// Media updated with the new Justin Timberlake video, "Cry My A River" Check it out in media.
//Kevin Richardson in NY
Backstreet Boys star Kevin Richardson has rented an apartment in New York City due to his role in the Broadway mussical 'Chicago'. Kevin plays the part of the lawyer, Billy Flynn. The musical starts on
//Madonna To Release New Album In April
The Mirror reports Madonna will be releasing her new album in April. She hasn't decided on a title yet, but told Larry King that she's considering giving it a Hebrew name such as 'Ein Sof' (meaning Endlessness). The say one of the tracks is a whopping 12 minutes long. She'll be doing a photo shoot for the disc this week with photographer Craig McDean. A source said, "She is also planning a special tour for her fans."
//Jermaine Dupri Insists Janet Jackson Is Faithful
Jermaine Dupri insists to Honey magazine that his girlfriend Janet Jackson has been faithful, despite reports she was two-timing him with *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake. JD gushes, "I love being around her! When I'm with her, I don't think about anybody else. She's a very beautiful person."
// Shania to take over Super Bowl
Having apparently exhausted the list of American performers big enough to play the halftime show at the Super Bowl, the National Football League has followed up last year's booking of Ireland's U2 by hiring Canadian Shania Twain to sing at this year's event. She'll be the headline performer at the game, which will be broadcast live on ABC from San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium on Jan. 26, though the NFL is expected to announce a roster of pre-show performers soon.
''The AT&T Super Bowl Halftime Show is an important part of the Super Bowl and one of the most widely viewed entertainment events of the year,'' said NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue in a statement. (The NFL expects some 130 Americans and 800 million overseas viewers to watch the game, though it's not clear how many of those will be taking a bathroom break at halftime.) ''We are pleased that the spectacular talent of Shania Twain will become part of our Super Bowl halftime tradition,'' Tagliabue said.
//Ozzy And Sharon Accuse ICM Agent Of Necklace Theft
The New York Daily News reports that on New Year's Eve, Ozzy Osbourne and wife Sharon, who renewed their vows that night - raffled off a $15,000 Asprey diamond necklace at their party at the Beverly Hills Hotel. An ICM agent "won" the necklace - but the Osbournes are claiming she crashed the party and rigged the raffle with stolen tickets. She says she won it fair and square, but the "brokenhearted" couple have issued a statement demanding it back.
//Britney To Play Female Sherlock Holmes
Pop princess Britney Spears is close to signing up to play a modern day female Sherlock Holmes in a new movie project.
The singer is looking for a suitable vehicle for her acting talents since her debut film Crossroads last year.
The project, entitled 221Bcause, is set to be filmed around the busy singer's musical commitments but is to be completed in time for a 2004 release to tie in with the American presidential elections.
A film insider says, "221bcause is the Sherlock Holmes story set in the present and with a female lead. It gets its name from Holmes' address in London's Baker Street. In the story 221b Baker Street now houses a travel agency.
"Britney is a New Yorker working there and she notices letters arriving for Sherlock Holmes. She starts to answer them as the detective and it leads her back to New York trying to trace the president's son."
6 January 03
//Kylie Minogue Goes Punk
The Sunday People reports Kylie Minogue has taken on a new punk image. Top fashion stylist Karen Crook said, "Kylie is the ultimate trend setter and her new image will undoubtedly set the fashion agenda for the spring and summer. As Kylie demonstrates, the key to the punk look is mixing it with a bit of glamour. String vests and baggy trousers with lots of zips and buckles are going to be huge."
//Ice Cube has put a chill on Dr. Dre's supposed final album.
Dre has pushed back the release of his highly anticipated Detox from next summer to the end of 2003 in order to produce his former N.W.A partner's next release.
Cube and the good doctor entered the studio two weeks ago and have already laid down a couple of beats.
"I haven't heard him on the mic just yet," Dre said. "He's got a couple of tracks that I think are banging, so I'm just waiting to see what he is going to come with."
Meanwhile, Dre has been working with newcomer 50 Cent, who also signed to Aftermath, in a joint deal with Eminem's Shady Records.
"Me and 50 got in the studio for the first time and we worked together for like five days and we did seven joints," Dre said on the set of 50 Cent's "In Da Club" video. "Six of them went on the album and one of them is out right now on a mixtape."
Like Eminem, Dre has more than a few kind words to say about the Queens, New York, rapper.
"50's album, in my opinion, is going to compete with all the classic hip-hop records that have come out over the last 10 years," he said. "Illmatic, The Chronic, Marshall Mathers LP, it's right up there. And that's no bullsh--."
Once his album is finished, Dre plans on hanging up his solo-artist hat and focusing on his career as a producer, most likely working alongside his protégé Eminem.
//'Dirrty' Christina Gonna Get Tidied Up At AMAs
The San Francisco Chronicle caught up with Dick Clark who is behind the American Music Awards which take place on January 13th. Asked about the image makeover by Christina Aguilera, who is performing at the show, he said, "I think, in all honesty, it's a necessary move. Whether she's gone too far with it is up to question. But both she and Britney and the boy bands have to grow up and move on." Don't look for the raunchy singer to perform in a bikini and chaps at the show though. "I think she will probably get a little tidied up," Clark said. "I shouldn't use 'tidy'; I mean, covered up. For cable television and her videos she can get away with more, but this is broadcast television." In other Christina news, she reportedly resigned her Coca-Cola contract.
//50 Cent Released
50 Cent has been released from police custody following his arrest in New York this week.
As previously reported, the Queens rapper real name Curtis Jackson was arrested early Tuesday morning when police allegedly discovered him in possession of two loaded handguns.
The Shady Records star, who is said to have had the firearms within his rented Jeep, was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon.
Three members of his entourage were charged similarly, having been present in the car at the time of the police search.
