Watching New Celebs

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, the Italian born model turned pop icon turned First Lady to France, has just released her album last July 11. And according to Reuters, its enjoying a brisk sales, shooting at the top of the charts only on its first week.

Entitled “Comme si de rien n’etait” (As If Nothing Had Happened), the album has been of great interest to the public not only because of Carla Bruni’s stature as a Paris pop star. The public is keen on whatever she’s doing ever since she married the French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, last February, three months after a whirlwind courtship.

Carla Bruni is reported to have written the lyrics to some of her songs. Many of this songs are about her love life, which is why the media has become more obsessed with her and her songs.

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Performing before a large crowd at a charity benefit, Coco Sumner, only 17 years old, is sure making her daddy proud. This young chick’s dad only happens to be none other than the legendary Sting, who is Gordon Sumner in real life.

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The newest comedy duo to join the MTV crew is hooking up for a reality series that will premiere on July 23, Wednesday, at 10:30PM ET/PT. Music artist Shwayze will be joined by his longtime friend and producer, Cisco Adler in Buzzin’ , a show that will chronicle the duo’s path to stardom with the release of their album in August, in this eight episode offering.

The carrier single of the album, Buzzin’, incidentally, is already slowly climbing the charts. Their sound is described as “fresh Cali” sound…If you have no idea what’s that like, watch Shwayze’s Buzzin’ video:

Shwayze is an up and coming music star, who proudly claims he is “the only black kid in Malibu”. Cisco, on the other hand is no stranger to this line of work and show business in general. He is the son of producer director Lou Adler.

In their reality series, Buzzin’ , the duo will be joined by Warren Gumple, the tour manager as well as the head of Suretone Records, Jordan Schur, who has taken care of careers of artists like Limp Bizkit and Ashlee Simpson.

The first episode will be made available for free download on iTunes, Xbox Live and Amazon starting in the week of july 15th, with all eight episodes a day after they are aired on MTV.

For more information, fans may check the Buzzin Website and watch exclusive trailers, read cast bios and view photos as well as other interesting footages. The cast also post their vlogs and pictures, including performances and song samplings.

Here’s Buzzin’s promo:

Technorati Tags: Buzzin’,Shwayze,Cisco Adler,MTV Buzzin’

Haagh. I really am getting old. Apparently, on of the hit shows of the summer is Disney’s Camp Rock, outdrawing High School Musical, the previous summer’s hit, in the ratings.What is Camp Rock? I have no idea. I had to ask my 10 year old about it and I was told it stars the new Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato with the Jonas Brothers (who I only know from watching them on American Idol last season).

Here’s the gist of the TV Movie based on a review from the New York Times:

Mitchie (Demi Lovato) is desperate to go to a rich-kid rock ’n’ roll camp, but her family can’t afford it until her mother gets hired as the camp cook, entitling Mitchie to a discount. Also at the camp is a vain rock star (played by Joe Jonas) doing some image rehabilitation, as well as that insufferable diva (Meaghan Jette Martin). It’s a sort of glass-ceiling character for these movies and shows; either the writers of such stuff think that young viewers can’t handle anything more than blatantly obvious good-gal/bad-gal dynamics, or they have no idea how complex and varied real high school social life is.

In any case, Mitchie tries to hide her identity; the obligatory romance, food fight and climactic talent show come along on schedule; and some moderately catchy tunes and dance numbers are served up (many of them at the end, in that talent show).

Because of the show’s success, Disney is already working on the sequel, with the script already in development. They’re expecting to bring everyone from the principal cast back and production for it is targeted for spring or summer 2009.

Technorati Tags: Camp Rock,Jonas Brothers,Demi Lovato

Wow. It looks like Simon Cowell’s discovery is really going and soaring in high places. Starpulse is reporting that booking Leona Lewis, newest British singing sensation, for a singing engagement will reportedly cost US $2 Million. It’s almost the same fee for when someone books a Paul McCartney appearance.

From Starpulse:

The Bleeding Love star has enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame since winning U.K. talent show The X Factor in 2006 - and can demand huge amounts of cash to perform intimate gigs for wealthy fans. The star has been offered a $2 million personal appearance fee to play a small set for an unknown bidder, according to Britain’s Daily Mirror newspaper.

A source tells the publication, “Leona is one of the most sought after stars around. She has little say in the fee charges - big money sponsors literally name their fee and her management respond accordingly. She is adamant much of the profit goes straight back to her favorite charities.”

Lewis, who has hit the top spot in both the U.K. and U.S. album charts with her debut LP Spirit, is reportedly worth $12 million - but gives most of her money away to charity organizations.

Technorati Tags: Leona Lewis,Simon Cowell

I don’t really know who Taylor Swift is and I am guessing, so do most people my age…

But in the world of country music, this teenager is quite a sensation. As a matter of fact, here’s what happened to her when she graced the CMA Music Festival over the weekend.

