Katy Perry: Oscar would be a dream

Katy Perry is hoping for an Oscar nomination next month.

The singer's hit single Wide Awake is on the shortlist of tracks eligible for a nomination in the best original song category.

The 28-year-old hitmaker penned the track for her concert film Katy Perry: Part of Me.

She told USA Today the idea of a nomination is 'like a dream's dream'.

'When I was growing up and working on music, it was always a dream to win a Grammy, but Oscar was so far out of my dream sphere,' she wrote via email.

Katy said it would be an honour to hear her name among the nominees.

The official list will be announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on January 10.

'This would be a nomination of a completely different caliber,' she wrote. 'One that is more impressive than many other ones I''ve had. It''s interesting to step out of your playing field and to be recognized from a different angle,' Katy added.

The star has a busy awards season ahead.

She is nominated for nine Grammys and will find out if she takes home any gongs at the 55th annual prizegiving on February 10.

The 2013 Academy Awards will be broadcast live in the US two weeks later on February 24.

Bruno Mars: I don't need fame

Bruno Mars: I don't need fame

Bruno Mars insists he has never craved fame.

The singer became a worldwide hit after the release of his album Doo-Wops & Hooligans in 2010. Following success with singles such as Just the Way You Are and Grenade, Bruno topped charts all over the world.

Despite being one of the biggest names in the music industry, Bruno prefers to keep a low profile and concentrate on his music.

"Becoming famous was never what I wanted to do. There's a lot of things that come with fame - it's what people in the limelight have to do,' he said in an interview with LA Times. 'I'm like, 'Can't I just write and sing?'"The 27-year-old star is currently promoting his recently released follow-up album, Unorthodox Jukebox. He wants the new material to reflect where he is today, not where he used to be.

Many of the tracks are inspired by relationships, with him recently admitting Locked out of Heaven was an ode to his steamy romance with Halle Berry.

Bruno hopes his fans enjoy the album as he has put a lot of time and effort into making it.

"If people are going to have an idea of me," he explained, "I'd just want them to think of a guy who goes in the studio, works hard and jams out."

Nicki Minaj 'angers crowd with late show'

Nicki Minaj 'angers crowd with late show'

Nicki Minaj was reportedly two-and-a-half hours late on stage recently as she was 'resting her vocal cords'.
The rapper-and-signer was slated to host a party at New York City nightclub Webster Hall at 1.30am on December 25. However, she was late to the Christmas Extravaganza concert and apparently didn't take to stage until 4am.
A source told New York Daily News that the star was 'resting her vocal cords' to ensure she could give the best performance possible.
Even Nicki's entourage were apparently unsure what was going on, with rapper Fat Joe among those who were confused.
Concertgoers reportedly began to lose patience with the star, with some deciding to head home early.'A lot of fans were upset and started to leave,' a source explained.
When Nicki eventually put in an appearance, she was dressed in her famous flamboyant fashion. She opted for a skin-tight black cat suit with red detailing, which showed off her ample curves.
She apparently spent most of her time on the VIP balcony though, much to the annoyance of some guests who were expecting her to perform. The star eventually mingled with the crowd, spending time with some of her fans.
It's not the first time Nicki has had problems with her voice. In August she cancelled a show in the UK after bruising her vocal cords during a previous performance.

Rihanna set for exclusive NYE show

Rihanna set for exclusive NYE show

Rihanna is set to perform at an exclusive New Year's Eve party in St. Barts.
Billionaire Russian businessman Roman Abramovich is renowned for splashing the cash with his annual bash on December 31, which usually attracts hordes of the world's rich and famous.
This year the event is being held on the Caribbean island, and many stars have already started to gather.
According to New York Post, Rihanna is widely tipped to be providing the entertainment. It's thought Roman has arranged for her to jet in to take to the stage in front of guests including Naomi Campbell and Harvey Weinstein.
It's been reported 400 people will attend the party to see in 2013, with Roman ' who is expecting a baby with his partner Dasha Zhukova ' readying to spend £5 million on the festivities.
Other stars who are known to be on the island and are thought to be attending include Kate Moss, Ellen DeGeneres and her partner Portia de Rossi, Russell Simmons, Rachel Zoe and Kimora Lee Simmons.
Roman's famous yacht is moored on St. Barts at the moment. His $1 billion boat is 532ft. long, the biggest in the world.
The party will apparently be held at his 70 acre estate on the beautiful island.
Another big event will be held in Mexico on December 30, with Discovery Land Company's Chairman Mike Meldman inviting many to celebrate with him. The resort developer is famed for his extravagant bashes, with Jeremy Piven, George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio all thought to be going this year.
'Mike really goes all out for the party on the 30th. A lot of the celebs have houses at the [El Dorado] resort [where the party is taking place] or are allowed to stay for free for the party. Then the celebrations carry on to the private houses, right through New Year's,' an insider told New York Post.

Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason saves Foote's music store

Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason saves Foote's music store

Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason has invested in the London music shop where he bought his first drum-kit.

Mason stepped in and bought the store when he heard it was going to go out of business. Foote's sales director Rob Foote will run the store. 'At the eleventh hour, our business loan was turned down by our bank,' Rob told mi-pro-co.uk. 'It was a major blow to our plans, but Nick came to our rescue. Without him, and our collective of generous investors, Foote's would be no more.'

He had purchased his first ever kit from the store in 1958 for £7.50. That started his music career that went on to create history with Pink Floyd but before that Nick started a band called The Hotrods with a few mates.

In his book 'Inside Out' Nick explained, 'The fact that none of us knew how to play was only a minor set back, since we didn't have any instruments. Consequently allocating who played what was something of a lottery. My only link with drumming was that Wayne Minnow, a journalist friend of my parents, had once bought me a pair of wire brushes. After the failure of my early piano and violin lessons, this seemed a perfectly legitimate reason to become a drummer'.

Foote's at 41 Store Street, London was founded by Charles Ernest Foote in 1920 and is run my musicians today.

Footes boasts 'the largest selection of drums, percussion, woodwind brass and string instruments in Central London'.

Legendary funk diva Marva Whitney passes away

Legendary funk diva Marva Whitney passes away

Marva Whitney, one of the greats of funk and soul and the woman whom James Brown called gSoul Sister #1, passed away last night (December 23, 2012). She was 68.

Tributes and messages of sympathy are spreading across social media networks and music forums today, as it was announced on Marva Whitneyfs official Facebook page that she had died overnight.

gWefre saddened to inform you that Soulsister #1 Marva Whitney passed away last night. She left us with a legacy that will shine forever. Please keep her family in your prayers.h

Hugely repected by funk devotees as one of the rawest, brassiest divas of all time, Marva sang regularly with James Brown, accompanying him on his late-f60s tour of Vietnam, as well as performing her own set as part of the James Brown Revue in 1967.

In 1969, Whitney made her first solo recordings for King, Brownfs label at the time. She scored a Top 20 hit on the R&B charts with eItfs My Thing (You Canft Tell Me Who to Sock It To)f, which was a rewrite of the Isley Brothers hit, and the follow-up, eThings Got to Get Better (Get Together)f just missed the R&B Top 20. Much of Whitneyfs work has been sampled in hip hop tracks, most notably eUnwind Yourselff.

In December 2009, Marva collapsed on stage in front of thousands of fans at the Falls Festival in Lorne, Australia, while performing with The Transatlantics. Taken to Geelong Hospital and diagnosed with a stroke, she made a recovery and was performing again in 2010.

No details have been officially released regarding her death, although her Wikipedia page has cited complications of pneumonia.

Northside Records, who already planned to host a local tribute to James Brown (who died on Christmas night six years ago) at the Espy in Melbourne tomorrow night have confirmed that Marva Whitney will be also honoured at the event.

Adele 'trademarks name'

Adele 'trademarks name'

The 24-year-old English singer has filed an application with the country's Intellectual Property Office, according to UK newspaper The Sun.Adele has reportedly trademarked her name.

The publication reports Adele was concerned about her name being attached to a product she hasn't endorsed.

'She doesn't want anyone exploiting her name by using it on products which may trick punters into thinking she's involved with it,' a source said.

A trademark would mean Adele could take legal action against anyone who uses her name to market a product she has not approved, such as a perfume or jewellery.

Adele, who welcomed a son with partner Simon Konecki on October 19, isn't the first celebrity to attempt to trademark a name.

Beyoncé Knowles failed in her mission to trademark her daughter's moniker, Blue Ivy.

The singer and husband Jay-Z welcomed the baby girl on January 7 and shortly thereafter filed an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office through Beyoncé's company BGK Trademark Holdings.

Parents are authorised to trademark the names of their minor children in the US.

However, the couple were denied the trademark after a Boston-based event planning company filed its own application in 2009.

Showaddywaddy 40th tour dates

Showaddywaddy 40th tour dates

SHOWADDYWADDY have long been established as Europe's most successful ever exponents of retro-inspired rock & roll. The record simply speaks for itself!

15 massive selling albums (including the Christmas number 1 in 1978) An incredible live show - acclaimed the world over! In excess of 50 Top of the Pops performances, and countless Industry awards and the band are 40 years old and have unveiled a 2013 UK tour to celebrate!

Former lead singer Dave Barton still manages the band after handing over vocal duties to Andy Pelos. Dave has also makes his literary debut with his book 'The Boys of Summer' charting the rock n roll life in the 1970's, through to the last decade when the heady days of teeny-bop hysteria were long gone. 