According to the district attorney's office, prosecutors declined to charge the hired driver of the vehicle.
MTV News reports that Jackson's bail was set at $10,000, which was posted on Tuesday. Lower amounts of bail were set for the others.
//J.Lo Heart-broken To Watch Ben Die On Screen
Jennifer Lopez insisted scenes on new movie Gigli were re-shot, because she couldn't bear watching co-star and fiance Ben Affleck die on screen.
The pair were rumoured to be furious when producers called them back to the set to remake the film' closing scenes.
But sources now claim it was Lopez who demanded the reshoot.
The source tells British tabloid the Daily Star, "The pair of them were spotted arguing and people thought it was because they were having to re-shoot. The truth couldn't be more different.
"Jennifer wanted the film re-shot because she couldn't bear Ben dying on-screen".
"It's amazing really, but she pleaded with the studio to get the scriptwriters to change the ending. In the end, they decided that what she wants she would get and they wrote in a happier ending."
Gigli is the story of a Los Angeles hitman, played by Daredevil actor Ben, who thinks he has found himself the perfect job. But after a failed kidnap attempt, Ben's character thinks things can only get worse until he meets J.Lo's character who has been sent to lend a helping hand.
The original ending saw Ben's character shot in front of Jen, but this has been changed after the sensitive actress broke down in tears when she watched the scene.
5 January 03
//The contest has been extended! Your last days are here! Join the contest here to win music, promotional posters, and memorabilia from your favorite stars!
//Fashion dishes out some new reviews for 2003. Kylie gets a thumbs down, while Cameron is praised for her style.
//Check out media for the top 10 songs on Wild Writings! Also check out the new wallpapers of Christina, Britney, Mariah, Justin Timberlake, and the Artist of the Month, Missy Elliott. Vote for your favorite song here.
//Grammy Announcements On E!
*NSYNC star Justin Timberlake, Ashanti, Avril Lavigne, Nelly, and John Mayer will be announcing the Grammy nominations live from Madison Square Garden in New York on Tuesday (January 6). See it live on E! news Live at 8am - 9:30am EST.
//Murder Inc Raided
Chuck Philips of the Los Angeles Times reports federal authorities Friday raided the Manhattan offices of record label Murder Inc. as part of an investigation into the expanding empire of music mogul Irv Gotti. The early-morning action was undertaken by a federal task force that for the last year has been investigating whether Gotti, whose real name is Irving Lorenzo, has financial ties to Kenneth McGriff, the convicted head of a notorious Queens, N.Y., drug gang called the Supreme Team.
//Stars Hit Missy Elliott's Platinum Snow Ball
*NSYNC star JC Chasez, Blu Cantrell, Tweet, and Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs were on hand at Missy Elliott's Platinum Snow Ball to celebrate platinum status of her album 'Under Construction' on Sunday (December 29) at Mynt Ultra Lounge in Miami Beach, Florida.
//Photographer/ Video Director Herb Ritts Dies At Age 50
Celebrity photographer Herb Ritts, who directed videos for Madonna, 'NSYNC, Britney Spears and others, died Thursday morning of complications from pneumonia. He was 50.
In March, Ritts worked with Shakira on the video for "Underneath Your Clothes," and last year he was responsible for the desolate apartment visuals in 'NSYNC's heartbroken "Gone," the saucy bounce of Jennifer Lopez's "Ain't It Funny" and the sandy, sexy beach scenery in Britney's "Don't Let Me Be the Last to Know."
Two of Ritts' other well-known videos similarly boasted a skillful blend of sand and sex appeal Madonna's "Cherish" and Chris Isaak's breakthrough "Wicked Game," one of two clips Ritts tackled for the crooner. "Wicked Game" and another Ritts clip, Janet Jackson's "Love Will Never Do (Without You)," won Best Male Video and Best Female Video at the 1991 MTV Video Music Awards.
Herb Ritts was born in Los Angeles in 1952 and majored in economics at New York's Bard College. Shortly after college, in the mid-1970s, Ritts taught himself photography, snapping pictures of friends.
One of his subjects was a friend's boyfriend, then-unknown actor Richard Gere. His shots of the future star led Ritts into the world of celebrity photography with full force. He photographed everyone from Jack Nicholson to Michelle Pfeiffer to Mick Jagger, gaining unprecedented access with many of his subjects, including a paralyzed Christopher Reeve and a post-brain surgery Elizabeth Taylor.
Ritts' work often appeared in magazines like Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Vanity Fair and Rolling Stone. He sat actress Brittany Murphy atop a child's rocking horse for a recent Interview magazine cover.
His photos graced album covers, including Madonna's True Blue (1986), and appeared in advertisements for companies like Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, the Gap and Giorgio Armani. He published books of his work and has been displayed in galleries and museums.
//How the Stars Rang in the New Year
While New York was pelted with rain on New Year's Day -- following a fairly mild New Year's Eve -- NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon and Hawaiian Tropic model Deanne Merrymen both doffed their shirts on St. Jean beach on the hot Caribbean island of St. Bart's, as evidenced by a photo in Friday's New York Daily News. Merrymen (for whom Gordon reportedly left his wife, Brooke) is shown in the picture wearing a fashionable top, but the story says she lost it to go swimming with Gordon. Mariah Carey wasn't far way -- at least she was on the same island, as the songbird arrived from Aspen to celebrate New Year's with friends. Meanwhile, USA Today reports that Britney Spears co-hosted a Brazilian carnival-themed New Year's Eve party with new pal Natalie Portman at Manhattan's Hudson Hotel. Guests included Denis Leary, Sam Rockwell and Keri Russell. In Miami, says the paper, those ringing in '03 at the Delano Hotel included JC Chasez, Lenny Kravitz, Rosario Dawson, Shannon Elizabeth, Jamie Foxx, Tara Reid and Rashida Jones. Meanwhile, the Daily News reports that Elizabeth Hurley and 8-month-old son Damian were in Switzerland's St. Moritz, and Mick Jagger, Tommy Hilfiger and Denzel Washington were at Basil's Bar in Mustique. Jagger, however, reportedly remained in his villa. He had a cold.
