The 55th Grammy Awards Nominations Announced Awards show to air Feb. 10, 2013 on CBS

DAN AUERBACH (THE BLACK KEYS), FUN., JAY-Z, MUMFORD & SONS, FRANK OCEAN, AND KANYE WEST LEAD GRAMMY^® NOMINATIONS
WITH SIX EACH; THE BLACK KEYS, CHICK COREA AND MIGUEL EACH EARN FIVE.

 THE BLACK KEYS, FUN., MUMFORD & SONS, FRANK OCEAN, AND JACK WHITE VIE FOR ALBUM OF THE YEAR AT 55TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS^® FEB. 10, 2013, LIVE ON CBS.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Dec. 05, 2012) — Nominations for the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards® (www.grammy.com) were announced tonight by The Recording Academy® and reflected an eclectic mix of the best and brightest in music over the past year, as determined by the voting members of The Academy. For the fifth year, nominations for the annual GRAMMY Awards were announced on primetime television as part of “The GRAMMY® Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night®,” a one-hour CBS (www.cbs.com) entertainment special broadcast live for the first time ever from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. The 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on “GRAMMY Sunday,” Feb. 10, 2013, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and once again will be broadcast live in high-definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on CBS from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). For updates and breaking news, please visit The Recording Academy’s social networks on Twitter and Facebook: www.twitter.com/thegrammys, www.facebook.com/thegrammys. For a complete nominations list, please visit www.grammy.com.

Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys), FUN., Jay-Z, Mumford & Sons, Frank Ocean, and Kanye West top the nominations with six each; The Black Keys, Chick Corea, and Miguel each garner five nods; and producer Jeff Bhasker, mastering engineer Bob Ludwig and Nas are each up for four awards.

“The GRAMMY Awards process once again has produced a diverse and impressive list of nominations across multiple genres,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “This year’s nominees truly represent an exceptional and vibrant creative community that exemplifies some of the highest levels of artistry and excellence in their respective fields. Combined with the fifth year of our primetime nominations special, we’re off to an exciting start on the road to Music’s Biggest Night, the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards, on February 10.”

Following is a sampling of nominations in 81 categories from the GRAMMY Awards’ 30 Fields:

GENERAL FIELD
Album Of The Year:
El Camino — The Black Keys
Some Nights — FUN.
Babel — Mumford & Sons
Channel Orange — Frank Ocean
Blunderbuss — Jack White

Record Of The Year:
“Lonely Boy” — The Black Keys
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” — Kelly Clarkson
“We Are Young” — FUN. Featuring Janelle Monáe
“Somebody That I Used To Know” — Gotye Featuring Kimbra
“Thinkin Bout You” — Frank Ocean
“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” — Taylor Swift

Best New Artist:
Alabama Shakes
FUN.
Hunter Hayes
The Lumineers
Frank Ocean

Song Of The Year:
“The A Team” — Ed Sheeran, songwriter (Ed Sheeran)
“Adorn” — Miguel Pimentel, songwriter (Miguel)
“Call Me Maybe” — Tavish Crowe, Carly Rae Jepsen & Josh Ramsay, songwriters (Carly Rae Jepsen)
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” — Jörgen Elofsson, David Gamson, Greg Kurstin & Ali Tamposi,
songwriters (Kelly Clarkson)
“We Are Young” — Jack Antonoff, Jeff Bhasker, Andrew Dost & Nate Ruess, songwriters (FUN. Featuring
Janelle Monáe)

POP FIELD
Best Pop Solo Performance:
“Set Fire To The Rain (Live)” — Adele
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” — Kelly Clarkson
“Call Me Maybe” — Carly Rae Jepsen
“Wide Awake” — Katy Perry
“Where Have You Been” — Rihanna

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance:
“Shake It Out” — Florence & The Machine
“We Are Young” — FUN. Featuring Janelle Monáe
“Somebody That I Used To Know” — Gotye Featuring Kimbra
“Sexy And I Know It” — LMFAO
“Payphone” — Maroon 5 & Wiz Khalifa

DANCE FIELD
Best Dance/Electronica Album:
Wonderland — Steve Aoki
Don’t Think — The Chemical Brothers
> Album Title Goes Here < — Deadmau5
Fire & Ice — Kaskade
Bangarang — Skrillex

ROCK FIELD
Best Rock Performance:
“Hold On” — Alabama Shakes
“Lonely Boy” — The Black Keys
“Charlie Brown” — Coldplay
“I Will Wait” — Mumford & Sons
“We Take Care Of Our Own” — Bruce Springsteen

Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance:
“I’m Alive” — Anthrax
“Love Bites (So Do I)” — Halestorm
“Blood Brothers” — Iron Maiden
“Ghost Walking” — Lamb Of God
“No Reflection” — Marilyn Manson
“Whose Life (Is It Anyways?)” — Megadeth

Best Rock Album:
El Camino — The Black Keys
Mylo Xyloto — Coldplay
The 2nd Law — Muse
Wrecking Ball — Bruce Springsteen
Blunderbuss — Jack White