In this bitter-sweet account Dave Bartram candidly recollects the extraordinary occurrences of 10 weeks in the UK's bucket & spade resorts, which strained every emotion to breaking point!

SHOWADDYWADDY ARE: :

LEAD VOCALS ANDY PELOS
DRUMS ROMEO CHALLENGER
BASS GUITAR ROD DEAS
KEYBOARDS/VOCALS DEAN LOACH
LEAD GUITAR/VOCALS PAUL DIXON
DRUMS/GUITAR/VOCALS ROB HEWINS

Full tour dates

JANUARY
FRI 11th BIER KELLER-BRACKNELL
SAT 12th ST. DAVIDS HALL-CARDIFF
FRI 25th ALBERT HALLS-BOLTON
SAT 26th PLAYHOUSE -EPSOM

FEBRUARY
FRI 1st NEW THEATRE-HULL
SAT 2nd CORN EXCHANGE-KINGS LYNN
FRI 8th PLAYHOUSE- WHITLEY BAY
SAT 9th VILLAGE THEATRE-EAST KILBRIDE
FRI 15th PLOWRIGHT THEATRE-SCUNTHORPE
SAT 16th THE STABLES-WAVENDON, MILTON KEYNES
FRI 22nd MART THEATRE-SKIPTON
SAT 23rd BUCCLEUCH CENTRE-LANGHOLM

MARCH
FRI 1st BECK THEATRE-HAYES
SAT 2nd PICTUREDROME-HOLMFIRTH, HUDDERSFIELD
FRI 8th SAVOY THEATRE-MONMOUTH
SAT 9th LIBRARY THEATRE- DARWEN
FRI 15th ASSEMBLY-LEAMINGTON SPA
SAT 16th PRINCES THEATRE-CLACTON
FRI 22nd PAVILION-EXMOUTH
SAT 23rd PRINCESS ROYAL THEATRE-PORT TALBOT
FRI 29th TIVOLI-BUCKLEY, N WALES
SAT 30th ELGIVA THEATRE-CHESHAM

APRIL
FRI 5th LEMON TREE-ABERDEEN
SAT 6th GLENROTHES HALL-GLENROTHES
FRI 12th CORN EXCHANGE-BEDFORD
SAT 13th CAMBERLEY THEATRE-CAMBERLEY
FRI 19th PALACE THEATRE-KILMARNOCK
SAT 20th BRINDLEY THEATRE-RUNCORN
FRI 26th MILL ARTS CENTRE-BANBURY
SAT 27th TOWN HALL-OSSETT, W YORKS

MAY
FRI 3rd OCTAGON-YEOVIL
SAT 4th ARTS CENTRE -SWINDON
FRI 10th GARRICK THEATRE-LICHFIELD
SAT 11th CUSTOMS HOUSE-SOUTH SHIELDS
FRI 17th COURTYARD-HEREFORD
SAT 18th OAKENGATES THEATRE-TELFORD
FRI 24th THE ATKINSON-SOUTHPORT
SAT 25th PAVILION-RHYL
FRI 31st PALACE THEATRE-REDDITCH

JUNE
SAT 1st WOODVILLE HALLS-GRAVESEND

www.showaddywaddy.net
www.davebartram.org.uk

The 12 talents of Christmas - number 11

The 12 talents of Christmas - number 11

So, as we told you earlier this week, our lovely partners Root1, have been searching through all their artists for 12 fantastic tracks. In the 12 days before Christmas, Root1 are working with both Music News and Music Crowns to support these 12 artists and try and get as many people to see their music as possible.

Also, as we are feeling extra festive this season, we are also giving away a pair of Dre Beat Solo Headphones to a super supportive fan. We will be announcing the 12 artists over the next 12 days and if you buy 3 of the tracks then you will be entered in to the draw!

So without further delay, let's announce our Eleventh 'Talent of Christmas'

'On The Eleventh Day of Christmas My Root1 Gave To Me.'

Jessica Hammond x Ollie Green ' 'Come Over'

Singer/ Songwriter Jessica Hammond has been making waves in the music industry since her talent was spotted on last years The Voice. Praised by both Jessie J and Will I am for her incredible vocals and unique sound, Jessica has kept up momentum and growth since the show and is sure to be one to watch for 2013.

The chosen track 'Come Over' is a product of Ollie Green's latest work. Having produced official remixes for Lady Gaga and Carly Rae Jepson Ollie is quickly making a name for himself in the industry. 'Come Over' is laced with infectious beats and catchy lyrics demanding a place between any Guetta track. With vocal power that would match the likes of Christina Aguilera and Kesha this track is definitely the perfect addition to any plays list this holiday season. 

