50 Cent Shovels Snow For Money- Demi Lovato Leaves Rehab For Christmas- Papa Elton John- LeAnn Rimes and Lily Allen Get Engaged- The Game Robbed- more

(ASB) More big stars are added to the line-up of "NBC's New Year's Eve with Carson Daly". Joining previously-revealed guests Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne to ring in 2011 will be Greyson Chance and Jimmy Fallon. more

Tim McGraw To Star in Film With Ryan Reynolds and Denzel Washington

Country singer Tim McGraw's acting career will get a boost when he plays alongside Ryan Reynolds and Denzel Washington in the Daniel Espinosa-directed Safe House.

The movie is set in Washington, D.C., and features Reynolds as a CIA agent. According to The Boot McGraw plays a spy and the film will begin shooting soon in South Africa.

McGraw told Cinema Blend, "I get to play actually something action-packed. Shoot people and all that stuff. I'm looking forward to all that." more on this story

Teena Marie Died In Her Sleep

(Gibson) Teena Marie, best known for hits "Lovergirl" and "I'm a Sucker for Your Love," has been found dead at her home in Pasadena, California.

BBC News reports that her manager Mike Gardner said she died in her sleep.

Teena Marie was born Mary Christine Brockert and made her name as a white artist on the predominantly black Motown label in the '70s. more on this story

Duran Duran Were Part Of The Demise Of The Record Industry Says Simon LeBon

The Hollywood Reporter caught up with Duran Duran frontman Simon LeBon to discuss the group's new album which debuted on iTunes last week. During the exchange they touched on how the music biz has changed since Duran Duran's beginning and Simon offers an interesting response:

THR: Looking back at the years you spent releasing albums on major labels, how would you describe Duran's experience?

LeBon: "We were part of the demise of the old-fashioned record industry. We witnessed it first-hand, and it was very interesting, but it wasn't a great experience. To go from the days when people used to get grand pianos delivered to their doorstep to a time when label executives are being laid off left, right, and center is quite extreme." Read the full interview here

RIP Bernie Wilson of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes

(International Records) Bernie Wilson, baritone vocalist in the classic lineup of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, died early Sunday from undisclosed medical complications at Kresson View Center in Voorhees, NJ, Philadelphia

Wilson joined Melvin, Teddy Pendergrass, Lawrence Brown and Lloyd Parks in the world-renowned lineup that was signed to Philadelphia International Records in 1972, the beginning of a four-year string of hits for Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes that were integral in defining the Sound of Philadelphia. They became one of the most popular groups in R&B during that era, with recordings that ranged from sweeping, extended proto-disco dance tracks to silky, smoldering ballads, all wrapped up in the lushly orchestrated production that had become the legendary signature of Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff. The group made their chart debut with "I Miss You," then continued with a Grammy nomination for their first #1 R&B hit, "If You Don't Know Me By Now." More #1 hits followed, with "The Love I Lost," and "Wake Up Everybody." Other Blues Notes classics during that time include "Bad Luck" (#4 R&B; #1 Dance) and "Don't Leave Me This Way."

The passing of Wilson leaves Lloyd Parks as the sole surviving member of the classic lineup of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. more on this story

Gamble & Huff Comment on the Passing of Teena Marie

Legendary R&B Pioneers, architects of the Sound of Philadelphia, Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff issued a statement about the passing of Teena Marie.

"We're shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Teena Marie. She was one of the most memorable, soulful and unique R&B vocalists to come out of Motown.

"We send or condolences to Teena's family, the entire Motown family and of course, our dear friend Berry Gordy."

Day in Pop 2010 Rewind: Top Stories From September

We continue our look back at the top stories of 2010. Today we flashback to September

Free Porn for Lady Gaga

We were sent this announcement and just had to pass it on: AEBN, the world's leading provider of adult video-on-demand entertainment, said today it will give Lady Gaga a year's worth of free movies in response to the flamboyant singer's congratulations on the quality of North Carolina's adult stores.

Lady Gaga told a concert audience in Charlotte over the weekend that she was so impressed by a "fabulous" XXX store she had visited earlier in the day, that it inspired a new song for her next album. Her comments on the sex shop have already become a YouTube sensation, and the NC-based company wants the singer to take the best of adult entertainment with her wherever she goes.

"We think she'll enjoy being able to take over 100,000 titles – straight, gay and everything in-between -- on the road with her," said Suzann Knudsen, director of communications for AEBN. "Since she was so impressed by a sex shop here, we can't wait to show her what North Carolina's online entertainment options have in store for her." - more on this story

Michael Buble Becomes Justin Bieber, James Dean and Clint Eastwood For Hollywood

Michael Buble's new video "Hollywood," shows the singer portraying different characters while strolling through various movie sets on a "Hollywood" back lot.