ALTERNATIVE FIELD
Best Alternative Music Album:
The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than The Driver Of The Screw And Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes
Will Ever Do — Fiona Apple
Biophilia — Björk
Making Mirrors — Gotye
Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming — M83
Bad As Me — Tom Waits

R&B FIELD
Best R&B Performance:
“Thank You” — Estelle
“Gonna Be Alright (F.T.B.)” — Robert Glasper Experiment Featuring Ledisi
“I Want You” — Luke James
“Adorn” — Miguel
“Climax” — Usher

Best Urban Contemporary Album:
Fortune — Chris Brown
Kaleidoscope Dream — Miguel
Channel Orange — Frank Ocean

Best R&B Album:
Black Radio — Robert Glasper Experiment
Back To Love — Anthony Hamilton
Write Me Back — R. Kelly
Beautiful Surprise — Tamia
Open Invitation — Tyrese

RAP FIELD
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration:
“Wild Ones” — Flo Rida Featuring Sia
“No Church In The Wild” — Jay-Z & Kanye West Featuring Frank Ocean & The-Dream
“Tonight (Best You Ever Had)” — John Legend Featuring Ludacris
“Cherry Wine” — Nas Featuring Amy Winehouse
“Talk That Talk” — Rihanna Feautring Jay-Z

Best Rap Performance:
“HYFR (Hell Ya F***ing Right)” — Drake Featuring Lil Wayne
“N****s In Paris” — Jay-Z & Kanye West
“Daughters” — Nas
“Mercy” — Kanye West Featuring Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz
“I Do” — Young Jeezy Featuring Jay-Z & André 3000

Best Rap Album:
Take Care — Drake
Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album, Pt. 1 — Lupe Fiasco
Life Is Good — Nas
Undun — The Roots
God Forgives, I Don’t — Rick Ross
Based On A T.R.U. Story — 2 Chainz

COUNTRY FIELD
Best Country Solo Performance:
“Home” — Dierks Bentley
“Springsteen” — Eric Church
“Cost Of Livin’” — Ronnie Dunn
“Wanted” — Hunter Hayes
“Over” — Blake Shelton
“Blown Away” — Carrie Underwood

Best Country Album:
Uncaged — Zac Brown Band
Hunter Hayes — Hunter Hayes
Living For A Song: A Tribute To Hank Cochran — Jamey Johnson
Four The Record — Miranda Lambert
The Time Jumpers — The Time Jumpers

AMERICAN ROOTS FIELD
Best Americana Album:
The Carpenter — The Avett Brothers
From The Ground Up — John Fullbright
The Lumineers — The Lumineers
Babel — Mumford & Sons
Slipstream — Bonnie Raitt

Best Blues Album:
33 1/3 — Shemekia Copeland
Locked Down — Dr. John
Let It Burn — Ruthie Foster
And Still I Rise — Heritage Blues Orchestra
Bring It On Home — Joan Osborne

SPOKEN WORD FIELD
Best Spoken Word Album:
American Grown (Michelle Obama) — Scott Creswell & Dan Zitt, producers (Various Artists)
Back To Work: Why We Need Smart Government For A Strong Economy — Bill Clinton
Drift: The Unmooring Of American Military Power — Rachel Maddow
Seriously…I’m Kidding — Ellen DeGeneres
Society’s Child: My Autobiography — Janis Ian

COMEDY FIELD
Best Comedy Album:
Blow Your Pants Off — Jimmy Fallon
Cho Dependent (Live In Concert) — Margaret Cho
In God We Rust — Lewis Black
Kathy Griffin: Seaman 1st Class — Kathy Griffin
Mr. Universe — Jim Gaffigan
Rize Of The Fenix — Tenacious D

This year’s Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical nominations go to Dan Auerbach, Jeff Bhasker, Diplo, Markus Dravs, and Salaam Remi.

This year’s GRAMMY Awards process registered more than 17,000 submissions over a 12-month eligibility period (Oct. 1, 2011 – Sept. 30, 2012). GRAMMY ballots for the final round of voting will be mailed on Dec. 19 to the voting members of The Recording Academy. They are due back to the accounting firm of Deloitte by Jan. 16, 2013, when they will be tabulated and the results kept secret until the 55th GRAMMY telecast.

The 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, and Louis J. Horvitz is director.

“The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night,” hosted by two-time GRAMMY winner LL COOL J and six-time GRAMMY winner Taylor Swift, featured the announcement of nominations in several categories as well as performances by The Band Perry and Dierks Bentley in a special tribute to Johnny Cash; country artist Luke Bryan; pop/rock group FUN. with singer/songwriter Janelle Monáe; country artist Hunter Hayes; three-time GRAMMY-winning group Maroon 5; three-time GRAMMY winner Ne-Yo; and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipients The Who. Presenters included nine-time GRAMMY winner Sheryl Crow, country group Little Big Town, Americana group The Lumineers, and country artist Chris Young.

About The Recording Academy: Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like “The GRAMMYs” on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs’ social communities on Foursquare, GetGlue, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, and YouTube.

Photo credit to: The Recording Academy
Source: The Recording Academy

Phillip Phillips Wins American Idol season 11; Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Chaka Khan performs on Season Finale

World Record 132 Million Votes Cast. 

