Kesha Says She Was Forced To Sing Die Young

However, MTV points out that the song title might actually contradict the track's message. Read about that and see a screen capture of the deleted tweet here.

Madonna, Springsteen and Roger Waters Had Biggest Tours of 2012

Madonna's MDNA World Tour was the top grossing tour across the globe for the year of 2012.

The "material girl" easily topped the chart of the Top 10 grossing tours after earning $228 million, almost $30 million more than the second place finisher, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, according to BBC.

The Boss took in $199.4 million followed by Roger Waters' The Wall tour which grossed $186.5 million based on numbers reported to Billboard Boxscore for the period of Nov. 9, 2011-Nov. 10, 2012.

The top 5 was rounded out by the Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour by Cirque Du Soleil with $147.3 million and Coldplay with $147.2 million.

Lady Gaga came in sixth with $124.9 million, followed by Kenny Chesney & Tim McGraw who grossed $96.5 million.

Despite being cut short, Van Halen's tour landed in eighth place with a gross of $54.4 million. Billboard has an in depth look at the top tours of 2012 here.

Rolling Stones Make Lady Gaga's Dream Come True

Lady Gaga was transported to the 1970s this weekend when she took the stage with the Rolling Stones.

Fifty years into their career, the Rolling Stones lined up a bunch of big-name guests for their "One More Shot" pay-per-view concert on Saturday night, ranging from Gaga to John Mayer and the Black Keys.

She tweeted: "I had a life dream to be transported in a time machine to 1973 NJ, beer + badboys. Someone heal me it happened + then I sang with the Stones"

Lady Gaga was the first guest to appear. Dancing onto the stage as the band started playing "Gimme Shelter," she belted out the female vocal part originally recorded by Merry Clayton on 1969′s Let It Bleed. more on this story

OneRepublic Help Raise Over $70K for Families of Sandy Hook Victims

The day after the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, OneRepublic wanted to help the 26 families affected by the tragedy.

The band put out a video plea to their fans and fellow musicians asking them to dig into their pockets and give a few dollars.

"After tragedies like this there are all kinds of things people can do, prayers, concerts, charities…there's all these things that could take place over the last few months that might not come to pass," frontman Ryan Tedder said. "The one thing we can do immediately is donate money to these families."

Since starting the fundraiser, 413 people–including the band who gave $20,000– have helped them reach their initial goal of $50,000. As of today (December 18), they've raised over $70,000 with 28 days still left in their online fundraising campaign. more on this story

Little Big Town Performing on The X Factor Finale

Little Big Town will be taking part in the first part of the season finale of The X Factor tonight live at 8/7 C.

The band will be on the Fox television show performing their #1 hit single "Pontoon" with finalist Tate Stevens.

The band has had a banner year with the release of their critically-acclaimed fifth studio album Tornado, which was recently certified gold by the RIAA, and features the CMA "Single of the Year - Pontoon" as well as current single "Tornado."

Little Big Town also walked away with the CMA "Vocal Group of the Year" trophy and most recently the ACA for "Music Video of the Year: Group or Collaboration-Pontoon." The group will vie for "Best Country Duo/Group Performance-Pontoon" at the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards this February.

Little Big Town will launch The Tornado Tour January 31, 2012 in Murray, KY and will hit over 25 cities nationwide with special guests Kacey Musgraves and David Nail.

American Idol's Bo Bice Going Broadway

American Idol's Bo Bice has landed the lead role in the revival of the 1980's Broadway musical 'Pump Boys and Dinettes'.

The production will be held at the Circle in the Square Theater with preview performances to commence March 19, 2013 with an official open April 8th.

The original production opened off-Broadway in 1981 and moved to Broadway in February 1982, completing 573 performances over 16 months.

The musical is a tribute to rural American life centered around a roadside restaurant and filling station on Highway 57 in North Carolina. Tony winner John Doyle (for "Sweeny Todd", Director) is also set to direct the 'Pump Boys' revival, where the cast ensemble doubles as the show's band. It received both Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations for Best Musical. more on this story

The Ready Set & Kina Grannis Perform Christmas Song

The Warner Sound has posted a few new holiday videos that are acoustic collaborations between a few different artists.

