Held at Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, the American Music Awards brought-out the biggest names in Music! And when we say big, we mean huge! The likes of Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, One Direction, Rihanna, Lady Antebellum, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Hudson, Ke$ha, Imagine Dragons and several, several more. Pitbull had the distinction of hosting the Awards this year. Created in 1973 by Dick Clark, the Awards give Music Lovers and the general Public a chance the decide who wins.
Taylor Swift was the night’s big Winner, winning her 14th AMA tonight including the coveted Artist of the Year Award, her third time winning the Title. Earlier in the evening, she won Favourite Album, Country and Favourite Female Artist, Country.
Lady Gaga ft. R. Kelly wowed audiences with a Marilyn Monroe and JFK-inspired rendition of Do What U Want, while Miley Cyrus had the Audience oddly-mesmerized with her Wrecking Ball Performance with a Space Kitten and Lasers projected behind her. On the verge of a Comeback, TLC had Lil Mama join them onstage for a delivery of their Hit Waterfalls. Is this perhaps a sign of things to come? She certainly fits the voided “L” in TLC.
Much of the Talent looked highly presentable, opting for flattering cuts and proper coverage. The Winners on the Carpet included Miley Cyrus who wore a sophisticated white Versus Versace Pantsuit, Katy Perry who looked cute in an Oscar de la Renta Dress with polka dots and roses – veering more and more towards the demure of late, while Swift looked super-cute in a sparkly and leggy gold Julien MacDonald Mini-Dress. A golden-tanned Nicole Richie was stunning in a hip-revealing, white Emilio Pucci Dress, while Lady Gaga was the clear winner in a violet Versace number, arriving on a white costume horse, navigated by scantily clad men.
At the young age of 25, Rihanna had the distinction of winning the first-ever AMA Icon Award, presented to her by her Mother, Monica. The Mother told her celebrated Daughter, “Tonight I applaud and admire you for being so strong, so positive, so humble and so focussed. I mean it’s amazing how you manage to take good from all your experiences.”.
Below are this year’s Winners:
Favorite Male Artist, Pop/Rock
Justin Timberlake
Favorite Female Artist, Soul/R&B
Rihanna
Favorite Album, Country
Taylor Swift/Red
Favorite Album, Rap/Hip-Hop
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis/The Heist
Favorite Artist, Alternative Rock
Imagine Dragons
Favorite Artist, Latin
Marc Anthony
Favorite Album, Pop/Rock
One Direction/Take Me Home
New Artist of the Year
Ariana Grande
Favorite Male Artist, Soul/R&B
Justin Timberlake
Single of the Year
Cruise by Florida Georgia Line, featuring Nelly
Artist of the Year
Taylor Swift
Favorite Band, Duo or Group, Pop/Rock
One Direction
Favorite Male Artist, Country
Luke Bryan
Favorite Female Artist, Country
Taylor Swift
Favorite Artist, Rap/Hip-Hop
Jay Z
Lil Wayne
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Favorite Album, Soul/R&B
Justin Timberlake/The 20/20 Experience
Favorite Artist, Electronic Dance Music
Avicii
See some of the best Performances from the Evening:
A Great Big World ft. Christina Aguilera – Say Something
Lady Gaga ft. R. Kelly – Do What U Want
Miley Cyrus – Wrecking Ball
Rihanna – Diamonds
Katy Perry – Unconditionally
TLC ft. Lil Mama – Waterfalls
Visit the official American Music Awards Website here.
The Grammy Awards are set to take place Sunday, February 9, 2014.
(Photo credit: Getty Images)
Taking place Sunday, November 3, 3013, the first-ever YouTube Music Awards will take place in New York City at Pier 36! Performers at the star-studded Awards include the likes of Eminem, Lady Gaga, Avicii, M.I.A., Arcade Fire and several more. Funnyman Jason Schwartzman and Musician Reggie Watts will host the Event.