Two-Hour Season Finale Featured Performances by Aerosmith, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Neil Diamond and Chaka Khan; Plus Special Duets by John Fogerty and Phillip Phillips; Jennifer Holliday and Jessica Sanchez; Fantasia and Joshua Ledet; Jordin Sparks and Hollie Cavanagh; Reba McEntire and Skylar Laine. 

Auditions for Season 12 Held This Summer in Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; Newark, NJ; New Orleans, LA; Oklahoma City, OK and San Antonio, TX.

On Wednesday, May 23, 2012 the 11^th season of AMERICAN IDOL came to a sensational conclusion tonight as Phillip Phillips was crowned the winner during the live two-hour season finale on FOX. Phillips, 21, from Leesburg, GA, received the most of America’s world record-shattering 132 million votes – the highest number in the show’s history.

Phillips capped his coronation on Wednesday’s finale by singing “Home,” which is available for download exclusively on www.americanidol.com and iTunes.

The broadcast from the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles featured performances by the reunited Top 12 finalists, as well as music superstars Aerosmith, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Neil Diamond and Chaka Khan.

Also, in a series of special duets, John Fogerty joined Phillip Phillips; Jennifer Holliday sang with Jessica Sanchez; Season Three winner Fantasia performed with Joshua Ledet; Season Six winner Jordin Sparks accompanied Hollie Cavanagh; and Reba McEntire paired up with Skylar Laine.

On Tuesday night’s final performance show, Phillips and Sanchez each sang three songs. Phillips performed “Stand By Me,” “Movin’ Out” and “Home”; and Sanchez sang “I Have Nothing,” “The Prayer” and “Change Nothing.”

Also, Jason Derulo performed “Undefeated” and Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery returned to IDOL to sing “Please Remember Me.”

Phillips is the 11^th finalist to win the coveted AMERICAN IDOL title and a record contract with 19 Recordings. He joins past winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze and Scotty McCreery.

Audition cities and dates for AMERICAN IDOL Season 12 include Los Angeles, CA, on Thursday, June 7; San Antonio, TX, on Thursday, June 14; Charlotte, NC, on Tuesday, June 19; Newark, NJ, onSaturday, June 23; Chicago, IL, on Thursday, July 12; and Oklahoma City, OK, on Friday, July 20. Additional details will be announced on www.americanidol.com.

AMERICAN IDOL is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc. and FremantleMedia North America. The series is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, CEO, XIX Entertainment, and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America; and Nigel Lythgoe, CEO, Nigel Lythgoe Productions.

Photos credit to:  Michael Becker/Fox.
Source: Fox Broadcasting Company

 

Joshua Ledet Eliminated; Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez to Compete for AMERICAN IDOL Crown Wednesday, May 23 on FOX

JOSHUA LEDET IS ELIMINATED FROM THE COMPETITION. Winner to be Announced on Two-Hour Season Finale Event Wednesday, May 23. 

Auditions for Season 12 Will Be Held Throughout the Summer; First Cities Include Los Angeles, CA; Newark, NJ; and Chicago, IL.

On Thursday, May 17, 2012 FOX announced that Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez are AMERICAN IDOL’s Top Two finalists. After a season-high of nearly 90 million votes, host Ryan Seacrest announced that Joshua Ledet received the fewest number of votes and was eliminated from the competition.

“I’m just a normal guy who loves to play music,” said Phillips. “I just happened to get lucky and I’m so blessed by it. I’m so excited.”

“Being in the position I’m in now is more than I could have ever asked for,” added Sanchez. “I’ve been looking forward to auditioning for AMERICAN IDOL ever since the first season. And now, the first season that I’m eligible, I’ve made it to the Top Two! It’s crazy what you can do when you put your mind and heart to it! I don’t know what could be better than this.”

Next week’s final performance show promises to be a night to remember as Phillip and Jessica battle it out at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE Tuesday, May 22 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. The final show also will include a special performance by Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery.


Tune in the following night for the biggest television event of the season and the momentous Season 11 grand finale on Wednesday, May 23 (8:00-10:07 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed). The finale will feature special performances by superstar Rihanna, along with other surprise guests, and a Top 12 reunion before America’s vote is revealed.

Audition cities and dates for AMERICAN IDOL Season 12 include Los Angeles, CA, on Thursday, June 7; Newark, NJ, on Saturday, June 23; and Chicago, IL, on Thursday, July 12. Additional cities, dates and details will be announced on www.americanidol.com.

It’s Phillip vs. Jessica for the title of AMERICAN IDOL!

Phillip Phillips
Hometown: Leesburg, GA
Age: 21
Keep up with Phillip at:
www.twitter.com/PPhillipsAI11
www.facebook.com/PPhillipsAI11

VS.

Jessica Sanchez 
Hometown: San Diego, CA 
Age: 16
Keep up with Jessica at:
www.twitter.com/JSanchezAI11
www.facebook.com/JSanchezAI11

Also on Thursday result’s show, Lisa Marie Presley performed “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet,” from her new album “Storm & Grace,” and Season Eight runner-up Adam Lambert performed his new song, “Never Close Our Eyes.”