//Imitation Of J.Lo's Natural Pink Diamond Ring
"Fresh Sexy Clean" shows a picture of an Imitation Pink Tourmaline, often used as October's Birthstone. This pale pink gem is close in color to Jennifer Lopez's Pink Diamond Engagement Ring given to her by fiance Ben Affleck. Check it out here."
//Wade Robson Denies Britney Spears Affair
The Sunday Mail caught up with Australia native Wade Robson who was taking surfing lessons on Main Beach at Surfers Paradise on Saturday and asked whether reports that he had an affair with Britney Spears that led to her split with *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake were true. "We have never been romantically involved," he said. "People have always tried to say that we were together but it wasn't true. We had a very close, creative relationship but that's all."
4 January 03
//The new layout is fully up on the site. Vote here for your favorite song! All media and fashion reviews will be up tomorrow.
//Janet Axed From Chicago Soundtrack
A new Janet Jackson tune written specially for the Chicago soundtrack has been dumped in favour of a track penned by award winning songwriters John Kander and Fred Ebb.
The writers behind Broadway hits like Chicago and Cabaret have been dubbed the Lennon + McCartney of musicals, and when they offered to pen a new tune for the film, producers didn't think twice about bumping Janet.
Jackson and producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis wrote and recorded a song to be featured during the end credits and on the soundtrack of the movie, but the producers decided at the last minute to instead use a new composition from Kander and Ebb.
The new song, titled I Move On, was recorded by the film's stars Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renee Zellweger.
//Christina: Cover Up!
Christina Aguilera has been told to tone down her raunchy image for an appearance on a children's TV show.
According to tabloid reports, the US pop star - who is well known for her revealing outfits - was told by bosses at CD:UK that she should clean up her act for her forthcoming appearance.
The singer caused controversy when she last performed on the show wearing nothing but a bikini top, cowboy chaps and a tiny pair of knickers.
A spokesman for CD:UK told The Sun: "Christina's last performance got the programme into a lot of trouble."
He added: "We were relieved she turned up in more clothes this time."
//Mariah Carey Visits Ex-Boyfriend Luis Miguel
The New York Daily News reports Mariah Carey and friends rang in 2003 with friends at La Plage, where they drank a few bottles of Cristal, leaving around 5 a.m. Carey flew in from Aspen, where she snuck in a reunion with ex-boyfriend Luis Miguel at the St. Regis. Word is she showed up at his hotel in a zipped-down ski parka, though Miguel was spotted just a few days later with Mexican TV host Rebeca de Alba at Renaissance.
//Kylie & Nelly
Kylie Minogue loved her recent photoshoot with Nelly; but she was shocked by his shyness. Kylie apparently chose the Nelly for a recent snap session.. but Nelly was the one to be equipped with the necessary flashy clothes and jewellery; Nevertheless, Kylie had to take the lead when it came to their provocative posing. She says, "I was a big fan. I got to choose who I wanted to be photographed with and I said Nelly. I'm not sure if he was a bit shy with me. I thought, 'Hey you're going to do a million of these so, hey, get ready!'".. "He's got loads of bling bling, millions of clothes and I got two dresses, by the way which were stunning, so I didn't have a problem. The photographer was like 'Nelly you go there and Kylie you hurl yourself on him'. And I said, 'If there's anything uncomfortable, Nelly,' because I was gettin
//Julianne Moore gets engaged
Moore, 42, met Freundlich, 32, when he cast her in 1997's ''The Myth of Fingerprints.'' In an Entertainment Weekly interview in November, she recalled the shoot, saying, ''We started to see each other about two weeks into it. It was casual. I don't think either of us was thinking that we were going to have two children!'' They have a son, Cal, 5, and a daughter, Liv, 9 months.
e down her raunchy image for an appearance on a children's TV show.
3 January 03
//Mariah Carey's Pricey Bathroom Remodel
Globe magazine reports Mariah Carey just imported a truckload of real Sicilian marble from Italy to her New York City penthouse, where workers will cover the floor and walls of her three bathrooms, including the bathtubs. The upgrade will cost $75,000 per room.
//Oceans 12
Entertainment Weekly reports that producer Jerry Weintraub has stated that the script for "Ocean's Twelve" will be completed by the end of 2003 for Steven Soderbergh, and promises that the entire cast will be back.
//50 Cent Arrested
Rapper 50 Cent was arrested in New York this week after police allegedly found two loaded guns on the floor of his rented car.
The Shady Records star had been scheduled to perform at a pre-New Year's Eve event in the early hours of Tuesday morning, but was arrested as he arrived outside the Manhattan venue at around 2am.
According to event promoter Jay Mangan, the rapper - real name Curtis Jackson - was prevented from leaving the bulletproof Jeep Cherokee after police ordered the driver to pull over.
Having cited a traffic offence of double parking, police searched the car and found a .25 caliber handgun in the front passenger floor. A further search of the vehicle turned up another gun - both are said to have been loaded.
//Justin - "I Love Britney"
Justin Timberlake has confessed that he still loves former girlfriend Britney Spears and may never get over her.
The N'SYNC and solo pop superstar split with Britney earlier this year, after more than two years together.
However, and despite being linked with a string of woman, Timberlake confessed to Rolling Stone magazine that he was still hung-up on the Princess of Pop.