A combination of two talents, this track is definitely one you need to have in you life. With focus and determination Jessica is a prime example of a Root1artist and a deserving winner for the eleventh 12 Talents of Christmas spot
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We The Kings offer free download of Wham classic 'Last Christmas'

We The Kings offer free download of Wham classic 'Last Christmas'

After 3 million track sales to date, Florida quartet We The Kings made quite an impression when they hit the UK last summer as guests to Simple Plan. 

They've now embraced the Christmas spirit by offering a free download of their take on Wham's seasonal classic 'Last Christmas' which is available through their official site, scroll down to view.

The band will now commence 2013 with a fresh run of activity on these shores. Not only have they announced details of their largest headline tour to date, the 'UK Is Forever' tour, which includes a London show at the Scala, but they will also release the 'Friday Is Forever' EP on January 21st on S-Curve Records / Warner Bros. Records.

The yearning, summery power-pop of 'Friday Is Forever' opens the five-track EP which is completed by the live favourite 'Check Yes Juliet' as well as three acoustic songs which are previously unreleased in the UK in the shape of 'Party, Fun, Love & Radio', 'Say You Like Me' and 'Secret To New York'.

The full schedule for the We The Kings 'UK is Forever' tour is:

January

24th ' Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms
25th ' Leeds, Cockpit
26th ' Manchester, Academy 3
28th ' Glasgow, Garage
29th ' Birmingham, O2 Academy 2
30th- London, Scala

Maroon 5: Purveyors of Pop Perfection

Maroon 5: Purveyors of Pop Perfection

Moves Like Jagger, Payphone, and now One More Night. Love or hate Maroon 5, one thing is undisputable ' Adam Levine and his supporting cast of hitmakers know how to craft hits with staying power.

Take their latest chart-topper, One More Night for example. It just finished up a 9 week stint atop the Billboard Hot 100 (replaced by Rihanna's Diamonds), and to date has hit #1 on 7 charts in 5 countries. What's really amazing, though, is the fact that it was strong enough to hold off the Gangnam Style surge, keeping PSY locked at the #2 position on the Hot 100 for 7 consecutive weeks. This was no small feat considering that to-date Gangnam Style has hit #1 on 30 charts in 29 countries.

So just what was it about One More Night that kept PSY from performing topless as promised if he hit #1 on the Hot 100?

First, the scene was set for success. Maroon 5 were still riding high and in the public eye from the massive success gained from their previous chart-topper, Payphone (which itself built off of the success of Moves Like Jagger and the Levine/Gym Class Heroes collaboration Stereo Hearts). And then there was Adam Levine's visibility on The Voice, which kept him in front of millions of viewers on a weekly basis. 

With the stage set, it now all came down to the song itself. Levine enlisted a who's who of today's top Pop hitmakers including Max Martin, Savan Kotecha and Shellback to craft a song that both embraced the Maroon 5 sound that their fans had come to love and expect all the while charting new territory with the Reggae backed music and vibe. What they wound up with was an ultra-infectious, genre mashing song that stood out from the mainstream Pop pack. 

As for the song itself, there were a host of key factors that played a vital role in its success, including frequent sectional turnover that kept the listener engaged with something new entering the mix about once every 0:20, the fusion of modern Pop & Reggae elements that broadened the song's demographic reach potential, an exceptionally infectious & memorable vocal melody in EACH section of the song, and universal, engaging lyrics that utilized imagery, action & emotion that engrossed the listener in the storyline, to name just a few of many.

But the main reason why One More Night gets stuck in your head and is almost impossible to shake is due to the abundance of repetition utilized throughout the song. This includes sectional and cross-sectional lyric and vocal melody repetition, backing music repetition, and the ultra-infectious, memorable 'oo,oo,oo.' hook that repeats throughout the song in various manifestations (via the vocals, synth and bass),

In the end, though, like I say, it all comes down to the song's overall vibe and how it makes the listener FEEL. Star power, hype and promotion will provide the breadth of the song's potential reach, and the internal (craft) factors will 'package' the song for the masses. But once you start listening, it's the SOUL of the song that ultimately needs to connect and resonate, and One More Night has Soul.

To read the complete One More Night Deconstructed report and gain access to the Hit Songs Deconstructed archive, go towww.hitsongsdeconstructed.com/onemorenigh
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Sharon Osbourne pampers pets at Christmas

Sharon Osbourne pampers pets at Christmas

Sharon Osbourne's pet dogs all get their own stocking for Christmas.

The 60-year-old has a grand total of 12 dogs of various different breeds.

With the festive season in full swing, the television personality is thinking about how she will spoil her pooches this year.

'Don't be ridiculous of course I will be [getting them presents]!' she told British Star magazine.

'They get their own stockings, my dogs.'

During the run of popular MTV show The Osbournes, their large brood of pets was often shown causing havoc in the family home.

Despite giving her dogs lots of love and care, Sharon says she doesn't have what it takes to keep them all under control.

