Monster Music News

No Marriage For Diddy

2008-04-02T14:21:00.000-07:00

Rap mogul Sean `Diddy' Combs can never see himself settling down - because he lacked good married role models when he was young. The Bad Boy Records boss has dated a string of beauties throughout his meteoric career - including Jennifer Lopez and model/actress Kim Porter, and had rumored flings with Sienna Miller and Cameron Diaz.

However, the father of six doesn't understand the ethics of married life and blames his single-parent upbringing with mom Janice, who was left to raise two kids after Combs' father Melvin was shot dead in New York.

He says, "I don't know how marriage works. If you're raised by a married couple, you see how they interact; their good days, their bad days, how they work through things - you see the love. I wasn't brought up like that and I still don't know to do it. I never saw (my parents') relationship up-close, so every time I've been in a relationship I haven't known what to do and that's really scared me."

The hip-hop star broke off his relationship with Porter just months after she gave birth to their twin daughters Jessie James and D'Lila Star in December 2006.

Kayne West Launches Travel Website

2008-04-02T14:19:00.001-07:00

Enterprising rapper Kanye West has launched a new online travel company to aid fans trying to get to concerts. West's Kanye Travel Ventures is a venture that marries some of the best business travel minds and leisure bosses to give music fans quality packages to concerts and events.

Now, fans of the rapper will be able to customize their trips on the KTV site, KanyeTravel.com, including purchasing concert tickets and other performance-related merchandise and events, at the same time as they are booking their travel reservations.

Carey Sets New Record

2008-04-02T14:17:00.000-07:00

With her 18th chart-topper ''Touch My Body,'' Mariah Carey has passed Elvis Presley for the most No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, and is now second only to the Beatles. But while the diva was in full celebration mode after learning of her latest milestone, she was also quick to put her accomplishment in perspective.
''I really can never put myself in the category of people who have not only revolutionized music but also changed the world,'' Carey told The Associated Press on Tuesday via phone from London. ''That's a completely different era and time ... I'm just feeling really happy and grateful.''
Carey's single is the new No. 1 single on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart: The song also is No. 1 on the trade magazine's digital download chart thanks to a precedent-setting 286,000 downloads in its debut week. She had been tied with Presley with 17 No. 1 singles; the Beatles are the all-time leaders with 20 (Madonna also beat a Presley record this week, surpassing the King for the most top 40 hits with her 37th for her hit ''4 Minutes.'' Carey said being in such company was gratifying not only because of her personal success, but what it meant for women and minorities.

Britney From Rehab To PrimeTime

2008-03-14T14:45:00.001-07:00

Britney Spears is "having a blast" in her latest incarnation as a sitcom actress. The troubled pop star has landed a cameo role in hit show How I Met Your Mother (CBS), which she is shooting in Los Angeles this week. Spears plays a secretary called Abby who falls for the show's lead character Ted (played by Josh Radnor).

When reporters caught up with the star leaving the CBS lot on Wednesday night, she said, "(The experience) has been so terrific. Everyone, including the cast, the crew and the producers, has been wonderful. Abby is such a fun girl to play. I'm having a blast!"

LL Cool J Pays To The Church

2008-03-14T14:43:00.000-07:00

LL Cool J credits his career luck to the fact he pays 10 per cent of his earnings to God. The rapper has been paying substantial amounts to the church for "years."

He says, "I'm paying tithes by 10 percent of the gross going to the church. This is the only thing that has taken my career from here to there. You're seeing the glory of God when you see my career. God judges the heart, so when you give, your heart gets judged."

How Does Snoop Dogg Relax?

2008-03-14T14:40:00.000-07:00

Rap legend Snoop Dogg stays calm by smoking marijuana and vacuuming his home. The laid-back star insists the two hobbies are the reason for his permanently laid-back demeanor.

He tells talk show host Conan O'Brien, "If I had a vacuum in my hotel, I'd be vacuuming. I find it relaxing. I like to be clean. (And) I'm medicated. Not Aspirin, vegetation.... greenery."

Jack Johnson Hits The Waves

2008-02-28T13:12:00.000-08:00

Surfing singer/songwriter Jack Johnson refuses to tour for more than a month at a time - because he struggles to sleep when he's not in his own bed at his home in Hawaii.
The hit singer has canceled shows in the past when anxiety dreams keep him up at night, and so now he has fixed touring rules that allow him to play away from his Oahu home and then return for fun and surf.
He tells Rolling Stone magazine, "That's when I know I've got to take a break, kick back and get out of the public eye."
But there is a solution to his touring issues that he's working on: "If I could go canoe-paddling or sailing every day while I was out on tour, I wouldn't be itching to get home so bad. Just get me out in the ocean, really. Growing up, I would try to surf for three, four hours a day. I've become dependent on it. It's hard when you start an addiction at five."

Jacko Fights For Neverland

2008-02-28T13:11:00.000-08:00

Michael Jackson is determined to stop the auction of his old Neverland Ranch home by taking out a loan to cover the money he owes to the estate's trustees.
Bosses at Financial Title Company have announced they will sell the fabled California property at auction on March 19 unless the pop star comes up with the $24.5 million they claim he owes them.

The Thriller singer vowed never to return to the Santa Barbara-area estate, where he once housed a zoo and theme park, after detectives ransacked the property for evidence to use against Jackson in his 2004 child molestation trial.
But he doesn't want his former home and fixtures and fittings to go under the hammer. A Jackson family insider insists the singer will avoid foreclosure on Neverland with a new loan, adding the auction "won't happen."

The source tells CNN, "The financing is all being worked out. There are plenty of lenders willing to work with him."

Tunstall Will Pose Nude

2008-02-28T13:08:00.000-08:00

Scottish singer K.T. Tunstall has changed her mind about posing nude for a magazine - insisting she would agree to it as long as her body was airbrushed.

The 32-year-old has long vowed never to shed her clothes for a photo shoot, but has now decided she wouldn't be opposed to the idea because digital photography is so advanced.

She says, "I've said in the past that I wouldn't (pose naked) but I would. I'm not a model and I don't have the body of a model, so it would have to be done in context. But it is amazing what can be done with photography these days."

Fergie New Face Of CK?

2008-02-21T10:59:00.000-08:00

Pop singer Fergie is set to become the new face of fashion house Calvin Klein.

The Black Eyed Peas star wore a lemon-colored Calvin Klein dress to the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles earlier this month and is now lined up to join Eva Mendes as a spokesperson for the company.

