This Week's Top Pop Stories

Here are the top stories from this week's Day in Pop and the top Day in Pop digest stories

Glee Cast To Be Replaced- J.Lo Trying To Stop Nude Video- Britney Beating Denied- Kanye On Top Of Nicki Minaj- Eminem Leads Grammys- Song Hackers- New Lady Gaga- more

A look back at the top pop stories of the week of Dec 3rd: (Billboard) Even Gleeks have to graduate some time, and "Glee" creator Ryan Murphy is preparing for his young actors to depart from McKinley High in 2012. Murphy has already had discussions about the likely exit of core cast members more

(Billboard) Jennifer Lopez has filed orders to stop her ex-husband, Ojai Noa, and his manager, Ed Meyer, from marketing private videos that showcase Lopez in the nude. more

(Billboard) Britney Spears' manager is shooting down reports that the singer was beaten by her boyfriend and former agent Jason Trawick, after two audiotaped conversations surfaced Wednesday in which the singer allegedly details the abuse to her ex-husband, Jason Alexander. more

(Billboard) As expected, Kanye West and Nicki Minaj arrive in the Nos. 1 and 2 slots, respectively, on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Mr. West sold 496,000 of his "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy," while Minaj moved 375,000 of her "Pink Friday" debut according to Nielsen SoundScan. more

(Jam!) Eminem has a massive lead in this year's Grammy race with a whopping 10 nominations. more

(Jam!) Police in Germany have launched an investigation into claims two computer hackers stole unreleased songs from stars including Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Ke$ha and leaked them online. more

(Yahoo) Reese Witherspoon unveiled her Hollywood Walk of Fame Star on Wednesday outside the W Hollywood Hotel. It's the 2,425th star dedicated on the celebrated avenue. more

(Yahoo) Mexican authorities have given Madonna's fitness club the green light to open after saying the gym was in danger of being shut down because it lacked several permits. more

(NME) Lady Gaga to release first single from 'Born This Way' in February 2011 Singer also reveals that her new album will be like 'bad kids going to church, having fun on a high level' more

(Yahoo) Detectives investigating the slaying of Hollywood publicist Ronni Chasen tried to ask questions of a "person of interest" in the lobby of a Los Angeles residence hotel, but the man pulled out a handgun and killed himself, police said. more

(Yahoo) A community prayer vigil has been held in Detroit for Aretha Franklin, a day before organizers say the singing legend is to undergo a medical procedure. more

(NME) Tom Hanks is to team up with director Kathryn Bigelow on her forthcoming drama Triple Frontier. more

(NME) Pittsburgh police officials have mistaken a fake, blood-spattered horror movie set for a murder scene. However, they eventually discovered that it wasn't a crime scene, but a leftover set from a horror movie starring late actor Corey Haim two years ago. more -

Disco Legend Vs Black Eyed Peas

Harry Wayne "KC" Casey issued the following: There is no doubt that KC and The Sunshine Band's song "Give It Up" is strongly featured in the Black Eyed Peas' song "Love You Long Time."

"I have recently learned that the Black Eyed Peas have utilized my song 'Give It Up' in their new composition 'Love You Long Time' which appears on their new album," remarks Harry Wayne "KC" Casey. "I LOVE the Black Eyed Peas and am truly honored that my music has crossed over decades and many types of music genres. Will.i.am is a great producer and I am thrilled that he is a fan of KC and the Sunshine Band, too."

KCSB's attorney David Bercuson is working to achieve an amicable solution to the legal issues resulting from this situation. -

Needtobreathe Hitting The Road With Taylor Swift

(Atlantic) Taylor Swift announced that Needtobreathe has been added as a featured artist to the North American dates of her Speak Now World Tour 2011.

"It means a lot to us that Taylor hand-picked us for her Speak Now tour," Needtobreathe guitarist and co-songwriter Bo Rinehart says. "Everyone knows she has amazing fans, and we thrive on performing live, especially in front of new audiences."

Needtobreathe will join the Speak Now Tour when the North American leg kicks off on May 27th in Omaha, Neb., and will be featured on all shows in the US and Canada. - more on this story

David Guetta Teams Up With Rihanna For New Single

(EMI) David Guetta has released his latest single "Who's That Chick" featuring Rihanna.

The brand-new single which officially impacts radio on Dec. 7th was released on iTunes last week selling over 32,000 singles in the first week and will be sold exclusively on Guetta's upcoming One More Love (Astralwerks Records), out on January 25th.

