Beyoncé on new album"I was terrified"

 

Beyoncé has been opening up about the surprise release of her self-titled visual album, and admitted she was "really nervous".

The LP was released online and has already sold more than 1 million copies, but at the New York launch party yesterday (21 December) Queen Bey revealed it was a nerve-wracking experience.

According to Fox News she said: "I was terrified. I was so scared. I already envisioned like the worst things that could happen."I was really nervous because this was a huge risk."

Beyoncé - who turned up to a screening of the album at the School of Visual Arts in a stunning mini dress and thigh-high boots - also answered fan's questions via Instagram.

And when asked about opening up personally on the new LP, Bey said: "I'm very private and I'm very respectful, and I think it just took me no longer being someone's child - once I became a mother, I felt like I could tear those fourth walls and I just felt like it was time."I completely feel liberated."

Speaking about the album - which features collaborations with hubby Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake and Drake - Beyoncé added: "I took all of my insecurities, all of my doubts, all of my fears and everything I've learned over the 17 years and I applied it into this project.

"But more than the music - I'm proud of myself as a woman... the biggest message is owning your imperfections and all the things that make you interesting, because I refuse to allow someone to put me in anyone's box."

 Bey spread some festive cheer at Walmart, giving shoppers a $50 gift card. Her album is on track to take the Christmas No 1 spot.

Sam Bailey"I hope my album will be out in spring 2014"

X Factor champ Sam Bailey has revealed that she hopes to release her debut album next spring.

The singer - who is this year's Christmas No.1 with Skyscraper - told theOfficialCharts.com that she wants her LP to feature a mix of cover versions, as well as original songs.

Bailey explained: "2014 is going to be a huge year for me. Basically, I'm in the studio pretty much straight away. We're hoping to get an album out for spring. On the album, I'm going to try and do things a little bit differently.

"I want to do some songs that people haven't heard in a while, and bring back some stuff that people probably haven't even heard of, so that it feels like a new song.

"I'm going to try and do some stuff of my own and get some songs out there that are originals. We're getting our head together in the next few weeks just to see what we can come up with."

She added: "I'm really excited and I'm just ready to knuckle down and get this album out."

Meanwhile, during an interview with The Sun, Sam also told how boss Simon Cowell has told her not to be 'cheesy' on her forthcoming record.

The 35-year old stated: "Simon doesn't want me to go down the cheesy route.

"We were talking about my future for about 15 minutes and he told me, 'When you talk about the album, don't sit there and just say OK. Don't let them tell you what to do. You need to research and have ideas.'

"I already have ideas about the songs I want to do. A lot of the stuff I'm looking at is close to my heart."

Bailey added: "Singing from the heart is what helped people to connect with me on X Factor in the first place. And there's no point singing a song if you don't mean it."

Sam Bailey - Skyscraper video

 

2013 X Factor winner Sam Bailey has premiered her new music video for debut single Skyscraper.
Sharon Osbourne's contestant has covered Demi Lovato's track as her winner's single - with the song on course to top the Christmas chart on Sunday (December 22).
Lovato - who recently announced her departure as a judge from The X Factor USA - tweeted her approval of Sam's version of her song, saying: "Congratulations @SamBaileyREAL on winning X Factor UK!! Love your version of Skyscraper!"
The video documents Bailey's rise to fame, from her first audition to her moving rendition of Skyscraper after learning that she had won the competition.
Profits from the tune will be split between two charities - Great Ormond St Children's Hospital and Together for Short Lives.
 

Tulisa Pleads Not Guilty To Drug Charge In Court

 
Tulisa Contostavlos has appeared in court this morning to deny her involvement in a drug offence.
Tulisa was accused of offering to supply a Class A drug to an undercover tabloid reporter and arrested in June. Today she pleaded not guilty to the offence at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
Dressed in a smart black suit the newly blonde singer was forced by the judge to state her address in court. She said: “Just to let you know, after it being read out, in the next month or so I might have to move to a new address.”
Appearing alongside Tulisa in the dock was friend and rapper Mike GLC, who is accused of supplying the drug. He also pleaded not guilty.
The judge presiding over the case said today that the case was too serious to be heard in a magistrates’ court and the pair would instead be tried at Southwark Crown Court on 9 January 2014.
Tulisa and Mike GLC were both released on bail.