Jordan from The Ready Set & Kina Grannis perform a cover of "Last Christmas" by Wham! in an exclusive holiday video you can watch here.

David Choi and Savannah Outen perform a cover of "Winter Wonderland" an another exclusive holiday video on The Warner Sound here.

Kelly Clarkson Performs on The Voice Finale

(popmusiclife) Newly-engaged Kelly Clarkson appeared Tuesday on the Season 3 finale of NBC's The Voice.

Clarkson sang her new single, "Catch My Breath," with finalists Cassadee Pope and Terry McDermott, before Pope was named the winner based on fan voting.

The finale also featured guest appearances by Bruno Mars, Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson, The Killers, Peter Frampton and Motown icon Smokey Robinson.

Clarkson shared her personal news with fans over the weekend, writing, "I'M ENGAGED!!!!! I wanted y'all to know!! Happiest night of my life last night! I am so lucky and am with the greatest man ever." Watch it here.

Neil Finn Surprised By Hobbit Invitation

Neil Finn was a little surprised when director Peter Jackson asked him to write a song for his latest box office record breaker, The Hobbit.

The two, both native New Zealanders, have crossed paths a few times, but Finn told CBS Local he thought Jackson might have wrote him off after a less-than-stellar performance in 2005.

"We played a set at the wrap party for King Kong," he explained. "Although it should be noted I made a complete hash of 'Ticket To Ride' that day and it's a wonder Peter didn't cross me off the list given his love of The Beatles."

When the former Crowded House frontman got the call from Jackson and two of the movie's co-writers Philippa Boyens and Fran Walsh, he wasn't about to remind him.

Instead he took Jackson and Walsh's helpful words of advice: "Think Dwarven. To reach, to elevate." more on this story

Bruno Mars Performs on The Voice Finale

(popmusiclife) Current Billboard 100 singles chart-topper Bruno Mars brought his voice to the Season 3 finale of NBC's The Voice on Tuesday.

The man with the current #1 song in the States ("Locked Out Of Heaven") performed a tender version of his current single, "When I Was Your Man."

The finale also featured guest appearances by Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson, The Killers, Peter Frampton and Smokey Robinson.

Released last week, Bruno's new album, "Unorthodox Jukebox," will debut on the new Billboard 200 album chart when the numbers are released on Wednesday. Watch it here.

Rihanna Performs on The Voice Finale

(popmusiclife) Rihanna was one of the featured guests on the season 3 finale of The Voice Tuesday.

The pop superstar performed her latest single, "Diamonds," on the 2-hour episode, which also included appearances by Bruno Mars, Kelly Clarkson, Smokey Robinson, Avril Lavigne, Peter Frampton and The Killers.

"Diamonds" was bumped out of #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 this past week by Bruno Mars' "Locked Out Of Heaven."

The track is from Rihanna's new album, "Unapologetic," itself a recent #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Watch it here.

Avril Lavigne Performs on The Voice Finale

(popmusiclife) Avril Lavigne appeared on the season 3 finale of The Voice Tuesday evening.

The singer was joined by finalist Cassadee Pope to perform "I'm With You," a song Pope sung earlier in the season.

Pope was named the winner of Season 3 in fan voting, ahead of rocker Terry McDermott and soul man Nicholas David.

The finale also featured guest appearances by Bruno Mars, Kelly Clarkson, Smokey Robinson, Peter Frampton and The Killers. Watch it here.

Robyn Hitchcock Releasing New Album

Robyn Hitchcock has set a March 5, 2013 release date for his new studio album, Love From London.

The record was produced and engineered by Paul Noble, and features Noble on bass, guitar, keyboards and vocals; Jenny Adejayan on cello and vocals; Lizzie Anstey on vocals and keyboards and Jenny Macro, Lucy Parnell and Anne Lise Frokedal on vocals.

Hitchcock also celebrates his 60th birthday next March with a retrospective show on February 28th at the Village Underground in London where he will be playing songs from each of his albums, accompanied by some of his favorite British musicians.