He said: "I do have to come to the realisation that I might never recover. But I still love her. I really do still love that girl. "She has a beautiful heart, but if I've lost my trust in someone, I don't think it's right for me to be with them," suggested Timberlake.
//Eminem's Resolutions
Eminem has made public his New Year resolutions to quit drugs and maintain a rigorous exercise routine.
The rapper claims that, three albums in, his lifestyle has become a threat to his health with a constant round of parties, studio work, touring, family disputes and drug use creating a considerable strain.
Commenting on the pressures of super-stardom, he told the Detroit Free Press: "It's almost to the point where I truly believe I may be getting too big for my own good and I never really asked for that."
The rapper remains totally focussed on his work having brought in a total of $300,000,000 last year from two albums and the movie, 8 Mile. "Looking back at this year? I really haven't thought about it," he said. "I haven't taken it all in yet. I never really stop to look back on things and reflect on them. I keep 'em on the head, but I'm concentrating on next year more than anything."
//Britney's partied out
Britney Spears needs a holiday, because her recent vacation has been left her 'partied out'. Britney apparently has been hitting the nightspots of New York after deciding to take some time off following a difficult personal and professional year; leaving her more tired than ever. A friend reports, "She has gone out every night since taking a break six months ago. She's always out at clubs drinking and dancing".
//Diana Ross arrested
Diana Ross has been arrested amid allegations of drink driving, dotmusic can confirm. The legendary pop diva apparently was stopped by police in Arizona, after her car was apparently spotted swerving across the road. Police sergeant Judy Altieri said a breath test on the former Supremes star found she had more than twice the legal drink-driving limit in her system. Diana was released without charge after the arrest, which happened this morning, when her car was spotted swerving in the roads of Tucson. She is due to appear in court on January 13, on three misdemeanour charges. Sgt Altieri said Diana had a blood alcohol level of 0.20, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08. She explained: "It would be what is considered extreme DUI (driving under the influence)".
Canadian teen sensation Avril Lavigne - whose debut album topped the UK chart last weekend - has received nominations for Song Of The Year, Best Newcomer and Best Pop Vocal Performance amongst others.
Meanwhile Eminem - arguably the most successful artist of 2002 - has been nominated for five awards including Best Rap Album, Best Male Rap Solo Performance, Best Video, Record Of The Year and Album Of The Year.
The nominations for this year's awards were revealed today in New York by stars including Lavigne, P Diddy, and Justin Timberlake.
The full list of nominations is as follows:
Album of the Year
Dixie Chicks 'Home'
Eminem 'The Eminem Show'
Norah Jones 'Come Away With Me'
Nelly 'Nellyville'
Bruce Springsteen 'The Rising'
Record of the Year
Vanessa Carlton 'A Thousand Miles'
Eminem 'Without Me'
Norah Jones 'Don't Know Why'
Nelly featuring Kelly Rowland 'Dilemma'
Nickelback 'How You Remind Me'
Song of the Year
Avril Lavigne 'Complicated'
Norah Jones 'Don't Know Why'
Bruce Springsteen 'The Rising'
Vanessa Carlton 'A Thousand Miles'
Best New Artist
Ashanti
Michelle Branch
Norah Jones
Avril Lavigne
John Mayer
Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group
AZ featuring Nas 'The Essence'
Big Tymers 'Still Fly'
Busta Rhymes featuring P. Diddy & Pharrell 'Pass The Courvoisier Part II'
Cam'Ron featuring Juelz Santana 'Oh Boy'
OutKast Featuring Killer Mike 'The Whole World'
Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
Aaliyah 'More Than A Woman'
Ashanti 'Foolish'
Mary J. Blige 'He Think I Don't Know'
Eartha 'I'm Still Standing'
Jill Scott 'He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat) (Movements I, II, III)'
Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
Craig David '7 Days'
Elton John 'Original Sin'
John Mayer 'Your Body Is A Wonderland'
Sting 'Fragile'
James Taylor 'October Road'
Best R&B Album
India.Arie 'Voyage To India'
Joe 'Better Days'
Musiq 'Juslisen'
Raphael Saadiq 'Instant Vintage'
Remy Shand 'The Way I Feel'
Best Female Rap Solo Performance
Charli Baltimore 'Diary...'