Beyonce's album sells 100 million in a week

  Beyonce has once again proved she is the music world’s Queen Bey by selling over a million copies of her new album in under a week.

Last week, just after midnight on Friday, the singer released her fifth solo studio album on iTunes with no warning, let alone any of the usual publicity that usually accompanies an album launch for a star of her stature.

Despite the lack of promotion for the record, as of yesterday morning Beyonce sold her one-millionth copy of the self-titled record, which contains 14 tracks and 17 music videos.

Beyonce is apparently the fastest-ever selling album on iTunes and, as word of the iTunes-exclusive release spread last weekend, fans reported that the online music store was buckling with the sheer number of visitors flocking to purchase the album.

Not everyone is as thrilled for Mrs Carter’s success though. In the US, retailer Target is refusing to stock physical copies of the album – which are released tomorrow – saying that they won’t support artists who release records digitally before they are available physically.

Little Mix - Little Me video

Little Mix have unveiled the music video for their heartfelt new single, Little Me.
The promo sees Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jesy Nelson and Jade Thirwall performing the tune in a derelict building.
Little Me was co-written by the girls, along with production team TMS and Iain James, while TMS also produced the song.
Jesy previously explained that they wrote the track as advice for their young fans, telling The Metro: "Little Me is about how there are so many things you used to worry about when you were little.
"Just the stupidest little things, and then as you get older you just think back and go “I wish I’d have done this or I wish I’d done that."
well done girls on a fantastic song and video.
Little Me is the second cut to be taken from the girlband's second studio album Salute, and is due for release on December 23.

 

Beyoncé smashes ITunes record with her fantastic new album

 

Beyoncé's self-titled new album has broken an iTunes record, after becoming the fastest-selling LP ever across the globe.
At time of press, Queen B's fifth studio album - which she unexpectedly released last Friday (December 13) - has managed to shift a huge 828, 773 copies in just three days.
Most of Bey's impressive sales came from her native America, where she broke the US first-week album sales record with 617, 213 copies sold.
In the UK, she entered the album chart at No.5, clocking up 68,000 copies sold in 48 hours.
Apple - who run the iTunes store - have since confirmed that the former Destiny's Child star has broken the previous first-week sales record set by Justin Timberlake with The 20/20 Experience, which shifted 580,000 copies in March.
Beyoncé is currently at No.1 on the iTunes chart in 104 countries.
The 32-year old previously said that her album, which came complete with 14 new tracks and 17 videos was inspired by her memories of Michael Jackson.
Bey explained: "I miss that immersive experience. Now people only listen to a few seconds of a song on their iPods and they don't really invest in the whole experience."
The likes of her hubby Jay-Z, Frank Ocean and daughter Blue Ivy all feature on the record.
I have to say I wasn't sure about the new album when I heard it at first, however I have played it a few times and I am loving it!!! Well done queen Bey
Picture: © Instagram / @beyonce

Kelly Rowland"He put a ring on it"

Kelly Rowland has finally confirmed that she is engaged to boyfriend Tim Witherspoon!

During an appearance on The Queen Latifah Show, the former Destiny's Child singer said "He put a ring on it!" as she held up her left hand, showing off an enormous rock on her finger.

Kelly - who doesn't often speak out about her private life - said that she and Tim have been together for "a while. "We've kept it very, very low for years to be completely honest," she added.

Explaining how Tim proposed, the X Factor judge admitted: "It happened on Skype!"

"He asked me first on Skype, and I was like... we're so far away from each other. I was like, in Bulgaria somewhere!"

The singer, who is cousins with former bandmate and Single Ladies songstress Beyonce, recalled: "I remember we were both just kinda like, honestly, just staring at each other."

"And he asked me, and it was just that simple to say yes. I was like, I got my best friend to ride through life with. He really is my best friend."

Congratulations Kelly!!!

