American Idol Season 12 Finale Quick Wrap 5/15/12~ Help Me Now I’m Torn!

“Help Me Now I’m Torn”! Those are the incredibly catchy lyrics from Natalie Imbruglia’s 90′s smash, but they also define my feelings after watching tonight’s American Idol season 12 finale. In a nail biter of an episode, both of our incredibly talented ladies, Kree and Candice, delivered fantastic performances one after the other. Both sounded amazing, looked great, were humble and at the top of their game as they took on 3 songs: Simon Fuller’s Choice, their Single, and a “Favorite Encore” from the season. It was neck and neck up until the last song when one lady sang what I will say was the deciding vocal. However, in a year when supposed front-runner Angie got the surprise boot last week and left us with the two actual best singers in the finals, who knows who will actually win. Both women have a really good shot… But, let’s take a look at my rankings and final predictions for season 12 below and declare a winner.

American Idol Finale Performance Rankings~ 5/15/13

~ the astounding:
1. Candice- “I Who Have Nothing”: from the opening a capella verse to the insane final notes, Candice’s reprise song was a capper to an incredible season for the singer who had more “moments” than anyone else all year. And this was arguably her best. It was simply brilliant beautiful and bold. Simply amazing. And further props for changing up the arrangement yet again Candy Girl!
~ the fantastic
2. Kree- “Up to the Mountain”: with her best vocal of the night and arguably, the whole season, Kreedom rose into the heavens on this one. It was glorious and ethereal and surpassed her previous version by leaps and bounds. As Keith says, “just beautiful”.
~ the great
3. Kree- “All Cried Out”; forgive me but I was a bit cried out at the end of this lovely new single. The sentiment and Kree’s aching vocals really got to me. This could totally be her “Jesus Take the Wheel” and fly up the country charts. This kind of song and performance is just what got me so torn. In fact, Kree really made me emotional in all of her performances tonight and that could totally push her over the top. This single is also a much more marketable one than Candice’s.
4. Candice- “I Am Beautiful”: yes, you are beautiful Candice and so are your amazing pipes. While this song was a little more pop than the R&B sweet spot I like Candice in, it still was a good choice for her and a great vocal. I wonder how this one will do as an actual “single” but It certainly has potential.
~ the good:
5. Candice- “Chasing Pavements”: taking on Adele’s first hit, Candice delivered another winner. She changed up the phrasing and arrangement enough to make it feel like her own song and she sang it beautifully. It was just a little sleepy compared to her other two numbers.
6. Kree- “Angel”: with an angelic (yes I said it) vocal on Sarah McLachlan’s weeper, Kree totally wrecked me. While the song was a little sleepy as well, her emotion was so on point and her voice so perfect, it really left me a little weepy.

Wow~ 6 Incredibly performances. How can I choose a winner? Ok, I’m just gonna call it….

Prediction~
Winner: Candice Glover
(She had the stronger night by a small margin, but her final song really pushed her over the edge for the win. She was also the strongest and most consistent competitor all season.)

And there you have it. I’m ready to crown Candice Glover the season 12 American Idol. Are you? Will America pick the actual best singer this time? (I’d say only Kelly and Carrie were the actual best singers of their entire seasons, so Candice would be in great company.) Will Kree pull an upset and land us another Texas winner? Will Candice become the first returnee contestant to win? … Who knows? It’s gonna be really close and I could see either lady win. In fact, I’m predicting it will be the closest finale since Ruben/Clay in season 2. I also think both women have very good careers ahead of them. I can’t wait to see who what they do and, of course, who wins. Find out tomorrow on American Idol.

My American Idol Season 12 Top 9 BUZZ Rankings

Just in time for tonight’s show, I’ve got my season 12 top 9 American Idol Buzz Rankings. As last week proved yet again, the ladies are kicking arse and the boys don’t have much of a shot. So, just who is truly in the lead and who may soar tonight as they sing songs from the Lennon/McCartney songbook (and hopefully not all ballads)? Check out my totally unscientific, but totally on target, Idol buzz rankings below.

