First Listen: Jewel & Kelly Clarkson "Foolish Games"

To accompany singer Jewel's upcoming Greatest Hits compilation, she enlisted the power house none other than Kelly Clarkson to record a revamped version of her '97 hit single "Foolish Games."

Alright, raise your hand if you loved the single the first time around (in case you can't see, I have both hands raised; one for each version then). Now, seven years later, with the addition of the America's first Idol the song is better than I could have ever imagined.

Listen to Jewel & Kelly Clarkson slay "Foolish Games" below now, but beware you might need a change of pants. I'm just saying ... I did.

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Five Knives To Release "First" EP

It's coming! The Rising is the first EP from electro-punk rockers Five Knives, the band that I named the top 'Artist to Watch' for 2013. The re-mixed (for those of you who have their early stuff), re-packaged EP will be released digitally February 4, 2013 on Red Bull Records.

In the coming months, as the new "it" band journey towards the release of their first full length this summer, I will continue to follow and introduce you to Five Knives. In the meantime, you can hear -and follow along with - their first single "All Fall Down" by watching the lyric video below.




Google Plus: +Five Knives

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"Scream & Shout" Gets Hip-Hop Makeover

It's already one of the hottest songs of the year, but now will.i.am & Britney Spears' single "Scream & Shout" has gotten a hip-hop facelift. The new swaggy version includes cameos by Diddy, Lil' Wayne, Hit-Boy and Waka Flocka Flame. What's even better? Britney tweeted from the set of the new updated video today! Looking forward to seeing what this powerhouse group come up with next.

If you haven't heard the original version of the song, first of all please crawl out from the hole you've been living in, and then listen to it here. Then once you've worked up a sweat dancing around to that version, push play below to get hood with will.i.am and Britney, bitch.

Google Plus: +Britney Spears +WAKA FLOCKA +Lil Wayne +will.i.am

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First Listen: Justin Bieber "Believe" Acoustic Album

Alright let's get real, Justin Bieber is a beast. I don't want to like him (or at least admit that I do), but I can't help it. After checking out his show in Nashville last week - which was sold out and filled with pre-pubescent screaming girls - his talent is undeniable. His show is filled with pyrotechnics and well choreographed dancing, but in some of the softer moments - or when he takes the drums into his own hands - his talent is clear. 

A talent that can play just about any instrument, Bieber is rereleasing his latest record Believe, but this time completely stripped down. A move that perhaps would have made more sense after his voice fully changed, but I'm guessing producers and engineers made him sound pitch perfect. 

Listen to Believe Acoustic below in full, which includes a new track not on the original that's rumored to be about his breakup with Selena Gomez (it's no "Cry Me A River"), and download it on iTunes when it drops Tuesday, January 29th. 

Justin Bieber - Believe Acoustic

1. Boyfriend

2. As Long As You Love Me

3. Beauty And A Beat

4. She Don't Like The Lights

5. Take You

6. Be Alright

7. All Around The World

8. Fall (Live)

9. Yellow Raincoat

10. I Would

11. Nothing Like Us (Bonus Track) 

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Introducing Amanda Valentine

Today is a big day! My friend and Nashville partner-in-crime, Amanda Valentine, is joining the Project Runway cast! Amanda is the creator and designer of Valentine Valentine, a Nashville based fashion brand that is about to get a global launch with the exposure from Season 11 of the Lifetime series.

Okay, okay I get it. This isn't really music news -although Valentine has musical roots of her own and is the sister of Maroon 5's talented lead-guitarist James Valentine- but I had to share this exciting news with my readers.

Here's why: Amanda is one of the most beautiful, talented and raddest chicks I've ever known. Oh, and she looks like a way cooler (yes, it's possible) version of a 90's Cindy Crawford.

Tune in to Lifetime tonight for the 1-hour casting special followed by the Season Premiere of Project Runway Teams - yep, that's Amanda in the promo below quoted saying "I'm not really a team player" (now you get why we're friends, right?). It's gonna be juicy!

And tweet #DesignerAmanda throughout the Season to show your support - let's go!

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Video Premiere: Carrie Underwood "Two Black Cadillacs"

Last night, Carrie Underwood debuted her dark new video for the track "Two Black Cadillacs." The single -the third from the singer's Blown Away album- recalls the result of two scorned women seeking revenge against a cheating lover.