Tulisa hits the streets

Tulisa has been spotted out in public for the first time since she was charged for supplying Class A drugs.

The former X Factor judge went to the swanky Hollywood Bowl in Finchley, North London for a night out with some friends including psychic, Alex Thornhill - documenting their outing on Instagram.

Her PA Gareth Varey can also be seen in the snap.

The 25-year-old didn't fail to impress as she posted a clip of her bowling skills, managing to bag a strike rolling the ball backwards through her legs.

Tulisa, who shot to fame as part of Camden trio N-Dubz, was recently charged with being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs with friend and rapper Mike GLC.

She will appear in Westminster Magistrates' Court on December 19, 2013 - where she intends to plead not guilty.

James Arthur " I have regrets"

Former X Factor winner James Arthur has apologised for a second time for his recent behaviour.

The singer made an on-air apology following his performance on this year's talent show a few weeks back - and now he's told The Sun: "I regret everything I've done."

J-Arth caused outrage by using a homophobic slur in a rap aimed at Micky Worthless, but admitted the track was "ridiculous" and that "in society you can't use language like that".

Speaking to the newspaper, he confessed that his reckless behaviour and sudden fame had made him depressed, and revealed that he lacks confidence now that the nation think of him as a "homophobe" and a "monster'.

The Impossible singer also revealed that he had learned his lesson after getting together with a 17-year-old Twitter fan, saying: "I'm definitely not the guy who grooms young girls. I don't want people to think that.

"Yes I got into things with girls who only liked me because of who I was. But I learnt my lesson quickly."

James will have been cheered up by the fact that he won International Breakthrough of the Year at last night's NRJ Music Awards in Cannes.

Adele's LP 21 topped Amazon. best-selling albums of all time.

Adele's smash hit LP 21 has topped Amazon.com's best-selling albums of all time.

Her 2011 sophomore record has beaten the likes of Susan Boyle and Mumford & Sons to the title, after scoring the most digital and physical sales on the website over the past three years.

SuBo's debut album, I Dreamed A Dream, is behind Adele in second place, while Stephen Schwartz and the original Broadway cast of Wicked are at No.3.

Taylor Swift, Amy Winehouse and Coldplay also feature in the Top Ten, with Adele's first record 19, is in eighth place.

Lady Gaga's Born This Way has also been named the best-selling MP3 album of all time, after Amazon offered Mother Monster's LP for just 99 cents during its first week on sale in 2011.

Daft Punk's comeback album Random Access Memories was also named the best-selling CD on Amazon in 2013.

Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines was named the best-selling MP3 single of the year, while Katy Perry and Roar were in second place.

Amazon.com's best-selling albums of all time - Top 10:

1. Adele: 21

2. Susan Boyle: I Dreamed A Dream

3. Stephen Schwartz: Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast)

4. Robert Plant & Alison Krauss: Raising Sand

5. Mumford & Sons: Sigh No More

6. Taylor Swift: Fearless

7. Amy Winehouse: Back to Black

8. Adele: 19

9. Dixie Chicks: Taking the Long Way

10. Coldplay: Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends

Nicole Scherzinger on James Arthur "I am supporting him"

Nicole Scherzinger has become the latest famous friend to speak up in support of troubled X Factor winner James Arthur.

The former Pussycat Dolls star mentored J-Arth to success on the ITV show last year - and has told Digital Spy that she knows his true character.

She said: "I'm just there for him. I don't read the press, I know who he is as a person, I know his heart.

"I'm just there to support him. He's unbelievably talented and he's worked so hard on his album. In the end I know that the cream will always rise to the top."

J-Arth issued a public apology for his behaviour after a series of high-profile spats with fellow celebs and accusations of homophobia following an ill-advised rap battle lyric. 

Louis Walsh call the star " ungrateful" earlier this week, but who cares what he thinks, have a seat Louis.Ryland Clark has also publicly supported him. 

X factor winner joins Beyoncé on 2014 tour

The winner of this year's The X Factor is set to get a big boost to their career by joining Beyoncé on tour.