'Oh, they dance. All of mine can play the piano and do all kinds of tricks. It just comes naturally to me,' she quipped.

'I'm lying, of course. They do nothing but sh*t, and, of course lick and love you! I wish I had the patience to train them, but I don't.'

Despite planning to spend lots of time with her pups over the holidays, the British star says the rest of the Osbourne clan will be doing their own thing this Christmas.

Jack married Lisa Stelly this year, while Kelly is currently dating Matthew Mosshart.

'No, we are split up this year,' she explained.

'Jack's married and got his own family now, so he is going to his in-laws, and Kelly is going to her boyfriend's house. Aimee, Ozzy and I will be over here [the UK].'

Jennifer Nettles gives birth

Jennifer Nettles gives birth

Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles welcomed son Magnus Hamilton Thursday December 6.

The 38-year-old Grammy-winning country crooner and her entrepreneur husband Justin Hamilton are delighted with their first child together.

Mother and baby are happy and well.

The couple can't thank their loved ones enough for their encouragement throughout Jennifer's pregnancy.

'We are so thankful for all the prayers and support and are excited to take some time together as a new family,' Jennifer and Justin released in a statement to People magazine.

Jennifer is apparently relieved that her son has been delivered.

The star spoke previously about the difficulties she faced in her last trimester.

'I just feel good to rest,' she told the publication.

'[But] things are starting to get a little uncomfortable, if you will!'

Jennifer and Justin celebrated their first year as man and wife on November 28.

The pair wed in Tennessee in an intimate ceremony at sunset.

One Direction fears for Styles' Swift romance

One Direction fears for Styles' Swift romance

Harry Styles' One Direction bandmates reportedly have a bad feeling about his romance with Taylor Swift.

The British pop star and American singer are thought to have rekindled their relationship recently. Taylor was even said to be looking for a home near Harry in the UK.

Harry's One Direction group members Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Liam Payne are concerned about the affair.

'Harry's public romancing of Taylor has got the other lads all riled up,' a source told Radar Online.

'With Taylor's reputation for writing break-up songs about her exes, they think Harry could find himself in a spot of bother if it doesn't work out and his actions are setting them all up for a fall.

'They also think it is moving too quickly and both have busy schedules, so it's a difficult time for either one of them to commit.

'Harry's especially loved by the band's female fans and there is a feeling that by being so open about his relationship with Taylor he will only upset them.

'The boys are praying that when it does come down to it, he ends things amicably with her. Otherwise, they fear there will be hell to pay."

Christina Aguilera 'likes to be free'

Christina Aguilera 'likes to be free'

Christina Aguilera is 'comfortable in her skin'.

The 31-year-old Beautiful singer generated headlines for her racy Lotus album cover, in which her hair covers her breasts and her naked body rises out of petals.

If Christina had a say in the matter, she would rather not be fully covered in clothes.

"I like to be free," she revealed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

"Sometimes, the less clothing, the better! I''m just comfortable in my skin and my body."

Christina met United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton when the musician was honoured with the McGovern Award for her work to end world hunger.

The star was enthralled with the politician.

"She''s such a force in a room,' Christina said.

'She''s got that star charisma and everything about her. I couldn''t take my eyes off her, either, so it was mutual. Is that bad? I don''t know. Maybe I shouldn''t say that! I''m so inappropriate."

Bruno Mars 'evolving'

Bruno Mars 'evolving'

Bruno Mars is happy to 'weird a couple people out' with his new album.

The singer is preparing for the release of his new record Unorthodox Jukebox next week.

Bruno views the new songs he created as nothing short of a musical metamorphosis.

"It's not a risk; at the end of the day, it's me, so it's like either you like me or you don't," he told MTV News.

"I don't know if I've earned that. I don't know what people are going to think of this album; but I do know it's me, it's who I am. I am all over the place, because I'm a producer... I think it's a good thing to weird a couple people out and scare a couple people.

"Because this is the artistry now, this is evolving, and I've always looked up to artists that evolve. Michael Jackson, Kanye West, every album sounds like something different; it's because you listen to new things, you're seeing new things, you're feeling new emotions, you're dating a new girl. Everything is always different, so it always has to change and evolve."

Unorthodox Jukebox will hit the shelves December 11.

Alicia Keys 'excited' for Grammys

Alicia Keys 'excited' for Grammys

Alicia Keys is 'so happy' about Frank Ocean's Grammy nominations.

The R&B crooner worked with Frank on her single One Thing.

Frank has been nominated in six categories at next year's awards.

She couldn't be more excited for her friend.

"I'm so happy! I'm gonna tell him today cause I was in these rehearsals all day so they kind of came out, what last night or something, so by the time today I figured out kind of everything that was going on," Alicia told MTV News.

