Michael Jackson Committed Suicide?- Usher Ripped Off The Simpsons?- MTV's Teen Mom Assault- Teena Marie's Death A Mystery- Kanye Kardashian?- Billy Taylor RIP- more

(NME) A remake of the 1990 American sci-fi action film Total Recall has been announced. Len Wiseman, who directed the first two Underworld vampire films is set to direct the movie and he's revealed that he's approached Irish actor Colin Farrell to play the lead role, originally played by Arnold Schwarzenegger more

Top Slacker Songs of 2010

There is a new (and free) Slacker Radio station rolling out just in time for all those New Year's Eve parties featuring the Top Slacker Songs of 2010 Countdown.

The first ever Slacker Radio countdown station features DJ intros and commentary on the most popular Slacker Radio songs of 2010, as determined through a combination of total plays and user ratings. The station includes 2010 faves by Rhianna, Ke$ha, Eminem, Lady Gaga, Far East Movement, B.o.B. and many more.

Available for free everywhere you listen to Slacker, the Top Slacker Songs of 2010 Countdown station is now live here

Public Enemy's Chuck D Says Albums Are Outdated

(Gibson) Public Enemy's Chuck D says the album is an outdated concept and he's in no rush to return to the studio for an extended collection of songs.

Speaking to The Age, Chuck D says he feels albums have been an outdated concept since the turn of the century. "I just do one song at a time," he said. "I don't believe in, like, there's got to be an urgency behind recordings just because the industry says. What's the rush?"

He says the web has allowed the band to have a healthy year despite leaving the corporation of Def Jam and Universal. "Everybody's trying to figure out: how did we do it?" he says. "We've pretty much done it with our own rules." more on this story

Merle Haggard Beating Cancer

(Gibson) Country music legend Merle Haggard is beating his battle with cancer. Britain's Daily Express reports that the singer has just been given an all-clear after a tough two-year fight.

Haggard had part of his lung removed in 2008. He told RollingStone.com: "It took a long time to get over that surgery. It took the best part of two years and I'm just now feeling like I might be able to reach over and pick up a garbage can with the right arm.

"They removed an upper lobe of my right lung, and they had to go in underneath my arm. It's quite painful and irritating to have that. You know how tender that is underneath your arm. To have that heal up, it takes a couple of good years. I think I'm all right now." more on this story

What's Up with American Idol's Ayla Brown?

Boston Magazine has an in-depth article/profile with American Idol's Ayla Brown. Here is part of it: Before her dad went from obscurity to Senate sexpot Scott Brown, Ayla Brown was the most famous member of her family, a multitasking overachiever who'd made a name for herself as a record-breaking high school basketball star and American Idol finalist. The latter accomplishment led to so many gigs singing the national anthem at Boston-area sports events, concerts, and fundraisers that the local press dubbed her "the Anthem Girl." Other extracurriculars included reviewing episodes of Idol for the Boston Herald, and, after her father was elected, doing semiregular segments as a correspondent for CBS's Early Show. Her first big interview: Scott Brown.

The music thing used to be a part-time gig. She recorded and independently released harmless, generic pop singles like "I'm So Happy" and "Sugah" during breaks and summer vacation. (User reviews on iTunes range from "You are very talented" to "These are some of the worst songs I've ever heard.") But since graduating in May, Ayla's entire focus has been her singing career. Now she logs up to 70 hours a week writing, networking, tweeting, making appearances, and performing live shows wherever she can get them: at malls, fairs, festivals, games. She spent the summer touring New England to promote Circles, her latest self-released EP; signing CDs; and selling Ayla Brown T-shirts, posters, and other merchandise. All those $5 laminated backstage passes add up. She's been able to buy her own condo (though she rents it out and, like a good girl, continues to live at her parents' house in Wrentham).

In August, however, in the middle of her curiously named "Fizzically Fit" tour, Ayla made an announcement: She was giving up pop and going country. Her abandoning a genre that tends to celebrate — or at least pay more attention to — boobs and bad behavior has nothing to do with her father's conservative politics, she insists, though she does make an effort in interviews, and in life, to be wholesome. Check out the full article here

DJ Enferno Remixes Jared Evan Hit

If you thought DJ Enferno was done for 2010. Guess again...a new remix has been released.

DJ Enferno has a last minute addition to your New Years Eve mix with the official DJ Enferno remix of Jared Evan "In Love With You"

DJ Enferno is fresh off hitting the #9 spot on Billboard's Year-End Dance/Electronic Artists Chart and following a fourth quarter run that included two of the hottest mixes of 2010.
Check it out here

Mario Lopez: Saved By The Baby and Big Friggin Wedding Finales on Monday

Vh1 sent over some info on "Mario Lopez: Saved By The Baby" And "My Big Friggin Wedding" Finale Monday, which takes place on January 3rd.

On the finale of VH1's "Mario Lopez: Saved By The Baby" and "My Big Friggin Wedding," three couples take the next step in their lives by bringing home their baby and finally saying "I do." While these two milestones may be considered the biggest day of their life, not everything goes smoothly or according to plan. Tune in to VH1 on Monday, January for the finale of "My Big Friggin Wedding" at 9:00 PM ET/PT and "Mario Lopez: Saved By The Baby" at 10:00 PM ET/PT.