Starpulse reports the singer, “made country music history at the CMA Country Festival in Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday when she sat and signed autographs for 900 fans. The teenager went through three Sharpie marker pens as she staged an eight-hour signing marathon, making it the longest a female star has sat for a signing session at the annual country music extravaganza.”

Wow. She must really be quite a star.

So, I did a little check and got myself acquainted with her…and first went to Youtube to check out her videos. If it’s the first time you’ve heard of her, watch these:

Trained by her grandmother, an opera singer, Taylor, now almost 20 years old, has been quite comfortable on stage since she was little, performing mostly at local gigs. She seriously learned her music as soon as reaching teenhood and with the support of her parents, the whole family moved near Nashville to help jumpstart her singing career. A music executive spotted her at Nashville’s Bluebird Café and has singer her on his label, even while the young singer was still in high school. In summer of 2006, she released her debut single and was immediately followed by an album in the fall of the same year.

“Our Song” one of her early hits made her the fifth teenage female singer to make it to the top of Billboard magazine Hot Country Songs chart.

Taylor Swift is joining Miley Cyrus in a cameo in the Hanna Montana Movie that’s coming out soon.

Taylor Swift, Hanna Montana movie, Miley Cyrus

I wasn’t aware this Heroes cheerleader can sing. Were you?

As part of the latest deal linking its teen clothing line to a young female music act, fashion brand Candie’s will help promote the song “Wake Up Call” from “Heroes” star Hayden Panettiere’s forthcoming album from Hollywood Records.

While financial terms were not released, Hollywood says Candie’s will absorb the “majority of the cost” of the single, which will include a multimillion-dollar ad buy on cable and network TV, a print campaign and a music video.

The ad campaign will begin at the end of July, while the song will be released digitally Aug. 5. “Wake Up Call” will appear on Panettiere’s still-untitled debut album, which is slated for 2009.

Candie’s announced an advertising and marketing pact with Panettiere in February. The brand’s incorporation of her music into the campaign follows in the footsteps of its deal last summer with Interscope and Fergie, whose songs “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Glamorous” were promoted in Candie’s TV commercials.

While best-known to audiences as world-saving cheerleader Claire Bennet on NBC’s “Heroes,” Panettiere’s record deal with Hollywood precedes her prime-time success from the past two years, according to Hollywood Records senior VP of marketing Ken Bunt.

“We had to work within her crazy schedule to determine what direction she wants to go with her music,” Bunt says. “Wake Up Call” is a reggae-flavored pop song that was written by Andreas “Quiz” Romdhane and Josef Larossi, who have previously written tracks for Geri Halliwell, Diana Ross, Il Divo and Westlife. |Via Billboard

If you wanna watch and hear her tiny singing voice (because that’s the way it sounds to me), you have YouTube at your disposal:

Hayden Panattiere, Hayden Panattiere album, Hayden Panattiere CD, Hayden Panattiere sings

This recent photo of David Cook from Wireimage, taken from his recent visit on the Today show, caught my attention because of how noticeable his lost of weight is. His celebrity status is taking a toll on his health. And what with all the work and appearances he’s obligated to do, this physical change shouldn’t come as no surprise. Here’s hoping though that he keeps his health in check. Didn’t he suffer from hypertension during the American Idol competition because of stress?

So, what has American Idol David Cook been up to, nearly a month after winning the Idol crown?

• His single, Time of My Life, is receiving well and has been topping the Billboard charts. The CD is already out.
• He is set to release his first album as the winner this fall and is currently working on the materials with Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic and Jesse McCartney.
• He will be singing at the NBA Finals Game 3 in Los Angeles’ Staple Center this Tuesday Night. You can watch this on ABC. This will mark his first public appearance/singing since winning American Idol
• His personal life is also up and up, getting cozy with former American Idol contestant, Kimberly Caldwell. They’ve been going out on dates a lot it seems.
• David and Little David are also making the talk show rounds. They will both be on The View this June 24th. If you missed out on David Cook’s past interviews though, here are two videos fromTV Guide - Part 1 and Part 2, one from Nightline, a video from the Early Show and finally, the guest appearance on the Today Show.
• And an ice cream flavor has been named after him!

David Cook, American Idol

I first heard of his song while watching the Season Finale of Grey’s Anatomy (video is at the end of this post). I thought the song had that Amy Winehouse vibe to it, and was rather surprised, it was a man singing!

Who is he? He’s none other than rising music star, Bryn Christopher, whose song The Quest will be released through Polydor Records on June 9th.

Incidentally, he did tour with Amy Winehouse early in his career, when he was still trying to make a name for himself.