Whoever triumphs on this weekend's show - Sam Bailey, Luke Friend or Nicholas McDonald - will support the Run The World singer for the UK leg of her world tour.

According to Digital Spy, the news was confirmed by XF executive producer Mark Sidaway, who wrote on Twitter: "We just supersized our prize. Winner also gets to join Beyoncé in the UK leg of her world tour."

As part of her Mrs Carter Show World Tour, Bey will play ten concerts in Britain throughout February and March next year, in cities that include London, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham and Dublin.

Earlier this week Beyoncé surprised fans by releasing her fifth album, with each song accompanied by its own video.

The visual album sold more than 80,000 copies in just three hours in the US.

Beyoncé drops new album on iTunes

Beyoncé has surprised fans by releasing an unheralded new album of songs and videos.

The R&B queen yesterday dropped the bombshell that she has already completed the LP - titled Beyoncé - and revealed that it is already available to buy on iTunes.

Featuring 14 new tracks and 17 previously unseen videos, the collection includes collabs with her hubby Jay-Z and with Drake and Frank Ocean.

And there is also another very special guest in the form of her young daughter Blue Ivy, with the toddler being put to work at the age of just one on a track called Blue.

"I didn't want to release my music the way I've done it," she explained in an accompanying statement. "I am bored with that. I feel like I am able to speak directly to my fans. There's so much that gets between the music, the artist and the fans.

"I felt like I didn't want anybody to give the message when my record is coming out. I just want this to come out when it's ready and from me to my fans."

And on her unusual decision to accompany each track with a video, she said: "I see music, It's more than just what I hear.

"When I'm connected to something, I immediately see a visual or a series of images that are tied to a feeling or an emotion, a memory from my childhood, thoughts about life, my dreams or my fantasies. And they're all connected to the music."

Thanks Beyonce you truly are the Queen and we say thank-you for this early Christmas present!

Beyonce has shut down the world with the way she has released this new album and videos, this is why we love her. She is touring the new music in the New Year and we can’t wait!

Self-Titled – Part 1

1. “Pretty Hurts”
2. “Haunted”
3. “Drunk in Love” (Featuring JAY Z)
4. “Blow/Cherry”
5. “No Angel”
6. “Yoncé/Partition”
7. “Jealous”
8. “Rocket”
9. “Mine” (Featuring Drake)
10. “XO”
11. “***Flawless” (Featuring Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)
12. “Superpower” (Featuring Frank Ocean)
13. “Heaven”
14. “Blue” (Featuring Blue Ivy)

BEYONCÉ VIDEO LIST
1. “Pretty Hurts” – Directed by Melina Matsoukas
2. “Ghost” – Directed by Pierre Debusschere
3. “Haunted” – Directed by Jonas Akerlund
4. “Drunk in Love” – Directed by Hype Williams
5. “Blow” – Directed by Hype Williams
6. “No Angel” – Directed by @lilinternet
7. “Yoncé” – Directed by Ricky Saiz
8. “Partition” – Directed by Jake Nava
9. “Jealous” – Directed by Beyoncé, Francesco Carrozzini & Todd Tourso
10. “Rocket” – Directed by Beyoncé, Ed Burke & Bill Kirstein
11. “Mine” – Directed by Pierre Debusschere
12. “XO” – Directed by Terry Richardson
13. “***Flawless” – Directed by Jake Nava
14. “Superpower” – Directed by Jonas Akerlund
15. “Heaven” – Directed by Beyoncé & Todd Tourso
16. “Blue” – Directed by Beyoncé, Ed Burke & Bill Kirstein
**BONUS VIDEO – “Grown Woman” – Directed by Jake Nava


Beyonce has also filmed a mini documentary that shows us the journey she went to record this album. We love the way she has shared the process in such a personal way, but yet still having the total control of her image and her music.

Sam Smith wins BRITs Critics' Choice Award

 Sam Smith has been announced as the winner of the BRITs Critics' Choice Award, beating out fellow nominees Chloe Howl and Ella Eyre in the process.

Sam snagged the honour after a panel of music experts assembled from national newspapers, websites, radio and TV selected him out of the three nominees.

