Shakira and Usher on The Voice? Working.

NBC’s singing competition hit is doing something that other reality shows only wish they could pull off: Showing ratings steadiness, and even growth, in the weeks following a premiere — despite a new judging panel.

Three weeks into its spring run, Monday’s two-hour The Voice inched up 4 percent to its best performance this year — 13.7 million viewers and a 4.9 rating among adults 18-49. In fact, this matches the fall edition’s finale as the highest-rated Voice of the season. Competition was mixed: CBS comedies were in repeats at 8 p.m., but CBS’ live coverage of NCAA basketball had some big numbers after the repeats. At any rate, The Voice‘s apparent strength is supported by what we saw last week, with its Tuesday edition also rising from the prior week’s premiere.

These ratings with Shakira and Usher in the red chairs must come as a huge relief to NBC. Not only does it help boost the current edition of the show, it also suggests the network’s prime-time performance isn’t wholly dependent upon the whims of Cee Lo and Christina Aguilera. The Voice could still plummet, mind you, but for now it seems the show can function without them.

Too bad The Voice‘s rise didn’t do more for Revolution. The apocalyptic drama just went up a tenth of a point at 10 p.m., but it was facing some very strong basketball numbers. Over on Fox, fellow freshman drama The Following ceased its recent drops, while on The CW The Carrie Diaries concluded with a whimper. More to come…
Source: http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/04/09/the-voice-ratings-rise-shakira-and-usher-are-working/

You know how everyone freaked out over Disney buying out Lucasfilm last year?

Well, it turns out that might have been a really good turn for the Franchise. And you know what franchise we’re talking about here. It turns out that for the eagerly anticipated seventh Star Wars film, we might see a reunion of the Golden Trio! That’s right – Han, Luke and Leia (also known as Harrison Ford, Mark Hammil and Carrie Fisher, but who even calls them that?) have been linked to the project ever since before the Disney buyout. None of the stars have denied potentially starring in a Star Wars flick for the first time since Return of the Jedi, and in fact, both Ford and Hammil have expressed their willingness to join in, if they were ever invited back. Fisher has also talked about returning as Leia in an interview, but the statement was later presented as a joke by the actress’ representative.
So it looks like it’s all in the realm of possibility right now. What is known for certain is that the flick will be directed by non-other than JJ Abrams himself and penned by Michael Arndt (he of Toy Story 3fame). So, with such impressive names attached to the project, it’s no wonder that hardcore fans and newbies to the Star Wars universe all have extremely high hopes for Episode VII. Additionally, Disney has announced plans to release a number of standalone films for some of the major characters (namely Yoda, Han Solo, Darth Vader and Boba Fett). It’s obvious that the company is milking the story for all it’s worth, but, if we’re getting new Star Wars content out of the bargain, who’s complaining?

Source: http://www.contactmusic.com/features/star-wars-sequel-starring-original-cast_3546136

According to Radar Online, sources have said that Biebs is keen to meet up with Mimi again.

“It’s obvious Justin really likes her because he’s trying to hang out with her again,” the report quoted a source as saying.

“Justin and Lil Twist were back at the Four Seasons Hotel last night and called Mimi’s friend to see if they would come back to the hotel and get together again,” the source added.

The source continued: “Mimi heard about Justin trying to ask her out again and told her friend she would have loved to have another chance with Justin but she has already started filming in Miami.”

Star magazine also previously reported that the ‘Baby’ superstar may have even cheated on stunning girlfriend Selena Gomez with Jensen back in December when the pair were still together.

Could Justin be over Selena already? (Photo: WENN)

A source hints that on the night of 21 December, Jensen and Lil Twist picked up Bieber from the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills and drove straight to the Canadian star’s new £4.1m mansion in Calabasas, California.

The source also added the ‘Boyfriend’ singer got intimate with Jensen, who continues to have a huge crush on Bieber.

“He was really kind and romantic,” said the source close to Jensen, adding that Justin “acted like he was [single]“.

And it seems like Jensen was hoping that their romance would go even further…

The source added: “[Jensen] was hurt at the time, but now she believes that he was feeling guilty about cheating on Selena.”

Now, however, Jensen is believed to be delighted at the second date with Bieber; which is on hold though, since she is shooting in Miami.

“[Justin and Milyn] haven’t seen each other since that night they were together but now that Justin is single he really isn’t doing anything wrong. Mimi heard about Justin trying to ask her out again and told her friend she would have loved to have another chance with Justin,” the source explained.

Gossip Cop have since quoted Justin’s rep as saying the Radar Online story is ‘bulls**t’.