A lo-fi rehearsal video featuring Green Gartside, Stephen Irvine, Terry Edwards, Mark Bedford, Adejayan and Noble in a London pub on a Sunday performing "Be Still" from the new album can be seen here.

Brooke Waggoner Releasing New Album in March

Brooke Waggoner has set a March 5th release date for her third studio album, Originator.

"In the span of time between the release of my last album, Go Easy Little Doves, in 2009 and the beginning of production on Originator in 2011, I spent my time producing albums for other bands, writing music for short films, and playing piano in Jack White's all-female band, The Peacocks," Brooke remarked. "It's been a good time to 'fill my well' so to speak."

Keeping true to her sound, Brooke recorded Originator in Nashville with vintage gear and tape. No computers --- just a room with really good musicians and ears for beautiful things.

"It's a project that I actively sought to progress sonically, emotionally, lyrically, and artistically," Brooke commented. "The songs feel like a new period in my writing and I pushed harder on this record than I ever have in the past."

Songs like "From the Nest" and "Welspryng" lyrically deal with content that needed addressing; getting our fingers dirty in relationships & the irony of searching for love while hurting your loved ones. more on this story

Sean Bones Maps Out Winter Tour Dates

Sean Bones plans to perform a series of North American winter tour dates this month and next.

Bones is touring in support of his album Buzzards Boy, which was released this spring on S/S Friends.

Sean Bones kicked things off last night with the first of two dates in NYC and will be heading to Southern California next month for several shows that will include stops at Bardot and The Bootleg with Papa. more on this story

Mike Posner Releases Tribute Sandy Hook Shooting Victims

The tragic news of Sandy Hook Elementary School has affected the nation as a whole. Like so many people, musicians have taken to social media to share their emotions and show their support.

On Sunday singer Mike Posner posted his support to the victims of the shooting by releasing his musical tribute, "Heaven."

Posner posted a hand written message on Instagram dedicating the song to the victim's families.

"To the victims' families: I hope this song will help just a tiny, tiny bit to ease the pain of your loss. Maybe this will make sense in heaven." more on this story

Jr. Juggernaut Release Sleeping Softly Video

Jr. Juggernaut has released a brand new music video online for the song "Sleeping Softly."

The track comes off the sophomore release, Wake, which was released this summer. The video, a blast from the past to the 1980's, can now be seen here.

Jr. Juggernaut has also announced a short west coast tour beginning on January 10th which will take them from California to Oregon to Washington and back to California. more on this story

Anthony Jeselnik Plans Comedy Central Special and DVD Release

(Sub) Comedy Central Roast favorite Anthony Jeselnik returns to the network with his in the world premiere of his original one-hour stand-up special, Anthony Jeselnik: Caligula, premiering on Sunday, January 13th at 10pm.

As everyone's favorite dark prince of comedy, Jeselnik obliterates subjects no one else jokes about and most people don't even talk about. In front of a live audience at the legendary Vic Theatre in Chicago, Jeselnik doesn't hold back, covering every taboo topic imaginable, and then some.

Anthony Jeselnik: Caligula extended and uncensored DVD will be released on January 15th by Comedy Central Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment. The bonus features include Jeselnik's uncut performances from the "Comedy Central Roast of Donald Trump," the "Comedy Central Roast of Charlie Sheen," and the "Comedy Central Roast of Roseanne." Caligula will be available on January 15th in HD exclusively on Xbox LIVE and Sony PlayStation Network, and in SD on iTunes and Vudu.

Comedy Central Records will also release the "Anthony Jeselnik: Caligula" uncensored and extended CD on January 15. Leading up to the on-air premiere, the Comedy Central Stand-Up Web site will feature preview clips from the special as well as exclusive clips from the DVD. Jeselnik is most famous for the "Comedy Central Roast of Donald Trump" and the "Comedy Central Roast of Charlie Sheen." He has appeared on "Conan" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

Bap Kennedy Releasing Limited Sailor's Revenge Deluxe Edition

(Conq) Bap Kennedy's critically hailed The Sailor's Revenge album, released in June 2012, will be reissued by Proper American on January 8, 2013 as The Sailor's Revenge Deluxe Limited Edition.

