Justin is Still on Top of the Charts

Justin Timberlake continues his banner year in 2013 with a second week atop the Billboard 200 album chart with The 20/20 Experience. The Grammy winners sold another 318,000 copies last week to bring his two-week total to 1.29 million making it the only album to top a million units this year. I think Timberlake will be a big Grammy contender for this record next year not to mention I’m sure he’ll grab another Emmy nomination for his recent Saturday Night Live hosting gig… He also holds off a barrage of debuts from Lil Wayne, Blake Shelton, OneRepublic, Alan Jackson, Depeche Mode and The Strokes. Take a look at where all the albums landed below and head to Billboard for more on the charts here.

Top Ten Albums on the Billboard 200:
1. The 20/20 Experience- Justin Timberlake (last week~ 1)
2. I Am Not A Human Being II- Lil Wayne (debut)
3. Based on a True Story…- Blake Shelton (debut)
4. Native- OneRepublic (debut)
5. Precious Memories: Volume II- Alan Jackson (debut)
6. Delta Machine- Depeche Mode (debut)
7. The Truth About Love- P!nk (lw~ 5)
8. Night Visions- Imagine Dragons (lw~ 6)
9. Unorthodox Jukebox- Bruno Mars (lw~ 3)
10. Comedown Machine- The Strokes (debut)

Over on the Hot 100 Singles chart, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis makes it 6 non-consecutive weeks on top with “Thrift Shop”. They continue to hold off a surging Bruno Mars and P!nk while Imagine Dragons makes a big splash with their first top ten hit “Radioactive” flying up to # 7. They previously hit # 15 with their long running hit “It’s Time”. Also making an auspicious debut is newcomer and Victorious star Ariana Grande who comes out of nowhere to debut in the top ten with her first single The Way”. For more on all the singles charts, head to Billboard here and take a gander at the new top ten below.

Top Ten Singles on the Hot 100:
1. “Thrift Shop”- Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (last week~ 1)
2. “When I Was Your Man”- Bruno Mars (lw~ 4)
3. “Suit & Tie”- Justin Timberlake w/ Jay Z (lw~ 3)
4. “Harlem Shake”- Baauer (lw~ 2)
5. “Just Give Me A Reason”- P!nk w. Nate Reuss (lw~ 6)
6. “Stay”- Rihanna w/ Mikky Ekko (lw~ 5)
7. “Radioactive”- Imagine Dragons (lw~ 15)
8. “Started from the Bottom”- Drake (lw~ 7)
9. “Feel This Moment”- Pitbull w. Christina Aguilera (lw~8)
10. “The Way”- Ariana Grande w. Mac Miller (debut)

And here’s Imagine Dragons with their new smash “Radioactive”

American Idol Quick Wrap 3/6/13~ The Guys Fight Back

So, this season is all about the ladies on American Idol and um, yes, it is. However, a few guys are desperately trying to throw a wrench in the female domination. And while a few are definitely in the mix, they still pale in comparison to the fairer sex. That said, I was impressed by the improvement of a few and the confidence of the one guy we know is gonna go far, Lazaro. That adorable kid who is overcoming his stutter and confidence issues to be a real star is the only guy that I’m 100% confident is going thru to the finals next week. But, I do have my favorites and I think some of them have a shot. Just who are they? Take a look at my rankings for Guys Night below.