"I'm so excited for Frank. I think he's a really, really, really special artist for real. And I'm so glad that people are recognising that. I think this is going to be a really cool Grammy year."

Alicia's peer Miguel has also been nominated for five Grammys.

The star will ensure that she also extends her congratulations to the Adorn crooner.

"I'm gonna reach out to a couple people. I'm gonna reach out to Miguel," Alicia said. "I think that he's awesome."

Alicia has won 14 Grammys.

The 55th Annual Grammy Awards will be held in Los Angeles on February 10.

M.I.A.: I wanted to change the world

M.I.A.: I wanted to change the world

M.I.A. thinks she was too "hyperactive" for university because she just wanted to "change the world".

The musician attended Central St Martins College in London, UK, where she studied art, film and video. Her friend Steve Loveridge comments she seemed "bored and frustrated" most of the time in the forward of a new book M.I.A. is bringing out, which focuses on her love of art.

The star admits she did struggle with aspects of her education.

"I was quite young and I was a hyperactive person with loads of ideas," she told The Independent's Radar magazine. "I wanted to change the world and was really inspired all the time, and it was really difficult for me to come into school and sit down and listen to theory that didn't really apply to my real life at the time."

Although M.I.A. initially thought she would build a career in the art world, she soon realised music was going to help more with her mission. The 37-year-old feared she would never be able to get her message heard unless she started writing songs and was thrilled when she won her first record deal.

She was determined not to forget about art completely though, with her self-titled book included photographs, collages and other visual ideas she's come up with throughout her life.

"It's been difficult. Or at least at the time it was; now it's more acceptable because technology is changing, but in 2004 when I was getting a record deal at XL, they would say, 'You've gotta choose if you want this or this,' and I always had to sort of sneak stuff in, and half the time not even tell them that I was doing it," she recalled.

Jack White: My shows aren't movies

Jack White: My shows aren't movies

Jack White has hit out at critics of his live shows, insisting people shouldn't expect to watch 'Gone with the Wind'.

Jack's performance at Radio City Music Hall in New York in September was slammed after the show ended abruptly and an angry crowd formed in protest. The former White Stripes frontman insists his performances are never planned and fans must prepare themselves for anything when they buy a ticket to see him.

'I think the first night, the mob had decided they're going to go watch Gone with the Wind. In these times, it feels like a lot of people think a rock'n'roll show is the same as going to the movies, that a ticket is an emblem of entitlement. Whether they know it or not, the crowd's in control of my show, not me,' he told the January edition of Esquire magazine. 'We don't have a set list on stage and people in the crowd find out a few songs in that that's what's going on. I want people to understand that this is not rehearsed. This is happening. In the moment. And you're part of it.'

The 37-year-old music star tailors his shows around the audience.

Jack likes to feed off the crowd and is very receptive to what they want to hear, but he also expects concertgoers to be enthusiastic.

'If I was playing in an old folks' home, and I played a couple of songs from the '40s and everyone clapped, and then I put on an electric guitar and played a Jimi Hendrix song and everyone started covering their ears, now I know the next song I do should not be electric and loud,' he explained. 'I saw, that first night, just hundreds of people straight-up not clapping. So I have no idea what to pick for the next song."

Simon Cowell: One D don't need Grammys

Simon Cowell: One D don't need Grammys

Simon Cowell says One Direction are 'not complaining' about their Grammy Awards snub.

The British boyband is signed with the music mogul's Syco Records label and has enjoyed great success worldwide.

However, teenage heartthrobs Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Liam Payne didn't receive any nominations at the Grammy Nominations Concert Live! on Wednesday.

"No, you know what? You know what's more important? Fans, record sales, I've always said that. Maybe next year they'll get something,' he assured MTV News.

"Trust me, they're not complaining."

The boys certainly don't have much to worry about, as their new album Take Me Home has proved just as successful as their debut record Up All Night.

They are now busy promoting third single Kiss You from their latest musical offering and the boys promise fans they have a great music promo to look forward to.

"I think the whole concept behind the video is bigger than anything we've done before," Zayn teased.

"It's a whole idea and it's kind of structured, which is a little bit different than what we've done before in like a comedy way. It's really funny. We are just having fun."

Liam added: "There were proper sets and everything for this video, and there was a lot of hard work that went into it with the crew and everything."

As far as awards go, 2012 hasn't been a bad year for the lads.

The band scooped three awards at the MTV Video Music Awards alone.

Jennifer Nettles gives birth

Jennifer Nettles gives birth

Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles welcomed son Magnus Hamilton Thursday December 6.

The 38-year-old Grammy-winning country crooner and her entrepreneur husband Justin Hamilton are delighted with their first child together.

Mother and baby are happy and well.

The couple can't thank their loved ones enough for their encouragement throughout Jennifer's pregnancy.

