
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As with all projects, if you attach Sparklepants’ name to it, it will instantly see an upsurge in interest. So is it a surprise that Robert Pattinson is rumored to be in the running for a part in ‘The Huger Games’ sequel? Well, its about as surprising as Britney Spears giving herself a break on [...]
The epitome of cute has a ring on it. Keira Knightley is engaged! The ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ star will marry her rocker boyfriend, James Righton. They have been dating for 15 months and started living together earlier this year. James proposed and Keira had no hesitation in accepting. A rep confirmed the news…
Here are your celebrity birthdays for May 25th… Cillian Murphy (36) Ethan Suplee (36) Lauryn Hill (37) Molly Sims (39) Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush (42) Jamie Kennedy (42) Octavia Spencer (42) Anne Heche (43) Stacy London (43) Mike Myers (49) Connie Sellecca (57) Eve Ensler (59) Jacki Weaver (65) Frank Oz (68) Leslie Uggams (69) [...]
Heidi Klum created a video for Hunger magazine. In the video she smokes, gets a tattoo and swings around a pole wearing nothing but a bunch of seat belts sewn together. (I am sure it was a Project Runway created garb. I can just picture Tim Gunn… “Everyone gather ‘round! Today you will be creating [...]