In the clip, Underwood is... ready for this?... the OTHER woman! That's right, little miss goody-two-shoes took on the more controversial role, while strutting around fashionable as ever. Does this women ever look bad??

Watch the premiere of "Two Black Cadillacs" now and by the way, if you can explain the bizarre ending, please comment below and explain it to me. I'm confused. Did Jesus, in fact, take the wheel?



Google Plus: +Carrie Underwood

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First Listen: Justin Timberlake "Suit & Tie"

Earlier this week, Justin Timberlake teased the world with a viral video that kicked off rumors of a new record and single. The news was confirmed moments ago when the first single from Timberlake's new record featuring Jay Z debuted online.

Timberlake confirmed that he'd been busy working since the summer on the new record, titled The 20/20 Experience, in an open letter to his fans. Read the entire letter below:

An Open Letter to you (the fans): 
I hope this gets to you the right way. It's the only way I know to do it. Some people may criticize me for the last 3 days. But it was fun, right?? Right?!?! Besides, I'd rather speak directly to all of you. And, who can knock me for having a little bit of fun with it?Well... No more teasing. Although, it was A LOT of fun. (Did I mention that I'm having fun with this?? Ha!) 
*Makes a serious face* 
So, here goes: This year is an exciting one for me. As you probably have heard through the "grapevine," I'm gearing up for a big 2013. 
Back in June of last year, I quietly started working on what is now, my next journey with that thing I love called MUSIC. The inspiration for this really came out of the blue and to be honest, I didn't expect anything out of it. I just went into the studio and started playing around with some sounds and songs. It was probably the best time I've had in my career... Just creating with no rules and/or end goal in mind and really enjoying the process. 
What I came up with is something I couldn't be more excited about! It is full of inspiration that I grew up listening to and some newfound muses that I've discovered along the way. I'm calling it "The 20/20 Experience," and it's coming out this year. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed making it.
That's all I'm giving you for now... I know, I know! Again, with the teasing!!! Get ready. This is going to be fun (well, at least it is for me). 
Justin

Listen to "Suit & Tie" below and leave your comments in the box below. Are you feeling it? Is it the new SexyBack?

Google Plus: +Justin Timberlake

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Britney Spears Quits The X Factor

When Simon Cowell announced that Britney Spears was joining the judges panel on The X Factor's 2nd Season, it was viewed as a brilliant move by the entertainment mogul. Spears, being one of the most famous women on the planet, came with a large fan base of loyal followers which the show's producers banked would translate to viewers when the show premiered last Fall. Unfortunately the ratings -and her highly criticized lack luster performance on the show- didn't match her hefty salary, so when the season ended it was immediately assumed that she'd likely not be asked back.

Thursday, reports began surfacing that the "Femme Fatale" had bowed out and would not be returning to the show's 3rd Season. Whether a decision by Cowell or one from Miss Spears herself, the singer hinted on her Twitter that 2013 is all about the music.

"I'm seeing so much chatter about new music out there. Glad to see you're all paying attention ;) Lot of work to do in 2013! LETS GO!," she tweeted Monday. And since, it has been reported that the singer is planning to release a new record and hit the road on a worldwide tour later in the year, which leaves no time for the FOX series.

UPDATE: Spears has released a statement confirming the departure. Read that below:

“I’ve made the very difficult decision not to return for another season. I had an incredible time doing the show and I love the other judges and I am so proud of my teens but it’s time for me to get back in the studio. Watching them all do their thing up on that stage every week made me miss performing so much! I can’t wait to get back out there and do what I love most."

With both Britney and L.A. Reid out, Demi Lovato's future unknown and two hosts [Mario Lopez and Khloe Kardashian] that were absolutely abysmal, it looks like Simon has some serious work on his hands.

New music from Britney AND Justin Timberlake in one year?! Perhaps my Bubblegum dreams will come true and the once-lovers will finally make beautiful music together. Here's to wishful thinking!

Google Plus: +Britney Spears +Demi Lovato +Justin Timberlake +The X Factor USA

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Justin Timberlake "Ready" for New Music in 2013

Justin Timberlake is one of the music industries biggest players, but as a solo artist he's only released two records in the last decade - an unusual trend in the typically-turn and burn industry. Aside from a few collaborations and comedy tracks with The Lonely Island, the singer has strayed from music while he focused on a film career.