Nominees for six categories were announced earlier today and they include:
Video of the Year:
· Barack Obama vs Mitt Romney – Epic Rap Battles Of History
· Demi Lovato – Heart Attack
· Girls’ Generation – I Got A Boy
· Justin Bieber (feat. Nicki Minaj) – Beauty And A Beat
· Lady Gaga – Applause
· Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (feat. Mary Lambert) – Same Love
· Miley Cyrus – We Can’t Stop
· One Direction – Best Song Ever
· PSY – Gentleman
· Selena Gomez Come & Get It
Artist of the Year
‣ Eminem
‣ Epic Rap Battles of History
‣ Justin Bieber
‣ Katy Perry
‣ Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
‣ Nicki Minaj
‣ One Direction
‣ PSY
‣ Rihanna
‣ Taylor Swift
Response of the Year
‣ Boyce Avenue (feat. Fifth Harmony) – Mirrors
‣ Jayesslee – Gangnam Style
‣ Lindsey Stirling and Pentatonix – Radioactive
‣ ThePianoGuys – Titanium/ Pavane
‣ Walk Off the Earth (feat. KRNFX) – IKnew You Were Trouble
YouTube Phenomenon
‣ Diamonds
‣ Gangnam Style
‣ Harlem Shake
‣ I Knew You Were Trouble
‣ Thrift Shop
YouTube Breakthrough
‣ Kendrick Lamar
‣ Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
‣ Naughty Boy
‣ Passenger
‣ Rudimental
Innovation of the Year
‣ Anamanaguchi -ENDLESS FANTASY
‣ Atoms For Peace – Ingenue
‣ Bat For Lashes – Lilies
‣ DeStorm – See Me Standing
‣ Toro Y Moi – Say That
Fans around the World now can vote here!
You can stream a Series of Shows from Seoul, Tokyo, Moscow, London and Rio kicking-off the Awards on Sunday, November 3, 2013 at 5:00 AM EST.
(Photo credit: Universal Music)
Canadian Music was front and center at the 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards, the annual Spectacle held at the Station’s Queen Street Headquarters and among tonight’s top Winners were Canadian Rappers Drake and Classified, in addition to Pop-Rock Outfit, Mariana’s Trench. Hosted by Korean Pop Sensation PSY, Fans did not walk away disappointed as he danced and sang his way to the hearts of Canadians, with two high-energy performances of his Singles Gangnam Style and Gentleman respectively.
After being spotted arriving in Toronto at his Condo by Fans just after 8:00 PM tonight, Drake scooted over to MuchMusic right away to pick-up his Awards for both Director of the Year and Hip-Hop Video of the Year with his recent Single, Started from the Bottom.
Meanwhile, Nova Scotia-born Classified took home Video of the Year and MuchFact Video of the Year with Inner Ninja, his Collaboration with David Myles. In total, he has earned five MMVAs in his Career.
Likewise, Mariana’s Trench who performed tonight in Dress Shirts and Underwear, also notched their fifth MMVA, winning Pop Video of the Year with Desperate Measures and Your Fave Video with Stutter.
After making their way to Toronto for the Awards Show, Demi Lovato, Avril Lavigne and Taylor Swift all were rewarded tonight. Swift was awarded Your Fave International Artist or Group by Fans, saying in her Speech “Thank you to MuchMusic for playing Videos”, a statement which many might dispute about the Station. This is Swift‘s first MMVA.
Lavigne won International Video of the Year by a Canadian with Here’s To Never Growing Up. Several are reporting that the Singer may be pregnant, fueled further by lots of purple smoke being blown during her Performance tonight and a heavy focus on Close-Up Shots. Lovato who performed tonight with fine vocals, won International Video of the Year – Artist with Heart Attack. She is expected to fly out for a taping of The X Factor tomorrow.
For a complete list of Winners, click here.
Missed the MMVAs? Watch them here.
See my Snaps of some of the Stars around town this weekend here!
(Photo credit: Steve Haining and Sandra Elford)
The Stars have descended upon Toronto for the 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards and while preparations are well under-way over at the Station’s Queen Street Headquarters with Soundchecks taking place throughout the day, several Guests and Performers are just now arriving. Several Fans today not only got a Sneak Peek of tomorrow night’s performances, but some were even lucky enough to meet the Performers including Co-Host PSY, who was gracious to stop for Snaps earlier today with Fans! Others like Armin Van Buuren, Avril Lavigne, Phillip Phillips and more graced the stage today.
Meanwhile on the other end of the City, we were lucky enough to witness several of tomorrow’s Presenters arrive including the likes of Josh Bowman (Revenge), Shay Mitchell (Pretty Little Liars), Kunal Nayyar (Big Bang Theory), Naya Rivera (Glee), Lucy Hale (Pretty Little Liars), Popstar Cody Simpson and this year’s MMVAs “It Couple” Brittany Snow (Pitch Perfect, Hairspray) and Tyler Hoechlin (Teen Wolf). Red-hot Arrow Star Stephen Amell, who hails from Toronto, already has been in town for a bit in advance of the Show.