American Idol Top 9 Buzz Rankings~

1. Candice: she continues to lead the pack with another towering performance last week on “I Who Have Nothing”. She was in the official “top 3″ from America’s vote as well. (How great was it to see the rankings for the first time last week? Nice twist to get Idol voters motivated too.) As long as she keeps picking great songs and putting new twists on them, she’ll remain at the top of the heap. (last week~ 1)
2. Kree: this amazing singer has been on the edge of the top of my rankings for several weeks now and I think tonight’s theme may finally push her to the top. She was also in America’s “top three” and she has a fantastic shot at going all the way to the finals. (lw~ 2)
3. Angie: while I wasn’t bowled over by her Celine Dion cover last week like most people, this girl really has some great chops. And yes, she does seem like the whole “package”. However, something is still missing for me. Let’s see if the final girl in America’s “top 3″ surprises me tonight. (lw~ 3)
4. Amber: I really like Amber and she shocked me with her very strong performance of Kelly’s “A Moment Like This” last week. It was a ballsy/stupid song choice but she did it justice and she is just incredibly likable. With better song selection, she could usurp her more experienced competition. (lw~ 4)
5. Lazaro: yes, he had arguably the worst performance last week and he clearly has no clue how to choose songs or be a true “artist” as opposed to just a good singer. However, he’s cute and has that emotional backstory and the tween girls are clearly on board (Hello, he was 4th in America’s vote? What?). He’s got a few more weeks in him than I originally thought. (lw~ 9)
6. Janelle: I think America likes her more than any of us thought as well. I also liked her “Gone” performance more than the judges and many on the inter webs. She placed higher in America’s vote that I thought she would too. (lw~8)
7. Paul: my favorite male singer in the competition landed in the bottom three, but I still think he has a good shot at going farther than many think he will in the end. He just needs more confidence and to have a little fun. I also think the brush with danger last week will galvanize his fans to vote more to keep him in the game. (lw~ 6)
8. Burnell: um, Burnell needs to learn how to choose a song. He’s so inconsistent with his choices, but he is a good singer and has another good backstory. I do think he may pick up some of Curtis’s fans too. That said, his fashion is terrible and he needs to stop conducting the orchestra/drawing pictures in the air with his hands while singing… He might be a shocker boot if he doesn’t get it together. (lw~ 5)
9. Devin: oh dear Devin, please pick better songs and loosen up! This guy has a fantastic voice, cool style and an agreeable personality. But in the end, he’s not as memorable as most of his competitors and can be a little boring. So he needs to step it up, go uptempo maybe, get out of his box and wow us or he’s a goner. (lw~ 7)

So, that’s my take. The boys are at the bottom of the pack and I’d say Paul, Burnell and Devin are seriously shaking in their boots right now. So, there is a lot riding on tonight’s performances. Who will rise up? Find out tonight on American Idol on Fox.

American Idol Quick Wrap 3/13/13

Sorry for the late recap post today, but I had a crazy busy night and morning with auditions. So, I just caught up on the first live top ten show of this season’s American Idol. And while I’m a little behind, it was all worth it for the brilliance of one Candice Glover. She schooled the competition by a mile despite a few other very strong performances and a couple serious clunkers. Since this is a quick wrap and East coasters will get the results show pretty darn soon, let’s just charge on thru my rankings and predictions for last night. Oh and PS~ loved the new theme of songs by former Idol winners. I just wish these contestants would’ve actually picked better and more interesting songs by those winners. Oy vey!