Missy Elliott 'Scream a.k.a Itchin'
Eve 'Satisfaction'
Foxy Brown 'Na Na Be Like'
Lauryn Hill 'Mystery Of Iniquity'
Best Male Rap Solo Performance
Eminem 'Without Me'
Jay-Z 'Song Cry'
Ludacris 'Rollout (My Business)'
Mystikal 'Bouncin' Back (Bumpin' Me Against The Wall)'
Nelly 'Hot In Herre'
Best Short Form Music Video
Dirty Vegas 'Days Go By'
Eminem 'Without Me'
Knoc-Turn'Al featuring Dr. Dre & Missy Elliott 'Knoc'
Nas 'One Mic'
1 Giant Leap featuring Robbie Williams & Maxi Jazz 'My Culture'
Best Metal Performance
Korn 'Here To Stay'
P.O.D. 'Portrait'
Slipknot 'My Plague'
Stone Sour 'Get Inside'
Rob Zombie 'Never Gonna Stop (The Red, Red Kroovy) '
Best Male Rock Vocal Performance
David Bowie 'Slow Burn'
Elvis Costello '45'
Peter Gabriel 'The Barry Williams Show'
Robert Plant 'Darkness, Darkness'
Bruce Springsteen 'The Rising'
Best Dance Recording
Daniel Bedingfield 'Gotta Get Thru This'
Dirty Vegas 'Days Go By'
Groove Armada 'Superstylin'
Kylie Minogue 'Love At First Sight'
No Doubt'Hella Good'
Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals
Christina Aguilera featuring Redman 'Dirrty'
India.Arie & Stevie Wonder 'Christmas Song'
Tony Bennett & kd lang 'What A Wonderful World'
Natalie Cole & Diana Krall 'Better Than Anything'
Sheryl Crow & Don Henley 'It's So Easy'
Santana & Michelle Branch 'The Game Of Love'
Best Long Form Music Video
The Clash 'Westway To The World'
Nappy Roots 'The World According To Nappy'
1 Giant Leap '1 Giant Leap'
Various Artists 'Welcome To The Club: The Women Of Rockabilly'
Robbie Williams 'Live At The Albert'
Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal
Kenny G featuring Brian McKnight 'All The Way'
Nivea featuring Brian & Brandon Casey of Jagged Edge 'Don't Mess With My Man'
Angie Stone & Joe 'More Than A Woman'
TLC 'Girl Talk'
Stevie Wonder & Take Six 'Love's In Need Of Love Today'
Best Hard Rock Performance
Foo Fighters 'All My Life'
Godsmack 'I Stand Alone'
P.O.D. 'Youth Of The Nation'
Queens Of The Stone Age 'No One Knows'
System Of A Down 'Aerials'
Best Rock Song
Foo Fighters 'All My Life'
Chad Kroeger 'Hero'
Godsmack 'I Stand Alone'
Bruce Springsteen 'The Rising'
3 Doors Down 'When I'm Gone'
Producer of the Year, Non-Classical
Dr. Dre
Nellee Hooper
Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis
Arif Mardin
Rick Rubin
Best Male R&B Vocal Performance
Joe 'Let's Stay Home Tonight'
R. Kelly 'The World's Greatest'
Musiq 'Halfcrazy'
Remy Shand 'Take A Message'
Usher 'U Don't Have To Call'
Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal
Aerosmith 'Girls Of Summer'
Coldplay 'In My Place'
Creed 'My Sacrifice'
Chad Kroeger Featuring Josey Scott 'Hero'
3 Doors Down 'When I'm Gone'
Tonic 'Take Me As I Am'
U2 'Walk On'
Best Rock Album
Elvis Costello 'When I Was Cruel'
Sheryl Crow 'C'mon, C'mon'
Robert Plant 'Dreamland'
Bruce Springsteen 'The Rising'
Tonic 'Head on Straight'
Best R&B Song
Raphael Saadiq Featuring D'Angelo 'Be Here'
Floetry 'Floetry'
India.Arie 'Good Man'
Erykah Badu Featuring Common 'Love Of My Life (An Ode To Hip Hop'
Remy Shand 'Take A Message'
Best Rap Album
Eminem 'The Eminem Show'
Ludacris 'Word of Mouf'
Mystikal 'Tarantula'
Nelly 'Nellyville'
Petey Pablo 'Diary Of A Sinner: 1st Entry'
Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal
Bon Jovi 'Everyday'
Bowling For Soup 'Girl All The Bad Guys Want'
Dave Matthews Band 'Where Are You Going'
No Doubt 'Hey Baby'
'NSYNC 'Girlfriend'
Best Female Rock Vocal Performance
Sheryl Crow 'Steve McQueen'
Melissa Etheridge 'The Weakness In Me'
Avril Lavigne 'Sk8er Boi'
Bonnie Raitt 'Gnawin' On It'
Susan Tedeschi 'Alone'
Best Pop Instrumental Performance
B.B. King 'Auld Lang Syne'
Dave Koz & Jeff Koz 'Blackbird'
Pat Metheny Group 'As It Is'
Moby '18'
Kirk Whalum 'Playing With Fire'
Best Rock Instrumental Performance
The Flaming Lips 'Approaching Pavonis Mons By Balloon (Utopia Planitia) '
Gov't Mule 'Sco-Mule'
Tony Levin 'Apollo'
Joe Satriani 'Starry Night'
Slash 'Love Theme From The Godfather'
Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
Sheryl Crow 'Soak Up The Sun'
Norah Jones 'Don't Know Why'
Avril Lavigne 'Complicated'
Pink 'Get The Party Started'
Britney Spears 'Overprotected'
Best Alternative Music Album
Beck 'Sea Change'
Clinic 'Walking With Thee'
Coldplay 'A Rush Of Blood To The Head'
Elvis Costello & The Imposters 'Cruel Smile'
'Behind The Music' The Soundtrack Of Our Lives
Legendary stars Simon & Garfunkel, Johnny Mathis and Etta James will be presented with lifetime achievement awards at the show.
The 45th annual Grammy Awards will take place at New York's Madison Square Garden on February 23.
8 January 03
//Full News Report: Grammys 2003!
Pop newcomers Norah Jones and Avril Lavigne have kicked off a successful 2003 by collecting five nominations each for this year's Grammy Awards.
The prestigious awards ceremony, which takes place in New York next month, will see the young stars battle Eminem, Bruce Springsteen, Nelly, Ashanti, Raphael Saadiq and Sheryl Crow to take home the pick of the top trophies.
Twenty-three year old Jones, who had a huge hit last year with her debut LP, 'Come Away With Me', is nominated for the coveted Album Of The Year award in addition to Record Of The Year, Best Pop Vocal Performance, Best Newcomer and Song Of The Year.
//RIAA Website Hacked
The RIAA website has been hacked, and the homepage now humorously lists download links to the major file swapping programs. They've taken down the page but check out a screen capture here.
//Spears Spotted Wearing Diamond Ring On Wedding Finger
The Mirror reports Britney Spears has sparked marriage rumors to perhaps on-again boyfriend Justin Timberlake of *NSYNC by sporting a diamond ring on her wedding finger as she shopped for sexy knickers in Los Angeles. The paper wonders if it is the same ring Timberlake gave to Spears in 2001, even though she told everyone that the pricey ring was a gift from her brother.
