The singer made her post-surgery comeback by winning all six of her nominations at the 2012 Grammy Awards, topping the ceremony with Album of the Year for "21" and taking home both Song and Record of the Year for "Rolling in the Deep." She teared up as she took the stage for the final award, crediting the album's inspiration to a "rubbish relationship." The first award of the broadcast, Best Pop Solo Performance, went to the Brit's "Someone Like You," the singer's second win of the evening. "21" picked up Best Pop Vocal Album during the afternoon pre-telecast portion of the awards, while her "Rolling in the Deep" producer Paul Epworth picked up Producer of the Year.
"My life changed when I wrote this song, before anyone even heard it," she said, looking into the crowd for "Someone Like You" co-writer Dan Wilson.
"Since this is a vocal award, I want to thank my doctors, they brought my voice back," she added, showing no signs of the strain that caused her to undergo vocal cord surgery.
If there were any lingering doubts about her recovery, Adele opened her performance of "Rolling in the Deep" a cappella, showcasing the instrument that made her "21" 2011's best-selling album. She drew the night's longest round of applause as the audience took its feet.
Beyond Adele's success, it was a night full of celebrations and tributes, with the sudden passing of Whitney Houston adding a sober note to the enthusiastic show.
Bruce Springsteen opened the evening with a high-energy performance of "We Take Care of Our Own," the politically charged new single from his upcoming album "Wrecking Ball". The performance, aided by a string section, had Paul McCartney clapping along.
And Bruno Mars, a six-time nominee, lit up the stage with a gold jacket and choreographed dance moves.
"Get off your rich asses and let's have some fun, y'all!" he shouted during his performance.
In between the exuberance, the show addressed the death of Houston, who died just a day before the ceremony at age 48.
We've had a death in our family," host LL Cool J said moments after he took the stage. "For me, the only thing that feels right is to open with a prayer… Heavenly father, we thank you for sharing our sister Whitney with us," he said, drawing bowed heads among the audience's array of stars.
Video of Houston's Grammy performance of signature hit "I Will Always Love You" followed, as did a standing ovation.
Shortly thereafter, Alicia Keys and Bonnie Raitt, performing as a duo, paid tribute to another loss, jazz great Etta James.
The performances also included a notable return. Three years after his assault of then-girlfriend Rihanna caused both to miss the ceremony, Chris Brown made his Grammy comeback with the electronic-inspired "Turn Up the Music," showcasing his dance moves atop a shimmering tower of brightly colored blocks.
Later, Brown's "F.A.M.E." won Best R&B Album. He kept his speech short: "I just gotta thank God for this opportunity, and the Grammys for letting me get on this stage… Team Breezy, man, it's all for you, we all won. Thank you."
In one of the evening's most anticipated performances, the Beach Boys reunited for their 50th anniversary -- preceded by tributes by Maroon 5, who took on the '60s band's "Surfer Girl," and "Pumped Up Kicks" singers Foster the People, who turned in a faithful version of "Wouldn't It Be Nice."
After an introduction by Ryan Seacrest, the Beach Boys themselves launched into "Good Vibrations," with Brian Wilson at the piano and singing lead on the legendary song. Mark Foster and Maroon 5's Adam Levine joined the group after the bridge to add to the plethora of harmonies.
'I Will Always Love You' sees 6,723 percent increase in digital sales and forces Billboard to adapt rules on 'catalog' tracks.
Spurred on by a massive uptick in digital sales and radio airplay following her death this past weekend, Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" re-entered Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart this week, landing at #7. And, in the process, it forced the magazine to adjust the way it handles so-called "catalog" tracks on the chart. Historically, catalog songs — tracks still frequently aired on contemporary radio months or years after their initial debut — were ineligible for the Hot 100 (Billboard moves them to several "recurrent" charts once they've spent 20 weeks on the chart and have fallen below position number 50), though, in a statement, Billboard director of charts Silvio Pietroluongo said that will now officially change. "Going forward, we feel that it is the proper move to allow older titles posting enough activity to return to the Hot 100 if ranking in the chart's upper half," he said.