One More Love is an affordable "8 tracks for 8 dollars" special package featuring all the key tracks from Guetta's acclaimed breakthrough album One Love (full track listing - here)

DJ Enferno Remixes Clinton Sparks

DJ Enferno had a busy November. He's dropped two mixes in the past month, Evolution and M.A.D.O.N.N.A.

Plus he released a huge remix of will.i.am & Nicki Minaj's hit single "Check It Out".

Now, he's starting December off right with an exclusive remix of Clinton Sparks' single "Ambiguous" featuring newcomers Mike Posner and Big Sean - listen here

T-Pain Playboy New Year's

T-Pain will ring in the New Year and perform live at the NYE 2011: Official Playboy New Year's Eve Celebration at Hilton Chicago.

This year, the Grand Ballroom of Hilton Chicago will be transformed into a 12,500-square-foot Playboy VIP Lounge, which will bring together nightlife and gambling to create a true Playboy experience. The VIP lounge offers meet-and-greets with eight Playboy Playmates, an extra hour of premium open bar, and live casino gambling benefiting Reach Out Chicago.

In addition to T-Pain's performance, entertainment will be provided by Ultra Records artists and Chicago natives Jump Smokers, along with music from some of the city's top DJs, including B96 radio station mixmasters DJ Flipside and Mixin Marc, and club favorites Dante the Don and Gus Karas. - more on this story

Taylor Swift Christmas Cards

This Christmas enjoy 10 new cards written and inspired by Taylor Swift for American Greetings Corporation.

These warm holiday sentiments are available at select retailers, along with boxed cards and a collector's edition Heirloom Christmas tree ornament.

The new seasonal cards feature joyous winter scenes, delicious holiday cookies, and of course snow-covered Christmas trees. For the fans collecting the cards by the butterfly numbers on the back, these greetings represent #78-80, #114-116 and #164-167. - more on this story

Beyonce Goes Double Platinum in a Week

Columbia Records has announced that Beyonce's I Am...World Tour full-length concert film DVD has been certified double platinum after its initial release on Friday, November 26.

The deluxe DVD/Soundtrack edition---including the concert DVD, a live soundtrack, an exclusive, intimate documentary and explosive travelogue, and a 40-page collection of never-seen photos---was released on Tuesday, November 30. The DVD holds the #1 position on Nielsen SoundScan Music DVD chart.

The concert film, with it's never-before-seen, intimate footage of the star around the world, played on big screens in select cities around the country on November 18, the two-year anniversary of the release of the multi-platinum I AM…SASHA FIERCE album, which has sold more than six million copies and 15 million digital singles worldwide, while earning a record-breaking six Grammy Awards, the most ever for a female artist in a single year, in 2010. - more on this story

Drake To Host 2011 Juno Awards

Drake has been announced as the host for The 2011 Juno Awards (Canada's answer to the Grammy Awards).

The announcement from CTV and The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) was made just hours before Drake was nominated for four 2011 Grammy Awards.

The Toronto native returns to his hometown to host the 40th Anniversary of Canada's Music Awards, and CTV's 10th Anniversary broadcast, airing live from the Air Canada Centre on Sunday, March 27, 2011. - more on this story

DJ Hero 2 Mix Packs Include Linkin Park, Pixies, Beastie Boys and Lenny Kravitz

DJ Hero 2 have announced the release of three new exclusive downloadable Mix Packs. Available beginning today and including tracks from the legendary Beastie Boys and electronic dance music superstars The Prodigy, the Hard Edge Mix Pack will bring pulse pounding beats to virtual DJs everywhere with:

Hard Edge Mix Pack (available starting today, November 30):Pixies - "Debaser" Mixed With The Prodigy \\\ "Invaders Must Die" - Beastie Boys – "Body Movin'" Mixed With Lenny Kravitz "Rock And Roll Is Dead"

Taking it back to the old school, for all the old fools, who are so cool; if you want to get down, the Old Skool Mix Pack will show you the way. Available on December 14, 2010 the Old Skool Mix Pack will include: Old Skool Mix Pack (available December 14):\\\ Fat Boys – "Human Beat Box" Mixed With Mantronix – "King of the Beats" \\\ Tag Team – "Whoomp! (There It Is)" Mixed With 45 King– "The 900 Number" \\\ Beastie Boys – "Triple Trouble" Mixed With Tone-Lōc – "Funky Cold Medina" - more on this story

Justin Bieber Vs Puberty- Willie Nelson Arrested- Leslie Nielsen Dies- Pink Parking Lot Fight- Susan Boyle Chokes- Tupac Bio- Michael Jackson Wrongful Death- Lady Gaga- more