Meanwhile, Australian Internet Sensations The Janoskians have been causing quite a rage at their Hotel, requiring their Security to step-it-up a bit as their hoards of female Fans shower them with attention.
And although simultaneously in town for her Red Tour at Rogers Centre, Taylor Swift and Tourmate Ed Sheeran are expected to grace the Queen Street Stage tomorrow and some are saying they just might perform their latest Single Everything Has Changed as a surprise.
The 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards air tomorrow night at 9:00 PM EST on both MuchMusic and Fuse.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Teen Pop Sensation Austin Mahone is back in Toronto once again and while opening for multiple GRAMMY Winner Taylor Swift on her Red Tour along with Ed Sheeran, he managed to take some time out to do a little Promo!
The Singer flew-in to the City last night, getting spotted right away upon landing! Starting earlier today at City‘s Breakfast Television, excited Fans were rewarded with a big Group Photo. Following his City appearance, the 17-year-old from San Antonio, hopped over to Global Television‘s The Morning Show (National Edition) where he was greeted outside by hoards of female Fans, many who got Selfies with the burgeoning Star. Surrounded by a large entourage of Security Guards to protect the Star, Autograph Seekers unfortunately were denied, despite Mahone trying his best to reach over to accommodate them! Sorry Wongsters, I tried for you but it wasn’t happening!
Mahone performs tonight at Rogers Centre and Fans can see more of him Sunday on the MuchMusic Video Awards, which air this Sunday, June 16, 2013 at 9:00 PM on MuchMusic and Fuse.
The Singer just released the Video to latest Single What About Love earlier this week. Check it out below:
See Mahone‘s Fans (Mahomies) freaking-out below:
Mahone was last in Toronto in December for The Jingle Bell, when I had the pleasure of meeting him! Read about it here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong | Video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Universal Music)
Battle Los Angeles, Crazy.Stupid.Love, The Dark Knight Rises and Oz The Great and Powerful. At age 13, Joey King already has built a Résumé which several Actors and Actresses might never achieve in a lifetime. Born and raised in Los Angeles, King appears on the verge of Superstardom and a quick perusal of what’s coming next gives us every reason to be excited.
Taking time to chat with us in advance of Oz The Great and Powerful‘s DVD release, I learned that acting is actually something that King always has wanted for herself since the age of four, first getting her start in Commercials. Older Sisters Haley and Kelli, whom she looks-up to greatly, may have paved the way for her with their own respective acting careers, but she makes it clear from the get-go that she is in charge of her own path. “People ask me all the time, ‘Were you forced into acting?” she admits. “I’m like, no. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and I hope I get to do it for the rest of my life.”.
On how she became involved with one of 2013’s largest grossing Blockbusters landing the coveted Role of vulnerable and sweet China Girl, she recalls, “I went straight to the Screen Test, which is the final stage of the auditioning process. I was so excited I got to meet Sam Raimi, to audition and do my lines for him.”. She actually was immersed in work when she found out she had been cast in Oz The Great and Powerful. “I was in India filming The Dark Knight Rises and my Sister was Video Chatting with me and told me that I got the Role. It was so unforgettable! Breathtaking.”.
King has nothing but fun memories of working with the Film’s brilliant Ensemble Cast, getting up-close and personal. “Whether it be Zach Braff, James Franco and I playing pranks on each other, to Michelle Williams asking me when I got a Cell Phone so she’d know when to do so with Matilda (Williams‘ Daughter with the late Heath Ledger), everyone was so sweet. I had the best time filming it!”.
Although a Sequel to Oz The Great and Powerful still has yet to be confirmed, 2013 will see not one, but two more important releases from this remarkable young Talent. “I’ve got White House Down with Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx coming out”, she tells me. The Montreal-filmed Action-Thriller is about a Capitol Policeman who must rescue his Daughter and save the President with the arrival of a group of Paramilitary Invaders. “I love Montreal, it’s beautiful there. I love the cold!”, she tells me about her experience filming in our native Canada.
In addition to being a Fan-of and Friends with Taylor Swift, having starred in her Video for Mean, King reveals to me whom she’d love most to work with in the future. “Jennifer Lawrence, Jessica Chastain is up there and Jason Bateman for sure. I love him! “. Diplomatically, she tells me there are many more with so much amazing Talent in the Hollywood Pool and surely it won’t be long before she gets her wish.