Katy Perry has reportedly been 'praying for a miracle' when it comes to her marriage. The actress is said to be in turmoil following the end of her relationship with Russell Brand. He filed for divorce from her following a 14-month union late last year, and it's been suggested she was not prepared for him to do so. Katy apparently still wants the marriage to work so has turned to her Christian faith for support. 'She's been praying for a miracle, basically, and it tells you everything that Katy doesn't give a damn about the money,' a source told the British edition of Grazia magazine.
It's suggested that Russell has refused to talk to Katy following their breakup. He was thought to be flying to Los Angeles to see her earlier this month, but she jetted out of America as he got there. 'She's trying hard to make sense of what happened, and while she knows it's over, there's a part of her that can't accept it until she's spoken to Russell and seen him face to face. She still doesn't know the full extent of his reasoning and his refusal to speak to her is making things 100 times worse. 'Katy's even tried reaching out to his mom Barbara and a couple of his pals, but they have all told her he'll be in touch to meet up 'when he's ready'.' Katy, 27, has been writing songs about her heartbreak, while it's been suggested Russell will lift the lid on their relationship in his new memoir. Those close to the couple now think they should see a professional to help them reconnect and become friends again, even if they don't mend their marriage.
Gwyneth Paltrow, Young Jeezy and Solange also hit Twitter to congratulate Bey and Jay on their new addition.
Now that Beyoncé and Jay-Z have welcomed their first baby, daughter Blue Ivy, into the world, some of the couple's most famous friends and fans are sending the new parents love and congratulations on Twitter.
Bey's sister, Solange, took to Twitter to confirm that she was a new aunt but said not all reports surrounding the birth are factual. "The most beautiful girl in the world," Solange wrote. "Information that goes through the telephone, always gets delivered wrong."
Jay's protégé and collaborator Rihanna also had some love for the new baby. "Welcome to the world princess Carter!" she tweeted, signing off: "Love Aunty Rih."
One of B's besties, Gwyneth Paltrow, wrote, "Welcome to the world Blue! We love you already."
The hip-hop community also celebrated the birth of Jay-Z's new addition. Fellow hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons tweeted, "congrats to my good friends Beyonce and Jay-Z." A few tweets later, he added, "today is the day the lord has made."
"Congrats to jay and B! God Bless :) !" Diddy tweeted. "And many more!"
Young Jeezy also shared his love for the twosome. "Congratulations to Jay-Z & Beyonce on baby Ivy Blue being born." (There has been some confusion about the order of the baby's first and middle names, with some outlets reporting it to be Ivy Blue instead of Blue Ivy.)
One of MTV's very own, "Jersey Shore" star Snooki, wanted to get in on the Beyoncé/Jay-Z baby party early Sunday. "Beyonce congrats on your baby gurl mama!!!!" she wrote. "So happy for you , you deserve it sexpot."
Mama-to-be Kourtney Kardashian added, "Congratulations to Beyonce, the 2nd Princess of Pop (behind Britney) for her new baby girl Ivy Blue!" In the days leading up to the arrival, Beyoncé's pal Lady Gaga gushed about her mama skills. "Of course she is [going to be a good mom]," she said. "That's a tremendous understatement. She's the nicest female I've met in the industry. She's wonderful!"
She topples Flo Rida from top spot while Bruno Mars gets No 1 album...
Jessie J has knocked Flo Rida off the top of the Official UK Singles Chart, with her Domino taking this week's No 1. Flo Rida's Good Feeling fell just one place into second, while Rizzle Kicks' Mama Do The Hump climbed two places to No 3. Avicii's dance anthem Levels stayed still in fourth and Lloyd's Dedication To My Ex (Miss That) rounded out the top five. Over in the Official UK Albums Chart Bruno Mars' Doo Wops and Hooligans returned to the top spot, having spent a whopping 53 weeks on the chart in total. Adele's 21 fell one place to No 2 and Ed Sheeran's + stayed still at No 3. The Maccabees' Given To The Wild was a new entry in fourth while new mum Beyoncé's 4 crept up one place to No 5.
Adele owned 2011. The kicky, 23-year-old British singer released her second album, the break-up requiem "21," in February, and in barely 11 months, she has already sold more than any artist in the world, currently inching towards 13 million globally. But it wasn't just heartbreak that made her popular. In contemporary music, Adele is one of a kind, a woman who thrives off no bells and whistles, just pure personality and talent (and the ability to make the toughest curmudgeon cry).
