By John Frazier Sr. Entertainment Correspondent & Chief Editor
The American Music Awards for 2009 was magical. Starting from Ms. Janet Jackson opening and giving a mini concert. What I found interesting was how the other artists are connected to the dance diva. Paula Abdul was on hand and responsible for the Ms. Jackson's dance moves during her "Control" days of which has become Janet's signature style.
Jennifer Lopez was also present and one of Ms. Jackson's featured dancers in her video, "That's How Love Goes". On Ms. Abdul's musical connection are Ryan Seacrest,Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, (Chris) Daughtry, Adam Lambert, who came in second for 2009 American Idol, but has outshined the winner, Kris Allen, ouch!
Adam even performed a song from his debut CD, that was so sexual and nasty that his Good Morning America appearance for that following morning was cancelled as the network feared he would be a bit much for the early morning coffee drinking viewers, and Adam's been deleted from the Dick Clark's New Year's Eve Celebration.
As for, the American Idol winner, Kris Alan didn't get the same courtesy to perform on AMA and he's so likeable.
Hopefully he finds that same kind of success that Adam will definitely receive.
Ms. Whitney Houston proved that she's back!!! She sounded great, looked great, now can she perform a complete concert?
When she appeared that following Tuesday, on "Dancing With the Stars", she performed 2 songs, which were lukewarm, as vocally she didn't sound as wonderful as she looked.
By the way, daughter, Bobbie Christina is growing up to be a real beauty.
And finally, should we thank Kanye West for all the awards that Taylor Swift has received from the music industry thus far?
Looks like Kanye's rudeness has paid off for Taylor in a huge way. I have a feeling that things may have turned out differently if he had kept his big fat mouth closed.
Did you see Perez Hilton singing his little heart out to Alicia Keys and Jay Z's, "New York?"
Angie Stone has just released her new product, titled, "Unexpected". If you're an Angie Stone fan, you will love this CD, however, even though I love Angie, it appears that no matter the record label, the sound is the same. There's nothing unexpected on "Unexpected".
Perhaps it's time to find a new producer. This sister has a beautiful, raw, urban voice but it can't be appreciated if the material is the same as her prior CD's.
The Neo-soul diva's new record label is STAX records. This label is famous for having a great roster of talent, such as legends, Carla Thomas, Rufus Thomas, The Staple Singers, Isaac Haynes, The Emotions, and many others. For the Angie Stone fans, pick up a few copies of "Unexpected" and place them under the Christmas tree, your loved ones will be happy that you did.
Latin songstress, Shakira, what can I say? "She Wolf", the title of the CD and the first single release is being played all over the place.
Again, if you're a Shakira fan, you are probably as happy as a child on Christmas morning, but for me, the CD is full of studio production, working hard on the crossover appeal.
Vocally, Shakira's voice isn't for everyone. After a few cuts, you might want to pulse it, wait for a second before you continue to the next cut. She's beautiful to look at, her body movements are sexy as hell, and in fact, she's a wonderful humble personality.
She's not the first singer who doesn't have the greatest voice, (did someone say Madonna?) but no matter what, she's proven herself and she's here to stay.
I received an early copy of Lady Gaga's, new CD, " The Fame Monster". At the time of this printing I'm sure it will have been released already just in time for the Christmas holiday.
The buzz has been about the Lady Gaga & Beyonce partnering on song, " Telephone". On Beyonce's song, "Video Phone" from "I Am Sasha Fierce", Lady Gaga is featured (a remix, not on the original).
Neither song made the earth move for me, but I'm sure the two gay icons will enjoy much success, especially after the video and re-mixes are set to play. As for the CD, it's a continuation of "The Fame" CD.
I'm not sure if it's a good or bad thing, but if it's not broke, don't fix it right?
Lady Gaga fans will know her song, "Starstruck" her duet with the group, "Space Cowboy", featuring Flo Rida. Space Cowboy's are driving the club kids crazy, click here & see why:
A wonderful surprise found its way onto my desk, the title of the CD is "Beauty Killer" and the artist is Jeffree Star. A few of the cuts are: "Get Away With Murder", "Prisoner", "Fame & Riches, Rehab Bitches", "Fresh Meat", at first glance you imagine total gay camp songs.
This is not the case, even though the lyrics are fun and perhaps campy, Mr. Star is indeed, very talented and he can really sing. The music is good, his vocals are as well. Don't let his image of a drag queen on the cover, turn you off.
Open your mind, experience the experience. It will be interesting to follow his career. If you're in the mood for some good club music, check out his "my space" website: www.myspace.com/jeffreestar and watch out Adam Lambert!
I had the pleasure of interviewing recording artist, Nhojj who's the 2009 Outmusic Nominee R&B/Soul Song.
The video for this sensual song was directed by Kirk Shannon-Butts, who directed and wrote short film, "Blueprint".
I had the pleasure of interviewing Kirk as well for GBMNews. Congratulations to them both.
"Sister Sledge" sisters who are famous for disco hits, "We Are Family" and "He's the Greatest Dancer" among other great songs are working on a reality show. The sisters now have daughters of their own who are continuing the family music legacy.