"I'm completely overwhelmed!" said Sam. "To see my name alongside the list of former winners, artists I admire so much it, is incredible. What an amazing Christmas present. Thank you."

The accolade marks the end of a remarkable year for the singer. After guesting on Naughty Boy's number one single La La La, he's been performing gigs all over the world and was recently named one of our one's to watch by being winning a coveted place on the MTV Brand New For 2014 shortlist.

Sam's debut album is set to be released next spring but in the meantime you can catch him on television where he'll make an appearance in ITV's The BRITs Are Coming, where last year's winner Tom Odell will present him with his award on 9 January 2014.

Sam will also appear on a Critics' Choice album, featuring past winners from the last six years. These include Adele, Florence and the Machine and Jessie J.

Beyoncé adds new tour dates for UK and Ireland in 2014

Beyoncé has revealed that she will be performing 10 concerts in the UK and Ireland early next year.

The R&B queen will be kicking off at the SSE Hydro Arena in Glasgow on 20 February, before heading on to Birmingham and Manchester, then playing four dates at London's O2 Arena.

Bey will finish with three gigs at The O2 in Dublin.

The concerts are part of her Mrs Carter Show World Tour - which has already visited these shores earlier this year.

The tour dates in full...

Thursday, February 20 - SSE Hydro Arena, Glasgow

Sunday, February 23 - LG Arena, Birmingham

Tuesday, February 25 - Phones 4 U Arena, Manchester

Friday, February 28 - London's O2 Arena

Saturday, March 1 - London's O2 Arena

Sunday, March 2 - London's O2 Arena

Tuesday, March 4 - London's O2 Arena

Sunday, March 8 - Dublin, The O2

Monday, March 9 - Dublin, The O2

Wednesday, March 11 - Dublin, The O2

And she will also play the following dates in Europe...

Saturday, March 15 - Cologne, Germany, Lanxess Arena

Tuesday, March 18 - Amsterdam, Holland, Ziggo Dome

Thursday, March 20 - Antwerp, Belgium, Sportpaleis

Monday, March 24 - Barcelona, Spain, Palau Sant Jordi

Wednesday, March 26 - Lisbon, Portugal, MEO Arena

Thursday, March 27 - Lisbon, Portugal, MEO Arena

Kanye West talks touring " I put my own life at risk when on stage"

Kanye West has proclaimed that he is putting his life at risk for his art in his current stage show.

The outspoken rapper, who recently attacked a spoof article about himself, was discussing the on-stage "mountain" he climbs in his Yeezus show with SaturdayNightOnline.

"Like, I'm just giving of my body on the stage; I'm putting my life at risk, literally!

"When I think about when I'm on the Can't Tell Me Nothing, and Coldest Winter moment, like that mountain goes really, really high. And if I slipped...

"You never know. And I think about it. I think about my family and I'm like, wow, this is like being a police officer or something, in war or something."

And parenthood appears to have made Kanye reflect on his own mortality.

He added: "Like you literally going out to do your job every day, knowing that something could happen. Something can happen to you. I'll explain to my daughter one day, that me and her mother, we had to fight for this position that we'll finally have."

In other Kanye news.

 Kanye West has hit out against "false stories and noise" circulating regarding comments he was rumoured to have made comparing himself to Nelson Mandela.

In a parody article published on satirical news website The Daily Currant, Kanye was alleged to have made inappropriate comments regarding the former South African president while the headline read: "Kanye West: 'I Am The Next Nelson Mandela'."

The article went viral and many misinterpreted it as a real story, subjecting West to torrents of abuse online. Two South African websites also allegedly reported on the story as though it were real.

Today Kanye took to Twitter to set the record straight: "I'd like to address the false stories and noise that have been engineered by the media," he wrote on the social networking site. "Despite recent media reports, I've never said anything to dishonor or trivialize the life or transition of one of the most inspiring leaders."

"At a young age my mother taught me the importance of his work. Mandela sacrificed his life for the betterment of mankind," West continued. "Respect to Mandela, his family and his legacy."

"Thank you, Mandela, for your life's work and may it serve as a guiding light to illuminate our future."

