Rita Ora will probably break Rita Ora’s record
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Rita Ora’s new tune ‘R.I.P.’ is on course to become the fastest-selling single of 2012 so far, breaking the record currently held by DJ Fresh and, erm, Rita Ora’s ‘Hot Right Now’. The song is at the top of the midweek charts, released today, and pushes Tulisa’s ‘Young’ down to second place. Elsewhere in the rankings, Emeli Sande enters at No. 24 with ‘My Kind Of Love’ following her performance on The Voice, and four songs make comebacks thanks to the show’s contestants – Temper Trap’s ‘Sweet Disposition’ (No. 15), Kate Bush’s ‘Running Up That Hill’ (No. 33), Tom Petty’s ‘Freefallin’ (No. 38) and Coldplay’s ‘Paradise’ (No. 39). Over on the album chart, Keane are outselling the rest of the Top 5 combined with their new record Strangeland, whilst Cover Drive enter at No. 7 with Bajan Style and Marina and the Diamonds belly flops from No. 1 to No. 8 with Electra Heart.
Tulisa, Cover Drive, Rebecca Ferguson, Starboy Nathan – Download or Ditch?
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A number of major pop names are staking their claim for the summer’s first big anthems this week – but which are successful and which should be forgotten? There’s a lot to choose from, but don’t panic – MP! are here to guide you through which singles deserve your hard-earned 99p.
Cover Drive – ‘Sparks’
The Bajan quartet return with the follow-up to their January chart-topper ‘Twilight’, and ‘Sparks’ is a slightly mellower tune with another lovely vocal performance from Amanda. But, truth be told, we’re not big fans of the excessive auto-tune effects, especially on the boys’ lines and, much as we love the band, we can’t help but feel like ‘Sparks’ would be better off as a decent album track rather than a big hit single. DITCH
Tulisa – ‘Young’
The lyrics are repetitive, the production is a bit like Calvin Harris on an off day, and Tulisa even sounds slightly aggressive on the verses… but roll down the windows, turn up the volume, put your hands in the air and you have an instant summer anthem. OK, its chances of winning any awards are about as distant as Matt and Sueleen’s odds of winning The Voice, but sometimes the amazingness of pop is totally inexplicable. DOWNLOAD
Rebecca Ferguson – ‘Glitter & Gold’
R-Fergz’s third single from her album Heaven has a lot more bite to it than you would expect from one of The X Factor’s nicest ever graduates. Written about some of the fame-hungry attention-seekers she encountered on the show back in 2010, it’s got a dark edge to it that isn’t a million miles away from Adele’s ‘Rolling In The Deep’, and though its lack of radio support makes it an unlikely contender for chart glory, it helps cement the Liverpudlian’s status as one of our favourite talent show contestants of recent years. DOWNLOAD
Starboy Nathan – ‘Who Am I’
“I was down like four flat tyres,” sings Starboy Nathan on what we can only assume is his all-important make-or-break single. ‘Who Am I’ follows the disappointing chart performance of Wretch 32 collab ‘Hangover’, and it’s an incredibly honest midtempo R’n'B-flavoured nugget with lyrics about facing up to obstacles and refusing to give up. It’s nothing particularly ground-breaking, but its relevance to Nathan’s difficulty in hitting the big time is kind of what makes it endearing. So for the sake of making sure this isn’t the last we hear of the hard-working singer-songwriter, we strongly suggest that you… DOWNLOAD
Tom Jones – ‘Hit Or Miss’
And the first coach from The Voice to use the exposure as a platform for new music is… Sir Tom! ‘Hit Or Miss’ is taken from the veteran hitmaker’s forthcoming album Spirit In The Room, and as much as we respect the man’s status as an utter musical legend, we can’t see ‘Hit Or Miss’ shooting to the top of our iTunes Most Played list any time soon. Sozza, Tom. DITCH
Carly Rae Jepsen, Calvin Harris, The Voice… It’s a pretty boring week in the charts
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Carly Rae Jepsen is Number 1 for the fourth time this week, making ‘Call Me Maybe’ the 7th best-seller of 2012 so far and edging out the midweek leader from Calvin Harris. The producer’s latest tune ‘Let’s Go’, featuring Ne-Yo, settles for Number 2 and is the highest new entry in a relatively dull week for big arrivals. A few tracks from The Voice’s Battle Rounds make quiet comebacks a little further down – Stereophonics’ ’Dakota’ (Number 29), Kings of Leon’s ‘Use Somebody (Number 35) and Rihanna’s ‘We Found Love’ (Number 39) to name three – but other than that it looks like the big chart action is being saved for next week, when Tulisa and Cover Drive attempt to dethrone Carly from the summit. Tulisa’s taken the early lead on iTunes… can she do it?