'We are so thankful for all the prayers and support and are excited to take some time together as a new family,' Jennifer and Justin released in a statement to People magazine.

Jennifer is apparently relieved that her son has been delivered.

The star spoke previously about the difficulties she faced in her last trimester.

'I just feel good to rest,' she told the publication.

'[But] things are starting to get a little uncomfortable, if you will!'

Jennifer and Justin celebrated their first year as man and wife on November 28.

The pair wed in Tennessee in an intimate ceremony at sunset.

Noel Gallagher looks for live Blur collaboration

Noel Gallagher looks for live Blur collaboration

Damon and Graham are set to play Teenage Cancer Trust on the very same night as their former arch enemy and a join sing-a-long could be the nights closer. 

Noel Gallagher is curating next year's Teenage Cancer Trust shows at the Royal Albert Hall and has been telling Xfm he may share the stage with Britpop rivals Damon Albarn and Graham Coxon from Blur.

It's the first time Roger Daltrey has relinquished line-up control for the annual charity event of which Xfm is the exclusive radio partner.

Noel has lined up Kasabian, Primal Scream and Ryan Adams for next March and the man himself will be taking to the stage on March 23 with Damon and Graham on the same bill.

Speaking to Xfm's Dan O'Connell Noel explained that he was after Blur from the offset.

"They were one of the first people that I asked - if Blur could do it - because Damon had always said that he'd like to do it, they've tried to get Gorillaz once or twice but could never quite make it work. It was a shame Blur couldn't do it.

He continued, "I dunno how they're gonna do it... I think Damon plays piano and Graham plays guitar and they'll do a load of Blur songs and everyone has a great night. 

"I wouldn't be adverse to getting up with them and playing Tender though - that being one of my favourite Blur songs."

You wouldn't have imagined it possible 15 years ago - something Noel acknowledged.

"What would I have said in '97? There would have been swear words involved. Definitely," he told Dan.

"We're all older now. I've been on tour with Graham recently and I've met Damon recently... we're all old dudes from the past."

Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall takes place March 19 - 24.

The full list of gigs:

Tuesday 19 - Ryan Adams plus special guest Beth Orton
Wednesday 20 - An evening of comedy with Russell Brand, Noel Fielding and very special guests
Thursday 21 - Primal Scream
Friday 22 - Kasabian
Saturday 23 - Noel Gallagher and special guests including Damon Albarn & Graham Coxon
Sunday 24 - Rizzle Kicks, Labrinth

LeAnn Rimes 'sparks health fears'

LeAnn Rimes 'sparks health fears'

LeAnn Rimes' team reportedly fears the star could be "going crazy again".

The country songstress is currently embroiled in a very public bitter battle with her husband's ex-partner Brandi Glanville.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star shares boys Mason, nine, and Jake, five, with Eddie Cibrian, who had an affair with LeAnn while married to Brandi.

LeAnn - who married Eddie last year - has been accused by Brandi of having a "severe" eating disorder and endangering her children.

Sources say Brandi is close to taking action over her claims, with an insider telling the New York Daily News that a battle will "prove difficult because Glanville doesn't want to hurt Cibrian, whom she believes is a 'good father'."

'Everyone that manages LeAnn, everyone who knows her, says she is going crazy again,' the source added. 'Brandi is always kept in the dark. All of the Twitter, rehab nonsense Brandi just doesn't understand. How could she go perform concerts from there? Nothing is clear.'

LeAnn entered rehab over the summer due to 'stress and exhaustion," but left after just one week to perform a series of shows in California.

Yesterday Brandi accused LeAnn of being 'unstable' and says she fears for her sons' safety in a bombshell interview with Us Weekly.

"I see this ending badly - I see someone getting hurt. She's not healthy. And until she's healthy, I don't want her around my children by herself," she said.

"She has [a laxative] in every purse. Mason found one on the floor and thought it was a Skittle! They don't keep sugar in the house. He thought he finally found candy! He gets extremely sick, and that freaks me the f**k out."

Mumford & Sons and Rihanna to headline T20

Mumford & Sons and Rihanna to headline T20

T in the Park are thrilled to reveal that Mumford & Sons and Rihanna will headline T20, with The Script, alt-J, Paloma Faith, Jake Bugg and Of Monsters and Men also joining the bill.

T20 is already shaping up to be a truly stellar affair and an unmissable weekend, and music lovers don't have to wait long before they can get their hands on the ultimate festival ticket of 2013 as a limited batch of T in the Park tickets will go on sale this Friday from 9am at 2012 prices here.

Converting a whole new generation to folk-informed music with their five million selling debut release Sigh No More, Mumford & Sons returned in 2012 with its follow-up Babel - the number 1 album which has become the fastest selling album of the year in both the UK and US. A phenomenal live band, Mumford & Sons will headline T in the Park's 20th year, with what promises to be a hotly anticipated performance.