American Idol Rankings 3/6/13~ The Guys

1. Paul: my favorite male singer in the competition is serving up theatrical pop country and I’m loving it just as much as I love RuPaul’s Drag Race (which is a lot, lol). He has a great voice and improved greatly over last week with his cover of the Christina Aguilera/Blake Shelton duet “Just a Fool”. (Yes, I love when Paul sings the divas like Carrie and Xtina!) I really think he could go far if he just really embraces who he is. Paul also is one of only three white guys in the race and there is always at least one white guy in the finals. It’s gonna be Paul.
2. Devin: now this guy has a beautiful voice with a glorious tone and he gave arguably the best vocal tonight on Perry Como’s “Impossible”. His bilingual shtick could get old, but he’s so good at it and he totally has the Latin vote. His personality was also shining brighter tonight as he seemed genuine and humble. Well done.
3. Lazaro: well, someone is certainly coming out of his shell these days. Easily the most popular guy in the race right now, Lazaro also gave his best performance to date on “Feeling Good”. While it was miles behind the brilliant take Adam Lambert did a few years back, it was quite assured and felt natural for Lazaro. I’m glad he is continuing to grow as a singer and performer. And yes, he’s adorable like a puppy!
4. Curtis: ok, let’s be honest. I can’t stand this arrogant affected guy or his stank faces and I am not buying the Jesus juice he is selling. However, damn the guy can sing. His performance of R. Kelly’s # 1 smash “I Believe I Can Fly” started off cheesy, but then he took it to church and soared to the rafters. I think he’ll move on pretty easily. However, he needs some humility stat. Take a lesson from last season’s Joshua Ledet please Curtis!
5. Burnell: there is just something compelling about Burnell and his lovely and subtle take on “I’m Here” from The Color Purple was very good. He was out shown vocally by a few guys tonight, but he is quite likable and I’m excited to see what he’ll do next.
6. Nick: this talented guy is sorely lacking in star quality unfortunately. But he did have a strong performance with his nice reworking of the Goo Goo Doll’s massive 1998 hit “Iris”. He sits right in the cozy Hot AC wheelhouse that Idol vets (Kris Allen, David Cook, Phillip Phillips, Daughtry) do so well and that could help him. Yet, I still feel like he may suffer under the weight of bigger personalities.
7. Vincent: one of those bigger personalities, Vincent, had a great week last week. However, he squandered it all with an off pitch and plodding version of Boyz II Men’s # 1 90′s classic “End of the Road”. All the good will he won a week ago is not likely to carry him through to the finals if you ask me.
8. Cortez: well, this guy looks and acts like a star. I just wish he performed and sounded like one too. While I liked his take on Bruno Mars’ recent chart topper “Locked Out of Heaven”, it wasn’t all that memorable and even a little karaoke. Sorry Cortez.
9. Elijah: while tonight’s performance of Rihanna’s current top 5 hit “Stay” was a million times better than last week’s train wreck, Elijah still has no chance in hell of moving forward. He’s just not even on the same level as the other guys (who aren’t even on the same level as most of the girls to boot).
10. Charlie: um I don’t really want to throw salt on his wounds, but Charlie’s take on that Genesis song was horrifyingly bad. I hope his experience on the show doesn’t wound him for life, but luckily it should be over tomorrow.

Predictions~

Sailing Through: Lazaro
Likely Going Through: Curtis, Devin
I think they’ll make it: Paul, Burnell
Fighting for a wild card: Vincent, Nick
Buh Bye forever: Charlie, Elijah, Cortez

So, the boys did much better than I thought they would. But really, it’s not gonna be enough to stop the lady train… At least, not yet… So, who do you think was the best tonight and might be able to keep up with the girls? Sound off below and watch American Idol tomorrow night for the results and to see who is lucky enough to grab a “secret” wild card spot too.

It’s Time for my Big Bold 2013 Grammy Award Winner Predictions

Sunday night is the biggest night in the music industry with the Grammy Awards airing on CBS. Some of the big nominees include fun., The Black Keys, Mumford & Sons, Kelly Clarkson, Frank Ocean and Hunter Hayes, but just who will win? … Well, let’s take a look at my big, bold, but totally unscientific predictions below and see… Then, watch the show Sunday night with performances from the above mentioned artists plus Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Justin Timberlake at 8pm on CBS.

My Big Bold 2013 Grammy Award Winner Predicitons~

Record of the Year:
“Lonely Boy”- The Black Keys, “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)”- Kelly Clarkson, “We Are Young”- fun. w/Janelle Monae, “Somebody that I Used to Know”- Gotye, “Thinking ‘Bout You”- Frank Ocean, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”- Taylor Swift
Will Win: “Somebody that I Used to Know”
Should win: “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)”
~ spoiler: “We Are Young”

Song of the Year (award to the songwriter)
“The A Team” (Ed Sheerhan), “Adorn” (Miguel), “Call Me Maybe” (Carly Rae Jepson), “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” (Kelly Clarkson), “We Are Young” (fun.)
Will win: “We Are Young”
Should win: “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)”
Spoiler: “The A Team”

Album of the Year:
El Camino- The Black Keys, Some Nights- fun., Babel- Mumford & Sons, channel ORANGE- Frank Ocean, Blunderbuss 2- Jack White
Will win: Mumford & Sons
Should win: fun
Spoiler: The Black Keys

Best New Artist:
Alabama Shakes, fun., Hunter Hayes, Frank Ocean, The Lumineers
Will & Should win: fun.
spoiler: Frank Ocean