Tulisa, Alexandra Burke, Conor Maynard & more announced for T4 On The Beach!
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This year’s T4 On The Beach line-up is starting to take shape, with Tulisa, Alexandra Burke, Conor Maynard and Rita Ora among the popstars due to take the Weston-super-Mare stage by storm on July 1st. They, along with Wretch 32 and the cast of Made In Chelsea, join the previously announced Little Mix, Dappy, Labrinth, Professor Green, Rizzle Kicks and Cover Drive on the bill. Tickets are on sale now!
Tulisa behind-the-scenes at the ‘Young’ video!
Oh to be a pop star! Tinfoil dresses, namless goats, pretend alcohol – it’s Tulisa’s 2 day video shoot in Miami for debut solo single ‘Young’. Watch the video below to share in the madness and get ready for the song’s release in two and a bit more weeks.
Tulisa to release debut single ‘We Are Young’ in May
X Factor judge and former N-Dubz star Tulisa recently revealed that her upcoming solo album is so loaded with potential hit singles that she was struggling to pick one as her debut – but according to band mate and boyfriend Fazer, it’s all finally been decided.
In an interview with MTV News, the rapper revealed that Tulisa will release ‘We Are Young’ on May 7th. He reckons it’s a “really big dance record with a great message behind it” and it looks like he even went on to let slip some of the lyrics: “Forgive us for what we have done, ’cause we are young”.
Cousin Dappy just hit Number 2 with his new single ‘Rockstar’ but according to him, only one of the the three N-Dubz stars will become internationally famous – so can Tulisa’s single get her to the top of the charts? Well despite the fact that we can’t get this song out of our heads whenever we read the title, we’re VERY excited to hear ‘We Are Young’ – so stay tuned to MP! because we’ll definitely have more on this story soon.
Rihanna and Drake headline the Wireless Festival: Pop Diary
This year’s Wireless Festival just got even more exciting. Joining headliner Drake on Saturday are Example, Tulisa (we assume she’ll have some solo material by then), Professor Green and special guest Nicki Minaj. Warming the crowd up for Rihanna on Sunday will be Jessie J, Rizzle Kicks, Labrinth, Cher Lloyd, Calvin Harris and new girlgroup Stooshe. Check out the dates in our Pop Diary, and head to the festival’s website for the full line-up, tickets and VIP packages. Hit like below if you’ll be attending.
Tulisa delays solo album, Kelly Rowland gets dirty, Madonna previews video, Nicola Roberts cries and Labrinth is back!
It’s safe to say Tulisa has learned to never mix business with pleasure as it looks like her upcoming debut solo album has been delayed after she split with childhood sweetheart Fazer. Apparently he was “masterminding” the entire thing but decided to take a step back after the two broke up. Awkward.
The next hugely anticipated single to be released from Kelly Rowland’s new album (which charted at the dizzy heights of Number 43) will be the “classy, dirty” (not our words) ‘Lay It On Me’. As Alexandra Burke would say – there’s an elephant in the room. No, literally.
Queen Mother of Pop (that’s Madonna to you) is on the verge of a comeback and will premiere her brand new music video during American Idol this Thursday. Click here to see a clip featuring Nicki Minaj, M.I.A., cheerleaders and the sound of Lady Gaga crying into her pillow.
We don’t know about you but we spend a lot of time here at MP! HQ trying to decide which member of US boy band Big Time Rush is our favourite. If you already know yours, you can now pre-order their new album Elevate with one of the four special individual covers. We think we’ll end up going for Carlos.
We doubt this news will phase Nadine Coyle very much, but it turns out Nicola Roberts was not impressed one bit when Girls Aloud decided to go on their lengthy hiatus. “I felt like I couldn’t see music in my life for a long time.” We reckon this song accurately describes Nadine’s reaction.
Labrinth is back with his third single, ‘Last Time’. It’s a bit more Will.i.am than his previous efforts and we’re not really loving it. Watch the lyrics video here and make your own mind up – but don’t come crying back to us when you realise it’s no ‘Earthquake’…
Behind the scenes of Alexandra Burke’s new video, Marcus Collins’ debut single, Britney and Shakira collaboration, Tulisa solo news and JLS team up with amazing producer – gossip!
