Katy Perry Dominates People's Choice Awards

"THANK U to every1 who voted for me for the @peopleschoice tonight! We won so many! Now I need to get more books 2 successfully display them!" Perry tweeted. more on this story

Kelly Clarkson To Sing at Super Bowl?

(popmusiclife) It's not official – yet - but word has it that Kelly Clarkson will sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl in Indianapolis on February 5.

The Associated Press broke the news Wednesday when a source "familiar with Super Bowl entertainment plans" shared the information with the news outlet.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because no announcement has been made as of yet; the NFL is expected to reveal the anthem singer later this month. more on this story

Justin Bieber Recording New Album

(popmusiclife) Justin Bieber is in the studio and has begun work on his next album, "Believe." "Start recording full time for #BELIEVE today. let the fun begin! #newMusic," tweeted Justin's manager, Scooter Braun, on Tuesday night.

Braun followed that up with more tweets, including, "Wow!! In the studio with @justinbieber and #Believe is going to be ridiculous!!!"

His manager's messages came the same day that Bieber announced that he's officially working on the project, with a tweet of his own, "#studio." more on this story

Madonna Names New Album

(popmusiclife) Madonna has announced the title of her 12th album, due out this spring: "M.D.N.A."

Madonna announced the news during a taping of the U.K.'s "Graham Norton Show," which will air Friday on BBC One…and then posted it on her official Facebook page.

The album's first single, "Gimme All Yer Luvin'" – which features Nicki Minaj and MIA – will be released in late January, prior to Madonna's appearance at the 2012 Super Bowl Halftime Show. more on this story

Adele's 15th Week On Top

(popmusiclife) Adele's sophomore release, "21," stays at #1 on the new Billboard Hot 200, marking its 15th week at the top of the influential U.S. chart.

Billboard reports "21" sold 124,000 copies in the past week, according to Nielsen SoundScan (down 14% from the previous week).

Adele's disc is the only album to sell more than 100,000 this week, as the No. 2 set - Drake's "Take Care" – sells 42,000 (down 41%). more on this story

Drake Joins Mary J Blige In New Video

(popmusiclife) Mary J. Blige has re-released the video for "Mr. Wrong." The track, which features Drake, was originally out last month, but the updated video now includes the Toronto rapper.

The original clip has more than 1.3 million views on youtube. "Mr. Wrong" peaked at No. 31, just last week.

With nine weeks on the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, Mary J.'s second single off "My Life II... My Journey Continues (Act I)," is currently at #40 on the chart. Check out the video here.

Rihanna Announces Next Single

(popmusiclife) Rihanna has announced that the title track to her latest album, "Talk That Talk," will be her next single.

"#TALKthatTALK love u guys! Been missin u," tweeted the pop superstar late Tuesday night, along with a link to the cover art for the track.

The tune, which features Jay-Z, will be the third single from the album, following the massive hit "We Found Love," and her current, island-inspired love song "You Da One" – both which are still riding high on the U.S. charts. Check out the cover art.

Photos Of Beyonce's Over The Top Hospital Room Surface

(TMZ) Lenox Hill Hospital constructed a suite for VIPs which looks like a Four Seasons penthouse ... and the room was christened Saturday when Beyonce gave birth.

TMZ has obtained photos of the room where Blue Ivy came into this world, and it's baller. There are 4 flat screen TV's, state of the art electronics, a kitchenette, nice art, mahogany walls and plush furnishings. And take a look at the bed where Jay Z got some shut eye!

Sources connected with the hospital tell TMZ ... the suite was not constructed specifically for Beyonce, but it was always intended that Beyonce would be the first patient to use it. Check out the photos here.

Uncle Kracker Hometown Tour

Uncle Kracker will be hitting the road in March for his North American "Hometown Tour."

The initial dates run from March 1st thru April 20th with additional dates expected to be announced soon. Support throughout the tour will come from Sonia Leigh and Ty Stone.

Uncle Kracker is touring in support of "My Hometown" a six song collection was recorded in Nashville by Stegall and Grammy award winning producer Rob Cavallo (Kid Rock), featuring reinterpretations of tracks originally found on 2009's "Happy Hour." more on this story

Hulk Hogan To Shave His Iconic Mustache

(TMZ) It's the most famous mustache in the universe, but Hulk Hogan says he's finally ready to shave off his iconic facial hair -- FOR A MOVIE!!!