In your "Adele: Live at the Royal Albert Hall" DVD/CD, you talk about your cover of The Cure's "Love Song," and how your mum used to play it for you when you were little. Does she love that you covered it? How much in general has your family influenced where you are now, and what do they think of your success?
My mum loves that I covered a Cure song, yes. I remember their records being a huge part of my early life. The soundtracks to some of my first and fondest memories. They're a bigger part of my life now than they were then because I reference them in my writing and I'm aware I'm inspired by them.
My family are obviously a huge part of where I am now, but my music and certainly my career are very separate from my home life. I don't and never have involved them in it but they've never gotten in the way of it either. They've always encouraged and loved what I've done from the moment I took an interest in music. I think they're as baffled by my success as I am. I don't ask my loved ones how they feel about it actually! There's too much other stuff to catch up on when we see each other.
Also in your Royal Albert Hall performance, you have a dedication to Amy Winehouse. Obviously people have compared you since you're both white British singers with soul, but do you feel any affinity with her beyond that?
I certainly think Amy set the bar and a standard, but for singers and artists in general. Though of course there was a flurry of British women who came out with debut records after "Back to Black," and I do think there was more interest because of her. I loved her for the same reasons everyone else did -- firstly, she was a remarkable singer but she was a believable and relatable artist, feisty but timid and fun but tragic -- normal! She created herself. That's what inspired me. I see no appeal in having a very specific plan as an artist. Who fucking cares if people don't get it or don't like it? I'd rather trust myself, to like what I've done and stick to my guns than make music I don't like, wear clothes that don't suit me and flutter between genres because I'm scared I won't be relevant if I pass my "sell by" date. Amy tattooed that in me! She made music because she was good at it and wanted to. And she was a huge artist who was always a bigger fan. That's why I gravitated towards her and listened when she sang and spoke... Or snarled!
You've had a remarkable year. Yet you seem to go about your career almost as an indie artist, and by all accounts, don't seem to have changed your personality. What keeps you grounded... and real?
Well I started on an indie label in the U.K. before I signed to Columbia here in the U.S., and I'm still there. What I like about indie artists and indie labels is they don't do everything. Obviously, the main reason for that is because they don't have the clout and don't get the chance to. Ha!
But why does a huge artist have to do everything? Quality control is vital. If I did everything, my artistry and music would become diluted. Performances and interviews travel globally and instantly nowadays because of YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and blogs. I'd be repeating myself and be overexposed if I did every TV and every magazine cover I was given the opportunity to do. I don't change up my style, and live, it just is what it is. I only do things I like as well, TV shows I watch and publications I read. I won't do something simply because I should, so I'll sell a few more records.
When it comes to staying myself -- my career isn't my life, it doesn't come home with me. So it's a piece of piss staying grounded and not being changed by it. The same things I've always liked still satisfy me. My team's the same and my group of friends are the same. Of course I'm bowled over by people's response to "21," and when I meet artists I love, it blows my mind. But it baffles me as well. I go home and my best friend laughs at me, rather than going to a celebrity-studded party to rub shoulders with people who know me but who I don't know. I'm Z-list when it comes to that shit.
I think one of the things that sets me apart from other artists who have had the same kind of success is that my life isn't speculated about. And you can't escape that, which makes you more high-profile whether you want to be or not! I feel very lucky that isn't really part of my life. Then again, I did do a tell-all on my record anyway, haha! I'm incredibly private but I'm also incredibly honest and I think that creates a kind of "meet in the middle" respectable ground.
To that end, much has been made about your place in the pop universe, and how you are so real and uncontrived compared to a lot of other pop stars. Did you always feel supported in your decision to just be yourself?
I'm not sure. I'm never self-conscious and never have been. The thought of changing yourself or toning yourself down or up for that matter, to please someone else seems ridiculous to me. I'm not drawn to people who feel like they have to do that, so I'm not really aware if there was ever a shift.
What do you envision for your future, your next couple of years?
I'm really looking forward to some time to do nothing. I imagine I'll be 25 or 26 by the time my next record comes out, as I haven't even thought about my third record yet. I'm just gonna lay some concrete, set up home and just "be" for a bit. I'll disappear and come back with a record when it's good enough. There will be no new music until it's good enough and until I'm ready.
