Justin Timberlake is Back on Top in a Big Way

Grammy winner Justin Timberlake makes a huge impression with his third album as The 20/20 Experience overperformed even the most optimistic projects with 968,000 copies sold to land him his second # 1 album on the Billboard charts. That’s the biggest debut of 2013, Justin’s best-selling week ever and the biggest debut since Taylor Swift’s Red. With 452,000 of those units sold digitally, it was also the 3rd biggest digital debut in history following Swift and Lady Gaga. Not only is he killing it on the album charts, but JT’s latest single “Mirrors” flies up to a new peak of # 13 while his first single from the album, “Suit & Tie” also grabs a new peak of # 3…. But Timberlake was not the only debuting artist this week as Nashville Star vet Kasey Musgraves starts big at # 2 with Same Trailer Different Park while Imagine Dragons, P!nk and the Les Miserables soundtrack returns to the upper frame. For more on all of the album charts, head to Bilboard here and check out the new top ten below.

Top Ten Albums on the Billboard 200:
1. The 20/20 Experience- Justin Timberlake (debut)
2. Same Trailer Different Park- Kasey Musgraves (debut)
3. Unorthodox Jukebox- Bruno Mars (last week~ 5)
4. Spring Break… Here to Party- Luke Bryan (lw~ 3)
5. The Truth About Love- P!nk (lw~ 11)
6. Night Visions- Imagine Dragons (lw~ 12)
7. What About Now- Bon Jovi (lw~ 1)
8. Les Miserables soundtrack (lw~ 59)
9. Babel- Mumford & Sons (lw~ 9)
10. Unapologetic- Rihanna (lw~ 13)

Back on the Hot 100 Singles Chart, JT is held out of the top spot by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis who return to the summit for a fifth non-consecutive week with “Thrift Shop”. It should be a very tight battle between those songs plus Bruno Mars and P!nk‘s latest next week. Check out the new top ten below and head to Billboard for all the genre singles charts.

Top Ten Singles on the Hot 100:
1. “Thrift Shop”- Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (lw~ 2)
2. “Harlem Shake”- Baauer (lw~ 1)
3. “Suit & Tie”- Justin Timberlake w. Jay Z (lw~ 4)
4. “When I Was Your Man”- Bruno Mars (lw~ 3)
5. “Stay”- Rihanna w. Mikky Ekko (lw~ 5)
6. “Just Give Me a Reason”- P!nk w. Nate Reuss (lw~ 9)
7. “Started from the Bottom”- Drake (lw~ 6)
8. “Feel this Moment”- Pitbull w. Christina Aguilera (lw~ 11)
9. “Love Me”- LIl Wayne (lw~ 10)
10. “I Knew You Were Trouble”- Taylor Swift (lw~ 7)

And here’s the hot new video for Pitbull and Xtina’s “Feel this Moment”. Enjoy!

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.

And I’m done with “The Voice”

So, if you watched last night’s episode of The Voice, you saw the show’s best and most talented contestant, Amanda Brown, get eliminated. It was horrifying and upsetting and another in a long line of singing show voting injustices. Following in the footsteps of singers like American Idol’s Jennifer Hudson, Carly Smithson, Pia Toscano and Chris Daughtry getting the boot before they should’ve, Brown was sent packing. With that news, I am sending the show packing. If you read my recap from Tuesday night, I was very dissatisfied with the show as it devolved into an overproduced X-Factor type mess (much like its first two seasons). So, with the show’s continuing decline and the wonderfully talented Ms. Brown no longer in the running, I am done with The Voice. There’s really no reason to watch for me anymore. So, sorry but my recaps are done for this season. We’ll see if I return in the Spring when there will be some new judging blood in Usher and Shakira (replacing the delightful but derivative Cee Lo and the incredibly rude, egotistical and annoying Christina Aguilera). Until then, I would recommend mjsbigblog for good recaps and news on the show…. And I’ll just look positively towards a new season of the only talent show that actually produces successful pop stars and remains the gold standard, American Idol.

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!!!

One Direction and Rihanna Shake Up the Charts

British boy band One Direction grab their second consecutive # 1 album in less than a year this week as they debut on top of the Billboard 200 Albums chart with their sophomore release Take Me Home. The set sells a big 540,000 copies for the third best debut this year after Mumford & Sons and Taylor Swift. Speaking of Swift, she’s the one who gets booted out of the top spot after three weeks at the summit. Other new albums debuting in the top ten this week include the final Twilight soundtrack and releases from The Weekend, Soundgarden, Green Day, Lana Del Rey and Christina Aguilera whose Lotus becomes her 6th top ten album but opens at a slightly disappointing # 7…. For more on the albums chart and One Direction’s big week, head to Billboard here and check out the new top ten below.