A source tells magazine OK!, "She's a perfect fit. She loves Calvin, and they think she is beautiful and fun and brings a lot to the brand."

Aguilera To Bring Son On Tour

2008-02-21T10:58:00.000-08:00

Pop superstar Christina Aguilera plans to raise her newborn son Max Liron on the road - because she refuses to let her status as a new mom prevent her from going back to work.

The Beautiful star and her music executive husband Jordan Bratman welcomed their firstborn in January, but the singer is already eager to get back into the studio and start recording tracks for her next album. And the 27-year-old won't think twice about taking little Max out on tour with her.

She says, "We're going to be a traveling family. Max was with me in my belly for the last tour and he'll be out riding on the tour bus for the next tour." Aguilera has also refused to let her son disrupt her married life with Bratman, so the couple will be continuing their unique tradition of stripping off while enjoying weekends at home.

She adds, "As for those cozy naked Sundays... It's important for Jordan and me not to lose ourselves. Of course, having a child requires a lot of time and attention. But we think it's really important to still have mummy and daddy time. It's something that you have to make time for."

Pink Doesn't Blame Carey

2008-02-21T10:56:00.000-08:00

Pop star Pink has urged her fans to go easy on estranged husband Carey Hart, after announcing the couple had split on Tuesday. The "Stupid Girls" singer insists she still loves motocross racer Hart, who she wed in January 2006, very much, and that the sportsman remains her best friend.

In a posting on her website, Pink writes, "I wanted to reach out personally to all my fans/friends out there in the world. First and foremost, thank you for all of your support and love, it means a lot to me right now. The most important thing for you all to know is that Carey and I love each other so so much.

"This break-up is not about cheating, anger or fighting. I know it sounds like cliche bulls---, but we are best friends, and we will continue to be... He is a good man, so please support him as well."

Posh Takes A Fall

2008-02-21T10:54:00.000-08:00

Victoria Beckham's Spice Girls bandmates were forced to come to the pop star's aid in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Tuesday night, when the singer took a tumble onstage. Posh Spice lost her balance in her high heels and fell to the ground inches from the front of the stage at the Wachovia Center.

Proving the five-piece are as tight as ever, despite prematurely ending their reunion tour, Beckham's bandmates dashed to her aid, fearing she was about to tumble into the pit.
A concertgoer says, "They all just lunged towards her, fearing her fall would be much worse than it was. Posh just got up, chuckled and got on with the show."

Rihanna Upset By Rumors

2008-02-21T10:50:00.000-08:00

R&B star Rihanna felt uncomfortable around her mentor Jay-Z after the pair were dogged by rumors of an affair. The Umbrella singer was recently accused of being romantically involved with the rapper, whose longtime girlfriend is singer Beyonce Knowles.

And Rihanna insists the constant speculation put a strain on her professional relationship with Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, who was forced to address the issue.

She says, "I felt self-conscious around him until he took me aside and said that I just had to ignore it."
Rihanna has also been romantically linked to Hollywood actor Josh Hartnett and singer Chris Brown.

Taylor Swift The Spy

2008-02-12T13:47:00.000-08:00

Country star Taylor Swift regularly drives past her ex-boyfriends' homes to "check up on them." The 18-year-old admits she likes to know what her former love interests are up to, but insists her spying is completely innocent.

She says, "I wrote this bio on (website) MySpace and it's actually very honest about who I am as a person. I'm like: 'In my free time I like to drive past my ex-boyfriends' houses...'

"I'm not throwing eggs, I'm just checking up on them, just seeing if they're OK. Everybody does that, it's just nobody admits to it."

Wyclef For Prez!

2008-02-12T13:45:00.000-08:00

Wyclef Jean 'launched' his own campaign to challenge Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama in the race for The White House at music mogul Clive Davis' pre-Grammy party in Hollywood on Friday.

Headlining the glitzy bash at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, the former Fugees star sang, "Obama and Clinton, you've got competition/Vote for Wyclef for president."

Wyclef ended an evening that also featured performances from Alicia Keys, Leona Lewis, Josh Groban and Andrea Bocelli.

Davis' leading lady Whitney Houston was expected to perform at the event, but reportedly pulled out at the last minute.

Fergie Preggers?

2008-02-12T13:44:00.000-08:00

Fergie and actor Josh Duhamel are bringing forward their wedding because the Black Eyed Peas singer is pregnant-- according to reports. The star was allegedly overheard revealing her happy news to friends at a Grammy Awards after party in Los Angeles on Sunday night.

A party goer tells the New York Post, "She picked up a wedding dress while she was in New York for fashion week and wants to move the wedding up so she is married before the bump becomes too obvious."

Winehouse Brings Home 5 Grammy's

2008-02-11T13:54:00.000-08:00

Amy Winehouse stole the show at the 50th Grammy Awards, winning five top honors. Kanye West was nominated for eight awards and went home with four prizes, including Rap Album, Rap Performance and Rap Song; Bruce Springsteen picked up three, including Best Rock Song. The White Stripes, Justin Timberlake and Mary J. Blige all won two.

But the night was dominated by Winehouse, who picked up all but one of the awards she was nominated for - Record of the Year for Rehab; Album of the Year for Back to Black; Best New Artist; Best Pop Vocal Album for Back to Black; Song of the Year for Rehab; and Best Female Vocal Performance for Rehab.

The troubled singer seemed destined to make the biggest headlines of the night. Last week she made arrangements to leave drug rehab in London to attend the Grammys, but was banned from traveling to Los Angeles because of a drugs conviction in Norway last October.

The U.S. embassy in London handed her a last minute reprieve on Friday - but she opted to stay in the U.K. and perform via a satellite link-up. At a studio in London, surrounded by family and friends she sang her hits "You Know I'm No Good" and "Rehab," paying tribute to her jailed husband Blake Fielder-Civil in both.

Rihanna Crashes Car After Grammy's

2008-02-11T13:52:00.000-08:00

Rihanna was involved in a car crash hours after claiming gold at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night.

The sexy star, who claimed an award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, was driving away from a Def Jam after-show party when her vehicle was hit by another car.

According to the Umbrella singer's aides, Rihanna and her driver were not injured in the minor collision.

Norah Loves Her Friends

2008-02-11T13:48:00.000-08:00

Singer Norah Jones shuns the extravagances her wealthy lifestyle affords her - preferring instead to spend her money on hard-up pals.