American Idol Rankings 3/13/13
~ the great
1. Candice Glover- “I Who Have Nothing”: absolute brilliance. I was on my feet. She slayed Jordin Sparks’ (and Hayley Reinhart’s) fantastic version giving us full on Shirley Bassey meets Tina Turner and Mary J. Blige. A-mah-zing!
2. Amber- “A Moment Like This”: I have to say I was a little scared she took on Kelly’s classic winner song. However, Amber turned it out and did a fantastic job. Oh and I agree with Nicki (for once)~ I totally got an early Whitney Houston vibe. I’m telling you, Amber is the dark horse to win people.
3. Kree- “Cryin”: with another flawless, beautiful and emotional vocal, Kree actually out sang the wonderful Carrie Underwood and that is no small feat.
~ the good
4. Paul- “Amazed”: with a lovely restrained vocal and his most resonant connection yet, Paul stood above the rest of the guys for me this week and even Angie!
5. Angie- “I Surrender”: yes, I was not as enthusiastic as the judges or many of the fans out there with this performance. Sure, it was vocally on point and Angie is certainly a star. However, it paled in comparison to Kelly Clarkson’s take on this plaintiff Celine Dion ballad. I mean, Kelly sang the hell out of it while sick and still sounded a million times better than Angie (who still sounded good mind you.)
~ the decent
6. Burnell- “Flying Without Wings”: singing Ruben’s coronation song was a seriously lame choice. Sure, Burnell sounded great and I like his vocal style. However, he really needs to step up his song choices, styling and emotional connection.
7. Janelle- “Gone”: Janelle gets big points for being the only one not to do a ballad this week and I enjoyed her take on the Montgomery Gentry song Scotty sang two years ago. It was fun.. But was it a little forgettable too? Um, yes.
~ the eh
8. Devin- “Temporary Home”: um, Devin may find himself temporarily in the bottom three after this boring and disconnected performance. Hello, this song should be heartbreaking~ just ask Carrie… Devin just sounded pretty and sadly, a little bored.
~ the BAD
9. Lazaro- “Breakaway”: oh dear lord, that was kinda a train wreck. Look I really like this guy and I do applaud his chutzpah. However, he needs to get some musicality, music knowledge, stay on pitch and pick better song choices for his voice. Not good. Sorry.
10. Curtis- “I Believe”: assaulting Fantasia’s coronation song, Curtis imploded or um, exploded on stage. I don’t know what he was doing flying off pitch, never once coming across as sincere, and generally sucking big time.

Predictions~
Bottom 3: Janelle, Devin, Curtis (but Lazaro should be here)
Bottom 2: Devin, Curtis
Going Home: Curtis (and I’m thrilled with that)

So, the ladies continue to kick ass and most of the guys really struggled this week. But just who will be in the bottom three? Will there be a shocker like Burnell in the bottom 3? I really think the only guy who is safe is Paul and Lazaro certainly should be in danger, but he has a real big fan base. We’ll see… Check out the results tonight plus the “Sing Off” between the 6th place contestants and a performance from last year’s rather successful winner Phillip Phillips tonight on Idol on Fox.

It’s Time for My American Idol Season 12 Top Ten BUZZ Rankings!

Well, last week, American Idol revealed the top ten finalists for season 12 and I pretty much predicted all of them. What I didn’t predict is that the producers held on to their promise of no “wild card” contestants. While the next-closest vote getters (i.e.: the 6th place girl and guy) will have a sing off this week to join the tour, it looks like our top ten is just that~ a top ten. And it’s a pretty good one. All five women are strong contenders and should hopefully help the “season of the girls” to the first female winner since Jordin Sparks in 2006. As for the guys, I really don’t think any of them can win, but a couple could go pretty far…. So, just who has the buzz going into the first week of the finals? Check out my all new unscientific yet surely correct American Idol Buzz Rankings below.