//Eminem Inks 'Shady' Clothing Deal
The New York Post reports Eminem has signed a licensing deal with Nesi Apparel to create a collection of sportswear. The new collection, to be called 'Shady,' will be available in department stores for the back-to-school selling period in late summer. The apparel collection will likely be well-received by retailers, predicted David Wolfe, creative director for the Doneger Group, a retail trend and buying office. "Eminem has a wonderful cachet. Especially since parents are [annoyed] by him, he's so appealing to teenagers," he said. Read more.
//New Sony CEO
Sony Music didn't waste any time replacing label chief Tommy Mottola, who stepped down Thursday after more than a decade spent running the company and guiding the careers of such artists as Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, and Jennifer Lopez. On Friday, Sony named Andrew Lack as the label's new chairman and CEO. It was a surprising choice, given that Lack, currently president and chief operating officer of NBC, has no music business background.
Lack, a former NBC news chief who became president of the network in 2001, will surely have something of a culture shock, going from Tom Brokaw and Katie Couric to J. Lo and the Dixie Chicks. But then, his new boss, Sony Corporation of America chairman and CEO Sir Howard Stringer, did the same thing, having run CBS News and then CBS before coming to Sony. In a statement, Stringer seemed to suggest that Lack was being hired as much for his financial acumen as for his media experience, calling Lack ''equally adept at business, management, strategy and value creation, as well as a consummate and proven developer of content, talent and ideas.''
That Mottola was replaced so quickly was another sign that he had not jumped but had been pushed, as anonymous Sony insiders had indicated to the New York Times and Fox News. He'd been criticized within the company for spending lavishly on artists, and in a New York Times interview Friday, he hinted that he was relieved that he would no longer have to be the one responsible for taking draconian measures to cut costs. In recent years, the company had lost market share and run up nine-figure operating losses, while Mottola himself had been the focus of public dust-ups with such artists as ex-wife Carey and Michael Jackson. He had been negotiating for an extension on his contract, which was to expire in 2004; instead, Sony will give him his own label to run.
11 January 03
//Chat Tomorrow! We will be giving out loads of gifts, making announcements, and having trivia at our chat! It's free, go there now!
(AP) - Singer and actress Jennifer Lopez, in an interview with a Brazilian newspaper, denied rumors she was going to marry actor Ben Affleck on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14.
"We don't know when the wedding will be. We need to sit down together and choose a date," Lopez said in an interview published Sunday in Rio de Janeiro newspaper Jornal do Brasil. The paper said the interview was conducted in a New York hotel but didn't say on what day.
The performer, whose single "Jenny From The Block" stands at No. 6 of this week's Billboard music chart, said she was doing everything to avoid the media hype around her engagement to Affleck.
"I've already been in relationships with other famous people, but I confess that it (the media attention) didn't even come close to the madness it is this time," she said.
Lopez also denied that the couple was planning to spend $1.5 million on their wedding ceremony.
The 32-year-old star has been married twice before.
//Fat Joe on Grammys
Bronx rapper Fat Joe has been spurred by his recent Grammy nomination into making moves to bring together his own independent label operation.
"We're working on this Terror Squad album," he told MTV news. "I think we're gonna put that out independently, just trying to flex our muscle.
I been swearing we could do it ourselves. I don't know if I'm just crazy, but I wanna test the waters.... Who knows if that could be my niche. You go gold with an independent album, you make 10 million. I gotta challenge myself."
Fat Joe is nominated for the Best Rap/Sung Collaboration Grammy for the single 'What's Luv' featuring Ashanti.
"I wasn't expecting it at all," he said. "If I win, it's over. Don't nobody wanna see this nigga win 'cause I'm losing it. I'm screaming, 'The Bronx!' I'm screaming, 'Boriqua!' Wow, it's over. If I win it's a problem.
//O-Town To Sing National Anthem At 49ers Vs. Bucs Game
O-Town will perform the national anthem at the San Francisco 49ers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers playoff game on Sunday (January 12) at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium. The game is scheduled for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff, and it will be televised on Fox.
//Eve Signs Television Deal With UPN
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Eve has inked a development deal with UPN to produce her own comedy television series. The show will focus on Eve, who stars as a fashion designer and her exploits in the New York fashion world. UPN entertainment president Dawn Ostroff said, "She's one of those unique artists; she's a huge star in the music world, but she also really stands out as an actress. When we saw her in 'Barbershop,' we said, 'Wow, there's really something there.'"
10 January 03
//Wild Writings will be having a chat on Sunday, January 12, @ 9:00 PM ET! Be There!
Fred Durst updated the news on Limp Bizkit's official site today, and in his entry this is what he had to say about Britney Spears: "I also know you've heard the rumors about Britney Spears. Well a lot of you are wrong, I did not sing with her okay. I really like her and that's about all I should say. She's a sweet amazing girl and I'm happy to know her right now. you are my family and you know you can trust me and my judgement!!
//Christina Tops Britney with Soda-Pop
The Sun reports Christina Aguilera has had her $75 million deal with Coca-Cola renewed, which they say news of will be a blow to rival Britney Spears. "This deal couldn't have come at a worse time for Britney," a source close to Aguilera said. "It shows that Christina is becoming the bigger of the two pop divas."
//Tommy Mottola Starts Label, Out As Sony CEO
Billboard reports Tommy Mottola has indeed stepped down as chairman/CEO at Sony Music, though he will stay in partnership with Sony on his own label. "I have been thinking about taking up this new challenge for about a year, and really made the decision to go forward only recently," Mottola said in a statement. "I am thrilled that I will continue my long-standing relationship with Sony to create a company that I believe will become a blueprint for the music business in the coming years." Sony will name Mottola's successor within "the next few days."