Have you begun writing songs for the next album?
Nope!
It's been a long year. Have you found love again?
It's been the most erratic year. It's been fucking brilliant and exciting and emotional. Professionally, it's been a year that will define my life forever. But because of the success, obviously things have been unearthed and people have crawled out of the woodwork publicly and privately. But that's to be expected. And those things personally have forced me to address things I wouldn't have. I probably wouldn't have until my thirties.
Not having someone to share all this with made me miserable at times, to be honest. I wanted nothing more than to be in love and be loved back. That was until I remembered I was sharing it with millions and millions and millions of people!! I haven't been ready to be in love again since summer 2009... until now. And I hadn't met anyone along the way who has changed that.
I love that Robyn lyric from "Call Your Girlfriend": "The only way her heart will mend is when she learns to love again." I was bitter as fuck and so sad about my relationship that "21" is about. Obviously it was intensified because the record exploded, and it was a constant reminder of him that I couldn't avoid. But I hadn't met anyone else. I missed him because I didn't like feeling lonely and so I just kept going over and over the fuck-ups and resenting him and regretting our time together. But really recently, I realized that that had to happen for me to know what I want and need from myself. And of course in someone else.
How was your vocal surgery? How much longer until you can sing again?
The surgery couldn't have gone better. But because I was singing with damaged vocal chords for three or four months and because of the surgery and because of the silence after the surgery I now have to build myself back up vocally. It's gonna be a lot easier for me to sing now. And mentally I won't be worried about my voice on stage anymore. So I have to get used to that. That'll take most of January, so February I'll be singing properly!
Rihanna has 'no qualms' about her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown attending next year's Grammy Awards. The night before the 2009 Grammy Award ceremony, Chris was arrested and charged with felony battery assault on Rihanna. Soon after Chris was convicted of the felony in June 2009, a restraining order was enacted by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge that barred him and Rihanna from getting within 30ft of each other at public events. The restraining order has since been modified at Rihanna's request, allowing the pair to attend mutual professional events such as awards ceremonies. Rihanna is reportedly fine with the prospect of seeing Chris at the Grammys in February if she decides to attend. "Rihanna is also nominated for several Grammys, and she performed at the Grammy nomination concert recently, and she could be going to the awards ceremony as well," a source told RadarOnline.com. "Rihanna thinks that Chris should attend the Grammys if he wants to, she has absolutely no qualms with him being there. Don't expect them to hang out, but she has moved on from that horrible night, and doesn't want it to define either one of them as people." For his 2011 record F.A.M.E., Chris holds nominations in the Best R&B Album, Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song categories. The singer has worked hard for the past few years and is thrilled by the acknowledgement. "Chris has grown tremendously as a person, and an artist from that time in his life,' the source continued. 'Chris has complied with all terms of his five-year probation and has completed most of his court ordered community service. He has been a model probationer, but more importantly, Chris accepted responsibility for what he did. Chris took that experience and vowed to learn from it and become a better person, and he was thrilled and truly humbled that he was nominated for three Grammys." Rihanna's work on her record Loud has earned the singer Grammy nominations in the Album of the Year, Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration categories. The 54th Grammy Awards will be held at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles on February 12 2012.
The music industry has been stuck in a rut for nearly a decade. But every once in a while, it still manages to produce one of those unstoppable hit albums that give everyone that good old feeling.
This year's model is Adele's 21, which not only sold more copies than any other album in the U.S. in 2011 (more than 5.6 million to date), but which has also moved the most units of any artist since 2004. According to a Reuters report, those gaudy figures (which top 15 million worldwide) make the British songbird the first artist to cross the 5 million mark in one year since Usher did it with his fourth studio album, Confessions, which sold 7.9 million units more than seven years ago.
And to think she did it by releasing just two mega singles, "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You," and barely touring North America due to recurring vocal issues.
There have been other big hits along the way to Adele's mark, including Eminem selling more than 3.4 million copies of his comeback Recovery album last year and Taylor Swift taking the honors in 2009 with Fearless, which sold 3.2 million copies. But none have come as close to Usher's mark in the interim.