A look back at the top pop stories of the week of December 1st: (Billboard) A U.S. Border Patrol spokesman says country singer Willie Nelson was charged with marijuana possession after 6 ounces was found aboard his tour bus in Texas. more

(BBC) Veteran comic actor Leslie Nielsen, star of Airplane! and The Naked Gun, dies at the age of 84, of complications from pneumonia. more

(Jam!) Pregnant pop punk Pink is struggling to control her hormones - she became embroiled in a parking lot bust-up during a recent shopping trip after becoming grouchy. more

(Billboard) Rihanna scores a No. 1 debut on Billboard's European Albums chart with "Loud" (Def Jam/Universal), and makes it a double by starting a fourth week atop European Hot 100 Singles with "Only Girl (In The World)" (Def Jam/Universal). more

Most people go through puberty at around 12 but apparently not Justin Bieber. ASB reports that Bieber reportedly is facing a problem with his voice now that he has reached puberty. The 16-year-old Canadian singer is allegedly working with "the same people who worked with Usher when his voice broke" to solve the issue according to a UK tabloid more.

(Hollywood Reporter) – French porn producer Marc Dorcel is bringing a new dimension in erotic entertainment with the launch of a 3D video-on-demand service for porn videos. more

(ASB) Kylie Minogue has taken to Twitter.com to address fan complaints she mimed during her Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade performance in New York on Thursday, November 25. The Aussie pop star was shocked to discover many devotees were upset because she wasn't performing live. more

(Jam!) Mariah Carey has sparked rumors she's expecting twins next year after referring to her fetus as "they" during a radio interview. more

Michael Brea, who had small roles in ABC's now-canceled show "Ugly Betty" and the movie "Step Up 3D," who is accused of hacking his mother to death told the Daily News "I didn't kill her. I killed the demon inside her." more

Hot on the heels of his deal to become a regular on popular TV series "Glee", Darren Criss hit studio for a top-secret recording session last week. The Blaine depicter was snapped setting up his microphone at a Los Angeles studio on Tuesday, November 23. more

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" remained the No. 1 movie with $50.3 million over Thanksgiving weekend, closely followed by the animated musical "Tangled" with $49.1 million more

(BBC) Irvin Kershner, director of Star Wars film The Empire Strikes Back, has died in Los Angeles aged 87, his agent has confirmed. Kershner - who also directed James Bond film Never Say Never Again - died at home after a long illness, according to his goddaughter Adriana Santini. more

(Jam!) Sandra Bullock, Justin Bieber and Betty White have landed on Barbara Walters' 10 Most Fascinating People list. more

(Jam!) Simon Cowell is a big fan of Justin Bieber - he listens to the teen singer's album every night before he goes to bed. more

(Billboard) "Castle Walls," a new collaboration between T.I. and Christina Aguilera, has debuted online in anticipation of the rapper's forthcoming album "No Mercy." more

(BBC) James Franco and Anne Hathaway will co-host the 2011 Oscars, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announces more

(Yahoo) Authorities say Faith Evans has pleaded no contest to reckless driving after being arrested in August for investigation of drunken driving. Los Angeles city attorney spokesman Frank Mateljan says the Grammy-winning singer entered the plea Monday and was sentenced to three years of informal probation. more

(Billboard) Michael Buble has announced that he and Luisana Lopilato will tie the know on April 6, 2011. more

(Billboard) Lady Gaga declared that "Born This Way" -- the follow-up to her breakthrough debut "The Fame" -- will be the "greatest album of this decade" on Friday (Nov. 26), during the Gdsank, Poland, stop of her Monster Ball tour. more

(Jam!) Pink has decided to name her baby after her favorite whiskey. She tells Access Hollywood, "My dad's name is James, and my brother's name is Jason. (Hart and I) are both Irish, Carey's middle name is Jason, (and) Jameson - we like whiskey. That's a no brainer." more

(ASB) Rapper Nelly has launched a scathing attack on his record label following disappointing sales of his new album - insisting poor marketing and distribution are to blame for the lowly chart position. more

(Billboard) Susan Boyle has been said to have the voice of an angel, but during her performance on "The View" yesterday morning (Nov. 30), the angel was interrupted by the frog in Boyle's throat. See it here

(Jam!) The official life story of slain rap legend Tupac Shakur is heading to bookstores, more than 14 years after his tragic murder. more

(Jam!) An attorney for the father of Michael Jackson Tuesday filed a new wrongful death lawsuit against the doctor accused of involuntary manslaughter in the pop singer's death. more

(Billboard) R. Kelly will be showcasing his "Love Letter" on late night next week with a two-night stay on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon." more

(BBC) Actor Johnny Depp says his interpretation of Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates Of The Caribbean was not liked by Disney bosses. more