"My Big Friggin Wedding" Finale Monday, January 3 @ 9:00 PM ET/PT "Any Friggin' Objections?" – No one is safe as Tammy goes on her wedding day rampage. She takes out anyone and everyone who tries to ruin her special day, including her wedding coordinator, the MC and her soon to be husband. On Alyssa and Tyler's wedding day, their wedding planner gets so fed up with the couple that he tries to sabotage the reception, while Alyssa's mother and stepfather continue to test the patience and sobriety of everyone around them. more on this story

Free New Year's Celebration In Long Beach

(PR) Downtown Long Beach will host a massive free celebration this New Year's Eve with two incredible events featuring live performances by The Saps, Wayward Sons and famed Neil Diamond cover band, Super Diamond, beginning at 6PM this Friday, December 31.

Produced and co-sponsored by the Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA), New Year's Eve in Downtown will begin with a family-friendly event in the waterfront amphitheatre at Rainbow Harbor followed by a high-energy street party in the Pine Avenue dining & entertainment district.

"There is a great deal of excitement and anticipation surrounding this year's New Year's Eve celebration," said DLBA President and Chief Executive Officer, Kraig Kojian. "We're building on the successes of last year's event and introducing some exciting new elements that will make for a spectacular evening in Downtown Long Beach." more on this story

Day in Pop 2010 Rewind: Top Stories From November

We continue our look back at the top stories of 2010. Today we flashback to November

Smell Like Lady Gaga

If for some reason you want to smell like Lady Gaga you'll soon have the opportunity. Here is the official word: Coty Inc officially announced the signing of Lady Gaga to develop and market her first-ever signature fragrance.

Known for her larger than life persona, Lady Gaga's fragrance will be a seamless extension of her combined talent for music, video, fashion and art.

The yet-to-be named fragrance line is expected to launch in spring 2012. Distributed worldwide, the fragrance will be managed by the Company's Coty Beauty division in close collaboration with Lady Gaga, who will be Creative Director, and her Haus of Gaga team. - more on this story

44th Annual CMA Awards Winners and Recap

Interested in who the big winners at the 44th Annual CMA Awards were? Here is the official recap and winner's list:

Miranda Lambert, who entered "Country Music's Biggest Night" with a record nine nominations, walked away with an armful of CMA Awards. The Texas bombshell took home three trophies, including Female Vocalist, Album for Revolution (produced by Frank Liddell and Mike Wrucke) and Music Video of the Year for "The House That Built Me" (directed by Trey Fanjoy, who picked up her second consecutive Award in that category). The three Awards were the first she has won in her career.

"Revolution has certainly caused a revolution in my life this year thanks to the Country Music industry," Lambert expressed after winning Album. "It's what I love, it's what I do, it's what I live for, so thank you for loving it too." - more on this story

American Idol's Crystal Bowersox Sets Debut Album Release

2010 American Idol runner-up Crystal Bowersox will release her debut album, Farmer's Daughter on December 14th.

The album includes her original song, "Holy Toledo," a song she performed on the show as well as the title track which chronicles her personal experience of dealing with child abuse.

Fans and Idol viewers know Crystal is a talented singer, but Farmer's Daughter further establishes her as a truly gifted songwriter. Farmer's Daughter was produced by David Bendeth (Paramore, Breaking Benjamin). - more on this story

Michael Jackson Songwriter Talks About New Song

Claude Kelly talks about the song he co-write which also happens to be the new Michael Jackson single "Hold My Hand" with Akon.

In a message posted on his Tumblr, Claude Kelly spoke of his experience co-writing "Hold My Hand": "In 2007, I co-wrote a song called "Hold My Hand" with Akon," says Claude. "A good friend and dope engineer, Exit Goodchild made it sound like magic. My idol, Michael Jackson recorded it and made one of my lifelong dreams come true. It was slated to come out...what happened next the whole world knows.**

"It's now 2010, and although the circumstances are bittersweet, I am still honored and proud that "Hold My Hand' will have its day in the sun. Grateful." - more on this story

Adam Lambert Announces Acoustic Live

American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert has announced the release of Acoustic Live! (19 Recordings / RCA Records), a 5 song EP, which will be available at all digital service providers as well as at www.AdamOfficial.com on December 6th.

Acoustic Live! includes versions of five of Adam's most popular tracks from For Your Entertainment, including "Whataya Want From Me" and "Music Again" which were recording while Adam was in Germany and "Aftermath" and "Soaked" from Lambert's Glam Nation tour.

It also includes an acoustic version of "Mad World", which Adam first performed memorably on American Idol. - more on this story

Country Thunder Lineups

The lineups for next year's Country Thunder music festivals have been announced. Here is what we were sent about both the Wisconsin and the Arizon events:

Wisconsin: Kicking off the festival on Thursday, is 2010 CMA "Vocal Group of the Year" Lady Antebellum, who is sure to get the crowd going with their 2010 CMA Single of the Year, "Need You Now". Newly crowned CMA "New Artist of the Year" Zac Brown Band won't want to be missed on Friday as they takes over the stage to perform their numerous #1 hits. Bringing her beauty and talented vocal skill, 4 time CMA "Female Vocalist of the Year" Martina McBride hits the stage on Saturday night. Last but absolutely not the least country music's most awarded group of the decade, Rascal Flatts, will close out the festival ending 4-days of a musical extravaganza.