The video for the Bublé penned, "Hollywood" was directed by award winning Rich Lee (Eminem's "Not Afraid," Fergie's "Clumsy," Black Eyed Peas' "Rock That Body").

"You can see how much fun I had playing these characters," commented Bublé. Along with portrayals of Bieber, Dean and Eastwood as a cowboy from "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly", Bublé is also a man from outer space in homage to the space movies from the 50's, 60's and '70's, a young Hollywood actor scuffling with the paparazzi and a 70's thief driving a muscle car. "This video is about celebrity culture and people's dreams about fame... And of course a reminder that it's important to remember what's real and what isn't," commented Bublé. - more on this story

Jay-Z Decoded

Random House imprint Spiegel & Grau have set a November 16th release date for Jay-Z's Decoded. Here is the pitch:

Unique in every sense, Decoded is a narrative journey through the lyrics and life of one Jay-Z.

Featuring an image of Andy Warhol's Rorschach on the cover, the beautifully designed, fully-illustrated book decodes 36 songs from JAY-Z's extensive catalog. By telling the stories behind some of Jay-Z's most famous and provocative lyrics, Decoded offers an intimate, first-hand account of an artist, his work, and the culture that so powerfully shaped him. - more on this story

The Rocky Horror Glee Show

Sweet Transvestite gleeks? It will all make sense as you read on: Just in time for Halloween, Glee: The Music, The Rocky Horror Glee Show, hits stores on Tuesday October 19.

Paying homage to Richard O'Brien's cult musical masterpiece, the Glee cast injects their auto-tuned style to such Rocky Horror Show classics as "Time Warp," "Damn it, Janet" and "Touch A Touch A Touch A Touch Me."

Columbia Records says that last week Glee made its triumphant return to prime time with an astounding 12.3 million viewers tuning in to the Season 2 premiere. - more on this story

Life Is Good for Jason Mraz

Jason Mraz is giving fans a keepsake from his current North American tour with the release "Life Is Good," a live digital EP available October 5 recorded earlier this month on Mraz's tour.

"Life Is Good" will feature live versions of four new songs, as well as a live version of "Coyotes" from Mraz's last studio album, We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. (see attached tracklisting).

Mraz and his band recorded the EP on the first three dates of his current tour--in Bangor, Maine; Utica, NY; and at the Life Is Good Festival in Canton, MA. Mraz's tour, which is still winding its way across the continent, wraps up in Santa Barbara, CA on October 8 - more on this story

Ke$ha Lives Up To The Dollar Sign In Her Name

RCA has announced that Ke$ha's debut album Animal has been certified platinum by the RIAA in the U.S. less than 10 months after release and has sold over 2 million units worldwide.

Earlier this month Ke$ha became the 11th solo female artist to collect at least four Billboard Hot 100 Top 10s from a debut album when her current single "Take It Off" catapulted up the chart.

She has sold over 13 million combined tracks and ringtones in the U.S alone to date and 15 million worldwide, including her smash breakthrough single "TiK ToK' which has sold over 8.5 million combined units. - more on this story

Hannah Montana Forever Soundtrack

Disney is releasing Hannah Montana Forever, the fourth season soundtrack for the Miley Cyrus show, on October 19th.

The album features Miley Cyrus collaborating with Iyaz, Sheryl Crow and Billy Ray Cyrus.

The Hannah Montana Forever soundtrack will have its broadcast debut on Radio Disney's Planet Premiere feature with host Ernie D on Sunday, October 17 (7:00 p.m., ET/ 4:00 p.m., PT) with a rebroadcast on Monday, October 18 (12:00 p.m., ET/ 9:00 a.m., PT). - more on this story

Trey Songz Tops Himself

Trey Songz new album "Passion, Pain & Pleasure," has debuted at no. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart.

With sales exceeding 240,000, the album – which features the hit singles, "Bottoms Up (feat. Nicki Minaj)" and "Can't Be Friends" – sits atop of the "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums" chart.

The first week sales of "Passion, Pain & Pleasure" more than doubled those of his 2009 effort, "READY," making this Songz' career-best debut to date. - more on this story

Barry Manilow Symphony

Barry Manilow announces a series of first ever Florida symphony concerts backed by The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra of Punta Gorda, Florida in January of 2011.