Best Pop Solo Performance:
“Set Fire to the Rain”- Adele, “Call Me Maybe”- Carly Rae Jepsen, “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)”- Kelly Clarkson, “Wide Awake”- Katy Perry, “Where Have You Been?”- Rihanna
Will & Should win: Kelly Clarkson
Spoiler: Adele

Pop Duo/Group/Collaboration:
“Shake It Out”- Florence + the Machine, “We Are Young”- fun. w/Janelle Monae, “Somebody that I Used to Know”- Gotye w/Kimbra, “Sexy and I Know It”- LMFAO, “Payphone”- Maroon 5 w/Wiz Khalifa
Will & Should win: fun.
Spoiler: Gotye w/Kimbra
Pop Album:
Stronger- Kelly Clarkson, Ceremonials- Florence + the Machine, Some Nights- fun., Overexposed- Maroon 5, The Truth About Love- Pink
Will win: fun.
Should win: P!nk
Spoiler: Kelly Clarkson

Country Solo Performance:
“Home”- DIerks Bentley, “Springsteen”- Eric Church, “Cost of Livin’”- Ronnie Dunn, “Wanted”- Hunter Hayes, “Over”- Blake Shelton, “Blown Away”- Carrie Underwood
Will & Should win: Carrie Underwood
Spoiler: Blake Shelton or Eric Church

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg in some of the biggest categories. If you’d like to know my thoughts in the other fields like Rock and Dance, shoot me a private message. In the meantime, please enjoy my favorite Grammy nominated song and artist, Miss Kelly Clarkson with “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” below.

My “The Voice” Quick Wrap Recap for the Top 6

I have to say I almost didn’t write this recap… I was so disappointed and irritated with last night’s episode of The Voice, I had to wait until this morning to calm down and be a little more objective… Unfortunately, the top 6 show in season 3 brought up everything I hated about the show from the previous seasons. It was as if the show had turned into the atrocious X Factor again. There was the over-production of all the numbers, the emphasis on dancers, props, lighting and staging over the singing. There was Carson Daly at his worst and the useless Christina Milian babbling away with the stupid “social commentary” of the show. There were all four judges being producers’ puppets and overly praising and hyping their pre-ordained winner Cassadee Pope (who’s good but not that good people). There was no true criticism and the judges were making it all about themselves again. Plus, Christina Aguilera could’ve have been more full of herself and rude again last night, and what on Earth does she have against Amanda? Jealous much? And don’t get me started on Xtina’s wigs and costumes. As a former big fan, she is on her last legs with me… I could go on and on, but I just want to count down the performances and be done with it because I am honestly worried about tonight’s results. As America has proved time and again with talent shows, they often get it wrong and I’m really worried that might happen tonight.

The Voice Performance Rankings for the Top 6
1. Amanda Brown- “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman”: Simply brilliant. The best performance and vocal of the night by a mile.
2. Amanda Brown- “Here I Go Again”: her rocking take on Whitesnake’s 1987 # 1 hit was inspired and awesome. This girl is in a class of her own people!
3. Nicholas David- “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”: just when I thought I would never hear a new interpretation of this classic, I was wrong. This was a lovely interesting version of the song that had me rather pleased and surprised.
4. Cassadee Pope- “I’m With You”: Avril-lite finally got to do an Avril Lavigne song with her nice if uninspired version of this # 3 hit. Sure, Cassadee has a lot of potential to be the first real hit maker from The Voice, but I’m sorry I’m just not buying the Cassadee juice the producers are selling.
5. Trevin Hunte- “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”: while this was his best performance in weeks, I’m sorry Trevin, but you are no Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Holliday or even Jessica Sanchez.
6. Terry McDermott- “I Want to Know What Love Is”: I wasn’t blown away by Terry’s take on this 1985 # 1 hit by Foreigner like the judges were. However, it was pretty good. I would’ve liked more variation and tenderness in his choices and less hollering the whole time.
7. Cassadee Pope- “Stand“: this was another solid performance, but um, Blake she’s not a country artist and stop trying to make her one. Plus the glowsticks in the audience made me want to hurl my tv out the window. Stop it Voice producers! These people are not stars yet!
8. Nicholas David- “September”: this was an ok version of the Earth Wind and Fire classic. Nicholas always exhibits smooth soul and good vocals, but it was a bit boring.
9. Terry McDermott- “Stay with Me”: um, that was fine…. That’s all I have to say cuz I’ve already forgotten it.
10. Trevin Hunte- “Walking on Sunshine”: what the hell was that? Please never again.
11. Melanie Martinez- “The Show”: oh dear that was bad and the rainbow in the background too? Really?
12. Melanie Martinez- “Crazy”: CeeLo should’ve been pissed. She utterly ruined his song with another atrocious pitchy performance. Just terrible.