There doesn't seem to be any chance Adele will be surpassed by the end of the year: The closest contenders are Lady Gaga's Born This Way (2.08 million) and Michael Bublé's Christmas (2.4 million). The other good news is that overall music sales are expected to be up slightly (3 percent) by the end of this year, marking the first time that's happened since 2004.
50 Cent has resolved to be a 'better judge of character' in 2012. The rapper is one of a number of stars to discuss their goals for next year. Although many people pledge to be healthier or take up a hobby when the New Year rolls around, 50 is more philosophical on the topic. 'Ah man, so many. So many new things to work on myself. I just got to be conscious, more conscious of myself,' he told MTV News. 'And try and be a better judge of character with others." Fellow rapper Common has also thought about positive changes he would like to make. The star found it hard to narrow things down, so has opted to improve every area of his life. 'I haven't thought deeply on it, but I would say I just want to be great at everything I do,' he mused. 'Greatness.' Gym Class Heroes star Travie McCoy has a more hands-on vow. He is keen to ditch something he is tired of. 'My New Year's resolution is to quit smoking ... it's a very dirty, filthy habit,' he fumed. 'But not [only] is it my New Year's resolution to quit, but it's also my New Year's resolution to get my friends to quit as well.' Amy Lee of rock band Evanescence wants to make 2012 all about the group's fans. She has promised to do everything she can to meet people all over the world.
Mariah Carey chose one of the worst celebrity baby names for her son this year, according to a new poll. The award-winning singer gave birth to twins in April and her decision to call her son Moroccan was not a hit, according to a BabyNames.com poll. The name failed to impress and was deemed one of the worst monikers by voters. Alicia Silverstone didn't fare much better - her son's name also features on the list. Alicia was thrilled after giving birth in May, but surprised many people by revealing she was calling her baby Bear Blu Jarecki. Other famous faces to disappoint with their choices include Bryan Adams who called his daughter Mirabella Bunny. Kevin James' son Kannon is also on the list. Although voters didn't approve of Mariah's son's name, her daughter's moniker proved a big hit. Monroe has appeared on the list of best names for baby girls. Joining her was Penelope Athena ' Tina Fey's daughter. Pink's daughter Willow Sage also features as does Ne-Yo's son Mason Evan Smith.
Beyonce Knowles has reportedly given birth to a baby girl called Tiana-May Carter.
Rumours about the new arrival have been circulating on Twitter this morning.
Despite the speculation surrounding the birth of the star's first child, many believe it to be a hoax.
There has been no official confirmation from Beyonce and her husband Jay-Z.
The rumour follows news that Beyonce checked into a private hospital in New York City yesterday.
Staff at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital were apparently put on alert ahead of the arrival of a 'celebrity VIP', but it wasn't confirmed that the person in question was Beyonce.
It was also reported that Beyonce's mother Tina and sister Solange are currently in New York for the impending new arrival.
The stunning songstress is thought to be expecting a daughter after former Destiny's Child bandmate and close friend Kelly Rowland accidently let slip the baby's gender in a recent interview.
Beyonce announced her pregnancy at the MTV Video Music Awards in August.
It will be her and Jay-Z's first child together.
In time for the release of "Talk That Talk," i'm is counting down Rihanna's top twenty Billboard hits.
20
Shut Up And Drive
Rihanna Hot 100 Peak Position: 15
Released in the summer of 2007, this sexy "woman as car" metaphor track is one of four songs from that album to make it onto this list of Rihanna's biggest hits. In the song, she purrs that she's looking for a driver and "can you handle the curves?" Apparently the answer was yes. The song spent plenty of quality time on the Hot 100 and reached as far as No. 15.
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19
Break It Off
Rihanna & Sean Paul Hot 100 Peak Position: 9
This 2006 single from Rihanna's album "A Girl Like Me" was not only performed with Sean Paul, he also co-wrote the song, a "feelin' naughty" duet of sorts that moved into the top 10 of the Hot 100.
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18
Cheers (Drink To That)
Rihanna Hot 100 Peak Position: 7
Released at the tail end of 2010, this "Loud" single (one of four from that album to make this list) indeed gave Rihanna something to toast about as the party-centric tune moved up to No. 7 on the Hot 100.