 

Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake smash 2014 Grammy Awards nominations list

According to MTV News 

Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake are leading the pack in the 2014 Grammy Awards nominations, with Jigga picking up nine nods and JT seven.

The nominations were announced last night is a special concert hosted by LL Cool J in Los Angeles.

Jay-Z's nods include Best Rap Performance for his song Tom Ford and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for his and Timberlake's Suit & Tie.

Macklemore and Lewis, Kendrick Lamar and Pharrell Williams are all also neck-and-neck with Timberlake on seven nominations.

Pharrell even had two nominations in one category, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, for his collaboration with Daft Punk on Get Lucky and on Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines.

The main nominations are...

Record Of The Year

» "Get Lucky" - Daft Punk ft. Pharrell

» "Radioactive" - Imagine Dragons » "Royals" - Lorde

» "Locked Out Of Heaven" - Bruno Mars

» "Blurred Lines" - Robin Thicke ft. T.I. and Pharrell

Song Of The Year

» "Just Give Me A Reason" - Pink ft. Nate Ruess

» "Locked Out Of Heaven" - Bruno Mars

» "Roar" - Katy Perry

» "Royals" - Lorde

» "Same Love" - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

» "Get Lucky" - Daft Punk ft. Pharrell

» "Just Give Me A Reason" - P!nk ft. Nate Ruess

» "Stay" - Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko

» "Blurred Lines" - Robin Thicke ft. T.I. and Pharrell

» "Suit & Tie" - Justin Timberlake ft. Jay Z

Album Of The Year

» The Blessed Unrest - Sara Bareilles

» Random Access Memories - Daft Punk

» good kid, m.A.A.d city - Kendrick Lamar

» The Heist - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

» Red - Taylor Swift

Best Country Album

» Night Train - Jason Aldean

» Two Lanes of Freedom - Tim McGraw

» Same Trailer Different Park - Kacey Musgraves

» Based On A True Story - Blake Shelton

» Red Taylor Swift

Best New Artist

» James Blake

» Kendrick Lamar

» Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

» Kasey Musgraves

» Ed Sheeran

Best Pop Solo Performance

» "Brave" - Sara Bareilles

» "Royals" - Lorde

» "When I Was Your Man" - Bruno Mars

» "Roar" - Katy Perry

» "Mirrors" - Justin Timberlake

Best Pop Vocal Album

» Paradise - Lana Del Rey

» Pure Heroine - Lorde

» Unorthodox Jukebox - Bruno Mars

» Blurred Lines - Robin Thicke

» The 20/20 Experience - The Complete Experience - Justin Timberlake

Best Dance Recording

» "Need U (100%)" - Duke Dumont ft. A*M*E & MNEK

» "Sweet Nothing" - Calvin Harris ft. Florence Welch

» "Atmosphere" - Kaskade

» "This Is What It Feels Like" - Armin Van Buuren ft Trevor Guthrie

» "Clarity" - Zedd ft. Foxes

Best Dance/Electronica Album

» Random Access Memories - Daft Punk

» Settle - Disclosure

» 18 Months - Calvin Harris

» Atmosphere - Kaskade

» A Color Map Of The Sun - Pretty Lights

Best Rock Performance

» "Always Alright" - Alabama Shakes

» "The Stars (Are Out Tonight)" - David Bowie

» "Radioactive" - Imagine Dragons

» "Kashmir" - Led Zeppelin

» "My God Is The Sun" - Queens Of The Stone Age

» "I'm Shakin' " - Jack White

Best Rock Album

» 13 - Black Sabbath

» The Next Day - David Bowie

» Mechanical Bull - Kings Of Leon

» Celebration Day - Led Zeppelin

» ...Like Clockwork - Queens Of The Stone Age

» Psychedelic Pill - Neil Young With Crazy Horse

Best Rap Performance

» "Started From The Bottom" - Drake

» "Berzerk" - Eminem

» "Tom Ford" - Jay Z

» "Swimming Pools (Drank)" - Kendrick Lamar

» "Thrift Shop" - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Wanz

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration

» "Power Trip" - J. Cole Featuring Miguel

» "Part II (On The Run)" - Jay Z Featuring Beyonce

» "Holy Grail" - Jay Z featuring Justin Timberlake

» "Now Or Never" - Kendrick Lamar Featuring Mary J. Blige

» "Remember You"Wiz Khalifa Featuring The Weeknd

Best Rap Song

» "F***in' Problems" - Long.Live.ASAP

» "Holy Grail" - Magna Carta...Holy Grail