Beginning on January 20th, and stretching across five major Florida cities, Manilow will bring his greatest hits to the Sunshine State.

"I am thrilled to share the stage with such an impressive collection of musicians and bring some of my greatest hits to Florida fans for this exclusive series," says Manilow. - more on this story

Lady Gaga Sets Two World Records

(Guinness World Records) Who is the world's highest earning celebrity? Which power couple dominates the entertainment world? What pop star commands the most searches on the Internet? The new Guinness World Records 2011 edition out now reveals all this and more in its celebrity-filled pages.

As one of the most talked about pop stars in recent memory, it should come as no surprise that Lady Gaga earned two records for the new book – "Most Searched-For Female" on Google and "Most Weeks On UK Chart In Any Year" with an astounding 154 weeks. Gaga shares her place in the new book alongside two of music's superstars – Jay-Z and Beyonce. Named the year's biggest "Power Couple", Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and Beyonce Knowles earned an astounding $122 million through June 2009.

Two celebrities this year making headlines for their high profile personal lives also made the book. Lindsey Lohan, takes the dubious honor as "Most Infamous Female Celebrity" thanks to her run-ins with the law and the unfortunate performances of her latest movies and Tiger Woods, who ruled the tabloids for his extramarital affairs, didn't see an impact on his earnings yet as he assumes his place as the "Most Powerful Sports Star". The golf phenom raked in an impressive $103 million and topped the 2010 BusinessWeek Sports Power 100 list. - more on this story

Katy Perry Goes Back To Her Hood for MTV

MTV sent over word that Katy Perry will be featured in a new special. Here you go: Katy Perry invites international audiences on an intimate journey to her hometown of Santa Barbara in the all new special MTV Hoods: Katy Perry, premiering on MTV channels around the world on Sunday, October 3rd*.

MTV cameras follow Katy as she revisits her early guitar days in her childhood home, a "puppy love" crush, hilarious high school memories (and a few surprises along the way!). MTV Hoods: Katy Perry gives viewers an up close and personal look at the people, experiences and memories that took Katy from the fresh-faced, sun-kissed California girl to one of today's most popular global stars.

Katy said: "There is truly no place like home. It was so exciting to bring MTV Hoods to the place where it all started - to the place where my Teenage Dreams were born. I can't wait for people all over the globe to catch a glimpse of the faces and places that helped me succeed." - more on this story

Sara Bareilles Goes No 1 Amid Historic Overall Music Sales Slide

Sara Bareilles' new album Kaleidoscope Heart has debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 album chart during a week that had the lowest sales since Nielsen SoundScan began their tracking in 1991.

About the album's chart debut, Sara says, "Two amazing things have happened today: First, I have the number one record. Second, my long standing rivalry with Eminem is finally put to rest.

"I don't know what to say... I'm over the moon about this. I had no idea that this was even possible and so here I am once again inspired and amazed by the impact of the most generous fans in the world. All I can say is thank you. Thank You. - more on this story

Lil Boosie Incarcerated

Lil Boosie will be releasing his new album Incarcerated on September 28th under less than ideal circumstances. Warner Bros. Records sent over this background on the release:

The album, full of all new music, is led by the contemplative and melancholy "Rain" where the rapper, despite his recent trials, testifies, "I can clearly see the sunshine, but I'm steady walkin' through the rain." Boosie adds, "This project is some of the songs I recorded right before I turned myself in in November."

Last fall, Lil Boosie (real name Torrance Hatch) was sentenced to four years in prison for violating his pre-arraignment probation and to a third-offense marijuana-possession charge that was in connection with an October 2008 arrest where police found a bag of marijuana, a blunt and a gun in his vehicle. The drug charge alone carried a 20-year sentence, with a mandatory minimum of fives years for the gun charge. After the plea, the judge ordered Lil Boosie to be electronically monitored and to clear all concert dates with the court while awaiting sentencing. - more on this story

Garth Brooks Inspires New Movie

Lifetime Television have announced plans to make an original movie based on Garth Brooks' hit song "Unanswered Prayers."

The film, which will premiere in November, explores the themes of marriage, family, community and second chances with love, asking "Did I let the one I loved get away or is she right in front of me?"

This is the story of a happily married father (Eric Close) living the American dream. When the woman (Madchen Amick) of his high school fantasies returns home, he has to face his past and will be presented with a choice that could change his future forever. Samantha Mathis will portray his wife. Produced by Sony Pictures Television, the film will shoot in the Richmond, Virginia, area. - more on this story

Ray Charles and Johnny Cash Duet Part of New Rarities Release

A rare duet between Johnny Cash and Ray Charles is just one of the rare tracks that will be part of a new collection of unearthed Ray Charles recordings. Here is the announcement:

Concord Records is celebrating the 80th birthday of the legendary Ray Charles with a special gift for his legions of fans: Rare Genius: The Undiscovered Masters. This treasure trove of newly discovered recordings will become available at physical and digital retailers October 26, 2010.