Kennedy will celebrate the release with a rare U.S. East Coast tour bringing him to Washington, DC's Hill Country BBQ (Jan. 3), Philadelphia's World Café Live (Jan. 4), New York's Hill Country BBQ (Jan. 5) and Boston's Club Passim (Jan. 6).

The Sailor's Revenge was named one of MOJO magazine's Top Ten Americana Albums of 2012. British DJ and NoDepression.com blogger Alan Harrison named it the #1 Americana album of the year, calling it "truly a masterpiece from a man who is finally comfortable in his place in the world."

Among The Sailor's Revenge's 11 bonus tracks are "Moonlight Kiss" from Kennedy's Lonely Street as featured in the Miramax movie Serendipity; "Unforgiven" from the Steve Earle-produced Domestic Blues; "On the Mighty Ocean Alcohol" featuring Shane McGowan from the Morrison-produced The Big Picture; "Milky Way," a writing collaboration with Van Morrison, also from The Big Picture; and the previously unreleased bonus track "Into the Arms of Love" from the recent sessions with Mark Knopfler-produced The Sailor's Revenge.

Kennedy's solo career has been distinguished by fruitful partnerships with the brightest and best. Steve Earle, who has hailed the Belfast-based artist as "the best songwriter I ever heard," produced his 1998 solo debut, Domestic Blues. After Lonely Street (2000), a tribute to two of Kennedy's childhood musical heroes, Hank Williams and Elvis Presley, he recorded The Big Picture (2005) at the studio of Van Morrison, who co-wrote the album's "Milky Way," while Bap was joined by the Pogues' Shane MacGowan on another track, "On the Mighty Ocean Alcohol." more on this story

Singled Out: Elan Lea

Today South African star Elan Lea tells us about "Take The World" which is the lead single from his U.S. debut "Conversations Over Time". Here is the story:

This was a great day.. It was in fact my last day of writing and recording in the UK. I literally had my bags packed and with me when I arrived at "Take the World" co-writers house Sam Roman, and piano and song writing maestro Andy Murray was already there. I had been introduced to Sam and Andy by my "Uncles" in the music business Dean Gillard and Matt Ward AKA - Full Phatt Productions. We set out to write an upbeat, happy inspiring piece of music. You see at heart I'm a balladeer. Give me an instrument and you're going to get a ballad or mid tempo record on most days haha! This is why we co-write, to bring in other ideas and flows :-) So like I say.. we set out to write something up tempo. We were in Sams massive writing/gym room, and we could make as much noise as necessary without disturbing anyone else haha. Andy immediately sat at the piano, upon meeting him I had no Idea he was such a genius at those ebony and ivories! Man, when he started playing and coming up with riffs my jaw literally hit the floor and only to hit the floor again when at the blink of an eye he could just switch keys he was playing in to where it was comfortable for my voice.

So the 3 of us around a piano began coming up with what is today "Take the World." This particular song began with melody and notes first, once we had the structure of it all established, so the fun began. Andy played on repeat to give Sam and I the bed upon which we could throw lyric ideas on, I can't remember exactly how we got to "Take the World" as a lyric but it had something to do with the fact, that thats exactly what Im trying to do - and most importantly to do so in my own way! In a few hours we'd gone from meeting, to writing, to recording the demo in Sam's home studio room, and today its my first single released throughout the USA - gotta love it! So about the actual song: Its all influenced by personal thoughts and feelings. The first verse is about doing things differently and looking for lines/paths/gaps others cant or are afraid to see, but also learning from previous mistakes, having lost when you/I should've won.

The pre Chorus: talks about life and the way people deal with the challenges in it, some people stand up to them and others break, but ultimately life is truly about appreciating what we have and the things we do. The Chorus: Is about "Taking the World" however you interpret that, its your version is the point! To live to the full, and to live in a way that is right to you, not just in anyone else's eyes! The 2nd verse: sometimes its just gob smacking when people can't live like that, with no want or desire to improve, or achieve whatever a goal may be, big or small! So sometimes when asked for advice I feel like I'm talking to myself – I think everyones been there!

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself here and learn more about Elan and the album right here!