The Come Away With Me star can remember what it was like to be a struggling performer, so she makes her artist friends' lives easier by treating them to gourmet dinners and luxury holidays.

Jones says, "I don't really have a major extravagance. I do get excited when I take my friends for a nice dinner - because most of them are still struggling artists, and don't have much money. I also took them on holiday to Costa Rica and that was great. It's nice to be able to do things like that."

Heidi Should Stick With T.V.

2008-02-07T10:46:00.000-08:00

Heidi Montag has become the poster child for all talentless fame-seekers wishing for a career in Hollywood. "The Hills" star was originally a fresh faced roommate of Lauren Conrad's, straight off a farm in Colorado, and bursting with life in a glamorous new city.

Montag is now a Los Angeles clone gone the way of fake body parts, bleached white hair, and a possessed, wild-eyed look that constantly searches for photo ops and the approving glance of her Svengali boyfriend, Spencer Pratt. The duo just released their single, "Higher", a tinny, screechy tune harkening back to exercise video soundtracks sung by Alyssa Milano in the late 80s.
The music video, however, is the true disaster.

Shot by Pratt, who we can all assume never studied directing beyond rewinding a few parts of "Dude, Where's My Car," features enough low-budget beach and breast shots to last a lifetime. Pratt obviously aimed to bring a "Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue" to life, minus the professional photography and world class models.

Pearl Jam Records Song For Barack Obama

2008-02-07T10:44:00.000-08:00

Rockers Pearl Jam have recorded a new track in support of presidential candidate Barack Obama.

The Seattle, Washington band has taped Rock Around Barack, an amended rendition of Bill Haley & The Comets' classic Rock Around The Clock, to boost the Democrat's White House campaign.

Guitarist Stone Gossard performs lead vocals on the track, which is available as a free download on Pearl Jam's website, and doesn't feature frontman Eddie Vedder.

Gossard says: "Rock Around The Clock was the first mainstream rock and roll hit in 1955 and it had a transforming effect on American music... I am, by no means, an expert on the history of rock and roll, but this was a big deal. The rhythm of rock music and its energy were so overwhelming that traditional barriers of race and culture broke down with an enormous crash. So here's to new energy, rock and the breaking down of cultural barriers: Barack Around The Clock!"

Daddy Yankee Buys Baseball Team

2008-02-07T10:41:00.000-08:00

Reggaeton star Daddy Yankee is moving into the sports industry - he's bought a share in a local Puerto Rican basketball team.

The Gasolina hit-maker has become a co-owner of professional team Caguas Creoles, having followed in the footsteps of hip-hop mogul Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter, who has a share in the New Jersey Nets. And Yankee, 30, hopes to make the most of his courtside access, reports PeopleEnEspanol.com.

He says, "Since I support the talent here, I feel like I have to support the sport. These guys, these great athletes, give 100 per cent on the court. It makes us happy to see them win, and we hate to see them lose. I hope I can attend a lot of the games next season. There's nothing like being there and watching your team win."

Fergie's New Cover Song

2008-02-06T12:56:00.000-08:00

Fergie has tackled Michael Jackson's "Beat It" for her The Black Eyed Peas bandmate will.i.am's upcoming tribute album. The pop star begged her pal to let her re-record the "Thriller" hit because it's one of her all-time favorite tunes.

She says, "when I found out nobody was doing it I had to do it... Thriller was such a huge album for me growing up. I just tried to sound like Michael Jackson, I just imitated him."

And now Fergie is desperate to hear what Jackson thinks of her cover: "I met him over the phone, we have yet to meet in person."

Minogue Denies Rumors

2008-02-06T12:55:00.000-08:00

Pop star Kylie Minogue has refuted reports she has rekindled her relationship with ex-boyfriend Olivier Martinez.

The couple split in 2007 after Martinez was photographed kissing Spanish actress Penelope Cruz, the pair was rumored to be back together after they were spotting taking a romantic late-night stroll together in Paris at the end of last week. However Minogue is adamant the meeting was innocent - and she is not dating her former flame once more.

She says, "I had dinner with my ex-boyfriend and next thing I know there's a debate about whether we're having a family. We didn't even talk about that. As I've maintained, we're friends." And the diminutive singer insists she's content to have a different kind of bedfellow at present - her pet dog.

She adds, "My gorgeous Sheba is the only one sleeping in my bed. I let her stay on my bed all night. In fact, she slept with me for two nights in the hotel in Paris last week."
Minogue and French actor Martinez dated for four years before their 2007 split.

Aguilera Celebrates Mom-Hood With Penis Balloons

2008-02-06T12:51:00.000-08:00

Christina Aguilera insisted on turning her baby son's bris into a big celebration - and decorated her home with "penis balloons." Aguilera, a Catholic, has adopted all the customs and holidays of her husband Jordan Bratman's Jewish religion, and admits she now knows how to celebrate the rite of male circumcision.

The pop star refused to allow the sacred ceremony to become a sombre affair and turned the bris into a big party.

She says, "I'm not Jewish, my husband's Jewish... I never really knew a lot of Jewish people growing up either, so I really had no idea about the bris and all the Jewish holidays. It's all a learning process for me. It (bris) was a very sweet experience; we had a lot of close friends come over and experience the bris with us. We're such a non-conventional couple, we had a lot of penis balloons everywhere."

Aguilera and Bratman welcomed little Max Liron Bratman into the world on January 12. The naming and circumcision ceremony took place on January 20.

The bris usually takes place on the eighth day after the birth of the child and is attended by family and friends, who then join the parents for a celebratory meal.

50 Cent Booted From Mall

2008-02-05T13:23:00.000-08:00

Rapper 50 Cent was forced to leave a shopping mall in Scottsdale, Arizona last week after security guards objected to members of his entourage carrying weapons through the building.

The In Da Club hitmaker was in Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall on Thursday for an appearance at Paris Hilton's pre-Super Bowl bash that night.

But he had to cut short his shopping trip when mall security realized some of 50's crew were in possession of guns, according to the Scottsdale Police.

The hip-hop star and his entourage happily obliged and left the mall without incident.

Fight Over Lohan

2008-02-05T13:21:00.000-08:00

Lindsay Lohan has MTV bosses in Russia and Australia fighting over her after announcing she'll make an appearance at one of the upcoming Video Music Awards, but not both.