Could Justin really be over Selena already?
Source: http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/103742/Justin-Bieber-Over-Selena-Gomez-Already-Sources-Say-Star-Is-Attempting-To-Hook-Up-With-Ex-Milyn-Jensen

The Toronto rapper has announced a Feb. 10 release for “Started From the Bottom,” the first single from his as-yet-untitled third album.

As noted by Billboard, which confirmed the single’s release with Drake’s label Universal Music, the rapper was spotted filming a music video recently with director Little X (who also helmed the clip for “HYFR”). It’s presumed to be for the new single.

Drake is up for three Grammys next Sunday, including Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song and Best Rap Album. His 2011 LP “Take Care” has sold over 1.9 million copies in the U.S.
Read more at http://www.hitfix.com/news/drake-to-debut-new-single-started-from-the-bottom-on-grammy-night#jSsKgUWoYPOhHtkX.99

By Dominique Vidalon and Johnny Cotton

PARIS | Thu Oct 25, 2012 7:12am EDT

(Reuters) – The Rolling Stones will perform a short warm-up gig in Paris later on Thursday for a few hundred fans and announced on Twitter that they were selling tickets for 15 euros ($19.45) each at a music store in the centre of the city.

Fans queued from the early hours of the morning at the Virgin Megastore on the Champs Elysees after the British band said that 350 tickets would be available there from noon.

“Mobile phones, cameras, video equipment and recording devices are strictly prohibited,” the band tweeted ahead of the gig, which queuing fans said would be held at the Trabendo, a 700-capacity venue in northern Paris.

The Paris music scene has been awash with rumors that the Stones would also play to a crowd of bankers invited by Paris-based investment house Carmignac Gestion at the Mogador Theatre in the heart of Paris on Monday.

In recent years, Carmignac has recruited former Velvet Underground frontman Lou Reed and British rocker Rod Stewart to play similar gigs, usually to an exclusive audience.

Speculation that Carmignac had managed to lure the Stones mounted after it sent mystery invitations giving out the date and location of what it called “the biggest secret event of the year” without identifying the performer.

The investment house has declined to comment.

Earlier this month, the band announced they would perform four concerts – two in London and two near New York – to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

The announcement has been overshadowed by fan complaints about high ticket prices, which ranged from 95 pounds ($150) to as much as 950 pounds for a “VIP hospitality” seat.

Tickets have been offered online for several thousands pounds each, British media has reported.

Those queuing for Thursday’s gig lined up patiently with numbers marked on their hands in red by organizers. Some had driven to Paris from as far away as Hamburg in Germany.

Sebastian Baaske said he set off in his car from Hanover, Germany on Wednesday afternoon in hopes of securing a ticket.

“My girlfriend said I’d regret it if I didn’t… It’s all worth it,” the 35-year-old Baaske said.

The Rolling Stones, one of rock and roll’s most successful acts, will play the O2 Arena in the British capital on November 25 and 29 before crossing the Atlantic to perform at the Prudential Center, Newark, on December 13 and 15.

Guitarists Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood, lead singer Mick Jagger and drummer Charlie Watts will perform on a stage designed around the band’s trademark tongue and lips logo, and organizers have promised a high-tech live experience.

Jagger has already hinted that the four concerts would be a prelude for a longer tour.

The band’s last world tour was “A Bigger Bang”, which went on for two years and culminated at the O2 Arena in August 2007. It earned around $558 million, making it the second highest grossing tour in history behind U2′s “360 Tour”.

The band behind a string of hits including “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”, “Honky Tonk Women” and “Angie”, started out on July 12, 1962 at the Marquee Club in London’s Oxford Street.

($1 = 0.7711 euros)

Souce: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/25/entertainment-us-rollingstones-paris-idUSBRE89O0JS20121025

Paul McCartney, legendary recording artist of the band Wings, is apparently working on music for a video game — and, no, it doesn’t appear to be Beatles Rock Band 2. In an interview with Germany’s Die Zeit, McCartney was asked if he’d consider writing music for a video game. He responded that he’s already working on it.

McCartney said he finds the video game market fascinating and was excited by the opportunity to work on a game project. He noted that growing up, he only had radio and records, but now music is everywhere. He feels that by writing music for a game that it may be the first time his music will be heard by the next generation.

There’s also the business of music. McCartney said, “A new computer game is selling these days so much better than a new CD. And you reach a different audience.” Might we suggest Paul of Duty, a music shooter. It worked out well for Aerosmith.

Source: http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/paul-mccartney-working-on-music-for-video-game/

sky art

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KISS and Motley Crue are hitting the road for a co-headlining tour — dubbed simply “The Tour” — this summer, the iconic rock acts announced on Tuesday.