This should be interesting, since Kathy Sledge, the lead singer, was the powerhouse standing out front of the sister group. Unfortunately, she wasn't as successful with her solo efforts, however her music can be heard on many "house" CD's. Will there be a "Sister Sledge" reunion? Do we want one?
Chris Brown and Rihanna both have released new CD's just in time for the holidays. Rihanna's will definitely go triple platinum, whereas Chris Brown's may go straight to the dollar bin. But who knows, the entertainment world has rules of its own.
If R. Kelly, and he's just released a new CD, can still be successful after the sexual videos of him having sex with underage girls, Mr. Brown has a chance. Plus I have a feeling that Chris and Rihanna may find themselves back together again.
Many of you may have seen Chris on 20/20, finally he's showing remorse, guilt, regret and sorrow. His following the advice of others in regard to the Chris/Rihanna drama made him look foolish and uncaring on cable's Larry King show. Now he's manning up and doing it his own way. After the interview on 20/20 I couldn't help but wish him a continued successful recovery with his fruitful career.
Now superstar golfer, Tiger Woods is following the advice of his public relations people, time will tell if it was the best, and it appears that the media is out for blood. It's been published that he's had 10 and counting, affairs outside of his 5 year old marriage and for 15 minutes of fame, the women are telling it all.
I'm not a golf fan and not a Tiger fan, especially since it appeared that he wanted to separate himself from being called black or Afro American, however, I can't help but feel sorry for him. This is a matter that should be between Mr. and Mrs. Woods. It's like the media is saying, "See he's not perfect!" He never said he was.
Many may wonder where's the Black community? Eldrick Tont Woods aka Tiger Woods slammed the door in the face of the black/brown community by claiming to be not black but "Cablinasian", which he said when he appeared on the Oprah Show. Everyone present thought it was cute. I didn't and many people of color were not amused either. Stay tuned, every day we find out more, not that we are asking, but the media has taken joy in watching this brother of color fall from grace.
Britain's Got Talent sensation, Susan Boyle has out sold Rihanna in its first week's CD release. This just shows that sometimes its talent that the public hungers for and not studio tricks and music industry brainwash. Good for you, Ms. Boyle.
Usher, Patti LaBelle, Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry and many other entertainers feel that we want to smell like them, so colognes and perfumes are created and marketed for the public's pleasure. NOT! I don't think so! Now Dame Elizabeth Taylor, she's a different story with her "Diamonds" collection.
Ron Artest, the L.A. Lakers, star, has earned enough money to open his own recording company, to launch his new single, "Blind" and on top of that, the music he used in no other than the Oscar Award and Grammy winning actress and singer, Ms. Jennifer Hudson's, song, "Spotlight".
Now I'm not a rap fan, so I can't really appreciate if this song is good or not. However, in the past other basketball pro's like Shaq have tried to rap and failed. Money can't buy everything.
Recording artist and beauty, Mya was the front runner on "Dancing With The Stars", and lost to Donny Osmond, who was crowned the winner. Now people, please!! I watched every show. There's no way that Donny is a better dancer than Mya. But there are more Osmond's in the world, 19.2 million people watched, mostly Osmond's, I'm sure. But no big deal, as it's gotten Ms. Mya back out there. Now hopefully she's in the studio, ready to release some overdue good R&B music.
"George Michael Live In London", released on December 8th- having it's theatrical screening throughout North American and you will be able to purchase it at your local retail store. I just received my copy and it's wonderful!!! For more details visit: George Michael
What's up with Bow Wow? It's seems that his fan base is still the teenie boppers. Even though he's 22, going on 23, the underage are still feeling him. He's cursing, talking about doggie out girls, the record sells aren't happening. Sounds like it's time to reinvent. I have to thank my niece for that bit of information, thank you Lyrenda!
Bobby Brown. Whitney Houston's ex hubby and Brittney Spear's ex-hubby, Kevin Federline are teaming up for a reality show. Now I ask, why would we be interested in the ex-husbands of two superstar entertainers?
Wasn't it a few months ago, Bobby was said to be working on a country-western CD? Child, please, give it up Bobby. Go back into the studio, get the best vocal coach and producers, go to the gym, work out, lose some of that weight and make that major comeback that you hunger for. As for Kevin, it appeared that he was doing a great job raising the children that he and Brittney share.
Mega Super Genius Producer, Timbarland, releases a follow up to 2007 CD which features guest, new comer, Keri Hilson, Chris Daughtry, Brandy, Miley Cyrus, Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry, among others. It's a total mix bag of talent. The beat and lyrics are cool but I'm not crazy about Mr. Timberland's singing ability. But judge for yourself.
Singer, writer Kelis has a new club single, "Acapella", which the club kids are going to love. It has great dance beats and lyrics are great as well. Kelis can sing. The former Mrs. Nas is really to show the world that she can make her own money and keep his.
Jennifer Lopez aka J-Lo has another personality named "Lola", who has a new single out, "Fresh Out the Oven" and the remix is off the hook.
The single has 6 remixes done by Space Cowboy (2, 5, 6,) Karmatronic (1 & 4) and cut # 3 by HQ2. The 7th cut is the album version which is my personal favorite but overall the J-Lo fans will be pleased.
Jay-Z turned 40, just in case you thought it was important.