The actress left the cable TV chiefs, whose awards shows are a week apart in April, to battle it out among themselves. MTV Australia bosses are in talks with Lohan's management and hope to persuade the star to make her first visit Down Under as their guest of honor, but Russian TV executives are also keen to land a Lindsay liaison.

A source at MTV Australia confirms, "We're in negotiations with Lindsay's people but it's a money battle at the moment with MTV Russia."

Joss Stone Feared Hair Would Fall Out

2008-02-05T13:17:00.000-08:00

British singer Joss Stone has stopped dying her hair after it started falling out. The 20-year-old has become famous in recent years for her ever-changing colorful locks.

However she has opted to return to her blonde roots, fearing she'll lose her hair for good if she keeps dying it. Stone says, "I did all the colors, and I kind of ran out. My hair's starting to disintegrate, so I decided that I'll give it a little rest."

K-Fed Vs. Press

2008-01-30T13:16:00.000-08:00

Britney Spears' ex-husband Kevin Federline has defended his surly behavior towards the media - claiming journalists never report the truth about him.

The wannabe rapper/actor, who is famous for his bad attitude when approached by the press and paparazzi, insists he's just protecting himself, because he is always misquoted.

Federline tells Interview magazine, "Every interview I've done, everything has gone so great, and then what I see and I read in a magazine is completely the opposite of what we talked about. So I am very skeptical about opening myself up to other people, because you have no idea how they're going to take your words and turn them around."

Rihanna Puts Rumors To Rest

2008-01-30T13:15:00.001-08:00

R&B superstar Rihanna has dismissed reports accusing fellow singer Beyonce Knowles of breaking her toe in a jealous fight - insisting the rumors are "crazy."

The SOS hitmaker denies a bitter rivalry between herself and the former Destiny's Child star was sparked by her collaboration with Knowles' hip-hop mogul boyfriend Jay-Z on hit single Umbrella.

The 19-year-old told British magazine Star, "That's crazy. Not at all (is it true). It (breaking her toe) happened on vacation. I'd just got there and couldn't sleep, so I wanted my best friend to go in the pool with me. I ran into her room and straight into a solid mahogany chair. It hurt so much - my toe was pointing to the side."

Madonna Tops Rich List

2008-01-30T13:11:00.000-08:00

Madonna has topped a new list of high-earning female stars, beating off challenges from Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion. The singer's $72 million 2007 fortune places her at number one on the new Forbes highest grossing female musicians countdown.
Streisand comes in second with $60 million, while Dion is third with $45 million.

The new top 10 is:
1. Madonna

2. Barbra Streisand

3. Celine Dion

4. Shakira

5. Beyonce

6. Gwen Stefani

7. Christina Aguilera

8. Faith Hill

9. Dixie Chicks

10. Mariah Carey

Brit's Beau Denies Allegations

2008-01-28T13:04:00.000-08:00

Britney Spears' paparazzo boyfriend Adnan Ghalib has denied attempting to sell private videos of the star. The British born photographer, who has been dating the Toxic star since December, has been accused of pitching home movies of the singer to the media.

The footage, which is rumoured to show Spears sitting around in her nightwear having an intimate conversation, was reported to be on offer for $2 million.

But now the celebrity photo agency that employs Ghalib has released a statement insisting the snapper is not trying to exploit his on/off lover.

The statement from Finalpixx reads, "If you read on [a celebrity Internet blogger site] or anywhere else about Adnan selling some weird videos with Britney, please know that it is all lies. No such tapes exist."

It's not the first time Ghalib's motives for dating Spears have come into question - earlier this month he was criticized for revealing Spears' private voicemails in a paid-for TV interview. The photographer has also been previously accused of setting up pictures of the couple for his own financial gain.

Hannah Montana Feelin' Sick?

2008-01-28T13:02:00.000-08:00

Miley Cyrus left the stage midway through a concert in New Orleans, Louisiana on Saturday after telling the audience she was feeling unwell. The Hannah Montana superstar remained backstage for five minutes, before returning to finish her set.

Walking to a stool onstage, the 15-year-old told the sold-out crowd, "Thanks, you guys. I feel a lot better, but I'm going to sit this one down."

Ludacris Headed To Court

2008-01-28T12:58:00.000-08:00

Three music producers are suing rapper Ludacris over claims he stole one of their tracks and used it on his hit album The Red Light District.

The hip-hop star - real name Chris Bridges - is facing a lawsuit from the trio, known as the Boogiii Men Entertainment Group, who claim there are major similarities between a demo CD they sent to Bridges' record label in 2004 and a Ludacris song titled Get Back.

The producers - Damon 'Damethegreat' Mayfield, Markus 'Vincent' Vick and Anthony Turner - from Chester, Pennsylvania, insist all of their follow-up calls to the star's Disturbing Tha Peace label were met with a lukewarm response and they were never credited on Bridges' 2004 LP.

They have now filed papers in Philadelphia accusing Bridges of copyright infringement, according to Allhiphop.com.

Jessica Simpson Denies Romo Rumors

2008-01-24T12:58:00.000-08:00

Jessica Simpson has dismissed reports she is to duet with her football star boyfriend Tony Romo.
The Texan singer is currently recording a country album in Nashville, Tennessee, and was allegedly interested in bringing her Dallas Cowboys beau into the studio to join her behind the mic.
However the singer's representative, Lauren Auslander, has denied the claims. She says, "There are no plans for them to do this."

Groban To Appear In Chess

2008-01-24T12:57:00.000-08:00

Singer Josh Groban is to star in a rock concert revival of 1980s musical Chess. The stage show, which was written by ABBA stars Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson along with Tim Rice, was first seen in London's West End in 1986 before moving to Broadway two years later.
Now the musical is set to be revived for two performances at the U.K. capital's Royal Albert Hall in May, according to British publication The Stage.

Groban will star alongside theater actress Idina Menzel in the show which will be re-worked with a rock 'n' roll theme. It will also feature a 50-piece orchestra and a 100-strong choir.

Lil Wanye Booked on Drug Charges

2008-01-24T12:54:00.000-08:00

Lil Wayne was booked Wednesday in Yuma on three felony drug charges. The 25-year-old rapper, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., was being held at the Yuma County Sheriff's jail, said Capt. Eben Bratcher.

Carter was taken for a video arraignment late Wednesday morning in a justice court in Wellton, 35 miles east of Yuma. He faces charges of possession of dangerous drugs, narcotics and drug paraphernalia, authorities said.