The 40-date North American tour will kick off in Bristow, Va., on July 20 and run through the end of the summer, with the hard rock groups each playing 90-minute sets.

“These guys are the baddest band in the f***ing world,” Motley Crue’s Vince Neil said on stage with both bands at the Roosevelt Hotel on Tuesday. “Our very first tour was with [KISS], 1982. To be able to do it now is amazing.”

“Seeing them on stage, it was obvious back then that this was the next big thing,” KISS’ Paul Stanley added. “We talk about bang for buck, this will be the definition of bang for buck on this tour. If you want to see more bombs and artillery, you’ll have to check out the military.”

Whether or not KISS bassist Gene Simmons’ A&E reality show, “Gene Simmons Family Jewels,” will follow the explosive tour was unclear. “Probably. Maybe… not,” he said.

But he had a clear answer to for the pop stars now invading stadiums once filled largely by rock acts.

“We’re sick and tired of girls getting up there with dancers and karaoke tapes in back of them,” Simmons said. “No fake bullshit. Leave that to the Rihanna, Shmianna and anyone who ends their name with an ‘A.’”

Motley Crue Heading to Las Vegas with ‘Lots of Naked Girls’

Backstage, Motley Crue’s Tommy Lee seconded Simmons’ strong opinions.

“No disrespect to Rihanna, she’s a great singer, but we’re in a slump for some shit that has some personality and appeal beyond a bunch of pop stuff that’s floating around out there,” he told Billboard.com. “I’m glad he said that actually because I don’t think i can bear watching another f***ing award show that is just a little bit better than ‘American Idol.’ It’s f***ing pathetic to watch people go out and f***ing karaoke with a bunch of lights and video. It’s all completely watered down.”

“More guitars? There can’t ever be enough,” Motley Crue’s Mick Mars told Billboard.com, asked if the touring world needed a shot of rock. “I’d have 15,000 guitar players on stage.”

KISS’ Gene Simmons Marries Shannon Tweed

Looking back, Lee had fond memories of the bands’ shared ’80s tour, remembering trying to catch the more established KISS members without their makeup backstage.

“I remember, I wanted to see what they really looked like,” he said. “They had bandanas, wrapped around, so we never really saw what they looked like, the whole tour. That was a big thing for me.”

“I still wonder that,” KISS drummer Eric Singer added, laughing.

Singer and Tommy Thayer, both more recent additions to KISS, look forward to touring with Motley Crue for the first time.

“I wasn’t there, I was in the crowd watching,” Thayer said of the previous tour three decades ago.

“Both bands are fans of each other,” Singer added. “Everyone in KISS is a fan of Motley, big time. I remember when ‘Dr. Feelgood’ came out, Paul used to play that record all the time.”

During the press conference, the groups celebrated their own endurance through decades of rock, dubbing themselves, “Elvis on steroids.”

“You may say it doesn’t look like classic rock and roll in the sense of what Elvis did, but all we’ve ever been, both bands, is Elvis on steroids,” Stanley said. “Elvis through a Marshall amplifier.

“We never forget, we were once in the audience seeing bands who let us down. This will be The Tour, that’s what we’re calling it, The Tour. You will be deaf and blinded, you will leave there stumbling out,” he added

Tickets go on sale on Friday, March 23, via Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

Here are the dates for Kiss and Motley Crue’s “The Tour”:

Jul 20: Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
Jul 21: Virginia Beach, VA – Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach
Jul 22: Raleigh, NC – Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek
Jul 24: Atlanta, GA – Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood
Jul 25: Charlotte, NC – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Jul 27: West Palm Beach, FL – Cruzan Amphitheater
Jul 28: Tampa, FL – 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre
Jul 31: Pelham, AL – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
Aug 3: Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Aug 4: Dallas, TX – Gexa Energy Pavillion
Aug 7: Albuquerque, NM – Hard Rock Casino Presents The Pavilion
Aug 8: Englewood, CO – Comfort Dental Amphitheatre
Aug 10: Phoenix, AZ – Ashley Furniture HomeStore Pavilion
Aug 11: Las Vegas, NV – Mandalay Bay Arts Center
Aug 12: Chula Vista, CA – Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre
Aug 14: Irvine, CA – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Aug 16: Concord, CA – Sleep Train Pavilion at Concord
Aug 18: Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre
Aug 19: Ridgefield, WA – Sleep Country Amphitheater
Aug 24: Grand Junction, CO – Rock Jam
Aug 26: Tulsa, OK – BOK Center (on-sale 3/30)
Aug 27: Maryland Heights, MO – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Aug 29: Minneapolis, MN – Minnesota State Fair (on-sale 3/31)
Aug 31: Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend MusicCenter
Sep 1: Noblesville, IN – Klipsch Music Center
Sep 2: Pittsburgh, PA – First Niagra Pavilion
Sep 4: Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Sep 5: Clarkston, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre
Sep 7: Tinley Park, IL – First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Sep 8: East Troy, WI – Alpine Valley Music Theatre
Sep 11: Allegan, MI – Allegan County Fair (on-sale 5/5)
Sep 12: Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center
Sep 13: Toronto, ON – Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
Sep 15: Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
Sep 16: Mansfield, MA – Comcast Center
Sep 18: Scranton, PA – Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain
Sep 19: Camden, NJ – Susquehanna Bank Center
Sep 21: Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
Sep 22: Wantagh, NY – Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
Sep 23: Hartford, CT – Comcast Theatre