Should go home: Trevin, Melanie
Will go home: Trevin and um… I don’t know… I think the only person who’s safe is Cassadee. Nicholas, Terry and Melanie are charting well on iTunes, so that will help them. Unfortunately, the best contestant by a mile, Amanda, may end up the loser tonight. Blargh!

So, there’s my recap and if America does the wrong thing and sends Amanda home, I’m done with the show. So, I’m gonna end it here and just wait and see. Hope ya’ll voted for Amanda!!!

My “The Voice” Quick Wrap Recap for 11/26/12

So sorry for the delay in posting this recap for last night’s somewhat underwhelming episode of The Voice. I had a late rehearsal so I didn’t get to watch the show til late, and I totally had to watch the finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars too. (Um Raven, you were robbed!)… Anywho, I’m all caught up and still confused why everyone seems to be in love with Cassadee Pope. She’s selling like crazy on iTunes and certainly does a good job, but really, what is the mass appeal? She’s no Kelly Clarkson. But I digress…. So, just who do I think really has “the voice”? Check out my rankings below.

The Voice Performance Rankings for 11/26/12
1. Amanda Brown- “Someone Like You”: giving us a rocking version of Adele’s massive # 1 smash ballad was a big risk and it paid off in spades. Amanda is the most seasoned and talented of all the finalists if you ask me, not to mention exhibiting the most range. Love her.
2. Cody Belew- “Somebody to Love”: rebounding from his fun but derivative performance last week, my favorite male singer in the competition killed it on Queen’s iconic “Somebody to Love”. He has incredible stage presence and personality to go with his great vocals which got a nice and much-needed showcase this week.
3. Nicholas David- “What’s Going On”: the bearded Santa/ZZ Top contender delivered another pristine and pure vocal on the Marvin Gaye classic cementing his likely status as one of the final four. He also is the only contestant who truly represents what this show claims to be about, so extra points for that Nicholas!
4. Cassadee Pope- “AreYou Happy Now?”: while it was big step down from last week, Cassadee still did a nice job on Michelle Branch’s mid 2000′s rock/pop hit. She’s likable and has a decent voice, but why on Earth is everyone going crazy for her? Please let me know in the comments cuz I’m apparently missing something. (I’d still be content if she won though cuz we need more female winners on these talent shows folks.)
5. Dez Duran- “U Smile”: Dez always does a good job and looks amazing doing it. This one, however, was a little generic and I’m sorry, but a Bieber song? Really? You’re lucky you’re so hot Dez cuz you need a better song next time.
6. Terry McDermott- “Over You”: the Scottish rocker/mulletted Hobbit had another strong vocal on this Blake Shelton country hit. However, he really is lacking the star power to win this show and is it me or do all his performances feel like the same thing?
7. Trevin Hunte- “The Greatest Love of All”: Ok, Trevin is clearly a great guy with a nice voice. However, this was pretty bad. He was flat and/or pitchy throughout his take on Whitney Houston’s # 1 ballad from 1986 “The Greatest Love of All”. As my roommate said last night, he should’ve gone for more of a George Benson take on the song and made it intimate and less bombastic because unfortunately, this was just not good.
8. Melanie Martinez- “Too Close”: absolutely making a mess of Alex Clare’s recent # 7 hit, Melanie Skunk Hair Martinez was the worst of the bunch again. Her wispy vocals are atrocious. She has no stage presence and while I appreciate her attempts to make each song her own, she failed tremendously again last night. This was awful… And so why on Earth are people buying her crap on iTunes too? #Imconfused

Predictions~

In Danger: Trevin, Terry, Cody, Dez (unfortunately for me, Melanie seems destined to stay another week)
Going Home: Trevin and Terry

And there you have it. As RuPaul says, I just “let you have it” with my recap, lol… But what do you think? Who’s your favorite and who do you think is going home? And how terrible of a host if Carson Daly? And why is Xtina so mean to Amanda Brown? Jealous much? And what does Adam have against The Viper Room? And how cute is CeeLo and Cody’s friend/funship? Ok, enough babbling from me. Sound off below and watch the results show tonight on NBC.