A Birmingham (UK) native, the 22 year old soul singer has also been compared to Stevie Wonder and the legendary Otis Redding, whose singing style and delivery always seem to be soulful and heartfelt…like any minute, a vein would pop open because of all the emotion thrown into the song.

The Quest showcases Bryn’s effective voice with the Hammond organ playing in the background. The song, they say, is all about his brother’s experience as a soldier. Interestingly, Bryn had written the lyrics only on his mobile phone.

Bryn’s debut album called My World is scheduled to be released in August.

He is currently testing the waters in the United States, with the powerful William Moris Talent Agency taking care of him. Mary J Blige has reportedly asked to go on tour with him.

For more of Bryn, check out his MySpace.

Below is the video of The Quest and the one following that is how they used the song on Grey’s Anatomy:

Bryn Christopher, Amy Winehouse, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, Mary J Blige, William Morris Talent Agency

For her planned comeback in the music scene, reports are saying Whitney Houston is planning to team up with new comer and new singing sensation, British singer Leona Lewis.

Houston, the legendary diva who broke records and rose to fame in the 80’s is planning to stage a concert, after battling alleged drug abuse and a series of personal domestic problems. The singer is also planning on a release of a new album later this year.

Leona Lewis on the other hand is this season’s Whitney Houston, who is actually one of Lewis’ singing idols. Her singing style has been also compared to Mariah Carey. Lewis’ hit songs are currently topping the UK and US music charts.

The planned team up is orchestrated by Clive Davis, the music executive who has been responsible for making Whitney Houston’s record hits and who is also grooming Leona Lewis.

I think I’m the last to know that Whitney Houston is making a comeback but learning about this now, I think it would be great to hear these two together. I grew up listening to Whitney Houston and while I’m not a fan of Leona Lewis, I do think she has a pure and solid voice and can easily match up to the diva. Her career is really taking off. And I wish success for both these ladies and their collaboration. I have an inkling this will be a big hit.

Listen to the ladies sing I Have Nothing, a fan made compilation I found on YouTube, which by the way showcases why Whitney Houston is who she is in the music industry and why Leona Lewis can follow in her footsteps:

Leona Lewis, Whitney Houston, I Have Nothing, Clive Davis

Fans of Adele London are eagerly awaiting the release of her album under an international label, Columbia Records. The said release is slated for this summer.

More than a year ago, Adele was just playing at a North London pub. Today though, she is a music artist in demand. And breaks for her just keep coming and coming.

Born and raised in London, the 20 year old Adele (née Adkins) shot to fame in the UK music circuit with the release of her first single Hometown Glory in October 2007. Critics hailed this as her heartfelt autobiographic toast to life in London. Not long after that, she received the Critics Choice award and has also won top honors as a promising artist in BBC’s  Sound of 2008.

The songstress made more waves at the beginning of this year for her music. Her debut album’s lead-in single, Chasing Pavements, reached #1 in the UK singles charts; while the album itself  reached Top 10 in the Irish and Dutch charts, as well as Billboard UK.

The Observer’s Music Monthly described her voice as sultry soul and named her one of the faces to watch for in 2008.

Adele infuses a contemporary twist to soul and the blues and those who have heard her performance liken her to Amy Winehouse. But she has expressed that her music influences include Peggy Lee and Etta James.

Listen and watch Adele performing Chasing Pavements

Adele London, Chasing Pavements, Adele Adkins

He is definitely the man of the hour.

Winning by twelve million votes over contender, David Archuleta, David Cook emerged as this year’s winner of the ever popular talent search, American Idol, just two days ago.

Originally only coming to the contest’s auditions to support his brother’s bid (who never made it to Hollywood, by the way), David Cook has wowed the judges for his edginess and originality. His ability to pick out familiar songs like Billie Jean, Hello and Always Be My Baby, and redoing their arrangement, has left people very impressed with his musicality. These songs are big hits on iTunes.

The new idol has always been very musical. Holding his first guitar at age 2, David was a perennial performer at his elementary school where he was part of the choir and the drama club. In high school, David gave up his love for baseball to seriously get into performing. In fact a clip of him doing Singing In The Rain had many people thinking this guy is more than just a Chris Daughtry copycat.

From 1999 to 2006, David Cook was lead singer of Axium, a band he formed with friend, Bobby Kerr. The band won a Got Milk? sponsored contest and was chosen as the best independent band in Kansas City, where he hails.

In 2006, after graduating college, he released a solo album called Analog Heart. With his degree and background in graphic design, David even conceptualized the album’s cover. It was gaining much attention at Amazon.com at the height of the Idol contest that the online shopping site had to take it down.

Merely a day after winning, David Cook’s original song, Time of My Life, hits #1 at iTunes. Not only that, many of his performances, recorded from the show, remain top selling choices in the downloading site.