Top Ten Albums on the Billboard 200:
1. Take Me Home- One Direction (debut)
2. Red- Taylor Swift (last week~ 1)
3. Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Pt. 2- soundtrack (debut)
4. Trilogy- The Weekend (debut)
5. King Animal- Soundgarden (debut)
6. Merry Christmas Baby- Rod Stewart (lw~ 3)
7. Lotus- Christina Aguilera (debut)
8. Now 44 Compilation- Various Artist (lw~ 2)
9. Dos- Green Day (debut)
10. Paradise- Lana Del Rey (debut)

Over on the Hot 100, Rihanna makes waves as her single “Diamonds” finally unseats Maroon 5‘s “One More Night” after a surprisingly long 9 weeks on top. With her latest chart topper, Rihanna ties Madonna and The Supremes for the fourth most # 1′s in chart history with 12 apiece. (Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey and The Beatles are all ahead of them)… We’ll see how long Rihanna can rule as Bruno Mars and The Lumineers are climbing fast. Take a gander at the new top ten below and head to Billboard here for more on all the singles charts.

Top Ten Singles on the Hot 100:
1. “Diamonds”- Rihanna (last week~ 2)
2. “One More NIght”- Maroon 5 (lw~ 1)
3. “Die Young”- Ke$ha (lw~ 3)
4. “Locked Out of Heaven”- Bruno Mars (lw~ 6)
5. “Some Nights”- fun. (lw~ 4)
6. “Let Me Love You (Until You Love Yourself)”- NeYo (lw~8)
7. “Gangnam Style”- Psy (lw~ 5)
8. “Ho Hey”- The Lumineers (lw~ 13)
9. “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”- Taylor Swift (lw~ 7)
10. “I Cry”- Flo Rida (lw~ 10)

And one final note belongs to the late great Whitney Houston whose new hits package, I WIll Always Love You: The Best of Whitney Houston featuring her 11 # 1 songs and more, debuts at # 14 on the Billboard 200 and # 2 on the R&B Albums chart. It is one of several hits albums that should sell well this holiday season including Kelly Clarkson‘s first hits set that will debut next week…. For the moment, please enjoy this incredible live performance of Houston’s #1 smash from 1987 “Didn’t We Almost Have It All” below.

Whitney Houston “Didn’t We Almost Have It All”

Bieber Wins Big but P!nk Steals the Show at the American Music Awards

Teen sensation Justin Bieber may have been the big winner at last night’s American Music Awards taking home 3 trophies, but the true victor from the show was P!nk with an astounding performance of her new single “Try”. In fact, pretty much everything from the show was a bit forgettable when compared with P!nk’s gorgeous moving and intense performance. With that said, take a look at my rankings of all the performances below. And can we please stop with all the lip synching? It was an atrocious lip synched mess for like 70% of the “singers” last night! .. As for the winners, a rather annoying Bieber took home Artist of the Year, Male Artist and Pop Album and he really needs to learn how to make an acceptance speech and get a sense of humor. A sense of humor would also help Taylor Swift, a winner for Country female, whose fake humility and incredibly irritating persona is grating on mine and a lot of other people’s nerves (and don’t get me started on that horrible performance)… Other big winners included Nicki Minaj with two awards and one apiece for Carrie Underwood, Rihanna, Adele, Katy Perry, Maroon 5, Luke Bryan, Lady Antebellum, Usher, Beyonce and Best New Artist Carly Rae Jepsen… For more on my take on the show and the winners, check out my twitter feed from last night here. (Yes, I live twatted the whole show!)…. And take a gander at all the winners below.

2012 American Music Award Winners:

Artist of the year: Justin Bieber
New artist of the year: Carly Rae Jepsen
Pop/rock female artist: Katy Perry
Pop/rock male artist: Justin Bieber
Pop/rock band, duo or group: Maroon 5
Pop/rock album: Justin Bieber, Believe
Country female artist: Taylor Swift
Country male artist: Luke Bryan
Country band, duo or group: Lady Antebellum
Country album: Carrie Underwood, Blown Away
Rap/hip-hop artist: Nicki Minaj
Rap/hip-hop album: Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded
Soul/R&B female artist: Beyonce
Soul/R&B male artist: Usher
Soul/R&B album: Rihanna, Talk That Talk
Alternative rock artist: Linkin Park
Adult contemporary artist: Adele
Latin artist: Shakira
Contemporary inspirational artist: tobyMac
Electronic dance music artist: David Guetta