Hulk announced his plans to shatter the space-time continuum yesterday in Florida -- telling TMZ, "I'm getting ready to go on some auditions. I'm getting ready to shave my head and my mustache. So that should be scary ..."

Hulk also said he's all better after his dental surgery Tuesday night -- when doctors operated to remove a metal tack from his mouth ... and clean up the surrounding infection. Long story.

Hulk added, "Theme for the day is ... kids, take care of your teeth." more on this story

Thomas Dolby's Unusual Tour Plans

(Conqueroo) A Map of the Floating City, and the groundbreaking FloatingCity.com transmedia game he co-designed, Thomas Dolby will embark on a 26-date North American tour this March, with a rather unusual vehicle in tow.

The Time Capsule is a chrome- and brass-plated road trailer that seats three. With handcrafted leather and wood fittings, and complex electrical wiring that could have been designed by Nikola Tesla, it resembles a Jules Verne/HG Wells-inspired time-travel machine. Inside is a high-tech video recording suite that allows a music fan or guest artist to upload a personal video message to the Future. The Time Capsule will be parked in the street outside each venue on Dolby's month-long North American tour, and in front of select local radio and TV stations. It will capture hundreds of 30-second clips over the course of the tour, assembling them into an online video montage.

Fans will be able to walk up and step into the Time Capsule to make their own fully produced and effected digital 30-second video clip. The clips will then be automatically uploaded and viewable on a brand-new YouTube channel along with the individual user's own Facebook and Twitter pages. The most viewed clips will win prizes. Dolby's label Lost Toy People Records is in discussion with several potential sponsors for the project more on this story

Call of Duty Elite Getting New Content

Activision has big news for Call of Duty Elite players. They have announced the release of all-new multiplayer maps Liberation and Piazza, the front line of the Modern Warfare 3 Content Season for Call of Duty Elite, nine consecutive months of epic downloadable content that commences January 24th for Xbox Live users.

Activision Publishing, Inc., revealed that the content will be available first for Call of Duty Elite's premium members on Xbox LIVE, followed by additional platforms at a later time.

From January through September, Call of Duty Elitepremium members on Xbox LIVE will receive regular updates of all new content totaling at least 20 content drops. more on this story

Natalie Wood Boat Captain Questions Homicide Investigation

(TMZ) Cops might not have been 100% honest when they said they turned up goose eggs in the Natalie Wood homicide investigation -- this according to a rep for the boat captain.

As we previously reported, the L.A. County Sheriff's Department spokesman said investigators have found nothing to lead them to believe Natalie's mysterious death in 1981 was anything but an accident.

But a rep for Capt. Dennis Davern -- named Rick Kramer -- isn't convinced ... telling us, "We don't know that there's nothing new that's been found. That would be assuming that detectives in any situation report to the public on everything they uncover."

The rep added, "What [Dennis knows] is that for the first time ever there is a serious investigation by detectives in the homicide division into Natalie Woods' death, and that is very gratifying."

Whether the trail's gone cold or not, the LASD is keeping the case open -- at least for now. more on this story

Kim Kardashian Addresses Khloe's Biological Father Questions

(TMZ) Khloe Kardashian's sister Kim is saying Robert Kardashian is WITHOUT A DOUBT Khloe's biological father ... and anyone who suggests otherwise is completely full of crap.

Sources close to Kim tell TMZ ... the family is fuming at Robert's ex-wives ... who both told the tabloids Robert privately revealed that Khloe was fathered by another man.

We're told, "It's totally untrue and the family is very hurt." One source close to Kris Jenner tells us ... Khloe's mom isn't even fazed by the rumors because "it's so ridiculous, it's not even worth her time."

The family has been dealing with wild allegations about Khloe's biological dad for a while -- and even joked about it on their reality show -- but one family source is adamant, "She looks just like Robert's mother." more on this story

Manny Pacquiao Pondering Fight With Floyd Mayweather

(TMZ) Manny Pacquiao could decide today or tomorrow whether he will fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 5th -- this according to Manny's trainer.