» "New Slaves" - Yeezus

» "Started From The Bottom" - Drake

» "Thrift Shop" - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Best Rap Album

» Nothing Was The Same - Drake

» Magna Carta...Holy Grail - Jay Z

» Good Kid, M.A.A.D City - Kendrick Lamar

» The Heist - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

» Yeezus - Kanye West

Siva Kaneswaran get's engaged

Boy band star Siva Kaneswaran has revealed that he is now engaged to his girlfriend Nareesha McCaffrey.

The 25-year-old singer from The Wanted broke the news to fans in Hello! magazine, which also features a photoshoot of the happy couple at home.

Siva explained that he finally popped the question to his GF of six years at a surprise birthday party that SHE threw for HIM - having got wind of the shindig.

"It was like a military operation to plan the proposal," he said.

"I couldn't even tell the other boys in the band in case they blew the surprise."

And he went on: "I said to her I wanted a present I would always remember this year by - for you to be my wife.

"I'd bought the ring months before. I'd been trying to figure out the right time. I love her, I love every bit of her."

But the course of true love didn't initially run smoothly, with Nareesha feeling overwhelmed and answering "no".

But fortunately for Siva and their awkward-feeling guests she swiftly reconsidered and accepted.

"I'm still in shock. I don't like surprises and he really surprised me, but I was so happy. I can't wait to start planning the wedding," she told Hello!

Congratulations!!! 

Is Nicole Scherzinger singing at Nelson Mandela's funeral?

According to reports 

Nicole Scherzinger could perform at the funeral of South African anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela, it has been reported.

The former Pussycat Dolls star is claimed by The Sun to have met Mandela's daughters Zindzi and Zenani at the Mandarin Hotel in London a day after the 95-year-old passed away.

A source said: "During the chat Nicole had with the daughters it was mentioned she should sing at his funeral, or at least be a very prominent guest."

Nicole launched into an impromptu musical tribute to Mandela at the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women Awards last week, having just heard the news of his death.

She told the crowd there: "When I found out that Mr Nelson Mandela had passed away... it brought a tear to my eye.

"I had the honour of meeting Mr Nelson Mandela and had the great honour of singing for him."

Manny other stars have honoured the late Nelson Mandela on social media.

RIhanna

Kim Kardashian 

Beyoncé

Beyoncé pays tribute to actor Paul Walker

Beyoncé paid tribute to late actor Paul Walker at her Mrs. Carter Show gig in Los Angeles on Tuesday (December 3).

The Fast & Furious star was killed in a car crash, along with his friend Roger Rodas on Saturday (November 30) when the Porsche he was travelling in caught fire after striking a tree.

During her show at the Staples Center, Queen B paid homage to Walker, dedicating a medley of her hit Halo and Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You to the 40-year old.

Addressing the LA crowd, the former Destiny's Child star stated: "I dedicate this song to Paul Walker."

The audience screamed in appreciation as Bey belted out the emotional song.

As well as Beyoncé remembering Walker, the team behind the Fast & Furious flicks have made a video for the late star - which features clips of Paul in action in the franchise.

Walker's passing has since been ruled an accident by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office, stating that he died of "combined effects of traumatic and thermal injuries."

Rita Ora on second album "Almost done"

Rita Ora has revealed that her eagerly-anticipated second album is almost complete.

The Shine Ya Light singer could hardly contain her excitement as she took to Twitter to tease that it was "nearly time" to announce her LP details.

Ora wrote: "Album 2. It's nearly time. I can't wait. I've never been or felt this excited EVER."