American Idol Season 12 Top Ten Buzz Rankings~

1. Candice: this big voiced diva has simply slayed it every week and she remains the best hope of a R&B Idol winner since Fantasia. She also is very good with her strong song choices and reinterpreting them while still being true to the original melodies. Her voice is incredible and she has great confidence. My only question is~ will being to “R&B” actually hurt her in the end?
2. Kree: this country blues girl has an amazing voice, quiet confidence and wonderful artistry. her unassuming personality is also very pleasing and she exhibits great humility. She could go the country, rock or pop route in the end and I have a feeling her vocal adaptability will help her go far in the game (much like one Kelly Clarkson in the first season).
3. Angie: you may wonder why she is not at the top of the list after all the producer and judges pimping plus some great performances. The reason is two-fold. First, her great performances plant her squarely at the piano on very similar yet great songs and second, she may end up skewing a little “too Christian” much like last season’s Colton Dixon who she covered last week. I don’t know if that’s type of artist she wants to be because she has the looks, talent, voice and personality to go all the way. We’ll see how she presents herself in the weeks ahead but arguably she’s the smart money choice as the season 12 winner. (But hey, I’m not always betting on smart money)
4. Amber: I think this beautiful girl has incredible untapped potential and could be the true dark horse to win. She has a great voice with a big range, is young, fun and relatable. Now, if she can just expand her song choices beyond Whitney and trust in her performances, she will be a true threat.
5. Burnell: he’s got the voice, the backstory (Katrina survivor! Weight loss!), and an infectious personality which will all help him in his quest to stop the ladies this season. If he does, he’d be the first African-American male winner since Ruben Studdard in season 2!!! … Now Burnell, please be smart about your song choices as you continue. More John Legend type songs, less female diva songs. Those will be sung by all your competitors anyway.
6. Paul: yes, he’s my favorite guy in the competition and yes, he’s had some shaky performances. However, he’s still incredibly likable, humble and possesses a very good voice. He’s also the only cute white guy in the race which will help him. And yes, it is time for a male-Carrie Underwood in the country pop world. So, as long as he believes in himself, relaxes and lets out true emotion in his performances, he could make the top five or more.
7. Devin: while I think he has easily the best male voice among the finalists, his personality hasn’t really popped yet. We know he has a beautiful vocal instrument and can shift seamlessly between English and Spanish. But what else can he do?
8. Janelle: the country girl we all thought would be assured a spot in the finals had a shaky road the last few weeks. However, her 3 season journey to get here, her lovely voice and affable demeanor have pushed her through. Now, if she can just pick the right song, stay away from the Carrie catalog, and nail a few performances, she could crack the top five.
9. Lazaro: ok, he is undeniably the most popular male in the race right now with a good story (He’s cute. He’s Cuban. He stutters and was bullied but has overcome!) However, he doesn’t seem like a true “artist” yet. He’s just singing well and doing songs that have been covered numerous times on Idol before. So, he needs to define who he wants to be as a pop star, embrace his special qualities, harness his confidence and really show us he’s a contender. Or else, he may be the front-runner who quickly becomes an also-ran (sniff sniff I miss you Pia!)
10. Curtis: let’s see how to I put this nicely? … Um, he has a really good voice… Yeah, that’s about it… This guy is obnoxious, arrogant, and entitled. We’ve seen his shtick many times before and done better, but with humility and grace (hello Joshua Ledet!)… I don’t think this worship leader has a prayer of winning in the competition.

And there you have it. The ladies have most of the buzz, but a few boys could be a surprise buzz kill. I can’t wait to see how they all hold up tomorrow night when they tackle the songs of former American Idol winners (both their post-Idol catalogs and any song they sang on the show). We’ll probably see a lot of Kelly, Carrie and Fantasia. But you Taylor Hicks and Lee Dewyze lovers (who?) are certainly going to be left wanting…. Now, tell me who your favorites are in the comments below and watch American Idol tomorrow night on Fox.

The Grammy Awards Spread the Love on a Very fun. Night

Tonight’s Grammy Awards were filled with some great performances, some surprise winners and a really happy Kelly Clarkson. No one artist dominated the night as the love was spread out with wins for all the big nominees. In the big 4 categories, Gotye picked up Record of the Year for “Somebody that I Used to Know” (along with 2 other awards) and Mumford & Sons won Album of the Year (Babel) while fun. grabbed Song of the Year for “We Are Young” and Best New Artist. Other winners included Adele, Frank Ocean, Carrie Underwood, Jay Z, Beyonce, The Black Keys, Zac Brown Band, and an overjoyed Clarkson who took home Pop Album and had the best speech of the night. She also gave arguably the best performance with her brilliant tribute to Carole King and the late Patti Page… Other standout performances came from Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars with Sting, Damian and Ziggy Marley, The Lumineers, Elton John & Ed Sheerhan, and the aforementioned Underwood. Check here tomorrow for more on the performances and the show. In the meantime, check out the winners in the big categories below. Then, head to the Grammy website for all the winners.

2013 Grammy Award Winners:

Album of the Year: Babel- Mumford & Sons
Record of the Year: “Somebody that I Used to Know”- Gotye w.Kimbra
Song of the Year: “We Are Young”- fun.
New Artist: fun.

