Seal is speaking out … about speaking out about his divorce. The reason he’s been so forthcoming about his recent split with Heidi Klum , according to the singer, is to promote his upcoming tour because we deserve to know. He’s generous, that Seal. “When you publicize your marriage as much as ours was, when you renew wedding vows, all those things … you’re painting a picture of an ideal relationship that people aspire to,” he said on the Australian radio show Fifi and Jules. “So, when it goes south, you can’t all of a sudden take the philosophy of a monk and decide to go for a vow of silence,” the singer continued . “It doesn’t really work like that. I certainly respect my wife’s decision not to talk about that, but I felt that people at least deserved some kind of explanation why that picture of the ideal relationship wasn’t what they thought it was.” Seal really went above and beyond full disclosure, though. Taping Ellen, Piers Morgan Live and Tavis Smiley within a week of the breakup and not nixing any personal questions, he seemed to almost relish it. Okay, that’s a bit much, but while most stars clam up in these situations, he did the opposite . Then again, the shows were booked well in advance. “It’s not like this happened and I decided the next week to go on the [shows],” the 49-year-old Brit told Fifi and Jules. “It’s a difficult time.” “The best that one can do in this situation is handle it with dignity and civility… I tried my very best to protect the general welfare of my family.” “My wife included. You would hope you can behave like adults and try and protect those who are most important in this, which are your family.” In his defense, too, he wasn’t exactly talking smack. The reverse, if anything. Seal said some lovely things about Klum. “I still wear my wedding ring, because I’m still married to this incredible woman” and “she is still, in my opinion, the most wonderful woman in the world.” A reconciliation looks unlikely , however.
Is Rita Ora the next Rihanna ? The 21-year-old British singer debuted her new single “Party and Bullsh*t” on New York’s Z100 and KTU radio stations on Thursday with Roc Nation founder Jay-Z by her side. Check out the song here! Broadcasting platform : YouTube Source : Gossip Cop Discovery Date : 24/02/2012 02:26 Number of articles : 2
After 11 season, this faithful viewer might be trading ‘Idol’ in for new models ‘The X Factor’ and ‘The Voice.’ By Gil Kaufman Ryan Seacrest with the top 24 of “American Idol” Photo: Fox I’m a loyalist at heart. Back in the day, I watched “The X Files,” the original “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “The O.C.” until the bitter end, convincing myself that my patience would be rewarded well after the shark had jumped. But after slogging through another interminable pair of “American Idol” cut-down episodes Wednesday and Thursday , I think I’m finally throwing in the towel. I’ve been there since episode one with “Idol,” reveling in the joy of Kelly Clarkson’s win, cheering Ruben Studdard to his well-deserved crown and scratching my head when clearly inferior champs like Taylor Hicks, Lee DeWyze and Kris Allen took the top prize. Just a week before the season 11 live shows start, though, “Idol” has lost me, perhaps for good. The bottom line is that the show just feels like it’s on auto-pilot, from the bored looks on the faces of celebrity judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez to the predictable plotlines and not-so-clever editing tricks intended to keep our interest up through the early rounds. It was bad enough a few weeks ago when an entire episode of the group rounds went by without any discernible footage of, you know, singing. The biggest plot point that week was the exploitation of a sick teenage girl passing out and falling off the stage, which was used as a cruel cliffhanger. On Wednesday night, we got yet another rehash of the previous audition rounds along with mostly truncated looks at the singer’s final Las Vegas performances (most of which were bland, if not downright boring) before they had to make the long walk to the judgment chairs. Thursday night was more of the same. Sole original judge Randy Jackson seemed to run out of creative ways to torture the painfully eager singers with purposely vague platitudes about how hard it is to cut them at this point, purposely mangling his words to keep them on the edge of confusion. Watching this spectacle, I just asked myself, “Do I even care if Heejun Han or Reed Grimm make it?” “Do I need to see Jermaine Jones cry again?” “Who is Chase Likens and why haven’t I even seen him up until now?” In my long experience with “Idol” and writing about music, none of them seem like winner material, in the same way that such paint-by-numbers soul mamas like Jen Hirsch, Elise Testone, Erika Van Pelt, Shannon Magrane and stage mom’d Brielle Von Hugel fail to excite. And making Adam Brock — a weepy white dad who brags about singing like a black woman while using his dead grandfather’s handkerchief as a pity prop at every turn — a cliffhanger for Thursday night’s episode just seems pointless. This guy has no chance to win, and if he does, well, “Idol” has way bigger problems. In fact, the only contestant in the mix at this point who seems even halfway relevant in today’s music biz is skunk-mohawked former castoff Colton Dixon, but he hasn’t gotten nearly as