Culled from four decades worth of demos and other previously unreleased material, Rare Genius showcases the remarkable artistic vision, stylistic range and emotionally rich vocals that crafted Charles enduring legacy. - more on this story

Jermaine Tributes His Brother Michael Jackson

Jermaine Jackson's Las Vegas concert is set to include a special dedication to the Jackson 5 and Jermaine's brother Michael Jackson. Here is the announcement:

Jermaine Jackson, founding member of the Jackson 5 and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, performs in concert October 2, 2010, at 8 p.m. in Las Vegas at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino's Theatre of Performing Arts.

Celebrating 40 years as a recording artist, Jackson will perform his fans' favorite songs and present a loving tribute in song to his brother Michael, the Jackson 5 and the Jackson family. - more on this story

Katy Perry Goes No. 1

Katy Perry has made a big splash as the summer winds down as her new album Teenage Dream debuts at No. 1 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart, scanning 192,222 units in its first week of release.

Katy is now one of the top 10 artists with the best-selling debuts of the year and one of only two pop artists to appear on this list. Teenage Dream is the two-time Grammy Award nominee's highest album chart bow yet. Katy's debut album, One of the Boys, scanned 46,767 units in its first week.

Katy has now achieved the highest pre-album street date track sales of all time, with 4.4 million digital tracks sold prior to the album's release — setting a Nielsen Soundscan-era record. 445,746 total tracks were sold during Teenage Dream's first week of release. - more on this story

Fantasia's New Album A Big Hit

Fantasia's third studio album, Back To Me, debuts this week on top of Billboard's R&B Albums chart and No. 2 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

With over 117,000 units sold since its August 24th release on J Records, Back To Me marks Fantasia's first #1 R&B album (Free Yourself debuted at #2, Fantasia at #3) and her highest Billboard Top 200 chart ranking (Free Yourself debuted at #8, Fantasia at #19).

Leading the way for the album's chart-topping debut is the hit single "Bittersweet" which currently claims the #1 position on the Urban Adult Radio Airplay chart for three consecutive weeks. - more on this story

Shakira Makes History

Shakira's "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)" has become the biggest selling World Cup song in history.

"Waka Waka" will be available on her forthcoming album Sale el Sol/The Sun Comes Out, scheduled to be released on October 19th. After selling an astounding two million singles, "Waka Waka" is the biggest World Cup song ever released, however its success goes far beyond its popularity as a song, the song and accompanying dance has become a cultural and viral phenomenon.

The official video for "Waka Waka" has seen over 170 million YouTube hits making it the #4 most watched video of all time and the #3 most watched music video. Including unofficial "Waka Waka" videos, the total cumulative views are over 350 million. - more on this story

Little Big Town Top Album Chart

Little Big Town's fourth studio album's, The Reason Why, debut this week at No 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and No 5 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart after selling 41,940 albums its first week in stores-- making The Reason Why the highest debuting album of the country band's career.

In addition, the band is celebrating a 2010 CMA Awards nomination in the Vocal Group of the Year category--marking Little Big Town's eighth nomination and fifth in that category from the prestigious organization.

"This will be a week we never forget," says Karen Fairchild, "and we owe that to the incredible fans, country radio, and our new label Capitol Records." "We are so blessed to have our album debut at the top of the charts, and to have news of this nomination in the same week is just amazing," adds Kimberly Schlapman. -

America's Got Talent Winner Kevin Skinner Plans Debut Album

America's Got Talent Winner Kevin Skinner set to release debut album "Long Ride." The release date was not mentioned in the announcement but here is what they had to say:

Skinner saddled up for the ride of his life when the NBC reality series held auditions at Harrah's in Metropolis, Illinois, just across the river from Kevin's old Kentucky home. He answered the call to audition and the rest, as they say, is music business history.

In 2009, Kevin Skinner went from unemployed farmer to overnight sensation. After he sang his first song on America's Got Talent (a cover of Garth Brooks' "If Tomorrow Never Comes"), Piers Morgan said, "That was one of the most emotional, powerful performances I've seen in a long time." Suddenly Kevin Skinner was everyone's favorite "Chicken Catcher" and he brought audiences to their feet. - more on this story