“Like” AMERICAN IDOL on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmericanIdol. Follow the series on Twitter @AmericanIdol and join the discussion at #Idol. Also, follow host Ryan Seacrest at@RyanSeacrest, and follow the judges: @yo_randyjackson; @JLo; and @iamstevent.

AMERICAN IDOL is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc. and FremantleMedia North America. The series is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, CEO, XIX Entertainment, and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America; and Nigel Lythgoe, CEO, Nigel Lythgoe Productions.

Photos credit to:  Michael Becker/Fox.
Source: Fox Broadcasting Company

Hollie Cavanagh Eliminated from American Idol, Lisa Marie Presley and Adam Lambert to Perform on May 17

JOSHUA LEDET, PHILLIP PHILLIPS AND JESSICA SANCHEZ ARE THE TOP THREE FINALISTS ON “AMERICAN IDOL”

TOP THREE PERFORM THREE SONGS EACH: JUDGES’ CHOICE, JIMMY IOVINE’S CHOICE AND THEIR CHOICE WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, ON FOX.

Lisa Marie Presley and AMERICAN IDOL Runner-Up Adam Lambert to Perform on Next Results Show Thursday, May 17. Two-Night Grand Finale LIVE From Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE Airs Tuesday, May 22 and Wednesday, May 23.

On Thursday, May 10, 2012  Fox announced that Joshua Ledet, Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez were named the Top Three AMERICAN IDOL finalists. One of them will be crowned the next AMERICAN IDOL, but not before all three travel back to their hometowns, to see family, friends and fans. After America cast a season-high 70 million votes for their favorite finalists, it also was revealed that Hollie Cavanagh had received the fewest number of votes and was eliminated from the competition.

With only two performance shows left in the season, tune in next week, Wednesday, May 16 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), when the Top Three return to their hometowns and find out what songs the judges and Jimmy Iovine have chosen for them to perform. Each finalist will sing three songs: “Judges’ Choice”; “Jimmy’s Choice”; and “Their Choice.”

Don’t miss the live results show the following night, Thursday, May 17 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), when host Ryan Seacrest will announce the Top Two finalists who battle it out in the Grand Finale. In addition, Lisa Marie Presley will perform “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet,” from her new album “Storm & Grace,” and Season Eight runner-up Adam Lambert performs his new song, “Never Close Our Eyes.”


As the Top Three prepare to return to their hometowns, here’s what they’re looking forward to:

JOSHUA:  “Performing at the Burton Coliseum. I’m excited to see it filled with my friends and family!”

JESSICA: “I’m excited to see my friends and family and I want to visit Eastlake Middle School. I love my fans in San Diego so much. I want to give them all kisses!”

PHILLIP:  “There are so many things I am looking forward to – seeing my family, jamming out with the guys, chicken and cheese nachos and homemade chicken pot pie!”

On tonight’s results show, global superstar and AMERICAN IDOL judge, Jennifer Lopez,  performed her hit new song “Dance Again.” Season Seven AMERICAN IDOL winner David Cook also returned to the IDOL stage to perform “The Last Song I’ll Write For You.”

“Like” AMERICAN IDOL on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmericanIdol. Follow the series on Twitter @AmericanIdol and join the discussion at #Idol. Also, follow host Ryan Seacrest at@RyanSeacrest, and follow the judges: @yo_randyjackson; @JLo; and @iamstevent.

The Top Three finalists are:
Joshua Ledet
Hometown: Westlake, LA
Age: 20
Keep up with Joshua at:
www.twitter.com/JLedetAI11
www.facebook.com/JLedetAI11

 

Phillip Phillips
Hometown: Leesburg, GA
Age: 21
Keep up with Phillip at:
www.twitter.com/PPhillipsAI11
www.facebook.com/PPhillipsAI11

 

Jessica Sanchez
 Hometown: San Diego, CA
 Age: 16
Keep up with Jessica at:
www.twitter.com/JSanchezAI11

www.facebook.com/JSanchezAI11

AMERICAN IDOL is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc. and FremantleMedia North America. The series is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, CEO, XIX Entertainment, and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America; and Nigel Lythgoe, CEO, Nigel Lythgoe Productions.

Photos credit to:  Michael Becker/Fox and Frank Micelotta/FOX
Source: Fox Broadcasting Company

Global superstar Rihanna to perform on American Idol Season 11 Grand Finale Wednesday, May, 23 on FOX

Two-Night Grand Finale LIVE From Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE Airs Tuesday, May 22 and Wednesday, May 23.  

Top Four to Perform LIVE Wednesday, May 9.

On Tuesday, May 8, 2012 Fox announced that Global superstar Rihanna will perform her latest smash hit “Where Have You Been” on the AMERICAN IDOL Grand Finale Wednesday, May, 23 (8:00-10:07 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX, when the newest winner is crowned. The Grand Finale celebration also will feature additional performances by some of music’s biggest artists.