She then went on to quote reggae legend Bob Marley, tweeting: "One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain."

The 23-year old has been busy working on the follow-up to her 2012 debut ORA, with the star recently revealing that her beau Calvin Harris has been giving her a helping hand with new music.

Ora told Capital FM: "You know it's just so nice to go out with somebody who has such a great history and real good experience on music and I really kind of trust his view.

"It's just really nice to have that reassurance and so I've had a lot of help from him and it's really refreshing because this album is I think is going to blow people away - well I hope so."

When asked if the Scottish DJ was honest when it came to her new material, Rita added: "Yes, Calvin's very good at knowing what's good and what's not."

The R.I.P. hitmaker also hit the headlines this week after confirming she will star as Christian Grey's adopted sister Mia in the film adaption of Fifty Shades of Grey. Ora has revealed that her eagerly-anticipated second album is almost complete.

The Shine Ya Light singer could hardly contain her excitement as she took to Twitter to tease that it was "nearly time" to announce her LP details.

Ora wrote: "Album 2. It's nearly time. I can't wait. I've never been or felt this excited EVER."

She then went on to quote reggae legend Bob Marley, tweeting: "One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain."

The 23-year old has been busy working on the follow-up to her 2012 debut ORA, with the star recently revealing that her beau Calvin Harris has been giving her a helping hand with new music.

Ora told Capital FM: "You know it's just so nice to go out with somebody who has such a great history and real good experience on music and I really kind of trust his view.

"It's just really nice to have that reassurance and so I've had a lot of help from him and it's really refreshing because this album is I think is going to blow people away - well I hope so."

When asked if the Scottish DJ was honest when it came to her new material, Rita added: "Yes, Calvin's very good at knowing what's good and what's not."

The R.I.P. hitmaker also hit the headlines this week after confirming she will star as Christian Grey's adopted sister Mia in the film adaption of Fifty Shades of Grey.

Rylan Clark talks James Arthur "He's not homophobic"

Rylan Clark has defended his friend James Arthur against charges of homophobia following a recent controversy.

The X Factor contestant-turned-TV personality discussed J-Arth's ill-advised rap battle lyric during an interview on This Morning yesterday December 1st.

"James has had a rough couple of weeks and I'm going to say my piece on this - James is one of my best friends and I can hand on heart sit here and say he's not homophobic," Rylan declared.

"I shared a bed with the boy for 10 weeks! I love him to bits. He's had a really, really tough few months without going into detail and he made a stupid mistake - he's a stupid boy. But that's what he did, he made a stupid mistake."

Arthur made a public apology on The X Factor on Sunday night - admitting that he has "abused his position" as winner of the show.

Rylan said the apology had been "really uncomfortable to watch" and added: "I think a line needs to be drawn under this now. He's made his apology very publicly."

James Arthur's sister Sian told a newspaper that fame had "broken" him in an interview at the weekend.

I would just like to say after this story I will NOT be saying anymore about the  homophobia story, I feel James has made it clear that he made a misstake and he is sorry and I don't wish to give it anymore airtime. 

Ariana Grande and Nathan Sykes cuddle up at Gig

Things still seem to be going strong between Ariana Grande and Nathan Sykes, with the pair spotted cuddling backstage at 106.1 KISS FM's Jingle Ball last night (December 2).

The Baby I singer and The Wanted star were snapped canoodling after her performance at the event - held at the American Airlines Centre in Dallas - where the likes of Selena Gomez, Robin Thicke and Austin Mahone also took to the stage.

Grande turned heads in an unusually racy outfit, with the Sam & Cat star donning a white mini-skirt and matching crop top, showing off her toned stomach.

She completed her look with white, hold-up stockings and black stilettos.

Ariana and Nathan have been practically inseparable since going public with their romance in September, with the Show Me Love singer previously telling MTV News UK: "I'm the happiest I've ever been in my relationship.

"If you've got a real determination to make something work you can make it work. It's almost a myth about long-distance relationships," he said, adding that, despite the constant travelling: "We're very lucky with our schedules. We bump into each other all the time."

 They look cute together and she looks hot doesn't she?