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17
We Found Love
Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris Hot 100 Peak Position: 1 (two weeks as of chart dated 11/19/11)
This first single from Rihanna's hugely-anticipated 2011 album "Talk That Talk" "found" its way to No. 1 on the Hot 100 (for two weeks, as of this writing) after just six weeks spent climbing the chart. The success of the song made her just the seventh artist in the 53-year history of the Hot 100 to score at least 11 Hot 100 chart-toppers.
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16
Hard
Rihanna featuring Jeezy Hot 100 Peak Position: 8
Rihanna enlisted rapper Jeezy for this "Rated R" bombastic, uptempo jam (and its fashion-forward battle field-set video). No one has ever rocked a soldier's helmet (or a tank) quite like RiRi did. The combination was more than enough to catapult the 2009 track to the top 10 of the Hot 100.
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15
Unfaithful
Rihanna Hot 100 Peak Position: 6
Rihanna has all the bases of pop music covered. Dancefloor anthems? Check. Sweet collabs with superstar rappers? Check. Double-diva pop gems? Sure. Ballads? Also, sure. Her melancholy 2006 single (from "A Girl Like Me") took her to No. 6 on the Hot 100.
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14
Hate That I Love You
Rihanna featuring Ne-Yo Hot 100 Peak Position: 7
"Good Girl Gone Bad" was more than good for Rihanna, spawning this, one of several Hot 100 hits. With a little help from Ne-Yo, the track reached No. 7 in 2007.
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13
S.O.S.
Rihanna Hot 100 Peak Position: 1 (three weeks)
Rihanna, an infectious beat, and a healthy "Tainted Love"-inspired melody? Yes, please. "S.O.S.," which finds RiRi begging for rescue from a boy she's fallen for "head over heels," spent three whole weeks atop the Hot 100 in 2006.
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12
Don't Stop The Music
Rihanna Hot 100 Peak Position: 3
We defy you to get the hook from this pounding 2007 dancefloor favorite out of your mind. Not only did it reach the top five of the Hot 100, it generated a Grammy nomination.
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11
Pon De Replay
Rihanna Hot 100 Peak Position: 2
One by one, two by two, everyone in the club was certainly rocking to the beat of this 2005 single, which made it all the way to No. 2 on the Hot 100 and helped establish Rihanna as a hitmaker to be reckoned with.
10
Run This Town
Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West Hot 100 Peak Position: 2
The Roc Nation protégé, alongside Kanye West, teamed up yet again with boss-man Jay-Z for the anthem of 2009. It's worth mentioning that "Run This Town" marked Rihanna's first musical appearance since her altercation with Chris Brown, and what a return it was.
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9
S&M
Rihanna Hot 100 Peak Position: 1 (one week)
Rihanna plays bad so good. The singer pulls out the whips and chains for the risque "S&M" song and video, even getting flagged by YouTube viewers.
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8
What's My Name?
Rihanna featuring Drake Hot 100 Peak Position: 1 (one week)
Rihanna and Drake give us a glimpse into their maybe-was romantic encounter in the "Loud" duet. It became her eighth No. 1 a year ago this month.
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7
Only Girl (In The World)
Rihanna Hot 100 Peak Position: 1 (one week)
"Only Girl" introduced the world to a red-tressed Rihanna and past her "Rated R" rainy days. And, it took RiRi to a new comfort zone: dance. The first single off "Loud" won the singer a Grammy for Best Dance Recording.
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6
Rude Boy
Rihanna Hot 100 Peak Position: 1 (five weeks)
Rihanna will tell you how she wants it, when she wants, and at what speed. Yes, we said it. Take "Rude Boy." The "Rated R" single's saucy lyrics and vibrant Caribbean visuals kept the singer at No. 1 for five weeks.
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5
Take A Bow
Rihanna Hot 100 Peak Position: 1 (one week)
Man, Ne-Yo can surely write a ballad to empower a woman scorned (hear also: "Irreplaceable"). "You're so ugly when you cry. Please. Just cut it out," Rihanna sings on "Take a Bow." The Stargate-produced ballad, heavy with 'tude, took Rihanna all the way to No. 1.