Bratcher said Carter was arrested by Drug Enforcement Administration agents at a Border Patrol checkpoint 78 miles from Yuma. Two other men were arrested with him, Bratcher said. Sheriff's Major Leon Wilmot said he didn't know if Wayne had an attorney.

Birdman and Lil Wayne won a viewers' choice award for their song ''Stuntin' Like My Daddy'' at Black Entertainment Television's 2007 Hip-Hop Awards.

WInehouse's Father Please For No Arrest

2008-01-24T12:52:00.000-08:00

Amy Winehouse's father Mitch has issued an emotive plea to British police not to arrest his troubled daughter after she was filmed taking Class A drugs. Video footage surfaced of the Rehab star smoking crack cocaine and snorting ecstasy at her East London home on Friday.
Cops have now seized the video evidence - which was obtained by U.K. tabloid The Sun - to see if Winehouse will face any charges over the incident. However dad Mitch has appealed to authorities to be lenient.

He says, "We're very concerned but seeing her arrested is the last thing any of us want. That would be terrible. Obviously I'm worried about Amy. Wouldn't you be if you had a daughter in that state?"

Busta Avoids Jail Time

2008-01-24T12:48:00.000-08:00

Troubled rapper Busta Rhymes has escaped jail after a judge handed him a fine and three years probation on charges of assault and driving under the influence.
The hip-hop star, real name Trevor Smith, entered a plea of guilty to four separate charges against him as part of a plea deal with authorities in New York, according to TMZ.com.

Two assault charges relate to separate incidents in 2006 after the star was accused of beating fan LeBron James on Randall's Island, New York in July and his driver Eddie Hatchett in December.

The judge sentenced Smith to three years probation - he will spend a year in jail if he violates the terms - and also issued an order of protection for the victims.
Smith was fined $750 and ordered to enrol in a drunk-driving program relating to the DUI charge. And the final charge - driving with a suspended licence - will see the rapper give up his driver's licence for six months.

The driving charges relate to two incidents last year. Last February , he was arrested for driving on a suspended license and aggravated driving, then three months later, he was stopped again and charged with driving while ability impaired and driving while intoxicated.

Brit Didn't Know Sis Was Preggers.

2007-12-19T14:07:00.000-08:00

Britney Spears only discovered her teenage sister was expecting her first child on Tuesday, according to a family friend.

Jamie-Lynn, 16, confirmed she is 12 weeks pregnant with student Casey Aldridge's baby during an interview with OK! Magazine. But Spears found out about the pregnancy through a media outlet - although the rest of her family was informed at Thanksgiving.

A source tells People.com, "This is going to kill (Britney). In the end, she'll be supportive, but this is a big shock."
The baby is due in June.

Grohl Blames Spears' Family

2007-12-19T14:05:00.000-08:00

Rocker Dave Grohl blames Britney Spears' family for her troubles, because they failed to teach her how to deal with fame and temptation. Grohl reveals he almost fell at the same hurdle when Nirvana found fame when he was just 21 - and he credits his "good foundations" with saving him.

The Foo Fighter says, "Fame will f--k with your head, and if you don't have a solid foundation, you get swept away in it. When Nirvana became famous, I was only 21, but I had a good foundation. Whenever s--t got too crazy, I'd go back to Virginia and spend time with the people who loved me the most, and it kept me from getting dragged under."

Jay-Z and Beyonce Tie Knot?

2007-12-19T14:00:00.000-08:00

Rapper Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter has reportedly wed his longtime love Beyonce Knowles in a small private ceremony in Paris, France. The superstar couple is alleged to have gotten married while on vacation in the romantic city last week.

According to MediaTakeOut.com, a close relative of the Knowles family said Carter and the R&B beauty decided against the traditional exchanging of rings and chose to get matching tattoos with a personal inscription on their ring fingers instead.

Will Smith A Tree-Hugger

2007-12-13T14:39:00.001-08:00

Hollywood actor Will Smith is saving the environment - by using "paperless" toilets. The self-confessed gadget geek has invested in several of the state-of-the-art contraptions from Japan, which cleverly eliminate the need for toilet paper by spraying the user's bottom with blasts of air and water.

He explains, "It's a gift from heaven, believe me. People think it's all about suction and that they're going to have their insides removed by this marvel of modern engineering - but it doesn't suck, it blows."

"Not everyone can handle this thing emotionally, so I've made sure I also have a few normal toilets in my house."

Eminem Very Fragile?

2007-12-13T14:37:00.000-08:00

Eminem is a manic depressive who could do something stupid at any minute, according to the rapper's mother.

In new book My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem, Debbie Nelson reveals the Stan hitmaker has been dogged by depression, which worsened after his ex-wife Kim gave birth to their daughter Hailie, who is now 11.

And Eminem's estranged mother fears her son's blues have worsened since the rap star and his wife split for a second time last year.
She prays her book will be a wake-up call for her son.

A family friend tells Life & Style magazine, "She just hopes he'll read it and realize how loved he is. She fears she'll end up burying him unless he gets help... We all see him teetering on the edge of self-destruction."

Lance Bass Hid Gayness

2007-12-13T14:32:00.000-08:00

Former N Sync singer Lance Bass has told of the difficulties he went through trying to hide his sexuality while in the band - insisting it was a "crazy" time. The star kept quiet about being gay throughout his career with the group as he was too scared to 'come out.'

Bass says, "I was always watching what I said, what I did. You would learn so many things throughout the years, like, gay people do this and gay people say this. I remember one time someone told me that if you say the word 'so' a lot, that's a tell that you're gay. I was so afraid to say the word 'so' in anything I did! That's how crazy things got for me."

Fergie / Maroon 5 Hold Top Spot

2007-12-11T14:11:00.000-08:00

Maroon 5 and Fergie hold the top spots on iTunes' year-end sales roundup. The online music store released its top-selling albums and singles Tuesday, though they declined to release actual sales figures.

Maroon 5's sophomore album, ''It Won't Be Soon Before Long,'' was the No. 1 seller on the site, followed by Amy Winehouse's ''Back to Black'' and Kanye West's ''Graduation.'' Winehouse and West are also leaders heading into the 50th annual Grammy Awards - he has eight nominations, she has six.