AMERICAN IDOL will host the series’ two-night grand finale from the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE Tuesday, May 22 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) and Wednesday, May 23 (8:00-10:07 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. After weeks of performing on the AMERICAN IDOL stage, the two remaining finalists will perform live Tuesday in front of a theater audience of more than 7000 as well as millions of viewers watching at home. Then, on Wednesday night, at the end of a two-hour music celebration, host Ryan Seacrest will announce the next AMERICAN IDOL.

With only three performance shows left in the season, tune in next week, Wednesday, May 9 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), when the Top Four – Hollie Cavanagh, Joshua Ledet, Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez – return to the IDOL stage to sing for America’s votes on a “California Dreamin’”-themed performance show.

Don’t miss the live results show the following night, Thursday, May 10 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), when the Top Three finalists are announced and get set for their hometown visits to see family, friends and fans. In addition, global superstar and AMERICAN IDOL judge, Jennifer Lopez, will perform her hit new song, “Dance Again.” Season Seven AMERICAN IDOL winner David Cook also returns to the IDOL stage to perform “The Last Song I’ll Write For You.”

“Where Have You Been,” from Rihanna’s Island Def Jam album “Talk That Talk,” released last November, is the artist’s latest single. Rihanna made Billboard history last year, when “We Found Love,” another single off of “Talk That Talk,” became her 11th No. 1 hit on the Hot 100 and her 20th Top 10 hit. She collected her 20 Hot 100 Top 10 singles faster than any other solo artist – six years and four months –and places second only to the Beatles. Additionally, “We Found Love” gives Rihanna her 16th No. 1 Billboard Dance single.

AMERICAN IDOL is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc. and FremantleMedia North America. The series is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, CEO, XIX Entertainment, and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America; and Nigel Lythgoe, CEO, Nigel Lythgoe Productions.

About Rihanna:
As the ongoing “Rihanna: UNLOCKED” campaign gathers momentum around the world, Island Def Jam’s reigning queen of the Billboard Hot 100 earned 10 weeks at No. 1 with “We Found Love” (featuring Calvin Harris).

“Talk That Talk’s” first single, “We Found Love” (written and produced by, and featuring Scottish musician Calvin Harris) was a No. 1 hit in approximately 20 territories (including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Ireland, France, Germany, Switzerland, New Zealand, and more), with too many gold, platinum and multi-platinum certifications to count.

“Loud’s” release one year ago registered more than 200,000 first-week sales, the biggest Soundscan week of Rihanna’s recording career. From that album, the songs “Only Girl (In the World),” “What’s My Name” (featuring Drake) and “S&M” became Rihanna’s eighth, ninth and 10th No. 1 hits, respectively. The album also contained the Top 10 “Cheers (Drink To That).” Prior to “Loud,” Rihanna struck RIAA platinum with “Rated R” (Nov. 2009), containing the No. 1 hit “Rude Boy.” Rihanna became the first female artist of the decade to chart six No. 1′s on the Hot 100 when “Rude Boy” went to the top spot. “Rated R” also contained the Top 10 hits “Russian Roulette” and “Hard” (featuring Jeezy).
Rihanna’s chart career began with her RIAA gold debut from 2005, “Music of the Sun,” featuring the worldwide smash, “Pon De Replay.” She graduated to RIAA platinum with her second album, 2006′s “A Girl Like Me,” which contained the back-to-back hits, “S.O.S.” (her first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100), “Unfaithful” and “Break It Off” (featuring Sean Paul). Rihanna went on to double-platinum with “Good Girl Gone Bad” (May 2007), containing the Grammy-winning global No. 1 hit “Umbrella” (featuring Jay-Z), then “Shut Up and Drive,” “Hate That I Love You” (featuring Ne-Yo) and “Don’t Stop the Music.” The CD+DVD package “Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded” (Jan. 2009) continued the hits with the No. 1 “Take A Bow” and the No. 1 “Disturbia.” Rihanna’s track record also includes No. 1 hits with T.I. (“Live Your Life” in 2008); Eminem (“Love the Way You Lie” in 2010, named Top Rap Song Of the Year at the Billboard Music Awards); and the No. 1 Rap, No. 2 Hot 100 and No. 3 R&B sensation of 2009, “Run This Town” with Jay-Z & Kanye West.

Photo credit to: Wikipedia
Source: Fox Broadcasting Company

American Idol Contestant Skylar Laine Eliminated; Jennifer Lopez and David Cook to Perform Thursday, May 10 on FOX

ONLY TWO GIRLS AND TWO GUYS REMAIN! 

HOLLIE CAVANAGH, JOSHUA LEDET, PHILLIP PHILLIPS AND JESSICA SANCHEZ BATTLE IT OUT TO GET ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE GRAND FINALE LIVE ON A “CALIFORNIA DREAMIN”-THEMED SHOW WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, ON FOX.

Global Superstar and IDOL Judge Jennifer Lopez plus Season Seven AMERICAN IDOL Winner David Cook to Perform on Next Results Show Thursday, May 10.

On Thursday, May 03, 2012, the Top Four Finalists were revealed – Hollie Cavanagh, Joshua Ledet, Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez. One of them will be crowned the next AMERICAN IDOL! After America cast a season-high of nearly 60 million votes for their favorite finalists, it also was revealed tonight that Skylar Laine had received the fewest number of votes and was eliminated from the competition.