The lucky blighters at Digital Spy got to reveal an exclusive preview of Alexandra Burke’s music video for ‘Elephant’. We love a good dance routine at MP! so we’re feeling optimistic. However, if you’re one of those fans that were disappointed by the lack of actual elephant noises in the song, you’ll be devastated to learn that we didn’t spot a single trunk in the behind the scenes clip.
Fans of bizarre and rushed covers rejoice. Basically Marcus Collins has unveiled his, er, interesting take on White Stripes anthem ‘Seven Nation Army’. It’s definitely no ‘Swagger Jagger’, ‘What Makes You Beautiful’, ‘Bad Boys’, ‘Bleeding Love’, ‘Beat Again’ (you get the picture…) but if you fancy listening, click here.
Entered our competition to win a Kindle but not feeling very confident? Well if you send a video review of Maria V. Snyder’s Touch Of Power to Mizz mag and you might nab yourself an iPad and the chance to become their official book blogger. Get the flip cam out and click here to find out more.
Sound the collab alarms - apparently Britney Spears and Shakira are lining up to drop a single together later this year. In true dreams come true style, Will.i.am AND Pharrell Williams are said to be producing the hit-in-waiting for the two lovely ladies. Hopefully this will be more a case of ‘Beautiful Liar’ than ‘Big Fat Bass’ *crosses fingers*
Anyone excited for the upcoming JLS album? WELL WE ARE. The oily chested boys tweeted that they’re working on brand new songs with legendary producer Darkchild. Don’t recognise the name? Let’s just say he’s responsible for some of the best pop songs ever. Exhibit A. Exhibit B. Exhibit C. Case closed.
Shut off the collab alarms and sound the Tulisa siren – The X Factor judge and guiding light to Little Mix has revealed that she’s ready to shoot the video for her debut solo single and that we can expect to hear it within the next two months. But what does it sound like? ”It’s one of those tracks that you don’t get bored of.” (We’re getting our hopes up for Fergalicious 2012).
Tulisa / Fazer, Taylor / Zac, Harry / Caroline, Tom / Kelsey – It’s Popstar Heart Monitor
Welcome to our popstar heart clinic – where celebrity love gets a full check-up. Who’s got a heart vacancy, who’s taking things to the next level and who’s beyond medical help? In today’s waiting room…
Tulisa and Fazer. Despite enjoying some hanky-panky on holiday just two weeks ago it’s been reported that the N-Dubz pair are “taking a break” from their relationship. Tulisa spent the weekend doing what every newly single girl would do – she slapped on the tan, dug out the heels and rounded up her mates for a night down Oceana.
Katy Perry and Russell Brand. Last week we thought this relationship couldn’t sink any lower but we were sadly wrong. Katy has made the ultimate statement and unfollowed Russell on Twitter. It’s almost as bad as seeing that tiny broken heart when you end a Facebook relationship. Hold us.
Taylor Swift and Zac Efron. Serial loser-in-love Taylor has been spotted getting flirty with Justin Bieber prototype, Zac. The pair, who co-star in upcoming animated movie The Lorax, enjoyed a “giggly” dinner together last week followed by some touchy-feely red carpet appearances. Aw, maybe Zac can help mop up those teardrops on Taylor’s guitar. Some kitchen roll ought to do it.
Una Healy and Ben Foden. Yes Rochelle “look at my £50,000 ring” is engaged to Marvin but that doesn’t mean we can forget about the other Saturday with a ring on it. Pregnant Una has made us: A. wish we we had a cute rugby player fiance and B. wish we were with child so we could feast on Twirls after tweeting this cute picture.
Harry Styles and Caroline Flack. The One Direction Love God has reportedly introduced the two most important women in his life. Caroline was invited for a family dinner at Harry’s mum’s house last week and everything went very well. Baby pictures were shared, Caz helped with the washing-up whilst Anne nodded approvingly. Prescription for heartbroken 1D fans: Look at this picture and call us in the morning.
Tom Parker and Kelsey Hardwick. Our third favourite member of TW has revealed that he wants to marry girlfriend Kelsey. The singer claims that he’s always known Kelsey would be the girl he would eventually wed and credits her with helping him settle down. Double wedding Max?