Arizona: Don't miss fearless performer, Sunday headliner, Toby Keith. With 15 studio albums and a string of number one hits, he'll be sure to rock the Canyon Moon Ranch in Florence, Arizona. Joining him is the beautiful and talented 4 time CMA "Female Vocalist of the Year" Martina McBride. This established songstress has the hits and the presence to entertain the Saturday night crowd. But that's not all... Let the party start with Jason Aldean, the scorching hot artist who's spent more weeks at the number one spot on country music radio charts than any artist in the last 12 months. His performance on Friday will leave the fans wanting more! -

Glee Cast Score First No 1 With Teenage Dream

Glee reached another milestone this week with their rendition of Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream" debuting at no. 1 in digital track sales.

This is the first time a Glee track has landed at #1, the cast's version of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" reached #2 on digital track sales charts in May 2009. With an impressive 214,000 tracks sold, "Teenage Dream" has the highest debut week sales of any Glee track to date.

The Glee cast surpasses James Brown this week for the #2 most entries on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Last month Billboard magazine reported that Glee had replaced The Beatles for the #3 most entries on their Hot 100 chart, with James Brown at #2 with 91 entries. This week 3 new Glee songs appear on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, taking their grand total of entries to 93. According to Billboard, only Elvis Presley has more entries than Glee with a total of 108 entries on their Hot 100 chart. - more on this story

American Music Awards Recap and Winners List

Miss the AMA broadcast? Here is a recap plug the list of winners for the 38th Annual American Music Awards (AMAs) which were announced from the Nokia Theatre, L.A LIVE.

AMA highlights included live performances by Justin Bieber, P!nk, Ke$ha, Usher and a powerful opening medley by Rihanna featuring "Love the Way You Lie (Part II)," "What's My Name," and "Only Girl In the World." Other highlights included Katy Perry lighting up the stage with "Firework" and Christina Aguilera performing "Express" from her upcoming film Burlesque. The night also marked television history as New Kids On The Block and Backstreet Boys closed the show together on one stage.

Winners of the 38th Annual American Music Awards included Justin Bieber taking home his first-ever AMAs winning 4 total, including Artist of the Year, Taylor Swift taking home Favorite Female Artist (Country), Rihanna presented with the Favorite Female Artist (Soul/R&B), Eminem winning 2 awards for Favorite Male Artist and Album (Rap/Hip-Hop) and The Black Eyed Peas taking home the Favorite Band, Duo or Group (Pop/Rock). A complete list of winners is - here

Carol Burnett Furt's With Glee Cast

Comedy Icon Carol Burnett guest stared on an episode of Glee. Music from FURT is available on iTunes.

Sue's "Nazi-hunting" mother, Doris (guest star Burnett) shows up in Lima to check in on her girls.

Meanwhile, Kurt makes an important decision after getting pushed to his breaking point, and Rachel and Finn take a big step in the all-new "Furt" episode of GLEE - more on this story

A Very Special Christmas For Jason Mraz

Jason Mraz has contributed a track to the A Very Special Christmas holiday music series benefiting Special Olympics.

His recording of "Winter Wonderland" will be available on iTunes for the first time in the U.S. starting TODAY. The track will also be offered as a bonus to the purchase of 2009's acclaimed A Very Special Christmas Volume 7, featuring young superstars Colbie Caillat, Carter Twins, Charice, Miley Cyrus, Kristinia DeBarge, Gloriana, Vanessa Hudgens, Sean Kingston, Leighton Meester, Mitchel Musso, Kellie Pickler, Ashley Tisdale and Carrie Underwood.

Mraz, who grew up listening to classic Christmas recordings by Bing Crosby, Perry Como and the like, remembers the A Very Special Christmas series. "I noticed the Keith Haring album covers when I first started buying cds, and I had them in my collection. Wanting to be an artist that contributes, I was touched that I was asked to take part. - more on this story

Marc Mysterio Cancels U.S. Tour Due To T.S.A. 'Sexual Abuse'

(PR) Marc Mysterio has scrapped plans for a US Tour in support of his new hit single 'Shout It Out', due to the T.S.A.'s new screening process as his lawsuit against Brandy is heading to court.

"I am suspending my tour indefinitely, and until such time as the T.S.A. softens their screening procedure(s) to exclude sexually abusive touching." says Canadian Marc Mysterio.

The tour was to have commenced in Los Angeles. "Amidst the various reports of alleged sexual abuse during screenings, and first hand reports from my own friends and fellow djs of being groped in public, I refuse to place myself in such a position – it is inhumane and intolerable and I could not perform up to my abilities if I were to endure such abuse!" Says Marc Mysterio. - 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

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

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

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

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