With only three performance shows left in the season, tune in next week, Wednesday, May 9 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), when the Top Four return to the IDOL stage to sing for America’s votes on a “California Dreamin’”– themed performance show.

Don’t miss the live results show the following night, Thursday, May 10 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), when the Top Three finalists are announced and get set for their hometown visits to see family, friends and fans. In addition, global superstar and AMERICAN IDOL judge, Jennifer Lopez, will perform her hit new song “Dance Again.” Season Seven AMERICAN IDOL winner David Cook also returns to the IDOL stage to perform “The Last Song I’ll Write For You.”

The Top Five finalists are: 

Hollie Cavanagh
Hometown: McKinney, TX
Age: 18

Joshua Ledet
Hometown: Westlake, LA
Age: 19

Phillip Phillips
Hometown: Leesburg, GA
Age: 21

Jessica Sanchez
 Hometown: San Diego, CA
 Age: 16

Last night results show, Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum artist Carrie Underwood performed her hit song “Blown Away” and another Grammy Award-winning, chart-topping act, Coldplay, performed “Paradise” and “Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall,” two songs from their most recent album, “Mylo Xyloto.”

“Like” AMERICAN IDOL on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmericanIdol. Follow the series on Twitter @AmericanIdol and join the discussion at #Idol. Also, follow host Ryan Seacrest at@RyanSeacrest, and follow the judges: @yo_randyjackson; @JLo; and @iamstevent.

AMERICAN IDOL is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc. and FremantleMedia North America. The series is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, CEO, XIX Entertainment, and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America; and Nigel Lythgoe, CEO, Nigel Lythgoe Productions.

Source: Fox
Graphic credit to: FOX
Photos credit to: Michael Becker / FOX

American Idol Contestant Elise Testone Eliminated, Carrie Underwood and Coldplay to Perform Thursday, May 3 on FOX

COUNTDOWN TO GRAND FINALE BEGINS AS TOP FIVE FINALISTS PERFORM LIVE WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, ON FOX.
Season Four AMERICAN IDOL Winner and Grammy Award Winner Carrie Underwood and World-Renowned Rock Band Coldplay to Perform on Next Results Show Thursday, May 3.

On Thursday, April 26, 2012 Fox announced that last night, America cast a season-high 58 million votes for their favorite finalists on AMERICAN IDOL. Tonight, host Ryan Seacrest revealed that Elise Testone received the fewest number of votes and was eliminated from the competition. Also on tonight’s results show, Katy Perry performed her hit, “Part of Me,” and AMERICAN IDOL Season 10 finalist Stefano Langone performed his new single, “I’m On A Roll,” featuring Ben J of New Boyz. In addition, the official touring Queen tribute, The Queen Extravaganza, performed Queen’s classic smash hit “Somebody To Love,” along with original Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor.

With only four performance shows left in the season, tune in next week, Wednesday, May 2 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), when the Top Five – Hollie Cavanagh, Skylar Laine, Joshua Ledet, Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez – return to the IDOL stage to sing for America’s votes on a British music-themed performance show.

Don’t miss the live results show the following night, Thursday, May 3 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), when another finalist is sent home. In addition, Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum artistCarrie Underwood will perform. One of AMERICAN IDOL’s most successful winners, Underwood has sold more than 12 million records worldwide. Another Grammy Award-winning, chart-topping act, the world-famous alternative rock band Coldplay, also will perform, hitting the IDOL stage for the first time.

The Top Five finalists are: 

Hollie Cavanagh
Hometown: McKinney, TX
Age: 18

Skylar Laine
Hometown: Brandon, MS
Age: 18

Joshua Ledet
Hometown: Westlake, LA
Age: 19

Phillip Phillips
Hometown: Leesburg, GA
Age: 21

Jessica Sanchez
 Hometown: San Diego, CA
 Age: 16

“Like” AMERICAN IDOL on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmericanIdol. Follow the series on Twitter @AmericanIdol and join the discussion at #Idol. Also, follow host Ryan Seacrest at@RyanSeacrest, and follow the judges: @yo_randyjackson; @JLo; and @iamstevent.

AMERICAN IDOL is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc. and FremantleMedia North America, Inc. The series is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, CEO, XIX Entertainment, and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, CEO, Nigel Lythgoe Productions.

Source: Fox
Graphic credit to: FOX
Photos credit to: Michael Becker / FOX

American Idol Season 11 Contestant Colton Dixon Eliminated, Katy Perry to Perform Thursday, April 26 on FOX

TOP SIX FINALISTS PERFORM LIVE., PLUS A SPECIAL GROUP PERFORMANCE WITH QUEEN’S BRIAN MAY AND ROGER TAYLOR, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, ON FOX.

Katy Perry, The Queen Extravaganza and Season 10 Finalist Stefano Langone to Perform on Next Results Show Thursday, April 26.