//Mariah and Michael Jackson contribute to Tommys Mess
Roger Friedman of FoxNews.com reports Tommy Mottola only found out he was leaving when he arrived this morning at Sony Music's offices at 550 Madison in New York. "He was told to go see Sir Howard Stringer, and when he got there they handed him a press release," a source said. Mottola was then given a couple of hours to clear out his office. A deal for a record label was, according to sources, Sony's resolution of the last year of his contract. Friedman says the embarrassing story of Mottola allegedly stealing music from Mariah Carey's 'Glitter' album and passing it to Jennifer Lopez didn't help much, while Michael Jackson riding around Manhattan with a megaphone calling Mottola a racist also didn't help his cause.
9 January 03
//Join the contest & vote for your favorite song on our Wild Countdown Friday!
//Tara And JC Split
Hollywood babe Tara Reid has split up with 'N Sync member JC Chasez - amid claims the actress was using Chasez to further her career.
According to pals of the glamorous pair, they hit problems during the New Year when blonde Reid began trying to make the Girlfriend singer possessive.
A source says, "In Miami she started flirting with other guys to try and make him jealous, and he basically said forget it. It's over completely."
It is also claimed up-and-coming Hollywood star Reid was using Chasez's fame for her own gain.
The source adds, "It was always more about Tara following JC than anything else. It helped her get her press."
//O-Towns 02
In an interview with Melissa from Kiwibox, O-Town openly discussed their feelings on their sophomore album's poor sales. "I mean there's a lot of things we should have done differently, could have done differently, or what I would have personally done differently," said Dan Miller. "At this point though, I don't think it really helps anyone to point fingers. It's not really anybody's fault. As far as the record goes, I mean we did the best we could with the material we put together." Band mate Erik-Michael Estrada added, "I mean right now, I like the fact that we seem to be breaking out like a real band. Almost like a word of mouth kinda thing. I think a lot of people don't know our record is out, and even if they do, it's forcing us to prove ourselves. I mean, just because people may not think the record is out, or the awareness isn't there, or whatever the case may be, it's forcing us to come together and be unified as a group."
//Avril Lavigne Won't Dress Up For Grammy Awards
Katrillion asked Avril Lavigne if she planned on dressing up for this year's Grammy Awards, after the Canadian singer scored five nominations yesterday. Avril says, "You won't be seeing me in high heels this year ... (I'll) probably wear something like I wear everyday."
//Joe Millionaire strikes gold
Who wants to be a ''Millionaire'' viewer? About 18.6 million people. That's the average viewership of Monday's ''Joe Millionaire'' premiere, according to Nielsen. That's the highest-scoring debut for any new series this season, and for any reality show of the past few years, from the first season of ''Survivor'' in 2000 to ''American Idol'' last summer.
Perhaps most surprising, viewership was 42 percent male, compared with 31 percent on average for ABC's similar ''The Bachelor.'' Fox Entertainment president Gail Berman attributed the high number of men watching to successful promotion of the show during the NFL playoffs. ''The male numbers were very high for a relationship-oriented show, and football was a dynamic part of this launch,'' she told Variety.
Of course, ''Joe'' will have only a seven-episode run, and it's unlikely there could be a second season, as potential bachelorettes would already be wise to Fox's bait-and-switch premise. Still, Fox expects to be able to capitalize on the show's momentum by filling its Monday night slot with another courtship reality series, ''Married by America,'' in which viewers decide which contestants will pair off and live together.
//Mariah Carey Fuming Over Sharon's Booby Claim
The Daily Star reports Mariah Carey was fuming backstage after Sharon Osbourne introduced her as having "the best booby job I've ever seen, ever!" A source backstage at the American Music Awards said, "Mariah was very, very angry. She has a sexy image and doesn't want her fans to think she's fake. That will be the last time she appears on any show that has Sharon Osbourne as a host."
//Celine Dion's New Album Due In March
Celine Dion's forthcoming album, 'One Heart,' will be hitting Canadian retail stores on March 25, Sony Music Canada confirms. The album comes out on the same day as Dion's three-year stint at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas kicks off, and almost one year after the release of her last studio effort, 'A New Day Has Come.'
//Kelly Osbourne To Design Clothes For Chunky Girls
Globe magazine reports retail giant Lane Bryant has offered Kelly Osbourne a multi-million dollar deal to design a clothing line for chubby chicks. "Kelly's a fashion leader and she's not weight obsessed," an industry source noted. "She's a role model for a lot of heavier teens." Kelly has said in the past, "I don't think of myself as fat - I think I'm just normal. And I've always wanted to be a fashion designer."
//Madonna Asked To Re-Record Tracks On New Album
The Mirror reports record bosses at Warner Brothers have asked Madonna to re-record a number of tracks on her new album, which is scheduled to be released on April 15th. "Madonna feels like she delivered her best album yet last week but the record label have insisted that the material needs to be changed," a source said. "They really liked what they heard and it's another example of Madonna reinventing herself. But the problem is that it's too avant garde to be a commercial success. She had used far too many electronic synthesisers on her voice and had morphed a lot of her vocals to sound like a robot. There was even a 12-minute long track."
//J.Lo & Ben Affleck May Be Sued By Injured Onlooker
Daily Sport reports Deanna Higley, 56, was temporarily blinded and fell on to rocks after security guards for Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez shined mirrors at crowds watching the filming of Lopez and Affleck's romantic comedy Gigli in Malibu, California. Now Higley is threatening legal action against the pair. "One minute I was picking my way along the beach, the next second I couldn't see anything," she explained. "It was totally irresponsible. If they refuse to help me pay for the medical bills then I will consider starting legal action against them."