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4
Disturbia
Rihanna Hot 100 Peak Position: 1 (two weeks)
There's no denying Rihanna sharpened her acting chops for "Disturbia." But could Chris Brown have done better than his ex? C.Breezy, who co-wrote the two-week No. 1, is said to have passed "Disturbia" to RiRi because he felt a female voice would do it justice.
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3
Umbrella
Rihanna featuring Jay-Z Hot 100 Peak Position: 1 (seven weeks)
Jay-Z said it best, "Rihanna: Good girl gone bad." "Umbrella" was a defining moment in Rihanna's career and fashion evolution. The island girl cut and colored her tresses, taking a turn for the sexy and making "Umbrella" Rihanna's longest No. 1 as a lead artist.
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2
Love The Way You Lie
Eminem featuring Rihanna Hot 100 Peak Position: 1 (seven weeks)
After a turbulent end to her and Chris Brown's relationship, Rihanna bravely jumped on Eminem's emotional song and controversial video about domestic violence, "Love the Way You Lie," which Rihanna crafted a sequel to on "Loud." It was powerful enough to stay up top for seven weeks straight.
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1
Live Your Life
T.I. featuring Rihanna Hot 100 Peak Position: 1 (six weeks)
Who more perfect to team up with T.I. for "Live Your Life" than the "gangsta 4 life" herself, Rihanna? T.I.'s swaggerific anthem of 2008 won the two artists the 2009 BET Hip-Hop Awards for Best Hip-Hop Collaboration and Best Hip-Hop Video
Rebecca Ferguson has slammed raunchy star Rihanna, stating she doesn't think the Bajan babe is an ideal role model for young girls. The X Factor star, who is gearing up to the release of her debut album Heaven, claims she wouldn't let her own kids listen or watch RiRi, as she believes the 23-year old is too sexy. Ferguson explained to Yahoo: "I wouldn't let my daughter watch her. As a woman, I want to teach my daughter that a man should love you for who you are." "They should love you for you as a person, not for how you dress - and you don't have to be a sexual thing to a man." She added: "Rihanna can say 'I've got no kids', but if you want that lifestyle and you want that money, ultimately you are influencing generations and you have to remember that. They will copy you. Popstars should think of their audience." During our interview with Rebecca, the Nothing's Real But Love singer also commented on RiRi's racy behaviour, stating she feels the star just pushes it too far. The 25-year old admitted: "I like Rihanna, I’d be lying if I said my iPod wasn’t filled with Rihanna’s music. But as a mummy of two babies, I do think sometimes it pushes it too far. Not for people my age but for young children watching. I think for kids no, for us adults yes." Rihanna herself has previously admitted that she's planning to scale back on her saucy image, because she doesn't want to become "a gimmick."
The teen superstar was on CBS's Late Show with David Letterman this week. Justin was enthusiastically talking about all the places he has travelled to while touring, when David decided to put him to the test. "I love it. I have a blast. I get to travel the world,' Justin told the chat show host, 'I think I've been to every continent." At which point David asked: "How many continents are there?" Rather than answering with a number the 17-year-old confidently began to name what he thought. However, he was soon struggling and relied on clues from the host to get the complete list. "Asia, North America, South America, Africa, Antarctica and the North Pole,' he said. 'Err, Canada." "There are two more, come on. These are easy ones. You've been to both places," David hinted. Justin then came up with Australia, which David accepted as Australasia. During his My World Tour this year, the singer visited many countries in Europe including Germany, Italy, the UK, Spain and Belgium. But it took another hint from the host until Justin finally twigged which continent he was missing. "I'll give you a couple of countries in the last continent ' France..." said David. "Europe!" Justin yelled triumphantly.
Coldplay's Chris Martin has said that a song he wrote for Beyonce didn't make the cut.
Speaking to Maxim, Martin said 'I did write a song for Beyonce, but it got rejected by her A&R people.' He goes on to say that 'The one I wrote for Rihanna didn't get rejected.'
'It was when [Rihanna] was doing Rated R, but it took so long ' there's still this tribalism in music where we're rock and you're pop and you're hip-hop and it sometimes takes a while to get across those barriers,' he explains. 'So once we started thinking like that, it was, 'Who cares if we used to be shelved in different places in Tower Records?' She's fucking rad, and I love listening to her. It's my favourite real singing on the album, 'cause it isn't me.'