On Thursday, April 19, 2012 Fox announced that Colton Dixon was eliminated tonight on AMERICAN IDOL after he received the fewest of the 53 million votes cast for the finalists. Also on tonight’s results show, LMFAO performed their smash hit, “Sorry For Party Rocking,” and AMERICAN IDOL Season Eight winner Kris Allen performed his new single, “The Vision Of Love.”

Next week, on Wednesday, April 25 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), the Top Six – Hollie Cavanagh, Skylar Laine, Joshua Ledet, Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez and Elise Testone – return to the IDOL stage to sing for America’s votes on a Queen-themed performance show. The finalists also will get to perform a group medley with Brian May and Roger Taylor, original members of the legendary rock group Queen.

Tune in the following night, Thursday, April 26 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), to the live results show to find out which Top Six finalist is sent home. In addition, Katy Perry will perform her newest single, “Part of Me”; the official touring Queen tribute, The Queen Extravaganza, will perform their classic smash hit “Somebody To Love”; and AMERICAN IDOL Season 10 finalist Stefano Langone will perform his new single, “I’m On A Roll.”

The Top Six finalists are: 

Hollie Cavanagh
Hometown: McKinney, TX
Age: 18

Skylar Laine
Hometown: Brandon, MS
Age: 18

Joshua Ledet
Hometown: Westlake, LA
Age: 19

Phillip Phillips
Hometown: Leesburg, GA
Age: 21

Jessica Sanchez
 Hometown: San Diego, CA
 Age: 16

Elise Testone
 Hometown: Charleston, SC
 Age: 28

“Like” AMERICAN IDOL on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmericanIdol. Follow the series on Twitter @AmericanIdol and join the discussion at #Idol. Also, follow host Ryan Seacrest at@RyanSeacrest, and follow the judges: @yo_randyjackson; @JLo; and @iamstevent.

AMERICAN IDOL is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc. and FremantleMedia North America, Inc. The series is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, CEO, XIX Entertainment, and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, CEO, Nigel Lythgoe Productions.

Source: Fox
Graphic credit to: FOX
Photos credit to: Michael Becker/FOX.

American Idol Judges saved Jessica Sanchez, Season Eight Winner Kris Allen to Perform April 19th

TOP SEVEN FINALISTS PERFORM LIVE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, ON FOX.  LMFAO and Season Eight Winner Kris Allen to Perform on Next Results Show Thursday, April 19

On Thursday, April 12, 2012 in a surprising and dramatic turn of events, judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler saved Jessica Sanchez from elimination, after she received the fewest votes among the finalists. Sanchez will continue in the competition and take the stage along with the other six finalists next week. On tonight’s results show, AMERICAN IDOL Season Three finalist and Academy Award and Grammy Award winner Jennifer Hudson along with Ne-Yo performed their new single, “Think Like a Man,” and AMERICAN IDOL Season 10 finalist James Durbin performed his new song, “Higher Than Heaven.”

Next week, on Wednesday, April 18 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), the Top Seven –Hollie Cavanagh, Colton Dixon, Skylar Laine, Joshua Ledet, Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez and Elise Testone – return to the IDOL stage to perform for America’s votes.

Tune in the following night, Thursday, April 19 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), to the live results show to find out which Top Seven finalist is sent home. In addition, LMFAO performs their smash hit, “Sorry For Party Rocking,” and AMERICAN IDOL Season Eight winner Kris Allen performs his new single, “The Vision Of Love

“Like” AMERICAN IDOL on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmericanIdol. Follow the series on Twitter @AmericanIdol and join the discussion at #Idol. Also, follow host Ryan Seacrest at @RyanSeacrest, and follow the judges: @yo_randyjackson; @JLo; and @iamstevent.

About American Idol: American Idol is produced by 19 Entertainment, a division of CKX, Inc. and FremantleMedia North America, Inc. The series is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, CEO, XIX Entertainment, and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; and Nigel Lythgoe, CEO, Nigel Lythgoe Productions.

 

Source: Fox
Graphic credit to: FOX
Photos credit to: Michael Becker  & Nino Munoz/FOX.

Steven Escobar of Diversity News Magazine to Cover 2011 American Music Awards and Wearing Kevin James Fashion

Our own Esteban “Steven” Escobar, Executive Editor-In-Chief of Diversity News Magazine to attend American Music Awards 2011 and wear Kevin James Fashion inspired by The King of Pop Michael Jackson.

On Wednesday, November 16 2011 Diversity News Publications, publisher of Diversity News Magazine, announced that Executive Editor-In-Chief Steven Escobar has been approved for the 2nd year in a row to cover the 2011 American Music Awards on Sunday, November 20, 2011, at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live. Steven Escobar will represent Kevin James designs at the event.

“I am so honored and thrilled to be covering, for the second time, such an amazing and prestigious event, where big celebrities will shine; at the same time, I am very proud to showcase Kevin James designs which are inspired by Michael Jackson- The King of Pop,” said Esteban “Steven” Escobar, Executive Editor-In-Chief of Diversity News Magazine.

Steven Escobar will keep his fans up-to-date on Twitter and FB, uploading photos on Diversity News Twitter and Facebook fan page on the day of the event.