Let’s Rank “The Voice” Finalists…

So, I have finally succumbed to The Voice in season 3. While the first two cycles, drove me nuts after the interesting “blind” auditions, this go round has implemented some great changes (like the “Steal”), focused on some fantastic singers and, thankfully, the judges aren’t annoying like before. One more thing that could improve the show~ PLEASE eliminate the ridiculous “Social Media” aspect of the show. We don’t care! Sorry Christina Milian… .Anywho, the improved product has yielded 12 strong finalists, 11 of which deserve to be there. But just who deserves to win at this point? Take a look at my rankings below and watch The Voice live tonight on NBC.

My Ranking of The Voice Finalists~ Top 12 Edition

1. Amanda Brown: she’s flawless week in and week out in every genre of music. Great vocals, gorgeous to look at and a fiery fun personality. She’s my pick to win the whole thing and deservedly so.
2. Cody Belew: this soulful country boy has nailed every musical flavor thrown at him doing it with style and confidence along the way.
3. Trevor Hunte: this big fella can wail like nobody’s business and has a great underdog back story. Now, if he’d stop singing 80′s and 90′s AC ballads…
4. Sylvia Yacoub: she broke out with a tender and emotionally resonant version of “The One That Got Away” that gave us a try sense of who she is and what she can do. She could be a dark horse.
5. Dez Duron: no, he’s not the best singer, but he is clearly a star. He’s hot, has a good voice and has charisma for days. If he picks the right songs, stays humble and improves week to week, he could end up surpassing a lot of better singers in the competition.
6. Terry McDermott: the Scottish rocker’s range is pretty amazing and he has a precise and flawless tone. If he could just fix that hair…
7. Michaela Paige: I’m thrilled Blake “saved” her because she’s by far the best on his weak team. This little P!nk rocker could pull ahead if she continues to nail her live performances.
8. Cassadee Pope: she’s beautiful, has great stage presence and a strong voice. But is the former rock band leader being out shown by the novices?

9. Brian Keith: good voice, but totally unlikable and overly cocky.
10. Nicholas David: he’s the elder statesman in the competition with the velvety voice. He is the definition of the show because you would never think a guy with that voice would look like he does. He’s a nice guy too. However, he is sorely lacking in star quality and is a tad forgettable.
11. Adriana Louise: she was the pretty pop powerhouse that Xtina saved. Now, she better show us why Xtina loves her so much or she is in trouble.
12. Melanie Maritnez: the two-haired girl with the annoying whisper voice plain sucks. I’m sorry I have no idea what she’s doing there or why Adam “saved” her. Blech.

Cody Belew: 

Now, who are your favorites? And who are you gonna vote for tonight? Let me know below.

It’s Blake, It’s Miranda, and It’s an “Idol” Diva Face Off at today’s CMA Nominations

The current prom king and queen of country music, husband and wife duo Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton, maintain their position as a super power country couple by leading this morning’s CMA Award nominations. Both singers grabbed five nominations for this November’s Country Music Association awards while up and comer Eric Church matched their 5 nods. Grabbing three nominations apiece were Jason Aldean, Taylor Swift, Little Big Town, Kenny Chesney and Dierks Bentley. In the prestigious Entertainer of the Year category, Shelton will take on Swift, Chesney, Aldean and Brad Paisley who will also co-host the show again with Carrie Underwood... Speaking of Underwood, she grabbed her 7th consecutive nomination for Female Vocalist this morning, a category she has won 3 times, and this year may be her most dramatic battle yet. While she will take on former winners Lambert, Swift and Maritna McBride, she will also face off with Kelly Clarkson. Yes, Grammy winning pop singer and the other biggest American Idol vet, Clarkson is in the running against Underwood. Don’t be too surprised she’s here though as she had a top twenty country hit with the country version of “Mr. Know It All” this year and she won a CMA last year for her massive hit duet “Don’t You Wanna Stay” with Jason Aldean. We’ll see if either Idol lady can win on November 1st when the CMA Awards air on ABC. In the meantime, head to the CMA website here for more info and look at all the nominees below.