(NME) The Human League announce new album details 'Credo' is produced by i-Monster more

(Yahoo) Even though Lea Michele stars on a television show, her "Glee" role has had such an impact on music this year that Billboard is honoring her with a "triple threat" award. more

(Yahoo) Howard K. Stern has asked a judge to dismiss his conviction for obtaining prescription drugs under a false name for his former lover, the late Playboy model Anna Nicole Smith. more

(BBC) The stars of the Spider-Man musical - the most expensive show to be staged on Broadway - are left dangling in mid-air after stunts go wrong. more

(BBC) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 keeps its place at the top of the UK box office for the second week running more

(Yahoo) The Hollywood producer who created "Entertainment Tonight," "Star Search," "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," "Solid Gold," and numerous other TV shows has died in Honolulu. Alfred "Al" Masini was 80. more

(Billboard) Rumors are afloat that Mary J. Blige may be the next musician, after Twisted Sister rocker Dee Snider, to hit the Broadway stage for "Rock of Ages." more

(BBC) A wig worn by film star John Wayne in the 1967 movie El Dorado is going under the hammer in the US, auction house Bonhams announces. more

(Hollywood Reporter) Disney's costly sci-fi movie "Tron: Legacy" could open significantly below expectations, if preliminary surveys conducted by Hollywood tracking firms are anything to go by. more

(AFP) Michael Douglas is on an "upward curve" after cancer treatment, his wife said in remarks published Tuesday, while the veteran star said the experience gave him "a little perspective on mortality." more -

Jackie Evancho's Got Hit

America's Got Talent's Jackie Evancho has debuted at No 2 on the Billboard 200 chart with O Holy Night, a special seasonal CD/DVD and first major label release from Evancho.

With first week's sales topping 239,000 pieces, O Holy Night has secured Jackie's position as 2010's top-selling debut artist as well as the youngest female solo artist to ever debut in the Soundscan era. Additionally, Jackie has entered the Billboard Classical Chart at #1.

Jackie's stunning performance on "America's Got Talent" last summer won over the hearts of millions of viewers bringing her from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania into the national spotlight. - more on this story

Glee Cast Scores Back To Back No 1s

Glee have scored back to back no. 1 singles on the digital track sales charts. This week the cast's version of Cee Lo's "Forget You," featuring Gwyneth Paltrow, is the #1 song on the digital track sales charts with 192,458 sold.

Last week the Glee cast scored their first #1 digital track sale, as well as their highest debut week for any track, with their take on Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream."

Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album is the #8 best selling album on Billboard's Top 200 Album chart with an 161,198 sold in it's debut week. Fans can hear some of these Glee holiday carols on a special Glee Christmas episode which airs Tuesday, December 7, at 8:00 pm et/pt on FOX. - more on this story

Ben and James Taylor Announce Tour

Ben Taylor is hitting the road with his famous father James Taylor early next year, for the first time the two will tour together.

Ben Taylor is currently completing his new album, Listening, for release in 2011 to coincide with a world-wide tour. Ben will also perform in 2011 at SXSW in Austin, TX.

The son of James Taylor and Carly Simon, music has always played a central role in Ben's life. His acclaimed previous releases comprise his debut album, "Famous Among The Barns," "Another Run Around The Sun," and "The Legend of Kung Folk, Part 1 (The Killing Bite)." Ben puts the kick back into folk music to reveal the humor, wit and skill of a singer-songwriter who's comfortable in both his own skin and with his impressive musical legacy. - more on this story

Tears for Fears' Curt Smith Releases New Christmas Song

(PR) Curt Smith, co-founder of Tears for Fears, releasesd "This Is Christmas," his first original holiday song on (November 29, 2010. )

Smith is releasing "This Is Christmas" via his KOOK Media label as a standalone single, which will be available in digital format from iTunes, Amazon MP3, and other online retailers. It will also be available as a signed, limited edition CD single, sold only at concerts and via Smith's website.

"This Is Christmas" tells the story, Smith says, "of an adult visiting his parents at Christmas and lamenting how he's always made to feel like a child when he returns home. It culminates in his realization and acceptance that they're family after all, and nothing will (or even should) change that." Fittingly, backing vocalists on the track include Smith's daughters Diva and Wilder, along with Charlton Pettus (Smith's longtime friend and collaborator) and his children Georgica and Harry, Jason Joseph, Simon Steadman, and a chorus comprised of local school children. - more on this story

The Black Eyed Peas Super Bowl Halftime Show

The NFL has announced that The Black Eyed Peas will perform in the Super Bowl XlV Halftime Show on FOX at Cowboys Stadium in North Texas on Sunday, February 6th.