Freddie Roach just told TMZ Manny and promoter Bob Arum are in the Philippines, figuring out if they can put off several deals to fight other boxers ... to clear the decks for a Mayweather fight in May.

Roach is scoffing at Mayweather's tweet, in which he calls Pacquiao a "punk," saying, "He should look in the mirror. He's been ducking us for 2 years."

As for what weight class Pacquiao will fight Mayweather ... Roach said 147 lbs -- that's the upper limit of welterweight.

Of course, even if Pacquiao can rearrange his schedule, both sides have to agree on a financial deal. Roach says, "We'll do it on even terms." more on this story

Jennifer Hudson Explains Why She Turned Down Precious Role

(TMZ) Jennifer Hudson says her weight was NOT a factor when she turned down the role of "Precious" ... telling TMZ there was ANOTHER factor that rubbed her the wrong way.

The Weight Watchers spokeswoman was in NYC last night ... when she explained, "I did NOT turn down the role because of the weight thing ... I turned it down because I felt it was just too graphic for me at that time."

Hudson's explanation seems to contradict what she told "Dateline" earlier this week ... when Jennifer said she passed because, "I would have had to be the big girl again."

When Lester Holt asked if her decision to turn down "Precious" was motivated by fear of being typecast as a heavy actress ... Hudson said, "I don't like the idea of being boxed into anything."

We called Jennifer's people hoping to get some clarification -- so far, no word back. more on this story

Oak Ridge Boys and Dukes of Dixieland Team Up

Oak Ridge Boys and Dukes of Dixieland have teamed up to record a new project entitled When Country Meets Dixie, which will be released February 28, 2012.

We were sent the following backgroup: The blended, dynamic composition of "big band New Orleans jazz meets American barbershop gospel/country" is poised to inspire and entertain generations young and old with its swinging energy and "rhythmatic" performances featuring trumpet, trombone, clarinet and sax (baritone & tenor).

The impetus for the cross-genre project is the offspring of a casual dinner conversation between two friends, music industry powerhouses John Shoup and Jim Halsey. more on this story

Singled Out: Prince Malik's "Makusa" ft. Lumidee

Today Prince Malik tells us about the song "Makusa" ft. Lumidee from his forthcoming album "Life Style". Here is the story:

When I first started writing "Makusa," I knew that I wanted to make a song that created a positive energy and made people happy, because that's what I strive for every day. I always like to have a good time, dance with the people around me and be the life of the party so I want my music to reflect that and take on those characteristics in the form of a song. Whether or not you are getting ready for a night out, just arrived at the party or are getting down at the after party, "Makusa" is a great soundtrack to set the mood for any stage of your day and night.

"Makusa" is a Bilingual track that is mostly Spanish with a Latin flare, but it also has a strong influence of American pop music. Bilingual music is difficult, at times, for people world-wide to relate to but we have received a great response off this track. Whether or not you are in Paris, London, New York City or Milan, you can enjoy the beats and vibe of "Makusa." Not everyone knows what the word Makusa means, but they don't need to- it can be whatever they'd like it to be. That's what's so great about music in general, you don't need to understand the words to feel a song. Music brings people of all worlds and all languages together, and I wanted to do the same with "Makusa."

"Makusa" is a fun, lively, party song with an up-tempo beat and a laidback feel. It combines a collection of different sounds that don't usually flow together, but actually turned out to be a great mix. The song unites beats and sounds that don't typically go together but create an amazing synergy and that's what I'm all about, surrounding yourself with the right people and everyone being happy.

Once I finished writing "Makusa" it was clear that something was missing and that we needed a feminine touch. Lumidee immediately came to mind because she has an awesome sound and a great look so knew we had to get her on the track. I contacted her people to see what could be done and we worked it out. Lumidee is a great addition to Makusa and brought the song to the next level. It is very important for me to have good people in my life, including those that I work with and Lumidee is no exception. When we were taping the "Makusa" music video for almost 25 days, Lumidee danced almost all day every day and raised the energy level for everyone on set. That's the goal for this track, to get the blood pumping and the people moving and one day the whole world will be singing "Makusa!"

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