2012 CMA Nominations~

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Kelly Clarkson
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Blake Shelton
Keith Urban

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
The Band Perry
Zac Brown Band

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Taylor Swift

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

“Chief” – Eric Church
“Four the Record” – Miranda Lambert
“Home” – Dierks Bentley
“Own the Night” – Lady Antebellum
“Tailgates and Tanlines” – Luke Bryan

Music Video

Come Over – Kenny Chesney – Directed by Shaun Silva
Over You – Miranda Lambert – Directed by Trey Fanjoy
Pontoon Little Big Town – Directed by Declan Whitebloom
Red Solo Cup – Toby Keith – Directed by Michael Salomon
Springsteen – Eric Church – Directed by Peter Zavadil

Musician

Sam Bush – Mandolin
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
Danny Huff – Guitar
Brent Mason – Guitar
Mac McAnally – Guitar

Single of the Year

Dirt Road Anthem – Jason Aldean
God Gave Me You – Blake Shelton
Home – Dierks Bentley
Pontoon – Little Big Town
Springsteen – Eric Church

Song of the Year

Even If it Breaks Your Heart – Eli Young Band – Will Hoge and Eric Paslay
God Gave Me You – Blake Shelton – Dave Barnes
Home – Dierks Bentley – Dan Wilson, Brett Beavers, and Dierks Bentley
Over You – Miranda Lambert – Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton
Springsteen – Eric Church – Eric Church, Ryan Tyndell, and Jeff Hyde

Musical Event Of The Year

Dixie Highway – Zac Brown Band and Alan Jackson
Feel Like a Rock Star – Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw
Roll Me Up And Smoke Me When I Die – Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg, Jamey Johnson, and Kris Kristofferson
Safe and Sound – Taylor Swift and The Civil Wars
Stuck On You – Lionel Richie and Darius Rucker

Vocal Duo Of The Year

Big and Rich
Love and Theft
Sugarland
Civil Wars
Thompson Square

New Artist

Lee Bryce
Brantley Gilbert
Love and Theft
Thompson Square
Hunter Hayes

More Incredible Kelly Clarkson Covers and a Duet with a New Kid on the Block!

Kelly Clarkson keeps chugging along on her fantastic Stronger tour promoting her smash album of the same name that has yielded three big hits, “Mr. Know It All”, her current single “Dark Side” and her biggest single to date “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)”. While she delivers those hits and the big ones from her catalog, she’s also been continuing her fan request segments covering songs by big names that her adoring fans want to hear. Today, I have two more of them for you. She recently slayed The Pretenders‘ gorgeous ballad “I’ll Stand by You” and the longest running #1 of this year, Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe”. Check them out below. Kelly is amazeballs!

Kelly Clarkson “I’ll Stand by You” (live)

Kelly Clarkson “Call Me Maybe” (live)

And here’s a special treat for ya… Throughout her tour, she has had several special guests join her on stage to sing her massive Grammy nominated duet “Don’t’ You Wanna Stay” (originally sung with Jason Aldean). Among her partners, we have seen John Legend, Blake Shelton and Isaac from The Fray, but I think a New Kid on the Block outdid them all. Check out Kelly singing “Stay” with NKOTB’s Joey McIntyre below. Enjoy

Kelly Clarkson & Joey McIntyre “Don’t You Wanna Stay”

Carrie Underwood Leads the 2012 CMT Video Award Nominations

CMA, ACM, Billboard, American Music Award and Grammy Award winner Carrie Underwood could add some more metal to her trophy room as she leads this mornings Country Music Television Award nominations with 5 mentions honoring the best in country music videos and performances. Carrie (who has also won several of these in the past) is up for her latest clip “Good Girl” and her duet with Brad Paisley, “Remind Me”. She’s also one of four American Idol’s vying for awards as Kellie Pickler, Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery also grabbed a nomination. Following Carrie with the most nominations were a ton of people who grabbed 3 nods: Jason Aldean, Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Thompson Square and Blake Shelton. Take a look at all the nominees below and see who wins the 2012 CMT Music Awards June 6th on CMT. (And to vote for your favorites, head here.)

2012 CMT Award Nominations:

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration) and the video director. Final nominees announced during live telecast, with final voting held online at CMT.com during the show.