much love as Phil Phillips, whose twitchy Dave Matthews impersonation has already grown unbearably irritating. Even 15-year-old Eben Franckewitz seems promising, but I can already tell his “story line” will be that despite lots of experience on the musical-theater stage, the judges are going to hammer him for his nerves. Before Wednesday night’s episode aired, I was already firmly in line with Entertainment Weekly columnist Mark Harris, who wrote an opinion piece in the February 24 issue about how he was switching sides. “The opening weeks of ‘Idol’ traffic in humiliation and tears — the neediness of the young, desperate to be extracted from the mob; the familiar weariness of the judges; the talentless clowns pimped as sneerworthy sideshows,” he wrote. “But the opening weeks of ‘The Voice’ are about hope and discovery.” In essence, he said, we’re at a tipping point where NBC’s upstart show is winning the race not by copying the template of “Idol,” but by purposely running in the other direction. The “Voice” judges are relevant musicians of today from varying genres with a sharp, entertaining rapport that crackles and brings a fresh energy to the show. That show starts from day one with good to great singers from varying backgrounds, singing mostly contemporary chart hits, who are eager to get help from those who are still charting today. Meanwhile, the “Idol” judges are riding the fumes of their fading careers as they continue to struggle to apply their hard-earned lessons in the music biz to mostly teenage strivers who can’t relate to their mother or father’s favorite singers. The leading contestants so far this year on “Idol” fall into two or three predictable camps: overreaching, throwback R&B belters, quirky imitators of no-longer-relatable stars or ultra-twangy country gals. Where are the edgy R&B divas like Rihanna? The cute boy singers like Justin Bieber? The hip-hop-influenced Drake wannabes? Hell, where are the Carrie Underwoods who can deftly mix pop and country? “The X Factor” and “The Voice” eagerly embrace singers of every color, style and persuasion. So are you telling me that there was not one woman of color out of the tens of thousands who auditioned worthy of the semifinal round? Have we become a nation of (almost exclusively) blond, female Mariah/Christina copycats? Just look at the talent that has already been signed in the wake of the first “Factor” season : a legitimately powerful soul diva in winner Melanie Amaro , a fascinating redemption story in rapper/crooner Chris Rene, contemporary R&B singer Marcus Canty, white blues man Josh Krajcik, high school cutie Rachel Crow and buzzed-about teen rapper Astro , any one of whom could legitimately blow up. Meanwhile, the first 24 semifinalists put through by “Idol” this week are almost without exception as blandly interchangeable (and old-fashioned) as Lopez’s spangly tops. And the “surprise” extra boy to be named later is one of the most tired tropes in the “Idol” dream factory bag of tricks. Sure, it’s very early in the process and nobody knows what could happen. But if you recall, even in the audition stage it was already clear that eventual season-eight runner-up Adam Lambert was destined to be one of the most exciting, unusual performers in the show’s history. It’s not like season-one “Voice” winner Javier Colon has set the world on fire, but at least that show focuses on mentoring and nurturing talent of any age, shape and style, rather than serving up cookie-cutter slot fillers. The sense of hope, discovery and optimism that Harris said permeates “The Voice” is wholly lacking on “Idol,” which feels more and more like a dated reality competition and less like a singing showcase. Tear-jerking backstories aside, it’s hard to see how any of these singers is going to win America over, not to mention make a case for idolatry or even above-average chart success. It’s been a fun ride, “Idol,” but unless you can prove to me that you can read the writing on the wall, I’m afraid my TiVo is going to be reprogrammed to NBC from now on. Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page , where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season 11 Top 24 And Wildcard Contestants
Brown reacts to Rihanna-related criticism from the singer and the wrestler on Twitter. By Jocelyn Vena Chris Brown Photo: Mindy Small/ FilmMagic It’s an interesting time for Chris Brown . With several career highs, which include a Grammy win and performance at the show earlier this month, come several personal lows, including feuds with two other celebrities. On Tuesday, Brown took to Twitter to address some comments made by WWE wrestler CM Punk in a video he released on TMZ , which itself came in response to an ongoing Twitter feud the guys have been having. “I’m a lifelong proud, drug-free, straight-edge individual, so Chris and I come from two completely different worlds,” Punk said in the video, referring to a previous tweet Brown had posted accusing Punk of taking steroids. “I don’t have a manager, I don’t have a bodyguard, I don’t have an assistant, I have no need for a PR team what to tweet or when to delete tweets, and I don’t hit women. Period. In my world women are to be revered and respected and I firmly believe that in this life there are consequences and repercussions for people’s actions, and I don’t think Chris has paid for what he’s done. Picking up