For regular T in the Park news, check out www.facebook.com/tinthepark and follow on Twitter @Tinthepark

Michael Buble thrilled with Witherspoon duet

Michael Buble thrilled with Witherspoon duet

Michael Buble is 'thrilled' Reese Witherspoon has agreed to duet with him.
In October there was speculation that the Oscar-winning actress was considering singing with Michael for his new album. Michael has now confirmed the rumours are true and they will be working together next year.
'By all accounts that would be true, yeah,' he told UK TV show Daybreak when asked about his reported duet with Reese. 'I am a big fan, so myself and my camp wanted to do this with her and we were thrilled that she was excited about it too. That will be a studio album next year.'
Michael has been busy this year and 2013 looks equally as hectic. Along with working on a new record, the 37-year-old star is also going on tour.
Although Michael still feels passionate about his music, he insists that once he has children with his wife, Argentine actress-and-model Luisana Lopilato, he will want to spend more time at home.
'It can't always be like that,' he replied when asked if his work schedule is already mapped out for next year. 'I won't allow it to be like that because when I do have children my priority will be my family. My priority already is my family and I have been on that treadmill and I will continue for a couple of years and it's not like I am going to stop but I will definitely slow down the pace so that I don't have to hate myself for not being there for my family.'
Michael travels all around the world performing live and promoting his new material, while Luisana is also busy with her acting career.
The Italian Canadian crooner insists married life is 'great' but admits that maintaining a long distance relationship can be tough.
Michael makes the most of any time he spends with Luisana, and goes to any length to ensure he makes her happy.
'We are definitely apart quite a bit, but I try to hang out with her as much as possible,' he explained. 'When she is on set making a movie I go down there and my job is to rub her feet and bring her coffee, basically.'

Sharon Osbourne expects Kelly wedding

Sharon Osbourne expects Kelly wedding

Sharon Osbourne wouldn't be surprised if her daughter Kelly "married tomorrow".
TV star Kelly is dating Matthew Mosshart and has publicly declared her love for him. Her mother Sharon is thrilled with her daughter's current boyfriend and has no problem about them being so serious.
"She's so happy she could get married tomorrow!" Sharon told Heat magazine. "Nothing surprises me with my daughter, she's not predictable. She's never been happier - you can always tell by her eyes. She's got really shiny eyes at the moment, so she's happy."
Sharon's son Jack became a father for the first time earlier this year, when his now wife Lisa gave birth to their daughter Pearl. Kelly loves being an aunt and Sharon has delighted in seeing her daughter dote on the little girl.
"Oh my God, yes," she replied, when asked if Kelly is broody. "You can't help but feel broody when you see that little butterball - you just want to eat her! I think Kelly wants to end up with ten babies. One day it will definitely happen."
Sharon also called Matthew a "lovely guy" in the interview and spoke about her Christmas plans.
The Osbourne family will be celebrating in different places this year as Kelly and Matthew have plans and Jack and Lisa will be with her family.
The clan will come together for a big New Year party though.

Rihanna 'to take time off for baby'

Rihanna 'to take time off for baby'

Rihanna has apparently asked her record label for 'time off' so she can have a baby with Chris Brown.

The pair split in 2009 after Chris was convicted of assaulting Rihanna, but they seem to have rekindled their relationship, with the Diamonds singer posting snaps of herself and Chris on Twitter.

Now friends say the 24-year-old is keen to start a family with the controversial singer.

'She asked her record company when the best time would be for her to take off, as she wants a baby,' an insider divulged to British magazine Closer.

'They just stared at her. Everyone was pretty open-mouthed. But she hasn't got any time free in her diary until 2014.'

While Rihanna's dad Ronald Fenty has publicly said he supports his daughter's decision to reunite with Chris, her mother Monica Braithwaite doesn't seem quite so sure.

Monica has apparently been reaching out to the singer to try and talk her out of a relationship with Chris.

'She called Rihanna to yell at her, asking what she's doing with her life,' a source explained.

'They've been blowing up over the Chris issue for weeks now. Her mom has told her not to waste any time on Chris and said, 'Is this the type of man you want as your baby's dad? He's acting just like your dad used to.''

Rihanna has previously revealed that Ronald struggled with alcohol and drug addiction and was abusive to her mother.

However, Monica's comments allegedly haven't got through to the singer.

Rihanna has allegedly told friends to keep New Year's Eve free, with friends convinced the couple are planning a surprise wedding on that date.

'This has made Rihanna even more determined to marry him,' the source sighed.

Meanwhile, Chris has made a return to Twitter with a reflective message.

The singer simply wrote '#CarpeDiem' on his page on Monday, marking his social media comeback after a bitter feud with comedienne Jenny Johnson about Rihanna.