Rounding out the top five best-selling albums were ''American Idol'' alum Chris Daughtry's band's self-titled debut, ''Daughtry,'' and ''Coco'' by newcomer Colbie Caillat, who has the hit ''Bubbly.''

Fergie came in first and fifth place in single sales. Her hit ''Big Girls Don't Cry'' was the top-selling single of the year for iTunes, while ''Glamorous'' finished in fifth. Gwen Stefani's ''The Sweet Escape'' came in second place, followed by Plain White T's ''Hey There Delilah'' and Avril Lavigne's ''Girlfriend.''

Bow Wow Rushed To Hospital

2007-12-11T14:09:00.000-08:00

Rapper Bow Wow has been diagnosed with an appendix affection - just days after he was rushed to a hospital suffering from what doctors determined to be stress and exhaustion.

The hip hop star, 20, was taken to a hospital following a concert in Cincinnati, Ohio, last Thursday, but his record label Sony promised fans he'd be back in action once he'd recuperated.
However, it now transpires his symptoms were not caused by the strain of his sold-out tour with Sean Kingston and Chris Brown, but an infection of his appendix.

Lennon's Hair For Sale

2007-12-11T14:06:00.000-08:00

A lock of John Lennon's hair is being put up for sale. Lennon gave Betty Glasow, the Beatles' hairdresser, the lock of hair in a copy of his book ''A Spaniard in the Works.'' In the dedication he wrote, ''To Betty, Lots of Love and Hair, John Lennon.''

On Wednesday, fans will have the chance to bid on the hair and other autographed photos and Beatles memorabilia when they go up for auction in Worthing, in southern England. The book - with the hair still inside - could fetch as much as $6,200, said Nick Muston, director of Gorringes auction house.

Glasow, who kept the Beatles' moptops trimmed on the set of the films ''A Hard Day's Night'' and ''Help!'' decided to sell the items because she wanted fans to have them, Muston said. ''She feels that rather than these things being stuck in a drawer with nobody enjoying them, real enthusiasts (could) get their hands on these things,'' Muston said.

Other items in the sale include signed photographs of the Beatles dedicated to Glasow, including one where George Harrison signed the photo George ''Dandruff'' Harrison.

Emma Forgets The Lyrics?

2007-12-07T11:08:00.001-08:00

The Spice Girls hype is getting to singer Emma Bunton - she keeps forgetting the group's lyrics. The Wannabe star has revealed she has moments onstage during reunion tour shows where she sings the wrong thing - or sings nothing at all.

Writing on her blog, Bunton says: "During Mama, I got so carried away looking at the video playing behind us of all the mothers and babies that I forgot some of the lyrics."
And when she's not trying to remember lyrics, Bunton admits she has to beware bandmate Melanie Brown's wandering hands.

She adds, "She has a thing for pinching our bottoms."

Spears' Ends World???

2007-12-07T11:04:00.000-08:00

Wu-Tang Clan star Method Man insists the moment Britney Spears shaved her head signaled the end of the world.
The rapper believes the Toxic star's decision to remove her hair earlier this year marked a complete change in the music industry.

He says, "The whole music industry is twisted on it's f**king head. And Britney Spears shaved her head - that's how I know the Apocalypse is coming."

50 Cent's Cocaine Bust?

2007-12-07T11:02:00.000-08:00

50 Cent has been caught up in a drug scandal in Croatia after a local reporter unexpectedly walked in on the rapper and a pal apparently snorting cocaine. The backstage footage, taken before 50's recent show in Zagreb, was beamed live to a local channel's news show.

TV reporter Ante Batinovic was supposed to wait outside the rapper's dressing room for a planned interview, but he misunderstood a request to stay where he was and barged in on the surprised rapper, who immediately waved him away.

Croatian news stations are reporting that 50 Cent and his friends were snorting lines of cocaine off a table.

Wyclef Slams Aids Studies

2007-12-04T13:04:00.000-08:00

Rapper Wyclef Jean has hit out at research that claims the AIDS virus entered the U.S. via his native country of Haiti, branding the study prejudicial and unjust.

The report released by the University of Arizona in October called the Caribbean republic of Haiti the "stepping stone" of AIDS and blamed migration from the poverty-stricken nation for bringing the killer disease to America.

However, the 39-year-old former Fugees star - who lived in Haiti until his family moved to New York when he was nine - has criticized the findings, insisting the study is detrimental to future research into the battle against AIDS.

He says, "World AIDS Day is an opportunity to evoke the progress and challenges that Haiti must confront in order to fight this epidemic, but also the recent news that unjustly targeted our country and showed serious prejudice. AIDS is a worldwide illness that does not discriminate. Making Haiti the scapegoat only gets in the way of world progress in AIDS research.
"Haiti needs the support of the international community to be able to respond effectively to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country and bring its unique response to the global response to the problem."

Jean has been named as a goodwill ambassador for the county, where an estimated 40,000 people are said to be infected with the deadly AIDS virus.

Janet Snubs Jacksons

2007-12-04T13:03:00.000-08:00

Janet Jackson has refused to join her siblings in a Jackson family world tour - because she is reportedly trying to distance herself from her "freaky" brother Michael.

The King of Pop and his siblings are planning an international tour with stops in 40 different cities - but their youngest sister is reluctant to join in the reunion as she doesn't want to be linked to the troubled singer and his legal woes, according to New York gossip column Page Six.
A source tells the website, "Janet said she would be willing to participate in a few select shows next year, but (her fiance) Jermaine Dupri is holding her out of it.

"He wants Janet to go back in the studio and record another album, and he's also wary of having her be associated with Michael because he's gotten such bad press and is just freaky."

Keys Sings To Pyramids

2007-12-04T13:00:00.000-08:00

R&B star Alicia Keys' aides once ushered tourists out of an ancient Egyptian tourist attraction - so the singer could sing in private. Keys was overwhelmed by the sight of the Pyramids on a recent trip to Egypt and felt a sudden urge to make music, prompting guards to clear out all other visitors from the top of the Great Pyramid.

She says, "I went inside the Great Pyramid and climbed to the top. The guy I was with got them to hold other people back so I could be alone just for a minute, and I sang - I don't know what, just whatever came into my head - and it sounded beautiful."

Mel B wants Kids

2007-11-30T13:08:00.001-08:00

Spice Girls star Mel B is already planning children with her new husband Stephen Belafonte.