The Super Bowl halftime show is the most-watched musical event of the year. More than 153 million viewers in the U.S. watched last year's show. The Super Bowl and halftime show will be broadcast worldwide.

The Black Eyed Peas join an list of recent halftime acts that includes The Who, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Prince, the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and U2. - more on this story

John Stamos Give Glee Cast A Special Education

John Stamos guest stared on this week's episode of Glee called "Special Education." The synopsis and song list are below:

New Directions heads to the big Sectionals competition to go head-to-head against the Warblers and the Hipsters. While trouble brews between some of the young couples, Emma and Carl (guest star Stamos) grow closer in the all-new "Special Education" episode of GLEE.

Special Education Track list: 1) "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" (from Evita) – Rachel 2) "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" (from Evita) – Kurt 3) "The Living Years" (Mike and the Mechanics) – The Warren Township Continuing Education Program Hipsters 4) "Hey, Soul Sister" (Train) – The Dalton Academy Warblers 5) "(I've Had The) Time of My Life" (Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes) - New Directions 6) "Valerie" (Amy Winehouse) - New Directions 7) "Dog Days Are Over" (Florence and the Machine) - New Directions - more on this story

The Apples in stereo Go Sci-Fi

The Apples in stereo have released a short sci-fi video for the song "Strange Solar System" filmed during their recent trip to Brazil.

"We shot the video at a space-themed playground in Sao Paulo, Brazil, last month while we were playing there," relates The Apples in stereo's frontman Robert Schneider, "and projected it as an intro to some of our shows on the West Coast."

The Apples in stereo have released a string of films and videos this year, following their "Dance Floor" video featuring Elijah Wood and "Told You Once." See "Strange Solar System" - here

Christina Aguilera and Cher Top iTunes Chart with Burlesque

The soundtrack to Burlesque, starring Christina Aguilera and Cher, hit the no. 1 position at iTunes over the holiday weekend.

Released on November 22nd on RCA Records, Burlesque features new recordings performed and co-written by five time Grammy winner Christina Aguilera, with production by Tricky Stewart, Linda Perry and Ron Fair and songwriting by Claude Kelly, Tricky Stewart and Sia.

The soundtrack also features two brand new tracks performed by the legendary Cher, including "You Haven't Seen The Last Of Me", a powerful Diane Warren penned ballad which was produced by Matt Serletic. This marks Cher's first new original song in seven years as well as her first movie musical. The soundtrack also includes remakes / covers of classic songs such as Etta James' "Something's Got A Hold On Me" and "Tough Lover" and Mae West's "A Guy What Takes His Time" all performed by Christina Aguilera. - more on this story

Snoop Dogg Releases Song For Prince William's Bachelor Party

Snoop Dogg released his brand new single entitled "Wet" via SnoopDogg.com, an anthem made for Prince William's bachelor party and all bachelor parties around the world to follow.

It is the second single to release from Snoop Dogg's forthcoming 11th studio album entitled, Doggumentary Music coming March 2011.

"When I heard the royal family wanted to have me perform in celebration of Prince William's marriage, I knew I had to give them a little something," says Snoop. "'Wet' is the perfect anthem for Prince William or any playa to get the club smokin'." - more on this story

Marc Mysterio V Brandy Case Going To Trial

(Submitted) The breach of contract law suit involving Dancing With The Stars Brandy Norwood and Plaintiff Marc Mysterio -- whom had been paid $10,000 side artist fee to feature on Shout It Out, but never sent the vocals – returned to the Los Angeles Superior Court (Case No. BC444077) for the Central District yesterday.

Today, The Superior Court for LA County, Central District in Marc Mysterio v Brandy Norwood, et al denied Norwood's motion to dismiss the law suit ordering that the case is to move forward, and the defendants stand trial by jury.

As to the future calendaring of the case, the following dates were set by the Court: - Trial is now scheduled for July 27, 2011 as a 3-5 day jury trial; - more on this story

Heart, Jersey Shore Stars and More Added To VH1 Divas Salute The Troops

VH1 Divas Salute The Troops have announced additional stars who are scheduled to appear at the big event:

Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart are set to perform with Grace Potter & The Nocturnals and comedian Jeffrey Ross. Brandy, super-model Marisa Miller along with Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi and Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino from "Jersey Shore" will join the show as presenters.

Already announced, Katy Perry, Sugarland, Keri Hilson, Nicki Minaj and Grace Potter & The Nocturnals will come together to honor our nation's service men and women with a special concert event at the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar in San Diego, CA. - more on this story