King also particularly is excited for upcoming Horror, The Conjuring, due this July. “I play one of five Sisters and my name’s Christine. Our Family lives in this house and something’s sketchy about it”, she explains. “I saw the Film recently and oh my God, it’s so scary! I think everyone will really enjoy it and it will blow their socks off!”.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada releases Oz The Great and Powerful on DVD and Blu-ray Combo Pack on Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Click here to pre-order your copy.
Follow Joey King on Twitter here.
Enjoy the Audio from our Chat below:
(Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada | Video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
The Nominees are in! The 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards are just a month away and all Contenders were confirmed earlier today. Leading the Pack this year with six nominations is Mariana’s Trench including coveted Video of the Year (Desperate Measures) and Pop Video of the Year (Stutter).
Not to be outdone, Toronto’s v. own Drake tallies in second with five nominations including Hip Hop Video of the Year and Video of the Year with his recent Single, Started from the Bottom.
Up for International Artist of the Year is a competitive field which includes: P!nk, One Direction, Taylor Swift and recently-announced Performers Demi Lovato and PSY.
Click here for a full list of Nominees!
The 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards air Sunday, June 16, 2013 at 9:00 PM EST on Fuse and MuchMusic.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
The 2013 Billboard Music Awards were held in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand tonight and winning top honours tonight was Taylor Swift with a total eight awards including Top Artist and Billboard Hot 200 Album with her Disc, Red. Poking fun at herself, Swift accepted her Award, stating, “you’re the longest and best relationship I’ve ever had!”.
Not to be outshone, Rihanna and Gotye both picked-up four awards each – the former doing extremely well in the R&B Categories winning Top Album, Song and Artist, while also nabbing Top Radio Songs Artist. Gotye was victorious in the categories: Hot 100 Song, Rock Song, Radio Song and Streaming Song (Audio) based on the strength of his Smash with Kimbra, Somebody That I Used To Know.
Two Pop Legends were honoured also in Prince and Madonna. The former not only performing tonight a Medley which included Let’s Go Crazy, received the Icon Award for his lasting career which has seen ten Diamond Albums and 30 Top 40 Hits. The latter, whom we spotted in New York City last week at the Met Gala, won Top Touring Artist for her MDNA Tour.
Canada’s Carly Rae Jepsen even was recognized with the Award for Top Digital Song with Call Me Maybe.
Although the evening was highlighted by some dazzling performances from the likes of Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and Pitbull, it was Miguel who stirred-up the most controversy apparently kicking two female Fans when crowdsurfing into the audience during his performance of Adorn.
Click here for a complete list of Winners.
More amazing Photos over at Zimbio!
(Photo credit: Getty Images)
Amazing! If there was any doubt Justin Timberlake‘s back and bigger than ever, his The 20/20 Experience shakes-up the Music Industry, proving that when a Record Label wants to invest in an Album, Consumers will buy. And buy they did!
The slickly-packaged Disc released just last Tuesday has sold over 968k copies in its debut, placing at the top of the U.S. Billboard Hot 200 Chart and even more impressively, he did it without gimmicks like an array of Special Editions. Target had an Exclusive Edition, but even that Retailer was number two to iTunes in sales.
In contrast to his previous two Solo Efforts, 2002’s Justified sold 439k copies in his first week and 2006’s FutureSex/LoveSounds sold 684k copies.
Although impressive, Timberlake‘s The 20/20 Experience still doesn’t surpass Taylor Swift‘s Red, which sold 1.2 million its first week – last year’s biggest debut, eventually going on to sell 3.1 million copies.
(Photo credit: Sony Music)
I don’t care what anyone says, but I’ve always been a Fan of Avril Lavigne and nothing anyone says will change this. A Snippet of her new Track, Never Growing Up was just unveiled today and the Canadian Princess of Punk-Pop is inviting Fans to be a part of the Lyric Video for the Track by uploading clips of themselves “never growing up”.
Upon initial listen, the Track is making me have a major Taylor Swift moment. The parallels to We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together are apparent, but that Track in itself sounds like signature Avril Lavigne.
You too can be a part of the fun and hear a clip of Never Growing Up right here.
Sony Music Canada releases Never Growing Up on Tuesday, April 9, 2013.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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