Despite her failed relationships with Jimmy Gulzar and Eddie Murphy - the fathers of her children Phoenix Chi and Angel Iris the singer isn't put off by the thought of having more kids.
Of Belafonte, who she wed in June, the singer says, "He's amazing. I'm so secure in my marriage. I'm still in love. We have me-and-him time every morning and every night. He's priceless. We want more kids, two maybe, but not for a few years."

Chris Brown Denies Accusations

2007-11-30T13:05:00.000-08:00

R&B star Chris Brown has denied reports he engaged in sexual activity with his longtime manager Tina Davis at the age of 16.

Georgia-based blogger Sandra Rose claims the 18-year-old singer has been romancing Davis for more than two years, adding the teenage star's mom Joyce is "not at all happy" about their alleged relationship.

But a spokesman for Brown has strongly refuted the claims, branding the speculation "false".
A statement reads, "Chris Brown and his manager Tina Davis have a strictly professional relationship. Ms. Davis has been instrumental in helping Chris achieve success as a multi-talented singer/dancer/actor.
"Rumors that the relationship goes beyond a working one are not only patently false, they diminish her efforts and his undeniable talents."

Pregnant J Lo' Pulls Out Of Show

2007-11-29T13:28:00.000-08:00

Jennifer Lopez has pulled out of a performance at Sunday's Movies Rock concert at the Kodak theater in Hollywood. The pregnant singer was initially scheduled to perform and present at the glitzy event, which is being held to celebrate music at the movies - but she's not taking any chances onstage.

Her performance pull-out comes less than a month after Lopez and her husband Marc Anthony scrapped a rescheduled show from the end of their U.S. tour, citing scheduling conflicts.

Lopez was one of many performers, including Beyonce, Carrie Underwood, Chris Brown and Elton John, billed to hit the stage at the Movies Rock event.

Brandy To Escape Charges?

2007-11-29T13:25:00.000-08:00

Brandy could escape criminal charges in relation to a fatal car crash in 2006 - because prosecutors have less than a month remaining to legally press charges.

The singer was involved in a multiple car accident which killed mother-of-two Awatef Aboudihaj in Los Angeles on December 30th last year but unless the L.A. City Attorney's Office finds enough evidence to charge her before the first anniversary of the crash, Brandy will escape prosecution. Bill Sayed, lawyer for the victim's husband spoke to TMZ.com

"There is a death and obviously reckless driving involved, which is enough evidence for an involuntary manslaughter charge. As to why the City Attorney has taken this long? I think we would all like to know. Brandy continues to live life with really no negative results ... doing what Brandy is doing ... as if though nothing has occurred here."

Brandy was driving her brand new Range Rover northbound on the 405 Freeway in L.A. when traffic in front of her slowed down. She then hit Aboudijah's car, which veered to the left and was hit by another vehicle before crashing into the center divider. Awatef died in hospital eight hours later from massive internal bleeding.

Keys Kicks Off Tokyo Christmas

2007-11-29T13:20:00.000-08:00

Christmas starts early in Tokyo, as Alicia Keys was there Thursday to help get it going. The 26-year-old singer appeared at a Tokyo office building to sing a few songs from her new album, ''As I Am,'' and wish a crowd of several hundred people a happy holiday season - with a three-story-tall Christmas tree behind her.

''My new name is Alicia Trees,'' she joked. ''As I Am,'' released Nov. 13, has risen to the top of the Japanese charts. Keys said the album's success shows her music has universal appeal.
''I want to reach all kinds of listeners. It means a lot to me that people from all places can appreciate the music,'' she said. ''I can't wait to come back for a big tour.''

Keys said she plans to spend the holidays back home in the United States. ''Christmas is always special for me,'' she said. ''I like to have a big meal with my family.''

Spears Denies Latest Rumors

2007-11-28T13:05:00.000-08:00

Britney Spears has denied breaking news reports she's pregnant with her third child. American publications have reported the pop star is four-weeks pregnant with music producer J.R. Rotem's baby - and the young mogul has reportedly confirmed the news overnight.

However now Britney is speaking out about the story, insisting she is not with child. After spending the night shooting a video for her new song Piece of Me in Hollywood, Spears sent a cell phone text to Los Angeles radio host Ryan Seacrest to rubbish reports early on Wednesday.
Heading home "to sleep" after the all-night shoot, Spears wrote, "It's B.S, I don't know who made it up. J.R. doesn't even know what's up. It's fake, completely fake." Spears then apologized for not phoning into the show, explaining, "(the) paparazzi are trying to kill us, otherwise I'd talk."

Dad Set Jessica Up With Football Star

2007-11-28T13:01:00.000-08:00

Jessica Simpson can thank her dad Joe for setting her up with her new boy toy, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo. Rumor has it, Romo heard that Simpson was in Texas to record her new country album and begged her father-manager for a date with his daughter.

A friend tells the New York Post's gossip column Page Six, "Joe and Tony have been friendly for a while. Joe is a huge Dallas Cowboy fan, and Tony has always had a crush on her - he even said on his Web site like a year ago that it was his dream to date her. Jessica has been in Nashville and Dallas recording her new country album. When Tony found out, he called Joe and said, 'I know she's not dating anyone right now, can I take her out for a drink at least?' Jessica said it was OK for Joe to give Tony her number and they hit it off."

"They've been dating for a couple of weeks now, and Jessica is so happy. She's been texting everyone about how great he is."

Posh Reunited Spice Girls To Please Sons

2007-11-28T12:46:00.000-08:00

David Beckham is happy wife Victoria decided to reunite the Spice Girls - as she did it to please the couple's three children.

The soccer star insists Beckham was key to the band's revival because she desperately wanted to show her 3 sons that she used to be a pop star.

Beckham says, "She (Victoria) says all our boys know what Daddy does - he plays football (soccer) in front of these people - but they have never seen what Mummy used to do."

R. Kelly Honors Kayne's Mother

2007-11-27T10:38:00.000-08:00

R. Kelly paid his respects to Kanye West's late mother onstage at the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island, New York when he led a moment of silence. The respectful R&B superstar instructed fans at the sold-out concert to remember West and his mother, Donda, who was laid to rest in her native Oklahoma earlier in the week.

Kelly stopped his show and stated, "Let's have a moment of silence for Kanye West's mom," and, after a brief moment, he dedicated I Wish, his anthem about lost loved ones, to West's family.