Ranking the AMA Performances~

1. P!nk “Try”: this performance was simply stunning as P!nk married lyrical contemporary choreography and gorgeous emotional vocals to perfection in a duo with dancer Colt Prattes. It really defies words. Take a look below. Amazing. Grade: A+
2. Kelly Clarkson “Miss Independent/Since U Been Gone/Stronger/Catch My Breath”: with arguably the best vocal of the night, Clarkson paid homage to her American Idol roots and gave a flawless and fantastically fun performance. Now, that is how you sing LIVE people! Grade: A
3. Stevie Wonder “Dick Clark Tribute”: there’s a reason he’s a legend people and he proved it again… and he werrrrrked some serious purple to boot! Grade: A-
4. Linkin Park “Burn It Down”: giving you early 2000′s realness and a rocking good time, Linkin Park brought intense energy and precision to their industrial rap rock fusion hit. Grade: A-
5. No Doubt “Looking Hot”: they’ve still go it! Gwen is definitely still hot. Adrian is still crazy and Tony still looks stoned. Grade: B+
6. Carrie Underwood “Two Black Cadillacs”: despite a little pitchy start, Underwood nailed the rest of her delightfully dark and dramatic single. Grade: B+
7. Psy with Hammer “Gangnam Style/2 Legit 2 Quit”: there is no escaping the Korean Macarena and you know you loved it when Hammer showed up for a mashup of these dance hits… However, billing Hammer as an “international superstar” was a big much AMA’s… It’s not 1991. I’m just saying…. Grade: B
8. Justin Bieber “As Long As You Love Me”: I don’t know about you but I was shocked at how good and surprisingly authentic this acoustic performance was. It was easily the best thing I’ve ever seen him do. Grade: B
9. The Wanted “I Found You”: the hotter British boy band (sorry One Direction) actually sang live for most of the song and I’m kinda sucker for their rocking Ibiza dance party vibe. Grade: B
10. Christina Aguilera “Lotus/Army of Me/Let There Be Love”: Ok, the lip synched “Lotus” beginning was bad, but the let your freak fly positivity message was great. Plus she can wail like no other. It was just a bit of too much overall though. Grade: B-
11. Pitbull “Don’t Stop the Party: Ptibull is a fantastic performer and this generic but incredibly infectious song got everyone on their feet. However, did you really need to lip synch too Pit? Um, you’re rapping! Automatic point deduction. Grade: C+
12. Usher “Numb/Cant Stop Wont Stop/Medley”: it was a half sung/half lip synched vogueing laser show with a treadmill! He literally threw in everything but the kitchen sink. Grade: C+
13. Ke$ha “Die Young”: It was Game of Thrones meets Day of the Dead with a touch of Stomp at a gay circuit party. Oh, and another lip synched, but it was fun. Grade: C
14. Carly Rae Jepsen “This Kiss/Call Me Maybe”: it was fun but forgetful and this girl really needs to learn how to lip synch for her life. Grade: C-
15. Justin Bieber w/Nicki Minaj “Beauty and a Beat”: it was a second-rate wannabe NSYNC number, that was lip synced to boot. And Bieber looked rather tired. He is no JT people! Grade: C-
16. Nicki Minaj “Freedom”: here’s something I never thought I’d say about a Nicki Minaj performance~ that was BORING. Seriously boring and lip synched to boot. I had more fun staring at her Staypuff Marshmellow man meets Mariah Carey Christmas costume outfit. Grade: D+
17. Taylor Swift “I Knew You Were Trouble”: this was atrocious! It was a lip synched crapfest that stole from everyone including Madonna (“Vogue” at the VMAs), the Backstreet Boys (the “Everybody” video), Annie Lennox (the “Walking on Broken Glass” video) not to mention Gaga and Rihanna and more. Just belch. And Taylor would you please admit you’re not a country artist for once? That song is total pop meets dub step. Grade: D-
18. Swiss Beatz/douchebag Chris Brown/Ludacris performance: in a word, AWFUL. Grade: F

To end on a positive note, here are my two favorite performances. Enjoy the astounding P!nk and the fabulous Kelly Clarkson.

P!nk “Try” live at the AMA’s

Kelly Clarkson Medley live at the AMA‘s

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.

Will Chris Mann be the First Real Success from “The Voice”?