David Cook on American Idol:

David Cook, American Idol

And no, she isn’t the gorgeous Addison Montgomery on Private Practice. Coincidentally, though her songs did play on the show. And was also first heard on Grey’s Anatomy, where Addison, the other Kate Walsh, is from.

Kate Walsh, the singer and songwriter, is from Brighton UK and has had her “homemade” album, Tim’s House, land the Top 10 Most Downloadable spot in iTunes UK, surpassing even the most celebrated boyband in the region, Take That.

Her sound, which usually dominates with acoustic and strings, has been compared to legendary singer Joni Mitchell and like her, Kate Wash is also a guitarist and a songwriter. Her voice, which people have described as Dido-isque, is especially soothing yet powerfully vulnerable and effectively connecting to her audience emotionally.

Early this year, Rolling Stones Magazine named her one of the artists to watch for and it’s funny how all things worked together. Kate Walsh, also a classically trained pianist, used to just sell soaps for a living working as a salesperson at Crabtree and Evelyn. A prior recording did not quite achieve the same success but it did not allow her to give up. The singer even she has started to build a solid fan base on her Myspace Site and is now touring the US for a series of shows.

Her manager has said in interviews: “The record labels are queuing up to sign her now. She has a sweet voice and is a great song writer. Her work is original, it’s not over produced and it’s pretty raw and that’s what gives it a lot of appeal.”

Indeed the time has come for people to read and get to know the other Kate Walsh.

Listen to Your Song, a track which was used on the show, Grey’s Anatomy:

Kate Walsh, Kate Walsh Your Song, Kate Walsh the singer, Kate Walsh Tim’s House

On May 20, 2008, Scarlett Johannson will be debuting her very first album with the song “Anywhere I Lay My Head”, a cover of the Tom Waits original. According to news reports, Scarlett and producer David Sitek worked on the album for a solid five weeks at his recording studio in Maurice, Louisiana last year and has commissioned David Bowie to lend his voice on two tracks.

The album contains 11 tracks, with one original song. Here is the songlist:

Anywhere I Lay My Head - 01 “Fawn” (Alice) 02 “Town With No Cheer” (Swordfish Trombones) 03 “Falling Down” (Big Time) 04 “Anywhere I Lay My Head” (Rain Dogs) 05 “Fannin’ Street” (Orphans) 06 “Song for Jo” (original) 07 “Green Grass” (Real Gone) 08 “I Wish I Was in New Orleans” (Small Change) 09 “I Don’t Want To Grow Up” (Bone Machine) 10 “No One Knows I’m Gone” (Alice) 11 “Who Are You?” (Bone Machine)

Scarlett Johansson began as a child actress who blossomed on screen via the film “Lost In Translation” (2003) where she won Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival. She was also nominated for the same award at the BAFTA, and at the Golden Globes for both this movie and the drama “Girl With a Pearl Earring”.

She was supposed to be part of the West End production of “The Sound of Music” in 2005. In 2006, she released “Summertime” for a non-profit album called “Unexpected Dreams – Songs from the Stars”, which included other Hollywood actors cum singers.

Have a listen at Scarlett’s rendition of “Anywhere I Lay My Head” and tell me if you think she has a good future in music. Because if you ask me, I think the woman is better off doing movies:

Scarlett Johansson, Scarlett Johansson album, Scarlett Johansson Anywhere I Lay My Head

In truth, Leona Lewis, one of Simon Cowell’s newest discovery via the British talent search The X Factor, did not impress me back then. I was actually rooting for the two other guys she was up against in the contest — Ben (3rd placer) and Ray (2nd placer). Not even this rendition of “I Will Always Love You” (more commonly sang on talent shows so contestants could prove how good they are) made me root for her:

When Leona’s performances were up, guess where I’d be? Out of the room or doing something else. I just wasn’t a fan.

But I did not find it surprising that she’d win the contest in 2006. Between the second placer and her, there was more chance she’d make the kind of records the general public would buy. The second placer, Ray, was into standards with a Michael Buble/Harry Connick flavor and therefore had a little market as not everyone are into those. Leona, on the other hand, had the makings of a pop star.

A couple of years later, I hear her song on the radio. And surprisingly, I did love it. The song “Bleeding Love” become the best seller in the UK in 2007 and is currently gaining number one spots in many other countries, including the biggest and most profitable market of all, the United States. As of April 2008, the song is a certified gold and platinum record in the UK and USA.

With “Bleeding Love” Leona becomes:

• the first X Factor winner to achieve two number one hits. Her coronation song from the X Factor also reached number one.
• the third UK female artist to ever hold a number one song in the Hot 100 charts with her first single
• the first British female artist to have a number one song in the US in 20 years

Leona Lewis, Bleeding Love