Source: billboard.com
quebec art

MONTRÉAL – Le groupe The Lost Fingers lançait mercredi soir son quatrième album, La Marquise, dans lequel il revisite à sa façon des classiques de la chanson d’ici et d’ailleurs, selon la formule qui l’a fait connaître un peu partout dans le monde.

Dans l’ambiance décontractée du Gainzbar, sur la Plaza Saint-Hubert, Byron Mikaloff, Christian Roberge et Alex Morissette, vêtus tels trois gentlemans, ont offert quelques-unes des pièces qui composent cette nouvelle galette aux accents de jazz manouche.

Une fois de plus, le trio a misé sur des airs connus pour faire danser son public.

Sur La Marquise se côtoient donc des titres aussi variés que Alors on danse, de Stromae, 1990, de Jean Leloup, J’ai vu, de Niagara et Encore et encore, de Francis Cabrel.

Même le succès de Vanessa Paradis, Joe le taxi, s’y trouve.

«Un peu comme sur les autres albums, il y a des plaisirs coupables qu’on voulait absolument avoir, et aussi des suggestions de notre entourage, de notre compagnie de disque ou des gens qu’on rencontre, a raconté Christian pour expliquer comment s’est effectué le choix des morceaux. En France, on nous demande des chansons que les Français connaissent, alors ici, c’est un peu la même chose.»

Pas d’album original

Cinq ans après ses débuts, The Lost Fingers prend toujours plaisir à réarranger les mélodies des autres et n’a pas du tout l’impression d’avoir épuisé le concept qui a fait son succès.

À preuve, les musiciens n’ont jamais considéré la possibilité de concevoir un disque de matériel original.

«C’est vraiment ancré dans les racines du groupe, de reprendre des pièces de façon un peu inusitée, en jazz manouche, a expliqué Christian. On compose tous dans d’autres styles, mais dans ce projet-là, on n’a encore jamais essayé nos compositions.»

Les trois jeunes hommes se réjouissent en outre de voir leur musique voyager, eux qui ont offert des spectacles en Australie, en Suède, en Espagne, en Angleterre et en Colombie au cours des derniers mois.

En France, les artistes ont lancé leurs trois précédents opus en y incluant une partie du contenu de La Marquise.

Nos cousins auront aussi bientôt droit à des reprises de légendes du rock comme Kiss et Metallica, qui devraient être entendues un peu plus tard dans la Belle Province.

«On joue peut-être moins au Québec, mais il y a une forte demande dans d’autres pays, à l’extérieur», a fait valoir Alex.

«Les gens aiment souvent nos versions, a enchaîné Byron. Ils trouvent souvent qu’on améliore l’original, et il y a même des groupes à travers le monde qui reprennent nos versions.»

The Lost Fingers se produira à L’Assomption, au Théâtre Hector-Charland, le 3 mai prochain, et prendra part au Festival des guitares du monde, à Rouyn, le 2 juin.

Le groupe s’envolera ensuite vers la Californie et poursuivra son périple à différents endroits sur la planète jusqu’en novembre.

Source: canoe.ca

Depuis déjà quelques semaines les musiciens et artistes francophone tant Québeçois qu’international on a leurs dispositions un tout nouveau outil de promotion qui leurs permet de se donner une chance de plus de percé et de se faire voir. Le répertoire musical Orion Musique est conçu pour augmenter les chances des artistes d’êtres vues et de trouver facilement de nouvelles salles de spectacles, agences d’artistes et tout autres services relatif a leurs besoins de façon simple et efficace. Les membres privilège du répertoire obtiennes une fiche personnelle avec toutes leurs informations et les façons de les contacter, pour les non-membres l’ajout de leurs liens Internet est entièrement gratuit. Pour plus de détails sur ce nouveau répertoire nous vous invitons a visité leur site www.orionmusique.com