It's Not Gossip, It's Commentary
If you’re a popular singer, that’s great. If you’re a popular singer that also writes your own music, that’s really great. Everyone knows the money is in publishing. Apparently, Angela Miller got the memo, singing an original tune on American Idol to overwhelming ovation. Watch below.
If you find yourself sending messages to your ex — either through his friends or on national television — then you’re not over him. Such was the case with Taylor Swift, who sent a very public message to her ex-boyfriend, One Direction’s Harry Styles, whose voice she’s alleged to have imitated with a British accent during her Grammy opening. We’ve all dated our fair share of losers, but Swift has cornered the unique market of converting her private life into a public story. And she does it intentionally. Personally, I think it lacks class. Most songwriters have vague ideas of their song’s aim, but it’s as if Swift’s entire intention is not to heal, but rather, as John Mayer says, to “rub [her] hands together and go, ‘Wait till he gets a load of this!'”
My tolerance for this American Idol panel has hit an all-time low. First, Mariah Carey is a legend whose been relegated to taking digs from NIcki Minaj, who executes them at every possible chance. Mariah should be ushered in on a damn throne with minions fanning her and serving her water, not quietly letting Minaj take the reigns on a talent show that’s far past its prime. If I were Mariah, I’d step up not out. I’d do what JLO did and assume my status, not ask for it. I’d walk out like I owned the entire stadium, I’d over-talk Minaj, and I’d demand that the producers let me run the panel by being the first to speak. She’s the QUEEN, and she should be treated as such. Watch Minaj’s dig below.
Beyonce brought down the house in what can only be described as the best show in halftime history. The powerhouse performer showed extraordinary vocal prowess combined with unparalleled cardio strength, executing high-intensity choreography while singing live, sustaining consistent energy throughout. I can only imagine the magnitude of preparation she underwent to pull this off. She belted out her classics, reunited with Destiny’s Child, and electrified the stage with an alluring light-show that has jokingly been blamed for the subsequent blackout. This was top-of-the-line professionalism, preparation, and star-quality. Thank you, Beyonce. As promised, you did not disappoint.
When I interviewed Macy Gray about her new record, one of my first questions was about Nicole Scherzinger’s Britney Spears impersonation. Apparently, Macy and Nicole are friends, and Macy wanted to work Nicole’s impression into a skit for her new album. When I asked Macy about it, she excitingly said, “[Nicole] should do that all day!” Listen below to Nicole’s impression.
Here’s a question: Does the world owes an apology to Ashlee Simpson? Remember the hate-parade she got following her lip-syncing melt-down on Saturday Night Live which subsequently sunk her career? Well, it appears Beyonce has joined the party, and is guilty of the same. The only difference? She didn’t get busted in the moment. In case you missed it, Beyonce lip-synced the Star-Spangled Banner at President Obama’s inauguration, and the public didn’t take kindly to it. There’s speculation as to whether she sang over a pre-recorded track, or she actually didn’t sing at all, but either way — her team has yet to respond. Watch Below.
Update: Mike Doughty, one of my favorite musicians, is certain she sang live. Read his article here: SLATE MAGAZINE
Much to the dismay of all of my friends, my early discovery and interview of The Lumineers has lead to endless pats on the back. And those pats on the back just got better with their performance on Saturday Night Live. So congrats to the very nice guys I had the pleasure of meeting early-on in their massive success. Watch below.
Nicki Minaj’s level of disrespect toward Mariah Carey on last night’s American Idol was astounding. And here’s some words of advice for Minaj. If you’re going to take digs at Mariah, perhaps you should pick topics that don’t involve her enormous success, considering you’re just a peon in comparison. Watch the clip below, and see how Minaj’s jealousy took over when someone complimented Mariah’s “All I Want For Christmas” being “the best modern day Christmas song.” Minaj couldn’t handle it, saying “It sure was wasn’t it,” which led to Mariah rightly responding with, “It still IS.”
The biggest culprits here are the producers, who missed the mark in hiring Minaj after Carey. The idea was to have a gigantic star like Mariah legitimize the show, but with Minaj’s attempt to take Mariah down a peg with “has-been” commentary, it waters down that purpose. It’s a huge blunder.