Jason Aldean – “Dirt Road Anthem”
Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter – “You And Tequila”
Toby Keith – “Red Solo Cup”
Lady Antebellum – “We Owned The Night”
Miranda Lambert – “Over You”
Brad Paisley with Carrie Underwood – “Remind Me”
Rascal Flatts featuring Natasha Bedingfield – “Easy”
Blake Shelton – “God Gave Me You”
Taylor Swift featuring The Civil Wars – “Safe & Sound”
Carrie Underwood – “Good Girl”

MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist

Jason Aldean – “Dirt Road Anthem”
Luke Bryan – “I Don’t Want This Night To End”
Eric Church – “Drink In My Hand”
Toby Keith – “Red Solo Cup”
Blake Shelton – “God Gave Me You”
Keith Urban – “Long Hot Summer”

FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist

Sara Evans – “My Heart Can’t Tell You No”
Miranda Lambert – “Over You”
Martina McBride – “I’m Gonna Love You Through It”
Kellie Pickler – “Tough”
Taylor Swift – “Ours”
Carrie Underwood – “Good Girl”

GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a group; awarded to the artists

Eli Young Band – “Crazy Girl”
Lady Antebellum – “We Owned The Night”
Pistol Annies – “Hell On Heels”
Rascal Flatts – “Banjo”
The Band Perry – “All Your Life”
Zac Brown Band – “Keep Me In Mind”

DUO VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a duo; awarded to the artists

Love and Theft – “Angel Eyes”
Montgomery Gentry – “Where I Come From”
Sugarland – “Tonight”
The Civil Wars – “Poison & Wine”
Thompson Square – “Glass”
Thompson Square – “I Got You”

USA WEEKEND BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video from an artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female, or group/duo)

Lauren Alaina – “Georgia Peaches”
Brantley Gilbert – “Country Must Be Country Wide”
Hunter Hayes – “Storm Warning”
Scotty McCreery – “The Trouble With Girls”
Pistol Annies – “Hell On Heels”
Thompson Square – “I Got You”

COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video that featured a special collaborative appearance by artists; awarded to the artists (individual, group or duo)

Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter – “You And Tequila”
Brad Paisley with Carrie Underwood – “Remind Me”
Rascal Flatts featuring Natasha Bedingfield – “Easy”
Lionel Richie with Shania Twain – “Endless Love”
Taylor Swift featuring The Civil Wars – “Safe & Sound”
Zac Brown Band featuring Jimmy Buffett – “Knee Deep”

CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)

Jason Aldean – “Tattoos On This Town” from 2011 CMT ARTISTS OF THE YEAR
Lady Antebellum – “Dancin’ Away With My Heart” from 2011 CMT ARTISTS OF THE YEAR
Little Big Town – “Fix You” from MUSIC BUILDS: THE CMT DISASTER RELIEF CONCERT
Blake Shelton – “Footloose” from INVITATION ONLY: BLAKE SHELTON
Sting and Vince Gill – “If I Ever Lose My Faith In You” from CMT CROSSROADS: STING AND VINCE GILL
Steven Tyler and Carrie Underwood – “Just A Dream/Dream On” from CMT CROSSROADS: STEVEN TYLER & CARRIE UNDERWOOD FROM THE PEPSI SUPER BOWL FAN JAM

And here’s Carrie’s big nominated video “Good Girl”. Enjoy!

Kelly Clarkson v. Britney Spears~ “Til the World Ends”

Last night, I went to the Kelly Clarkson concert in L.A. and it was simply amazing. She was in fine form, so funny and an incredible presence on stage. Her vocals were predictably astonishing and it was possibly one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to. And I have I mentioned the girl can SANG?!!!! Her cover of Carrie Underwood‘s “I Know You Wont” was stunning and she had special guests galore. Her friend and season 1 American Idol Tamyra Gray joined her for “When You Believe”. Her buddy Blake Shelton helped her out on “Don’t You Wanna Stay” and her friend Michelle Branch showed up to duet on her song “Leave the Pieces” (by Branch’s group The Wreckers). The final awesome duet was between Kelly and her own idol Reba McEntire on a flawless version of “Because of You”. I’ll post clips as I can find them. I was too busy squealing like a crazy person to film anything. … However, my friend sent me this clip of Kelly’s fan request for the night. (She’s been doing a different one at each show). Last night she took on Britney Spears dance smash “Til The World Ends” and let me tell you, Kelly kicked Spears’ ass. Check out Clarkson’s version and Britney’s original below. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Kelly Clarkson can sing anything… and usually do it better than the original artist. Watch for Kelly on her Stronger tour throughout the year.

Kelly Clarkson “Til the World Ends” (live in L.A. 4/3/12)

Britney Spears “Til the World Ends”