Britney Asks For Privacy

2007-11-27T10:36:00.000-08:00

An attorney for Britney Spears has pleaded with a court commissioner to prevent Los Angeles county authorities from viewing court filings in the pop star's ongoing custody battle with ex-husband Kevin Federline - fearing intimate details of the case could be leaked to the press.

Thomas Paine Dunlap, who is representing Spears, argued in a hearing on Monday the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services is a "large bureaucracy with thousands of employees" where sensitive information about the case is not safe. The department is currently investigating Spears' parenting skills.

Spears and Federline will be back in court on January 23rd, to resume the custody battle over their two sons - Sean Preston, two, and one-year-old Jayden James.

Foxy Brown Out Of Segregation

2007-11-27T10:30:00.000-08:00

Rapper Foxy Brown has been released from solitary confinement for good behavior. The MC - who is currently serving a one-year prison sentence at New York's Rikers Island jail - was ordered to serve 76 days in segregation for refusing to provide a urine sample.

Brown was freed from the unit after just 40 days for being compliant and cooperative. Brown was sentenced to a year behind bars after a judge ruled in September she had violated the terms of her probation from a separate case in Manhattan.

Lily Allen To Retire Soon

2007-11-26T13:21:00.000-08:00

British pop star Lily Allen has promised to throw in the towel on the music industry before she turns 25 - so she can 'lead a normal life'.

The 22-year-old has hinted her next release will be her final album, because she wants to concentrate on her home life and having children.

She says, "I'd like to live in the country and have chickens and pigs. It's a great job but it doesn't leave time for what's important - like having a family. I'm going to do one more album. I just want to make some money - maybe I could retire at 25."

Avril To Play Free Show

2007-11-26T13:20:00.000-08:00

Canadian Rocker Avril Lavigne recently announced a free concert she will put on for the grand opening of a Best Buy store in her native Canada. Lavigne will appear at Swangard Stadium next month for a free live performance sponsored by the electronics and entertainment chain.

It comes just months before the singer embarks on a tour of North America, slated to begin in March next year.

Kid Rock Can't Kick Fame Habit

2007-11-26T13:10:00.000-08:00

Kid Rock can kick cocaine, but not fame. The controversial artist recently claimed that quitting drugs is easier then quitting fame.

"An old-fashioned coke habit would be smarter than getting addicted to fame. You'd be better getting a heroin problem, as far as I'm concerned. Tupac (Shakur) said it best: 'All I want is the money. F%$# the fame. Fame is a f%$#ing killer.'"

Hot New Lyrics For Your Enjoyment

2007-11-21T14:57:00.000-08:00

Chris Brown - Damage lyrics
Omarion - Wiggle lyrics
Will.i.am - Heartbreaker lyrics
R. Kelly - Crazy lyrics
Heart - Ave Maria lyrics
Hilary Duff - Crash lyrics
Jurassic 5 - Thin Line lyrics
Michael Jackson - Let Me Go lyrics
Chris Brown - Take Ya Down lyrics
Celine Dion - A Song For You lyrics

Timbaland A Daddy

2007-11-21T10:40:00.000-08:00

Producer Timbaland has just become the father of a baby girl. The new dad also has a wedding to plan - he proposed to his baby's mother, Monique Idlett, 33, at the baby shower party last month. The couple has plans to wed in the new year.

No specific details have been reported about the birth, however rumors are the child was born earlier this week.

Donda West's Surgeon Walks Off Larry King.

2007-11-21T10:32:00.001-08:00

Dr. Jan Adams, the plastic surgeon that operated on Kanye West's mother the day before she died walked off CNN's ''Larry King Live'' during an interview Tuesday with the talk show host. Adams initially agreed to speak with King to clear up what he said were inaccurate reports about him in the news media. But he said West's family asked him not to appear on the show.

Donda West, 58, died at a Los Angeles-area hospital on Nov. 10, a day after she underwent breast reduction, tummy tuck and liposuction procedures.

Latest reports suggest she may have died of a heart attack, pulmonary embolism or accidental overdose of painkillers prescribed after the procedures.

Amy Winehouse Back To Old Habits?

2007-11-21T10:08:00.000-08:00

The tried to make her go to rehab. Now they may need to force her. Amy Winehouse has sparked rumors she is back on drugs following the release of photographs capturing her with residue of a white powder in her nostril.

The singer was pictured with the substance in her nose on the way to her Blackpool, England gig as part of her U.K. tour on Tuesday.

This news comes following her friend Pete Doherty claiming her soberness.

Velvet Revolver Not Welcome in Japan

2007-11-20T13:46:00.002-08:00

Velvet Revolver has been forced to cancel upcoming shows in four Japanese cities, as immigration authorities have denied the band’s request for visas.

In a statement, a band spokesperson says "increasingly tough" Japanese immigration officials took exception to the backgrounds of various Velvet Revolver members, which have included arrests.

Velvet Revolver will proceed with its Australian tour on Dec. 4 in Brisbane, as Australia has always welcomed outlaws with open arms.

The Police Named Top Tour of 2007

2007-11-20T13:46:00.001-08:00

Thursday’s fourth annual Billboard Touring Awards honored several of the top tours and venues of 2007, with The Police named top grossing and top ticket selling tour with their highly anticipated reunion tour. As of September 30, the tour grossed more than $171 million from 53 shows and 1.5 million attendees, and the tour continues through early next year.

Other winners included top package tour going to Kenny Chesney with Sugarland, Pat Green, Brooks & Dunn, and Sara Evans, and breakthrough award to Justin Timberlake. The Download Festival in Britain was awarded top festival, and Madison Square Garden was named top arena.
In case you missed the tour of the year, check out the performance by The Police from Live Earth below.

Daughtry and Underwood Win Big at AMAs

2007-11-20T13:45:00.000-08:00

The American Music Awards took place in Los Angeles last night, with American Idol alums taking Chris Daughtry and Carrie Underwood taking home three awards each. Justin Timberlake took the Favorite Male Pop-Rock Artist and and Favorite Soul/R&B Album, Fergie earned Favorite Pop-Rock Female Artist, J.Lo took Favorite Latin Artist, and Linkin Park rounded out the big winners with Favorite Alternative Rock Band.

Performances included Duran Duran, performing new and old hits “Falling Down” and “Hungry Like the Wolf,” Celion Dion with new single “Taking Chances,” Beyonce with a country version of “Irreplaceable,” Avril Lavigne, Lenny Kravitz, Rihanna and many others.