Pop Album: Stronger- Kelly Clarkson
Pop Solo: “Set Fire to the Rain”- Adele
Pop Duo/Group/Collaboration: “Somebody that I Used to Know”- Gotye w/Kimbra
Traditional Pop Album: My Funny Valentine- Paul McCartney
Dance Recording: “Bangarang”- Skrillex
Dance Album: Bangarang- Skrillex

Country Album: Uncaged- Zac Brown Band
Country Song: “Blown Away”
Country Solo: “Blown Away”- Carrie Underwood
Country Duo/Group/Collaboration: “Pontoon”- Little Big Town

R& B Performance: “Climax”- Usher
Traditional R & B Performance: “Love on Top”- Beyonce
R & B Song: “Adorn”- Miguel
Urban Contemporary Album: Channel ORANGE- Frank Ocean
R & B Album: “Black Radio” by Robert Glasper Experiment

Rock Album: El Camino- The Black Keys
Rock Performance: “Lonely Boy”- The Black Keys
Rock Song: “Lonely Boy”
Alternative Album: Making Mirrors- Gotye

Rap Album: Take Care- Drake
Rap Sung Collaboration: “No Church in the Wild” by Jay-Z & Kanye West, featuring Frank Ocean & The-Dream
Rap Performance: “N****s In Paris” by Jay-Z & Kanye West

Short Form Music Video: “We Found Love”- Rihanna w/Calvin Harris
Musical Theatre Album: Once
Compilation Motion Picture Soundtrack: Midnight in Paris
Original Film Score: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Song Written for Visual Media: “Safe & Sound”- The CIvil Wars & Taylor Swift (from The Hunger Games)
Comedy Album: Blow Your Pants Off- Jimmy Fallon

And here’s Kelly Clarkson’s amazing performance of “Tennessee Waltz/(You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman”

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.

First Listen~ Jewel & Kelly Clarkson “Foolish Games”

Grammy nominee Jewel is readying her first Greatest Hits album and she has enlisted the help of a Grammy winner who just released her own first Hits collection, Miss Kelly Clarkson. The two are teaming up for a new version of Jewel’s 90′s # 2 smash “Foolish Games” and it’s sheer perfection. Their harmonies are gorgeous and dare I say it’s better than the original? Of course Kelly does make everything better, and the two may even find themselves up for more Grammys next year for this one. Take your first listen to the new version of “Foolish Games” below.

Jewel & Kelly Clarkson “Foolish Games”

How much did you love that? … Well, get ready to buy it next week when Jewel’s Greatest Hits drops in stores and at digital outlets on Feb. 5th. The album will include her biggest tracks like “Who Will Save Your Soul?”, “You Were Meant for Me”, “Foolish Games” (the original and the new duet with Clarkson), “Hands”, “Standing Still” and “Intuition” plus a new track and another new duet with the Pistol Annies on a re-working of “You Were Meant for Me”. For more on Jewel’s new album and tour, head here. And take a look at a “Making Of the Album” video below… For more on Kelly Clarkson who is up for 3 Grammys in a couple of weeks and about to have another top ten hit with “Catch My Breath”, head here.

Making of Jewel’s Greatest Hits Album

Kelly Clarkson and Beyonce Salute President Obama on Inaguration Day

Today President Obama was inaugurated for his second term in office, and with the ceremony, we were also treated to a celebration of song. Along with iconic singer James Taylor, two of my favorite artists saluted the President with glorious vocal performances as Grammy winners Kelly Clarkson and Beyonce sang “My Country Tis of Thee” and “The Star Spangled Banner” respectively. Check out their wonderful performances below and congratulations to President Obama on his Inauguration on today, the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday…. Also, click here for the President’s great speech honoring equality and moving forward as a united nation.

Kelly Clarkson “My Country Tis of Thee”

Beyonce “The Star Spangled Banner”

And I have to share this great picture and quote from President Obama. Thank you Mr. President!