trash on the side of a highway does not make amends for repeatedly striking a woman in her face and sending her to hospital. “So if Chris wants to throw stones my way now, I say that’s fine. Let’s put some gloves out and get in the ring and I will choke you out and I will make you feel as weak and as powerless and scared and alone as any woman who has had the misfortune of knowing a sad, cowardly, little boy such as yourself. And all proceeds can go to a women’s shelter of my choosing … Chris Brown isn’t a man and that’s fine. I just know that someday, somewhere, somehow, somebody will put Chris Brown exactly where he belongs and that obviously doesn’t have to be me, I would just really like it to be.” After the video was released, Brown responded, “@cmpunk the video u just posted was cute! It’s so funny how defensive u are. And the fact that I really don’t know who you are and could give a sh– is the funny part! I miss the real wrestlers! (Hacksaw Jim duggan, Brett the hitman heart, coco beware, rowdy roddy piper) #Notnopunks.” Several tweets later, he brought it back to Punk, but noted that he would no longer be addressing the issue. “Note: today will be the last day I bring @cmpunk existence up! The confrontations that people continuously bring my way are very amusing,” he wrote. “Cuz honestly, that sh– is too time consuming to argue wit every person who has their own issues to deal with!” It all started on February 20, when Punk tweeted about Brown’s 2009 assault of his then-girlfriend Rihanna. From there, the two became involved in a Twitter back-and-forth. Since Brown’s last tweet about the video, as of press time, Punk has not tweeted about it again. This is hardly the first bit of criticism that Brown has received since his Grammy win on February 12. While a number of celebrities tweeted their criticisms of Brown’s win and performance that night, country star Miranda Lambert has been the most vocal about it. Brown responded to her post-Grammy tweets, writing, “Using my name to get publicity? I love it! Perform your heart out! Go buy Miranda Lambert album! So motivational and ‘PERFECT’!” Not only did she tweet about it, but in concert last week Usmagazine.com reported Lambert addressed the issue further, saying, “I just have to speak my mind, because where I come from, beating up on a woman is never OK. So that’s why my daddy taught me early on in life how to use a shotgun.” Related Artists Chris Brown Miranda Lambert
Bobby Brown and Chris Brown. Both controversial figures who share a surname and other attributes. Both R&B singers have found themselves in the news lately for unrelated, semi-scandalous reasons. Both frequent THG conversation topics. Which Brown is best? Or the least terrible? Time for a THG Tale of the Tape! 1. CAREER ALBUMS SOLD Bobby Brown: 20 million Chris Brown: 12 million Edge: Bobby 2. TWITTER FANS Bobby Brown: 33,052 Chris Brown: 8,205,360 Edge: Chris 3. RAP SHEET Bobby Brown: Felony battery, DUI, unpaid child support, parole violation(s) Chris Brown: Felony battery Edge: Chris 4. SWORN ENEMY Bobby Brown: Condoms Chris Brown: Haters Edge: Chris 5. CURRENT PARTNER Bobby Brown: Alicia Etheridge (above, left) Chris Brown: Karrueche Tran (above, right) Edge: Chris 6. CURRENTLY FEUDING WITH Bobby Brown: Cissy Houston Chris Brown: CM Punk Edge: Even 7. BIGGEST HITS Bobby Brown: “My Prerogative”, “Roni” Chris Brown: “Run It”, “With You” Edge: Bobby 8. COLLABORATIONS WITH LOVER/VICTIM Bobby Brown: “Something in Common” Chris Brown: “Turn Up the Music,” “Birthday Cake” remix Edge: Chris Chris Brown on Tosh.0 9. NOTABLE TV APPEARANCES Bobby Brown: Celebrity Fit Club, Gone Country, Being Bobby Brown Chris Brown: Tosh.0 (above) Edge: Chris 10. RECENT FAUX PAS Bobby Brown: Inexplicably leaving Whitney Houston funeral early Chris Brown: Smashing GMA window, weekly Twitter rampage Edge: Even VERDICT : Chris Brown takes it, decisively, 6-2. Despite whatever flaws he has, his career is still on an upward trajectory. Even Rihanna’s recording with him again!
Demi Lovato is now a role model and very proud of it. But it wasn’t always this way for the singer. In a trailer for Stay Strong – the MTV special airing on March 6 that will take viewers behind the scenes of Demi’s recent struggles and triumphs – the artist admits she had difficulty accepting her status as a celebrity at first. But her view has changed. “I have daily challenges, but so do many kids who are struggling to feel comfortable in their own skin,” she says. “If opening up and sharing my story inspires even one person to stay strong or to get the help they need, I’ve succeeded.” Watch the preview now and prepare to get to know Lovato like never before during this documentary. Stay Strong with Demi Lovato: MTV Special Preview
The homie Skillz just came out with with some new break up ish! Play this one for your jawn when she gets out of pocket. Check it out below: Getting emo on us now Skillz, eh? What do you think? Do you Hate It Or Love It?!?! More On Bossip! R.I.P. Whitney Houston: The First Look At The Official Obituary Of The Fallen Icon Sidepiece Showdown: The NBA’s Most Notorious (Alleged) Mistresses And Jumpoffs Korean R&B Singer Hospitalized For Paranoid Schizophrenia After Racist Twitter Rant Calling For A World Without Blacks! Breezy And His Boo Thang Hit The Beach… Do You Believe She’s Not Threatened By His RihRih Reunion?