The song Rihanna will appear on is called 'Princess of China' and appears on the new Coldplay album 'Mylo Xyloto'.
Beyonce's latest album '4' has been out since June.
Rihanna's sixth album 'Talk That Talk' is in stores this week and can be purchased on this website <----.
Selena Gomez says dealing with her boyfriend Justin Bieber's paternity lawsuit has 'not been easy'. Justin was accused of fathering a now three-month-old baby with Mariah Yeater following an alleged 30 second backstage tryst. The singer insisted he had never even met Mariah and said he'd take a DNA test to prove he isn't the boy's father. Yesterday there were reports the lawsuit had been dropped, with Mariah's legal counsel later explaining they had decided to handle the matter more discreetly. Chicago paternity lawyer Jeffrey Leving revealed a DNA test will still happen, but he wants it to be conducted out of the limelight. Selena has stood by Justin throughout the ordeal, but admitted to talk show host Ellen DeGeneres things have been difficult. 'I have been [alright], yeah,' she said. 'It's good to just. it's not easy to [deal with all that stuff].' Ellen then decided to lighten the mood by focusing on something more fun. She has long complained about how baggy Justin's trousers are, and finds it especially annoying when they slip down to reveal his underwear. The host asked Selena if she has any sway when it comes to convincing Justin to go with a new look. 'I can't,' she laughed. 'I've told him I don't get it but he just laughs.' Selena, 19, has been having a tough time. She recently got a restraining order again Thomas Brodnicki, 46, who was accused of stalking her between July and October this year. Yesterday, the case against Thomas was dismissed although he is still not allowed within 100 yards of the star.
Pink realised she had 'nothing to fear' after hearing Brad Pitt and Matt Damon sing in their new movie. The stars all lend their voices to the new animation Happy Feet Two. Pink plays soulful penguin Gloria, and the character performs several songs during the sequel. Even though Pink is best known as a singer, she was terrified before recording her part. However, she soon felt at ease when she witnessed her co-stars belting out a tune. 'I got to watch Brad and Matt not only record some of their dialogue, but they also had to sing,' she revealed while promoting the movie. 'They just went for it, and I thought, 'Wow, I really have nothing to fear in there.'' Brad and Matt voice the characters Will the Krill and Bill the Krill respectively. The pair were happy to throw themselves into the script, even though they aren't the greatest musicians. 'The singing was a bit of a surprise,' Matt admitted. 'It was fun to just go for it and say, 'What the hell?' It's definitely not my strong suit, but I figured, you gotta go loud or go home.' Happy Feet Two also features the voices of stars including Elijah Wood, Robin Williams and Hugo Weaving.
Landslide as she scoops 48 per cent of votes to replace Frankie Cocozza...
Amelia Lily is getting another shot at X Factor glory after winning a public vote to replace disgraced contestant Frankie Cocozza in the competition. The candyfloss-haired 16 year old, from Middlesbrough, won a massive 48 per cent of the votes - beating Jonjo Kerr, 2 Shoes and John Michael. Talking to show host Dermot O'Leary as the result was revealed, she said: "I've been so emotional, I can't believe I'm back in. "Thank you to everyone who voted for me. This has been the most stressful two days of my life." Frankie was thrown out of the contest earlier this week after it emerged that he had broken one of the show's "golden rules" by staying out all night and taking cocaine. He was also reported to have had a bit of a fling with Amelia Lily, so some might consider it poetic justice that she is now taking his place.
Noel Gallagher has rubbished claims by his brother Liam Gallagher that he is desperate to reform Oasis – although he did hint he could change his mind if he needed the money.
In an interview with MTV, the High Flying Birds man said that his original comments about the possibility of the Manchester legends reforming in 2015 for the 20th anniversary of '(What's The Story) Morning Glory?' had been taken out of context.
For the past several weeks, both Liam and Noel have publicly sparred over the prospect of an Oasis reunion, with the Beady Eye frontman revealing he would eventually like to reunite with his older sibling, only for Noel to reject his offer of an olive branch.
Speaking to NME this week, Liam claimed that Noel was "desperate" to get Oasis back together, but Noel refuted his comments by insisting that his original offer to reform had been twisted by a journalist and went "all the way around the internet".