Dr. Mark Valinsky President of Valinsky Media Group said “Congratulations to you, Steven Escobar and Diversity News for being accredited to cover the prestigious 2011 American Music Awards. Well done! Continue and stay with quality organizations and “A” list events and people. Always associate with the best! Best wishes.”

“Congratulations on covering the 2011 American Music Awards Steven Escobar! I can’t wait to hear your report on this event!” said Recording Artist Fawn.

Motivational speaker and author of Pulitzer Prize memoir entry “Out of the Transylvania Night,” Aura Imbarus, PhD said “There is one and very important moment coming up, and that’s the 2011 American Music Awards. And what a better choice to cover the event than Steven Escobar, the Editor-in-Chief of Diversity News Magazine! Congrats, Steven!!! A very well deserved honor!”

After the event, Diversity News Magazine and Diversity News TV will be posting for all their loyal readers and viewers Steven Escobar’s coverage, including photos and videos while distributing the clips to other media outlets for publishing.

“I want to congratulate and give my best wishes to the distinguished gentleman of the media Esteban “Steven” Escobar and Diversity News Magazine for being credentialed once again to cover the 2011 American Music Awards, and I know that it will be a wonderful coverage of the event.” said actress Thushari Jayasekera.

Photos of Steven Escobar wearing Kevin James design will be also posted on DiversityNewsMagazine.Com, DiversityNewsPublications.Com, Worldwidevitalpr.diversitynewspublications.com and other online sites.

About Esteban “Steven” Escobar: Esteban A. Escobar (born in El Salvador, Central America on September 6th) is an American journalist, reporter, editor, columnist, writer, producer, director, publicist and philantropist. Esteban is known as Steven Escobar. He is the Executive Editor-In-Chief of Diversity News Magazine, an online consumer news magazine that is visited by more than a million visitors per month while growing each day. Esteban Steven Escobar is also the President of Diversity News Publications, a news/entertainment multimedia and public relations firm in Hollywood, CA. Steven Escobar owns E.E.Enterprises and an affiliate of The Diversity News Family of Companies. Steven Escobar is also the official Hollywood and Los Angeles County Events Examiner for Examiner.com and contributor for Yahoo.com distributed via Associated Content. Steven Escobar also gives back to the community by helping charities, and since 2003 to the present, he has been raising money and awareness for AIDS Walk LA benefiting AIDS Project Los Angeles. In 2011, Steven was nominated for The Shorty Awards. Steven Escobar currently resides in Los Angeles County in the City of Hollywood, CA. For more information visit http://www.stevenescobar.blogspot.com/ or http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4164655/

About Diversity News Magazine: Is an award winning consumer news magazine covering News, Entertainment, Features, Awards, Sports, Events and much more. It is another venue for advertisers to advertise their products or services on the Classified and Display pages. The purpose of the magazine is to educate and inform its diverse community world wide and focusing on local, national, and international News, Entertainment, Features, Sports and, more importantly, newsworthy items that would be of interest to our audience. In 2009, Diversity News was nominated for The Wake Up Award, The WEHO Awards and on April 2011 received Exoti Media Award. For more information visit http://www.diversitynewsmagazine.com/

About Designer Kevin James: Kevin James’ quite literally a man for all seasons; he is a designer, who began his fashion design career when he moved to Los Angeles from the East Coast in 1980. With his unique style and attention to details, Kevin has thrilled his list of clients including celebrities such as The Jackson’s, Slash, Leeza Gibbons. Kevin worked on Michael Jackson’s “This is it”. Kevin is known for creating hot fresh new looks for any season, but special occasions and events are his specialty. Kevin’s use of unique fabric combinations and precision tailoring ensure that his customers receive the best quality comfort and fit. His love of the past and his hope and vision of the future will keep this designer extraordinaire in the favor of people for years to come. Kevin has received the prestigious award in 2005-2006 Prime time Emmy Awards Honor from Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and nominated for 2010 NAACP Award for best costumes in a play “Bonita and Billie, a stage play about the life of Billie Holiday.  For your custom designed men & women costumes and wardrobe rentals contact Kevin James designs at http://kevinjamesfashion.com

About Diversity News Publications: Founded in 2003 Diversity News Publications, is a news/entertainment multimedia and public relations firm specialized in Advertising, Design, Marketing, Printing & Public Relations services who combines all sources in one. Diversity News Publications is the publisher of Diversity News Magazine and owns Diversity News TV, Diversity News Radio, Diversity News Productions and many more. For more information visit http://www.diversitynewspublications.com and www.diversitynewspublications.blogspot.com/

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 Media Contact:                                                                     

 

Alex Leon, Director of Marketing & Public Relations             World Wide Vital Marketing & PR 

 

 http://worldwidevitalpr.wordpress.com/  

 

(213) 321-9408                                                                      

 

worldwidevitalpr@gmail.com

Editor’s Note: Steven Escobar and Kevin James are available for interviews please email all your requests to: worldwidevitalpr@gmail.com 

2010 American Music Awards Photo credit to: Diversity News Magazine

This Story Post is Brought and Sponsored in Part By:

Kevin James Fashion (Click photo to visit website)

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