Bobby Brown, this may be your prerogative, but it’s a really bad idea. According to sources in the publishing world, the singer was planning to pen a memoir about Whitney Houston a few years ago, but interest “wasn’t that great” at the time. Now, however? “The market has changed,” this insider tells The Huffington Post . “Now is the time for a book that details an honest look into the life of Whitney.” But there’s no way Brown would exploit Whitney’s death, right? Not when daughter Bobbi Kristina is suffering through such a tragic downward spiral , right? “This is a man who left his ex-wife’s funeral because he didn’t like his seats and went to a paying gig that night ,” a friend of Whitney tells the site. “He didn’t get on stage that night because he needed to sing his greatest hits or because Whitney would have wanted him to entertain his fans, he did it to get a paycheck – the same reason he now wants to write a tell-all book.” Sadly, that’s a very good point.
How could they be so heartless??? WGCI’s Morning Riot thought it would be funny to have an impersonator call up their show this morning pretending to be Ray J , discussing the recent events surrounding Whitney Houston’s death. Well Ray J ain’t laughin’. Our sources tell us the singer was highly offended by the inappropriate “interview” and is actually considering taking legal action against WGCI. The spoof included numerous references to the “Money Team” and at one point the Fake Ray J compares his work with Bobby Brown’s. “He’s having a very difficult time dealing with Whitney’s death,” a friend told BOSSIP exclusively. “He’s not even doing interviews right now because he’s not in the right place for that. He has a book (“Death Of A Cheating Man”) that just came out on Valentine’s Day and he’s not even promoting that right now. It was an incredibly insensitive thing to do.” We feel you Ray J. Hold your head. Our prayers are with you and your fam and the Houston/Brown families. More On Bossip! R.I.P. Whitney Houston: The First Look At The Official Obituary Of The Fallen Icon Sidepiece Showdown: The NBA’s Most Notorious (Alleged) Mistresses And Jumpoffs Korean R&B Singer Hospitalized For Paranoid Schizophrenia After Racist Twitter Rant Calling For A World Without Blacks! Breezy And His Boo Thang Hit The Beach… Do You Believe She’s Not Threatened By His RihRih Reunion?
Singer opens up about the late pop icon as he releases his cover of her track ‘Exhale (Shoop Shoop).’ By Jocelyn Vena Whitney Houston Photo: Jun Sato/ WireImage Just days after a number of A-listers paid tribute to the late, great Whitney Houston at her funeral on Saturday in New Jersey, R&B crooner Robin Thicke decided to pay homage to the singer in his own way. The singer dropped a cover of Houston’s classic track “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” over the weekend, arranging the song with a piano and his own sweet falsetto voice. Released in November 1995, the original version was the lead single off Houston’s “Waiting to Exhale” soundtrack. Thicke’s soulful version definitely calls to mind Babyface, who wrote and produced the song for the late star. Noticeably, Thicke changed the song from the third person to the first person, making it a bit more personal. “I was thinking about Whitney and how incredible she was and remembered I had recorded this song years ago but never released it,” Thicke said on Tuesday (February 21) in a statement to MTV News. “When I listened to it again, I was overcome by emotion, because the lyrics express everything I’m feeling right now.” He continued that the song reminds us what was unique about the late singer, who died over Grammy weekend in Los Angeles. “That’s what was so special about Whitney, she had an amazing ability to connect to all of us and at the same time make us feel inspired,” he said. “We love Whitney Houston and always will!” Over the weekend, in a sea of moving tributes to the star from her closest friends — including Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, R. Kelly and gospel greats BeBe and CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin and Kim Burrell — Kevin Costner’s speech about his “The Bodyguard” co-star stood as one of the homegoing’s stand-out moments. “Off you go, Whitney, off you go, escorted by an army of angels to your heavenly father,” Costner told the room in tears. “And when you sing before him, don’t you worry — you’ll be good enough.” What do you think of Robin Thicke’s version of “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)”? Leave your comment below. Related Videos Farewell To A Legend: Whitney Houston’s Funeral Whitney Houston: In Her Own Words Whitney Houston: Life And Music Of An Icon Related Artists Whitney Houston Robin Thicke