I have been a bit critical of The Voice since its inception. The show is really only about “the voice” during the blind audition rounds, but soon turns into a competition about “the whole package” in the subsequent weeks. The first two seasons drove me nuts with annoying judges banter, selection of contestants that weren’t as good as their booted counterparts and ridiculous over-production, and don’t get me started on the “social media” correspondent crap. Plus, honestly with so many contestants, you don’t really develop much of a connection with the singers and the show became all about the judges. That being said, season 3 has improved on all accounts. The judges have found a nice and less-irritating camaraderie and there’s some great talent along with new twists like “the steal” which make the latter rounds much more interesting. So, I’m pleased and haven’t tuned out yet like I did in the previous seasons.
With all that being said, I still wonder if The Voice will ever produce a viable hit maker. Season 1′s top contenders bombed with their debut albums and does anyone even remember who won season 2? Not likely. (It’s sad too since there are some good singers. They should take some lessons from American Idol which continues to produce big stars. This year’s Idol  winner Phillip Phillip’s coronation single, “Home”, has gone double platinum already!) … However, there may just be a surprise success from the show in top 4 finalist from season 2 pop-opera singer Chris Mann. He was the good-looking fellow from Team Xtina who was like a mix of Josh Groban and Michael Buble. And that’s exactly what he sounds like on his debut single “Roads”. The beautiful ballad is already climbing the AC charts and his first album, Roads, hits stores and digital retailers tomorrow. I think he has the best shot of actually becoming successful for any contestant from The Voice because of his genre of music. He fits the AC mold very well and doesn’t have to fight for pop radio airplay. On a side note, he clearly had the best voice of anyone his season, so it would be a fitting compliment to the show if he is actually successful and gives credence to the show’s title. Take a listen to his new single below and let me know. Do you think his voice should’ve won and will he actually succeed where everyone else from The Voice fails? … For more on Chris Mann, head here.

Chris Mann “Roads”

The American Music Award Nominations go Pop with Rihanna and Nicki Minaj Leading the Way

This year’s American Music Award nominations were controlled by several big pop artists this year with Rihanna and Nicki Minaj leading the way. Those ladies landed 4 bids apiece while Maroon 5, Justin Bieber, Usher, Drake and One Direction each grabbed 3 nods. Two of my favorite ladies, Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson, picked up two nominations each as well. Take a look at all of this year’s contenders below and be sure to watch the show with performances by a ton of superstars including Christina Aguilera November 18th on ABC.

2012 American Music Award Nominations~

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Justin Bieber
Drake
Maroon 5
Katy Perry
Rihanna

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
J. Cole
fun.
Gotye
Carly Rae Jepsen
One Direction

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – POP/ROCK
Justin Bieber
Flo Rida
Pitbull
Usher

FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – POP/ROCK
Kelly Clarkson
Nicki Minaj
Katy Perry
Rihanna

FAVORITE BAND, DUO OR GROUP – POP/ROCK
fun.
Maroon 5
One Direction
The Wanted

FAVORITE ALBUM – POP/ROCK
Justin Bieber, “Believe”
Maroon 5, “Overexposed”
Nicki Minaj, “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded”
One Direction, “Up All Night”

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – COUNTRY
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Eric Church

FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – COUNTRY
Miranda Lambert
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

FAVORITE BAND, DUO or GROUP – COUNTRY
Zac Brown Band
Lady Antebellum
Rascal Flatts

FAVORITE ALBUM – COUNTRY
Luke Bryan, “Tailgates & Tanlines”
Lionel Richie, “Tuskegee”
Carrie Underwood, “Blown Away”

FAVORITE ARTIST – RAP/HIP-HOP
Drake
Nicki Minaj
Tyga

FAVORITE ALBUM – RAP/HIP-HOP
J. Cole, “Cole World: The Sideline Story”
Drake, “Take Care”
Nicki Minaj, “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded”

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – SOUL/R&B
Chris Brown
Trey Songz
Usher

FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – SOUL/R&B
Beyoncé
Mary J. Blige
Rihanna

FAVORITE ALBUM – SOUL/R&B
Chris Brown, “Fortune”
Rihanna, “Talk That Talk”
Usher, “Looking 4 Myself”

FAVORITE ARTIST – ALTERNATIVE ROCK
The Black Keys
Gotye
Linkin Park

FAVORITE ARTIST – ADULT CONTEMPORARY
Adele
Kelly Clarkson
Train

FAVORITE ARTIST – LATIN
Don Omar
Pitbull
Shakira

FAVORITE ARTIST – CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL
Jeremy Camp
Newsboys
tobyMac

FAVORITE ARTIST – ELECTRONIC DANCE MUSIC (EDM)
David Guetta
Calvin Harris
Skrillex

First Look~ the Trashy Fabulous New Video for Christina Aguilera’s “Your Body”

Multiple Grammy winning The Voice coach Christina Aguilera‘s new pop dance single “Your Body” is off to a fast start on the Billboard Charts debuting at # 34 on the Hot 100 this week marking her 17th top 40 hit. (Of those, nine have made the top 10 and five have hit # 1.) The single is likely to fly up the charts quickly with help from her brand new video which just hit the web. It’s a trashtastic candy colored fantasy with some dark and dirty twists. Take a look at it below, and grab Xtina’s 9th album, Lotus, in stores on Nov. 13th.

Christina Aguilera “Your Body”