Adele and Gotye are Music’s Biggest Sellers in 2012

Adele ruled the Album Charts throughout 2011 and again in 2012 with her massive smash 21. According to Billboard, she sold another 4.41 million again to have the top-selling album of the year for two years running (and over 10 million to date). The Grammy winning singer held off Taylor Swift and two albums by boy band One Direction not to mention five country albums in the top ten. Take a look at the top sellers of the year below.

Top Selling Albums of 2012:
1. 21- Adele (4.41 million)
2. Red- Taylor Swift (3.11 million)
3. Up All Night- One Direction (1.62 million)
4. Babel- Mumford & Sons (1.46 million)
5. Take Me Home- One Direction (1.34 million)
6. Believe- Justin Bieber (1.34 million)
7. Blown Away- Carrie Underwood (1.2 million)
8. Tailgates & Tanlines- Luke Bryan (1.1 million)
9. Tuskegee- Lionel Richie (1.07 million)
10. Night Train- Jason Aldean (1.04 million)

As for the top-selling digital singles of the year, newcomer Gotye was one of five new artists to land in the year-end top ten. Gotye’s “Somebody that I Used to Know” was the big winner selling 6.8 million to lead over fellow newbie Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” with 6.4 million. The other new artists in the top ten were Psy, One Direction and fun. who grabbed two spots in the final list (as did Maroon 5). Take a look at the biggest selling singles of the year below and head to Billboard here for more info on all the year-end charts and sales figures.

Top Ten Selling Singles of 2012:
1. “Somebody that I Used to Know”- Gotye w/Kimbra (6.8 million)
2. “Call Me Maybe”- Carly Rae Jepsen (6.47 million)
3. “We Are Young”- fun. w/Janelle Monae (5.95 million)
4. “Payphone”- Maroon 5 w/Wiz Khalifa (4.76 million)
5. “Starships”- Nicki Minaj (3. 98 million)
6. “What Makes You Beautiful”- One Direction (3.89 million)
7. “Some Nights”- fun. (3.84 million)
8. “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)”- Kelly Clarkson (3. 82 million)
9. “Gangnam Style”- Psy (3.59 million)
10. “One More Night”- Maroon 5 (3.46 million)

And here’s the biggest selling single of 2012 by Gotye.

Today’s Grammy Nominations Sure are a lot of fun.

fun. dominated tonight’s Grammy nominations landing in 6 categories including the big four: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year and Best New Artist. They are the first group to contend in all four categories in Grammy history. Also grabbing 6 nods were Frank Ocean, Mumford & Sons, Kanye West and Jay Z. Multiple noms went to The Black Keyes, Hunter Hayes, Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift while my favorite, Kelly Clarkson, also picked up 3 nominations including Record of the Year for “Stronger” becoming the first American Idol vet to land in this category…. Take a look at all the big nominees below and check back for a more in-depth analysis tomorrow. Head to the Grammy website here for all of the nominees and find out which category pits the current First Lady Michelle Obama against Former President Bill Clinton.

2012 Grammy Nominees:

Album Of The Year:
“El Camino” — The Black Keys
“Some Nights” — FUN.
“Babel” — Mumford & Sons
“Channel Orange” — Frank Ocean
“Blunderbuss” — Jack White

Record Of The Year:
“Lonely Boy” — The Black Keys
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” — Kelly Clarkson
“We Are Young” — FUN. Featuring Janelle Monáe
“Somebody That I Used To Know” — Gotye Featuring Kimbra
“Thinkin Bout You” — Frank Ocean
“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” — Taylor Swift

Best New Artist:
Alabama Shakes
FUN.
Hunter Hayes
The Lumineers
Frank Ocean

Song Of The Year:
“The A Team” — Ed Sheeran, songwriter (Ed Sheeran)
“Adorn” — Miguel Pimentel, songwriter (Miguel)
“Call Me Maybe” — Tavish Crowe, Carly Rae Jepsen & Josh Ramsay, songwriters (Carly Rae Jepsen)
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” — Jörgen Elofsson, David Gamson, Greg Kurstin & Ali Tamposi,
songwriters (Kelly Clarkson)
“We Are Young” — Jack Antonoff, Jeff Bhasker, Andrew Dost & Nate Ruess, songwriters (FUN. Featuring
Janelle Monáe)