//Sony Makes first Cuts
With his last album bombing, The Sun reports Sony has dropped Will Smith from his record deal. The label thinks that at 34 he's too old to appeal to kids. "It doesn't matter how big a star is, if they don't sell records they get dropped simple," declared an industry insider. "Will has had a lot of success selling records but that time has passed. People aren't interested in him as a musician any more. He is big in movies and has obviously sold a lot of records on the back of that, but the demand for his rap projects has dried up."
//TLC Survivors' CD Fails To Collect Death Benefit
While death usually has a positive effect on music acts, TLC has seen disappointing sales of '3D", reports Jim Farber of the New York Daily News. Yet after eight weeks, '3D' has sold 524,075 copies, falling to No. 61 on Billboard's Top 200 Album chart. Now Arista plans to release 'Hands Up,' a far more pop-friendly single. Yet, with the group's quickly lowering profile, it may be too late. Read more.
14 January 03
//Check back later today for an American Music Award run-down!
//Vote for your favorite song here in our media countdown!
//Fox Needs A Hit With 'American Idol 2'
Dave Karger of Entertainment Weekly previewed the new season of 'American Idol', which needs to be a hit for Fox, who has had a tough year in the ratings department, and got burned with the second season of its last reality series, 'Temptation Island'. They also have 'Star Search' up against them, but Simon Cowell isn't impressed. The judge told EW, "That show has a problem. Music in its barest form on television is about as boring as you can get. To put people on without any controversy or good versus evil, it will not work.''
//Bobby Brown Says Whitney & Child Are Wonderful
Extra TV caught up with Ja Rule and Bobby Brown at rehearsals of the American Music Awards over the weekend, where they performed 'Thug Lovin''. Bobby's thoughts were with wife Whitney Houston and their child. He says, "My wife is wonderful. Everybody is wonderful." Watch the clip here.
Jennifer Aniston, nursing a broken toe, needed a cane and a co-star to collect her People's Choice Award.
//Aniston nurses broken toe
Aniston, who plays Rachel Green on the hit NBC series "Friends," used the cane and a helping hand from co-star Matthew Perry Sunday to walk to the stage of the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
The actress received the award for favorite female television performer during the 29th annual awards show, hosted by Tony Danza.
Aniston broke a toe on her right foot after hitting it on piece of furniture, her publicist said Monday. He didn't elaborate.
"Friends" also won an award for favorite comedy series.
The People's Choice Awards, which were presented live on CBS, cover 16 categories in film, television and drama. A nationwide poll conducted by the Gallup Organization determined both the open-ended nominees and the winners.
//Eve & Ja Tour!
Hip-hop stars Ja Rule and Eve have announced plans for a month long tour of the US, dotmusic can confirm.
The pair will kick off a total of 22-dates with a show in Massachusetts in January 29, travelling across the country throughout February before finishing the tour on March 2.
Ja will headline the tour, which hits cities including Philadelphia, Atlanta, Columbia, Minneapolis, Toronto, Montreal, Pittsburgh and Washington DC among others.
//Tour's now or never
Nick Carter apparently will be spending the latter part of the winter on his very first tour sans Kevin, A.J., Brian and Howie. Nick will sweep through most major American cities and will make one lone Canadian stop in Toronto. Nick is touring in support of his debut solo album, the recently released "Now Or Never". The album has already caused its fair share of controversy and not just because it forced Nick to go head to head with *NSYNC's Justin Timberlake, who also released his debut solo album, "Justified". The album prompted the rest of the Backstreet Boys to launch a law suit against their label, Zomba, for focusing on Nick's solo album rather than supporting the career of the full band. The Backstreet Boys are seeking release from their contract, plus $75 million.
13 January 03
// Contest is over! Winners will be announced soon!
// Thanks to all who helped make the chat last night a success! We had many winners of prizes!
//AMAs Tonight!
The American Music Awards are on tonight. Presenters include 3 Doors Down, Paula Abdul, *N SYNC's JC Chasez, Creed, Sheryl Crow, Jakob Dylan, Carmen Electra, Josh Groban, Patricia Heaton, Lonestar, Mya, Nelly, Mekhi Phifer, Shaggy, Justin Timberlake, Tyrese, & Lee Ann Womack. Performers include Christina Aguilera, B2K, Bobby Brown, Mariah Carey, Kenny Chesney, Missy Elliott, Ja Rule, Elton John, Toby Keith & Willie Nelson, matchbox twenty, Tim McGraw, Nickelback, Kelly Osbourne, & Shania Twain! Hosted by the Osbournes. Check it out on ABC! Come back tomorrow for videos from the show and a recap!
//Mandy Moore Buys LA Area Home For $1.7 Million
The Hartford Courant reports Mandy Moore purchased a Mediterranean-style home in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles just before the holidays for slightly more than $1.7 million, according to real estate sources. The 18-year-old pop star bought a refurbished 1927 house with five bedrooms and four bathrooms in nearly 4,800 square feet. The home also has terraces, courtyards, a library/study and a family room.
//Hiring A Beefy Bodyguard Isn't Enough Anymore
The New York Post reports on the new level of security celebrities are taking to protect themselves, namely former FBI and CIA specialists. Ben Affleck reportedly hired agents in a bid to protect fiance Jennifer Lopez. The types of security employed by Britney Spears, *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake, and Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs were criticized, appearing to be more for status than real protection. Puff Daddy, who is always escorted by over 10 "grimy Harlem guys from the street, some of whom are ex-cons," says a source close to Combs. His team has been known to start more fights than stop them.
//Jennifer Love Hewitt cries
The Sunday People reports Jennifer Love Hewitt burst into tears after learning Coldplay singer Chris Martin was off the market. The singer/actress was gutted to hear her actress pal Gwyneth Paltrow had hooked up with him. She said on Virgin Radio, "I'm obsessed with Coldplay and Chris Martin is the sexiest ever. I cried for an hour when I found out when they were dating."