The world has speculated for months - years even - as to when the "Sexy Back" singer would return to his roots, but Timberlake showed no signs of making a return. Until now.

"I think I'M READY," Timberlake Tweeted before posting a link to the video below, which shows him walking into a studio and explains his absence from releasing new songs. The video, on his website ends with a countdown ending on Sunday. A countdown to what exactly is not confirmed, but the internet is a buzz about a lead single that features Jay Z and produced by longtime collaborator Timbaland.

Watch the video below where Timberlake explains his absence from new music and check back on Sunday when I'll have the official announcement.



Google Plus: +Justin Timberlake +Timbaland

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Giveaway: Meet Carly Rae Jepsen

Carly Rae Jepsen burst upon the music scene in 2012 when her massively successful debut single became an international phenomenon. With a string of successful hits that followed and a spot opening for Justin Bieber on the Justin Bieber Live Tour, the "Call Me Maybe" singer seems to just be warming up.

On January 18th, Jepsen will be stopping in Nashville with The Biebs and wants to meet YOU! The pop songstress is hosting a private Meet & Greet event at an undisclosed location and Tragic Kingdom is giving you and a friend the chance to meet the "Good Time" singer!

Here's how to enter and win from Tragic Kingdom in 5 easy steps: 

1. Follow me AND Carly Rae on Twitter: @CMVetrano // @CarlyRaeJepsen,
2. Like Tragic Kingdom on Facebook, 
3. Take our poll: What's Your Favorite Carly Rae Song?,
4. Tweet your entry by clicking here, AND
5. Share the following on Facebook (be sure to use the text below and tag us on FB, so we can track your entries)

I entered to win a Meet & Greet w/ Carly Rae Jepsen in Nashville on Tragic Kingdom! http://bit.ly/crjnash 

Don't forget to complete each step carefully, as winners will be selected based on complete entries. Also note that each share on Facebook and Tweet count as (1) entry, so share often. Winners will be alerted via email on January 16th.

Google Plus: +Carly Rae Jepsen

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New David Bowie Album Coming in March

For the first time in over a decade, rock legend David Bowie announced the release of a new record. The Next Day will arrive in March, but the singer debuted the album's first single "Where Are We Now?" yesterday on his birthday. In the record's official announcement, Bowie says:

In recent years radio silence has been broken only by endless speculation, rumor and wishful thinking ….a new record…who would have ever thought it, who’d have ever dreamed it! After all David is the kind of artist who writes and performs what he wants when he wants…when he has something to say as opposed to something to sell. Today he definitely has something to say.

Watch the music video "Where Are We Now?" below and pre-order The Next Day on iTunes to get the single now.



Google Plus: +David Bowie

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Giveaway: Two Tickets to Justin Bieber Live

It's the hottest tour of 2013 and he's the most chatted about boy on the planet. Just a child with a dream and a few fateful videos on YouTube, Justin Bieber is now one of the world's biggest superstars.  Late last year, he kicked off the Justin Bieber Live tour in support of his sophomore album Believe. The tour features Carly Rae Jepsen, who had the biggest hit of 2012 ("Call Me Maybe") and sold out entirely in less than an hour.

Didn't get tickets in that short timeframe? V for Vetrano has your Nashville hookup! The Biebs, along with Jepsen, will make their stop in Music City on January 18th at Bridgestone Arena.

Here's how to enter and win tickets from Tragic Kingdom in 5 easy steps: 

1. Follow me AND the Biebs on Twitter: @CMVetrano // @JustinBieber,
2. Like Tragic Kingdom on Facebook, 
3. Answer the Bieber Trivia question here: Who discovered Justin Bieber?,
4. Tweet your entry by clicking here, AND
5. Share the following on Facebook (be sure to use the text below and tag us on FB, so we can track your entries)

I Believe! I entered to win tickets to see Justin Bieber live in Nashville on Tragic Kingdom! http://bit.ly/jbnash

Don't forget to complete each step carefully, as winners will be selected based on complete entries. Also note that each share on Facebook and Tweet count as (1) entry, so share often. Winners will be alerted via email on January 16th.

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