Best Pop Solo Performance:
“Set Fire To The Rain (Live)” — Adele
“Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” — Kelly Clarkson      
“Call Me Maybe” — Carly Rae Jepsen
“Wide Awake” — Katy Perry
“Where Have You Been” — Rihanna

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance:
“Shake It Out” — Florence & The Machine
“We Are Young” — FUN. Featuring Janelle Monáe
“Somebody That I Used To Know” — Gotye Featuring Kimbra
“Sexy And I Know It” — LMFAO
“Payphone” — Maroon 5 & Wiz Khalifa

Best Pop Album:
Stronger- Kelly Clarkson
Some Nights- fun.
Ceremonials- Florence + the Machine
Overexposed- Maroon 5
The Truth About Love- P!nk

Dance Recording:
“Levels”- Avicil
“Lets Go”- Calvin Harris w/ NeYo
“Bangarang”- Skrillex
“Don’t You Worry Child”- Swedish House Mafia w/ John Martin
“I Cant Live Without You”- Al Wasler

Dance/Electronica Album:
Wonderland- Steve Aoki
Don’t Think- The Chemical Brothers
Album Title Goes Here- Deadmau5
Fire & Ice- Kaskade
Bangarang- Skrillex

Traditional Pop Album:
Christmas- Michael Buble
A Holiday Carole- Carole King
Kisses on the Bottom- Paul McCartney

Best Rock Album:
The Black Keys, El Camino
Coldplay, Mylo Xyloto
Muse, The 2nd Law
Bruce Springsteen, Wrecking Ball
Jack White, Blunderbuss

Best Alternative Music Album:
Fiona Apple, The Idler Wheel…
Bjork, Biophilia
Gotye, Making Mirrors
M83, Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming
Tom Waits, Bad as Me

Best Rap Album:
Drake, Take Care
Lupe Fiasco, Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album, Pt. 1
Nas, Life Is Good
The Roots, Undun
Rick Ross, God Forgives, I Don’t
2 Chainz, Based on a T.R.U. Story

Best Country Album:
Zac Brown Band, Uncaged
Hunter Hayes, Hunter Hayes
Jamey Johnson, Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran
Miranda Lambert, For the Record
The Time Jumpers, The Time Jumpers

Country Solo Performance:
Dierks Bentley, “Home”
Eric Church, “Springsteen”
Hunter Hayes, “Wanted”  
Ronnie Dunn, “Cost of Livin’”
Blake Shelton, “Over”
Carrie Underwood, “Blown Away”

Country Performance Duo/Group/Collaboration:
“Even If Your Heart Breaks”- Eli Young Band
“Pontoon”- Little Big Town
“Safe & Sound”- Taylor Swift & The Civil Wars
“On the Outskirts of Town”-The Time Jumpers
“I Just Come Here for the Music”-Don Williams w/ Allison Krauss

Comedy Album:
Blow Your Pants Off- Jimmy Fallon
Cho Dependent (Live in Concert)- Margaret Cho
In God We Rust- Lewis Black
Kathy Griffin: Seamen 1st Class- Kathy Griffin
Mr. Universe- Jim Gaffigan
Rize of the Fenix- Tenacious D

Best Musical Theater Cast Album:
Follies
The Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess
Newsies
Nice Work if You Can Get It
Once

Compilation Soundtrack:
The Descendants
Marley
Midnight in Paris
The Muppets
Rock of Ages

Best Score Soundtrack:
The Adventures of Tin Tin
The Artist
The Dark Knight Rises
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Hugo
Journey

Best Song Written for Visual Media (award to the songwriters):
“Abraham’s Daughter”- written & performed by Arcade Fire (The Hunger Games)
“Learn Me Right”- written & performed by Mumford & Sons (Brave)
“Let Me Be Your Star”- performed by Katharine McPhee & Megan Hilty, written by Marc Shaiman & Scott Witman (Smash)
“Man or Muppet”- performed by Jason Segel & Walter, written by Brett McKenzie (The Muppets)
“Safe & Sound”- written & performed by The Civil Wars and Taylor Swift (The Hunger Games)